JP2024002754A - supply gutter - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a supply gutter capable of allowing game balls to flow down smoothly without any hitch, and preventing surely occurrence of such a situation that game balls are clogged or overflowed, even if the game balls are over-supplied.SOLUTION: In a supply gutter 50 arranged over a game machine 2, for supplying game balls to the game machine 2, multiple rail-like paths 52 along which game balls line up one by one and flow down are juxtaposed in both side directions. Paths 52 on both sides among each path 52 form supply paths 52A for supplying game balls to the game machine 2 or to a related apparatus 8, and a path 52 inside both supply paths 52A forms a drop path 52B for dropping excess game balls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 156

Description

The present invention relates to a replenishment gutter that is disposed above a gaming machine and supplies game balls to the gaming machine.

Conventionally, in a game machine island, in order to supply game balls to related equipment such as pachinko machines and inter-machine ball rental machines, game balls were lined up to the pachinko machine etc. using a supply gutter placed above the game machine. It was flowing down. As such a technique, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, after gradually narrowing the width of the bottom surface through which received game balls flow down, the game balls are arranged in two rows by grooves arranged in two rows in the width direction. A configuration in which the water is allowed to flow downward is known.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-81634

However, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, since the width of the bottom surface on which the game balls flow down gradually narrows, the game balls tend to come into pressure contact with each other on the way down, and ball jams are likely to occur due to the bridging phenomenon where the balls overlap. There was a problem. In addition, since the game balls are arranged in only two rows, there is a problem that when a large amount of game balls are supplied, the flow tends to become stagnant, and countermeasures against overflow are insufficient.

The present invention has been made by focusing on the problems of the conventional technology as described above, and it is possible to smoothly flow down the game balls without any delay, and even if there is an oversupply of game balls, the game balls can be kept flowing down. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a supply gutter that can reliably prevent clogging or overflowing.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention includes:
In the supply gutter that is placed above the game machine and supplies game balls to the game machine,
There are multiple rail-like paths lined up on both sides along which game balls flow down in a row.
The paths at both ends of each of the paths form a supply path for supplying game balls to the game machine or related equipment, and the path inside both supply paths forms a drop path for dropping surplus game balls. do.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is another perspective view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment viewed from below. FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment viewed from below. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inter-stand member according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another state in which the inter-stand member according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. 2 is a plan view and a partially enlarged view showing the mounting structure of the inter-stand member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view and a partially enlarged view showing the mounting structure of the inter-stand member in another state according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view and a sectional view thereof showing the mounting structure for the inter-stand member according to the present embodiment in another state. FIG. 7 is a plan view and a sectional view thereof showing the mounting structure for the inter-stand member according to the present embodiment in still another state. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a modification of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is another perspective view showing a modification of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a modification of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a rear view showing a modification of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a modification of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a modification of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing a modification of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. FIG. 7 is another perspective view of a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lower frame guide according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the lower frame guide according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the connecting member according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the connecting member according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper frame guide according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the upper frame guide according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the mounting structure of the lower frame guide according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the attachment structure of the connecting member according to the present embodiment. It is a front view showing an example of installation of a gaming machine in a unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example in which an island auxiliary device is installed between units according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example in which an island auxiliary device is installed between units according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example in which an island auxiliary device is installed between units according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example in which an island auxiliary device is installed between units according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a unit concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the unit according to the present embodiment viewed from below. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the unit according to the present embodiment, seen from the back. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a unit according to the present embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the unit concerning this embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view showing a unit concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the unit according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. It is an exploded perspective view showing a unit and a frame member concerning this embodiment. It is another exploded perspective view which shows the unit and frame member based on this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a unit and an inter-stand member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the unit and the inter-stand member according to the present embodiment, seen from behind. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a unit and an inter-stand member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in which a gaming machine and related equipment are housed in a unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a curtain plate member is attached to the unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the curtain plate member is attached to the unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing a state in which each member is attached to the front side of the opening of the unit according to the present embodiment. It is a front view showing the state where each member is attached to the opening front of the unit concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a waist board member concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a waist board member according to the present embodiment. It is a side view showing the waist board member concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view showing an example of installation of a movable back board in a unit concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view, a longitudinal cross-sectional view, and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing the units according to the present embodiment placed back to back. FIG. 7 is another perspective view showing a state in which the units according to the present embodiment are placed back to back. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the units according to the present embodiment are placed back to back. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the units according to the present embodiment are placed back to back. It is a bottom view showing the state where the unit concerning this embodiment was put back to back. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing rail construction of the unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rail construction of the unit according to the present embodiment viewed from below. It is a front view showing rail construction of a unit concerning this embodiment. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 70 and a partially enlarged view thereof. FIG. It is an exploded perspective view showing rail construction of a unit concerning this embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of rail construction of a unit concerning this embodiment seen from below. It is a perspective view showing a rail member concerning this embodiment. It is another perspective view showing the rail member concerning this embodiment. It is a top view showing the rail member concerning this embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the rail member concerning this embodiment. It is a front view showing the rail member concerning this embodiment. It is an enlarged side view showing the rail member concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing a rail member and a base member according to the present embodiment. It is another exploded perspective view which shows the rail member and base member based on this embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a state where rail members concerning this embodiment are connected. It is a perspective view seen from below of a state where rail members concerning this embodiment are connected. It is a top view showing the state where the rail member concerning this embodiment is connected. It is a bottom view showing the state where the rail member concerning this embodiment is connected. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the rail members according to the present embodiment are connected. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view showing a state in which the rail members according to the present embodiment are connected. It is a perspective view showing a state where rail members concerning this embodiment are connected. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of a state in which the rail members according to the present embodiment are connected. FIG. 2 is a plan view and a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the rail members according to the present embodiment are connected; FIG. It is a perspective view showing a slider of a rail concerning this embodiment. It is another perspective view showing the slider of the rail concerning this embodiment. It is a front view showing the slider of the rail concerning this embodiment. It is a side view showing the slider of the rail concerning this embodiment. It is a top view showing the slider of the rail concerning this embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the slider of the rail concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the slider of the rail according to the present embodiment is fastened. FIG. 98 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 97; 99 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 98. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the rail anchor is attached according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below showing a state in which the rail anchor is attached according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the base member of the unit and rail according to the present embodiment. It is another exploded perspective view which shows the attachment structure of the base member of a unit and a rail based on this embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the reinforcing bracket of the rail concerning this embodiment. It is another perspective view showing the reinforcing bracket of the rail concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a reinforcing bracket for a rail according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the reinforcing bracket for the rail according to the present embodiment. It is a top view showing the reinforcing bracket of the rail concerning this embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the reinforcing bracket of the rail concerning this embodiment. It is a side view showing the reinforcing bracket of the rail concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a replenishment device concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the replenishment device according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the replenishment device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the replenishment device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the replenishment device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the replenishment device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a replenishment device according to the present embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the replenishment device concerning this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pumping polishing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pump polishing device according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the pumping polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the pumping polishing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the pumping and polishing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the pumping polishing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a pumping polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the shutter of the pump polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment is closed. FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing a state in which the shutter of the pump polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment is closed. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an enlarged main part of the pump polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 128 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 128 and a partially enlarged view thereof. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an enlarged main part of the pump polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 130 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 130. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an enlarged main part of the pump polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 133 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 132. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an enlarged main part of the pump polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 134 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 134. It is a perspective view showing a polishing gear concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the polishing gear according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. It is a front view showing a polishing gear concerning this embodiment. It is a top view showing the polishing gear concerning this embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the polishing gear concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a cassette concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cassette according to the present embodiment viewed from below. FIG. 3 is another perspective view showing the cassette according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the cassette according to the present embodiment seen from below. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a cassette according to the present embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the cassette concerning this embodiment. It is a front view showing a cassette concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the cassette according to the present embodiment. It is a left side view showing the cassette concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the cassette according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main body of the pump polishing device according to the present embodiment. It is another perspective view which shows the main body of the pumping polishing apparatus based on this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the main body of the pump polishing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the main body of the pump polishing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the main body of the pump polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a supply gutter concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the replenishment gutter according to the present embodiment viewed from below. It is a top view showing the supply gutter concerning this embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the supply gutter concerning this embodiment. It is a front view showing the supply gutter concerning this embodiment. It is a left side view showing the supply gutter concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the supply gutter according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view and a vertical cross-sectional view of the supply gutter according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view and a vertical cross-sectional view of the replenishment gutter according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view and a vertical cross-sectional view of the replenishment gutter at another position according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view and a vertical cross-sectional view of the replenishment gutter at another position according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view and a vertical cross-sectional view of the replenishment gutter at another position according to the present embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view showing a replenishment gutter concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the replenishment gutter according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. It is a perspective view showing a supply gutter and a support bracket concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the replenishment gutter and support bracket according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. It is a front view showing a replenishment gutter and a support bracket according to the present embodiment. It is a top view showing a supply gutter and a support bracket concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the support bracket of the supply gutter based on this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a flowing state of game balls in the supply route of the supply gutter according to the present embodiment. It is a top view showing the falling state of the game ball which moves to the fall path of the supply gutter concerning this embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the overlapping behavior of game balls in the supply gutter according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a storage tank concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the storage tank according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a storage tank according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a storage tank according to the present embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the storage tank concerning this embodiment. It is a left side view showing a storage tank concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the storage tank according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a side view showing a shutter of a storage tank according to the present embodiment. It is a top view which shows operation of the shutter of the storage tank based on this embodiment. 186 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 186 and a partially enlarged view thereof. It is a perspective view showing a lower stage sieve member concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower sieve member according to the present embodiment, viewed from below. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the lower sieve member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the lower sieve member according to the present embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the lower stage sieve member concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view, a front view, and a top view showing a combination pattern of stud members according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view, a front view, and a top view which show another combination pattern of the stud member concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a combination pattern of stud brackets according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows another combination pattern of the stud bracket based on this embodiment.

Hereinafter, representative embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
1 to 37 are drawings regarding the gaming machine island 1. 38 to 67 are drawings regarding the unit 10 that constitutes the gaming machine island 1. 68 to 110 are drawings regarding the rail 20 on which the unit 10 is installed. 111 to 118 are drawings regarding the replenishment device 100 housed in the unit 10. 119 to 155 are drawings regarding the pump polishing device 30. 156 to 177 are drawings regarding the supply gutter 50. 178 to 192 are drawings regarding the storage tank 40. 193 to 196 are drawings regarding the stud member 106. FIG.

In each figure, the relative dimensional relationships, shapes, etc. of the constituent elements are subject to design changes as appropriate and may differ from the actual ones. Furthermore, the scale ratios in each figure are not necessarily the same. Further, in the cross-sectional views, some hatching is omitted. Note that the constituent elements, shapes, numerical values, etc. shown in this embodiment are all examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Each component will be explained in order below.

<Overview of Game Machine Island 1>
First, an overview of the gaming machine island 1 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the gaming machine island 1 includes one or more units 10 installed on the floor, and each unit 10 contains, in addition to the gaming machines 2, gaming-related equipment described later. , a lifting polishing device 30, a storage tank 40, a replenishment gutter 50, and the like are accommodated. The units 10 constituting the gaming machine island 1 correspond to a single island that is independent for each gaming machine 2.

The unit 10 is configured such that a plurality of types of gaming machines 2 can be installed one by one. Examples of the plurality of types of gaming machines 2 include a pachinko machine 2A, a pachislot machine 2B, and the like. In this embodiment, two types of gaming machines 2, a pachinko machine 2A and a pachislot machine 2B, are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to these two types. Note that when the pachinko machine 2A and the pachislot machine 2B are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as a gaming machine 2. Note that panel-shaped ceiling decorative boards 6 and side wall decorative boards 7 are attached to the ceiling and side walls of the entire gaming machine island 1 in which the units 10 are combined. Further, heavy load casters may be provided at the bottom of the unit 10 to enable movement.

The pachinko machine 2A is a machine that plays games using game balls (pachinko balls) as game media. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 2A includes a handle 4 for launching game balls onto the game board surface 3, a tray 5 for storing game balls, and the like. In addition, adjacent to the pachinko machine 2A, game balls can be played by inserting banknotes and accepting cashless payment media (credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, smartphones (contactless IC payments, two-dimensional barcode payments), etc.). An inter-machine service machine (card unit) 8 is installed in parallel. Such a pachinko machine 2A has a different outer diameter from a pachislot machine 2B described below, and in particular, the handle 4 is disposed at a lower position of the machine body.

The pachi-slot machine 2B uses medals as game media, but in this embodiment, it is a type (medal-less machine) that does not use actual medals but uses virtual medals that are counted as data. The pachi-slot machine 2B includes a screen capable of displaying rotating reels and virtual medals, as well as an operation section (not shown) such as a button for rotating or stopping each reel on the screen. Such a pachi-slot machine 2B has a different outer diameter from the above-described pachinko machine 2A, and in particular, the operating section is arranged near the center of the overall height.

In the gaming machine island 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, two units 10 are installed side by side in both directions, and an inter-machine member 60 is installed between each unit 10. Furthermore, the two units 10 are combined in two rows, back to back. Therefore, the game machine island 1 includes a total of four units 10. Here, the two units 10 lined up in the front and rear rows each house the same type of game machine 2, but as shown in FIG. A gaming machine 2 may also be accommodated.

<Unit 10>
As shown in FIGS. 38 to 45, the unit 10 is formed in the shape of a case frame with vertically long rectangular openings on the front and back sides, and has a basic structure including a pair of left and right side plates 11, 11. There is. Here, the side plate 11 corresponds to the "side part" of the present invention. An opening 110 that forms a part of the mounting structure for the rail 20, which will be described later, is provided at the lower end side of both side plates 11, 11.

Further, above the opening 110, a handle hole 111 is provided. Because of the handle hole 111, the unit 10 can be easily carried during construction. Here, the handle hole 111 is provided at a position inside the unit 11 that is not affected by balls spilling, that is, at a position where there is no risk of balls spilling outside. Specifically, for example, the handle hole 111 may be provided below the top plate member 13. Further, in the case of an enclosed game machine, the handle hole 111 may be provided above the top plate portion 13 and below the cutout portion 112 to prevent balls from spilling.

A notch 112 cut out from the rear edge side is provided on the upper half side of both side plates 11, 11. When the units 11 are assembled back to back, the notches 112 come together to form one opening 112a (see FIG. 63(a)). Here, the opening 112a serves as a space for arranging gaming equipment (for example, a transport device, etc.) that passes through the center width of the entire gaming machine island 1.

In conventional single islands, it was not assumed that related equipment would be arranged in a continuous manner between the single islands, and therefore, there were no openings of any kind that would allow the placement of banknote conveyance devices that were continuous between the single islands. Here, the bill conveyance device is a device for conveying, for example, bills inserted into the inter-machine service machine 8 to a bill storage section provided at the end of the gaming machine island. However, when the inter-machine service machine 8 rents out game balls by cashless payment, the notch 112 that serves as the space for placing the banknote conveyance device may not be provided.

The interior of the unit 10 is designed to accommodate a plurality of types of gaming machines 2 with different external dimensions. The unit 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to accommodate a pachinko machine 2A and a pachislot machine 2B after changing their layouts to separate ones. As shown in FIG. 52, the inside of the unit 10 includes, from the bottom, for example, a storage section 101, a replacement arrangement section 102, and a game machine arrangement section 103, each with approximately horizontal partition members 121 and 122 forming shelf boards. , and is partitioned by a top plate member 13.

As shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, the lower partition member 121 has a width on both sides and a depth that traverses the inside of the lower side of the unit 10, and a lifting polishing device 30, which will be described later, is mounted as a related device. For example, it is made of wood and is shaped like a flat plate. The upper partition member 122 has a narrower depth than the partition member 121, and is used to place the top plate member 13 directly or via the lower placement member 15.

The top plate member 13 is used to install the game machine 2, and is formed to have a wider depth than each of the partition members 121 and 122. As shown in FIGS. 46 to 49, the top plate member 13 is basically made of wood and formed in the shape of a flat plate, but the front half of its upper surface is covered with a metal plate 130. The surface of this metal plate is knurled. That is, the surface of the metal plate 130 is provided with fine irregularities extending parallel to the depth direction of the unit 10, which can reduce sliding resistance especially when the pachi-slot machine 2B is placed on it. Note that the metal plate 130 does not need to be fixed to the surface of the top plate member 13, and can be pressed from above by, for example, a presser bar 133 (see FIG. 46) installed between both side plates 11, 11.

In FIG. 52, the storage section 101 in the unit 10 is opened from the floor between both side plates 11, 11, or from the bottom plate (not shown) installed on the floor as necessary. This is an internal space that extends through a partition member 121 arranged at a predetermined height to a partition member 122 arranged further upward. In the storage section 101, the space from the floor (bottom plate) to the upper partition member 121 is a storage space for related equipment that is not in use.

Further, in the storage section 101, a space from the partition member 121 to the partition member 122 above it serves as a storage space for the main body 31 of the pump polishing device 30. Here, the lifting and polishing device 30 is used only in the pachinko machine 2A, but it is fixed so that it remains in the storage section 101 on the partition member 121 even if it is replaced with the pachislot machine 2B. . Therefore, the partition member 121 and the partition member 122 are each horizontally fixed at the position between each side plate 11.

In the storage section 101, the space other than the feeding and polishing device 30 appropriately accommodates, for example, a storage tank 40 and a supply gutter 50 that are unnecessary in the pachi-slot machine 2B, as well as members such as an upper arrangement member 16 and a lower arrangement member 15, which will be described later. be able to. As a result, there is no need to share the upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15, so that the upper height of the gaming machine 2 is the same as that of the top plate member 13 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A and the top plate member 13 corresponding to the pachislot machine 2B. Even if the height difference with the plate member 13 does not match, the pachinko machine 2A and the pachislot machine 2B can be converted and installed without any problem. Further, a container-shaped member such as the storage tank 40 can be used as a storage space for relatively small related parts such as the counter 8a, thereby preventing small parts from being lost. be able to.

The exchange arrangement section 102 is an internal space between the side panels 11 and 11 from the partition member 122 to the top plate member 13 above it, and as shown in the unit 10 on the right side in FIG. Height is maintained. A storage tank 40, which is a related device of the pachinko machine 2A, is accommodated in the exchange arrangement section 102, but the storage tank 40 is not necessary in the pachislot machine 2B. Therefore, the replacement placement section 102 is not needed when the pachi-slot machine 2B is installed in the unit 10, and is integrated into the gaming machine placement section 103 located above.

That is, as shown in the unit 10 on the left in FIG. 102, and the installation height of the gaming machine 2 can be changed to a lower position. The gaming machine arrangement section 103 including such an exchange arrangement section 102 is suitable for accommodating the pachi-slot machine 2B.

As shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the top plate member 13 is installed via a mounting bracket 131 installed between both side plates 11, 11, and its height position can be changed. That is, the mounting position of the mounting bracket 131 installed between the side panels 11 and 11 is changed to the position for the pachislot machine 2B on the partition member 122 and the position for the pachinko machine 2A on the lower arrangement member 15 disposed on the partition member 122. The position can be changed. To change the mounting position of the mounting bracket 131 here, it is preferable to use engaging portions 12a and 12b similar to those of the upper mounting member 127 described later.

In addition, both ends of the mounting bracket 131 are exposed to the inner surfaces of the side panels 11, 11 on the top plate member 13, but all of these parts are hidden behind the frame edges of the frame member 113, which will be described later, with a clearance K (see FIG. 12). (see c)). In this way, the mounting bracket 131 for changing the position of the top plate member 13 when changing the gaming machine 2 in the unit 10 is housed inside the frame member 113 forming both ends of the front opening of the unit 10. .

Thereby, in the front opening of the unit 10, there is no other member that protrudes inward beyond the edge of the frame member 11 from the inner surface of the side plate 11 when viewed from the front. Therefore, when the gaming machine 2 itself and related equipment are introduced through the front opening of the unit 10, there is no risk of interference with other components, and the installation can be carried out efficiently. If other parts such as fixtures were to protrude, they would interfere with the gaming machine 2 itself or other related equipment, so extra studs, etc. (filling gaps) should be used in the available space for installation. There is a need.

Therefore, not only is there extra cost, but in some cases, it is necessary to check what can be installed each time, which makes it inconvenient to use. In this way, the structure that prevents other members from protruding inward from the inner surface of the side plate 11 beyond the edge of the frame member 11 is not limited to the mounting location of the top plate member 13, but also applies to the upper mounting member 127 described later and the above-mentioned upper mounting member 127. The same applies to the attachment locations of all members including the partition members 121 and 122 to the inner surfaces of the side plates 11 and 11.

Further, as shown in the unit 10 on the right side in FIG. 53, when the top plate member 13 is in the position for the pachinko machine 2A, the upper partition member 128 is superimposed on the rear half side of the top plate member 13 to form a stepped portion. is formed. Here, the rear end side of the upper partition member 128 is also pressed down from above by a holding bracket 132 installed between both side plates 11, 11. Since the depth width of the pachinko machine 2A is relatively narrow, the main body of the pachinko machine 2A is placed on the upper partition member 128 on the rear half side of the top plate member 13, and the ball box is placed on the front half side of the top plate member 13. It becomes a space that players can use for their own personal use. In the pachinko machine 2A on the top plate member 13, the handle 4 is at a height position that is easy for the player to operate.

On the other hand, since the pachi-slot machine 2B has a large depth, the top plate member 13 alone cannot fit the pachi-slot machine 2B. Therefore, as shown in the unit 10 on the right in FIG. 50, a movable back plate 190, which is a part of the back plate 19 to be described later, is removed and placed horizontally so as to be connected to the rear edge of the top plate member 13. It is set. The pachi-slot machine 2B is placed on the entire movable back plate 190 and top plate member 13. In the pachi-slot machine 2B on the top plate member 13, the operating section is located at a height that is easy for the player to operate.

As shown in FIG. 38 and the like, in the upper part of the unit 10, an upper end front member 125 and an upper end rear member 126 arranged in front and behind are installed between the upper ends of both side plates 11, 11. Furthermore, an upper mounting member 127 having a predetermined depth is installed below the upper end front member 125 between the side plates 11, 11. The upper mounting member 127 forms a part where related equipment such as a supply gutter 50, which will be described later, is installed. The upper mounting member 127 is made of wood, for example, and is formed into a narrow plate shape extending horizontally in both directions, and is provided with a flange made of metal and rising to a predetermined height along its front edge.

The height position of the upper mounting member 127 can be changed. That is, the inner surfaces of both side plates 11, 11 are provided with engaging portions 12a, 12b, which perform positioning, for example, in two stages, upper and lower. Each of the engaging portions 12a, 12b is made of a positioning member formed into a vertical plate shape having a thickness and depth on which the edge of the upper placement member 127 can be placed, for example. With both ends of the upper mounting member 127 placed on the upper edges of the engaging portions 12a and 12b facing each other inside the side plates 11 and 11, it can be fixed with a fixture 12c such as a bracket.

A replenishment gutter 50 used in the pachinko machine 2A is installed on the upper mounting member 127, but at this time, as in the unit 10 on the left in FIG. 12a). On the other hand, since the pachi-slot machine 2B does not require the replenishment gutter 50, the upper mounting member 127 is preferably attached at an upper position (above the engaging portion 12b), as in the unit 10 on the right side in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 33, 57, etc., the unit 10 includes a lower arrangement member 15 arranged below the pachinko machine 2A, and an upper arrangement member 16 arranged above the pachislot machine 2B. ing. The upper arrangement member 16 is made of metal such as aluminum and formed into a panel shape, and is vertically erected between the side plates 11, 11 so as to cover the front opening on the upper partition member 128 of the unit 10. It is located. Note that, as shown in FIG. 53, the lower member 15 is a member having a substantially L-shaped cross section, having a bottom wall and both side walls that allow the front wall to stand on its own, and is made of, for example, a combination of wooden planks. .

Further, the upper arrangement member 16 is provided with a bill slot 16a, and a bill validator (not shown) is installed inside. Therefore, the height of the upper arrangement member 16 does not match the height difference between the top plate member 13 of the pachinko machine 2A and the top plate member 13 of the pachislot machine 2B. However, as described above, by providing the storage section 101 that can accommodate the upper arrangement member 16 or the lower arrangement member 15, there is no need to share the upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15, so that the pachinko machine 2A and The pachi-slot machine 2B can be converted and installed without any problem.

The upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15 are each removably attached without using fixing means such as screws. When the pachinko machine 2A is installed in the unit 10, the storage tank 40 is accommodated in the exchange arrangement section 102 (see FIG. 52), and the front side of the exchange arrangement section 102 is covered by the lower arrangement member 15. On the other hand, when installing the pachi-slot machine 2B in the unit 10, the storage tank 40 and the lower arrangement member 15 are removed from the exchange arrangement section 102 and housed in the storage section 101. At this time, the upper front side of the pachi-slot machine 2B is covered by the upper arrangement member 16 that was housed in the storage section 101. Note that the specific mounting structure of the upper arrangement member 16 will be described later.

On the front side of the unit 10, as shown in FIG. 33 etc., a waist plate member 17 is provided below the lower arrangement member 15. The waist board member 17 is made of wood and has a flat plate shape, for example. The waist plate member 17 is arranged between the side plates 11, 11 so as to cover the pumping polishing device 30 housed on the partition member 121 in the upper half of the storage section 101 (see FIG. 52). Since it is necessary to open the waist plate member 17 during maintenance and inspection of the lifting polishing device 30, the waist plate member 17 is attached so that, for example, the lower end edge is the center of rotation and the upper end edge can be opened forward.

As shown in FIGS. 58 to 60, when the wainscot member 17 is made of wood and is formed into a flat plate, its both side edges and lower edge are reinforced with a metal frame, and both sides of the lower edge are reinforced with metal frames. A pair of rotating shafts 170, 170 protruding in the direction are provided. The rotating shaft 170 is rotatably fitted into a bearing hole (not shown) provided inside the front end of the side panels 11, 11 or a frame member 113 (described later), and serves as the center for opening and closing of the waist plate member 17. Note that the waist board member 17 is not limited to wood, and may be formed into a flat plate shape of a predetermined thickness by extrusion molding of metal such as aluminum, for example.

Another mounting structure for the wainscot member 17 is, for example, a long groove (not shown) is formed along both side edges of the wainscot member 17, and a rotating shaft is fitted into the long groove so as to be slidable and rotatable relative to the long groove. may be provided inside the front ends of both side plates 11, 11 or on the frame member 113. According to such a configuration, the wainscot member 17 can be slid while being opened, and it is also possible to slide and store the wainscot member 17 inside the unit 10 with the wainscot member 17 opened.

On the front side of the unit 10, as shown in FIG. 33 and the like, below the waist plate member 17, lowermost disposed members 171 and 172 are provided, for example, one above the other. The lowermost arrangement members 171 and 172 are made of metal and formed in a panel shape, for example, and are arranged on both side plates 11 so as to cover the space on the lower half side (below the partition member 121) of the storage section 101 (see FIG. 52). , 11. Note that since the lowermost arrangement members 171 and 172 are opened less frequently than the waist plate member 17, a mounting structure that can be attached and detached is sufficient even if it cannot be opened and closed.

Further, in the unit 10, a curtain plate member 18 is provided on the front surface on the upper end side between the both side plates 11, 11. The curtain plate member 18 is made of metal and formed into a panel shape, for example, and closes an opening above the upper placement member 127. In a layout where the pachi-slot machine 2B is installed like the unit 10 on the right side in FIG. 33, the curtain plate member 18 is vertically connected to the upper arrangement member 16.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 62, the curtain plate member 18 has a panel shape with a thin plate cross section, and has a mounting piece 181 that is bent rearward at a right angle with a predetermined width along the upper edge, and a mounting piece 181 that is bent rearward with a shorter width along the lower edge. The lower end piece 182 is bent at a right angle to the lower end piece 182. However, the curtain plate member 18 may be formed into a flat plate made of wood, for example, or may be formed into a flat plate of a predetermined thickness by extrusion molding of metal such as aluminum, as described above with respect to the waist plate member 17. good.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the curtain plate member 18 be attached so as to be openable and closable in the same manner as the wainscot member 17 described above. That is, a pair of rotating shafts protruding laterally are provided at both ends of the upper edge of the curtain plate member 18, respectively, and the curtain plate member 18 can be opened and closed on the inside of the front end of both side panels 11, 11 or on the frame member 113 (described later) via these rotating shafts. It can also be attached to. Furthermore, as another mounting structure for the curtain board member 18, as in the case of the wainscot board member 17 described above, for example, long grooves (not shown) are formed along both side edges of the curtain board member 18, and the long grooves are A rotating shaft that is fitted in a relatively slidable and rotatable manner may be provided inside the front ends of both side plates 11, 11 or on the frame member 113.

Thereby, the curtain plate member 18 can be detached and reused, and since it is located on the front side of the gaming machine 2, it is also possible to reinforce the unit 10 in the horizontal direction.
Therefore, by adopting this mounting structure for the curtain plate member 18, the horizontal strength of the unit 10 is improved, and the process from assembly to disassembly of the unit 10 is made easier compared to the conventional game machine island. It can be carried out.

The curtain plate member 18 is important in the design of the game machine island 1 because it is located at a height that is easily seen by the player. Therefore, the surface of the curtain plate member 18 may be made of the appearance of the material itself or simply painted, but for example, if the surface of the curtain plate member 18 is configured so that a decorative board, sheet, etc. can be easily attached, the curtain can be easily attached. It becomes possible to change the design of the plate member 18. Here, as a structure for attaching sheets, etc., it is conceivable to provide, for example, slits, hooks, etc. at the top and bottom ends of the front surface of the curtain plate member 18 so as to face each other and into which the top and bottom ends of the sheets, etc. can be inserted.

When the pachi-slot machine 2B is installed in the unit 10 like the unit 10 on the right in FIG. Like the partition members 121 and 122, the upper partition member 128 is made of, for example, wood and is formed into a flat plate shape, and is removably arranged between the side panels 11 and 11. Here, the mounting structure of the upper partition member 128 may also be configured such that it can be attached and detached only by the engagement relationship between the members, without using fixing means such as screws.

As shown in FIG. 62(c), the lower end edge of the upper arrangement member 16 engages with the front end side of the upper partition member 128. A groove 128a is formed into which the holder is removably fitted. On the other hand, the upper end edge of the upper arrangement member 16 engages with the lower end piece 182 of the curtain plate member 18, and a groove 183 is formed along this lower end piece 182 into which the upper end edge of the upper arrangement member 16 is removably fitted. ing. Thereby, the upper arrangement member 16 can be detachably attached between the curtain plate member 18 and the upper partition member 128 without using fixing means such as screws.

According to this mounting structure of the upper arrangement member 16, the upper arrangement member 16 cannot be removed unless the curtain plate member 18 is lifted. Here, the upper arrangement member 16 is important for preventing fraud because it hides the supply gutter 50 that will be described later, but the above-mentioned mounting structure allows it to be secured with a key or simply secured with a magnet or the like to prevent it from being opened. It is also not necessary to fix it. In addition, regarding the mounting structure of the upper arrangement member 16 or the curtain plate member 18, a gap is purposefully provided between the respective side edges and the inner surface of each side plate 11 to allow light to leak, for example, to prevent some kind of error. The frame member 113 may be illuminated with light from a warning lamp in the unit 10 through the gap to notify the user.

As a result, it is possible to notify the game store staff through indirect lighting that an error (for example, a replenishment error as described later) has occurred, without having to provide an obvious alarm lamp on the outside of the unit 10. Become. In addition, it is also possible to provide an optical fiber or the like instead of an alarm lamp between both side edges of the upper arrangement member 16 or curtain plate member 18 and the inner surface of each side plate 11 to emit light when an error occurs.

Further, as shown in FIG. 40 , in the unit 10 , a rear opening on the lower half side between both side plates 11 , 11 is covered by a rear plate 19 . The back plate 19 is made of wood, for example, and is formed into a flat plate shape, has a rectangular shape that matches the height position of the partition member 122 between the side plates 11, 11, and is mounted vertically. Immediately above this back plate 19, a movable back plate 190 having a narrow vertical width and extending in both directions is arranged so as to be continuous.

The movable back plate 190 can be removed from above the back plate 19, and can be arranged horizontally so as to be continuous with the rear edge of the top plate member 13, as shown in the unit 10 on the right side in FIG. . The main body of the pachi-slot machine 2B having a large depth can be placed on the entirety of the movable back plate 190 and the top plate member 13. Note that the surfaces of the movable back plate 190 and the top plate member 13 are horizontally continuous on the same plane, and at this time, the upper partition member 128 is disposed at a position above the pachi-slot machine 2B.

According to the units 10 as described above, it is possible to easily rearrange the types of gaming machines 2 for each unit 10. In particular, when recombining from a pachinko machine 2A to a pachislot machine 2B, or conversely from a pachislot machine 2B to a pachinko machine 2A, it is necessary to change the arrangement of each member within the same unit 10, or By using the parts stored in the unit 10, all the necessary components can be included in one unit 10.

In particular, according to this unit 10, even when converting the pachinko machine 2A to the pachislot machine 2B, there is no need to remove the lifting polishing device 30, and even if the lifting polishing device 30 is left in the storage section 101 as it is, It is possible to perform the replacement work for the Pachislot machine 2B. Thereby, the working time required to replace the gaming machine 2 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, in order to expand the gaming machine arrangement section 103 of the pachi-slot machine 2B, the storage tank 40 removed from the replacement arrangement section 102 is stored in the empty space at the bottom of the storage section 101 without preparing a separate storage location. can do.

Further, even if the pachinko machine is an enclosed type pachinko machine that circulates and uses game balls shot out onto the game board surface, it can be handled in the same manner as the above-mentioned recombination between the pachislot machine 2B and the pachinko machine 2A. In the case of an enclosed type pachinko machine, the lifting polishing device 30 is not necessary, but even if the pachinko machine 2A is replaced with an enclosed type pachinko machine, the lifting polishing device 30 and the storage tank 40 can be removed even if they are still installed in the unit 10. It can also be used.

Conventionally, there have been game machine islands that allow the types of game machines 2 to be recombined, but the parts used only for the island form, such as the layout depending on the type of game machine 2, have to be procured separately each time, or separately. I had to bring it from the storage location. Therefore, in the conventional game machine island, when changing the type of game machine 2, there was a problem in that it was troublesome to procure the necessary parts, and the cost increased.

In particular, in the conventional game machine island, the processing of the replenishing device 100 (see FIG. 111) including the lifting and polishing device 30 is not taken into consideration. For example, in a normal game machine island that is not a single island, a space is always provided at a fixed position inside the island to install the lifting polishing device 30, storage tank 40, etc. that are part of the supply device 100. However, when recombining the gaming machines 2 on such a gaming machine island, it is difficult to handle processes such as changing the installation space of the replenishing device 100. Furthermore, when recombining the gaming machine 2, it was necessary to prepare a separate place for storing unnecessary parts.

<Frame member 113>
As shown in FIGS. 46 to 49, the unit 10 includes frame members 113 erected at both ends thereof. The frame member 113 is fixed vertically along the front edges of the side panels 11, 11. The frame member 113 includes a concave groove 113a extending outward in the vertical direction thereof. As will be described later, both ends of the inter-stand member 60 are removably fitted into grooves 113a of the frame members 113 facing each other between adjacent units 10.

Thereby, the inter-machine member 60 can be detached and reused, and since it is located on the front side of the game machine 2, it is also possible to reinforce the unit 10 in the horizontal direction.
Therefore, by adopting such a mounting structure for the inter-machine member 60, while improving the horizontal strength of the unit 10, it is easier to assemble and disassemble the unit 10 compared to the conventional game machine island. can be done.

As shown in FIG. 12(c), the frame member 113 engages with the dovetail grooves 11a, 11a on both sides of the front edge of the side plate 11, and fixes the fixing portion 114 with a substantially U-shaped cross section that covers the front edge. It is equipped as a core. On the front edge of the side plate 11, a pair of dovetail grooves 11a, 11a facing each other from both sides and recessed to the same depth are formed in the shape of a slit over the entire length. The fixing portion 114 has a substantially U-shaped cross section, and a pair of flanges that are bent inward and facing each other are provided on both side edges of the fixing portion 114 .

A pair of flanges facing each other with the opening groove in the frame member 113 in between has one extending longer than the other. Therefore, one end of the fixed part 114 on the side with the longer flange is located farther away from the reference planes (outer surface or inner surface) on both sides of the side plate 11 than the other end of the fixed part 114 on the side with the shorter flange. do. One end of this distant fixing portion 114 is located on the inner surface of the side plate 11 rather than on the outer surface, and forms an edge of the frame that protrudes inside the front opening of the unit 10. A clearance K is formed between this frame edge and the inner surface of the side surface portion 11 so that other members attached to the inner surface are hidden behind the frame edge when viewed from the front.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12(c), along the front end of the fixing part 114 opposite to the surface where the opening groove is provided, an angle part 115 is integrally formed with the front end to form a groove 113a having a substantially U-shaped cross section. It is provided. The groove 113a is open outward over the entire length of the frame member 113. The opening of the groove 113a of the frame member 113 is perpendicular to the front opening of the unit 10, and the opening end of the groove 113a overlaps the outer surface of the side surface 11 in the depth direction of the unit 10.

Such a frame member 113 can be attached to the side plate 11 by simply sliding it from one end without using fixing means such as screws. The work of attaching the member 113 can also be easily performed. Further, even if the frame member 113 is damaged or the design is changed, the frame member 113 can be easily replaced.

<Inter-stand member 60>
In the gaming machine island 1, an inter-machine member 60 is removably attached between adjacent units 10. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inter-stand member 60 is made of wood and formed into a panel shape, for example. As shown in FIG. 12, the inter-stand member 60 has its both side edges fitted into the grooves 113a of the frame member 113 located on both sides. The plate thickness of the inter-stand member 60 is designed to be slightly smaller than the opening width of the groove 113a. In this way, the inter-pedestal member 60 is removably attached only by engagement with the structure of the unit 10 itself.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 13, the inter-stand member 60 is a vertically long rectangle when viewed from the front, and its width is wider than the dimension between the edges of the frame members 113 on both sides of each unit 10. It is set so that it can be inserted between the grooves 113a on both sides while being tilted obliquely around the vertical panel center line from the front side between the frame members 113. That is, the inter-stand member 60 does not have to be inserted into each groove 113a on both sides from above, but can be inserted by sliding it diagonally from the front side with respect to the front opening of the unit 10, as shown in FIG. be able to.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 12, the inter-stand member 60 is inserted between the grooves 113a on both sides and then parallel to the front surface between each frame member 113 (the front opening of the unit 10). When viewed from the outside, both side edges of the inter-stand member 60 are placed in positions hidden within the grooves 113a on both sides. At this time, both lower ends of the inter-stand member 60 are fitted between stoppers 254 on the anchor 25, which will be described later, and are positioned in this arrangement. That is, the inter-pedestal member 60 is moved left and right in a slightly raised state, and dropped into the step between the stoppers 254 on both sides, so that it is placed at a central position where both side edges are hidden in the groove 113a. Can be done.

In this way, the inter-pedestal member 60 can be removably attached by the structure of the unit 10 itself, that is, by engagement with the frame member 113 and the like, without using fixing means such as screws. Therefore, the inter-stand member 60 can be attached and detached very easily, the working time is shortened, and the cost can be reduced. In particular, the inter-stand member 60 can be easily attached between the units 10 from the front side of the unit 10 without lifting the inter-stand member 60 above the unit 10.

Between each unit 10, it is possible to mount an inter-stand member 60 through the top and bottom. Of course, the layout can be freely set depending on the connections between each unit 10. Even with conventional game machine islands, for example, the layout between individual islands can be freely set, but each member placed between each individual island is large and has a different shape and is combined. On the other hand, the inter-stand member 60 is a plate-shaped member that is not very large, and not only can the layout be freely set, but also can be easily installed integrally between each unit 10, and can be easily removed and replaced. Moreover, the decorativeness can be enhanced as a design with a sense of unity.

In addition, in conventional game machine islands, for example, when connecting individual islands with panel-like members, it is necessary to use fixing means such as screws, which increases the number of parts and installation man-hours. Ta. Furthermore, if the panel-shaped member is simply inserted from above, it is necessary to lift the plate material above the game machine island when attaching or removing the member. Therefore, not only is it difficult to attach and detach the panel-like member, but also there may be a problem that it is not possible to attach or detach the panel-like member in a place where the ceiling is low.

The inter-stand member 60 is not limited to wood, and may be formed into a flat plate shape with a predetermined thickness by extrusion molding of metal such as aluminum. A pattern or color can be added to the surface of the inter-stand member 60 by printing or the like to create a desired design, and the front and back sides may have separate designs so that they can be used reversibly. Of course, similar to the above-described decorative boards 6 and 7, a plurality of types of inter-stand members 60 may be prepared in advance and replaced as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper end edge of the inter-stand member 60 is covered with a narrow cover member 601 that is long in both directions, and the upper end of the frame member 113 located on both end sides of the cover member 601 is covered with a cover member 601. A cap member 602 for fixing the member 601 is fitted.

<Connecting member 61>
In the game machine island 1A shown in FIGS. 16 to 24, three units 10 are installed side by side on both sides. Here, no inter-stand member 60 is installed between each unit 10, and each unit 10 is connected to each other by a connecting member 61. Furthermore, the three units 10 are combined in two rows, back to back. Therefore, the game machine island 1A includes a total of six units 10. Here, the same type of gaming machines 2 are accommodated in the units 10 arranged in three rows in each row, but each unit 10 may accommodate different types of gaming machines 2.

As shown in FIGS. 25 to 32, the connecting member 61 is a frame for connecting the side plates 11 of the respective units 10 adjacent to each other in both directions in a state in which they are brought close to each other. The connecting member 61 includes a lower frame guide 62 and an upper frame guide 63 for attachment between the front edges of each side plate 11. Like the inter-stand member 60, the connecting member 61 also corresponds to the "inter-stand member" of the present invention that is installed between each unit 10. Furthermore, the lower frame guide 62 and the upper frame guide 63 alone correspond to the "inter-stand member" of the present invention that is installed between each unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 32, the connecting member 61 is made of metal with a substantially U-shaped cross section so as to cover the lower frame guide 62 and the upper frame guide 63, which are made by joining the front edges of the side plates 11 that are brought close to each other. It is formed as a made frame. The connecting member 61 is set to have a length spanning the entire height of the unit 10, and is, for example, an extrusion molded product of aluminum or the like. Here, the connecting member 61 can be attached to cover the front edge of each side plate 11 including the lower frame guide 62 and the upper frame guide 63.

As shown in FIG. 31, the lower frame guide 62 is a metal frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section that engages with the outward dovetail grooves 11a on the front edges of the adjacent side plates 11 and covers the front edges. It is formed as. Furthermore, a partition wall 621 having a substantially T-shaped cross section is provided at the center inside the opening groove of the lower frame guide 62 to engage with the inward dovetail groove 11a of each front edge. The lower frame guide 62 allows the front edges of adjacent side plates 11 to be joined together. The upper frame guide 63 is also basically formed as a frame with a substantially U-shaped cross section similar to the lower frame guide 62, but is provided with a stopper 631 (see FIG. 29) at its upper end.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when connecting the adjacent side plates 11 of each unit 10, first insert the lower frame guide 62 from above the front edge of each side plate 11 into the dovetail grooves 11a, 11a on both sides. (See Figure 31) and slide it downward. When the lower frame guide 62 moves to the lower end side of each unit 10, it is configured such that it can be positioned and fixed at that position, for example, to a detachable structure on a base member 22, etc., which will be described later. Since the lower frame guide 62 is a relatively short member, it can be easily handled even from above each side plate 11.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, after attaching the lower frame guide 62 to the front edge of each side plate 11, connect the connecting member 61 between the lower frame guide 62 and each side plate 11 from above the lower frame guide 62. Attach it by inserting it into the gap between the two (see Figure 32). Then, the connecting member 61 is slid downward as it is. When the connecting member 61 moves to the lower end side of each unit 10, similarly to the lower frame guide 62, it can be positioned and fixed at that position, for example, to a detachable structure on the base member 22, etc., which will be described later. It is configured as follows.

The connecting member 61 is a long member that spans the entire height of the unit 10, but when attached between the front edges of each side plate 11 and to the lower frame guide 62, the connecting member 61 is attached to the lower frame guide 62 without being lifted above the unit 10. Starting from above is sufficient. That is, as shown in FIG. 32, the connecting member 61 can be easily attached to the front edge of each side plate 11 that is not covered by the lower frame guide 62 from the front of the unit 10. Thereby, even in an installation location with a low ceiling, the connecting member 61 can be attached to and detached from the front edge of each side plate 11 without any problem.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, after installing the connecting member 61 between the front edges of each side plate 11, the upper frame guide 63 is finally attached to the front end of each side plate 11 in the same manner as the lower frame guide 62. Insert it into the dovetail grooves 11a, 11a on both sides from above the edge and slide it downward. A stopper 631 is provided at the upper end of the upper frame guide 63, and when the stopper 631 moves to a position where it covers the upper side of the front edge of each side plate 11, attachment of the connecting member 61 is completed. Since the upper frame guide 63 is also a relatively short member, it can be easily handled even from above each side plate 11. The above-described attachment of the connecting member 61 can be performed only by the engagement relationship between the members without using fixing means such as screws.

Thereby, the connecting member 61 can be detached and reused, and since it is located on the front side of the gaming machine 2, it is also possible to reinforce the unit 10 in the horizontal direction.
Therefore, by adopting such a mounting structure for the connecting member 61, the strength exerted on the unit 10 in the horizontal direction is improved, and the assembly and disassembly of the unit 10 can be easily performed compared to conventional game machine islands. be able to.

<Island accessory device 9>
In the gaming machine island 1B shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, two units 10 are installed side by side on both sides on the front side of the back to back arrangement, and the gaming machine island 1A described above (see FIG. 16) is installed on the back side of the back to back arrangement. Similarly, three units 10 are installed side by side on both sides. In this way, the number of units 10 differs between the front and back sides, but on the front side where there are fewer units 10, between each unit 10 there is an island auxiliary device that creates a personal space for the player seated in front of each gaming machine 2. 9 is placed.

The island accessory device 9 is equipped with an installation part that continues to the top plate member 13 that can be used personally by the player, and a shelf above which can store belongings, etc. A panel-shaped partition 9a that partitions the front between the units 10 is also an option. It is attached as. Specifically, such an island accessory device 9 may utilize, for example, the invention described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-210798, which has already been proposed by the present applicant. Therefore, although a detailed explanation of the island auxiliary device 9 will be omitted here, the island auxiliary device 9 can also be interpreted as the "inter-stand member" of the present invention.

<Fastening member 70>
As shown in FIGS. 63-67, units 10 can be assembled back-to-back. That is, it is preferable to abut the rear edges of the side plates 11 and 11 of the unit 10 and screw the fastening members 70 to the lower part of the notch 112 in each side plate 11 from the inner side. . The fastening member 70 is made of metal and has a rectangular thin plate shape, for example. The fastening member 70 has a plurality of screw holes arranged in parallel with the depth direction of the unit 10 along its upper and lower ends. Thereby, the position where the fastening member 70 is screwed to each of the side plates 11 that are butted back to back can be adjusted as appropriate.

When the units 11 are combined back to back, the notches 112 of each unit 11 are combined to form one opening 112a. This opening 112a serves as a space for arranging gaming equipment (for example, a transport device, etc.) that passes through the center of the width of the gaming machine island 1 as a whole. However, the units 10 placed back to back do not necessarily have to be butted against each other, and may be combined in a state where they are separated from each other, as shown in FIG. 53, for example.

By combining the units 10 back to back, it is possible not only to play games on the front and back as a double-sided island, but also to increase the installation area on the floor, increasing the sense of stability and increasing the rigidity of the island as a whole. Furthermore, the units 10 that are combined back to back are not limited to one each at the front and back, but multiple units 10 may be arranged side by side, such as two (see Fig. 1) or three (see Fig. 16) as described above. You can also combine them back to back in rows.

Further, the units 10 placed back to back are not necessarily of the same shape, and for example, units 10 of different heights may be combined. In this case, steps due to differences in height between the units 10 may be replaced by, for example, arranging another structure or the like to equalize the overall height. Furthermore, another back plate may be provided on at least one of the front and rear units 10 that are arranged back to back, so as to cover the back opening above the normally provided back plate 19 and the movable back plate 190 thereon. good. Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the unit 10 behind.

For the same purpose, it is preferable to provide a contamination prevention material on the back side of the unit 10 in order to prevent foreign matter from flying in from the units 10 placed back to back or from the adjacent units 10. Here, the contamination prevention material is a flexible planar material that can cover a wide area of the rear opening of the unit 10, for example, because it can be easily opened like a curtain during maintenance. . Therefore, specifically, for example, a sheet-like net material such as a net is suitable as the contamination prevention material.

<Rail 20>
As shown in FIGS. 68 to 71, the unit 10 of this embodiment is fixed on the floor of a game parlor or the like via a rail 20. Here, the unit 10 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the rail 20 and can be fixed at an arbitrary installation position on the rail 20. The rail 20 includes a rail member 21 fixed to the floor side and serving as a reference for the installation position of the unit 10, and a base member 22 fixed to the lower end side of the unit 10 and movably engaged with the rail member 21. Be prepared.

According to such a rail 20, it becomes possible to easily adjust the installation position of the unit 10 along the rail member 21 on the floor. Therefore, the work load at the construction site of the game machine island 1 can be significantly reduced. Further, even after the gaming machine island 1 is assembled, it is possible to adjust the installation position of each unit 10 or of the gaming machine island 1 as a whole. Therefore, the arrangement and layout of the gaming machine island 1 can be easily changed to rearrange the inside of the gaming parlor.

<<Rail member 21>>
The rail members 21 are fixed as a pair arranged one behind the other in the depth direction of the unit 10 so as to extend linearly parallel to each other in a substantially horizontal state on the floor. In the unit 10, the lower ends of both side plates 11, 11 are slidably supported on a pair of front and rear rail members 21, 21 via a base member 22, respectively, and cannot be moved at any position on each rail member 21. can be fixed to.

As shown in FIGS. 82 to 87, the rail member 21 is made of a metal material and has a groove-like cross section that is open on the upper surface side in the longitudinal direction. Here, the upper surface side of the rail member 21 is formed into a pair of flanges bent inward from the upper end edges of both side walls, with an opening groove extending narrowly along the center thereof in between. Although the rail member 21 is set to have a predetermined length, for example, it can be cut to any desired length. In addition, short rail members 21a are also prepared in advance for adjusting the length of the rail members 20 having the basic length.

If one rail member 21 is not long enough, a plurality of rail members 21 or additional rail members 21a are connected linearly to each other as shown in FIGS. 88 to 90. As shown in FIG. 90(b), a fixing hole 211 through which an anchor bolt 200 for fixing to the floor is inserted is provided in the bottom portion 210 of the rail members 21, 21a.

The fixing hole 211 located at the end of each rail member 21, 21a is divided into two semicircular portions and provided in the bottom portion 210 that butts against each other. As a result, when the rail member 21 is tightened with the anchor bolt 200 and fixed on the floor, it becomes possible to tighten the edges of the two rail members 21 and 21a together with one anchor bolt 200, and the anchor bolt 200 The number of pieces can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 71(b), a reinforcing plate 212 can be inserted inside the rail member 21 so as to overlap the bottom surface 210 thereof. The reinforcing plate 212 is made of, for example, a metal plate that extends in a narrow width that is slightly smaller than the width of the bottom surface portion 210 of the rail member 21 . When the reinforcing plate 212 has the same length as the rail member 21, it is preferable to provide a semicircular fixing hole at its end edge, similar to the fixing hole 211 of the bottom part 210 described above. Note that the number of reinforcing plates is not limited to one, and the number of reinforcing plates can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the required strength.

As shown in FIG. 68, a fastening bolt 220 passed through an engaging portion 221 (described later) of the base member 22 is screwed into the slider 23 (see FIG. 71(b)) inside the rail member 21 and tightened. , the upper surface side of the rail member 21 can be firmly held between the engaging portion 221 and the slider 23. Here, a fastening bolt 220 is fixed in advance to the upper wall 231 of the slider 23 so as to protrude upward.

<<Slider 23>>
The slider 23 is inserted inward from the end of the rail member 21 and is formed as a clamp-shaped fastening fitting that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the rail. As shown in FIGS. 91 to 96, the top wall 231 of the slider 23 that faces the top surface of the rail member 21 from the back side has a rectangular shape with two long sides parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail in plan view. . Further, the aforementioned fastening bolt 220 is fixed approximately at the center of the upper surface portion 231.

The dimension of the long side of the upper surface portion 231 is set to be smaller than the interval between both side walls inside the rail member 21 and larger than the width of the opening groove on the upper surface side of the rail member 21. Further, the dimension of the short side of the upper surface portion 231 is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the opening groove on the upper surface side of the rail member 21. Thereby, the slider 23 is set so that it can pass through the opening groove on the upper surface side of the rail member 21 only when its long side is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail.

In the slider 23, leg walls 232, 232 hang down from both long sides of the upper surface 231, and each leg wall 232 has a recess 233 for bolt avoidance so that the lower edge side thereof does not interfere with the anchor bolt 200. It is provided. Moreover, on the extension line of the ends located diagonally of both long sides of the upper surface part 231, each protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the two short sides and abuts on the inner walls of both side walls (both side inner walls) of the rail member 21. A pair of projecting pieces 234, 234 are provided. Each protruding piece 234 is provided such that one end of the leg wall portion 232 extends from the corner of the upper surface portion 231 in the long side direction.

As shown in FIGS. 97 to 99, when the slider 23 rotates in the fastening direction of the fastening bolt 220 and its long side is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the rail, each projecting piece 234 is attached to the inner wall of both side walls of the rail member 21. It comes into contact and stops rotating. Here, the fastening direction is a direction in which the fastening bolt 220 is tightened with respect to a nut 224 disposed on an engaging portion 221 of the base member 22, which will be described below. Therefore, the fastening direction is defined not as the direction in which the fastening bolt 220 is screwed into the nut 224 in a bottom view, but as the direction in which the nut 224 is tightened in the fastening bolt 220 in a plan view (clockwise in FIG. 97).

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 99 to 98, the slider 23 rotates in a direction opposite to the fastening direction of the fastening bolt 220 (counterclockwise in FIG. 99), and the long side intersects with the longitudinal direction of the rail. When rotated, each projecting piece 234 separates from the inner wall of both side walls of the rail member 21. This creates a gap between the inner walls of both side walls of the rail member 21 and each projecting piece 234, so that the slider 23 can be easily moved in the rail longitudinal direction within the rail member 21. Also. When tightening the nut 224, the slider 23 with the fastening bolt 220 is stopped from rotating, so that the fastening bolt 220 and the nut 224 can be fastened.

<<Base member 22>>
As shown in FIG. 80, the base member 22 includes an engaging portion 221 on the upper surface side of the rail member 21 that faces each other while straddling the opening groove thereof, and a vertical wall portion 222 that stands up substantially perpendicularly to the engaging portion 221. It is formed as a bracket-shaped sheet metal material with and. The engaging portion 221 has a narrow plate shape that is arranged substantially horizontally, and is set to have a length that extends across the upper surface sides of the pair of rail members 21, 21. In the engaging portion 221, a pair of insertion holes 221a, 221a for passing the fastening bolts 220 are provided at positions corresponding to the fastening bolts 220 of the slider 23, which are seen through the opening grooves of the pair of rail members 21, 21, respectively.

The vertical wall portion 222 is a portion that is fixed along the lower end side of the side plate 11 of the unit 10, and is formed in a plate shape that rises substantially perpendicularly from one end edge of the engaging portion 221. Additionally, reinforcing side wall portions 223 are also integrally formed between both ends of the engaging portion 221 and both end edges of the vertical wall portion 222 . The vertical wall portion 222 is provided with a pair of adjustment holes 222a, 222a arranged horizontally at the same height position. Each adjustment hole 222a is a guide groove extending vertically so that the fastening position of a mounting bolt 240, which will be described later, can be adjusted in the vertical direction.

Further, in the vertical wall portion 222, one side wall portion 223 facing the front opening of the unit 10 is provided with a bracket 225 for receiving both lower ends of the inter-stand member 60. The bracket 225 is made of metal and has a bracket shape, and is in contact with the floor in front of one of the rail members 21, and when the inter-stand member 60 is located in the center between the grooves 113a of the frame member 113. , is configured to abut against the lower end of the inter-stand member 60. Further, one side wall portion 223 is provided with another bracket 226 that forms a pair with the bracket 225 and is grounded on the floor side behind the other rail member 21.

<<Reinforcement bracket 24>>
As shown in FIGS. 102 and 103, the base member 22 is fixed to the side plate 11 of the unit 10 via reinforcing brackets 24 and anchors 25. As shown in FIGS. The reinforcing bracket 24 is a sheet metal material for fixing the vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22 to the lower end side of the wooden side plate 11 of the unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 104 to 110, the reinforcing bracket 24 includes a mounting surface portion 241 that covers the opening 110 in the side plate 11, and a mounting surface portion 241 that is provided on one side of the mounting surface portion 241 and that fits into the inner peripheral edge of the opening portion 110. The fitting flange 242 has a predetermined height.

The opening 110 cut out in the side plate 11 of the unit 10 has a horizontally elongated substantially rectangular shape. The mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24 also has a horizontally elongated substantially rectangular shape, has a vertical width approximately equal to the opening 110, a horizontal width larger than the opening 110, and extends from both ends of the opening 110 by a predetermined width. The fitting flange 242 is provided on one side of the mounting surface portion 241 that covers the opening 110 so as to model the inner peripheral edge of the opening 110 . The fitting flange 242 of this embodiment has a substantially U-shape that is in contact with the lower edge and both side edges of the opening 110, is slightly larger than the opening 110, and is set to fit tightly when fitted. There is.

As shown in FIGS. 104 to 110, a pair of mounting holes 243, 243 are provided side by side inside the fitting flange 242 in the mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24. A nut 244 for tightening the mounting bolt 240 is fixed in advance around each mounting hole 243. Further, the portions of the mounting surface portion 241 that extend from the outside of the fitting flange 242, that is, from both sides of the opening 110, are separately screwed to both sides of the opening 110 in the side plate 11 as mounting pieces 241a.

As shown in FIGS. 102 and 103, the vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22 is inserted into each adjustment hole 222a (see FIG. 80(b)) while overlapping the mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24. The mounting bolt 240 is fixed by screwing into the mounting hole 243 and nut 244 and tightening. Further, while the mounting bolts 240 are being tightened, the fastening position of the base member 22 with respect to the side plate 11 is adjusted in the vertical direction by moving the base member 22 with the mounting bolts 240 passing through the adjustment holes 222a up and down. be able to. Furthermore, the mounting bolts 240 are not fastened directly to the vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22, but are fastened by engaging a plate 227 that also serves as a reinforcing material.

According to such a configuration, the fitting flange 242 of the reinforcing bracket 24 contacts in four directions, up and down, within the opening 110, so that misalignment can be prevented. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing bracket 24, the mounting piece 241a is also screwed with wood screws, so there is no possibility that the reinforcing bracket 24 will slip out from the opening 110. Furthermore, the fitting flange 242 fitted into the opening 110 plays a reinforcing role and prevents the reinforcing bracket 24 from deforming. Further, by firmly fastening the reinforcing bracket 24 to the wooden side plate 11, a structure in which sheet metal members such as the base member 22 located below the reinforcing bracket 24 are firmly fastened to the side plate 11 becomes possible.

Further, a metal anchor 25 is also interposed between the vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22 and the mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24. As shown in FIG. 100(b), the anchor 25 includes a support piece 251 held between the vertical wall part 222 and the mounting surface part 241, a horizontal bar 252 connected to the lower end of the support piece 251, and a horizontal bar 252. A pair of adjustment bolts 253, 253 provided at both ends are provided.

According to the anchors 25, it is also possible to adjust the level of the four corners of the unit 10 on the floor. Further, the horizontal bar 252 of the anchor 25 is provided with a stopper 254 above one end near the front opening of the unit 10 for positioning both lower ends of the inter-stand member 60 described above. This stopper 254, like the anchor 25, is made of metal and is formed as a block-shaped bracket. The shape of the stopper 254 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that allows positioning of both lower ends of the inter-stand member 60. For example, the stopper 254 may be provided not on the anchor 25 but on the base member 22 side.

Conventionally, when fixing hardware to wood, it has generally been done using wood screws or the like into screw holes in the hardware, but there have been the following problems. That is, since the diameter of the screw hole is larger than the screw diameter, the hardware may become displaced if a large force is applied. Also, if the hardware is just a board, if a large force is applied and the wood deforms, it will also become distorted. Furthermore, in some cases, there is a risk that the wood screws will come off and the fastening force will be completely lost.

This conventional problem also occurs when fastening metal parts with bolts and nuts, as there is a difference between the diameter of the bolt through hole and the diameter of the bolt, resulting in misalignment. On the other hand, as described above, in the unit 10, the base member 22, which is a metal piece, is fixed to the wooden side plate 11 via the reinforcing bracket 24 and the anchor 25. Therefore, even if an excessive load is applied to the unit 10 when a large earthquake occurs, for example, it is possible to reliably prevent not only the displacement of the base member 22 relative to the side plate 11 but also the deformation and damage of both. .

Further, in the game machine island 1A shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the units 10 may be installed directly on the floor of a game parlor or the like without using the rail 20, such as the units 10 on one side of the back to back arrangement. When fixing the unit 10 to the floor via the rails 20, the base member 22 is set to a size that can be placed on the rail member 21. On the other hand, when the base member 22 is directly fixed to the floor, dimensions such as the height of the vertical wall portion 222 on the engaging portion 221 in contact with the floor side may be set to a large size.

<Replenishment device>
As shown in the unit 10 on the left in FIG. 52, the unit 10 in which the pachinko machine 2A is installed houses, as related equipment, a supply device for circulating game balls used in the pachinko machine 2A. As shown in FIGS. 111 to 118, the replenishment device 100 is a general term for each device that circulates game balls. When replacing the gaming machine 2 in the unit 10 from the pachinko machine 2A to the pachislot machine 2B, the lifting polishing device 30 described below is left as is, but the other storage tanks 40 and supply gutter 50 are removed. and is stored in the storage section 101.

The replenishment device 100 includes a storage tank 40 that collects and stores game balls used in the pachinko machine 2A and counted by a counter 8a (see FIG. 52), and a storage tank 40 that collects and stores game balls that are used in the pachinko machine 2A and that is used to polish and lift the game balls that are supplied from the storage tank 40. It has a lifting polishing device 30 for feeding, and a supply gutter 50 for receiving the game balls lifted by the lifting polishing device 30 and supplying them to the Pachinko machine 2A. Note that the lifting polishing device 30 is a polishing device with a lifting function added thereto. Hereinafter, the pumping and polishing device 30, the supply gutter 50, and the storage tank 40 will be explained in order.

<Lift polishing device 30>
As shown in FIGS. 119 to 155, the lifting and polishing device 30 is a device that polishes and transports the game balls collected by the pachinko machine 2A. The lifting polishing device 30 includes a main body 31, a polishing gear 32, a polishing means 33, a lifting path 34, a driving means 35, a control means 36, and the like. Game balls are supplied to the lifting polishing device 30 from a storage tank 40, and the polished game balls are transported through the lifting path 34 to a supply gutter 50 located above the pachinko machine 2A.

<<Body 31>>
The main body 31 of the lifting polishing device 30 is a metal housing, and is formed into a rectangular and flat box shape. A polishing gear 32 is disposed on a horizontal upper surface portion 310 of the main body 31 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis. The polishing means 33 is disposed adjacent to the polishing gear 32 on the upper surface 310 of the main body 31 . A driving means 35 and the like are also provided on the upper surface 310 of the main body 31. Further, inside the main body 31, a control means 36 and the like are housed.

<<Gear 32 for polishing>>
As shown in FIG. 119, the polishing gear 32 is rotatably supported in a substantially cylindrical casing 320 made of resin and is disposed on the upper surface 310 of the main body 31. As shown in FIG. Here, the polishing gear 32 has its axis extending in the up-down direction (vertical direction). The polishing gear 32 is made of resin and has a substantially cylindrical shape. Incidentally, the polishing gear 32 is vertically divided into two parts and assembled together.

As shown in FIGS. 136 to 140, the polishing gear 32 has a generally cylindrical shape as a whole, but the upper half thereof is a large-diameter portion 32a, and the lower side of the large-diameter portion 32a is an outer portion. This is a reduced diameter portion 32b whose diameter gradually tapers. Furthermore, the lower side of the reduced diameter portion 32b is a narrow diameter portion 32c extending to the same outer diameter as the minimum outer diameter of the lower end of the reduced diameter portion 32b.

A plurality of guide teeth 321 are provided on the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 32a in the circumferential direction along the generatrix of the cylindrical surface. The tooth groove 322 between each guide tooth 321 is formed in an arcuate cross-sectional shape so as to enclose more than half of the game ball. The opening width of the tooth groove 322 is set to be narrower than the diameter of the game ball so that the game ball cannot be removed from the tooth groove 322 to the outside. That is, the tooth groove 322 can guide game balls received from the upper end side to the lower end side, and the tooth groove 322 is set so that a plurality of game balls are sequentially accommodated in a vertically overlapping state. There is.

Further, on the outer periphery of the reduced diameter portion 32b, a plurality of locking teeth 323 are provided in the circumferential direction, continuing from the guide teeth 321 and extending along the generatrix of the cylindrical surface. The pitch of each locking tooth 323 is gradually narrower than the wider pitch of each guide tooth 321, and the tooth groove 324 between each locking tooth 323 gradually allows the game balls received from the tooth groove 322 to It is set so that it comes into contact with the Further, on the outer periphery of the reduced diameter portion 32b, a plurality of locking teeth 325 are provided in the circumferential direction, continuing from the locking teeth 323 and extending along the generatrix of the cylindrical surface. The spaces between the tooth grooves 326 between the locking teeth 325 are set so that the game balls guided from the tooth grooves 324 of the locking teeth 323 are kept in contact with each other.

As shown in FIG. 125, the upper part of the casing 320 is opened as a receiving port that receives game balls from a storage tank 40, which will be described later, and guides them to the upper end opening of the tooth groove 322 of the polishing gear 32. Further, in the peripheral wall of the casing 320, a polishing window 320a (see FIG. 128) is provided at a portion facing a curved surface portion 332 of a cassette 331, which will be described later. The polishing window 320a is formed so that a polishing member 330, which will be described later, can be routed along the outer periphery of the guide tooth 321 of the polishing gear 32. Furthermore, a communication passage 328 (see FIG. 131) is provided at the bottom of the casing 320 to align the game balls pushed out from the lower end of the tooth groove 324 by the rotation of the polishing gear 32 and guide them to the lifting path 34. being given

As shown in FIG. 119, an electric motor 350 is attached to the side of the polishing gear 32 in the main body 31. The drive shaft of the electric motor 350 is connected to the polishing gear 32 so as to transmit rotational force via a transmission mechanism including gears (not shown), and the polishing gear 32 is rotationally driven by the electric motor 350. It is configured as follows. The electric motor 350 constitutes a drive means 35 that is a power system of the pump polishing device 30. Note that a bearing portion 327 (see FIG. 137) is provided at the center of the lower end of the polishing gear 32 to be connected to the power transmission system of the drive means 35.

<<Polishing means 33>>
As shown in FIG. 129, the polishing means 33 includes a polishing member 330 disposed in the polishing window 320a of the casing 320, and a cassette 331 that accommodates the polishing member 330 and is detachable at a position facing the polishing gear 32. , a delivery mechanism that pulls out the polishing member 330 from the cassette 331 and moves it along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32. Here, the delivery mechanism includes a driving gear 351 pivotally supported on the main body 31 side and a driven gear 352 pivotally supported on the cassette 331 side.

The drive gear 351 is supported by a vertical rotating shaft on the top surface 310 of the main body 31 at a position near one end of the polishing window 320a of the casing 320. Here, the drive gear 351 is configured to be interlocked with the rotation of the polishing gear 32, for example, via a transmission mechanism consisting of a gear or the like (not shown). The drive gear 351 is set to pull out the polishing member 330 from a cassette 331, which will be described below, and to move it along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32, depending on the movement speed of the game ball due to the rotation of the polishing gear 32. There is. However, the drive gear 351 may be controlled to be rotated separately from the rotation of the polishing gear 32.

As shown in FIGS. 151 to 155, a cassette pedestal 311 on which a cassette 331 is removably attached is provided on the upper surface 310 of the main body 31 of the pump polishing device 30. As described below, the cassette 331 is rectangular in plan view, and its longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 31 is the attachment/detachment direction to the cassette pedestal 311. Note that a specific structure for attaching and detaching the cassette 331 to and from the cassette base 311 will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 141 to 150, the cassette 331 accommodates the polishing member 330. The cassette 331 is formed in the shape of a flat box-shaped case with a curved surface portion 332 recessed in an arc shape on the front end side of a rectangle in plan view. The polishing member 330 is made of a material capable of polishing game balls, for example, a nonwoven fabric processed into a long tape. The polishing member 330 is wound into a roll around a core tube made of paper, for example, and is rotatably accommodated inside a cassette 331, as shown in FIG. 129.

As shown in FIGS. 143 and 144, the cassette 331 has a guide groove 333 formed in one side wall 331a continuous to one end of the curved surface portion 332 for pulling out the end of the polishing member 330 to the outside. Further, as shown in FIGS. 141 and 142, a driven gear 352 facing the drive gear 351 is pivotally supported on the other side wall 331b continuous to the other end of the curved surface portion 332. The curved surface portion 332 has an arcuate cross-sectional shape along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32, and is fitted with a resilient cushioning material such as felt.

The polishing member 330 is pulled out to one end side of the curved surface portion 332 through the guide groove 333 of the cassette 331, and is pushed around the outer periphery of the guide tooth 321 in a state where it can press the game ball on the polishing gear 32 side with the elastic force of the cushioning material. move along. Here, as shown in FIG. 129, the polishing member 330 is wired so as to be sent out as is by a pair of driving gears 351 and driven gears 352 located on the other end side of the curved surface portion 332. The polishing member 330 separated from the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32 is set to be sent out in a direction parallel to the direction in which the cassette 331 is attached and detached.

That is, as shown in FIG. 129(b), a line a connecting the rotation axes of the pair of drive gear 351 and driven gear 352 is orthogonal to the attachment/detachment direction b of the cassette 331. Also, a line c passing through the contact point between the drive gear 351 and the driven gear 352 and perpendicular to the line a connecting the rotation axes of both gears 351 and 352 is set to be immediately close to and parallel to the tangent of the polishing gear 32. has been done.

According to the arrangement of the gears 351 and 352 and the feeding direction of the polishing member 330, even if there is a slight error in the installation position of the cassette 331 in its longitudinal direction (front-back direction), the polishing between the gears 351 and 352 is possible. Once the member 330 is bitten, it is possible to reliably deliver the polishing member 330. Note that the drive gear 351 and the driven gear 352 are not necessarily gear-shaped, but may be roller-shaped, for example, with an anti-slip finish such as knurling on the outer circumferential surface.

Further, it is preferable that the width of both gears 351 and 352 is as wide as possible with respect to the width of the polishing member 330. For example, if the width of the gears 351, 352 is narrower than the width of the polishing member 330, only a portion of the polishing member 330 in the width direction is sandwiched between the gears 351, 352. If a portion of the polishing member 330 near the center in the width direction is pinched and pulled, the polishing member 330 becomes wrinkled and thinned in the width direction, and the delivery efficiency is also reduced.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 150, in the example of the driven gear 352, of the structure arranged in three vertical stages, the middle stage becomes the actual driven gear 352, and the upper and lower stages have a wide width for the polishing member 330. It is a gear-type feed guide that rotates in contact with the The same applies to the drive gear 351 shown in FIG. 128. As a result, the polishing member 330 can be stably held between the gears 351 and 352 together with the upper and lower feed guides, and the polishing member 330 can be reliably fed. .

The polishing member 330 after being sent out by the driving gear 351 and the driven gear 352 passes through a slit-shaped guide path 334 (see FIG. 129). The used polishing members 330 discharged from the cassette 331 are stored together at the rear of the cassette 331, for example, and are collected as appropriate. When the polishing member 330 is used up, the cassette 331 is removed from the main body 31, the polishing member 330 inside is replaced with a new one, and then the cassette 331 is attached to the main body 31 again.

As shown in FIG. 129(a), the polishing member 330 is rotatably housed inside a cassette 331 in a state where it is wound into a roll around a core tube made of paper, for example. The cassette 331 is configured such that its upper half can be opened, for example. A mounting shaft 335 for pivotally supporting the core tube of the roll-shaped polishing member 330 is provided on the inner bottom wall of the cassette 331 . Here, the mounting shaft 335 may have a simple structure such as a boss or a screw.

The terminal end of the polishing member 330 is fixed to the core tube with such adhesive force that it can be peeled off if pulled strongly. Specifically, for example, although not shown, it may be attached using an adhesive tape material, an adhesive, or the like. By fixing the end of the polishing member 330 to the core tube in this manner, the manufacture of the polishing member 330 is facilitated, which is preferable in terms of the manufacturing process and the quality of the finished product. Further, if the polishing member 330 is fixed to such a degree that it can be easily peeled off from the core tube, when the polishing member 330 is used up to the end, the polishing member 330 will be peeled off from the core tube and the polishing member 330 can be sent to the end.

This not only allows the polishing member 330 to be used effectively until the end, but if the polishing member 330 remains for a long time, it may cause problems in terms of durability as it may break or fuzz. It can be prevented. Further, by supporting the core tube of the polishing member 330 on the mounting shaft 335 as described above, the behavior of the polishing member 330 within the cassette 331 is stabilized, and the delivery of the polishing member 330 is also stable. become.

The cassette 331 is configured to be attached to and removed from the cassette pedestal 311 on the top surface 310 of the main body 31 from its own longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 31. As shown in FIG. 144, the bottom outer wall of the cassette 331 is provided with a total of four claw-like engaging portions 336, 337 for attachment, two at the front and two at the rear. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 151, each engaging portion 336, 337 enters into the cassette pedestal 311 when the cassette 331 is brought into contact with the other, and when the cassette 331 is moved forward toward the polishing gear 32, each engaging portion 336, 337 enters into the cassette pedestal 311. A pair of engaged parts 312, 312 in the form of open grooves are provided with which the parts 336, 337 engage. Note that the cassette pedestal 311 or the casing 320 may be provided with a simple locking mechanism for restraining the cassette 331 in the mounted state.

Each of the engaging portions 336 and 337 of the cassette 331 also serves as a structure for preventing distortion and deformation of the bottom surface of the cassette 331 when the cassette 331 is set on the cassette pedestal 311. Further, a rib 338 is provided on the bottom outer wall of the cassette 331 and extends in parallel to the attachment/detachment direction of the cassette 331 so as to be connected to each of the engaging portions 336 and 337. The ribs 338 not only further reinforce the bottom surface of the cassette 331, but also reduce the sliding resistance against the cassette base 311 during attachment and detachment, and are designed to prevent catching.

As shown in FIG. 119, the lifting path 34 lifts the game balls that are successively pushed out as the polishing gear 32 rotates upward. Here, the inner diameter of the lifting path 34 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game balls, and is configured to lift and transport the game balls in a line-up state. Specifically, the lifting path 34 includes a lower lifting path 341 that forms the lower end side thereof, and a main lifting path 342 that is communicatively connected to the lower lifting path 341 and extends linearly upward. The lower transport path 341 is constructed by pasting together semi-tubular molded parts that have been divided into two parts into a tubular shape.

A lower lifting path 341 of the lifting path 34 is fixed to the main body 31 via a fixing bracket 340. The lower end entrance of the lower lifting passage 341 is connected to the communication passage 328 (see FIG. 131). The main lifting path 342 is formed of, for example, a resin pipe material. The main lifting path 342 is removable from the upper end of the lower lifting path 341 and can be previously arranged inside the unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 133 and 135, the lower pumping passage 341 is formed to be bent, and a reinforcing wall 341a is provided on the outer periphery of the portion where the passage is bent with a curvature of a predetermined value or more.

The specific shape of the reinforcing wall 341a is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be formed into a rib shape extending with a predetermined width along the bottom of the cross section of the molded product divided into two parts, so that the reinforcing wall 341a is made of two layers. It is best to configure it like this. By providing the reinforcing wall 341a at the curved portion of the lower transporting passage 341 that is likely to receive loads from game balls, even if the inner wall of the lower transporting passage 341 is worn out, the base of the reinforcing wall 341a is By exposing the end side to the inside, the function as a path for game balls is maintained, and the life of the transport path 34 can be extended.

Although omitted in some of the figures, as shown in FIG. 119, there is a space between the polishing gear 32 and the electric motor 350 in the main body 31 that can be inserted into and removed from the inside of the main body 31 through, for example, a slit formed in the upper surface part 310. A possible shutter 313 is provided. The shutter 313 opens and closes, for example, a gap where the communication passage 328 located below and the lower lifting passage 341 communicate with each other. The shutter 313 is normally held in a position where it does not block the gap, but by being inserted downward and closing the gap, it is possible to prevent game balls from flowing out from the polishing gear 32. 126 and 127 show a state in which the shutter 313 is attached to the main body 31 so as to be closed.

Such a shutter 313 can prevent game balls from falling out during maintenance and inspection of the lifting and polishing device 30. Here, the shutter 313 may be replaced by, for example, the positioning member 314 of the lifting polishing device 30 without preparing a dedicated item. When the main body 31 of the lifting polishing device 30 is placed on the partition member 121 (installation surface) of the unit 10, a flat positioning member 314, for example, is used to place and position one end of the main body 31. It is also possible to use this positioning member 314 as it is instead of the shutter 313.

In the lifting and polishing device 30, as another configuration for stopping the flow of game balls, it is also possible to change the location where the flow of game balls is stopped using the shutter 313 or the positioning member 314. For example, in the main body 31, a shutter 313 or the like can be inserted and removed in the middle of the movement path of the game balls from the receiving port side of the casing 320 that receives the game balls to the polishing gear 32, so that the game balls can be supplied to the polishing gear 32. It is also conceivable to configure it so that it stops.

Further, in the cassette 331, it is preferable to provide a detection section that detects the presence or absence of the polishing member 330 in the middle of the movement path of the polishing member 330 from the guide groove 333 to the pair of gears 351, 352. For example, it is conceivable to provide a detection section beside the guide groove 333 shown in FIG. 143 at a position that does not interfere with the polishing member 330. The detection unit determines whether all the polishing members 330 in the cassette 331 have been used up by detecting the presence or absence of the polishing members 330. Specifically, such a detection unit can be configured by various sensors such as a light sensor and a proximity sensor.

Furthermore, a drive means 35, which is a power system of the pumping polishing device 30, and a control means for controlling the operation of the drive means 35 are each integrally assembled in the main body 31. The driving means 35 is disposed on the upper surface portion 310 of the main body 31 as described above. Although not shown, the control means is configured as a board equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and controls the electric motor 350 of the drive means 35 and the like. Such a control means is preferably disposed inside the main body 31. According to such a configuration, the entire device can be made compact, and wiring processing can also be reduced.

Incidentally, although the lifting and polishing device 30 is housed in the storage section 101 within the unit 10, it can be left on the partition member 121 as is when replacing the Pachinko machine 2A with the Pachislot machine 2B. Thereby, the work of recombining the gaming machine 2 can be performed more easily. On the other hand, since the lift polishing device 30 has a driving means 35 and a control means integrated into its main body 31, it is easy to replace the unit in the event of maintenance or trouble. The lifting polishing device 30 is housed in a state where it can be pulled out from the storage section 101 by opening the waist plate member 17.

<Supply gutter 50>
As shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, the supply gutter 50 is a member that is disposed above the gaming machine 2 inside the unit 10 and supplies the gaming machine 2 with the lifted gaming balls. The replenishment gutter 50 includes a gutter body 51 in which a plurality of rail-shaped paths 52 are arranged in parallel on both sides, along which game balls are arranged and flow down one row at a time. The gutter body 51 is made of, for example, resin and has the shape shown in the figure. Each path 52 extends linearly parallel to the longitudinal direction of the gutter body 51, and the bottom wall of each path is formed into an arcuate cross section slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball.

Four routes 52 in this embodiment are provided as four-pronged troughs. The paths 52 at both ends of each path 52 form a pair of replenishment paths 52A, 52A for replenishing game balls to the gaming machine 2 or the inter-machine service machine 8. Moreover, the supply paths 52A and the paths 52 on the inner side of the supply paths 52A at both ends form a pair of falling paths 52B and 52B for dropping surplus game balls. The supply routes 52A, 52A at both ends are arranged at a higher position than the falling routes 52B, 52B, and surplus game balls in each supply route 52A are set to be movable to the falling route 52B due to the difference in head. Note that when the supply route 52A and the drop route 52B are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as the route 52, but in the drawings, they are distinguished as 52A or 52B.

As shown in FIGS. 156 and 158, on the base end side of the gutter body 51 on the upstream side of each path 52, a receiving portion 53 for receiving the game balls lifted by the lifting polisher 30 is provided. Each path 52 is divided into four sections from the receiving section 53 on the upstream side thereof. As shown in FIG. 163(b), each supply route 52A is arranged at the same height along both sides of the gutter body 51, and inside each supply route 52A are arranged at the same height at a lower position. 52B is arranged.

As shown in FIG. 163(b), the partition wall 521 between the supply route 52A and the adjacent falling route 52B is set at a height that allows the game ball to move from the supply route 52A to the falling route 52B. Here, the specific height of the partition wall 521 is set to, for example, about half the diameter of the game ball. Furthermore, a taper (slanted surface) that slopes toward the inner falling path 52B is formed at the upper end of the partition wall 521. Furthermore, the partition walls 522 between the respective falling paths 52B are set at a height that prevents the game balls from moving relative to each other.

Since the fall route 52B is located below the supply route 52A, there is no need to provide a taper on the partition wall 522 between them, but in rare cases, game balls are moved in a row on the supply route 52A. Sometimes, as shown in FIG. 177(a), a game ball that rides up may occur. If the game ball slides on the upper surface of the side wall of the gutter body 51 in this state, the game ball will bridge near the entrances of ball outlets 523 and 524, which will be described later, as shown in FIG. 177(b). It is expected that this will happen. Therefore, by providing the partition wall 522 with a taper, it is possible to reliably drop the game balls riding on the supply path 52A to the fall path 52B side.

As shown in FIG. 158, the receiving portion 53 is formed in a stage shape that extends semicircularly from the upstream end of each path 52 aligned in a row in both directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gutter body 51 toward the base end in plan view. has been done. A supply port 531 is provided near the top end of the semicircular shape of the receiving portion 53 with which the upstream end opening of the pumping path 34 of the pumping polishing machine 30 communicates. The upstream sides of the receiving portion 53 and the supply paths 52A, 52A on both sides are surrounded by a guide wall 54 of a predetermined height from the rear, which is the opposite side to the downward direction of the ball flow, to the front, which is the downward direction of the ball flow. The guide wall 54 is made of resin, for example, and is formed separately from the gutter body 51, and is attached to the proximal end of the gutter body 51 by screws or the like.

The guide wall 54 surrounds the outer edge of the receiving portion 53 in a semicircular shape, and then extends along the outer edges of the supply paths 52A, 52A on both sides, while the width on both sides becomes narrower, and the front end edges 540 on both sides are It opens so as to face the upper part of the inner side of each fall path 52B. With such an opening on the front side of the guide wall 54, even if each path 52 is temporarily clogged with foreign matter and game balls overflow, the flow of game balls from the front side opening of the guide wall 54 to the falling path 52B is prevented. is maintained, and the game balls will not get stuck. Note that the front end side of the guide wall 54 up to the front end edge 540 is arranged at a height position above the upstream side of each supply route 52A so as not to impede the flow of game balls.

Furthermore, the width of the guide wall 54 is narrowed by one step on both sides, so that the game balls that overlap each other on each supply route 52A can be broken down to the inner falling route 52B. Here, a notch 541 is provided at a portion where the width of both sides of the guide wall 54 is narrowed by one step to create a gap on the lower end side of the guide wall 54. Such a notch 541 prevents game balls flowing down the supply path 52A from strongly interfering with the lower end side of the guide wall 54, and prevents the occurrence of a bridge where game balls overlap along the guide wall 54. Can be done.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 163(b), the front end sides of both sides of the guide wall 54 are curved inward so as to cross the upper sides of the upstream sides of both the supply paths 52A, 52A, and the front end edge 540 of the guide wall 54 is curved inwardly, as shown in FIG. It extends slightly beyond the top end of the wall 521 and above the taper that slopes toward the falling path 52B. Thereby, the game balls that overlap in front of the opening of the guide wall 54 can be smoothly guided to the falling path 52B, so that it is possible to prevent the game balls from clogging up.

As shown in FIGS. 156 and 158, the receiving portion 53 is provided with a guide portion 532 for guiding the supplied game balls to the supply path 52A outside the inside falling path 52B. The guide portion 532 is formed in the shape of a block with a semicircular cross section that is located in front of the supply port 531 and forms a passage between the guide portion 532 and the semicircular enclosure portion of the guide wall 54 through which the game ball can pass. Here, the outlet of the passage is set so as to face the upstream ends of the supply routes 52A, 52A on both sides. That is, the game balls supplied to the receiving section 53 are guided to the supply route 52A rather than the falling route 52B.

As shown in FIG. 165(b), the height of the guide portion 532 is set lower than the height of the guide wall 54. Thereby, when a surplus of game balls are transported to the receiving part 53, the game balls are guided to the falling path 52B without passing through the passageway beyond the guide part 532. Here, since the guide wall 54 is higher than the guide part 532, the game ball does not climb over the guide part 532 and further climb over the guide wall 54 and fall down.

According to such a supply gutter 50, as shown in FIG. 175, the game balls lifted up into the receiving section 53 flow down equally to the supply paths 52A, 52A on both sides. Then, when one of the supply routes 52A, 52A on both sides is filled with game balls, as shown in FIG. Therefore, some of the game balls are guided to the inner falling path 52B by climbing over the partition wall 521 (see FIG. 163(b)).

As shown in FIG. 156, one of the supply paths 52A on both sides supplies game balls to the pachinko machine 2A, and its downstream end is bent downward toward the pachinko machine 2A located below. It communicates with the ball outlet 523. The ball outlet 523 is connected to the gaming machine 2 via a bendable pipe member (not shown) called a bellows. The other supply route 52A on both sides supplies game balls to the inter-machine service machine 8, and its downstream end extends laterally toward the inter-machine service machine 8 located on the side. The ball outlet 524 is connected to the ball outlet 524. The ball outlet 524 is connected to the inter-stand service machine 8 via a bendable pipe member (not shown) called a bellows.

Each fall path 52B is for dropping overflowing and surplus game balls into a storage tank 40, which will be described later, and each downstream end is connected to a ball outlet 525 bent downward toward the storage tank 40 located below. It's communicating. Each ball outlet 525 is connected to the storage tank 40 via a bendable pipe member (not shown) called a bellows. Note that one ball outlet 525 is bent so as to be separated from the other ball outlet 525 halfway. This is to prevent interference by imparting different directionality to the tube members connected to each ball outlet 525.

As shown in FIG. 163(b), each path 52 is formed to have an arcuate cross section as described above. As a result, at the connection points between each path 52 and the circular tubular ball outlets 523 to 525, the inner circumferential surfaces thereof can be smoothly connected to each other. If each path 52 were to be a planar path with a flat bottom, constricted portions would be created at the locations connecting to the ball outlets 523 to 525. In such a diaphragm portion, a reverse step portion occurs, so there is a risk that the flow of game balls may be obstructed at this portion.

In addition, if the game ball that has flown down each falling path 52B does not enter the ball outlet 525 and jumps onto the downstream upper half 510 described below, the game ball will continue to flow down on the downstream upper half 510, It is set to fall downward. This prevents game balls that did not enter the ball outlet 525 from returning to the fall path 52B side and clogging the balls.

As shown in FIGS. 168 and 169, the tip side of the gutter body 51 is formed by dividing the upper half of the lower half into a downstream upper half 510. It is integrated into the lower half. Each ball outlet 523, 524, 525 is provided on the tip side of the gutter body 51, but is divided into two parts, a lower half on the tip side of the gutter body 51 and an upper downstream half 510. It is formed as if things were later put together. Here, if a convex line and a groove that fit into each other are provided at the seams between the halves of each of the two divided ball outlets 523, 524, and 525, the seams can be prevented from shifting or coming off due to vibrations, etc. be able to.

In the downstream upper half 510, detection units 511 and 512 capable of detecting game balls are provided at positions overlapping each ball outlet 523 and 524, respectively. Each of the detection units 511 and 512 is continuously turned on when game balls stay at the ball outlets 523 and 524, respectively, and when the ON state continues for a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds) or more, it detects a ball jam as a replenishment error. is set to output a signal. Specifically, each of the detection units 511 and 512 includes various sensors such as a magnetic sensor and a proximity sensor.

As shown in FIGS. 170 to 173, the supply gutter 50 is installed in the upper part of the unit 10 (see FIG. 52) via a support bracket 55. As shown in FIGS. 164(b) and 165(b), on the bottom side of the gutter body 51, when the gutter body 51 is placed on the horizontal support bracket 55, each path 52 is connected from the upstream end to the downstream end. Ribs 513 and 514 are provided to ensure a downward slope across the length. Further, as shown in FIG. 167, the downstream end of each path 52 is open at the tip side of the gutter body 51, but reinforcing ribs 515 and 516 are provided at appropriate locations to provide the necessary strength. It is secured.

As shown in FIG. 174, the support bracket 55 is formed from a rectangular sheet metal material extending in the front and back direction in plan view, and flanges 552 and 553 that stand up vertically to a predetermined height are provided at the front and rear ends of the bottom plate 551. It is formed. The front flange 552 and the bottom plate 551 beside it are provided with an opening 554 large enough to allow the replenishment gutter 50 removed from the support bracket 55 to be inserted downward.

The bottom plate 551 is provided with a through hole 555 for connection through the upstream end of the main pumping path 342 at a position that matches the supply port 531 on the bottom side of the supply gutter 50 installed thereon. This through hole 555 is a long hole so as to absorb installation errors of the supply gutter 50. The upper end side of the main lifting path 342 is fixed by being inserted into the supply port 531 with a fitting margin of a predetermined length, and by this fixing, it is possible to maintain it in a state hanging from the supply gutter 50.

To attach the replenishment gutter 50 onto the bottom plate 551 of the support bracket 55, insert the engaging claws 517, 518 on the front and rear sides of the bottom side of the gutter body 51 into the mounting hole 556 and the mounting groove 557 on the bottom plate 551. This can be easily done by snap-fitting engagement. That is, the pair of engaging claws 517, 517 on the front side of the gutter body 51 can be engaged with and disengaged from the pair of attachment holes 556, 556 on the front side of the opening 554 of the bottom plate 551. Further, a pair of engaging claws 518 on the rear side of the gutter body 51 can be engaged with and disengaged from both ends of a mounting groove 557 on the bottom plate 551.

Further, in the bottom plate 551 of the support bracket 55, a mounting plate 558 that hangs downward is integrally provided at a position near the front of one long side thereof. As shown in FIG. 174, this mounting plate 558 is provided with a bracket-shaped fixture 559 that can grip and fix a pipe member (not shown) communicating with each ball outlet 525. Note that, as described above, a bendable pipe member called a bellows is used as the pipe member.

<Storage tank 40>
As shown in FIG. 111 and the like, the storage tank 40 can be detachably fixed onto the main body 31 of the pump polishing device 30. As shown in FIG. 52, inside the unit 10, the pumping and polishing device 30, including the main body 31, is installed in the storage section 101, and the storage tank 40 is installed in the exchange arrangement section 102. A partition member 122 that partitions between the storage section 101 and the exchange arrangement section 102 has a narrow depth (see FIG. 53), and behind the partition member 122, the pumping polishing device 30 and the storage tank 40 are vertically assembled together. has been done.

As shown in FIGS. 178 to 184, the storage tank 40 is formed of sheet metal or the like into a substantially rectangular box shape with an open top. The storage tank 40 includes a tank body 41 that is the main part thereof, and an attached part 42 that continues upstream of the tank body 41. The attached portion 42 is also formed of a sheet metal or the like in the shape of a substantially rectangular box with an open top side, but its length is short and its depth is shallow.

By dividing the storage tank 40 into two parts, the tank main body 41 and the attached part 42, it is possible to partially attach and detach each part, even if there is an error in installation dimensions due to wiring etc. , can be accommodated sufficiently. Hereinafter, in the longitudinal direction of the storage tank 40, the side farther from the appendix 42 will be referred to as the "front side," and the side closer to the appendix 42 will be referred to as the "rear side." In addition, as for the storage tank 40 as a whole, the attachment part 42 becomes the most upstream end in the downstream direction of the game ball.

The attached portion 42 has a box shape that is also open toward the front, and is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a stepped portion 41a provided as an upstream end of the tank body 41. When attached to the tank body 41, the attached part 42 forms a continuous internal space with the tank body 41, and the bottom part of the attached part 42 is continuous with the bottom face of the stepped part 41a. On the other hand, the tank body 41 can store game balls without leaking from the opening side of the stepped portion 41a even when the attached portion 42 is separated.

Inside the attachment part 42, a plurality of pipe connection members 423, 424 for receiving game balls overflowing from the supply gutter 50 are fixed via separate fixing fittings 421, 422 in a vertically overlapping state. There are two pipe connecting members 423, 424 and two fixing fittings 421, 422, corresponding to the two pipe members (not shown) extending from the supply gutter 50. Each pipe connecting member 423, 424 is curved so as to reduce the momentum of the falling game ball, and one end thereof is connected to the lower end of the pipe member (not shown), and the other end is connected to the tank body. It is arranged so as to face the 41st side.

Each of the fixing fittings 421, 422 is in the form of a bracket that holds one curved and close end and the other end of each pipe connecting member 423, 424 so as to straddle from above, and is vertically spaced from each other by the outer diameter of the pipe member 421, etc. They are fixed in such a way that they are overlapped with a gap between them. In FIG. 178, only the upper fixture 421 is visible, but in reality, the lower fixture 422 is also fixed inside this fixture 421. In this way, by separating the fixing fittings 421 and 422 on the upper and lower tier sides, not only does construction become easier, but also prevents both from coming off during maintenance and inspection.

As shown in FIGS. 178 to 184, the tank body 41 is surrounded by a bottom plate 410, both side plates 411, 411, a front plate 412, and a rear plate 413, in addition to the stepped portion 41a at its upstream end. It is. The bottom plate 410 is inclined downward from the front plate 412 side to the rear plate 413 side so that the game ball flows down by its own weight. Further, as shown in FIGS. 186 and 187, an upper gutter member 43 is disposed near the middle stage in the tank body 41 so as to be inclined in a direction opposite to the inclination of the bottom plate 410.

The upper gutter member 43 is formed of resin into a substantially rectangular plate shape, and is particularly formed of transparent resin so that the lower part thereof can be transmitted through. The upper gutter member 43 is a combination of two pieces lined up in front and back, and the upper gutter member 43 on the front plate 412 side is arranged so that its rear edge, which is its upstream end, is connected to the appendix 42, which will be described later. There is. Further, the upper gutter member 43 on the side of the rear plate 413 is arranged at a position away from the front plate 412 so that the front edge thereof on the downstream side forms a drop opening for the game ball between the upper gutter member 43 and the front plate 412. ing. Since the upper gutter member 43 is transparent and can be seen below, it is possible to check for foreign matter clogging on the downstream side, and maintenance can be easily performed. Note that the upper gutter member 43 is configured to be removably fitted into the tank body 41.

As shown in FIG. 187, on the bottom plate 410 of the tank body 41, two lower sieve members 44 for separating foreign matter from the game balls are provided so as to be lined up one after the other. As shown in FIG. 179, openings 414 are provided at the attachment points of the lower sieve members 44 on the bottom surface 410 to allow foreign matter to fall downward. As shown in FIGS. 188 to 194, the lower sieve member 44 is made of resin, and includes an introduction surface section 441 on the side opposite to the downstream direction of the game balls, and a foreign matter falling section 442 following the introduction surface section 441. We are prepared.

The introduction surface portion 441 is formed into a flat plate shape, and the upper surface on which the game ball flows down is set to have an inclination that is almost the same as the inclination angle of the bottom plate 410 of the tank body 41. The foreign object falling part 442 has lanes arranged side by side on the left and right, and each lane has a vertical plate-shaped protrusion 443 that forms the bottom of the lane with a narrow width corresponding to the board thickness, and a gap that allows the game ball to pass on both sides of the protrusion 443. It consists of a partition plate 444 that divides the area into sections.

The lane protrusion 443 has a different inclination angle from the introduction surface portion 441. That is, in the normal installation state of the storage tank 40, the inclination angle of the introduction surface portion 441 on the upstream side of the lower sieve member 44 itself is steeper than the inclination angle of the protrusion 443 forming the lane bottom surface in the foreign matter falling portion 442. It is set so that Thereby, when the game balls flowing down the lower sieve member 44 are separated for each lane at the foreign matter falling section 442, overlapping (commonly known as bridge) due to a decrease in the flowing speed of the game balls is prevented.

Further, the upper end edge of each partition plate 444 is inclined from above the introduction surface portion 441 to the rear side in a direction opposite to the inclination of the bottom plate 410, so that the balls can be sorted and flowed down one row at a time. Furthermore, a ball breaking bar 445 is installed between the rear ends of the upper edge of each partition plate 444 to break the vertical overlap of the game balls and level them out.

As shown in FIG. 187, the rear end of the foreign matter falling portion 442 on the lower sieve member 44 on the front plate 412 side and the front end of the introduction surface portion 441 on the lower sieve member 44 on the rear plate 413 side are connected to each other. A step 446 that is one step lower on the downstream side is provided at the connection location between each of the lower sieve members 44. This step 446 adds a motion of dropping the game ball, thereby making it possible to more reliably drop the foreign matter riding on the game ball downward. To attach the lower sieve member 44 to the bottom part 410 of the tank body 41, insert the engaging claws 447 and 448 on the front and rear sides of the bottom side of the lower sieve member 44 into the mounting holes around the opening 414 of the bottom part 410. This can be easily done by snap-fitting the connector (not shown).

Further, the downstream end portion of the bottom portion 410 of the tank body 41 forms a substantially horizontal surface, and a ball discharge port 415 is provided in this portion. As shown in FIG. 111 etc., when the storage tank 40 is assembled on the main body 31 of the pumping polishing device 30, the ball discharge port 415 of the tank main body 41 communicates with the receiving port of the casing 320 on the main body 31. It is set. A mounting portion 416 is provided beside the ball discharge port 415, into which a shutter 45 for opening and closing the ball discharge port 415 can be inserted and removed.

As shown in FIG. 185, the shutter 45 is formed from a substantially rectangular flat sheet metal, and has one short side on the operation side and long sides on both sides, so that a flange guided to the mounting portion, for example, stands up. is formed. As shown in FIG. 186, the shutter 45 is inserted into the lower side of the bulb discharge port 415 from an insertion direction a perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the tank body 41. In the shutter 45, the other short side facing the insertion direction a is formed as an inclined edge 450 that is not parallel to the one short side on the operating side but intersects with the insertion direction a.

The slanted edge 450 of the shutter 45 is slanted toward the downstream end of the tank body 41 in the direction of flow of the game balls so as to release the game balls. According to such an inclined edge 450, even if the game balls overlap and press against each other below the ball ejection port 415, it is possible to insert them into the lower side of the ball ejection port 415 with a weak force. That is, since the game ball that comes into contact with the inclined edge 450 escapes as if being pushed toward the downstream end in the flow direction, it can be easily inserted into the lower side of the ball discharge port 415.

<Stud member 106>
Further, as shown in FIG. 33, stud members 105 and the like are provided on both sides of the gaming machine 2 installed in the unit 10 to close the gap between the gaming machine 2 and the inner surfaces of the side panels 11, 11. As shown in the unit 10 on the left side in FIG. 33, when the pachinko machine 2A is installed, the inter-machine service machine 8 is arranged on the left side, and the two stud members 106 on the right side are wide. It is arranged with the front wall 106a facing in front.

On the other hand, as shown in the unit 10 on the right side in FIG. 33, when the Pachislot machine 2B is installed, a special stud member 105 is provided on the right side, but two stud members 106 are installed on the left side. One side is provided with a wide front wall 106a in front, and the other side is provided with a narrow side wall 106b in front. Thus, the stud member 105 has a wide front wall 106a and a narrow side wall 106b.

As shown in FIG. 193, by combining the two stud members 106 so that their respective front walls 106a form the front, a wider gap between the gaming machine 2 and the side plate 11 can be closed. As shown in FIG. 194, if two stud members 106 are combined so that one side faces the wide front wall 106a and the other side faces the narrow side wall 106b, the result will be much better than the case of FIG. It has a narrow width.

In this way, even with only one stud member 106, it is possible to select two types of widths, and even with a small number of parts, it is possible to make adjustments to close various gaps. As shown in FIG. 33, regarding the stud members 106, there is no increase or decrease in the number of stud members 106 when installing the pachinko machine 2A and when installing the pachislot machine 2B, and only two stud members are sufficient in both cases. .

In addition, the stud member 106 is attached using stud brackets 107 on the upper and lower sides, and only one stud bracket 107 can correspond to the two positions of the stud member 106 described above. That is, the stud bracket 107 includes a wide attachment piece 107a and a narrow attachment piece 107b bent at right angles to the wide attachment piece 107a, and can be attached to the upper and lower ends of the stud bracket 107 in different directions.

When fixing the wide front wall 106a of the stud member 106 facing forward, it is attached to the upper and lower ends of the stud bracket 107 in the posture shown in FIGS. 195(a) and 195(b). On the other hand, when fixing the narrow side wall 106b of the stud member 106 facing the front, it is attached to the upper and lower ends of the stud bracket 107 in the posture shown in FIGS. 196(a) and 196(b). In FIGS. 195 and 196, the front left side of the paper is the front side, respectively.

By the way, the wide front wall 106a of the stud member 106 is set to have the same width as the inter-machine service machine 8. Therefore, when inserting the inter-stand service machine 8, only one stud member 106 is removed. At this time, the remaining stud member 106 can be installed so as to be stored, for example, on the rear side of the installed stud member 106.

<About the present invention>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present invention derived from the embodiments described above will be described below.
[1] In the supply gutter 50 that is arranged above the gaming machine 2 and supplies game balls to the gaming machine 2,
A plurality of rail-like paths 52 are arranged in parallel on both sides, along which game balls are arranged one row at a time and flow down.
The paths 52 at both ends of each of the paths 52 form a supply path 52A for replenishing game balls to the game machine 2 or related equipment 8, and the path 52 inside both supply paths 52A is a drop path for dropping surplus game balls. It is characterized by forming a path 52B.

[2] Both supply routes 52A are arranged at a higher position than the drop route 52B, and surplus game balls in both supply routes 52A can be moved to the drop route 52B by a head difference. .

[3] The partition wall 521 between the replenishing route 52A and the adjacent falling route 52B is set to a height that allows the game balls to move from the replenishing route 52A to the dropping route 52B,
A feature is that the upper end of the partition wall 521 is inclined toward the inner falling path 52B.

[4] A receiving section 53 is provided on the upstream side of each of the paths 52 to receive the transported game balls,
Each of the paths 52 is characterized in that its upstream side is divided into four sections from the receiving section 53, and includes two drop paths 52B arranged in pairs inside both supply paths 52A.

[5] The partition walls 522 between the respective falling paths 52B are set at a height such that the game balls cannot move from each other.

[6] The upstream sides of the receiving portion 53 and both supply paths 52A are surrounded by a guide wall 54 of a predetermined height from the rear, which is the opposite side to the downward direction of the ball flow, to the front, which is the downward direction of the ball flow;
The front side of the guide wall 54 opens above the falling path 52B, and the vicinity of the opening is arranged above the upstream side of both the supply paths 52A so as not to impede the flow of game balls,
The receiving part 53 is characterized by being provided with a guide part 532 that guides the game balls to both supply routes 52A rather than the falling route 52B.

<About another invention 1>
Further, the following another invention 1 can be derived from the above-described embodiment.
[1] In the structure of the gaming machine island 1 (unit 10) in which multiple types of gaming machines 2 can be installed one by one,
It has a lower arrangement member 15 arranged below one gaming machine 2A and an upper arrangement member 16 arranged above another gaming machine 2B, and houses the lower arrangement member 15 or the upper arrangement member 16. Equipped with a storage section 101 that allows
When installing the first gaming machine 2A to the other gaming machine 2B, take out the upper arrangement member 16 stored in the storage section 101 and place it above the other gaming machine 2B, removing the lower arrangement member 15 and storing it in the storage section 101;
When changing the gaming machine 2B from the gaming machine 2B to the gaming machine 2A, take out the lower placement member 15 stored in the storage section 101 and place it below the gaming machine 2A. , the upper arrangement member 16 is removed and stored in the storage section 101.

[2] The lower arrangement member 15 and the upper arrangement member 16 are characterized in that they are formed into a flat plate shape.

[3] The storage section 101 is characterized in that it is arranged below the lower arrangement member 15.

[4] The storage section 101 is characterized in that a lifting machine for lifting and transporting game media is housed therein.
Here, the lifting machine may be the above-mentioned lifting polishing machine 30 which has an additional function of polishing the game media.

For example, in the conventional game machine island described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-224826, when a pachinko machine is installed, a ball box shelf is installed on the upper surface of the lower frame part, and a table is placed on the ball box shelf. If you install a board (top board member), install a pachinko machine on it, and install a pachislot machine, install a board on the top of the lower frame, install the pachislot machine on top of it, and then A ball box shelf is installed above.

In this case, it is assumed that the difference in height between the pachinko machine's table board and the pachislot machine's table board matches the height of the ball box shelf. Therefore, it is possible to use a ball box shelf as a common component between pachinko machines and pachislot machines, but the height above the game machines is such that bill validators are installed, so the table board of the pachinko machine and the pachislot machine It cannot be applied if the height difference between the height and the serving plate does not match.

On the other hand, according to the structure of the game machine island 1 (unit 10), the upper arrangement member 16 disposed above the pachislot machine 2B and the lower arrangement member 15 disposed below the pachinko machine 2A. A storage section 101 that can accommodate the upper arrangement member 16 or the lower arrangement member 15 is provided. As a result, there is no need to share the upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15, so that the upper height of the gaming machine 2 is the same as that of the top plate member 13 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A and the top plate member 13 corresponding to the pachislot machine 2B. Even if the height difference with the plate member 13 does not match, it can be applied without any problem.

<About another invention 2>
Further, from the above-mentioned embodiment, the following other invention 2 is also derived in relation to the above-mentioned other invention 1.
[1] The interior of the unit 10 is divided into at least a storage section 101, a replacement arrangement section 102, and a game machine arrangement section 103 in order from the bottom,
The exchange arrangement section 102 can be integrated into the gaming machine arrangement section depending on the type of gaming machine,
When installing one gaming machine 2A, the related equipment of the one gaming machine 2A is accommodated in the exchange placement section 102, and the front side of the exchange placement section 102 is covered by the lower placement member 15,
When installing another gaming machine 2B, the related equipment of the first gaming machine 2A is removed from the replacement arrangement section 102 and housed in the storage section 101 together with the lower arrangement member 15, leaving the vacant replacement arrangement. The section 102 is integrated with the gaming machine arrangement section to accommodate another gaming machine 2B, and the upper front side of the other gaming machine 2B is covered by the upper arrangement member 16 that was accommodated in the storage section 101. It is characterized by
Here, the equipment related to the one gaming machine 2A housed in the exchange arrangement section 102 corresponds to, for example, the storage tank 40.

[2] The storage section 101 houses a lifting polishing machine 30 that polishes and transports game media used in one gaming machine 2A,
The lifting polishing machine 30 is characterized in that it remains in the storage section 101 as it is even after the gaming machine 2B is reassembled to another game machine 2B that does not use the lifting polishing machine 30.
Here, the lifting polishing machine 30 is configured integrally with its control means, and the lifting machine and the control section can be attached to and detached from the lifting machine arrangement part as one body during maintenance and inspection (including when replacing). It is characterized by

[3] The unit 10 is characterized by having a partition member 121 etc. that divides the inside of the unit 10 into a plurality of regions vertically.

[4] The unit 10 is characterized in that the inner surface thereof is provided with an engaging portion 12a and the like on which the partition member 121 and the like can be installed.
Here, it is preferable that a plurality of engaging portions 12a and the like are provided, for example, on the inner surface of the side plate 11 of the unit 10 at different positions above and below.

[5] The unused partition member 121 and the like can be stored in any area inside the unit 10.
Here, any area is, for example, the storage section 101.

<About another invention 3>
Further, the following third invention can also be derived from the above-described embodiment.
[1] In the gaming machine island 1 consisting of the unit 10 in which the gaming machine 2 can be installed,
The unit 10 is fixed on the floor via a rail 20,
The unit 10 is characterized in that it is movable along the longitudinal direction of the rail 20 and can be fixed at any installation position on the rail 20.

[2] The rail 20 is fixed to the floor side and serves as a reference for the installation position of the unit 10, and the rail 20 is fixed to the lower end side of the unit 10 and is movably fitted to the rail member 21. A base member 22 that fits together.

[3] The rail member 21 is formed in a groove-like cross-sectional shape with an open upper surface side extending in the longitudinal direction,
The base member 22 includes an engaging portion 221 on the upper surface side of the rail member 21 that faces the rail member 22 while straddling the opening thereof,
a slider 23 that is inserted inside the rail member 21 and is movable;
The engaging portion 221 of the base member 22 is screwed to the slider 23 with the upper surface side of the rail member 21 in between, and by fastening the screw, the upper surface side of the rail member 21 is interposed between the upper surface side of the rail member 21 and the slider 23. It is characterized by being clamped and fixed.
The screws here also include bolts.

[4] The rail members 21 are provided as a pair arranged one behind the other in the depth direction of the unit 10,
The base member 22 is provided on the lower end side of both ends of the unit 10,
The engaging portion 221 of each of the base members 22 is characterized in that it is disposed astride between the upper surfaces of the pair of rail members 21.

[5] The slider 23 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and contacts the inner walls on both sides of the rail member 21 at ends located diagonally to each other among two long sides parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail. A pair of projecting pieces 234, 234 are provided,
When the slider 23 rotates in the screw fastening direction and the two long sides are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail, the pair of protrusions 234, 234 come into contact with inner walls on both sides of the rail member 21 to prevent rotation. , when the slider 23 rotates in a direction opposite to the fastening direction of the screw and reaches an angle where the two long sides intersect with the longitudinal direction of the rail, the slider 23 separates from the inner walls on both sides of the rail member 21.

[6] The base member 22 is fixed to the lower end side of the side plate 11 forming both side ends of the unit 10 via metal reinforcing brackets 24,
The base member 22 includes a vertical wall portion 222 that rises substantially perpendicularly from the engaging portion 221 and extends along the lower end side of the side plate 11;
The reinforcing bracket 24 includes a mounting surface portion 241 that covers the opening 110 hollowed out in the side plate 11, and a flange 242 provided on the mounting surface portion 241 and fitted to the inner peripheral edge of the opening 110,
The vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22 is stacked on the mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24 and fixed thereto by screwing.

<About another invention 4>
Moreover, the following another invention 4 can be derived from the above-described embodiment.
[1] In a gaming machine island 1 that includes a plurality of units 10 in which gaming machines 2 can be installed one by one,
The units 10 are arranged side by side in both directions, and an inter-stand member 60 can be detachably attached between each adjacent unit 10 by engaging with the structure of the unit 10 itself.
Here, the inter-stand member 60 includes not only the panel-shaped inter-stand member 60 but also the connecting member 61 that connects the units 10 to each other.

[2] The unit 10 includes a frame member 113 erected at both ends thereof, and the frame member 113 is provided with a groove 113a that opens outward along the vertical direction,
It is characterized in that both ends of the inter-stand member 60 are removably fitted into grooves 113a of the frame member 113 facing each other between adjacent units 10.

[3] The inter-stand member 60 is formed into a panel shape, and both side edges thereof are fitted into the groove 113a.

[4] The unit 10 includes side portions (side plates) 11 parallel to each other at both ends thereof,
The frame member 113 is fixed along the front edge of the side part 11,
The frame member 113 is fixed along the front edge of the side surface portion 11 in such a manner that the frame edge that frames the front opening of the unit 10 protrudes from the inner surface of the side surface portion 11 to the inside of the front opening. The present invention is characterized in that a clearance is formed between the edge of the frame and the inner surface of the side surface portion 11 so that other members attached to the inner surface can be hidden behind the edge of the frame when viewed from the front.

[5] The frame member 113 includes a fixing portion 114 having a substantially U-shaped cross section that engages with the dovetail groove 11a formed on the front edge of the side surface portion 11 and covers the front edge. one end side forms the edge of the frame,
It is characterized in that an angle portion 115 is integrally provided along the front end of the fixing portion 114, forming the groove 113a having a substantially U-shaped cross section together with the front end.

[6] The width of the inter-stand member 60 is wider than the dimension between the frame members 113 of each unit 10, and the inter-stand member 60 is tilted diagonally around the panel center line vertical from the front side between the frame members 113. is set so that it can be inserted between the grooves 113a on both sides,
When the inter-stand member 60 inserted between the grooves 113a on both sides is parallel to the front surface between each frame member 113 and placed at a left-right position where both end edges are hidden in the grooves 113a on both sides, the inter-stand member 60 is inserted between the grooves 113a on both sides. It is characterized in that it includes a stopper 254 into which both lower ends of the member 60 are fitted to position the member 60 in this position.

[7] The unit 10 includes a back portion (movable back plate) 190 that covers at least a portion of the back side thereof,
The back surface part (movable back plate) 190 is removable, and is characterized in that when removed, it can be installed between the both side surface parts 11 and used as part of the mounting surface of the gaming machine 2.

<About another invention 5>
Further, from the above-described embodiment, the following another invention 5 is also derived in relation to the above-mentioned another invention 4.
[1] In the unit 10 in which the gaming machine 2 can be installed one by one,
A frame member 113 is erected at a corner of the unit 10, a groove 113a is formed in the frame member 113, and a fitting member is provided on the front side or the back side of the gaming machine 2 and around the gaming machine 2. It is characterized in that it is attached by fitting both opposing edges of the fitting member into the groove 113a.

[2] The fitting member is an inter-stand member 60 attached between the units 10 arranged apart from each other.

[3] The fitting member is a curtain plate member 18 attached above the gaming machine 2.
Regarding the curtain plate member 18, for example, a pair of rotating shafts protruding laterally are provided at both ends of the upper edge, respectively, and the curtain plate member 18 can be opened and closed on the inside of the front end of the side panels 11, 11 or on the frame member 113 via the rotating shafts. If attached, it can also be interpreted as a type of fitting member.

Further, regarding the connecting member 61, if the lower frame guide 62 and the upper frame guide 63 are considered to correspond to "frame members" and a part of these is considered to be equivalent to a "groove", then the fitting It can also be interpreted as a type of member.

Furthermore, regarding attachment of the back plate 19, the movable back plate 190, the lower placement member 15, and the upper placement member 16, for example, the groove portion 113 of the frame member 113 may be used to allow attachment, or the frame member It is also conceivable to provide, in addition to the groove 113, a groove in which the lower arrangement member 15 and the like can be fitted and attached. According to such a configuration, the back plate 19, the movable back plate 190, the lower arrangement member 15, and the upper arrangement member 16 can also be interpreted as a type of fitting member.

As a conventional game machine island, for example, in the one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-144343, when attaching the side decoration panel to the side plate, it is necessary to add special fixing means such as a receiving part or an insertion part. By inserting the receiving part into the insertion part from above, the side decorative panel could be attached to the side plate. In addition, by inserting the receiving parts on the top and bottom of the inner wall of the back decorative panel into the insertion parts on the lower reinforcing plate and the upper reinforcing plate on the back side of the case frame from above, the back decorative panel can be attached to the case frame. I was installing it.

In contrast, in the unit 10 of the present embodiment, a fitting member is provided on the front side or the back side of the gaming machine 2 and around the gaming machine 2, and both opposing edges of the fitting member are provided. By fitting the frame member 113 into the groove 113a of the frame member 113, the fitting member that can be used for reinforcement can be reused. Furthermore, while improving the strength of the gaming machine island 1 in the horizontal direction, it is possible to assemble and dismantle the gaming machine island 1 more easily than with conventional gaming machine islands.

<About another invention 6>
Further, the following another invention 6 can be derived from the above-described embodiment.
[1] In the storage tank 40 for storing game balls used in the game machine 2,
Comprising a tank body 41 and an attachment part 42 that is detachable from the tank body 41,
The attachment part 42 forms a series of internal spaces with the tank body 41 when attached to the tank body 41,
The tank main body 41 is characterized in that it can store game balls even when the attached section 42 is separated.

[2] The attached portion 42 is removable from the upstream end of the tank body 41,
A plurality of pipe members 423, 424 for receiving game balls from the outside are removably fixed in order to the inside of the attachment part 42 via separate fixing fittings 421, 422 in a vertically overlapping state. It is characterized by

[3] An upper gutter member 43 that is inclined in the opposite direction to the inclination of the bottom plate 410 of the tank main body 41 is disposed near the middle stage in the tank main body 41,
The upper gutter member 43 is characterized by being formed of transparent resin so that the lower part thereof can be transmitted through.

[4] On the bottom plate 410 of the tank body 41, lower sieve members 44 for separating foreign substances from game balls are arranged in a row, and between each of the adjacent lower sieve members 44, there is a It is characterized by providing a step 446 that is one step lower toward the side.

<About another invention 7>
Further, the following another invention 7 can be derived from the above-described embodiment.
[1] In the polishing device 30 that polishes and transports the game media collected from the game machine 2,
A polishing gear 32 that holds game media in tooth grooves 322 arranged in the circumferential direction and is rotatable around an axis, and a polishing gear that is arranged along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32 and can be polished in contact with the game media. A member 330;
The polishing member 330 is a long tape wound into a roll and stored in a cassette 331, and the cassette 331 is detachable from the main body 31 on which the polishing gear 32 is provided. can be,
When the cassette 331 is attached to the main body 31, the polishing member 330 pulled out from the cassette 331 is aligned with the outer circumference of the polishing gear 32, and then the polishing member 330 is moved parallel to the attachment/detachment direction of the cassette 331. It is characterized by being able to send out in the direction.

[2] In order to send out the polishing member 330, a pair of rotating bodies 351 and 352 are provided which can rotate while sandwiching the polishing member 330 halfway;
The pair of rotating bodies 351 and 352 are characterized in that a line connecting their rotational axes is orthogonal to the direction in which the cassette 331 is attached and detached.
Here, the rotating bodies 351 and 352 are not limited to gears, but may also be rollers whose outer peripheries are treated to prevent slipping.

[3] Among the pair of rotating bodies 351 and 352, one is pivotally supported by the cassette 331 as a driven rotating body 352, and the other is pivotally supported by the main body 31 as a driving rotating body 351 and rotationally driven by power. It is characterized by

[4] The cassette 331 has a curved surface portion 332 recessed in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32 on its front end side, and a side wall 331a continuous to one end of the curved surface portion 332, and the polishing member a guide groove 333 for pulling out the 330 to the outside;
The driven rotary body 352 is arranged on the other side wall 331b continuous to the other end of the curved surface portion 332,
The polishing member 330 is pulled out from the guide groove 333 to one end side of the curved surface portion 332, and is sent out by the driving rotary body 351 and the driven rotary body 352 while moving along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32. It is characterized by being

[5] A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the polishing member 330 is provided in the cassette 331 in the middle of the movement path of the polishing member 330 from the guide groove 333 to the pair of rotating bodies 351, 352. shall be.

[6] The main body 31 is characterized in that a driving means 35, which is a power system of the polishing device 30, and a control means for controlling the operation of the driving means 35 are each integrally assembled.

[7] A flat positioning member 314 is provided for placing and positioning one end of the main body 31 when the main body 31 is placed on an installation surface,
The positioning member can be inserted and removed in the middle of the movement path of the game ball from the polishing gear 32 to the game ball discharge side in the main body 31, and when inserted in the middle, the positioning member The feature is that it doubles as a shutter to stop game balls from flowing out.

[8] Equipped with a lifting path 34 for lifting upward the game balls sequentially pushed out as the polishing gear 32 rotates,
A reinforcing wall 341a is provided on the outer periphery of a portion of the lifting path 34 that bends with a curvature of a predetermined value or more.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention may be modified or added without departing from the gist of the present invention. include. For example, the arrangement and number of units 10 in the game machine island 1 are not limited to the aspects of the embodiment described above, and when installed near a wall in a game store, the units 10 are not placed back to back, but only in both directions. .

In addition, not only the frame member 113, top plate member 13, lower arrangement member 15, upper arrangement member 16, waist board member 17, curtain board member 18, etc., which constitute the unit 10 itself, but also the rail 20, etc. are repeatedly It is possible to reuse it. In addition, the unit of this embodiment includes the inter-machine member 60, connecting member 61, fastening member 70, related equipment related to the structure of the game machine island 1, such as the storage tank 40, the lifting polishing device 30, the supply gutter 50, etc. 10 or all the parts and equipment related to the gaming machine island 1 can be repeatedly reused.

The supply gutter according to the present invention can be widely applied to a gaming machine island equipped with pachinko machines and pachislot machines as gaming machines.

1...Game machine island 1A...Game machine island 1B...Game machine island 2...Game machine 2A...Pachinko machine 2B...Slot machine 3...Game board surface 4...Handle 5...Saucer 6...Ceiling decorative board 7...Side wall decorative board 8...stand Interval service machine 8a...Ball counter 9...Island accessory device 10...Unit 100...Replenishment device 101...Storage section 102...Replacement arrangement section 103...Game machine arrangement section 105...Stud member 106...Stud member 107...Stud bracket 11...Side Face plate 11a...Dovetail groove 110...Opening part 111...Handle hole 112...Notch part 113...Frame member 113a...Concave groove 114...Fixed part 115...Angle part 12a...Engaging part 12b...Engaging part 121...Partition member (fixed)
122...Partition member (fixed)
125... Upper end front member 126... Upper end rear member 127... Upper mounting member 128... Upper partition member 128a... Groove 13... Top plate member 130... Metal plate 131... Mounting bracket 132... Presser bracket 133... Presser bar 15... Lower arrangement member 16...Upper arrangement member 17...Waist board member 170...Rotary shaft 171...Lowermost arrangement member 172...Lowermost arrangement member 18...Curtain plate member 181...Mounting piece 182...Lower end piece 183a...Groove portion 19...Back plate 190...Movable back plate 20...Rail 200...Anchor bolt 21...Rail member 21a...Rail member 210...Bottom part 211...Fixing hole 212...Reinforcement plate 22...Base member 220...Fastening bolt 221...Engagement part 221a...Through hole 222...Vertical wall part 222a ...Adjustment hole 223...Side wall part 224...Nut 225...Bracket 226...Bracket 227...Plate 23...Slider 231...Top surface part 232...Leg wall part 233...Concave part 234...Protrusion piece 24...Reinforcement bracket 240...Mounting bolt 241...Mounting surface part 241a...Mounting piece 242...Fitting flange 243...Mounting hole 244...Nut 25...Anchor 251...Support piece 252...Horizontal bar 253...Adjuster bolt 254...Stopper 30...Lift polishing device 31...Main body 310...Top surface part 311...Cassette Pedestal 312... Engaged portion 313... Shutter 314... Positioning member 32... Polishing gear 32a... Large diameter portion 32b... Reduced diameter portion 32c... Thin diameter portion 320... Casing 320a... Polishing window 321... Guide tooth 322... Teeth Groove 328... Communication passage 33... Polishing means 330... Polishing member 331... Cassette 331a... One side wall 331b... Other side wall 332... Curved surface portion 333... Guide groove 334... Guide path 335... Mounting shaft 336, 337... Engaging portion 338... Rib 34... Lifting path 340... Fixed bracket 341... Lower lifting path 341a... Reinforcement wall 342... Main lifting path 35... Drive means 350... Electric motor 351... Drive gear 352... Driven gear 36... Control means 40... Storage tank 41...Tank body 41a...Step part 410...Bottom plate 411...Side plate 412...Front plate 413...Rear plate 414...Opening part 415...Ball discharge port 416...Mounting part 42...Attachment part 421, 422...Fixing metal fittings 423, 424 ...Pipe member 43...Upper gutter member 44...Lower sieve member 441...Introduction surface part 442...Foreign object falling part 443...Protrusion 444...Partition plate 445...Ball breaking bar 446...Step 447,448...Engaging piece 45...Shutter 450... Slanted edge 50...Replenishment gutter 51...Gutter body 510...Downstream upper half 511...Detection section 512...Detection section 513, 514, 515, 516...Rib 517...Engagement claw 52...Route 52A...Replenishment route 52B...Falling route 521... Partition wall 522... Partition wall 523... Ball outlet 524... Ball outlet 525... Ball outlet 53... Receiving part 531... Supply port 532... Guide part 54... Guide wall 540... Front edge 541... Notch part 55... Support bracket 551... Bottom plate 552, 553... Flange 554... Opening 555... Through hole 556... Mounting hole 557... Mounting groove 558... Mounting plate 559... Fixture 60... Inter-stand member 601... Cover member 602... Cap member 61... Connection member 62... Lower frame guide 63... Upper frame guide 70... Fastening member

Claims (6)

In the supply gutter that is placed above the game machine and supplies game balls to the game machine,
There are multiple rail-like paths lined up on both sides along which game balls flow down in a row.
The paths at both ends of each of the paths form a supply path for supplying game balls to the game machine or related equipment, and the path inside both supply paths forms a drop path for dropping surplus game balls. supply gutter. The replenishment according to claim 1, wherein both of the replenishment routes are arranged at a higher position than the falling route, and surplus game balls on both of the replenishment routes can be moved to the falling route by a head difference. gutter. A partition wall between the replenishing route and the adjacent falling route is set at a height that allows the game balls to move from the replenishing route to the falling route,
The replenishment gutter according to claim 2, wherein the upper end of the partition wall is inclined toward an inner falling path. A receiving section for receiving the lifted game balls is provided on the upstream side of each of the routes,
4. The replenishment gutter according to claim 3, wherein each of the paths is divided into four sections on the upstream side from the receiving portion, and the two drop paths are arranged in pairs inside both the replenishment paths. 5. The replenishment gutter according to claim 4, wherein the partition walls between the respective falling paths are set at a height such that game balls cannot move from each other. The receiving part and the upstream sides of both supply paths are surrounded by a guide wall of a predetermined height from the rear, which is the opposite side to the downward direction of the ball flow, to the front, which is the downward direction of the ball flow,
The front side of the guide wall opens above the falling path, and the vicinity of the opening is arranged above the upstream sides of both the supply paths so as not to impede the flow of the game balls,
6. The replenishment gutter according to claim 5, wherein the receiving portion is provided with a guide portion that guides game balls to both replenishment paths rather than the falling path.

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