JP4097449B2

JP4097449B2 - Gaming machine outer casing

Info

Publication number: JP4097449B2
Application number: JP2002107064A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 朝子垣内; 実尾城
Original assignee: RP Topla Ltd
Current assignee: RP Topla Ltd
Priority date: 2002-04-09
Filing date: 2002-04-09
Publication date: 2008-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 2022-04-09
Also published as: JP2003299767A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、スロットマシンやパチンコ機等のゲーム機を組み込むために正面が開口し、この正面開口を囲むように左右、上下、および背面に配置される複数の面板より成る実質的に箱型のゲーム機用外筐に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種のゲーム機用外筐としては、例えば、スロットマシンでは、その外筐は合板材を用いた木工製品を使用していた。しかしながら、森林資源の保護が求められていること、および木工製品である従来の外筐では保管や運搬に大きなスペースを必要とするため、流通経費が高くつくこと等の問題が指摘されていた。これらの課題への対応として、特許公報第２９３５７０２号に開示された技術等が既に提案されている。
【０００３】
かかる技術は、ゲーム機を組み込む正面が開放された実質的に箱型の外筐であって、ゲーム機を組み込む正面を囲むように配置される複数の樹脂製の面板と、正面に相対する背面板とを有し、各面板のうち少なくとも一部のものは凹部を内面に有しており、複数の面板は背面板の左右および上下に折り畳み可能に軸支され、かつ複数の面板は互いに嵌り合う嵌合構造を持っており、組み立て時に、複数の面板と背面板とを結合子を用いて分解可能に結合したことを特徴とするゲーム機用組み立て外筐に関するものである。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、最近では、部品メーカーにおいて組み立てに関わる部品点数の削減や、組み付け工数の削減による更なる低コスト化が求められている。また、製品メーカーにおいては、製品の組み付け工数の削減のため、部品メーカーに対してモジュール化等が要請されていた。
【０００５】
ここで前述した特許公報に開示された技術では、本外筐を製品メーカーであるパチスロメーカーにおいて組み立てた上で、更に関連部品を組み付けるものであるが、本外筐だけに関しても、各面板同士の結合に金属製の補強枠や結合子として止めねじを用いるなど部品点数が多く、組み付け工数も過大となり、コストアップを招くという問題があった。
【０００６】
また、木工製品から樹脂製品に変更することによって、森林の伐採による自然環境の保全、安定供給は解決され、また、リサイクル可能な材料となるが、リサイクル利用の際に、各面板同士を結合している金属製の補強枠や止めねじを逐一取り除く作業が非常に面倒であるため、かかるリサイクル利用に際しても、コストアップを招くという問題があった。
【０００７】
しかも、更なる樹脂材料の効率的使用による省資源化、軽量化には十分対応できないという問題もあった。すなわち、前記特許公報に開示された技術では、外筐に関して十分な製品強度を達成するために各面板の肉厚を厚くするなど多くの材料の使用が必要であった。また、組み立て後における各面板同士の結合強度を高める上での特別な工夫も必要であった。
【０００８】
本発明は、以上のような従来技術が有する問題点に着目してなされたもので、その課題は、樹脂材料を使用し、製品強度を本外枠にかかる保管・運搬および設置時の総荷重に十分耐え得る程度に設定しつつ、組み付け工数の削減および軽量化を実現でき、しかも極めて容易なリサイクル使用を可能とすることにより、省資源化を推進する環境に優しいゲーム機用外筐を提供することである。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前述した目的を達成するための本発明の要旨とするところは、次の項の発明に存する。
［１］ゲーム機（１）を組み込むために正面が開口し、正面開口を囲むように左右、上下、および背面に配置される樹脂製の複数の面板（１１〜１５）より成る実質的に箱型のゲーム機用外筐（１０）において、
前記複数の面板（１１〜１５）のうち、少なくとも上面板（１４）、左右の側面板（１２，１３）、および背面板（１１）を、それぞれ基板（２１）の外壁面側に複数のリブ（２２）を互いに交叉する方向に並べて間をすかして設け、該リブ（２２）で仕切られた各区画が凹部（２３）となる面板（２０）によって構成すると共に、各面板（１１〜１５）を互いに箱形に結合した状態に一体成形し、
前記複数の面板（１１〜１５）のうち底面板（１５）も、基板（２１）の外壁面側に複数のリブ（２２）を互いに交叉する方向に並べて間をすかして設け、かつ底面板（１５）の対角線上に沿って前記リブ（２２）とは別に一対の特別リブ（１４０）を互いに中央で交叉させて設け、リブ（２２）および特別リブ（１４０）で仕切られた各区画が凹部（２３）となる面板（２０）によって構成し、特別リブ（１４０）の厚さはリブ（２２）と同一とし、特別リブ（１４０）の幅はリブ（２２）よりも大きく設定し、
前記左右の側面板（１２，１３）および背面板（１１）の各内側に、所望の高さ位置で棚板（１６）を略水平な状態に保持するための嵌合構造を有し、該嵌合構造を少なくとも前記左右の側面板（１２，１３）に孔部（１２４）を開設しない構造とし、
前記左右の側面板（１２，１３）および背面板（１１）の各内側に、前記棚板（１６）の両側端縁および後端縁を受けるように前記各内側に亘り所定幅で連なるように延出する支持リブ（２５）を前記リブ（２２）とは別に設け、該支持リブ（２５）上に嵌合凸部（２６）と被嵌合凹部（２７）とを交互に並設して、前記嵌合構造を形成し、
前記棚板（１６）の両側端縁および後端縁に、前記支持リブ（２５）上で前記嵌合凸部（２６）および前記被嵌合凹部（２７）に対して互いに端面同士が密着して嵌り合う同様の嵌合凸部（２８）と被嵌合凹部（２９）とを交互に並設し、
前記棚板（１６）は、基板（２１）の下面側に複数のリブ（２２）を縦方向および横方向に平行に並ぶ格子状に設けて成り、前記各側面板（１２，１３）と同様にリブ（２２）で仕切られた各区画が凹部（２３）となり、
前記棚板（１６）は、その基板（２１）の厚さよりも、リブ（２２）の厚さおよび幅を大きく設定すると共に、該棚板（１６）に、部品配置用の孔部（１２４ｃ，１２４ｄ）を開設し、該孔部（１２４ｃ，１２４ｄ）の周囲に、孔部（１２４ｃ，１２４ｄ）内縁をフランジ状に囲むリブ（２４）を設けたことを特徴とするゲーム機用外筐（１０）。
【００２２】
次に前述した解決手段に基づく作用を説明する。
ゲーム機用外筐（１０）を一般のスロットマシン（１）に用いた場合、関連部品を組み込んだゲーム機（１）全体の重量が１台当たり約５０kg程度になるが、ゲーム機（１）の保管や運搬時に、例えば６個単位で上下にパレットを介して積み重ねると、載置状態や高さのバラツキにより、最大６個分の総荷重（３００kg）が１台のゲーム機（１）にかかるおそれがある。
【００２３】
そこで、ゲーム機用外筐（１０）の主要部を成す上面板（１４）、左右の側面板（１２，１３）、および背面板（１１）を、それぞれ基板（２１）の外壁面側に複数のリブ（２２）を互いに交叉する方向に並べて間をすかして設け、該リブ（２２）で仕切られた各区画が凹部（２３）となる面板（２０）によって構成し、各面板（１１〜１５）における基板（２１）の厚さやリブ（２２）の本数や配置、それに個々のリブ（２２）の厚さや幅等を、前述した総荷重に耐え得るように設定する。
【００２４】
このように、基板（２１）の外壁面側に複数のリブ（２２）と凹部（２３）を有する面板（２０）を用いることにより、従来の外筐のように各面板（１１〜１５）の内面に凹部（２３）を有するものに比較して、さらに十分な強度および剛性を確保しつつ、十分に軽量化することも可能となる。それにより、樹脂材料をより効率的に使用することが可能となり、省資源化の要請にもより十分に応じることができる。
【００２５】
前記面板（２０）における基板（２１）および複数のリブ（２２）を樹脂材料より一体成形すれば、基板（２１）の厚さやリブ（２２）の配置や本数、それに個々のリブ（２２）の厚さや幅等を任意に設定したものを容易に製造することができる。さらに、複数の面板（１１〜１５）を互いに箱形に結合した状態に一体成形することにより、各面板（１１〜１５）を後から補強枠や結合子等で組み合わせる手間が省けて、部品点数や組み付け工数も削減され、しかもリサイクル時における樹脂と金属との分別作業も不要となる。
【００２６】
また、前記面板（２０）における基板（２１）上のリブ（２２）の配置であるが、具体的には例えば、基板（２１）の縦方向および横方向に平行に並ぶ略格子状にリブ（２２）を配置したり、あるいは基板（２１）の縦方向および横方向に対して斜めに交わる方向に並ぶ略格子状にリブ（２２）を配置してもよい。後者の方が、段積み強度およびねじれ強度ともに高いことが実験データにより明らかになっている。
【００２７】
更に、複数の面板（１１〜１５）のうち底面板（１５）も、基板（２１）の外壁面側に複数のリブ（２２）を互いに交叉する方向に並べて間をすかして設け、かつ底面板（１５）の対角線上に沿って前記リブ（２２）とは別に特別リブ（１４０）を互いに中央で交叉させて設け、リブ（２２）および特別リブ（１４０）で仕切られた各区画が凹部（２３）となる面板（２０）によって構成するから、特別リブ（１４０）によっていっそうとねじれ強度が高められる。ここで、特別リブ（１４０）の厚さはリブ（２２）と同一とし、特別リブ（１４０）の幅はリブ（２２）よりも大きく設定することで、なおさら強度を高めることができる。
【００２８】
更にまた、左右の側面板（１２，１３）および背面板（１１）の各内側に、所望の高さ位置で棚板（１６）を略水平な状態に保持するための嵌合構造を設けたので、棚板（１６）を位置ずれしないように強固に取り付けることができる。しかも、棚板（１６）は箱状内部空間を実質的に上下２空間に区画する隔壁を成すので、外筐全体のねじれ強度を格段に高めることができる。かかる嵌合構造は、少なくとも左右の側面板（１２，１３）に孔部（１２４）を開設しない構造であるため、余計な孔部（１２４）の開設による強度の低下を防止することができる。
【００２９】
前記嵌合構造は、具体的には、左右の側面板（１２，１３）および背面板（１１）の各内側に、前記棚板（１６）の両側端縁および後端縁を受けるように前記各内側に亘り所定幅で連なるように延出する支持リブ（２５）を前記リブ（２２）とは別に設け、該支持リブ（２５）上に嵌合凸部（２６）と被嵌合凹部（２７）とを交互に並設して形成する。
【００３０】
一方、保持される側の棚板（１６）の両側端縁および後端縁にも、前記支持リブ（２５）上で前記嵌合凸部（２６）および前記被嵌合凹部（２７）に対して嵌り合う同様の嵌合凸部（２８）と被嵌合凹部（２９）とを交互に並設する。これにより、それぞれナックル状に組み合わされる嵌合凸部（２６，２８）および被嵌合凹部（２７，２９）の嵌合により、棚板（１６）を簡易かつ強固に結合させることが可能となる。特に、嵌合凸部（２６，２８）および被嵌合凹部（２７，２９）の端面同士が密着して嵌り合うことで、相当な荷重に耐え得る十分な強度を確保することができる。
【００３１】
また、棚板（１６）も、基板（２１）の下面側に複数のリブ（２２）を縦方向および横方向に平行に並ぶ格子状に設けて成り、前記各側面板（１２，１３）と同様にリブ（２２）で仕切られた各区画が凹部（２３）となる面板（２０）によって構成することにより、十分な強度および剛性を確保しつつ、十分に軽量化することも可能となる。
【００３２】
また、棚板（１６）は、その基板（２１）の厚さよりも、リブ（２２）の厚さおよび幅を大きく設定することにより、棚板（１６）上に配設する関連部品により受け得る垂直荷重を十分に支えられると共に、ゲーム機用外筐（１０）全体にかかるねじれ荷重に十分に耐え得る強度を得ることが可能となり、棚板（１６）自体の最大変形量や最大応力を極力抑えることができる。
【００３３】
また、棚板（１６）に、部品配置用の孔部（１２４ｃ，１２４ｄ）を開設したからスロットマシン（１）を構成する関連部品（６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃ）を、棚板（１６）上に容易に位置決めして配設することができる。ここで孔部（１２４ｃ，１２４ｄ）の周囲に、孔部（１２４ｃ，１２４ｄ）内縁をフランジ状に囲むリブ（２４）を設けたから、孔部（１２４）周囲における局所的な強度の低下を防止することができる。
【００３６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面に基づき本発明を代表する各種実施の形態を説明する。
図１〜図９は本発明の第１実施の形態を示している。
本実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐１０は、ゲーム機を組み込むために正面が開口し、正面開口を囲むように左右、上下、および背面に配置される樹脂製の複数の面板１１〜１５より成る実質的に箱型のものである。以下、ゲーム機として、図６および図７に示すスロットマシン１を構成する場合を例に説明する。
【００３７】
図１および図２に示すように、ゲーム機用外筐１０は６面体であり、開口した正面を囲む複数の面板１１〜１５として、正面に相対向する背面板１１と、右側面板１２と、左側面板１３と、上面板１４と、底面板１５とを有し、これら５枚の面板１１〜１５から基本的な枠組が構成されている。
【００３８】
各面板１１〜１５は、スロットマシン１の組み付け上、通常予想される負荷荷重に十分に耐えられる剛性を備える合成樹脂材によって形成される。各面板１１〜１５は、それぞれ基板２１の外壁面側に複数のリブ２２を互いに交叉する方向に並べて設けた樹脂製面板２０によって構成される。
【００３９】
樹脂製面板２０は、樹脂材料からパネル状に成形されたものであり、図４に一部断面を示すように、所定の厚さの基板２１の外壁面側に複数のリブ２２を互いに交叉する方向、詳しくは基板２１の縦方向および横方向に平行に並べて間をすかして設けて成り、リブ２２で仕切られた各区画が凹部２３となるものである。
【００４０】
樹脂製面板２０における基板２１および複数のリブ２２は樹脂材料より一体成形されており、さらに各面板１１〜１５は、最初から互いに箱形に結合した状態に一体成形される。このようなゲーム機用外筐１０の各面板１１〜１５は、具体的にはガスアシスト成形または発泡成形によって形成される。なお、樹脂材料にはポリスチレン等を用いるとよい。
【００４１】
図１に示すように、右側面板１２と左側面板１３は互いに対称形であり、それぞれ縦方向に延びる長方形状の主要部１２１と、該主要部１２１の一端側に連なり正面開口に沿って縦長台形状に延びる前端縁部１２２とに区画されている。主要部１２１の略中央には、上半部と下半部とを略二分する中央帯部１２３があり、該中央帯部１２３を除く主要部１２１の上半部と下半部には、基板２１の外壁面側に複数のリブ２２が縦方向および横方向に平行に並ぶ格子状に配置されている。
【００４２】
各側面板１２，１３の主要部１２１における基板２１の厚さやリブ２２の本数や配置、それに個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅等は、ゲーム機用外筐１０全体にかかる総荷重に耐え得るように設定されている。ここで総荷重とは、ゲーム機用外筐１０の底面板１５を拘束した状態において、上面板１４に垂直方向にかかる段積み荷重のうち予め想定した予想最大値、あるいはゲーム機用外筐１０の正面開口の上端一端側に正面からかかるねじれ荷重のうち予め想定した予想最大値が相当する。
【００４３】
前記総荷重のうち段積み荷重の予想最大値は２９４０Ｎ（３００kgf）、ねじれ荷重の予想最大値は２９４Ｎ（３０kgf）にそれぞれ想定される。かかる総荷重に耐え得るように、具体的には例えば、各側面板１２，１３の主要部１２１における基板２１の厚さは４．０ｍｍで、リブ２２の本数や配置は図１に示すような態様とし、図４に示すように個々のリブ２２の厚さは１１．０ｍｍで幅は４．０ｍｍに設定するとよい。
【００４４】
ここでリブ２２の厚さとは、基板２２の外壁面上に略垂直に突出するリブ２２の高さと同義であり、リブ２２の幅とは、リブ２２の長手方向に対して垂直に交叉する方向における肉厚と同義である。各側面板１２，１３全体の寸法は、例えば、厚さ（基板２１の厚さ＋リブ２２の厚さ）が１５．０ｍｍで、上辺の長さが２０２ｍｍ、下辺の長さが３００ｍｍ、縦方向の長さが８１０ｍｍとする。
【００４５】
主要部１２１の上半部には、放熱用あるいは取手用として孔部１２４ａが開設されており、該孔部１２４ａの周囲に沿って、その内縁をフランジ状に囲むようにリブ２４が設けられている。また、主要部１２１の下半部にも、同様に孔部１２４ｂが開設されており、該孔部１２４ｂの周囲にもリブ２４が設けられている。
【００４６】
各側面板１２，１３における前端縁部１２２の外壁面は、前記リブ２２が基板２１の外壁面側に露出しない滑面として形成されている。すなわち、前端縁部１２２は、当該部位のみ前記主要部１２１とは異なり、基板２１の内壁面側に横方向に延びるリブ２２が上下に並ぶよう一体成形されている。ここで主要部１２１と前端縁部１２２との境目は、図４に示すように段部１２５として形成されており、主要部１２１と前端縁部１２２とで、表裏の基準面（基板２１の滑面またはリブ２２の上端面）が同一平面上に連なるように設定されている。
【００４７】
また、図２に示すように、各側面板１２，１３の内側における略中央の高さ付近（前記中央帯部１２３の内壁面側）には、当該位置に棚板１６を略水平な状態に保持するための嵌合構造が設けられている。かかる嵌合構造は、各側面板１２，１３に孔部を開設しない構造となっている。なお、中央帯部１２３の外壁面側に見える左右一対の窪み２６ａは、次述する嵌合凸部２６を突出させるための金型キャビティ（入れ子）の挿入跡であり、樹脂製面板２０の表裏面に貫通する孔部ではない。
【００４８】
詳しく言えば嵌合構造は、左右の側面板１２，１３および後述する背面板１１の各内側に、棚板１６の両側端縁および後端縁を受けるように前記各内側に亘り所定幅で延出する支持リブ２５を設け、該支持リブ２５上に嵌合凸部２６と被嵌合凹部２７とを交互に並設して成る。棚板１６の両側端縁および後端縁には、前記支持リブ２５上で前記嵌合凸部２６および前記被嵌合凹部２７に対して互いに端面同士が密着して嵌り合う同様の嵌合凸部２８と被嵌合凹部２９とが交互に並設されている。
【００４９】
図５に示すように棚板１６は、所定の厚さの基板２１の下面側に複数のリブ２２を縦方向および横方向に平行に並ぶ格子状に設けて成り、前記各側面板１２，１３と同様に、リブ２２で仕切られた各区画が凹部２３となっている。棚板１６における基板２１の厚さやリブ２２の本数や配置、それに個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅等は、該棚板１６上に配設する関連部品により受け得る垂直荷重（例えば４９Ｎ（５kgf））を十分に支えられる強度を持ち、しかもゲーム機用外筐１０全体にかかるねじれ荷重に十分に耐え得る程度に設定するとよい。
【００５０】
具体的には例えば、棚板１６における基板２１の厚さは２．０ｍｍで、リブ２２の本数や配置は図５に示すような態様とし、個々のリブ２２の厚さ（高さ）は１６．０ｍｍで幅は６．０ｍｍに設定するとよい。概して棚板１６では、基板２１の厚さよりも、リブ２２の厚さや幅を大きく設定すれば、棚板１６自体の最大変形量や最大応力を極力抑えることが可能となる。棚板１６全体の寸法は、例えば、厚さ（基板２１の厚さ＋リブ２２の厚さ）が１８．０ｍｍで、長辺の長さが４４０ｍｍ、短辺の長さが１５２ｍｍとする。
【００５１】
棚板１６上には、後述するがスロットマシン１を構成する関連部品としてドラム６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃ（図７参照）等が配設されるが、その適所には部品配置用の孔部１２４ｃ，１２４ｄが開設されている。かかる各孔部１２４ｃ，１２４ｄの周囲にも、前記孔部１２４ａ，１２４ｂの場合と同様に孔部内縁をフランジ状に囲むリブ２４が設けられている。なお、前述したが棚板１６の両側端縁と後端縁には、それぞれ前記嵌合構造に対して嵌り合う嵌合凸部２８と被嵌合凹部２９とが交互に並設されている。
【００５２】
ゲーム機用外筐１０内において前記棚板１６を保持する高さ位置は、各スロットマシンメーカーにより微妙に異なるものである。従って、棚板１６を保持する前記嵌合構造の位置を変更可能とするために、ゲーム機用外筐１０全体を一体成形するにあたり、例えば、前記嵌合構造の支持リブ２５、嵌合凸部２６および被嵌合凹部２７に対応する部位を含む一定面積部分の金型キャビティ（入れ子）を入れ替え可能な金型を用いるとよい。
【００５３】
図４に一部断面を示すように背面板１１は、前記各側面板１２，１３と同様に、所定の厚さの基板２１の外壁面側に複数のリブ２２を縦方向および横方向に平行に並ぶ格子状に設けた樹脂製面板２０によって構成されている。背面板１１における基板２１の厚さやリブ２２の本数や配置、それに個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅等は、ゲーム機用外筐１０全体にかかる前述した総荷重に耐え得るように設定されている。
【００５４】
具体的には例えば、背面板１１における基板２１の厚さは４．０ｍｍで、リブ２２の本数や配置は図４に示すような間隔で縦横に並ぶ格子状となる態様とし、個々のリブ２２の厚さ（高さ）は５．０ｍｍで幅も５．０ｍｍに設定するとよい。ここで前記左右の側面板１２，１３におけるリブ２２の厚さ（１１．０ｍｍ）の方が、背面板１１におけるリブの厚さ（５．０ｍｍ）よりも２倍以上に大きく設定されている。背面板１１全体の寸法は、厚さ（基板２１の厚さ＋リブ２２の厚さ）が９．０ｍｍで、縦方向の長さが８１０ｍｍ、横方向の長さが４７５ｍｍとする。
【００５５】
図３に示すように、背面板１１の随所には、必要に応じて各孔部１２４ｅ〜１２４ｈが開設されているが、これらの孔部１２４ｅ〜１２４ｈの周囲にも、前記各孔部１２４ａ〜１２４ｄと同様に孔部内縁をフランジ状に囲むリブ２４が図示省略したが設けられている。なお、前述したが背面板１１の内側における略中央の高さ付近には、前述した嵌合構造を構成する支持リブ２５や嵌合凸部２６および被嵌合凹部２７が、前記各側面板１２，１３のそれらと連なるように設けられている。
【００５６】
図１に示すように上面板１４も、前記各面板１１〜１３と同様に、所定の厚さの基板２１の外壁面側に複数のリブ２２を縦方向および横方向に平行に並ぶ格子状に設けた樹脂製面板２０によって構成されている。上面板１４における基板２１の厚さやリブ２２の本数や配置、それに個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅等は、ゲーム機用外筐１０全体にかかる前述した総荷重に耐え得るように設定されている。
【００５７】
具体的には例えば、上面板１４における基板２１の厚さは４．０ｍｍで、リブ２２の本数や配置は図１に示すような間隔で縦横に並ぶ格子状となる態様とし、個々のリブ２２の厚さ（高さ）は１４．０ｍｍで幅は４．０ｍｍに設定するとよい。上面板１４全体の寸法は、厚さ（基板２１の厚さ＋リブ２２の厚さ）が１８．０ｍｍで、奥行方向の長さが２０２ｍｍ、横方向の長さが４７５ｍｍとする。
【００５８】
また、上面板１４の随所にも、必要に応じて複数の孔部１２４ｉ〜１２４ｍが前後に一対ずつ並ぶように開設されているが、これらの孔部１２４ｉ〜１２４ｍの周囲にも、前記各孔部１２４ａ〜１２４ｈの場合と同様に孔部内縁をフランジ状に囲むリブ２４が設けられている。
【００５９】
図１に示す底面板１５も、前記各面板１１〜１４と同様に樹脂製面板２０によって構成されている。底面板１５における基板２１の厚さやリブ２２（図示せず）の本数や配置、それに個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅等は、スロットマシン１の関連部品であるメダルホッパ７等の重量物を設置するのに必要な強度を持ち、ゲーム機用外筐１０全体にかかる前述した総荷重に耐え得るように設定されている。
【００６０】
具体的には例えば、底面板１５における基板２１の厚さは４．０ｍｍで、リブ２２の本数や配置は図示省略したが前記上面板１４とほぼ同様な格子状の態様とし、個々のリブ２２の厚さ（高さ）は１４．０ｍｍで幅は４．０ｍｍに設定するとよい。底面板１５全体の寸法は、厚さ（基板２１の厚さ＋リブ２２の厚さ）が１８．０ｍｍで、奥行方向の長さが３００ｍｍ、横方向の長さが４７５ｍｍとする。
【００６１】
底面板１５の内側には、所望の位置に関連部品であるメダルホッパ７を保持するための係止部１２６が設けられている。かかる係止部１２６は、互いに平行に所定距離だけ離れて対向するように一対設けられており、互いに内側向きに対向するアングル形状に形成されている。
【００６２】
各係止部１２６の間に、メダルホッパ７の下端側をスライドさせるようにして、はめ込み配設できるようになっているが、底面板１５上における係止部１２６の配置位置は、各スロットマシンメーカーにより微妙に異なるものである。この係止部１２６の位置を変更可能とするために、底面板１５を成す樹脂製面板２００を成形するに当たり、例えば、前記係止部１２６に対応する部位を含む一定面積部分の金型キャビティ（入れ子）を入れ替え可能な金型を用いるとよい。
【００６３】
次に作用を説明する。
ゲーム機用外筐１０を製造するには、正面開口を囲む複数の面板１１〜１５を互いに箱形に結合した状態に一体成形する。具体的にはガスアシスト成形または発泡成形を採用するとよい。このような一体成形によれば、各面板１１〜１５を後から補強枠や結合子等で互いに組み合わせる作業が不要となり、また、部品点数や組み付け工数が削減される。しかも、ゲーム機用外筐１０のリサイクル時において、樹脂と金属との分別作業も不要となる。もちろん樹脂材料の使用より、木材資源を保護することになり、省資源化およびリサイクル使用の要請にも応じることができる。
【００６４】
各面板１１〜１５は、それぞれ所定の厚さの基板２１の外壁面側に複数のリブ２２を格子状に設けた樹脂製面板２０によって構成する。かかる樹脂製面板２０において、リブ２２で仕切られた各区画が凹部２３となる。このように、基板２１の外壁面側に複数のリブ２２と凹部２３を有する面板１１〜１５を用いることにより、従来の外筐のように各面板１１〜１５の内面に凹部２３を有するものに比較して、より十分な強度および剛性を確保しつつ、さらに軽量化することも可能となる。
【００６５】
ゲーム機用外筐１０を一般のスロットマシン１に用いた場合、関連部品を組み込んだゲーム機１全体の重量が１台当たり約５０kg程度となるが、スロットマシン１の保管や運搬時に、例えば６個単位で上下にパレットを介して積み重ねた場合、載置状態や高さのバラツキにより、最大６個分の総荷重３００kgが１台のスロットマシン１にかかるおそれがある。
【００６６】
従って、ゲーム機用外筐１０の底面板１５を拘束した状態において、上面板１４に垂直方向にかかる段積み荷重に関しては予想最大値を２９４０Ｎ（３００kgf）とし、この他、ゲーム機用外筐１０の正面開口の上端一端側に正面からかかるねじれ荷重も考慮し、ねじれ荷重の予想最大値を仮に２９４Ｎ（３０kgf）として、かかる総荷重にも十分耐え得る程度に、前記各面板１１〜１５を成す樹脂製面板２０における基板２１の厚さ、リブ２２の本数や配置、それに個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅等を任意に設定する。
【００６７】
次に前記総荷重に対する応力解析の実験データの一部を説明する。
解析条件としては、ゲーム機用外筐１０を構成する各面板１１〜１５の具体的な全体寸法は前述した通りとし、樹脂材質は、曲げ弾性率２６００Ｎ／ｍｍ^２、引張り強度３３Ｎ／ｍｍ^２、比重１．０５のポリスチレンとする。また、荷重・拘束条件としては、図８に示すように、段積み荷重に関するＮｏ．１と、ねじれ荷重に関するＮｏ．２との２通りとする。
【００６８】
図９は、前記荷重・拘束条件において、従来技術に係る外筐と本第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐１０との解析結果を示している。図９の図表中で、「安全率」とは、引張り強度／最大応力、で求められる数値であり、この数値が高いほど強度や剛性は向上することを示す。
【００６９】
図９の図表に示した実験データからも明らかなように、従来の外筐と本ゲーム機用外筐１０とが、全体の外形寸法や板厚それに重量が同等の場合にあっては、各面板１１〜１５の内面にリブ２２や凹部２３がある従来の外筐に比べて、各面板１１〜１５の外面にリブ２２や凹部２３がある本ゲーム機用外筐１０の方が、ねじれ強度に対する最大応力および安全率のみ除いて、総合的に観ればより十分な強度および剛性を確保することができる。
【００７０】
また、各面板１１〜１５に、必要に応じて放熱用あるいは取手用として孔部１２４ａ〜１２４ｍを開設した場合には、各孔部１２４ａ〜１２４ｍの周囲に沿ってリブ２４を設けることにより、孔部１２４周囲における局所的な強度の低下を防止することができる。かかる事実も、詳細な実験データの説明は省略するが、応力解析の実験結果より明らかである。
【００７１】
更に、左右の側面板１２，１３および背面板１１の各内側に、所望の高さ位置で棚板１６を略水平な状態に保持するための前記嵌合構造を設けたから、棚板１６を位置ずれしないように強固に取り付けることができると共に、棚板１６は箱型の内部空間を実質的に上下２空間に区画する隔壁を成すので、外筐全体のねじれ強度を格段に高めることができる。かかる嵌合構造に関しては、前述したように各側面板１２，１３に孔部１２４を全く開設しない構造であるため、余計な孔部１２４の開設による強度の低下を防止することができる。
【００７２】
詳しくは、左右の側面板１２，１３および背面板１１の各内側に、棚板１６の両側端縁および後端縁を受けるように前記各内側に亘り所定幅で延出する支持リブ２５を設け、該支持リブ２５上に嵌合凸部２６と被嵌合凹部２７とを交互に並設して形成する。一方、棚板１６の両側端縁および後端縁にも、前記支持リブ２５上で前記嵌合凸部２６および前記被嵌合凹部２７に対して嵌り合う同様の嵌合凸部２８と被嵌合凹部２９とを交互に並設する。
【００７３】
それにより、左右の側面板１２，１３および背面板１１の各内側の所定の高さ位置に対して、棚板１６の両側端縁および後端縁を、それぞれナックル状に組み合わされる嵌合凸部２６，２８および被嵌合凹部２７，２９の嵌合関係により、簡易かつ強固に結合させることができる。特に、嵌合凸部２６，２８および被嵌合凹部２７，２９の端面同士は互いに密着して嵌り合うので、相当なねじれ荷重にも耐え得る十分な強度を確保することができる。
【００７４】
図６および図７に示すように、実際に成形されたゲーム機用外筐１０には、スロットマシン１の前面盤２を装着すると共に、スロットマシン１を構成する各種関連部品を組み込むことで、ゲーム機用外筐１０をケースとする１台のスロットマシン１が完成する。ここでゲーム機用外筐１０自体は完成品として製造メーカーに提供されるものであるため、製品メーカーにおける現場での組み付け工数を最小限に抑えることができ、コストの大幅な低減も可能となる。
【００７５】
また、ゲーム機用外筐１０の左右の側面板１２，１３のうち、正面開口に沿った所定幅の前端縁部１２２の外壁面側は、前記リブ２２が露出しない滑面として形成したから、スロットマシン１として組み立てた後で遊技場に設置した際に、外部に露出する部位の外観品質を向上させることができる。すなわち、リブ２２が外部に露出して見栄えを損なう虞はなく、また、外壁面上のリブ２２を隠蔽するために、特別なカバーを別途設ける必要もない。
【００７６】
スロットマシン１において、前面盤２の中央部には、ガラス板で覆われた観察窓２ａが開設されており、その下方には、第１〜第３のストップボタン３ａ，３ｂ，３ｃが配設されている。また向かって左端寄りには、レバー型のスタートスイッチ４が配置され、向かって右端寄りにはメダル投入口５が設けられている。
【００７７】
観察窓２ａの裏面には、円筒形状を成した第１〜第３のドラム６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃが同軸状に隣接して横方向に配置され、回動可能に支持されている。これらのドラム６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃは前記棚板１４上に組み付けられている。また、メダル投入口５に投入されたメダルを貯留するメダルホッパ７は、前記底面板１５上の係止部１２６により位置決めされて配設されている。なお、スロットマシン１を構成するその他の関連部品については、何れも周知な構成であり個別の説明は省略する。
【００７８】
また、スロットマシン１においては、そのゲーム機用外筐１０の各面板１１〜１５ごとに上方から受ける荷重は異なるため、荷重のかかる度合いに応じて、複数の面板１１〜１５における基板２１の厚さやリブ２２の配置、それに個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅等を異なるように設定してもよい。
【００７９】
図１０および図１１は本発明の第２実施の形態を示している。
本実施の形態では、ゲーム機用外筐１０全体のうち特に荷重の集中する左右の側面板１２，１３における基板２１上のリブ２２の厚さを、背面板１１における基板２１上のリブ２２の厚さよりも大きく設定している。それにより、重量増加を極力抑えつつ、全体的な強度や剛性をよりいっそうと高めることができる。
【００８０】
具体的には図１１に示すように、各側面板１２，１３（の主要部１２１）における基板２１の厚さは４．０ｍｍで、リブ２２の本数や配置も図１に示す態様となり第１実施の形態と共通するが、個々のリブ２２の厚さは１６．０ｍｍとして、前記第１実施の形態よりも５．０ｍｍほど大きく設定している。なお、リブ２２の幅は４．０ｍｍで第１実施の形態と共通する。
【００８１】
なお、各側板１２，１３以外の背面板１１、上面板１４、底面板１５、それに棚板１６に関しては、それぞれ基板２１の厚さやリブ２２の本数や配置、個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅、それに全体的な寸法は、前記第１実施の形態と共通している。
【００８２】
図１２〜図１６は本発明の第３実施の形態を示している。
本実施の形態では、複数の面板１１〜１５の各端縁同士が略直角に合わさる隅に沿って、該隅を埋めるように肉厚となって延びる補強リブ１３０を設けている。かかる補強リブ１３０によって、各面板１１〜１５同士がさらに強固に結合されるため、外筐全体の強度および剛性をよりいっそうと高めることができる。
【００８３】
具体的には、各図に示したように、上面板１４の後端縁と背面板１１の上端縁とが略直角に合わさる隅、上面板１４の両側端縁と左右の側面板１２，１３の各上辺とが略直角に合わさる隅、背面板１１の両側端縁と左右の側面板１２，１３の各後端縁とが略直角に合わさる隅、それに底面板１５の両側端縁と左右の側面板１２，１３の各下辺とが略直角に合わさる隅に、それぞれ補強リブ１３０が設けられている。
【００８４】
なお、背面板１１の下端縁と底面板１５の後端縁とが略直角に合わさる隅（図１５中のＦ部位）に関してだけ、ゲーム機用外筐１０の内部に固定する関連部品（図７中のメダルホッパ７等）に干渉しないように補強リブ１３０は設けられていない。
【００８５】
図１７および図１８は本発明の第４実施の形態を示している。
本実施の形態では、前記各面板１１〜１５における複数のリブ２２を、図１７中で右側面板１２および上面板１４に関して見て取れるように、それぞれの基板２１の縦方向および横方向に対して斜めに交わる方向に並ぶ略格子状に配置したものである。
【００８６】
図１８の図表に示した実験データからも明らかなように、このような第４実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐１０Ｃでは、前記第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐１０と全体の外形寸法や板厚、それに重量が同等の場合にあっては、該ゲーム機用外筐１０に比べて、段積み強度に対する最大変形量のみ除いて、段積み強度とねじれ強度の双方ともにより十分な安全率を確保することができる。
【００８７】
図１９は本発明の第５実施の形態を示している。
本実施の形態では、前記第１実施の形態で説明した底面板１５の外壁面側に、前記複数のリブ２２とは別に更に加えて、底面板１５の対角線上に沿って延びる特別リブ１４０を設けたものである。底面板１５は長方形であるため対角線は２本となるが、この２本の対角線上に沿うように、一対の特別リブ１４０が互いに中央で交叉するように設けられている。
【００８８】
このように特に底面板１５を、基板２１の外壁面側に複数のリブ２２を互いに交叉する方向に並べて間をすかして設け、かつ対角線上に沿って前記リブ２２とは別に特別リブ１４０を設け、前記リブ２２および特別リブ１４０で仕切られた各区画が凹部２３となる樹脂製面板２０によって構成すれば、特別リブ１４０によっていっそうとねじれ強度が高められる。なお、特別リブ１４０の厚さはリブ２２と同一であるが、特別リブ１４０の幅はリブ２２よりも多少大きく設定されている。
【００８９】
以上、本発明の各種実施の形態を図面によって説明してきたが、具体的な構成はこれらの実施の形態に限られるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲における変更や追加があっても本発明に含まれる。もちろん、ゲーム機もスロットマシン１に限定されるものではない。
【００９０】
特に、各面板１１〜１５を構成する樹脂製面板２０における基板２１の厚さ、リブ２２の本数や配置、個々のリブ２２の厚さや幅、それに各面板１１〜１５の外形寸法等は、前述した具体的な値や図示した態様に何ら限定されるものではない。
【００９１】
【発明の効果】
本発明に係るゲーム機用外筐によれば、正面開口を囲む複数の面板のうち、少なくとも上面板、左右の側面板、および背面板を、それぞれ基板の外壁面側に複数のリブを互いに交叉する方向に並べて間をすかして設け、該リブで仕切られた各区画が凹部となる面板によって構成することにより、製品強度を本外枠にかかる総荷重に十分耐え得る程度に設定しつつ、組み付け工数の削減および軽量化を実現でき、しかも極めて容易なリサイクル使用を可能とすることにより、省資源化を推進することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を示す斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐に対して棚板を取り付ける状態を示す分解斜視図である。
【図３】本発明の第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を示す正面図である。
【図４】図３のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。
【図５】本発明の第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を構成する棚板を示す底面図である。
【図６】本発明の第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を用いて構成したスロットマシンを示す斜視図である。
【図７】本発明の第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を用いて構成したスロットマシンの前面盤を開いた状態を示す斜視図である。
【図８】本発明の第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐にかかる総荷重に対する応力解析の実験方法を示す説明図である。
【図９】本発明の第１実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐にかかる総荷重に対する応力解析の実験結果を示す説明図である。
【図１０】本発明の第２実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を示す正面図である。
【図１１】図１０のＢ−Ｂ線断面図である。
【図１２】本発明の第３実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を示す斜視図である。
【図１３】本発明の第３実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を示す正面図である。
【図１４】図１３のＣ−Ｃ線断面図である。
【図１５】図１３のＤ−Ｄ線断面図である。
【図１６】図１５のＥ部位拡大である。
【図１７】本発明の第４実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を示す斜視図である。
【図１８】本発明の第４実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐にかかる総荷重に対する応力解析の実験結果を示す説明図である。
【図１９】本発明の第５実施の形態に係るゲーム機用外筐を構成する底面板を示す底面図である。
【符号の説明】
１…スロットマシン
１０，１０Ａ，１０Ｂ，１０Ｃ…ゲーム機用外筐
１１…背面板
１２…右側面板
１３…左側面板
１４…上面板
１５…底面板
１６…棚板
２０…樹脂製面板
２１…基板
２２…リブ
２３…凹部
２４…リブ
２５…支持リブ
２６…嵌合凸部
２７…被嵌合凹部
２８…嵌合凸部
２９…被嵌合凹部
１２１…主要部
１２２…前端縁部
１２３…中央帯部
１２４ａ…孔部
１３０…補強リブ
１４０…特別リブ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has a substantially box-like shape comprising a plurality of face plates that are open on the front side to incorporate a game machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine, and are arranged on the left, right, top, bottom, and back to surround the front opening. The present invention relates to an outer casing for game machines.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an outer casing for this type of game machine, for example, in a slot machine, the outer casing uses a woodwork product using a plywood material. However, it has been pointed out that protection of forest resources is required, and that the conventional outer casing, which is a woodworking product, requires a large space for storage and transportation, and thus the distribution cost is high. As a countermeasure to these problems, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2935702 has already been proposed.
[0003]
Such a technique is a substantially box-shaped outer casing having an open front surface in which a game machine is incorporated, and a plurality of resin face plates arranged so as to surround the front surface in which the game machine is incorporated, and a back surface facing the front surface. And at least some of the face plates have recesses on the inner surface, the plurality of face plates are pivotally supported so as to be foldable to the left and right and up and down of the back plate, and the plurality of face plates are fitted to each other The present invention relates to an assembling outer casing for a game machine, which has a fitting structure that fits, and has a plurality of face plates and a back plate that are releasably joined using a connector during assembly.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, recently, parts manufacturers have been demanded to further reduce costs by reducing the number of parts involved in assembly and reducing the number of assembly steps. In addition, product manufacturers have been requested to modularize parts manufacturers in order to reduce the number of assembly steps.
[0005]
In the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned patent publication, the outer casing is assembled by a pachislot maker, which is a product manufacturer, and further related parts are assembled. The number of parts is large, such as using a metal reinforcing frame for connection and a set screw as a connector, resulting in an excessive number of assembly steps, leading to an increase in cost.
[0006]
In addition, by changing from wood products to resin products, the conservation and stable supply of the natural environment by cutting down the forest will be solved, and it will become a recyclable material. Since it is very troublesome to remove the metal reinforcing frame and the set screw that are being used, there is a problem that the cost is increased even in such recycling.
[0007]
In addition, there is a problem that it is not possible to sufficiently cope with resource saving and weight reduction by further efficient use of the resin material. That is, in the technique disclosed in the patent publication, it is necessary to use many materials such as increasing the thickness of each face plate in order to achieve sufficient product strength with respect to the outer casing. In addition, special measures for increasing the bonding strength between the face plates after assembly are also required.
[0008]
The present invention has been made by paying attention to the problems of the prior art as described above, and the problem is that the resin material is used and the product strength is the total load during storage / transportation and installation on the outer frame. Provides an environment-friendly outer casing for game machines that promotes resource savings by reducing assembly man-hours, reducing weight, and enabling extremely easy recycling. It is to be.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The gist of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows.TermExists in the invention.
[1] A box substantially comprising a plurality of resin face plates (11 to 15) arranged on the left, right, top, bottom, and back to open the front for incorporating the game machine (1) and surround the front opening. Type game machine outer casing (10),
  Among the plurality of face plates (11 to 15), at least a top plate (14), left and right side plates (12, 13), and a back plate (11) are each provided with a plurality of ribs on the outer wall surface side of the substrate (21). (22) are arranged side by side in a crossing direction, and are provided with a gap between them, and each section partitioned by the rib (22) is constituted by a face plate (20) that becomes a recess (23).In addition, the face plates (11 to 15) are integrally molded in a box-like state,
  Of the plurality of face plates (11 to 15), the bottom plate (15) is also provided on the outer wall surface side of the substrate (21) with a plurality of ribs (22) arranged in a direction crossing each other and spaced from each other. Along with the diagonal line of (15), a pair of special ribs (140) is provided separately from the rib (22) at the center, and each section partitioned by the rib (22) and the special rib (140) is provided. It is constituted by a face plate (20) to be a recess (23), the thickness of the special rib (140) is the same as that of the rib (22), and the width of the special rib (140) is set larger than that of the rib (22),
  A fitting structure for holding the shelf plate (16) in a substantially horizontal state at a desired height position is provided inside each of the left and right side plates (12, 13) and the back plate (11), The fitting structure is a structure that does not open a hole (124) in at least the left and right side plates (12, 13),
  The inner sides of the left and right side plates (12, 13) and the back plate (11) are connected with a predetermined width over the inner sides so as to receive both side edges and rear edges of the shelf board (16). Extending support ribs (25) are provided separately from the ribs (22), and fitting protrusions (26) and fitting recesses (27) are alternately arranged in parallel on the support ribs (25). Forming the fitting structure,
  The end surfaces of the shelf plate (16) are in close contact with the fitting convex portion (26) and the fitting concave portion (27) on the support rib (25) on both side edges and the rear edge. The same fitting convex part (28) and the fitting concave part (29) which fit together are alternately arranged in parallel,
  The shelf plate (16) is formed by providing a plurality of ribs (22) in a lattice shape arranged in parallel in the vertical and horizontal directions on the lower surface side of the substrate (21), and is the same as the side plates (12, 13). Each section partitioned by the rib (22) is a recess (23),
  The shelf plate (16) is set such that the thickness and width of the rib (22) are larger than the thickness of the substrate (21), and the hole (124c, 124d) and a rib (24) surrounding the inner edge of the hole (124c, 124d) in a flange shape is provided around the hole (124c, 124d).A game machine outer casing (10) characterized by the above.
[0022]
Next, the operation based on the above solution will be described.
When the outer casing (10) for a game machine is used in a general slot machine (1), the total weight of the game machine (1) incorporating the related parts is about 50 kg per game machine (1). When storing and transporting, for example, by stacking up and down in units of 6 pieces via a pallet, a total load of up to 6 pieces (300 kg) will be applied to one game machine (1) due to variations in placement and height. There is a risk of this.
[0023]
Therefore, a plurality of upper surface plates (14), left and right side plates (12, 13), and rear surface plates (11), which are the main part of the outer casing (10) for the game machine, are provided on the outer wall surface side of the substrate (21). The ribs (22) are arranged in a direction crossing each other and are provided at intervals, and each section partitioned by the rib (22) is constituted by a face plate (20) that becomes a recess (23), and each face plate (11- In 15), the thickness of the substrate (21), the number and arrangement of the ribs (22), and the thickness and width of the individual ribs (22) are set so as to withstand the total load described above.
[0024]
As described above, by using the face plate (20) having the plurality of ribs (22) and the recesses (23) on the outer wall surface side of the substrate (21), each face plate (11-15) of the conventional outer casing is provided. It is possible to reduce the weight sufficiently while securing sufficient strength and rigidity as compared with the case having the recess (23) on the inner surface. As a result, the resin material can be used more efficiently, and the request for resource saving can be more fully met.
[0025]
If the substrate (21) and the plurality of ribs (22) in the face plate (20) are integrally formed from a resin material, the thickness of the substrate (21), the arrangement and number of ribs (22), and the individual ribs (22) A product having an arbitrarily set thickness, width and the like can be easily manufactured. Further, by integrally forming the plurality of face plates (11 to 15) in a box-like shape, it is possible to save time and effort to combine each face plate (11 to 15) with a reinforcing frame or a connector afterwards. In addition, the assembly man-hours are reduced, and the separation work between the resin and the metal at the time of recycling becomes unnecessary.
[0026]
Further, the arrangement of the ribs (22) on the substrate (21) in the face plate (20), specifically, for example, the ribs (in a substantially lattice shape arranged in parallel in the vertical and horizontal directions of the substrate (21)). 22) may be arranged, or the ribs (22) may be arranged in a substantially lattice shape arranged in a direction obliquely intersecting with the vertical and horizontal directions of the substrate (21). Experimental data reveals that the latter is higher in both stacking strength and torsional strength.
[0027]
  Further, among the plurality of face plates (11 to 15), the bottom plate (15) is also provided on the outer wall surface side of the substrate (21) with a plurality of ribs (22) arranged in a direction crossing each other and spaced from each other. Along with the diagonal line of the face plate (15), a special rib (140) is provided separately from the rib (22) at the center, and each section partitioned by the rib (22) and the special rib (140) is a recess. Since it comprises the face plate (20) which becomes (23), the torsional strength is further enhanced by the special rib (140). Here, the thickness of the special rib (140) is the same as that of the rib (22), and the width of the special rib (140) is set larger than that of the rib (22), so that the strength can be further increased.
[0028]
  Furthermore, a fitting structure for holding the shelf plate (16) in a substantially horizontal state at a desired height position is provided inside each of the left and right side plates (12, 13) and the back plate (11). Therefore, the shelf board (16) can be firmly attached so as not to be displaced. Moreover, since the shelf board (16) forms a partition that substantially divides the box-shaped internal space into two upper and lower spaces, the torsional strength of the entire outer casing can be significantly increased. Since this fitting structure is a structure that does not open the hole (124) in at least the left and right side plates (12, 13), it is possible to prevent a decrease in strength due to the opening of the extra hole (124).
[0029]
  Specifically, the fitting structure is configured such that the both side edges and the rear edge of the shelf board (16) are received inside the left and right side boards (12, 13) and the back board (11). A support rib (25) extending so as to be continuous with a predetermined width over each inner side is provided separately from the rib (22), and a fitting convex portion (26) and a fitting concave portion ( 27) are alternately arranged in parallel.
[0030]
  On the other hand, both the side edge and the rear edge of the shelf plate (16) on the side to be held are also on the supporting rib (25) with respect to the fitting convex part (26) and the fitting concave part (27). The same fitting convex part (28) and to-be-fitted recessed part (29) which fit together are alternately arranged in parallel. Thereby, it becomes possible to couple | bond the shelf board (16) simply and firmly by fitting of the fitting convex part (26, 28) and the to-be-fitted recessed part (27, 29) each combined in a knuckle shape. . In particular, the end surfaces of the fitting convex portions (26, 28) and the fitting concave portions (27, 29) are closely fitted to each other, so that sufficient strength to withstand a considerable load can be secured.
[0031]
  The shelf plate (16) is also formed by providing a plurality of ribs (22) in a lattice shape arranged in parallel in the vertical and horizontal directions on the lower surface side of the substrate (21), and the side plates (12, 13). Similarly, each section partitioned by the rib (22) is configured by the face plate (20) serving as the recess (23), so that it is possible to sufficiently reduce the weight while ensuring sufficient strength and rigidity.
[0032]
  Further, the shelf plate (16) can be received by related parts disposed on the shelf plate (16) by setting the thickness and width of the rib (22) larger than the thickness of the substrate (21). It is possible to obtain sufficient strength to withstand the torsional load applied to the entire outer casing (10) for the game machine as well as to support the vertical load sufficiently, and to maximize the maximum deformation and stress of the shelf board (16) itself. Can be suppressed.
[0033]
  Further, since the hole (124c, 124d) for component placement is opened on the shelf board (16), the related parts (6a, 6b, 6c) constituting the slot machine (1) are placed on the shelf board (16). It can be easily positioned and arranged. Here, since the rib (24) surrounding the inner edge of the hole (124c, 124d) in a flange shape is provided around the hole (124c, 124d), a local strength reduction around the hole (124) is prevented. be able to.
[0036]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, various embodiments representing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 9 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
The game machine outer casing 10 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of resin-made face plates 11 to 15 that are open on the front side to incorporate the game machine and that are arranged on the left, right, top, bottom, and back to surround the front opening. It is substantially box-shaped. Hereinafter, the case where the slot machine 1 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is configured as a game machine will be described as an example.
[0037]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game machine outer casing 10 is a hexahedron, and as a plurality of face plates 11 to 15 surrounding the opened front face, a back face plate 11 facing the front face, a right face face plate 12, It has a left side plate 13, a top plate 14, and a bottom plate 15, and a basic frame is composed of these five face plates 11 to 15.
[0038]
Each of the face plates 11 to 15 is formed of a synthetic resin material having rigidity that can sufficiently withstand a load load normally expected in assembling the slot machine 1. Each of the face plates 11 to 15 is configured by a resin face plate 20 provided with a plurality of ribs 22 arranged in the direction crossing each other on the outer wall surface side of the substrate 21.
[0039]
The resin face plate 20 is formed from a resin material into a panel shape, and crosses a plurality of ribs 22 on the outer wall surface side of a substrate 21 having a predetermined thickness as shown in a partial cross section in FIG. Each section divided by the ribs 22 is a recess 23. The sections are arranged in parallel in the direction, more specifically in the vertical and horizontal directions of the substrate 21.
[0040]
The substrate 21 and the plurality of ribs 22 in the resin face plate 20 are integrally formed of a resin material, and the face plates 11 to 15 are integrally formed in a state of being connected to each other in a box shape from the beginning. Each of the face plates 11 to 15 of the gaming machine outer casing 10 is specifically formed by gas assist molding or foam molding. Note that polystyrene or the like may be used as the resin material.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 1, the right side plate 12 and the left side plate 13 are symmetrical to each other, each has a rectangular main portion 121 extending in the vertical direction, and a vertically long base extending along one front side of the main portion 121 along the front opening. It is partitioned into a front end edge 122 extending in a shape. At the approximate center of the main part 121, there is a central band part 123 that substantially bisects the upper half part and the lower half part, and the upper half part and the lower half part of the main part 121 excluding the central band part 123 have a substrate. A plurality of ribs 22 are arranged on the outer wall surface side of 21 in a lattice shape parallel to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.
[0042]
The thickness of the substrate 21 and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 in the main part 121 of each of the side plates 12 and 13 and the thickness and width of each rib 22 can withstand the total load applied to the entire outer casing 10 for game machines. Is set to Here, the total load is the expected maximum value of the stack load applied in the direction perpendicular to the top surface plate 14 in a state where the bottom surface plate 15 of the game device outer casing 10 is constrained, or the gaming machine outer casing 10. The expected maximum value assumed in advance among the torsional loads applied from the front to the upper end of the front opening is equivalent.
[0043]
Of the total load, the expected maximum value of the stacked load is assumed to be 2940 N (300 kgf), and the expected maximum value of the torsion load is assumed to be 294 N (30 kgf). Specifically, for example, the thickness of the substrate 21 in the main portion 121 of each of the side plates 12 and 13 is 4.0 mm, and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 are as shown in FIG. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the thickness of each rib 22 may be set to 11.0 mm and the width to 4.0 mm.
[0044]
Here, the thickness of the rib 22 is synonymous with the height of the rib 22 protruding substantially perpendicularly on the outer wall surface of the substrate 22, and the width of the rib 22 is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rib 22. It is synonymous with the thickness in The overall dimensions of the side plates 12 and 13 are, for example, a thickness (thickness of the substrate 21 + thickness of the ribs 22) of 15.0 mm, an upper side length of 202 mm, a lower side length of 300 mm, and a vertical direction. The length of 810 mm.
[0045]
A hole 124a is opened in the upper half of the main part 121 for heat dissipation or for the handle, and a rib 24 is provided along the periphery of the hole 124a so as to surround the inner edge thereof in a flange shape. Yes. Similarly, holes 124b are formed in the lower half of the main part 121, and ribs 24 are also provided around the holes 124b.
[0046]
The outer wall surface of the front end edge portion 122 of each side plate 12, 13 is formed as a smooth surface where the rib 22 is not exposed to the outer wall surface side of the substrate 21. That is, the front end edge portion 122 is integrally formed so that the ribs 22 extending in the lateral direction are aligned vertically on the inner wall surface side of the substrate 21, unlike the main portion 121 only in the relevant portion. Here, the boundary between the main portion 121 and the front end edge portion 122 is formed as a stepped portion 125 as shown in FIG. 4, and the main portion 121 and the front end edge portion 122 have a reference surface (sliding surface of the substrate 21). The upper surface of the surface or the rib 22) is set to be continuous on the same plane.
[0047]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the shelf plate 16 is placed in a substantially horizontal state at the position near the height of the approximate center inside the side plates 12 and 13 (on the inner wall surface side of the central band portion 123). A fitting structure for holding is provided. Such a fitting structure has a structure in which no hole is formed in each of the side plates 12 and 13. The pair of left and right dents 26a visible on the outer wall surface side of the central belt portion 123 is an insertion trace of a mold cavity (nesting) for projecting the fitting convex portion 26 described below. It is not a hole that penetrates the back surface.
[0048]
More specifically, the fitting structure extends with a predetermined width over the inner sides of the left and right side plates 12 and 13 and the back plate 11 described later so as to receive both side edges and rear edge of the shelf board 16. Supporting ribs 25 are provided, and fitting convex portions 26 and fitting concave portions 27 are alternately arranged on the supporting ribs 25 in parallel. Similar fitting protrusions whose end faces are closely fitted to the fitting protrusion 26 and the fitting recessed portion 27 on the support rib 25 on both side edges and the rear edge of the shelf board 16. The portions 28 and the fitted concave portions 29 are alternately arranged in parallel.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 5, the shelf plate 16 is configured by providing a plurality of ribs 22 in a lattice shape arranged in parallel in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction on the lower surface side of the substrate 21 having a predetermined thickness. Similarly to the above, each section partitioned by the ribs 22 is a recess 23. The thickness of the substrate 21 and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 on the shelf board 16 and the thickness and width of each rib 22 are determined according to the vertical load (for example, 49 N (5 kgf)) that can be received by the related components disposed on the shelf board 16. It is preferable to set it to such a level that it can sufficiently support the torsional load applied to the entire outer casing 10 for game machines.
[0050]
Specifically, for example, the thickness of the substrate 21 in the shelf plate 16 is 2.0 mm, the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 are as shown in FIG. 5, and the thickness (height) of each rib 22 is 16. 0.0mm and width should be set to 6.0mm. Generally, in the shelf board 16, if the thickness and width of the rib 22 are set larger than the thickness of the substrate 21, the maximum deformation amount and the maximum stress of the shelf board 16 itself can be suppressed as much as possible. The overall dimensions of the shelf board 16 are, for example, a thickness (thickness of the substrate 21 + thickness of the ribs 22) of 18.0 mm, a long side length of 440 mm, and a short side length of 152 mm.
[0051]
As will be described later, drums 6a, 6b, 6c (see FIG. 7) and the like are arranged on the shelf board 16 as related parts constituting the slot machine 1, but at appropriate positions, holes 124c, 124d is established. A rib 24 surrounding the inner edge of the hole in a flange shape is also provided around each of the holes 124c and 124d as in the case of the holes 124a and 124b. As described above, the fitting convex portions 28 and the fitting concave portions 29 that are fitted to the fitting structure are alternately arranged in parallel on both side edge and rear edge of the shelf board 16.
[0052]
The height position for holding the shelf board 16 in the game machine outer casing 10 is slightly different depending on each slot machine manufacturer. Accordingly, in order to make it possible to change the position of the fitting structure for holding the shelf board 16, for example, when the entire outer casing 10 for game machines is integrally formed, for example, the support rib 25 of the fitting structure, the fitting convex portion It is preferable to use a mold capable of exchanging a mold cavity (nesting) of a certain area including a portion corresponding to 26 and the recessed portion 27 to be fitted.
[0053]
As shown in the partial cross section of FIG. 4, the back plate 11 has a plurality of ribs 22 parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions on the outer wall surface side of the substrate 21 having a predetermined thickness, similar to the side plates 12 and 13. It is comprised by the resin-made face plates 20 provided in the grid | lattice form arranged in order. The thickness of the substrate 21, the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 on the back plate 11, and the thickness and width of the individual ribs 22 are set so as to withstand the above-described total load applied to the entire outer casing 10 for game machines. .
[0054]
Specifically, for example, the thickness of the substrate 21 on the back plate 11 is 4.0 mm, and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 are arranged in a lattice form arranged at intervals as shown in FIG. The thickness (height) is preferably set to 5.0 mm and the width to 5.0 mm. Here, the thickness (11.0 mm) of the ribs 22 on the left and right side plates 12 and 13 is set to be twice or more larger than the thickness (5.0 mm) of the ribs on the back plate 11. As for the overall dimensions of the back plate 11, the thickness (the thickness of the substrate 21 + the thickness of the ribs 22) is 9.0 mm, the length in the vertical direction is 810 mm, and the length in the horizontal direction is 475 mm.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 3, holes 124 e to 124 h are provided at various places on the back plate 11 as necessary. The holes 124 a to 124 h are also provided around the holes 124 e to 124 h. Similar to 124d, a rib 24 that surrounds the inner edge of the hole in a flange shape is not shown. As described above, the support rib 25, the fitting convex portion 26, and the fitting concave portion 27 constituting the fitting structure described above are provided in the vicinity of the substantially central height inside the back plate 11 to each of the side plates 12 described above. , 13 so as to be continuous with them.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 1, the top plate 14 is also formed in a lattice pattern in which a plurality of ribs 22 are arranged in parallel in the vertical and horizontal directions on the outer wall surface side of the substrate 21 having a predetermined thickness, similarly to the face plates 11 to 13. The resin face plate 20 is provided. The thickness of the substrate 21 and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 on the upper surface plate 14 and the thickness and width of the individual ribs 22 are set so as to be able to withstand the aforementioned total load applied to the entire outer casing 10 for game machines. .
[0057]
Specifically, for example, the thickness of the substrate 21 in the upper surface plate 14 is 4.0 mm, and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 are arranged in a lattice form arranged at intervals as shown in FIG. The thickness (height) may be set to 14.0 mm and the width to 4.0 mm. The overall dimensions of the top plate 14 are 18.0 mm in thickness (the thickness of the substrate 21 + the thickness of the ribs 22), 202 mm in the depth direction, and 475 mm in the horizontal direction.
[0058]
In addition, a plurality of holes 124i to 124m are provided at various positions on the upper surface plate 14 as necessary, and a pair of holes 124i to 124m are arranged in the front and rear. As in the case of the portions 124a to 124h, a rib 24 is provided that surrounds the inner edge of the hole in a flange shape.
[0059]
The bottom plate 15 shown in FIG. 1 is also composed of a resin face plate 20 as with the face plates 11 to 14. For the thickness of the substrate 21 and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 (not shown) on the bottom plate 15, and the thickness and width of each rib 22, a heavy object such as the medal hopper 7 which is a related part of the slot machine 1 is installed. It is set so as to have a strength necessary for the above-mentioned and to withstand the above-described total load applied to the entire outer casing 10 for game machines.
[0060]
Specifically, for example, the thickness of the substrate 21 in the bottom plate 15 is 4.0 mm, and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 are omitted from the drawing, but in a lattice-like manner almost the same as the top plate 14, the individual ribs 22 are arranged. The thickness (height) may be set to 14.0 mm and the width to 4.0 mm. As for the overall dimensions of the bottom plate 15, the thickness (the thickness of the substrate 21 + the thickness of the ribs 22) is 18.0 mm, the length in the depth direction is 300 mm, and the length in the horizontal direction is 475 mm.
[0061]
On the inner side of the bottom plate 15, there is provided a locking portion 126 for holding the medal hopper 7 as a related part at a desired position. A pair of the locking portions 126 are provided so as to face each other in parallel with each other by a predetermined distance, and are formed in an angle shape facing each other inward.
[0062]
Although the lower end side of the medal hopper 7 can be slid between the respective locking portions 126 so as to be fitted, the position of the locking portion 126 on the bottom plate 15 is determined by each slot machine manufacturer. Is slightly different. In order to make it possible to change the position of the locking portion 126, when molding the resin face plate 200 constituting the bottom plate 15, for example, a mold cavity (a fixed area portion including a portion corresponding to the locking portion 126) ( It is better to use a mold that can be replaced.
[0063]
Next, the operation will be described.
In order to manufacture the game machine outer casing 10, a plurality of face plates 11 to 15 surrounding the front opening are integrally formed in a state of being connected to each other in a box shape. Specifically, gas assist molding or foam molding may be employed. According to such integral molding, it is not necessary to combine the face plates 11 to 15 later with a reinforcing frame, a connector, or the like, and the number of parts and assembly man-hours are reduced. Moreover, when the game machine outer casing 10 is recycled, it is not necessary to separate resin and metal. Of course, the use of resin material protects wood resources and can meet the demands for resource saving and recycling.
[0064]
Each of the face plates 11 to 15 is constituted by a resin face plate 20 in which a plurality of ribs 22 are provided in a lattice shape on the outer wall surface side of the substrate 21 having a predetermined thickness. In the resin face plate 20, each section partitioned by the ribs 22 becomes a recess 23. Thus, by using the face plates 11 to 15 having the plurality of ribs 22 and the recesses 23 on the outer wall surface side of the substrate 21, the inner surface of each face plate 11 to 15 has the recesses 23 as in the conventional outer casing. In comparison, it is possible to further reduce the weight while securing sufficient strength and rigidity.
[0065]
When the game machine outer casing 10 is used in a general slot machine 1, the total weight of the game machine 1 incorporating related parts is about 50 kg per unit, but when storing or transporting the slot machine 1, for example, 6 When stacking up and down in units of pallets, there is a possibility that a total load of 300 kg for a maximum of 6 pieces may be applied to one slot machine 1 due to variations in mounting state and height.
[0066]
Therefore, in a state where the bottom plate 15 of the game machine outer casing 10 is constrained, the predicted maximum value for the stacking load applied to the upper surface plate 14 in the vertical direction is 2940 N (300 kgf). In consideration of the torsional load applied to the upper end of the front opening from the front, the estimated maximum value of the torsional load is assumed to be 294N (30 kgf), and the face plates 11 to 15 are formed to such an extent that the total load can be sufficiently withstand The thickness of the substrate 21 in the resin face plate 20, the number and arrangement of the ribs 22, and the thickness and width of the individual ribs 22 are arbitrarily set.
[0067]
Next, a part of experimental data of stress analysis with respect to the total load will be described.
As analysis conditions, the specific overall dimensions of the face plates 11 to 15 constituting the game machine outer casing 10 are as described above, and the resin material is a flexural modulus of 2600 N / mm.², Tensile strength 33N / mm², Polystyrene having a specific gravity of 1.05. As the load / restraint conditions, as shown in FIG. 1 and No. 1 regarding torsional load. 2 and 2.
[0068]
FIG. 9 shows an analysis result of the outer casing according to the prior art and the gaming machine outer casing 10 according to the first embodiment under the load / restraint conditions. In the chart of FIG. 9, “safety factor” is a numerical value obtained by tensile strength / maximum stress, and indicates that the higher this numerical value, the higher the strength and rigidity.
[0069]
As is apparent from the experimental data shown in the chart of FIG. 9, when the conventional outer casing and the outer casing 10 for the game machine have the same overall dimensions, thickness, and weight, Compared to the conventional outer casing having the ribs 22 and the recesses 23 on the inner surfaces of the face plates 11 to 15, the outer casing 10 for the game machine having the ribs 22 and the recesses 23 on the outer surfaces of the respective face plates 11 to 15 is more torsional strength. Excluding only the maximum stress and safety factor against the above, a sufficient strength and rigidity can be secured when viewed comprehensively.
[0070]
In addition, when the holes 124a to 124m are opened in the face plates 11 to 15 for heat dissipation or handles as necessary, the holes 24a to 124m are provided with ribs 24 around the holes 124a to 124m. A local decrease in strength around the portion 124 can be prevented. This fact is also clear from the experimental results of stress analysis, although detailed explanation of the experimental data is omitted.
[0071]
Furthermore, since the fitting structure for holding the shelf plate 16 in a substantially horizontal state at a desired height position is provided inside each of the left and right side plates 12, 13 and the back plate 11, the shelf plate 16 is positioned. While being able to attach firmly so that it may not shift | deviate, since the shelf board 16 comprises the partition which divides box-shaped interior space into upper and lower 2 space substantially, the torsional strength of the whole outer casing can be raised significantly. With regard to such a fitting structure, as described above, since the hole portions 124 are not opened at all in the side plates 12 and 13, it is possible to prevent a decrease in strength due to the opening of the unnecessary hole portions 124.
[0072]
Specifically, support ribs 25 are provided on the inner sides of the left and right side plates 12 and 13 and the back plate 11 so as to receive a side edge and a rear end edge of the shelf plate 16 with a predetermined width across the inner sides. On the support rib 25, the fitting convex portions 26 and the fitting concave portions 27 are alternately arranged in parallel. On the other hand, both the side edges and the rear edge of the shelf board 16 are fitted with the same fitting protrusions 28 and fittings that fit on the fitting ribs 26 and the fitting depressions 27 on the support rib 25. The mating recesses 29 are alternately arranged in parallel.
[0073]
Thereby, the fitting convex part which combines both the side edges and the rear edge of the shelf board 16 in a knuckle shape with respect to a predetermined height position inside each of the left and right side plates 12 and 13 and the back plate 11. 26 and 28, and the fitting recesses 27 and 29 can be easily and firmly coupled. In particular, since the end surfaces of the fitting convex portions 26 and 28 and the fitted concave portions 27 and 29 are in close contact with each other, it is possible to ensure sufficient strength to withstand a considerable torsional load.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, by mounting the front panel 2 of the slot machine 1 on the actually molded outer casing 10 for the game machine and incorporating various related parts constituting the slot machine 1, One slot machine 1 with the game machine outer casing 10 as a case is completed. Here, the game machine outer casing 10 itself is provided as a finished product to the manufacturer, so that the number of on-site assembly steps at the product manufacturer can be minimized, and the cost can be greatly reduced. .
[0075]
Further, of the left and right side plates 12 and 13 of the outer casing 10 for game machine, the outer wall surface side of the front edge 122 having a predetermined width along the front opening is formed as a smooth surface where the rib 22 is not exposed. When the slot machine 1 is assembled and installed in the game hall, the appearance quality of the part exposed to the outside can be improved. That is, there is no possibility that the ribs 22 are exposed to the outside and the appearance is impaired, and it is not necessary to separately provide a special cover in order to conceal the ribs 22 on the outer wall surface.
[0076]
In the slot machine 1, an observation window 2a covered with a glass plate is opened at the center of the front panel 2, and first to third stop buttons 3a, 3b, 3c are arranged below the observation window 2a. Has been. A lever-type start switch 4 is disposed near the left end, and a medal slot 5 is provided near the right end.
[0077]
On the back surface of the observation window 2a, cylindrical first to third drums 6a, 6b, and 6c are arranged adjacent to each other in a coaxial manner in a lateral direction and are rotatably supported. These drums 6a, 6b, 6c are assembled on the shelf plate 14. Further, the medal hopper 7 for storing medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 5 is positioned and arranged by a locking portion 126 on the bottom plate 15. Note that the other related components constituting the slot machine 1 are all well-known configurations and will not be described separately.
[0078]
In the slot machine 1, the load received from above differs for each of the face plates 11 to 15 of the gaming machine outer casing 10, so the thickness of the substrate 21 in the plurality of face plates 11 to 15 depends on the degree of load. The arrangement of the sheath ribs 22 and the thicknesses and widths of the individual ribs 22 may be set differently.
[0079]
10 and 11 show a second embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the thickness of the ribs 22 on the substrate 21 in the left and right side plates 12 and 13 where the load is particularly concentrated in the entire outer casing 10 for game machines is set to It is set larger than the thickness. Thereby, the overall strength and rigidity can be further increased while suppressing an increase in weight as much as possible.
[0080]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the thickness of the substrate 21 in each of the side plates 12, 13 (the main part 121) is 4.0 mm, and the number and arrangement of the ribs 22 are also shown in FIG. Although common to the embodiment, the thickness of each rib 22 is set to 16.0 mm, which is set to be larger by about 5.0 mm than the first embodiment. The rib 22 has a width of 4.0 mm, which is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0081]
Regarding the back plate 11, the top plate 14, the bottom plate 15, and the shelf plate 16 other than the side plates 12 and 13, the thickness of the substrate 21, the number and arrangement of the ribs 22, the thickness and width of each rib 22, In addition, the overall dimensions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0082]
12 to 16 show a third embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, reinforcing ribs 130 extending in thickness are provided along the corners where the edges of the plurality of face plates 11 to 15 meet at substantially right angles so as to fill the corners. Since the face plates 11 to 15 are further firmly coupled to each other by the reinforcing rib 130, the strength and rigidity of the entire outer casing can be further increased.
[0083]
Specifically, as shown in each drawing, a corner where the rear end edge of the upper surface plate 14 and the upper end edge of the rear surface plate 11 are joined at a substantially right angle, both side edges of the upper surface plate 14, and the left and right side plates 12, 13. Corners where the upper edges of the bottom plate 15 meet at substantially right angles, corners where both side edges of the back plate 11 and the rear edges of the left and right side plates 12, 13 meet at right angles, and both side edges of the bottom plate 15 and left and right edges. Reinforcing ribs 130 are provided at the corners where the lower sides of the side plates 12 and 13 meet at a substantially right angle.
[0084]
It should be noted that related parts (FIG. 7) that are fixed to the inside of the game machine outer casing 10 only with respect to the corner (F portion in FIG. 15) where the lower end edge of the back plate 11 and the rear end edge of the bottom plate 15 meet at a substantially right angle. The reinforcing ribs 130 are not provided so as not to interfere with the inner medal hopper 7 or the like.
[0085]
17 and 18 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of ribs 22 in each of the face plates 11 to 15 are inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the respective substrates 21 so that the right side plate 12 and the top plate 14 can be seen in FIG. They are arranged in a substantially lattice pattern in the intersecting direction.
[0086]
As is apparent from the experimental data shown in the chart of FIG. 18, the gaming machine outer casing 10C according to the fourth embodiment as described above and the entire gaming machine outer casing 10 according to the first embodiment. In the case where the external dimensions, thickness, and weight are equal, the stacking strength and the torsional strength are different from the outer casing 10 for game machines except for the maximum deformation amount with respect to the stacking strength. A sufficient safety factor can be secured.
[0087]
FIG. 19 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, on the outer wall surface side of the bottom plate 15 described in the first embodiment, in addition to the plurality of ribs 22, special ribs 140 extending along diagonal lines of the bottom plate 15 are provided. It is provided. Since the bottom plate 15 is rectangular, there are two diagonal lines. A pair of special ribs 140 are provided so as to cross each other at the center along the two diagonal lines.
[0088]
In this way, in particular, the bottom plate 15 is provided on the outer wall surface side of the substrate 21 in such a manner that a plurality of ribs 22 are arranged in a direction crossing each other, and a special rib 140 is provided along the diagonal line apart from the ribs 22. If the section divided by the rib 22 and the special rib 140 is constituted by the resin face plate 20 that becomes the recess 23, the special rib 140 further increases the torsional strength. The thickness of the special rib 140 is the same as that of the rib 22, but the width of the special rib 140 is set slightly larger than that of the rib 22.
[0089]
Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and changes and additions may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is included in the present invention. Of course, the game machine is not limited to the slot machine 1.
[0090]
In particular, the thickness of the substrate 21, the number and arrangement of the ribs 22, the thickness and width of the individual ribs 22, and the outer dimensions of the face plates 11 to 15 in the resin face plate 20 constituting the face plates 11 to 15 are as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific values and the illustrated embodiment.
[0091]
【The invention's effect】
According to the gaming machine outer casing of the present invention, among the plurality of face plates surrounding the front opening, at least the top face plate, the left and right side face plates, and the back face plate cross each other with the plurality of ribs on the outer wall surface side of the substrate. By arranging the sections partitioned by the ribs and forming each section partitioned by the rib with a face plate that becomes a recess, while setting the product strength to a level that can sufficiently withstand the total load on the outer frame, Resource saving can be promoted by reducing the number of assembling steps and reducing the weight and enabling extremely easy recycling.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outer casing for a game machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a shelf board is attached to the gaming machine outer casing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the outer casing for the game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing a shelf board constituting the outer casing for game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a slot machine configured using the gaming machine outer casing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a front panel of the slot machine configured by using the gaming machine outer casing according to the first embodiment of the present invention is opened.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an experiment method for stress analysis with respect to a total load applied to the gaming machine outer casing according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an experimental result of stress analysis with respect to a total load applied to the game machine outer casing according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outer casing for a game machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an outer casing for a game machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a front view showing an outer casing for a game machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.
15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.
16 is an enlargement of the E site in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an outer casing for a game machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an experimental result of stress analysis with respect to a total load applied to the outer casing for game machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a bottom view showing a bottom plate constituting an outer casing for a game machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Slot machine
10, 10A, 10B, 10C ... outer casing for game machine
11 ... Back plate
12 ... Right side plate
13 ... Left side plate
14 ... Top plate
15 ... Bottom plate
16 ... Shelves
20 ... Resin face plate
21 ... Board
22 ... Ribs
23 ... recess
24 ... Ribs
25. Support rib
26 ... fitting convex part
27: recessed portion to be fitted
28 ... fitting convex part
29 ... recessed mating
121 ... main part
122 ... Front edge
123 ... Central belt
124a ... hole
130 ... Reinforcing rib
140 ... Special rib

Claims

In a substantially box-shaped game machine outer casing made up of a plurality of resin face plates arranged on the left, right, top, bottom, and back to surround the front opening to incorporate the game machine,
Among the plurality of face plates, at least an upper face plate, left and right side face plates, and a back face plate are provided on the outer wall surface side of the substrate, arranged in a direction crossing each other, and are separated by the ribs. Each section is constituted by a face plate that becomes a recess, and each face plate is integrally molded in a box shape,
Of the plurality of face plates, the bottom plate is also provided on the outer wall surface side of the substrate with a plurality of ribs arranged in a direction crossing each other and spaced apart, and a pair of special plates along the diagonal of the bottom plate apart from the ribs. The ribs are crossed at the center and each section partitioned by the ribs and special ribs is made up of a face plate that becomes a recess. The thickness of the special rib is the same as the rib, and the width of the special rib is set larger than the rib And
Each of the left and right side plates and the back plate has a fitting structure for holding the shelf plate in a substantially horizontal state at a desired height position, and the fitting structure is attached to at least the left and right side plates. A structure that does not open a hole,
Separately from the ribs, supporting ribs extending on the inner sides of the left and right side plates and the rear plate so as to receive both side edges and rear edge of the shelf so as to be continuous with each other at a predetermined width. Providing a fitting convex portion and a fitting concave portion alternately on the support rib, forming the fitting structure;
The same fitting convex part and fitting which end surfaces mutually adhere with respect to the fitting convex part and the fitting concave part on the supporting rib on both side edges and rear edge of the shelf board Alternating recesses are arranged alternately,
The shelf plate is formed by providing a plurality of ribs on the lower surface side of the substrate in a lattice shape arranged in parallel in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and each section partitioned by the ribs as in the case of the side plates is a recess,
The shelf plate is set to have a rib thickness and width larger than the thickness of the substrate, and a hole for component placement is opened in the shelf plate, and an inner edge of the hole is formed around the hole. An outer casing for a game machine, characterized in that a flange surrounding a flange is provided .