JP4866940B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, for example, a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, which can be opened and closed with respect to a predetermined member provided with an arrangement surface on which predetermined parts are arranged. The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with an opening / closing member attached to the.

  Some gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines have a frame-like machine frame, and the machine frame and the arrangement surface are provided on this machine frame. An opening / closing member that can be opened and closed with respect to the machine frame is attached to the front side of the game board and the arrangement surface (= the front side of the machine frame). The game board is provided with a game area in which a game medium such as a game ball used in the game can move. Predetermined equipment and members are arranged on the arrangement surface. For example, a game medium launching device that launches game media toward the game area, a member formed with a path for guiding the game media to the game media launching device, and the like are disposed. One side edge of the opening / closing member is pivotally attached to the machine frame by a hinge mechanism or the like. According to such a configuration, when the opening / closing member is in the closed state, the opening / closing member covers the front side of the game board and the front side of the arrangement surface. Then, by pulling out the other side edge on the opposite side to the side on which the shaft is attached, the opening / closing member can be opened with respect to the machine frame, and the game board and the arrangement surface are accessed. Will be able to.

  Examples of the opening / closing member include a glass frame and a lower plate member. The glass frame has a configuration in which a glass plate or the like is fixed to a substantially frame-like frame body, and this glass plate protects the game area from the front side of the gaming machine and protects the game medium from the game area. Prevent falling to the front side of the. The lower plate member is provided with a lower plate capable of storing game media and other predetermined members. For example, switches and levers operated by the player in the game are provided. In general, a lower plate member is disposed below the glass frame. In other words, at least two opening / closing members of the glass frame and the lower plate member are arranged in the vertical direction on the machine frame.

  By the way, for example, for maintenance of gaming machines, it may be necessary to open the glass frame to access the gaming area of the gaming machine. For example, if game media is jammed or jammed in the game area and cannot move normally, it is necessary to open the glass frame and remove such game media from the game area. There is. If the glass frame is opened in a state where game balls are present in the game area, the game balls existing in the game area may drop to the front side of the game area. Further, when the glass frame is in an open state, a predetermined device and a part of a predetermined member that are arranged on the arrangement surface are exposed. For this reason, game media dropped from the game board, and other foreign objects such as piano wires and garbage can enter between predetermined devices and members placed on the placement surface, or between predetermined devices and members. It may enter between the arrangement surface and the lower plate member.

  If a foreign object such as a game medium or other piano wire or garbage enters between specified devices or specified members or between the arrangement surface and the lower plate member, the lower plate member is moved to the open state. It is necessary to remove the invading game media. Such work increases man-hours for work such as maintenance of the gaming machine, and may hinder original work such as maintenance. For this reason, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which foreign matters such as game media, garbage, and piano wires that have fallen out do not enter between predetermined devices and members or between the arrangement surface and the lower plate member. As a configuration for this purpose, for example, there may be a configuration in which a gap that allows foreign objects such as game media, garbage, and piano wire to enter is not formed between predetermined devices and predetermined members arranged on the arrangement surface. .

  However, some predetermined devices and predetermined members arranged on the arrangement surface have a configuration that can be opened and closed with respect to the arrangement surface. For example, there is one having a configuration in which one side edge is pivotally attached to the arrangement surface by a hinge mechanism or the like. The predetermined device and the predetermined member having such a configuration may require a predetermined space (= space) around the opening / closing operation. That is, if one side edge is pivotally attached by a hinge mechanism or the like, the other side edge that is not pivotally attached is pulled out to the front side, and at this time, the predetermined device is In addition, a space is required for a part of a predetermined member (particularly, a portion near one side edge to be pivotally attached) to enter. In this way, when opening and closing a given device or member, a space (that is, a gap) is required to prevent physical interference with each other, so foreign objects such as game media, garbage, and piano wire can enter. May not be able to eliminate the gap.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-220499

  In view of the above circumstances, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent foreign objects such as game media, garbage, and piano wire from entering a space formed between predetermined devices and predetermined members. Providing, or providing a gaming machine capable of suppressing entry of foreign objects such as gaming media, garbage, and piano wire between a surface on which a predetermined device or a predetermined member is provided and an opening / closing member, or a game Even when the opening / closing member covering the medium moving area is opened and the game medium is dropped from the gaming medium moving area, the dropping is performed between the predetermined device and the predetermined members exposed by opening the opening / closing member. Providing a gaming machine capable of suppressing the intrusion of a game medium and other foreign objects, or opening and closing members covering the game medium movement area to open the game medium in the game medium movement area Even if the player falls off, the dropped game medium or other foreign object enters between another opening member provided below the opening / closing member and a surface on which the predetermined device or the predetermined member is provided. It is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress this.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a predetermined member provided with an arrangement surface capable of arranging a predetermined component at a predetermined arrangement position, an open state and a closed state with respect to the predetermined member. A first opening and closing member provided movably between the first opening and closing member, the arrangement surface provided on the predetermined member has a portion facing the arrangement surface in the closed state of the first opening and closing member, On the arrangement surface, the predetermined component is arranged so as to be movable between the predetermined arrangement position and an arrangement release position at least a part of which is detached from the predetermined arrangement position. When a predetermined part moves from the predetermined arrangement position to the arrangement release position, it is always formed at a position where a part of the predetermined part enters, and a movable enabling space is formed which is indispensable for the movement of the predetermined part. And moveable The space is formed with an opening that faces when the predetermined part is in the arrangement position, while the opening is closed or reduced by at least a part of the predetermined part when the predetermined part is in the disposition position. When the first opening / closing member moves from the open state to the closed state, the foreign matter moves between the disposition surface and / or the movement enabling space between the arrangement surface and the first opening / closing member. The gist of the present invention is to provide an intrusion suppression unit that is closed or reduced so as to face the opening of the movable space so as not to enter or difficult to enter.

  Here, a second opening / closing member is provided on the upper side of the first opening / closing member and is movably provided between the open state and the closed state with respect to the predetermined member. When the second opening / closing member is in a closed state, a portion that faces the second opening / closing member is provided with a game medium moving region in which a game medium can move, and the second opening / closing member is in the closed state. While the second opening / closing member prevents the game medium moving in the game medium moving area from dropping out of the game medium moving area, the game medium is moved when the second opening / closing member is in the open state. The first opening / closing member may fall off from the game medium moving area, and the second opening / closing member covers at least a part of the movable space when the first opening / closing member moves from the open state to the closed state. Open A game medium and / or other foreign matter dropped from the game medium movement area in a state of entering the space between the placement surface and the first opening / closing member through the movement enabling space and / or the movement enabling space. It is preferable that the structure is provided with an intrusion suppression unit that suppresses.

  The arrangement surface engages with the predetermined component in a state where the predetermined component is in the arrangement position, and an associated operation is possible. When the predetermined component moves to the arrangement release position, the engagement is released. Therefore, it is possible to apply a configuration in which other predetermined parts that cannot perform the interlocking operation are further provided.

  When the first opening / closing member moves from the open state to the closed state, it is possible to apply a configuration in which at least a part of the intrusion suppression unit enters the movable space.

  When the first opening / closing member is in the closed state, a plate-like member that covers the movable space can be applied to the intrusion suppression unit.

  It is preferable that the first opening / closing member includes a storage unit capable of storing the game medium and a guide unit that guides the game medium in contact with the intrusion suppression unit to the storage unit.

  An inclined surface that is inclined toward the storage portion can be applied to the guide portion.

  In a state where the predetermined part is in the predetermined arrangement position, the first opening / closing member can move from the open state to the closed state, and at least one of the intrusion suppression portions provided in the first opening / closing member. In a state in which the portion covers the movable space and the predetermined part is in the disposition release position, the first opening / closing member abuts on the predetermined part and cannot move to the closed state, so that the invasion is suppressed. It is preferable that a part cannot be configured to cover the movable space.

  The first opening / closing member is provided with an engagement mechanism portion that engages with the predetermined member when the first opening / closing member moves to the closed state and maintains the first opening / closing member in the closed state. It is preferable that the intrusion suppression unit is provided in the engagement mechanism unit.

  It is preferable that the engagement mechanism portion is configured to enter the movable space when the first opening / closing member is in the closed state.

  The engagement mechanism section includes a frame, an engagement member that is slidable with respect to the frame and can be engaged with another predetermined member, and an operation section that operates the engagement member. And the structure by which the said penetration suppression part is provided in the said frame and / or the said operation part is applicable.

  According to the present invention, when the first opening / closing member is in a closed state with respect to the predetermined member, the intrusion suppressing portion disposed on the first opening / closing member is formed on the arrangement surface of the predetermined member. The mobile enabling space is entered, and the mobile enabling space is closed or reduced. When the first opening / closing member is in a closed state with respect to the predetermined member, the intrusion suppressing unit covers the movement-enabled space formed on the arrangement surface of the predetermined member. For this reason, it prevents or suppresses that foreign materials, such as a game medium, a piano wire, and garbage, enter into the movement enabling space, and enter between the predetermined member and the first opening / closing member through the movement enabling space.

  And since it is the structure by which an intrusion suppression part is provided in a 1st opening-and-closing member, if the 1st opening-and-closing member moves to an open state with respect to the said predetermined member, an intrusion suppression part will escape from a movement-enable space. For this reason, when the first opening / closing member moves to the open state with respect to the predetermined member, there is an obstacle in moving the predetermined component arranged on the arrangement surface from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position. Absent. Therefore, it is possible to move from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position while allowing at least a part of the predetermined parts arranged on the arrangement surface to enter the movable space.

  When the second opening / closing member arranged on the upper side of the first opening / closing member moves from the closed state to the opened state, the arrangement surface of the predetermined member and the predetermined component arranged on the arrangement surface are exposed. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a game medium existing in a game medium moving area provided in a portion of the predetermined member facing the second opening / closing member falls on the first opening / closing member. According to the present invention, even if a game medium falls on the first opening / closing member by opening the second opening / closing member, the dropped gaming medium enters the movable space by the intrusion suppression unit, etc. Can be suppressed.

  Further, it is possible to prevent or suppress the movement-enabled space exposed by opening the second opening / closing member or the entry of foreign matter such as game media, piano wire, and dust into the opening of the movement-enabled space.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the front frame is in a closed state with respect to the machine frame, and the lower plate member and the glass frame are in a closed state with respect to the front frame and the machine frame. It is the top view seen from the front side. It is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, the front frame is in a closed state with respect to the machine frame, the configuration in which the lower plate member and the glass frame are in an open state with respect to the front frame and the machine frame, It is the top view seen from the front side. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed typically the attachment structure of the front frame with respect to a machine frame. The configuration in which the front frame is closed with respect to the machine frame, the lower plate member is closed with respect to the front frame and the machine frame, and the glass frame is open with respect to the front frame and the machine frame. FIG. It is the external appearance perspective view which showed typically the structure in which a front frame is a closed state with respect to a machine frame, and a lower plate member and a glass frame are an open state with respect to a front frame and a machine frame. It is the top view which looked at the gaming machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from the back side. It is the external appearance perspective view which showed typically the state which has a ball | bowl feed cassette in an arrangement | positioning cancellation | release position. It is the figure which looked at the state where a ball feeding cassette exists in a position release position from the upper part. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the engagement mechanism part arrange | positioned at the back surface of a lower plate member from diagonally downward on the back side, and the structure of the engagement mechanism part arrange | positioned at the back surface of a lower plate member is typical. FIG. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the engagement mechanism part arrange | positioned at the back surface of a lower plate member from the diagonally upper side of the front side (= side attached to the back surface of a lower plate member), and is arrange | positioned at the back surface of a lower plate member It is the external appearance perspective view which showed typically the structure of the engaging mechanism part made. It is the figure which showed typically the relationship between the engagement mechanism part and the ball feed cassette arrange | positioned on the arrangement | positioning surface of a front frame, the movement enabling space formed on the arrangement | positioning surface 31, etc., and is the figure seen from the top, a) shows a state in which the lower plate member is in a closed state with respect to the front frame, and (b) shows a state in which the lower plate member is in an open state with respect to the front frame. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view schematically showing a state in which the lower plate member is closed with respect to the front frame and the glass frame is in an open state with respect to the front frame, and an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the engaging mechanism portion. It is a figure which shows typically the fall aspect of the game ball which fell from the game area | region of the game board.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is a pachinko gaming machine. In games, game balls (= pachinko balls) are used as game media.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a front frame 3 is in a closed state with respect to a machine frame 2, and a lower plate member 4 and a glass frame 5 are connected to the front frame 3 and It is the top view which looked at the composition in a closed state to machine frame 2 from the front side. FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, where the front frame 3 is in a closed state with respect to the machine frame 2, and the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are the front frame 3 and the machine. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a configuration in an open state with respect to a frame 2 as viewed from the front side. In FIG. 2, various devices disposed in the game area 611 of the game board 61 are omitted.

  In the following description, the “front surface” of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention refers to the surface on the side where the player plays a game (= the surface on the opposite side when the player plays a game). The “rear surface” means a surface opposite to the front surface. Further, in the following description, “up”, “down”, “right”, and “left” of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention are normally viewed from the front side unless otherwise specified. Say. “Horizontal direction” means a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. That is, the direction shown in FIG. 1 is used as a reference. The same applies to the orientations of various parts constituting the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention and various parts assembled to the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a machine frame 2 (also referred to as “base frame”, “main body frame”, “outer frame”, etc.). The front frame 3 (sometimes referred to as “inner frame”), the lower plate member 4 as the first opening / closing member, and the glass frame 5 as the second opening / closing member. Then, predetermined parts are assembled to the machine frame 2, the front frame 3, the lower dish member 4, and the glass frame 5. Although omitted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a prepaid card unit may be attached to the outer surface of one side (for example, the left side) of the machine casing 2.

  The front frame 3 is disposed on the front side of the machine frame 2 and is attached to the machine frame 2 so as to be openable and detachable. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are disposed on the front side of the machine frame 2 and the front frame 3, and can be opened and closed with respect to the machine frame 2 and the front frame 3, respectively. Composed.

  The machine frame 2 is a frame-like structure having a predetermined depth and an open substantially quadrilateral shape.

  The front frame 3 is a frame formed in substantially the same outer shape as the outer shape of the machine frame 2 (substantially a quadrilateral in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention). An opening having a predetermined shape (for example, an opening formed in a substantially quadrilateral shape. This opening is an opening leading from the front side to the back side) is formed in the upper portion of the front frame 3. Below the front frame 3 (= below the opening), there is provided an arrangement surface 31 on which predetermined components and predetermined devices are arranged. This arrangement surface 31 is a surface facing the front side and the back side of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, a handle fixing portion 32 is provided at the lower right portion of the front frame 3 (= the right side of the arrangement surface 31). For example, the front frame 3 has a frame-like structure having an outer shape substantially the same as the outer shape of the machine frame 2 and an open plate-like member, and a lower portion (= near the lower side) of the frame-like structure. It has a configuration in which a plate-like member is attached. And the front surface and back surface of a plate-shaped member become the arrangement | positioning surface 31, and parts other than a plate-shaped member become an opening part.

  The front frame 3 is attached to the machine frame 2 so as to be openable and detachable. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the attachment structure of the front frame 3 to the machine frame 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, engaging members 21 and 22 are attached to the upper and lower portions of one side edge of the machine frame 2 (left side edge in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention). The engaging members 21 and 22 are provided with engaging shafts 211 and 221 that protrude upward and have a substantially circular cross section.

  On the other hand, engaged members 33 and 34 are attached to the upper and lower portions of one side edge of the front frame 3 (left side edge in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention).

  The engaged shaft 211 of the engaging member 22 attached to the lower part of the one side edge of the machine frame 2 can be engaged with the engaged member 34 attached to the lower part of the one side edge of the front frame 3 (= insertable) The engagement hole 341 having a substantially round hole shape is formed. That is, the engaged member 34 attached to the lower part of the one side edge of the front frame 3 is engaged with the engaging hole 341 by approaching the engaging member 22 attached to the lower part of the one side edge of the machine frame from above. The shaft 221 can be inserted and engaged.

  An engagement shaft 211 of the engagement member 21 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the machine frame 2 can be engaged with the engaged member 33 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the front frame 3 (= insertable) An engagement notch 331 is formed. This engagement notch 331 is a slit-like notch formed from the outer peripheral edge (= the outer peripheral edge in the horizontal direction) of the engaged member 33 toward the inside, and is formed at the upper part of one side edge of the machine frame 2. The engaging shaft 211 of the engaging member 21 to be attached can be inserted and engaged so as to slide in a substantially horizontal direction. Further, the engaged member 33 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the front frame 3 is provided with an engagement holding mechanism (not shown). This engagement holding mechanism is a mechanism that restricts the movement of the engagement shaft 211 of the engagement member 21 engaged with the engagement notch 331 of the engaged member 33 in the horizontal direction. The engagement shaft 211 of the member 21 is prevented from coming out of the engagement notch 331 of the engaged member 33 (= disengagement is released). By operating this engagement holding mechanism, the engagement shaft 211 of the engagement member 21 can be pulled out of the engagement notch 331 of the engaged member 34.

  The procedure for attaching the front frame 3 to the machine frame 2 is as follows. First, the engaged member 34 attached to the lower part of one side edge of the front frame 3 is approached from above the engaging member 22 attached to the lower part of one side edge of the machine frame 2. Then, the front shaft 3 is dropped, and the engagement shaft 221 of the engagement member 22 is engaged (= inserted) into the engagement hole 341 of the engaged member 34. For example, in a state where the front frame 3 is slightly inclined with respect to the machine frame 2, the engagement hole 341 of the engaged member 34 attached to the lower part of the one side edge of the front frame 3 is inserted into the engagement hole 341 of the machine frame 2. The engaging shaft 221 of the engaging member 22 attached to the lower part is engaged. Next, the engagement shaft 211 of the engagement member 21 attached to the upper part of the one side edge of the machine frame is engaged with the engagement notch 331 of the engaged member 33 attached to the upper part of the one side edge of the front frame 3. Let For example, while changing the front frame 3 from the tilted posture to the vertical standing posture, one of the machine frames 2 is inserted into the engagement notch of the engaged member 33 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the front frame 3. The engaging shaft 211 of the engaging member 21 attached to the upper part of the side edge is inserted and engaged so as to slide in the horizontal direction. The engagement notch 331 of the engaged member 33 attached to the upper part of the one side edge of the front frame 3 is completely engaged with the engagement shaft 211 of the engagement member 21 attached to the upper part of the one side edge of the machine frame 2. In this case, the engagement shaft 211 of the engagement member 21 is held by the engagement holding mechanism provided in the engaged member 33 so as not to come out of the engagement notch 331 of the engaged member 33.

  The procedure for removing the front frame 3 from the machine frame is the reverse of the above procedure. That is, first, the engagement shaft 211 of the engagement member 21 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the machine frame 2 is operated by operating the engagement holding mechanism of the engaged member 33 attached to the upper part of the front frame 3. The engagement member 33 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the front frame 3 is brought into a state where it can be pulled out from the engagement notch 331. Then, the front frame 3 is engaged with an engagement hole of an engaged member 34 attached to a lower portion of one side edge of the front frame 3 and an engagement shaft 221 of an engagement member 22 attached to a lower portion of one side edge of the machine frame 2. The engaged member 33 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the front frame 3 is made to be inclined with respect to the engaging member 21 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the machine frame 2. And relatively move it so that it slides in a substantially horizontal direction. By this operation, the engaging shaft 211 of the engaging member 21 is pulled out from the engaging notch 331 of the engaged member 33. Then, the engaged member 33 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the front frame 3 and the engaging member 21 attached to the upper part of one side edge of the machine frame 2 are released and physically separated. . Thereafter, the front frame 3 is lifted upward, and the engagement attached to the lower part of the one side edge of the machine frame 2 from the engagement hole 341 of the engaged member 34 attached to the lower part of the one side edge of the front frame 3. The engagement shaft 221 of the member 22 is pulled out (= disengagement). As a result, the front frame 3 and the machine casing 2 are physically separated, and the front frame 3 is removed from the machine casing 2.

  Engagement members 21 and 22 attached to the upper and lower parts of one side edge of the machine frame 2 and engaged members 33 and 34 attached to the upper and lower parts of one side edge of the front frame 3 are engaged. Functions as a hinge. Specifically, the engagement shafts 211 and 221 of the engagement members 21 and 22 and the engagement holes 341 or the engagement notches 331 of the engaged members 33 and 34 can be rotated relatively with each other as the rotation center. it can. Therefore, the front frame 3 can be opened and closed with respect to the machine frame 2. Specifically, the other side edge of the front frame 3 (the side opposite to the side where the engaged members 33 and 34 are attached. The right side edge in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention) is on the front side. By pulling out, the one side edge of the front frame 3 is set as the rotation center (strictly speaking, the engagement shafts 211 and 221 of the engagement members 21 and 22 and the engagement holes 341 and engagement cuts of the engaged members 33 and 34). With the notch 331 as the center of rotation), it can be opened to the front side like a so-called hinged door.

  The “closed state” of the front frame 3 is a state in which the other side edge of the front frame 3 is engaged with the other side edge of the machine frame 2 (for example, a contact state). The “open state” means a state in which the other side edge of the front frame 3 is detached from the other side edge of the machine frame 2.

  The machine frame 2 and the front frame 3 are provided with a closed state holding mechanism (not shown), and the closed state holding mechanism can maintain the closed state of the front frame 3 with respect to the machine frame 2 (that is, the front frame). 3 is locked to the machine frame). Specifically, the closed state holding mechanism includes a movable hook-shaped locking rod disposed on either the back surface of the front frame 3 or the front surface of the machine frame 2, and the locking rod is locked by the locking rod. It has a to-be-latched part arranged on the other side of the rear surface of the front frame 3 and the front surface of the machine frame 2. When the front frame 3 moves from the open state to the closed state with respect to the machine frame 2, the locking rod is configured to be automatically locked to the locked portion. As a result, the front frame 3 is kept closed with respect to the machine frame 2. On the other hand, by operating the lock rod, the lock between the lock rod and the locked portion can be released, and thereby the front frame 3 can be moved from the closed state to the open state with respect to the machine frame 2. .

  Returning to FIG. 1 and FIG. A game board 61 is detachably attached to the opening formed in the front frame 3 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (see FIG. 2 in particular). The game board 61 is a plate-like member formed in a predetermined shape (for example, substantially quadrilateral), and a game area 611 as a game medium movement area, which is an area in which a game ball can move, is formed on the front side thereof. Is done. Specifically, on the front surface of the game board 61, a guide rail (= inner guide rail 612) for guiding a game ball launched by a launching device 74 (which will be hidden and not visible in FIGS. 1 and 2). And the outer guide rail 613) are formed in a substantially circular shape. A region surrounded by the guide rails 612 and 613 (= a region formed in a substantially circular shape) becomes a game region 611. In the game area 611 provided in the game board 61, predetermined devices and predetermined parts are disposed (not shown in FIG. 2). For example, various predetermined symbol display devices such as a normal symbol display device and a special symbol display device 615, various predetermined winning devices such as a special winning device 616 and a start winning device 617, a nail and a rotating role that a game ball can collide with. Various predetermined members (not shown) such as objects (= windmills) are disposed. In the lowermost part of the game area 611, an out port 618 that leads to a path for discharging the game ball to the outside of the game area 611 is provided.

  On the arrangement surface 31 provided at the lower part of the front frame 3, predetermined devices and predetermined parts such as a launching device 74, a ball feeding cassette 71 and a return ball discharging member 72 are arranged. Further, the arrangement surface 31 is provided with an engagement mechanism portion 311 for maintaining the lower plate member in a closed state with respect to the front frame (described later). For example, as shown in FIG. 2 in particular, a ball feed cassette 71 is disposed at the approximate center in the left-right direction of the arrangement surface 31, and a return ball discharge member 72 is disposed on the left side of the ball feed cassette 71. An engagement mechanism portion 311 is provided on the right side. Further, a launching device 74 is disposed on the back side of the ball feeding cassette 71 (invisible in FIG. 2).

  The launching device 74 is a device for launching a game ball toward the game area. The launching device 74 has a launching rod 741 that gives a predetermined initial velocity to the game ball by hitting the game ball, and a main body portion in which a drive source that drives the launching ball 741 is stored. And the launcher 741 is arrange | positioned at the front side of an arrangement surface, and a main-body part is arrange | positioned at the back surface of an arrangement surface.

  The ball feeding cassette 71 is engaged with other parts or devices on the arrangement surface 31 (launching device 74 in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention), and can be linked to perform a predetermined operation. It is alternately moved between (= position where the related motion is possible) and a position where at least a part is detached from the arrangement surface 31 and the predetermined motion is not performed (= position where the related motion is impossible). It is possible to arrange. Note that a position where the predetermined operation can be performed by engaging with other parts on the arrangement surface 31 is referred to as an “arrangement position”, and at least a part of the arrangement surface 31 is detached from the arrangement surface 31 to perform the predetermined operation. The position where the operation is not performed is referred to as “arrangement release position”. A specific configuration will be described later.

  In the state where the ball feeding cassette 71 is arranged at the arrangement position, the launching device 74 hits the launching rod 741 and launches the game ball stored in the upper plate 51 (described later) of the glass frame 5. This is a part that can be selectively guided to either a position where the lower plate member 4 can be moved (hereinafter referred to as “launch position”) or a lower plate 41 (described later) of the lower plate member 4. Specifically, the ball feed cassette 71 is a member formed in a box shape having a predetermined depth dimension, and inside thereof, a first game ball path for guiding the game ball to the launch position, A second game ball path for guiding the game ball to the lower plate is formed.

  The first game ball path formed in the ball feeding cassette 71 is a path having a gentle downward slope from the start point to the end point. An opening 711 as an entrance for a game ball is formed in the upper part (= near the upper end) of the front surface of the ball feed cassette 71, and this entrance is connected to the starting point of the first game ball path. For this reason, the game ball can enter the first game ball path through the opening 711 from the front side of the ball feed cassette 71. Then, the game ball that has entered the first game ball path advances (rolls) from the start point to the end point by its own weight. At the end point of the first game ball path, a plurality of game balls that have continuously entered the first game ball path are separated one by one (= one by one intermittently) and guided to the launch position. A mechanism is provided.

  The ball feeding mechanism includes a ball feeding member and an electromagnet (solenoid) that drives the ball feeding member. The ball feeding member is formed with a substantially U-shaped notch that can accommodate one game ball. And it arrange | positions at the end point of the 1st game ball path | route of the ball | bowl feeding cassette 71 so that rocking | swiveling can be carried out substantially up and down. When the ball feeding member swings and faces upward, the substantially U-shaped notch faces the end point of the first game ball path. For this reason, one of the plurality of game balls that have traveled along the first game ball path fits into a substantially U-shaped cutout formed in the ball feeding member. When the ball feeding member swings and faces the lowermost side, the substantially U shape formed on the ball feeding member overlaps the opening formed on the back surface of the ball feeding cassette. For this reason, the game ball contained in the substantially U shape formed on the ball feeding member falls from the opening to the back side of the ball feeding cassette by its own weight. The dropped game ball is guided to a position where the launching rod 741 of the launching device 74 is disposed (that is, a launch position). In the state where the ball feeding member is directed to the lowermost side, the game ball that has traveled along the first game ball path cannot enter the substantially U-shaped cutout formed in the ball feeding member.

  A ferromagnetic body (a member that attracts to a magnet) such as an iron piece is attached to the ball feeding member. An electromagnet is disposed above the ball feeding member. When an electric current is passed through the electromagnet, a magnetic force is generated, the ferromagnetic material is attracted, the ball feeding member swings upward, and is in the state facing the uppermost side. When the current to the electromagnet is stopped, the ball feeding member swings downward due to its own weight and the game ball's own weight, and is in a state facing most downward. According to such a configuration, the ball feeding member can be intermittently swung in the vertical direction by passing an electric current intermittently through the electromagnet. Therefore, it is possible to guide the plurality of game balls that have progressed continuously through the first game ball path one by one to the launch position.

  The game balls guided to the launch position are launched one by one toward the game area 611 of the game board 61 by the launcher 741 of the launch device 74. That is, after the ball feeding member is directed to the lowermost side and one game ball is guided to the launch position, the launch device 74 launches the game ball toward the game area 611. During this time, the game ball feeding member faces the uppermost side by the electromagnet. As a result, the next game ball that has traveled along the first game ball path is accommodated in a substantially U-shaped cutout formed in the ball feeding member. After the launching device fires the game ball, the ball feeding member faces downward and the next game ball is guided to the launch position. Then, the launching device 74 launches the next game ball toward the game area 611. Thus, the ball feed cassette 71 and the firing device 74 are engaged so as to have a predetermined positional relationship, and the ball feed mechanism of the ball feed cassette 71 and the launch device 74 operate in conjunction with each other.

  The second game ball path provided in the ball feed cassette 71 is a path that branches downward from the vicinity of the end point of the first game ball path provided in the ball feed cassette 71 (= immediately before the ball feed member). An opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the second game ball path is provided at a branch point between the first game ball path and the second game ball path provided in the ball feeding cassette 71 (that is, the starting point of the second game ball path). Provided. The opening / closing mechanism includes an opening / closing member that opens and closes the second game ball path, and an urging means that urges the opening / closing member. The opening / closing member is a substantially plate-like member, and is disposed so as to be capable of reciprocating in a slidable manner in a substantially horizontal direction (for example, a substantially left-right direction). The opening / closing member is formed with an operating arm 713 protruding to the front side. A long hole-shaped opening 714 that is long in the left-right direction is formed on the front surface of the ball feeding cassette 71, and the operating arm 713 of the opening / closing member passes through the long hole-shaped opening 714 to the front side of the ball feeding cassette 71. Protruding.

  This opening / closing member can open and close the starting point of the second game ball path provided in the ball feeding cassette 71 by reciprocating in a sliding manner in the left-right direction. That is, when it is located at one end of the reciprocating movable range, the starting point of the second game ball path provided in the ball feeding cassette 71 is closed. In this position, the upper surface of the opening / closing member serves as the bottom surface of the first game ball path provided in the ball feed cassette 71 to guide the game ball to the game ball feed member, and the game ball is provided in the ball feed cassette 71. Prevent falling into the game ball path. On the other hand, when the opening / closing member is located at the other end of the movable range, the second game ball path is opened by retreating from the starting point of the second game ball path provided in the ball feeding cassette 71. For this reason, the game ball that has traveled through the first game ball path provided in the ball feed cassette 71 falls to the second game ball path without reaching the game ball feed member. An opening 712 as an outlet for a game ball is formed in the lower part (for example, near the lower side) of the front of the ball feeding cassette, and this opening 712 communicates with the end point (that is, the lower end) of the second game ball path. For this reason, the game ball that has fallen into the second game ball path is discharged from the outlet to the front side of the ball feeding cassette 71.

  The opening / closing member is urged and maintained by the urging means at a position where the second game ball path provided in the ball feeding cassette 71 is normally closed. Then, by operating the operating arm 713 against the urging force of the urging means (= sliding to the other end of the movable range), the second game ball path can be opened.

  As described above, the ball feeding cassette 71 is in a state in which the placement surface 31 is located, and other members and devices (launching device 74 in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention) placed on the placement surface. Engage so as to be in a predetermined positional relationship, and perform a predetermined operation in cooperation.

  The return ball discharge member 72 is a member that guides, to the lower plate 41 of the lower plate member 4, the game ball that has been launched by the launching device 74 and returned without reaching the game area 611 due to a low initial velocity. is there. The return ball discharge member 72 is a substantially box-shaped member having a predetermined depth dimension. Inside the return ball discharge member 72 is a launch path through which a game ball launched by the launch device 74 passes, and downward from the launch path. And a branching discharge path is formed. At the end point (= lower end) of the discharge path, an opening 721 (= exit of game balls) communicating with the front side is formed. According to such a configuration, the game ball launched by the launching device is played through the launch path formed on the return ball discharge member and the path formed by the guide rails 612 and 613 provided on the game board 61. To reach. However, the game balls that could not reach the game area 611 due to the low initial velocity return on the path formed by the guide rails 612 and 613 and the launch path formed on the return ball discharge member 72. Then, the returned game ball falls to the discharge path formed in the return ball discharge member 72 and is discharged to the front side of the return ball discharge member 72 through the opening 721 formed at the end point of the discharge path. Guided to the lower plate 41 of the lower plate member 4.

  The handle fixing portion 32 is a member disposed on the right side of the arrangement surface 31 and protrudes to the front side from the arrangement surface 31. When the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the front surface of the handle fixing portion 32 substantially coincides with the front surface of the lower plate member 4. That is, in terms of design, when the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the lower plate member 4 and the handle fixing portion 32 can be seen integrally. The handle fixing portion 32 is provided with a firing handle 321 for operating the firing device 74. Further, the handle fixing portion 321 is provided with an engagement mechanism operation portion 322 for operating an engagement mechanism portion provided on the front frame 3 and the machine frame 2. For example, a cylinder lock is applied to the engagement mechanism unit operation unit 322. That is, by inserting a predetermined key into the cylinder lock and rotating it in a predetermined direction, the movable locking rod disposed on the front frame 3 or the machine frame 2 is operated, and the locking claw rod and the cover The locked state with the locking portion can be released. When the locking state between the locking rod and the locked portion is released, the other side edge (right side edge) of the front frame 3 is pulled out to the front side, whereby the front frame 3 is moved relative to the machine frame 2. It can be moved from the closed state to the open state.

  A lower plate member 4 and a glass frame 5 are attached to the front side of the front frame 3 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the machine frame 2 and the front frame 3, respectively. 4 and 5 are diagrams schematically showing the assembly structure of the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows that the front frame 3 is in a closed state with respect to the machine frame 2, the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3 and the machine frame 2, and the glass frame 5 is in the front frame. 3 is an external perspective view schematically showing a configuration in an open state with respect to 3 and a machine casing 2. FIG. FIG. 5 schematically shows a configuration in which the front frame 3 is in a closed state with respect to the machine frame 2, and the lower dish member 4 and the glass frame 5 are in an open state with respect to the front frame 3 and the machine frame 2. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the lower plate member 4 is attached to the lower part of the front side of the front frame 3, and the glass frame 5 is attached to the upper side of the lower plate member 4.

  One side edge of the lower plate member 4 and one side edge of the glass frame 5 (left side edge in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention) are pivotally attached to one side edge (left side edge) of the front frame 3. . For example, the upper part of one side edge of the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 is provided with a substantially circular engagement shaft that protrudes upward, and the lower part has a substantially circular cross section that protrudes downward. The engagement shaft is provided. Further, an engaged member in which an engagement hole capable of engaging (= inserting) the engagement shaft is attached to a predetermined height direction position of one side edge of the front frame 3. The engaging shafts provided at the upper and lower portions of the one side edge of the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are engaged with the engaged member attached to the predetermined height direction position of the one side edge of the front frame 3. Engage with the hole. According to such a configuration, the engagement shaft and the engagement member function as a hinge mechanism, and the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 have the one side edge as the rotation center (strictly speaking, the engagement shaft and the engagement member). The engagement hole formed in the member can be used as a rotation center). Therefore, the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are each formed in a manner like a hinged door by pulling out another one side edge (the right side edge in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention) to the front side. The frame 3 and the machine frame 2 can be moved between a closed state and an open state.

  The “closed state” of the lower plate member 4 with respect to the front frame 3 means a state in which the other one side edge of the lower plate member 4 is engaged with the other one side edge of the front frame 3. The “open state” of the lower plate member 4 with respect to the front frame 3 is a state other than the “closed state”. Specifically, for example, the other side edge of the lower plate member 4 is The state where it is detached from the other side edge. The “closed state” of the lower plate member 4 with respect to the machine frame 2 is a state in which the lower plate member 4 is closed with respect to the front frame 3 and the front frame 3 is also closed with respect to the machine frame 2. Say. The “open state” of the lower plate member 4 with respect to the machine frame 2 is a state other than the “closed state” of the lower plate member 4 with respect to the machine frame 2. Specifically, for example, it refers to a state in which the lower plate member 4 is open to the front frame 3 regardless of whether the front frame 3 is open or closed with respect to the machine frame 2. Therefore, “the lower plate member 4 is in the“ open state ”” with respect to the front frame 3 includes a state in which the lower plate member 4 is also open with respect to the machine frame 2.

  Similarly, the “closed state” of the glass frame 5 with respect to the front frame 3 refers to a state in which the other side edge of the glass frame 5 is engaged with the other side edge of the front frame 3. The “open state” of the glass frame 5 with respect to the front frame 3 refers to a state other than the “closed state”. The “closed state” of the glass frame 5 with respect to the machine frame 2 refers to a state where the glass frame 5 is closed with respect to the front frame 3 and the front frame 3 is also closed with respect to the machine frame 2. The “open state” of the glass frame 5 with respect to the machine frame 2 is a state other than the “closed state” of the glass frame 5 with respect to the machine frame 2. Similarly to the lower plate member 4, “the glass frame 5 is in the“ open state ”with respect to the front frame 3” includes a state in which the glass frame 5 is also open with respect to the machine frame 2.

  When the lower plate member 4 is in the closed state, the back surface of the lower plate member 4 faces a predetermined range below the arrangement surface 31 provided on the front frame 3 with a predetermined distance. In addition, when the glass frame 5 is in a closed state, a predetermined range at the upper part of the rear surface of the glass frame 5 is set at a predetermined distance from the opening formed in the front frame 3 (the game board 61 disposed). And face each other. Further, a predetermined range at the lower part of the back surface of the glass frame 5 is opposed to a predetermined range at the upper part of the arrangement surface 31 provided on the front frame 3 with a predetermined distance.

  The lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are independently attached to the front side of the front frame 3. For this reason, the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 can move independently between a closed state and an open state. However, a regulating member (not shown), which is a plate-like member protruding upward, is attached to the upper end of the lower plate member 4. The regulating member abuts near the lower side of the back surface of the glass frame 5. For this reason, the lower plate member 4 cannot be moved to the front side of the glass frame 5. For the same reason, when the glass frame 5 is in the closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the lower plate member 4 cannot be moved from the closed state to the open state. Thus, the lower plate member 4 can be moved between the closed state and the opened state only when the glass frame 5 is in the opened state.

  Moreover, when the glass frame 5 is moved from the state in which both the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are open to the front frame 3 to the closed state, the lower side of the glass frame 5 is attached to the upper end of the lower plate member 4. The lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are integrally moved from the open state to the closed state. For this reason, when the lower plate member 4 cannot move to the closed state, the glass frame 5 cannot move from the opened state to the closed state.

  An engagement mechanism 8 is provided on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 (see particularly FIG. 5). The engagement mechanism portion 8 is for maintaining the lower plate member 4 in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3 by engaging with an engagement mechanism portion 311 provided on the arrangement surface of the front frame 3. When the lower plate member 4 moves from the open state to the closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the lower plate member 4 is automatically maintained closed with respect to the front frame 3 by the engagement mechanism portions 8 and 311. (= The lower plate member 4 is locked to the front frame 3). By operating this, the engagement mechanism portion 8 can release the engagement between the lower plate member 4 and the front frame 3. When the engagement is released, the lower plate member 4 is moved relative to the front frame 3. It can be moved from the closed state to the open state. The details of the engaging mechanism portion 8 of the lower plate member 8 will be described later.

  The glass frame 5 and the front frame 3 are also provided with engagement mechanisms (not shown) for maintaining the glass frame 5 in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3. Specifically, for example, a movable locking rod is provided on one of the glass frame 5 and the front frame 3, and a locked portion to which the locking rod can be locked is provided on the other one. . When the glass frame 5 is moved from the open state to the closed state, the movable locking rod is automatically locked to the locked portion, whereby the glass frame 5 is brought into the closed state with respect to the front frame 3. Maintained (= the glass frame 5 is locked to the front frame 3). In order to move the glass frame 5 from the closed state to the open state, the movable locking rod is operated to release the locked state between the movable locking rod and the locked portion. Thereby, it can be moved to an open state so that the other one side edge of glass frame 5 may be pulled out to the front side. Note that the engaging mechanism unit operating unit for releasing the locking state of the movable locking rod and the locked portion is an engaging mechanism unit for maintaining the front frame in a closed state with respect to the machine frame. The engaging mechanism part operating part 322 to be operated is also used. That is, when a predetermined key is inserted into the engagement mechanism unit operation unit 322 and the inserted key is rotated in a predetermined direction (for example, clockwise), the locked state of the front frame 3 with respect to the machine frame 2 is released. When the glass frame 5 is rotated in a predetermined direction (for example, counterclockwise), the locked state of the glass frame 5 with respect to the front frame 3 is released.

  The lower plate member 4 is a member provided with a lower plate 41 that can store game balls, as shown in FIGS. Specifically, the lower plate member 4 is provided with a lower plate 41 that protrudes toward the front side. A recess 42 is formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 41, and game balls can be stored in the recess 42. In addition, a game medium guiding portion 43 that is an inclined surface having a downward slope toward the concave portion 42 is formed at the peripheral edge portion of the concave portion 42 (= the portion of the upper surface of the lower plate that is close to the concave portion 42). For this reason, when the game ball falls on the game medium guiding unit 43, the dropped game ball rolls due to the inclination of the game medium guiding unit 43 and is guided to the recess 42 of the lower plate 41. In this way, by forming the game medium guiding portion 43 in the lower plate 41, it is possible to prevent or suppress the game ball from falling from the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The game medium guiding portion 43 is provided at least on the front side of the engaging mechanism portion 8 as shown in FIG.

  The lower plate member 4 is formed with a game ball dropping hole 44 that communicates the deepest portion of the bottom surface of the recess 42 of the lower plate 41 with the lower surface of the lower plate 41. A ball removing mechanism 45 is provided on the lower surface of the lower plate 41. The ball removal mechanism 45 includes an opening / closing member 451 that can move between a closed state and an opened state with respect to the game ball dropping hole 44, and a biasing unit that biases the opening / closing member 451. The opening / closing member 451 is a substantially plate-like member, and is disposed on the lower surface of the lower plate 41 so as to be able to reciprocate in a substantially horizontal direction (for example, in the left-right direction). When the opening / closing member 451 is positioned at one end of the reciprocating movable range, the game ball dropping hole 44 is closed. . The opening / closing member 451 is urged so as to be positioned at the one end of the movable range by an urging means (not shown, for example, an elastic member such as a coil spring or a leaf spring). Keep closed. The opening / closing member 451 is formed with an operating arm 452 projecting to the front side. A player or the like operates the operating arm 452 (= sliding against the urging force of the urging means). By moving it), the game ball drop hole 44 can be opened. Then, by opening the game ball dropping hole 44, the game ball stored in the lower plate 41 can be dropped into a game ball container or the like placed below the lower plate 41.

  Further, the lower plate member 4 has a through-hole-shaped first game ball path 46 and a second game ball path 47 that communicate between the inner wall surface of the recess 42 of the lower plate 41 and the back surface of the lower plate member 4. And are formed. The entrances of the first game ball path and the second game ball path formed in the lower dish member 4 (= openings provided on the back surface of the lower dish member 4) are formed independently at predetermined positions. . However, they are merged inside the lower plate member 4, and the outlet (= the opening formed on the inner wall surface of the recess 42 of the lower plate 41) is common.

  When the lower plate member 4 is in the closed state, a predetermined area on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 is a predetermined portion on the front surface of the ball feeding cassette 71 (specifically, the position is set on the arrangement surface of the front frame 3). Is in close proximity to the lower part of the front face. And the opening part (namely, entrance of a game ball) of the back side of the 1st game ball course 46 formed in lower plate member 4 is the opening part 712 (= The ball feed cassette 71 communicates with the game ball at the end of the second game ball path. For this reason, the dropped game ball in the second game ball path of the ball feeding cassette 71 is discharged to the front side from the opening 712 formed in the lower part of the front surface of the ball feeding cassette 71 and is formed on the lower plate member 4. The first game ball path 46 is guided to the recess 42 of the lower plate 41.

  Further, when the lower plate member 4 is in the closed state, a predetermined area on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 is opposed to a predetermined portion of the return ball discharge member 72 disposed on the arrangement surface of the front frame 3. . The entrance of the second game ball path 47 formed in the lower plate member 4 is an opening 721 formed at the lower part of the front surface of the return ball discharge member 72 (= the end point of the discharge path of the return ball discharge member 72). It communicates facing the exit of the formed game ball. For this reason, among the game balls launched by the launching device 74, those that have returned to the game area 611 due to insufficient initial speed are discharged to the front side of the return ball discharge member 72, and the lower plate member 4. Is guided to the recess 42 of the lower tray 41 through the second game ball path 47 formed in the above.

  This will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5. FIG. The glass frame 5 is a member disposed on the upper side of the lower dish member 4. The glass frame 5 is formed with an opening having a predetermined size and shape (this opening is an opening penetrating from the front side toward the back side). A substantially transparent glass plate 52 is attached to the opening. When the glass frame 5 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the glass plate 52 attached to the glass frame 5 has a predetermined distance to the game area 611 of the game board 61 attached to the opening of the front frame 3. Oppose. For this reason, when the glass frame 5 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, it is provided on the game board 61 from the front side of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention through the glass plate 52 attached to the glass frame 5. The game board 611 to be played becomes visible. Further, the game area 611 formed in the game board 61 is protected by the glass plate 51 attached to the glass frame 5 (= maintained in a state where it cannot be directly touched from the front side). Furthermore, the game ball moving in the game area 611 is guided by the glass plate 52 so as not to fall to the front side of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Speakers 53 as loudspeaking means are disposed on the upper right part and upper left part of the glass frame 5 (see particularly FIG. 1). The speaker 53 can emit predetermined music and sound toward the player during the game. The glass frame 5 is provided with various decorative lamps (not shown) so as to surround the opening. These various decorative lamps can be lit or blinked in a predetermined manner during play.

  An upper plate 51 is provided below the opening of the glass frame 5 and directly above the lower side of the glass frame 5 (see particularly FIG. 1). The upper plate 51 is a structure formed integrally with the glass frame 5 and protrudes toward the front side. A concave portion having a predetermined shape and a predetermined depth is formed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate 51, and a game ball can be stored in the concave portion. The glass frame 5 has a first game ball path 56 that communicates the inner wall surface of the recess and the back surface of the glass frame 5, and a second game ball path that communicates the bottom of the recess and the back surface of the glass frame 5. 57 is formed (see particularly FIGS. 4 and 5).

  When the glass frame 5 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, a predetermined portion at the lower part (= near the lower side) of the rear surface of the glass frame 5 faces the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 with a predetermined distance. . For this reason, the predetermined part of the back surface of the glass frame 5 faces and closes to the predetermined part of the upper part of the front surface of the return ball discharge member 72 arranged on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. Similarly, it faces and opposes the upper part of the front surface of the ball feeding cassette 71 arranged at the arrangement position of the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3.

  The first game ball path 56 formed in the glass frame 5 is a path for sending the game balls stored in the upper plate 51 to the ball feeding cassette 71 arranged at the arrangement position of the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. It is. That is, when the glass frame 5 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the exit of the first game ball path 56 formed in the glass frame 5 (that is, the opening that appears on the back surface of the glass frame 5) is a sphere. It communicates opposite to an opening 711 (= an inlet formed at the starting point of the first game ball path of the ball feeding cassette 71) formed in the upper part of the front surface of the feeding cassette 71. For this reason, the game balls stored in the upper plate 51 can be fed into the ball feeding cassette 71 through the first game ball path 56 formed in the glass frame 5. An opening / closing mechanism 58 that opens and closes the outlet is provided at the outlet of the first game ball path 56.

  The second game ball path 57 formed in the glass frame 5 is located in the vicinity of the lower side of the glass frame 5, and is formed in the glass frame 5 when the glass frame 5 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3. The entrance of the second game ball path 57 (= the opening that appears on the back surface of the glass frame 5) faces the end point of the game ball supply path 92 provided on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. The game ball supply path 92 is a path that communicates with the game ball storage tank 91 provided at the upper part of the back surface of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the arrangement surface 31 of the game ball storage tank 91 and the front frame 3. Is a path that allows the game ball to pass (= fall) (see FIG. 6). For this reason, the game balls stored in the game ball storage tank 91 are supplied to the upper plate 51 through the game ball supply path 92 and the second game ball path 57 formed in the glass frame 5.

  In addition, various predetermined game buttons, a ball lending button, a return button, a ball removal button, and the like are disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate 51 (all not shown).

  The game button is a button that is operated according to the content and situation of the game while the player is playing. The ball lending button and the return button are buttons for operating the prepaid card unit.

  The ball removal button is a button for causing the game ball stored in the upper plate 51 to flow down to the lower plate 41. A slide member (not shown) is provided at a predetermined position on the back surface of the glass frame 5 so as to reciprocate in the left-right direction in conjunction with the pressing operation of the ball removal button. This slide member is a member for operating the operating arm of the opening / closing member of the ball feeding cassette 71 arranged at the arrangement position of the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. That is, when the glass frame 5 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the slide member can be engaged with the operating arm 713 of the opening / closing member provided in the ball feed cassette 71. When the ball removal operation button is pressed and the slide member moves in the left-right direction, the operating arm 713 of the opening / closing member disposed in the ball feed cassette 71 is pushed by the slide member and moved in a sliding manner in the left-right direction. However, the opening / closing member also moves together. As a result, the second game ball path formed in the ball feeding cassette 71 is opened. In this way, the second game ball path formed in the ball feeding cassette 71 is opened by pressing the ball removal button 515 disposed on the upper plate 51. The game balls stored in the upper plate 51 are formed in the second game ball path formed in the glass frame 5 and the ball feeding cassette 71 arranged at the arrangement position of the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. It flows down to the lower plate 41 through the first game ball route and the second game ball route and the first game ball route formed in the lower plate member 4.

  Thus, when the glass frame 5 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the outlet of the first game ball path 56 formed in the glass frame 5 (= the opening on the back side) and the ball feeding cassette 71. And an opening 711 formed at the upper part of the front surface (= the entrance of the game ball formed at the starting point of the first game ball path of the ball feed cassette 71). Further, the slide member disposed on the back surface of the glass frame 5 and the operation arm protruding from the front surface of the ball feeding cassette 71 are engaged. When the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the first game ball path formed in the lower plate member 4 and the exit of the game ball formed in the ball feeding cassette 71 (= ball An opening formed at the end point of the second game ball path of the feed cassette is opposed to and communicated. Thus, when the ball feeding cassette 71 is arranged at the arrangement position of the arrangement surface 31 and the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are in the closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the ball feeding cassette 71, the lower plate member 4 and The glass frame 5 is engaged so as to have a predetermined positional relationship to form a predetermined game ball path, and the ball feeding cassette 71 is opened and closed from the front side of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The member can be operated. As described above, the ball feeding cassette 71 has a predetermined function in conjunction with the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side. As shown in FIG. 6, on the back side of the machine frame of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, there are a frame external terminal board, a pattern control board, a main control board, a voice control board, a lamp control board, and a payout control board. , Various boards such as a launcher control board and a power supply board, a card interface connection unit, a ball pool, a game ball storage tank 91, a game ball supply path 92, a payout device, a launcher 74, and the like.

  The outline of the operation in the game of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration is as follows. When the player operates the launch handle 321, the launch device 74 launches a game ball toward the game area 611 provided in the game board 61. The game ball that has reached the game area 611 falls from the top of the game area 611 downward while colliding with a nail or a rotating accessory. When a game ball wins a special prize device 616 or a start prize device 617, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the game content and game situation change. Then, the normal symbol display device and the special symbol display device 615 display a predetermined symbol according to the game content and the game situation. The game balls that have reached the bottom of the game area 611 without winning the starting prize device 616 or the special prize device 617 are discharged to the outside of the game area through the out port 618.

  Next, an assembly structure of the ball feeding cassette 71 with respect to the arrangement surface 31 will be described.

  As described above, the ball feeding cassette 71 is attached so as to be movable between the arrangement position and the arrangement release position. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view schematically showing a state in which the ball feeding cassette 71 is in the arrangement release position. FIG. 8 is a view of the state in which the ball feeding cassette 71 is in the arrangement release position, as viewed from above.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, one side edge of the ball feeding cassette 71 (on the right side edge in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention) is pivotally attached to the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. For example, one side edge of the ball feeding cassette 71 is assembled to the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 by a hinge mechanism or the like. When the ball feeding cassette 71 is in the arrangement position, the other side edge (left side edge) of the ball feeding cassette 71 is close to the arrangement surface 31 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In this state, the ball feeding cassette 71 and the launching rod 741 of the launching device 74 are in a predetermined positional relationship, and the game ball can be guided to the firing position by the ball feeding cassette 71. Further, when the ball feeding cassette 71 is in the arrangement position and the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are in the closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the ball feeding cassette 71, the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are in a predetermined state. A predetermined path through which a game ball can pass is established between the ball feeding cassette 71 and the lower dish member 4 and the glass frame 5.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the other side edge of the ball feeding cassette 71 is detached from the arrangement surface 31 at the arrangement release position. In this state, the ball feeding cassette 71 and the launching rod 741 of the launching device 74 are not in a predetermined positional relationship, and the game ball cannot be guided to the launch position.

  7 and FIG. 8, when the ball feeding cassette 71 is moved from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position, one side edge (right side edge) of the ball feeding cassette 71 is engaged with the right side of the ball feeding cassette 71. It is formed between the mechanism portion 311 and enters a space S (= a space formed on the front surface side of the arrangement surface 31, particularly see FIG. 8) opened forward and / or upward. In other words, unless the predetermined space S is formed on the right side of one side edge (right side edge) of the ball feeding cassette 71, the ball feeding cassette 71 cannot be moved from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position. That is, when another part or structure is disposed in the immediate vicinity of one side edge of the ball feeding cassette 71, the ball feeding cassette 71 physically interferes with the other part or structure and is disposed from the arrangement position. It cannot be moved to the release position. As described above, in order to move the ball feeding cassette 71 from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position, a space in which a part of the ball feeding cassette 71 can enter without physically interfering with other parts or structures is required. Become.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, this space S is referred to as a “movable space”. That is, in the movement enabling space S, the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are in an open state with respect to the front frame 3, and the ball feeding cassette 71 is arranged at the arrangement position of the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. In this case, the gap is open toward the front side (= opening facing the front side). On the other hand, when the plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are in the open state with respect to the front frame 3 and the ball feed cassette 71 is in the arrangement release position of the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3, a part of the ball feed cassette 71 is used. Enters and the gap (= opening facing the front side) is reduced or at least partially closed. As described above, the “movable space” is an indispensable space when the ball feeding cassette 71 moves from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position.

  As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. The engagement mechanism 311 is provided on the right side of the ball feeding cassette 71. In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the movable space S is required on the right side of the ball feeding cassette 71, so that the ball feeding cassette 71 and the engaging mechanism portion 311 are separated by a predetermined distance. Be placed. And the space | gap between the ball | bowl feed cassette 71 and the engagement mechanism part 311 becomes a movement enabling space. On the other hand, there is no need for a movable space on the left side of the ball feeding cassette 71. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, etc., the configuration may be such that the ball feeding cassette 71 and the return ball discharge member 72 are arranged close to each other (= with almost no gap).

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the ball feeding cassette 71 is in the disposition position, the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 interfere with the ball feeding cassette 71, so that the front frame 3 is closed from the open state. Unable to move to the state. Specifically, in a state where the ball feeding cassette 71 is in the disposition release position, if the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are moved from the open state to the closed state, the back surface of the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 However, it contacts the vicinity of the other side edge of the ball feeding cassette 71, and the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 cannot be brought closer to the front frame 3 beyond that. For this reason, the engagement mechanism part 8 cannot also enter the movement enabling space.

  Next, the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 will be described. FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 as viewed from the lower left side on the back surface side. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the engaging mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 as viewed from the upper right side of the front surface side (= the side attached to the back surface of the lower plate member 4). 9 and 10 are both external perspective views schematically showing the configuration of the engaging mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4.

  When the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the engagement mechanism portion 311 provided on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 is disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4. To maintain the closed state (= the lower plate member 4 is locked to the front frame 3). In addition, when the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the engagement mechanism portion 8 is disposed so as to be positioned on the front side of the movable space. And in the state which the glass frame 5 is open with respect to the front frame 3, it has a function which prevents or suppresses that a game ball penetrate | invades into a movement enabling space.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the engagement mechanism portion 8 provided on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 includes a frame body 81, an engagement member 82, and an urging means 83.

  The frame body 81 includes a main body portion 811, an intrusion suppression portion 812, and an engagement member support portion 813. The frame 81 is a member formed by pressing or plating a metal plate or the like. The main body portion 811 is a portion formed in a substantially flat plate shape. At a predetermined position of the main body 811, a through hole (= a hole through which a screw is passed) for screwing to the back surface of the lower plate member 4 is formed. The intrusion suppression portion 812 is a portion that protrudes from the upper end of the main body portion 811 toward the back side, and has a configuration that is bent and raised toward the back side. The intrusion suppression portion 812 is a substantially flat plate-like portion that extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and in a state where the main body portion 811 is attached to the back surface of the lower plate member 4, the top surface of the intrusion suppression portion 812 is gentle from the back side toward the front side. Down slope. The size and shape of the intrusion suppression unit 812 are set according to the size and shape of the movable space formed on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. Preferred dimensions and shapes will be described later. The engagement member support portion 813 is a flat plate-like portion that rises from one side edge of the main body portion 811 (the right side edge in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention) toward the back side. In the state of being disposed on the back surface of the, a surface extending in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction (= depth direction). A guide pin 8131 that guides the engagement member 82 is erected on the engagement member support portion 813. Further, a locking rod 8132 for locking the urging means is formed in the vicinity of the upper end of the engagement member support portion 813.

  The engaging member 82 is a member disposed on the surface of the engaging member support portion 813 of the frame 81 so as to be reciprocally movable in a substantially vertical direction, and is provided on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. It is a member that can engage with the engaging portion 311. The engaging member 82 is a member formed by pressing a metal plate or the like, or performing a plating process. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the engagement member 82 includes a main body 821, a predetermined number (two in FIGS. 9 and 10) of engagement rods 822, and an operation unit 823. The main body portion 821 is a portion formed in a substantially flat plate shape, and a guide hole 8211 for engaging with a guide pin 8131 erected on the engaging member support portion 813 of the frame body 81 is formed. The guide hole 8211 is a long hole having a predetermined length in the vertical direction. The engagement rod 822 is a structure projecting from the main body portion 821 to the back side, and has a shape such that the tip end portion on the back side is bent in a bowl shape toward the upper side (in other words, substantially “L” shape). Formed into a shape). The bent portion can be engaged with the engaged portion 311 provided on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. The operation portion 823 is a portion formed so as to protrude from the upper end of the main body portion 821 to one side (the side opposite to the side on which the 81 main body portion 811 of the frame body is formed in the state assembled to the frame body). For example, it is a part formed in a substantially plate shape. Further, a locking rod 824 for locking the biasing means 83 is formed in the vicinity of the lower end of the engagement member 82.

  The assembly structure of the engagement mechanism portion 8 having such a member is as follows. The engaging member 82 is disposed on the surface of the engaging member support portion 813 of the frame body 81. Then, the guide pin 8131 erected on the engagement member support portion 813 of the frame body 81 engages with the guide hole 8211 formed in the main body portion 821 of the engagement member 82. For this reason, the engaging member 82 can reciprocate on the surface of the engaging member support portion 813 of the frame body 81 in a sliding manner along the longitudinal direction (= vertical direction) of the guide hole. Further, an urging means 83 is installed between the locking rod 8132 formed on the engaging member support portion 813 of the frame 81 and the locking rod 824 formed on the engaging member 82. A tension coil spring can be applied to the biasing means 83. The biasing means 83 is adapted to reduce the distance between the locking rod 8132 formed on the engaging member support portion 813 of the frame 81 and the locking rod 824 formed on the engaging member 83. Apply power. For this reason, the urging means 83 applies a force that causes the engagement member 82 to be pulled upward on the surface of the engagement member support portion 813 of the frame body 81, so that the engagement member 82 It is maintained so as to be positioned at the upper end position of the movable range of the reciprocating motion in the direction. In this state, the position in the height direction of the upper surface of the intrusion suppression portion 812 of the frame 81 and the position in the height direction of the upper surface of the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 are substantially coincident.

  Next, the operation and function of the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the ball feed cassette 71 arranged on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 and the movable space formed on the arrangement surface 31. It is a figure seen from above. 11A shows a state in which the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, and FIG. 11B shows a state in which the lower plate member 4 is in an open state with respect to the front frame 3. .

  When the lower plate member 4 moves from the open state to the closed state with respect to the front frame 3, at least a part of the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 is disposed on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. It enters into the movement enabling space S to be formed. Then, the engagement rod 822 of the engagement member 82 of the engagement mechanism unit 8 engages with the engagement mechanism unit 311 provided on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. Thereby, the lower plate member 4 is maintained in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3 (the lower plate member 4 is locked to the front frame 3).

  In addition, the engagement mechanism part 311 provided in the arrangement | positioning surface 31 of the front frame 3 should just be the structure which can engage the engagement member 82 of the engagement mechanism part 8 by which the lower pan member 4 is arrange | positioned, and a structure It is not limited. For example, an engagement rod 822 of the engagement member 82 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 can enter the engagement mechanism portion 311 provided on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. And the structure by which the plate-shaped member in which the opening part which can be engaged was formed is arrange | positioned is applicable. According to such a configuration, when the lower plate member 4 moves from the open state to the closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the engagement member 82 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4. The engaging rod 822 enters the opening of the plate-like member, and the portion bent in the shape of the hook engages with the peripheral edge of the opening. Thereby, the lower plate member 4 is maintained in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3.

  When the lower plate member 4 moves from the open state to the closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the intrusion suppression portion 812 of the frame body 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 move. Enter and cover the enabling space. For this reason, the game ball dropped on the lower plate member 4 by the intrusion suppression unit 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism unit 8 and the operation unit 823 of the engagement member 82, and other foreign matters such as piano wire and dust Can be prevented from entering the movable enabling space and between the back surface of the lower plate member 4 and the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 through the moving enabling space. As described above, the intrusion suppression unit 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism unit 8 prevents the game ball from entering the movable space, and at least a part of the operation unit 823 of the engagement member 82 (the book). In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the invention, substantially all) function as an intrusion suppression unit. As described above, the intrusion suppression portion 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 are substantially integrated to prevent the game ball from entering the movable space. To do.

  Therefore, for example, when foreign objects such as game balls, piano wires, and dust enter from the opening, there is a possibility that the normal operation of the launching device and the ball feeding cassette may be hindered or erroneous operation may occur. The intrusion suppressing portion 812 of the frame body 81 and the operation portion 823 of the engaging member 82 can prevent or suppress the invasion of foreign matters such as piano wires and dust, and prevent or suppress the occurrence of malfunctions caused by the intrusion of foreign matter. it can.

  When the ball feeding cassette 71 is in the disposition release position, the ball feeding cassette 71 interferes with the lower plate member 4 as described above, and the lower plate member 4 cannot be moved from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, in this state, the intrusion suppression unit 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism unit 8 and the operation unit 823 of the engagement member 82 cannot enter the movable space and cannot cover the movable space.

  FIG. 12 is an external perspective view schematically showing a state in which the lower plate member 4 is closed with respect to the front frame 3 and the glass frame 5 is in an open state with respect to the front frame 3. It is the enlarged view which extracted and showed the part 8 vicinity. Further, FIG. 12 schematically shows a falling aspect of the game ball P that has fallen from the game area 611 of the game board 61. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the game ball P may fall on the lower plate member 4 from the game area 611 of the game board 61 or the like. Then, the dropped game ball P may be placed on the intrusion suppression portion 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8. The upper surface of the intrusion suppression part 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism part 8 is a downward slope toward the front side. A game medium guiding unit 43 is formed on the front side of the intrusion suppressing unit 812. Therefore, the game ball P placed on the intrusion suppression unit 812 rolls toward the front side due to the gradient and reaches the game medium guiding unit 43. Then, it rolls on the game medium guiding portion 43 and falls into the concave portion 42 of the lower plate 41. For this reason, even if it is a case where the game ball P falls from the game area | region 611, it can prevent or suppress falling to the exterior of the game machine 1 concerning embodiment of this invention.

  Since the intrusion suppression portion 812 is formed in the frame body 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 functions as the intrusion suppression portion, the engagement mechanism is connected to the lower plate member 4. By attaching the part 8, the lower plate member 4 is provided with an intrusion suppressing part. According to such a configuration, the number of parts can be reduced and the number of work steps for assembling the parts can be reduced.

  In order to achieve such effects, the overall size and shape of the intrusion suppressing portion 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 (here, from above or below). (Seen size and shape) is set according to the size and shape of the movable space. That is, when the lower plate member 4 is in the closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the outer peripheral edge of the intrusion suppressing portion 812 of the frame body 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82, and the movable space are provided. A gap between a predetermined part to be defined, a predetermined structure, the arrangement surface 31 and the like is set so as to have a size and a shape in which a foreign object such as a game ball, a piano wire, and dust cannot enter.

  For example, particularly when preventing or suppressing the entry of a game ball, the size of the gap is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Particularly preferably, the size of the gap is set to be smaller than the radius of the game ball. If the size of the gap is set to be smaller than the radius of the game ball, the game ball will not fit into the gap, and the intrusion suppression portion 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 or the engagement The game ball dropped on the upper surface of the operation portion 823 of the member 82 can be quickly removed.

  It should be noted that the foreign object targeted for prevention or suppression of intrusion is not limited to the game ball, and as described above, piano wire and other various garbage are also targeted. Therefore, the overall dimensions and shape of the combination of the intrusion suppression portion 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 are set in consideration of the size of these foreign matters. The Therefore, the intrusion suppression part 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism part 8, the operation part 823 of the engagement member 82, and the elements constituting the entry space S (ball feed cassette 71, engagement mechanism part 311, arrangement surface 31. ) Is preferably made as small as possible, and the outer shape combining the intrusion suppression portion 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 is the shape of the intrusion space S. A shape that is substantially similar or matched can be applied.

  In addition, the size and shape of the intrusion suppressing portion 812 of the frame body 81 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 and the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 may be set as long as they are set to the above-described size and shape. The structure of the intrusion suppression part 812 of the frame 81 of the mechanism part 8 and the operation part 823 of the engaging member 82 is not particularly limited. For example, the intrusion suppression unit 812 of the frame 81 of the engagement mechanism unit 8 and the operation unit 823 of the engagement member 82 may be formed in a rod shape instead of a plate shape.

  In order to move the lower plate member 4 from the closed state to the open state with respect to the front frame 3, first, the operation portion 823 of the engagement member 82 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 is moved. Press down. Then, the engaging member 82 slides downward on the surface of the engaging member support portion 813 of the frame 81 in a sliding manner. Then, the engagement rod 822 of the engagement member 82 of the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4 and the engagement mechanism portion 311 provided on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 (the plate shape thereof). The engagement with the member is released. Thereby, the other one side edge of the lower plate member 4 can be pulled out to the front side, and can be moved to the open state with respect to the front frame 3.

  When a game ball is clogged in the game area 611 during a game or the like, it is necessary to remove the game ball from the game area. For this reason, the glass frame 5 may be opened to the front frame 3 so that the game area of the game board 61 can be accessed from the front side. When the glass frame 5 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the game ball existing in the game area 611 falls to the front side of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention by the glass plate 52 of the glass frame 5. Guided not to. However, when the glass frame 5 moves to the open state with respect to the front frame 3, the glass plate of the glass frame 5 is separated from the game board 61 disposed on the front frame 3 and cannot be guided so as not to drop the game ball. For this reason, there is a possibility that a game ball existing in the game area 611 falls from the game area 611 to the front side. Since the game area 611 is located above the lower dish member 4, game balls existing in the game area may fall on the lower dish member 4.

  By the way, as described above, when the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 5 are in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the ball feeding cassette 71 arranged on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 is the lower plate member 4 And the glass frame 5 disposed on the upper side of the lower plate member 4 have a predetermined positional relationship. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper side of the lower plate member 4 is at a position lower than the upper side of the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3, and the lower side of the glass frame 5 is lower than the upper side of the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. Is also in a high position. The ball feeding cassette 71 is disposed at a position straddling the upper side of the lower dish member 4 and the lower side of the glass frame 5.

  For this reason, when the lower plate member 4 and the glass frame 51 are in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, a predetermined portion near the upper side of the back surface of the lower plate member 4 faces the lower portion of the front surface of the ball feeding cassette 71. A predetermined portion in the vicinity of the lower side of the rear surface of the glass frame 5 faces the upper part of the front surface of the ball feeding cassette 71. With such a configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, and the glass frame 5 is in an open state with respect to the front frame 3. The upper part of the ball feeding cassette 71 is located above the upper side of the lower plate member 4 and is exposed. Therefore, the movement enabling space formed on the side of the ball feeding cassette 71 is also exposed from the upper side of the lower dish member 4.

  That is, when the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3 and the glass frame 51 is in an open state with respect to the front frame 3, the upper portion of the movable space S is exposed, and as a result, is movable. The conversion space S is an opening facing upward. That is, the movement enabling space S and the opening are at least on the ball feeding cassette 71 and the engagement mechanism portion 311 arranged in the arrangement state on the arrangement surface provided on the front frame and at least the back surface of the lower plate member 4 in the closed state. It is formed between predetermined space forming elements such as a part. In addition, other parts such as an engagement mechanism 311 are provided at a predetermined interval on the moving direction side (open side in the embodiment of the present invention) of the ball feeding cassette 71. In this case, Other parts are also included in the space forming element. In addition, there may not be other parts as a space formation element, and the space formation element may not be all but may be a part. In addition, the opening faces upward when the lower plate member 4 is closed with respect to the front frame 3, but the opening is opened upward in a configuration in which the intrusion suppressing portion is not provided. On the other hand, when there is a part of the movable enabling space S that is opened when the lower plate member 4 moves to the open state with respect to the front frame 3, the part is also an opening.

  In other words, the movable enabling space and the opening include at least a part of the back surface of the first opening / closing member that is in a closed state with respect to a predetermined component at an arrangement position of the arrangement surface provided on the predetermined member, and the predetermined member. And at least a part of the arrangement surface and a part of the periphery of the predetermined component arranged on the predetermined arrangement surface (particularly, the part that moves when the predetermined component moves from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position. , But not limited to this portion). In addition, other predetermined parts are provided at predetermined intervals on the side where the predetermined parts move when moving from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position. In such a configuration, other predetermined parts are provided. These parts are also included in the space forming element. It should be noted that there is no other predetermined part as an air forming element. In addition, the space forming elements may not be all or only a part. The opening faces upward when the first opening / closing member is in a closed state with respect to the predetermined member, and the opening is opened upward when there is no intrusion suppression portion. On the other hand, when the portion that is opened when the first opening / closing member moves from the closed state to the open state with respect to the predetermined member is included in the movable space, the opening also occurs in this case.

  For this reason, the frame body 81 of the engagement mechanism part 8 arrange | positioned in the back surface of the lower plate member 4 is a structure which does not have the penetration | invasion suppression part 812, or the operation part 823 of the engagement member 82 functions as a penetration | invasion suppression part. If the configuration is not, the game ball dropped on the lower plate member 4 falls into the movable space (or the opening of the movable space) or through the movable space (or the opening of the movable space). There are cases where it enters between the lower plate member and the arrangement surface. In addition, since the opening of the intrusion space formed by the glass frame 5 moving to the open state with respect to the front frame 3 is opened upward, only the game ball dropped from the game area 611 of the game board 61 can be used. In addition, there is a risk that other foreign substances may also infiltrate. Therefore, when a foreign object such as a game ball, piano wire, or dust falls into the movable space, or when it enters between the lower plate member 4 and the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 through the movable space, The lower plate member 4 must be moved to the open state with respect to the front frame 3 to remove foreign matters such as the game ball, piano wire, and dust.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the lower plate member 4 is in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, at least a part of the engagement mechanism portion 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4. Is disposed at a position where it enters the front side of the movable space formed on the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3. When the intrusion suppression unit 812 formed on the frame body 81 of the engagement mechanism unit 8 and the operation unit 823 of the engagement member 82 are in a closed state with respect to the front frame 3, the front frame The movement enabling space formed on the three arrangement surfaces 31 is covered. For this reason, it is possible to prevent foreign objects such as game balls, piano wires, and dust from entering the movable space and entering between the lower plate member 4 and the arrangement surface 31 of the front frame 3 through the movable space.

  On the other hand, since the intrusion suppression unit 812 is provided in the engagement mechanism unit 8 disposed on the back surface of the lower plate member 4, the operation unit 823 of the engagement member 82 functions as the intrusion suppression unit. When the member 4 moves to the open state with respect to the front frame 3, the intrusion suppression unit 812 and the operation unit 823 of the engaging member 82 come out of the movement enabling space. For this reason, when the lower plate member 4 moves to the open state with respect to the front frame 3, there is no obstacle when the ball feeding cassette 71 is moved from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position. Accordingly, at least a part of the ball feeding cassette 71 can be moved from the arrangement position to the arrangement release position while entering the movable space.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine has two plate members, an upper plate and a lower plate, which are provided in separate opening / closing members, but the present invention has such a configuration. It is not limited to this, The structure which has one or three or more plate members, and is provided with one or more plate members in one frame (opening-closing member) may be sufficient.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the game area is exemplified as the game medium movement area, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a frame is opened, a game medium that falls from a guide rod communicating with an upper plate, a lower plate, etc., or a game that drops when a payout device, a guide rod, a tank, etc. are removed from the back of the gaming machine The present invention can also be used in a mechanism or the like provided on the back side of a gaming machine, such as suppressing the intrusion of a medium or the like between control board cases with an intrusion suppression unit attached to the control board case.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, a game machine that plays a game ball as a game medium by hitting a game ball into a game area where the game medium flows down by a launching device, the opening having a size that allows the game ball to enter. In the state where the invasion suppressor has entered the opening, a configuration has been shown in which the gaming ball cannot enter the opening or is difficult to enter, but the present invention is not limited to such a gaming machine. For example, even if a game machine such as a game machine (that is, a so-called slot machine) that executes a symbol game by inserting a game medium such as coins, the movement mode of the game medium is not directly reflected in the game. However, the configuration of the present invention can be applied as a configuration that intrudes into an inconvenient part.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the structure which prevents or suppresses that a game medium penetrate | invades into an opening was shown, the object which suppresses invasion is not limited to a game medium. For example, it may be configured to prevent or suppress entry of a foreign object such as a piano wire or dust (that is, an object that does not want to enter, or an object that may cause inconvenience if intruded). That is, for example, if a foreign object such as a piano wire or dust enters from the opening, there is a risk that the normal operation of the launching device or the ball feeding cassette may be hindered or a malfunction may be caused. By applying the configuration, it is possible to prevent or suppress entry of foreign matter such as piano wire and dust. In this case, even when a foreign object enters from a gap generated when the second opening / closing member is opened, the structure in which the intrusion suppression unit is provided can prevent or suppress the intrusion of the foreign object. It is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of malfunctions caused by it.

  In addition, it is preferable that the intrusion suppression portion has a shape similar to or aligned with the opening, because a gap through which a foreign object such as a game medium, piano wire, or dust enters may be reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 machine frame 21 engaging member (upper part) concerning embodiment of this invention
211 Engagement shaft 22 Engagement member (lower part)
221 Engagement shaft 3 Front frame 31 Arrangement surface 311 Engagement mechanism part 32 Handle fixing part 321 Firing handle 322 Engagement mechanism part operation part 33 Engaged member (upper part)
34 Engagement member (lower part)
4 Lower plate member 41 Lower plate 42 Recess 43 Game medium guiding portion 44 Game ball drop hole 45 Ball removal mechanism 451 Opening / closing member 452 Operating arm 46 Path of first game ball 47 Path of second game ball 5 Glass frame 51 On Plate 52 Glass plate 53 Speaker 56 First game ball path 57 Second game ball path 58 Opening and closing mechanism 61 Game board 611 Game area 612 Inner guide rail 613 Outer guide rail 615 Special symbol display device 616 Special prize device 617 Start prize device 618 Out port 71 Ball feed cassette 711 Opening formed at the starting point of the first game ball path 712 Opening formed at the end point of the second game ball path 713 Operating arm of the opening / closing member 714 Elongated opening 72 Return ball discharge member 721 Game ball outlet 74 Launching device 741 Launching rod 8 Engagement mechanism 81 Frame 811 Main body 812 Intrusion suppression portion 813 Engagement member support portion 8131 Guide pin 8132 Locking rod 82 Engagement member 821 Main body portion 822 Engagement rod 823 Operation portion 824 Locking rod 83 Energizing means 91 Game ball storage tank 92 Game ball supply path

Claims (11)

A predetermined member provided with an arrangement surface capable of arranging a predetermined component at a predetermined arrangement position;
A first opening / closing member provided to be movable between an open state and a closed state with respect to the predetermined member;
With
The placement surface provided on the predetermined member has a portion facing the placement surface when the first opening / closing member is closed,
The predetermined part is arranged on the arrangement surface so as to be movable between the predetermined arrangement position and an arrangement release position at least a part of which is separated from the predetermined arrangement position.
When the predetermined part moves from the predetermined arrangement position to the arrangement release position, the movable part is formed at a position where a part of the predetermined part always enters, and a movable enabling space is indispensable for the movement of the predetermined part. The movable enabling space is formed with an opening that faces when the predetermined part is in the arrangement position, while at least a part of the predetermined part is formed when the predetermined part is in the disposition position. The opening is closed or reduced,
When the first opening / closing member moves from the open state to the closed state, foreign matter moves between the arrangement surface and the first opening / closing member through the movement enabling space and / or the movement enabling space. A gaming machine, characterized in that an intrusion suppression unit that is closed or reduced facing the opening of the movable space so as not to invade or difficult to invade is provided. A second opening / closing member that is located above the first opening / closing member and is provided so as to be movable between an open state and a closed state with respect to the predetermined member;
A game medium moving area in which a game medium can move is provided in a portion of the predetermined member that faces the second opening and closing member when the second opening and closing member is in a closed state.
When the second opening / closing member is in a closed state, the second opening / closing member prevents the game medium moving in the game medium moving area from dropping off from the game medium moving area, while the second opening / closing member is If the member is in an open state, the game medium may drop from the game medium movement area,
When the first opening / closing member moves from the opened state to the closed state, the second opening / closing member falls out of the game medium moving area in the opened state by covering at least part of the movable space. There is provided an intrusion suppression unit that suppresses invasion of game media and / or other foreign matter between the arrangement surface and the first opening / closing member through the movable space and / or the movable space. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is characterized.   The arrangement surface engages with the predetermined component in a state where the predetermined component is in the arrangement position, and an associated operation is possible. When the predetermined component moves to the arrangement release position, the engagement is released. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising another predetermined component that makes related operations impossible.   4. The device according to claim 1, wherein when the first opening / closing member moves from the open state to the closed state, at least a part of the intrusion suppression unit enters the movable enabling space. 5. The gaming machine according to item 1.   The said invasion suppression part is a plate-shaped member which covers the said movement-enable space when the said 1st opening-and-closing member is in the said closed state, The any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The gaming machine according to the item.   The first opening / closing member is provided with a storage section capable of storing the game medium and a guide section for guiding the game medium in contact with the intrusion suppression section to the storage section. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the guide portion is an inclined surface that is inclined so as to descend toward the storage portion.   In a state where the predetermined part is in the predetermined arrangement position, the first opening / closing member can move from the open state to the closed state, and at least one of the intrusion suppression portions provided in the first opening / closing member. In a state in which the portion covers the movable space and the predetermined part is in the disposition release position, the first opening / closing member abuts on the predetermined part and cannot move to the closed state, so that the invasion is suppressed. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the portion cannot cover the movable space.   The first opening / closing member is provided with an engagement mechanism that engages with the predetermined member when the first opening / closing member moves to the closed state and maintains the first opening / closing member in the closed state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the intrusion suppression unit is provided in the engagement mechanism unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the engagement mechanism part enters the movable space when the first opening / closing member is in the closed state. The engagement mechanism section includes a frame, an engagement member that is slidable with respect to the frame and can be engaged with another predetermined member, and an operation section that operates the engagement member. And
The gaming machine according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the intrusion suppression unit is provided in the frame and / or the operation unit.

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