JP7506535B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

A known type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine that is equipped with a gaming board and a launching device. In a pachinko gaming machine, gaming media (gaming balls) are launched into a gaming area provided in front of the gaming board, and a gaming benefit is awarded to the player based on the gaming ball entering a winning hole provided in the gaming area.

This type of gaming machine is equipped with a gaming board that forms a gaming area in which gaming balls launched from a launching device move. The gaming balls that are guided into the gaming area collide with nails and windmills as they fall. In addition, this type of gaming machine is equipped with a handle, and the gaming balls are launched from the launching device with a strength that corresponds to the operation of the handle, and are guided into the gaming area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-18335 A

However, there is a demand for reducing the possibility of parts breaking down in gaming machines.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an amusement machine in which the possibility of parts breaking down is reduced.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine including a main body frame, an outer frame to which the main body frame can be attached, and a gaming board on which a gaming area is formed,
The main body frame includes a handle formed to be rotatable and a design portion protruding forward from an upper portion thereof,
The handle includes a finger hook portion that protrudes radially outward,
The handle is rotatable from an initial position to a maximum rotation position;
In the initial position, the finger grip portion does not protrude below the lower edge of the main body frame,
At the maximum rotation position, the finger grip portion does not protrude below the lower edge of the main body frame,
The game board includes a game ball passage through which a game ball passing through an upper end of the game area is guided,
A horizontal line passing through the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is set as a reference line;
Among the portions on the underside of the design portion where a vertical line intersects with the reference line, the rearmost portion is defined as a first design portion;
If the lowermost portion of the lower surface of the design portion among the portions where a vertical line intersects with the reference line is defined as a second design portion,
The first design portion is located below the reference line and is located at a distance from the reference line equal to or less than the diameter of a game ball,
The second design portion is characterized in that it is located below the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the diameter of a game ball.

With this configuration, the handle will not be damaged even if the main frame is placed on the floor or inside a box. This reduces the risk of parts being damaged. Also, with this configuration, the second design part is located below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, so the design part can be made larger. Even while making the design part larger, the distance between the reference line and the first design part is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball, ensuring visibility of the game ball when it is hit hard (when it rolls along the top surface of the game ball passage).

The gaming machine of the present invention can reduce the possibility of component failure.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the door in an open state; The same is a view of the game board from the front. This is a schematic diagram of the gaming machine viewed from the front. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the handle as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the handle as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 2 is a view of the handle unit as viewed from the axial front side of the handle. FIG. 13 is a front view of a portion of the door unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view of a portion of the door unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view showing a part of the door unit of the first embodiment, as viewed from the front side in the axial direction of the handle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handlebar from the front side with the face cover removed. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) showing the operation torque and operation angle of the steering wheel. 1 is a graph (part 1) showing the steering wheel operation torque. FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the steering wheel operating torque and operating angle. 2 is a graph (part 2) showing the steering wheel operation torque. FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the front frame and inner frame of the same, seen from the front side. FIG. 2 is a view of the front frame and inner frame as viewed from the axial front side of the handle. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same is a view of the game board from the front. FIG. FIG. 13 is a view of the tray unit from the rear side. FIG. 2 is an exploded oblique view of the downstream ball removal unit of the same. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the closed state of the downstream ball removal hole of the same embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the open state of the downstream ball removal hole of the same embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded oblique view of the upstream ball removal unit of the same. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the closed state of the upstream ball removal hole of the same embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the open state of the upstream ball removal hole of the same embodiment. The same figure is used to explain the state of the upstream ball removal hole when the upstream ball removal button is operated a predetermined amount less than the diameter of the game ball. FIG. 2 is a view of the lower part of the gaming machine from below. FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The same is a view of the game board from the front. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the outer rail, rail base, and game board of the same. FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the rail base and the outer rail of the same, showing an overall view and a partially enlarged view thereof. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the rail base and the upper right portion of the outer rail as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 11 is an oblique view of the rail base and the lower left portion of the outer rail as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the game ball and the hole. FIG. 11 is a front view of the outer rail and the game board, illustrating the position of the holes in the outer rail.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is one of the game machines, will be described, but other game machines may be used. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the pachinko game machine, the player side is "front" and the pachinko game machine side is "rear", "up and down" means that the top side of the pachinko game machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player is "left" and the right hand side is "right". In addition, the present invention allows free combination of each component, arbitrary modification of each component, or omission of each component within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine 100 with the door open.
The gaming machine 100 (pachinko gaming machine 100) uses gaming balls as a gaming medium, and a player borrows gaming balls from an amusement facility operator to play on the gaming machine 100. In playing on the gaming machine 100, each gaming ball is a medium having gaming value, and the benefit (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of playing can be converted into gaming value based on, for example, the number of gaming balls that the player has acquired.

The gaming machine 100 comprises an outer frame 102 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape (vertically long rectangular frame shape), an inner frame 104 (middle frame) attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, and a front frame 300 attached to the inner frame 104 via a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed. The inner frame 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape, similar to the outer frame 102. The inner frame 104 holds a gaming board 108 (gaming board unit). Specifically, the gaming board unit is detachable from the inner frame 104 (inner frame assembly) with the front frame 300 open forward.

A glass unit 110 (transparent plate) is attached to the front frame 300. Specifically, a window is formed in the center of the front frame 300, and the glass unit 110 is attached to the window. The glass unit 110 is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window. Note that, although the glass unit 110 is used in this embodiment, it may be made of resin.

Here, the configuration including the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 is referred to as the "main frame." The main frame is detachable (openable and closable) from the outer frame 102. When the main frame is closed onto the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the glass unit 110 face each other approximately parallel with a predetermined distance (gap) between them. At this time, the game board 108 can be seen through the glass unit 110 from the front side of the gaming machine 100.

Note that when referring to the front frame 300, it may refer only to the frame member (the door base 310 described below) having an approximately rectangular shape, or it may refer to the entire unit in which the frame member and all the components attached to the frame member (including decorative components, etc.) are integrated.

The gaming machine 100 is also equipped with a performance device that performs performances while the game is in progress. The performance devices include a performance display device 114 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, a performance prop device 116 consisting of a movable device, an audio output device 118 consisting of a speaker (see FIG. 3), a performance lighting device 120 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, and a performance operation device 208 (see FIG. 3) that accepts operations. The performance display device 114, the performance prop device 116, the audio output device 118, the performance lighting device 120, and the performance operation device 208 execute predetermined performances based on the control of a control board provided within the inner frame 104.

The game board 108 has a through hole 108a (see FIG. 2) that penetrates in the thickness direction (front-rear direction of the game machine 100). A performance display device 114 is provided on the back of the game board 108. The performance display device 114 has an image display unit that displays images. The image display unit is disposed within the inner frame 104 and is exposed through the through hole 108a, so that the image displayed on the image display unit can be viewed from the front side.

The performance device 116 is located in front of the performance display device 114 within the inner frame 104 and is usually retracted to the rear side of the game board 108, but when the game is in progress, it moves to the front of the performance display device 114, giving the player a sense of anticipation of a big win.

The lighting devices 120 are provided on the front frame 300, and for example, multiple lighting devices are provided to surround the glass unit 110. The lighting devices 120 are equipped with LEDs and the like, and are controlled to light in various ways in accordance with, for example, the images displayed on the display device 114.

As shown in FIG. 3, the audio output device 118 is provided on the outer frame 102. The audio output device 118 outputs sounds, voices, background music, etc. toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images, etc. displayed on the performance display device 114. The outer frame 102 located at the bottom has a predetermined width, and the audio output device 118 (speaker) is a component of the outer frame 102.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the gaming machine 100 as viewed from the front side (front). The performance operation device 208 (performance operation unit 208) has a performance operation section configured to be able to accept operations related to performance (predetermined operations). When the performance operation section is operated, the performance content (display on the performance display device) changes, or a predetermined performance occurs. A key section 209 (cylinder) is provided on the right side as viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 100. When a predetermined key is inserted into the key section 209 and rotated (twisted) counterclockwise, the front frame 300 can be opened forward, and when rotated (twisted) clockwise, the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 (i.e., the main body frame) can be opened forward.

2 is a view of the game board 108 from the front side. The game board (game board) 108 is made of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin (e.g., acrylic). The game board 108 is provided with an outer rail 114b having a substantially circular shape and an inner rail 114a formed in an arc shape along the outer rail 114b. A game ball launched from a launching mechanism (launching device) (not shown) rises between the inner rail 114a and the outer rail 114b and is guided to a game area 116. The game area 116 (board surface) is a space formed between the game board 108 and the glass unit 110, and is an area in which the game ball can move (flow down, roll). The game board 108 is provided with a large number of game nails and windmills, and the game balls guided to the game area 116 collide with the nails and windmills and move (flow down, roll) in irregular directions.

The outer rail 114b extends clockwise from the bottom of the game board 108 toward the upper left, and also extends clockwise from approximately the center of the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the game board 108 toward the upper right. The outer rail 114b extends in a curved manner from the bottom to the top of the game board 108, surrounding the game area 116. In other words, the area surrounded by the outer rail 114b is the game area 116 in which the game ball moves. The inner rail 114a is located on the left side of the game board 108, and is located inside the outer rail 114b in the game area 116.

The play area 116 includes a first play area 116a and a second play area 116b in which the degree of entry of the game ball differs depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism, and the game ball can be hit differently. The first play area 116a is located on the left side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second play area 116b is located on the right side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100. Since the outer rail 114b and the inner rail 114a are on the left side of the play area 116, a game ball launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength will enter the first play area 116a (left-hitting area), and a game ball launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength will enter the second play area 116b (right-hitting area). Operating the control handle 340 to hit the game ball into the first game area 116a is referred to as performing a left hit, and operating the control handle 340 to hit the game ball into the second game area 116b is referred to as performing a right hit.

The game area 116 is also provided with a general winning opening 118 and a start winning opening 120 (starting opening) through which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 118 or the starting winning opening 120, a predetermined prize ball (a game ball acquired by winning) is paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one. The number of prize balls paid out from the general winning opening 118 and the starting winning opening 120 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls.

The start winning hole 120 is located in the center (left-right center) of the lower side of the game area 116. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, when a game ball enters the start winning hole 120, a big prize lottery is held to determine whether or not a predetermined game profit will be awarded, and if a big prize is won in the big prize lottery, a big prize game is executed. The big prize game is composed of multiple round games, and the big prize hole is opened during each round game. The big prize hole is located in the second game area 116b. Each round game ends when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the game, or when a preset upper limit number of game balls enter the big prize hole. When a game ball enters the big prize hole, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, so the player can win a large number of prize balls by executing the big prize game.

An outlet 122 (discharge outlet) is provided at the bottom of the play area 116. Game balls that do not enter the general winning hole 118, the starting winning hole 120, or the big winning hole are discharged from the play area 116 to the back side of the play board 108 via the outlet 122.

The play area 116 also includes an upper passage 114c that connects the left hitting area 116a and the right hitting area 116b. This upper passage 114c is provided above the through hole 108a.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and the sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in a ROM or the like.

The main board receives input signals from the input means (various sensors, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of the output means (payout device, etc.) based on the results of the calculations.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from a performance operation sensor that detects operations on the performance operation device 208 (described below), performs various calculations to execute performances that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance device based on the results of the calculations.

Next, the door unit 300 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door unit 300. The door unit 300 includes a plate-shaped door base 310, a receiving tray unit 320, and a handle unit 330. The glass unit 110 (see Figure 1) can be attached to the rear side of the door base 310.

The tray unit 320 has a shape that protrudes forward and is equipped with a tray. The tray is formed so that it can store game balls (loan balls) lent to the player and game balls (prize balls) won by winning. The tray unit 320 is attached (assembled) to the lower front side of the door base 310. The tray unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310 by tightening screws from the rear side of the door base 310. A recess is provided in the center of the tray unit 320, and the performance operation unit 208 shown in Figure 3 can be attached to this recess.

The handle unit 330 includes a handle 340 that protrudes forward, and a handle base 350. The handle 340 is formed so that it can be rotated. When the handle 340 is rotated to perform a launch operation, a game ball is launched from the launch mechanism (launching device) with a strength (firing force) (momentum) according to the rotation angle (operation angle) (rotation amount) (rotation operation amount) of the handle 340. The handle unit 330 is attached (assembled) to the lower right part of the door base 310 (lower right part of the front frame) (lower right part of the tray unit 320). The handle unit 330 is fixed to the door base 310 by tightening the screws from the rear side of the door base 310.

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the tray unit 320 and the handle unit 330 can be fixed individually (separately) to the door base 310. Therefore, for example, the handle unit 330 can be removed from the door base 310 while the tray unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310, or the handle unit 330 can be removed from the door base 310 while the tray unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310. In other words, only one of the tray unit 320 or the handle unit 330 can be removed to perform work such as inspection or replacement. This allows work to be performed flexibly and improves work efficiency. Note that in this embodiment, it is possible to attach and detach only the performance unit 208 without removing the tray unit 320 from the door base 310.

In addition, the handle unit 330 has the handle 340 and the handle base 350 fixed separately to the door base 310 by screwing. Therefore, the handle 340 alone can be removed from the door base 310 while the handle base 350 remains fixed to the door base 310. The handle 340 is a part that is replaced more frequently than the handle base 350. By making only the handle 340 replaceable, the cost of replacement can be reduced. The screws used to fix the handle 340 and the screws used to fix the handle base 350 may be different in color. For example, the screws used to fix the handle 340 are red. By changing the color of the screws in this way, the worker can easily understand which screw to remove, preventing mistakes and improving work efficiency. In addition, an identification character such as "H" may be attached near the screw hole (screw hole) for the handle 340.

When removing parts from the door base 310, first remove the tray unit 320, then remove the handle 340, and then remove the handle base 350. Note that the handle 340 and handle base 350 may be removed at the same time.

(Handle 340)
FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the handle 340 seen from the front side, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of the handle 340 seen from the rear side. The handle 340 includes a main body 341, a handle ring 342 (handle), a firing stop button 343, and a cover 344. The main body 341 is fixed to the door base 310 as a mounting member, and rotatably supports the handle ring 342. The handle ring 342 is rotatable around the main body 341 within a range of a predetermined rotation amount (predetermined operation angle) from the initial position to the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is a position where the rotation amount relative to the initial position is maximum. The maximum rotation position is a position at the moment when a predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 abuts (contacts) the mechanical end (stopper), and does not include a position where a force is further applied after the abutment to press the predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 against the mechanical end, causing the load (reaction force) to increase suddenly. The launch stop button 343 can be pressed to stop the launch of the game balls when the handle ring 342 is rotated a predetermined amount. Also, the cover 344 (face cover) is provided to cover the front side of the handle ring 342.

Figure 6 is a view of the handle unit 330 seen from the axial front side of the handle 340. Here, as shown in Figure 6, the center (rotation axis) of the handle 340 is the center P (rotation axis P). Figure 6 shows the handle ring 342 in the initial position. When viewed from the front, the handle ring 342 is biased in the counterclockwise direction with the center P as the rotation axis by an elastic member (ring spring, spring: not shown). Therefore, when rotating the handle ring 342 in the clockwise direction from the initial position, it is necessary to operate (apply force) against the biasing force of the elastic member. In addition, when the operation is released (when the application of force is stopped) while the handle ring 342 is rotated in the clockwise direction by a predetermined rotation amount, the handle ring 342 returns to the initial position (automatically returns) due to the biasing force of the elastic member.

(Handle ring 342)
The handle ring 342 includes a ring portion 350a, a first finger hook portion 351, a second finger hook portion 352, and a third finger hook portion 353. The first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular ring portion 350a along the circumferential direction so as to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a. When viewed from the front, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are substantially triangular (arch-shaped). When the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are viewed with their respective tips facing upward, the left side slope is steeper (steeper) than the right side slope. Since the left side slope is steeper than the right side slope, it is easier to hook a finger.

If the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 were not provided, the player would have to grip the outer periphery of the ring portion 350a to perform the rotation operation, but if the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 are provided, the player can hook their fingers to perform the rotation operation. This allows the player to perform the rotation operation more easily. This reduces the burden on the player.

The door unit 300 is a component that may be handled as a single unit. In other words, it is a component that is subject to the operation of attaching/detaching (replacing) only the door unit 300, or the operation of transporting only the door unit 300. Therefore, a situation may arise in which only the door unit 300 is placed on a surface such as the floor, or only the door unit 300 is placed in a packaging material such as a box.

Figure 7 is a view of the door unit 300 as seen from the front. As shown in Figure 7, the lower edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is the lower edge S1. The lower edge S1 forms the outermost shape of the lower side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protruded below (downward) the lower edge S1, the front frame 300 would come into contact with the floor when placed on a floor, etc., and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) would be damaged.

(Initial position: Down)
FIG. 7 shows the state where the handle ring 342 is in the initial position. In the initial position, the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces the upper left side. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces the upper side. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces the upper right side. In this embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward from the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like, the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 do not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of parts being damaged.

(Maximum rotation position: downward)
8 is a front view of the door unit 300, showing the state in which the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is the position where the amount of rotation (amount of operation) of the handle ring 342 from the initial position is maximum. At the maximum rotation position, the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces upward. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces rightward. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces downward. In this embodiment, at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the third finger hook 353 is closest to the lower edge S1.

In this embodiment, even in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

In this embodiment, regardless of the rotational position (any rotational position) of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downwardly below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Note that in this embodiment, the tip of the third finger hook portion 353 is closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotational position. However, it is not necessary for the tip of any finger hook portion to be closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotational position. In other words, if the position at which the tip of any finger hook portion is closest to the lower edge S1 is defined as the specified rotational position, it is sufficient that none of the finger hook portions protrude downwardly below the lower edge S1 at the specified rotational position.

Returning to Figure 7, the right edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is the right edge T1. Right edge T1 forms the outermost shape of the right side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrudes to the right (rightward) beyond the right edge T1, there is a risk that when the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, it will come into contact with the box, causing damage to the handle ring 342 (handle 340).

(Initial position: right side)
In this embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right (rightward) beyond the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

(Maximum rotation position: right side)
As shown in Fig. 8, at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the second finger hook 352 is closest to the right edge T1. In this embodiment, even at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like when the handle ring 342 is at the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

In this embodiment, regardless of the rotational position (any rotational position) of the handle ring 342, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 do not protrude to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Note that in this embodiment, the tip of the second finger hook portion 352 is closest to the right edge T1 at the maximum rotational position. However, it is not necessary that the tip of any of the finger hook portions is closest to the right edge T1 at the maximum rotational position. In other words, if the position at which the tip of any of the finger hook portions is closest to the right edge T1 is defined as the specified rotational position, it is sufficient that none of the finger hook portions protrude to the right of the right edge T1 at the specified rotational position.

9 is a view of the lower right part of the front frame 300 as seen from the front side in the direction of the rotation axis of the handle 340. (1) The length (distance) (dimension) D1 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the first finger hook 351 is 53.4 mm. (2) The length D2 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the second finger hook 352 is 45.6 mm. (3) The length D3 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the third finger hook 353 is 39.3 mm. (4) The length E from the center P of the handle 340 to the outer circumferential surface of the handle ring 342 is 34.6 mm. In other words, the radius E of the part of the handle ring 342 where the finger hook is not provided is 34.6 mm. (5) The length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S1 of the door unit 300 is 40.0 mm. (6) The length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T1 of the door unit 300 is 49.1 mm.

In this embodiment, the handle unit 330 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 300, but the handle unit 330 may be provided on the lower right side of the inner frame 104. FIG. 15 is a right side view showing the state in which the handle unit 330 is attached to the lower right side of the inner frame 104. FIG. 16 is a view of the lower right side in this state, seen from the front side in the rotation axis direction of the handle 340. It can also be said that FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show the state in which the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 are integrated. Here, the lower edge of the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 (i.e. the main frame) is the lower edge S2. The lower edge S2 constitutes the outermost shape of the lower side of the main frame. The right edge of this pair of frames is the right edge S2. The right edge S2 constitutes the outermost shape of the right side of the main frame.

In the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Moreover, in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Moreover, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame.
Therefore, even if the main body frame is placed on the floor, the finger hook will not come into contact with the floor, and the handle will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of parts being damaged.
In addition, when referring to the lower edge (lower edge) of the main frame, if the lower edge (bottom surface) of the receiving tray unit 320 (receiving tray) is located lower than the lower edge of the front frame 300 or the lower edge of the inner frame 104, the lower edge (bottom surface) of the receiving tray unit 320 may also be considered the lower edge of the main frame.

In the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Moreover, in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Moreover, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame.
Therefore, even if the main body frame is placed in a box, the finger hook will not come into contact with the box, and the handle will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of parts being damaged.

As shown in FIG. 16, D1, D2, D3, and E are the same as in FIG. 9, but the length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame is 45.0 mm. Also, the length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T2 of the main body frame is 51.1 mm.

In the above, the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 is located (protrudes) below the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300, but the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 and the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 may be substantially the same. Also, the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 may be located below the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104.

In both the state shown in FIG. 9 and the state shown in FIG. 16, the length D3 is smaller than the length F. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the third finger hook portion 353 does not protrude below the lower edges S1 and S2.

The length D2 is smaller than the length G. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the second finger hook portion 352 does not protrude to the right of the right edges T1 and T2.

On the other hand, length D1 is greater than length F. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 is downward (a position where the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces downward), the first finger hook 351 will protrude downward from the lower edges S1 and S2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is not rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 is downward. Therefore, the first finger hook 351 will not protrude downward from the lower edges S1 and S2.

Furthermore, length D1 is greater than length G. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 is on the right side (a position where the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces right), the first finger hook 351 will protrude to the right of the right edges T1, T2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is not rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 is on the right side. Therefore, the first finger hook 351 will not protrude to the right of the right edges T1, T2.

In this way, the first finger hook portion 351 is configured not to rotate to a position where its tip faces downward (downward) or to a position where its tip faces to the right. Therefore, the length D1 can be made greater than the lengths D2 and D3. By making the length D1 greater, it is possible to obtain the effect of making it easier to hook the finger. Note that in this embodiment, the length D1 is greater than the length D2, and the length D2 is greater than the length D3.

In this embodiment, the number of finger hooks provided on the handle ring 342 is three, but the number of finger hooks is not limited to three, and it is sufficient that at least one or more finger hooks are provided. Furthermore, the finger hook with the greatest protrusion amount (maximum finger hook portion) is not limited to the first finger hook portion 351, and may be another finger hook portion. The protrusion amount refers to the amount of protrusion radially outward, for example, the amount of protrusion of the finger hook portion from a portion of the handle ring 342 where no finger hook is provided (ring portion 350a).

As described above, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, and does not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Also, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, and the finger hook portion with the largest protrusion amount (maximum finger hook portion) may not be located at a position where the tip faces downward (directly downward) at the maximum rotation position (the position where the tip is closest to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion moves on a rotation path that draws an arc, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion is not located at the lowest point of the rotation path of the tip. In that case, the maximum finger hook portion may rotate to a position closest to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame, and further rotate beyond that position to a position away from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Also, in the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion does not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame, and in the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion with the greatest protrusion (maximum finger hook portion) may not be located in a position where the tip faces right (true right) (the position where the tip is closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion moves on a rotation path that draws an arc, but in the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion is not located at the rightmost point on the rotation path of the tip. In that case, the maximum finger hook portion may rotate to a position closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame, and then rotate beyond that position to a position away from the right edge T2 of the main body frame.

The bottom surface (lower surface) of the receiving tray unit 320 and the bottom surface (lower surface) of the handle unit 330 shown in FIG. 4 are provided with a tapered surface (draft slope) that slopes gently upward from the rear side to the front side (near side). This is called the "inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame." When an inclined surface is provided on the lower part of the front frame, the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame may come into contact with the surface such as the floor when the front frame 300 is placed on a surface such as a floor. In other words, when the front frame 300 is placed on a floor, for example, the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame may come into contact with the floor, and the front frame 300 may be in a position that is slightly tilted forward with respect to the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane (forward tilt position). In this position, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is closer to the floor.

When the handle ring 342 is in the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like and the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

When the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. In this case, when the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position, if the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like and the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

In addition, regardless of the rotational position (any rotational position) of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame.

In addition, at a specific rotation position, including the initial position and the maximum rotation position, at least a portion of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 may be configured to protrude downward from the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. Even in this case, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrudes downward from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. By configuring it in this way, the risk of damage to parts can be reduced.

Next, the operating torque and operating angle of the handle 340 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, a spring is disposed inside the handle 340 as an elastic member Z. The handle ring 342 can be operated (rotated) in a clockwise direction against the biasing force of the spring. In addition, when the handle ring 342 is released after being rotated a predetermined amount (angle), the biasing force (reaction force) of the spring causes the handle ring 342 to automatically return to its initial position.

(Initial response)
Here, the operation torque required to start (initial movement) (start) rotation of the handle ring 342 (rotation from the initial position) is defined as a first operation torque (initial movement torque).
(Left-handed)
When hitting from the left, the target position in the game area 116 where the game ball that has passed through the launch port 117 (see FIG. 2) is to land is the target position (target area) for hitting from the left. The target area for hitting from the left is the so-called "bukkomi" area. The target area is an ideal area where the player aims the game ball at the area during normal gameplay, and is said to have the highest rate of winning the ball into various winning devices (winning ports).
The position (rotation position) of the handle ring 342 that allows the game ball to land at the target position for left-handed hit is defined as the left-handed hit reference position. The operation torque required to rotate the handle ring 342 from its initial position to the left-handed hit reference position is defined as the second operation torque. The operation angle (operation angle) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 to the left-handed hit reference position is defined as the first operation angle.

(Right-handed)
The position (rotation position) of the handle ring 342 during right-handed hitting is defined as a right-handed hitting reference position (maximum rotation position). The operation torque required to rotate the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a third operation torque. The operation angle (operation angle) from the initial position to the maximum rotation position of the handle ring 342 is defined as a second operation angle. The second operation angle is a full stroke.

Example 1
As shown in FIG. 11, in the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is 13.6 [N·mm]. The third operation torque is 23.8 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the second operation torque is larger than the first operation torque, and the third operation torque is larger than the second operation torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operation torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operation torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operation torque is 152 [N·mm]. FIG. 12 shows the relationship in a graph.

The first operation torque, the second operation torque, and the third operation torque are all relatively small values. Therefore, the player can rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. In other words, the player can feel that the operation of the handle ring 342 is light. This makes the player less likely to get tired, and reduces the burden on the player. In addition, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns to its original position, it comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and stops rotating. However, since the first operation torque to the third operation torque are all small values, the impact on the stopper during automatic return is small. This suppresses wear (abrasion) of the stopper and reduces the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a part that is frequently operated. In other words, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

In addition, because the first to third operating torques are all small values, the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 (see FIG. 5) can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress wear caused by the large frictional force, and improve the durability of the parts.

In this embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N·mm], which is less than 10 [N·mm]. Since the first operation torque is small, the force required for the initial movement of the handle ring 342 is small, and the rotation of the handle ring 342 can be started with less force. If the spring force (reaction force) is made smaller and the first operation torque is less than 6.8 [N·mm], the handle ring 342 may not return to the initial position due to the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first operation torque is set to the minimum torque that can automatically return to the initial position. Therefore, in order to enable automatic return while making the initial movement lighter, it is preferable to set the first operation torque to 6.8 [N·m] or more.

In addition, in this embodiment, the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque, but the value of the third operation torque (23.8 [N·mm]) is equal to or less than the value obtained by multiplying the value of the second operation torque by two (27.2 [N·mm]). If the value of the third operation torque (152 [N·mm]) is greater than the value obtained by multiplying the value of the second operation torque by two (138 [N·mm]) as in the comparative example, the operation torque will rise sharply from the left hit reference position to the maximum rotation position (right hit reference position). In that case, a larger force will be required to rotate from the left hit reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this embodiment, the value of the third operation torque is equal to or less than the value obtained by multiplying the second operation torque by two, and the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small, so that the operation torque does not increase sharply from the left hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, and the player feels that the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small. This makes it less likely for the player to get tired, and reduces the burden on the player.

In addition, in this embodiment, the second operation torque is larger than the first operation torque, but the value of the second operation torque (13.6 [N·mm]) is equal to or smaller than the value obtained by multiplying the value of the first operation torque by two (13.6 [N·mm]). If the value of the second operation torque (69 [N·mm]) is larger than the value obtained by multiplying the value of the first operation torque by two (62 [N·mm]) as in the comparative example, the operation torque will increase rapidly from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In that case, a larger force will be required to rotate the ball from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In this embodiment, the value of the second operation torque is equal to or smaller than the value obtained by multiplying the value of the first operation torque by two, and the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small, so that the operation torque does not increase rapidly from the initial position to the left-hit reference position, and the player feels that the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small. This makes it difficult for the player to get tired, and reduces the burden on the player.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the difference (displacement) between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is the increase amount A. In this embodiment, the increase amount A is 6.8 [N·mm]. Also, the difference (displacement) between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is the increase amount B. In this embodiment, the increase amount B is 10.2 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the value obtained by multiplying the increase amount A by two (13.6) is greater than the increase amount B (10.2) (2A>B). In other words, the increase amount B is equal to or less than the value obtained by multiplying the increase amount A by two. Therefore, even when comparing the increase amount of the operation torque from the initial position to the left hit reference position and the increase amount of the operation torque from the left hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase amount is not extremely larger than the former increase amount. Therefore, since the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is small and the right hit does not feel extremely heavy compared to the left hit, the player is less likely to get tired and the burden on the player can be reduced. In addition, players will not feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operating torque between left and right hits. This allows players to play comfortably.

On the other hand, in the comparative example, the increase amount A is 38 [N·mm], and the increase amount B is 83 [N·mm]. The increase amount B is greater than twice the increase amount A. Therefore, when comparing the increase amount of the operation torque from the initial position to the left hit reference position with the increase amount of the operation torque from the left hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase amount is extremely greater than the former increase amount. Therefore, the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is large, and right hit feels extremely heavy compared to left hit. This makes the player tired easily, and the burden on the player is large. Also, the player may feel discomfort due to the large difference in operation torque between left hit and right hit.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the initial torque is small and the torque curve of the operation torque is a flatter torque curve. Because the initial torque is small and the torque variation (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the initial torque is large and the torque curve of the operation torque is a quadratic curve. Because the initial torque is large and the torque variation (increase) is also large, the player is more likely to get tired.

Return to FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the first operation angle is 49°. Also, the second operation angle is 100°. Left hits and right hits are separated by an operation angle that is approximately half the full stroke (second operation angle). This makes it easy for the player to intuitively recognize the boundary between left hits and right hits. Also, the second operation angle is 100°, which is a smaller angle than, for example, a second operation angle of 120°. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of rotation of the hand when hitting right. This makes it less likely for the player to get tired, and reduces the burden on the player.

In addition, the first operating angle is less than half the second operating angle (full stroke). Therefore, a left hit can be performed at an operating angle less than half the full stroke. Also, a right hit cannot be performed at an operating angle less than half the full stroke. This allows the player to clearly distinguish between left hits and right hits.

Example 2
As shown in Fig. 13, the first operation torque is 27.2 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is 54.4 [N·mm]. The third operation torque is 95.2 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, and the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operation torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operation torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operation torque is 152 [N·mm]. Fig. 14 shows the relationship in a graph.

The first operation torque, the second operation torque, and the third operation torque are smaller than those of the comparative example. Therefore, the player can rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. In other words, the player can feel that the operation of the handle ring 342 is light. This makes the player less likely to get tired, and reduces the burden on the player. In addition, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns to its original position, it comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and stops rotating. However, since the first operation torque to the third operation torque are all small values, the impact on the stopper during automatic return is small. This suppresses wear (abrasion) of the stopper, and reduces the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a part that is frequently operated. In other words, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

In addition, because the first to third operating torques are smaller than those in the comparative example, the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 (see FIG. 5) can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress wear caused by the large frictional force, and improve the durability of the parts.

In addition, the first operating torque is 27.2 [N·mm], which is greater than or equal to 6.8 [N·mm], making the initial movement light and allowing the handle ring 342 to automatically return to its original position.

The third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque, but the value of the third operation torque (95.2 [N·mm]) is equal to or less than the value obtained by multiplying the value of the second operation torque by two (108.8 [N·mm]). If the value of the third operation torque (152 [N·mm]) is greater than the value obtained by multiplying the value of the second operation torque by two (138 [N·mm]) as in the comparative example, the operation torque will rise sharply from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position (right-hit reference position). In that case, a larger force will be required to rotate from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this example, the value of the third operation torque is equal to or less than the value obtained by multiplying the second operation torque by two, and the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small, so that the operation torque does not increase sharply from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, and the player feels that the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small. This makes it difficult for the player to get tired, and reduces the burden on the player.

In addition, the second operation torque is larger than the first operation torque, but the value of the second operation torque (54.4 [N·mm]) is equal to or smaller than twice the value of the first operation torque (54.4 [N·mm]). If the value of the second operation torque (69 [N·mm]) is larger than twice the value of the first operation torque (62 [N·mm]) as in the comparative example, the operation torque will rise sharply from the initial position to the left hit reference position. In that case, a larger force will be required to rotate from the initial position to the left hit reference position. In this example, the value of the second operation torque is equal to or smaller than twice the value of the first operation torque, and the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small, so the operation torque does not increase sharply from the initial position to the left hit reference position, and the player feels that the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small. This makes it difficult for the player to get tired, and reduces the burden on the player.

As shown in FIG. 13, the difference (displacement) between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is the increase amount A. The increase amount A is 27.2 [N·mm]. The difference (displacement) between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is the increase amount B. The increase amount B is 40.8 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the value obtained by multiplying the increase amount A by two (54.4) is greater than the increase amount B (40.8) (2A>B). In other words, the increase amount B is equal to or less than the value obtained by multiplying the increase amount A by two. Therefore, even when comparing the increase amount of the operation torque from the initial position to the left hit reference position and the increase amount of the operation torque from the left hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase amount is not extremely larger than the former increase amount. Therefore, since the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is small and the right hit does not feel extremely heavy compared to the left hit, the player is less likely to get tired and the burden on the player can be reduced. In addition, players will not feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operating torque between left and right hits. This allows players to play comfortably.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the torque curve of the operation torque is a flat torque curve. Because the torque variation (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the torque curve of the operation torque is a quadratic curve. Because the torque variation (increase) is also large, the player is more likely to get tired.

The first operating torque ranges from 6.8 [N·mm] shown in the first embodiment to 27.
The second operation torque may be within a range of 13.6 [N·mm] shown in the first embodiment to 54.4 [N·mm] shown in the second embodiment. The third operation torque may be within a range of 23.8 [N·mm] shown in the first embodiment to 95.2 [N·mm] shown in the second embodiment. The third operation torque (right-hand hit reference position) is preferably 100 [N·mm] or less.

Second Embodiment
A pachinko game machine equipped with a game board and a launching device is known as a gaming machine. In the pachinko game machine, a game ball (game medium) is launched into a game area provided in front of the game board, and a game profit is given to a player based on the game ball entering a winning hole provided in the game area. A specific gaming machine represented by such a gaming machine is equipped with a receiving tray for storing the game ball, and it is possible to discharge the game ball from the receiving tray based on a button operation. In the conventional gaming machine, there was a problem that the operability of some operations was poor. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine that can be operated comfortably is provided.

The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is one type of game machine, will be described, but other game machines (for example, slot machines, medal-less game machines, etc.) may also be used. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the pachinko game machine, the player side is the "front" and the pachinko game machine side is the "rear", "up and down" means that the top side of the pachinko game machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom", and "left and right" means that the player's left hand side is the "left" and the right hand side is the "right". Note that, within the scope of the invention, the components of the present invention can be freely combined, or each component can be arbitrarily modified, or each component can be omitted.

17 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment. The game machine of this embodiment is used for playing games using game balls (game media) loaned from an arcade, and includes an outer frame 2 forming the outer surface of the game machine, a game board 6 provided inside the game machine and forming a game area 4 in which the game balls move, a glass unit 8 that allows the game board 6 to be visible but not touched by the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.
The diameter of the gaming balls used in the gaming machine of this embodiment is approximately 11 mm.
The "tray unit 320, tray" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into the "tray unit 100, tray 16" in the second embodiment. Also, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into the "grip unit 20" in the second embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko game machine 1 has an inner frame, and has a main body frame having a front frame 10 and an inner frame. The main body frame can be attached to the outer frame 2. The main body frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a tray unit 100 (tray 16).

The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a number of front frame lamps (lighting devices) 12 that output special lights to add excitement to the game.

A long design element (lighting device) 13 is provided on the top of the front frame 10 in the left-right direction. The design element 13 is also positioned to protrude forward so that its front surface is located forward of the play area 4 and the glass unit 8. The design element 13 is adorned with a logo indicating the model name, etc., and the logo is illuminated by an LED board installed inside.

In addition, the front frame 10 is provided with multiple speakers 14 that output special sounds to liven up the game.

A tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout outlet 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided on the left part of the inside side (back 16e) of the tray 16. In addition, a supply port 22 (see Figures 22 and 23) for supplying game balls from the tray 16 to the launching device is provided on the right part of the inside side (back 16e) of the tray 16.

A grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated, and gaming balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launching device in this embodiment can launch 99 gaming balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

A performance control device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the tray 16, and when the player operates the performance control device 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

Figure 18 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 18, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the game board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the game area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 to the game area 4.

At the center of the game board 6, there is a presentation unit 36 that includes a liquid crystal display 32 that displays presentation images and the like to liven up the game, and a display frame 34 that is formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. A design member 38 is provided on this display frame 34. Note that, although this embodiment shows a case in which the design member 38 is provided above the liquid crystal display 32, the position of the design member 38 is not limited to this.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area 4 on the left or right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, so that the direction of movement of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls can pass as they fall through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44. Game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth across the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

A first starting winning hole 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44.
A passing gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start winning port 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. This second start winning port 50 is provided with a normal role 52 having an auxiliary member that can be operated between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted/non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 50 and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted/assisted state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter.

In the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32, a large prize opening 54 is provided below the second start prize opening 50. This large prize opening 54 is provided with a special device 56 having a movable member that closes the large prize opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54, and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize opening 54 (FIG. 18 shows the closed state). The special device 56 is controlled to be in the open state under specified conditions in the special game state that begins when a large prize is won.

Below the big prize opening 54, a big prize passage 58 is provided downward. At the lower end of the big prize passage 58, a normal entrance 62 is provided. In addition, below the big prize passage 58, a special passage 65 is provided so as to branch downward from the middle of the big prize passage 58. This special passage 65 is provided with a special role 66 having a movable member that blocks the special passage 65. The special role 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the special passage 65 and an open state in which game balls can enter the special passage 65 (FIG. 18 shows the closed state). The special role 66 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in the special game state. At the lower end of the special passage 65, a special entrance 68 is provided. In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4, an outlet 69 is provided to collect game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings into the inside of the game machine.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit (operating handle) 20 shown in Figure 17. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-hand game area 4 or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44 and enters the first start winning opening 46 (left hit), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right-hand game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second start winning opening 50 or enters the big winning opening 54 (right hit).

At the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, there is a status display unit 70 that indicates various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps and the like. The game machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and the sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

The main board receives input signals from the input means (first start winning port sensor, passing gate sensor, second start winning port sensor, large winning port sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of the output means (status display drive device, normal role drive device, special role drive device, specific role drive device, payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the performance operation sensor that detects operations on the performance operation device 26, performs various calculations to execute performances according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance devices (performance display devices, audio devices, performance object driving devices, etc.) based on the results of the calculations.

A tray unit 100 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 10. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the tray unit 100 has a tray member 110 that constitutes the front surface 16a, the bottom surface 16b, and the left and right side surfaces 16c, 16d of the tray 16, a base member (plate-shaped member) 111 that constitutes the back surface 16e of the tray 16, a downstream ball removal unit (first ball removal unit) 112 and an upstream ball removal unit (second ball removal unit) 113 for discharging game balls stored in the tray 16, a first passage 114 and a second passage 115 through which game balls discharged from the tray 16 pass, and a button arrangement section 116 that constitutes the right side portion of the upper surface of the tray unit 100 and in which various buttons are arranged.
The button arrangement section 116 is provided with a ball lending button (not shown), a return button 91, directional keys 92, a volume adjustment button 93, a light intensity adjustment button 94, etc. (see FIG. 17). The ball lending button is a button operated when receiving a loan of game balls. The return button 91 is a button operated when ejecting game balls held by the player into the receiving tray 16. The directional keys 92 is a button operated when making selections regarding effects, etc. The volume adjustment button 93 and light intensity adjustment button 94 are buttons operated when adjusting the volume or light intensity, respectively.

The tray 16 stores game balls (loan balls) loaned to the player and game balls (prize balls) acquired by winning. That is, the tray 16 stores game balls discharged from the payout opening 18. As shown in FIG. 20, the bottom surface 16b of the tray 16 is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the left to the right. Also, the width of the tray 16 narrows from the left to the right (upper to lower). The game balls discharged to the tray 16 are aligned in a line and head toward the lower right portion of the tray 16. In other words, an alignment passage 103 that aligns the game balls in a line is formed in the lower right portion of the tray 16. Also, a downstream ball ejection hole 118 (first hole) is formed in the lower right end of the alignment passage 103 (tray 16) as a hole (ball ejection hole) through which the game balls can be ejected from the tray 16.

In addition, an upstream ball ejection hole 119 (second hole) is formed in the left side portion of the underside 16b of the receiving tray 16 as a hole (ball ejection hole) through which game balls can be ejected from the receiving tray 16. In addition, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is provided in front of the payout opening 18, and at least a portion of it overlaps with the payout opening 18 in the front-to-rear direction.

The downstream ball ejection hole 118 and the upstream ball ejection hole 119 each have an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the ball ejection holes 118, 119 are in an open state, and game balls can fall through the ball ejection holes 118, 119. In the closed state, the ball ejection holes 118, 119 are blocked by the downstream ball ejection unit 112 or the upstream ball ejection unit 113, and game balls cannot fall through the ball ejection holes 118, 119.
It should be noted that "closed" here does not only refer to a state in which the ball removal holes 118, 119 are closed without any gaps, but also to a state in which they are closed to the extent that the game ball cannot pass through.

The downstream ball removal unit 112 is provided in correspondence with the downstream ball removal hole 118. By operating the downstream ball removal unit 112, it is possible to switch the downstream ball removal hole 118 between an open state and a closed state. The upstream ball removal unit 113 is provided in correspondence with the upstream ball removal hole 119. By operating the upstream ball removal unit 113, it is possible to switch the upstream ball removal hole 119 between an open state and a closed state.

21, the downstream ball removal unit 112 comprises a downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means), a link member 122, a slide member 124, a downstream lid 125 (first lid: first opening/closing means), a pin 126, and a spring 128. In addition, the parts of the base member 111, etc. to which the downstream ball removal button 120, link member 122, slide member 124, spring 128, etc. are attached (such as protrusions 200, 202, 202 and base member side hook 204, which will be described later) can also be said to constitute part of the downstream ball removal unit 112.

The downstream ball removal button 120 can be pressed by a player or the like. The downstream ball removal button 120 is equipped with a push-down portion 130 that is touched by a player or the like, a protruding portion 132 that protrudes downward (back side) of the push-down portion 130, and locking portions 134, 134. The push-down portion 130, the protruding portion 132, and the locking portion 134 are integrally formed from a resin material.

The push-down portion 130 is generally in the shape of a rectangular box. The protruding portion 132 is in the shape of a rectangular column and protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the push-down portion 130. The locking portion 134 is provided at a lower position on the left and right sides of the push-down portion 130 and has a claw that protrudes outward in the left and right direction.

The downstream ball removal button 120 is provided on the button arrangement section 116. Specifically, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is not operated, the push-down portion 130 is arranged on the button arrangement section 116 so that the push-down portion 130 protrudes upward from the top surface of the button arrangement section 116 (see Figures 17 and 20). When the downstream ball removal button 120 is not operated, the claw of the locking portion 134 is locked on the bottom surface of the button arrangement section 116, restricting the upward movement of the push-down portion 130. If the position of the downstream ball removal button 120 (push-down portion 130) when not operated is set to the initial position (first initial position), the downstream ball removal button 120 (push-down portion 130) can be pressed so as to move downward from the initial position.

The link member 122 includes a generally cylindrical portion 140, a first arm 142, a second arm 144, and a reinforcing plate 146. The cylindrical portion 140, the first arm 142, the second arm 144, and the reinforcing plate 146 are integrally formed from a resin material.

The cylindrical portion 140 is in a state where the axis is directed in the front-rear direction. The first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed so as to extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. Specifically, the base end of the first arm 142 is connected to the left portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The tip end of the first arm 142 extends from this base end toward the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion 140. The base end of the second arm 144 is connected to the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The tip end of the second arm 144 extends from this base end toward the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion 140. That is, the base end of the first arm 142 and the base end of the second arm 144 are connected to the cylindrical portion 140 at positions spaced apart by a predetermined angle (e.g., about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. Also, the tip end of the first arm 142 and the tip end of the second arm 144 are disposed at positions spaced apart by a predetermined angle (e.g., about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140.

The tip of the first arm 142 is formed with an abutment surface 150 against which the protrusion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120 abuts. Specifically, the tip of the first arm 142 is cylindrical, and the upper part of the outer circumferential surface (outer curved surface) of this tip forms the abutment surface 150 against which the protrusion 132 abuts. In addition, the tip of the second arm 144 is formed with a pin insertion hole 152 into which the pin 126 is inserted. The pin 126 is round bar shaped and is provided so as to protrude rearward from the tip of the second arm 144.

A plate-shaped reinforcing plate 146 is provided between the first arm 142 and the second arm 144, connecting the first arm 142 and the second arm 144. This reinforcing plate 146 reinforces the first arm 142 and the second arm 144.

A cylindrical protrusion 200 that protrudes rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 140 (see Figs. 22(a) and 23(a)). The link member 122 is then rotatable in the circumferential direction around the cylindrical portion 140 (with the protrusion 200 as the axis). In other words, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 rotate around the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140 as the center of rotation.

The slide member 124 has a slide member body 160 that is approximately rectangular. A square pin insertion hole 161 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the right end of the slide member body 160. The width of this pin insertion hole 161 in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the diameter of the pin 126, and the width in the up-down direction is longer than the diameter of the pin 126. The pin 126 is prevented from moving much left-right relative to the pin insertion hole 161, but is allowed to move up-down.

The slide member main body 160 has two holes 162, 162 arranged in the left-right direction. A cylindrical protrusion 202, 202 protruding backward from the back surface of the base member 111 is inserted into each of the two holes 162, 162 (see Figures 22 (a) and 23 (a)). The holes 162, 162 are rectangular. The width of the holes 162, 162 in the vertical direction is approximately equal to the diameter of the protrusion 202, 202, and the width in the horizontal direction is longer than the diameter of the protrusion 202, 202 (for example, 11 mm or more longer than the diameter). The holes 162, 162 (slide member 124) are almost unable to move in the vertical direction relative to the protrusion 202, 202 (base member 111), but are allowed to move in the horizontal direction. In other words, the holes 162, 162 and the protrusions 202, 202 form an operating direction limiting portion that limits the movement direction of the slide member 124 to the left and right.

The upper part of the slide member main body 160 is provided with a slide member side hook 164 on which the spring 128 is hung. The spring 128 is a tension spring and can expand and contract in the left-right direction. The spring 128 also has circular hooks 128a and 128b at both the left and right ends. The hook 128b at the right end of the spring 128 is hung on the slide member side hook 164. The back surface of the base member 111 is provided with a base member side hook 204 on which the hook 128a at the left end of the spring 128 is hung (see Figures 22(a) and 23(a)). The hook 128a at the left end of the spring 128 is hung on the base member side hook 204.

A downstream lid 125 is provided at the left end of the slide member 124 (slide member main body 160). The downstream lid 125 is provided so as to protrude leftward from the slide member 124. The downstream lid 125 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate. The downstream lid 125 and the slide member 124 are integrally formed from a resin material.

The downstream lid 125 is a lid that opens and closes the downstream ball removal hole 118. The downstream lid 125 is adapted to move left and right in conjunction with the left and right movement of the slide member 124. When the downstream lid 125 is positioned on the left side, it closes the downstream ball removal hole 118, and when it is positioned on the right side, it opens the downstream ball removal hole 118. In other words, the downstream lid 125 is movable between a closed position that closes the downstream ball removal hole 118 and an open position that opens the downstream ball removal hole 118.

The downstream ball removal unit 112 is designed so that the downstream lid 125 moves left and right in response to the up and down movement of the downstream ball removal button 120. In other words, the downstream lid 125 can be moved based on the operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 by the player or other person, thereby opening and closing the downstream ball removal hole 118.

The operation of the downstream ball removal unit 112 will be described with reference to Figures 22 and 23. Note that Figure 22 is a diagram showing the state in which the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its initial position when not in operation, and the downstream lid 125 is in its closed position. Note that Figure 22(a) is a diagram showing the state including the base member 111, and Figure 22(b) is a diagram showing the state without the base member 111. Also, Figure 23 is a diagram showing the state in which the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its fully pressed position (maximum depressed position), and the downstream lid 125 is in its open position. Note that Figure 23(a) is a diagram showing the state including the base member 111, and Figure 23(b) is a diagram showing the state without the base member 111.

First, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is in the initial position when not operated, the downstream lid 125 is in the closed position. That is, at this time, the downstream ball removal hole 118 is in a closed state. Then, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is moved downward from the initial position (when pressed by the player), the tip of the first arm 142 of the link member 122 is pushed downward from above by the protrusion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120. Then, the first arm 142 rotates downward (counterclockwise) around the cylindrical part 140. At the same time, the second arm 144 rotates rightward (counterclockwise) around the cylindrical part 140. Also, when the second arm 144 rotates rightward, the pin 126 moves up and down inside the pin insertion hole 161 of the slide member 124, pulling the slide member 124 to the right. Then, the slide member 124 moves to the right against the elastic force of the spring 128. Then, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right accordingly. Then, the downstream lid 125 reaches the open position, and the downstream ball removal hole 118 is opened.
Furthermore, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed down to its maximum, the holes 162, 162 of the slide member 124 abut against the protrusions 202, 202 of the base member 111, restricting further downward movement of the downstream ball removal button 120 and further movement of the slide member 124 to the right.

When the player releases the downstream ball removal button 120, the elastic force of the spring 128 pulls the slide member body 160 to the left. This causes the downstream lid 125 to move to the left. The movement of the slide member body 160 is transmitted to the downstream ball removal button 120 via the pin 126 and the link member 122, and the downstream ball removal button 120 returns to its initial position. In other words, when not in operation, the downstream ball removal button 120 is arranged to be located in its initial position by the elastic force of the spring 128. In other words, the downstream ball removal button 120 is biased upward.

In this way, the link member 122, the slide member 124, and the pin 126 form a link mechanism that converts the vertical movement of the downstream ball removal button 120 into left-right movement of the downstream lid 125, and converts the left-right movement of the downstream lid 125 into vertical movement of the downstream ball removal button 120.

Here, the distance L2 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140) to the pin 126 (the tip of the second arm 144) is more than twice the distance L1 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 to the part where the downstream ball removal button 120 and the first arm 142 contact (the tip of the first arm 142: the abutment surface 150). Therefore, the second arm 144 moves to the right by more than twice the amount that the first arm 142 moves downward. In other words, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right by more than twice the amount that the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed. In other words, the link mechanism increases the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 and transmits it to the downstream lid 125.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 required to open the downstream ball removal hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the diameter of the gaming ball. Specifically, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed about 4 mm from the initial position, the downstream lid 125 moves about 11 mm to the right. In other words, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed from the initial position by a predetermined amount (about 4 mm) less than the diameter of the gaming ball, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball removal hole 118 (the distance from the tip of the downstream lid 125 to the edge of the downstream ball removal hole 118 facing the tip) becomes 11 mm or more. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 required to open the downstream ball removal hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the radius of the gaming ball.

In addition, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed to its maximum, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball removal hole 118 is set to approximately 14 mm. In other words, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed to its maximum, the downstream ball removal hole 118 opens to approximately the diameter of the game ball plus 3 mm, and opens to an opening that is less than twice the diameter of the game ball. In other words, the downstream ball removal hole 118 is designed so that it is impossible for two game balls to pass through at the same time, even if the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed to its maximum.

The maximum amount that the downstream ball removal button 120 can be pressed (maximum operation amount) is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter (approximately 6 mm)). In other words, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed a certain amount that is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), it cannot be pressed any further. Specifically, the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 is set to be equal to or more than the radius of the game ball and less than the diameter. It can also be said that it is set to about half the diameter of the downstream ball removal button 120. Note that, here, about half the diameter means a range of approximately half the diameter within ±1.5 mm (approximately 4 mm to 7 mm).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23(b), even when the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its initial position when not being operated, a gap of a predetermined width W2 less than the diameter of the gaming ball is formed between the tip of the downstream lid 125 and the edge of the downstream ball removal hole 118 in the direction of movement of the downstream lid 125 (left and right direction). This makes it possible to drop the gaming ball from the downstream ball removal hole 118 with a smaller amount of operation.

When the downstream lid 125 closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118, the game balls are guided from the lower right end of the tray 16 through the supply port 22 to the launch device.

Next, we will explain the upstream ball removal unit 113.

As shown in FIG. 24, the upstream ball removal unit 113 includes an upstream lid 300 (second lid: second opening/closing means), a torsion spring 302, a cover member 304, an upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means), a slide member 308, a latch 310, and a ball removal base 312 (base member).

The upstream lid 300 includes a lid portion 320 that closes the upstream ball hole 119, and a support portion 322 that supports the lid portion 320 (rotation of the lid portion 320). The lid portion 320 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. The lid portion 320 is large enough to cover the upstream ball hole 119 from below. The support portion 322 is formed to protrude forward from the front edge of the lid portion 320. The lid portion 320 and the support portion 322 are integrally formed from a resin material.

The support portion 322 has an insertion hole 324 into which a protrusion 332 of the cover member 304, which will be described later, is inserted. The support portion 322 also has a cylindrical guide protrusion 326 that protrudes downward.

The cover member 304 is in the shape of a roughly square plate. A game ball passage hole 330 through which the game ball passes is formed in the right rear portion of the cover member 304. A cylindrical protrusion 332 is provided on the top surface of the cover member 304 in front of the game ball passage hole 330.

In addition, three arc-shaped rails 334 are formed on the top surface of the cover member 304. The three rails 334 are arc-shaped protrusions, and the center of the arc is the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332).

The cover member 304 is provided with a guide hole 336 through which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted. The guide hole 336 is an arc-shaped hole, with the center of the arc being the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332). The guide hole 336 is provided in front of the game ball passage hole 330 and to the right of the protrusion 332. The width of the guide hole 336 (the radial length of the arc) is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length of the guide hole 336 (the circumferential length of the arc) is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326.

A wall portion 338 that receives one of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is provided on the upper surface of the cover member 304. The wall portion 338 is formed to extend in the left-right direction. The wall portion 338 is also provided on the front left side of the protrusion 332.

The upstream lid 300 is placed on the cover member 304 with the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream lid 300. The upstream lid 300 is also rotatable around the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. Here, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted into the guide hole 336 of the cover member 304. Therefore, the guide protrusion 326 is capable of moving within the lengthwise range of the guide hole 336. That is, the guide protrusion 326 and the guide hole 336 form a movement range limiting portion that limits the movement range (movable range) of the upstream lid 300.

The torsion spring 302 is disposed between the cover member 304 and the upstream lid 300 with the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 passing through the inside of the torsion spring 302. The lower surface of the cover member 304 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion (not shown) that has a hole communicating with the insertion hole 324 and protrudes downward. The protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 is inserted inside the protrusion, and the torsion spring 302 is disposed so as to surround the protrusion. The lower surface of the cover member 304 is provided with a fixing portion (not shown) that fixes one of the arms of the torsion spring 302. One of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is fixed to the fixing portion, and the other arm is pressed against the wall portion 338 of the cover member 304. As a result, a force in a direction to close the upstream ball removal hole 119 is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream lid 300.
A screw hole is provided in the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304. Then, the upstream lid 300 is attached to the cover member 304 by screwing a screw 333 (see FIGS. 25 and 26 ) inserted through the insertion hole 324 of the upstream lid 300 into the screw hole.

In addition, when the upstream lid 300 rotates, it rotates by sliding on the rail 334 of the cover member 304. This reduces friction between the upstream lid 300 and the cover member 304, making it possible to rotate the upstream lid 300 with less force.

In addition, a protrusion 340 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the underside of the cover member 304.

In addition, screw insertion holes 342 are formed at each of the three corners (front right, rear right, and rear left corners) of the cover member 304, through which screws 345 (see Figures 25 and 26) are inserted.

The slide member 308 is disposed between the ball removal base 312 and the cover member 304 in a state in which it can move forward and backward. The slide member 308 is formed in a generally flat plate shape. A button fixing portion 350 to which the upstream ball removal button 306 is fixed is formed in the left front portion of the slide member 308. The upstream ball removal button 306 is fixed to this button fixing portion 350 by a screw.

A locking protrusion 352 that protrudes rearward is formed on the left rear portion of the slide member 308. The locking protrusion 352 has a support portion that extends rearward like a rod and a tip portion that spreads out in the left-right direction at the tip of the support portion.

The right side of the slide member 308 is a frame-shaped portion 353 that is approximately a square frame with a short width in the front-rear direction. The frame-shaped portion 353 is also formed with a guide insertion hole 354 into which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted. The length of the guide insertion hole 354 in the front-rear direction is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length in the left-right direction is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326. In other words, the guide protrusion 326 is almost unable to move in the front-rear direction relative to the guide insertion hole 354, but is allowed to move in the left-right direction. The front surface of the frame-shaped portion 353 is an abutment surface 355 that abuts against the front wall 372 of the ball removal base 312 described later.

The underside of the slide member 308 is provided with a protrusion (not shown) into which one end of the cylindrical spring 360 is inserted and a wall portion (not shown) against which one end of the spring 360 is pressed (see the protrusion 382 and wall portion 380 of the ball removal base 312 described below).

A groove 356 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of the slide member 308. The groove 356 is shaped to conform to the protrusion 340 of the cover member 304. A protrusion 358 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308.

The ball removal base 312 is located at the bottom of the upstream ball removal unit 113 and forms the bottom of the upstream ball removal unit 113. The ball removal base 312 is in the shape of a roughly square plate. The left front part of the ball removal base 312 is cut out towards the rear, forming a notch 370. When the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed, it is pushed into the inside of the notch 370.

In addition, a wall portion (front wall 372) that protrudes upward is formed on the right side portion of the front edge of the ball removal base 312 (excluding the cutout portion 370).

In addition, a game ball passing hole 374 through which the game ball passes is formed in the right rear part of the ball removal base 312. The game ball passing hole 374 is provided below the game ball passing hole 330 of the cover member 304, and the inner diameter (hole shape) is approximately the same as that of the game ball passing hole 330.
The inner diameter of the game ball passing holes 330, 374 is smaller than the outer diameter of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300. When the upstream lid 300 is closed, the game ball passing holes 330, 374 are completely covered from above (see FIG. 25(b)).

In addition, a latch fixing portion 376 to which the latch 310 is fixed is provided at the left rear portion of the upper surface of the ball removal base 312. In addition, the latch 310 fixed to the latch fixing portion 376 is positioned behind the locking protrusion 352 of the slide member 308.

A groove 378 for guiding the slide member 308 is provided in the center of the upper surface of the ball removal base 312 in the left-right direction (between the game ball passage hole 374 and the latch fixing portion 376). This groove 378 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction and is shaped to follow the convex portion 358 of the slide member 308. In addition, a wall portion 380 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the ball removal base 312 is provided at the rear of the groove 378. In addition, a protrusion 382 that protrudes forward is provided on the front surface of the wall portion 380. This protrusion 382 is inserted into one end of a cylindrical spring 360. In addition, one end of the spring 360 is pressed against the wall portion 380. The spring 360 is arranged between the wall portion 380 and the wall portion provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308 in a state in which it can expand and contract in the front-rear direction.

In addition, a screw hole 384 for screwing in the screw 345 is formed at each of the three corners of the ball removal base 312 (the front right corner, the rear right corner, and the rear left corner).

The ball removal base 312 and the cover member 304 are fixed to each other by screwing the screw 345 inserted into the screw insertion hole 342 of the cover member 304 into the screw hole 384 of the ball removal base 312. Here, the slide member 308 is sandwiched between the ball removal base 312 and the cover member 304. The convex portion 358 of the slide member 308 is inserted into the groove 378 of the ball removal base 312, and the protrusion portion 340 of the cover member 304 is inserted into the groove 356 of the slide member 308. The slide member 308 is guided by the groove 378 of the ball removal base 312 and the protrusion portion 340 of the cover member 304 to move in the front and rear directions. The frame portion 353 of the slide member 308 is disposed between the front wall 372 of the ball removal base 312 and the game ball passage hole 374, and moves back and forth between them.

The upstream lid 300 rotates left and right in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the slide member 308. When the upstream lid 300 is located on the right side, it closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119, and when it is located on the left side, it opens the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the upstream lid 300 can move between a closed position in which the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is closed and an open position in which the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is opened. That is, the upstream lid 300 is a lid that opens and closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the upstream ball ejection unit 113 is configured so that the upstream lid 300 moves left and right in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the upstream ball ejection button 306. That is, it is possible to move the upstream lid 300 and open and close the upstream ball ejection hole 119 based on the operation of the upstream ball ejection button 306 by the player or the like.

The operation of the upstream ball removal unit 113 will be described with reference to Figures 25 and 26. Figure 25 shows the upstream ball removal button 306 in its initial position when not in operation, and the upstream lid 300 in its closed position. Figure 25(a) shows the plate member 110 and the cover member 304, and Figure 25(b) shows the plate member 110 and the cover member 304 without them. Figure 26 shows the upstream ball removal button 306 in its pressed-in position, the slide member 308 in its position held by the latch 310, and the upstream lid 300 in its open position. Figure 26(a) shows the plate member 110 and the cover member 304, and Figure 26(b) shows the plate member 110 and the cover member 304 without them.

In the following, the state of the upstream ball removal button 306 when the upstream ball removal button 306 is not operated and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 is referred to as the initial state of the upstream ball removal button 306. In other words, the state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 protrudes (furthest) forward is referred to as the initial state. In addition, the position of the upstream ball removal button 306 in the initial state is referred to as the initial position (second initial position).

First, when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is in the initial position when not being operated, the upstream lid 300 is in the closed position. In this state, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is closed by the upstream lid 300, so that the game ball cannot be dropped through the upstream ball ejection hole 119.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a flange portion 390 is formed on the outer edge of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300. The flange portion 390 is provided below the center portion of the lid portion 320 and protrudes radially outward from the lid portion 320. The flange portion 390 is provided on the front portion (right side portion) of the lid portion 320 in the moving direction when the upstream lid 300 is closed. In addition, when the upstream lid 300 closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119, the flange portion 390 is in a state of being inserted below the receiving tray 16 (protruding outward from the edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119). When the upstream ball ejection button 306 is in the initial position, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is completely blocked by the upstream lid 300 in a plan view (when viewed from above). In other words, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is completely blocked by the upstream lid 300, and the components below cannot be seen through the upstream ball ejection hole 119. On the other hand, as described above, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is in the initial position, a gap is formed between the downstream lid 125 and the downstream ball ejection hole 118. However, above the downstream ball ejection hole 118, a cover member 392 that covers the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is arranged (see FIG. 20). Therefore, due to this cover member 392, the components below the downstream ball ejection hole 118 cannot be seen in a plan view. The cover member 392 has the function of aligning the game balls guided to the lower right end of the tray 16 in a line in the vertical direction.

When the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved backward from its initial position (pressed by the player), the slide member 308 integrated with the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved backward. Then, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member 308 is pushed backward. Then, the upstream lid 300 rotates leftward (counterclockwise in a plan view) around the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves leftward. Then, the upstream lid 300 becomes the open position, and the upstream ball removal hole 119 is opened.

In addition, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved rearward from the initial position by more than a predetermined amount, the locking protrusion 352 of the slide member 308 is pushed into the latch 310. The latch 310 then closes and grasps the tip of the locking protrusion 352. As a result, the slide member 308 is held (latched) by the latch 310, and the upstream ball removal button 306 is fixed in the pushed-in state.

When the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is completely open as shown in Fig. 26. That is, in this state, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 and the upstream lid 300 do not overlap at all in the vertical direction, and the upstream lid 300 cannot be seen from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in a plan view. In addition, the game ball passing hole 330 of the cover member 304 and the game ball passing hole 374 of the ball ejection base 312 are arranged below the upstream ball ejection hole 119, but the inner diameters of the game ball passing holes 330 and 374 are larger than the inner diameter of the upstream ball ejection hole 119, and the edges of the game ball passing holes 330 and 374 cannot be seen from the upstream ball ejection hole 110 in a plan view. In other words, in this state, a game ball falling straight down (vertically) from the upstream ball removal hole 119 does not hit the upstream lid 300 or the edges of the game ball passage holes 330, 374.
When the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, a part of the upstream lid 300 may protrude radially inward from the upstream ball removal hole 119. In addition, the part of the upstream lid 300 may have a sloping surface or the like that slopes downward as it approaches the radially inward side of the upstream ball removal hole 119 (in the open state), and may serve to assist the game balls in falling from the upstream ball removal hole 119.

In addition, when the slide member 308 is pushed in again with the latch 310 in the closed state (with the lock protrusion 352 gripped), the latch 310 releases the lock protrusion 352 to allow the slide member 308 to move forward. Here, when the slide member 308 is pushed in (when the latch 310 grips the lock protrusion 352 or at the moment when the latch 310 releases the lock protrusion 352), the spring 360 is compressed between the wall portion provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308 and the wall portion 380 provided on the upper surface of the ball removal base 312. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 360 acts to push the slide member 308 back forward. At this time, if the latch 310 is gripping the lock protrusion 352, the forward movement of the slide member 308 is restricted, and the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 are fixed in a pushed-in state. On the other hand, when the latch 310 releases the locking protrusion 352, the elastic force of the spring 360 pushes the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 back forward.

When the slide member 308 is pushed back forward by the elastic force of the spring 360, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member is pulled back forward. Then, the upstream lid 300 rotates rightward (clockwise in a plan view) around the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves to the right. Then, the upstream lid 300 is in the closed position, and the upstream ball removal hole 119 is blocked.

As described above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a force in the direction of closing the upstream ball removal hole 119 is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream lid 300. That is, when the upstream lid 300 is open, the elastic force of the torsion spring acts to return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position. This force is also transmitted to the slide member 308 via the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300. That is, the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 acts in the direction of returning the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 forward.

Therefore, when not in operation and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310, the elastic force of the spring 360 and the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position and return the upstream ball removal button 306 to its initial position. In other words, when not in operation and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310, the upstream ball removal button 306 is arranged to be positioned in its initial position. In other words, the upstream ball removal button 306 is biased forward.

In addition, the distance L4 from the center of rotation of the upstream lid 300 (the central axis of the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304) to the center of the lid part 320 is more than twice the distance L3 from the center of rotation of the upstream lid 300 to the guide protrusion 326 (the contact part between the guide protrusion 326 and the guide insertion hole 354: the part where the upstream lid 300 is pushed by the slide member 308). Therefore, when the slide member 308 moves backward, the lid part 320 rotates more than twice the length that the guide protrusion 326 rotates.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 required to open the upstream ball removal hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the diameter of the gaming ball. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed about 4 mm from the initial position, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is opened so that at least one gaming ball B can pass through. That is, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed from the initial position by a predetermined amount (about 4 mm) less than the diameter of the gaming ball, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball removal hole 119 (the distance from the tip of the upstream lid 300 to the edge of the upstream ball removal hole 119 opposite the tip) is set to be 11 mm or more. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 required to open the upstream ball removal hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the radius of the gaming ball.

In addition, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed to the maximum, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball removal hole 119 becomes larger than twice the diameter of the game ball (22 mm). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed to the maximum, the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310. In this state, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is released, the upstream ball removal button 306 (slide member 308) moves slightly forward (for example, about 3 mm). However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is completely opened in both the state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed to the maximum and the state in which the slide member 308 holds the latch 310. At this time, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is in a state in which at least two game balls can pass through at the same time. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is in a state where three or more, more specifically, four or more game balls can pass through at the same time. In addition, at this time, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is configured so that it cannot pass three game balls simultaneously when the three game balls are arranged in the same straight line. In other words, the linear distance (across: diameter) from edge to edge of any part of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is less than three times the diameter of the game ball. In further words, the linear distance (across: diameter) from edge to edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in two directions that intersect (orthogonal) with each other is less than three times the diameter of the game ball. In addition, the linear distance (across: diameter) from edge to edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in two directions that intersect (orthogonal) with each other is greater than twice the diameter of the game ball.
In this way, by making the difference between the width and the length greater than twice the diameter of the game ball, it is possible to prevent two game balls from getting caught and clogging the upstream ball ejection hole 119 when they try to pass through the upstream ball ejection hole 119 at the same time. Also, by making the difference between the width and the length less than three times the diameter of the game ball, it is possible to more reliably prevent such clogging of the game balls.

In addition, the maximum amount that the upstream ball removal button 306 can be pressed (maximum operation amount) is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball (a length exceeding the diameter). In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to be greater than the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to approximately 14.5 mm. In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, but less than twice the diameter (less than 1.5 times).

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means) makes the downstream ball removal hole 118 (first hole) passable by an amount of operation less than the diameter of the gaming ball, and the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means) makes the upstream ball removal hole 119 (second hole) passable by an amount of operation less than the diameter of the gaming ball, so that the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 or the upstream ball removal button 306 required to eject the gaming ball from the downstream ball removal hole 118 or the upstream ball removal hole 119 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to remove the ball from the receiving tray 16 with a small amount of operation, and the burden of operation can be reduced.

In addition, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the maximum amount of operation for the downstream ball removal button 120 is equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball (less than the diameter), and the maximum amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball (a length exceeding the diameter), and when the upstream ball removal button 306 is operated to a position where the amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 is maximum, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is in a state where at least two gaming balls can pass through at the same time. Therefore, since the downstream ball removal button 120 reaches its maximum amount of operation with a small amount of operation, the burden of operation can be reduced. In addition, by setting the maximum amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 to equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, the discharge capacity of the upstream ball removal hole 119 when operated to the maximum amount of operation can be improved. In addition, since the maximum operation amount is different between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 (the operation amount is associated with the discharge capacity of the hole), it becomes easier to distinguish between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306, and it becomes easier to grasp the operation feeling of both operation means that have the same function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation such as discharging game balls from an unintended place by the player, or erroneous operation such as discharging an unintended number of game balls by the player. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 returns to the initial position when the player releases his/her hand, so that the downstream ball removal button 120 must be kept pressed in order to continue removing balls from the downstream ball removal hole 118. However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 reaches the maximum operation amount with a small operation amount, so it is possible to keep pressing the downstream ball removal button 120 with a small burden. On the other hand, the upstream ball removal button 306 is held in place by a latch 310, so balls can continue to be removed from the upstream ball removal hole 119 without having to keep pressing down the upstream ball removal button 306. And, by setting the maximum operation amount of this upstream ball removal button 306 to be equal to or greater than the diameter of a game ball, it is now possible to eject a large number of game balls from the tray 16 in a short period of time.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is smaller in size than the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 has a shorter diameter (across) (the longest straight-line distance from edge to edge) than the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 has a smaller area than the upstream ball ejection hole 119.

The amount of operation (the amount of operation for one ball) required to open the ball ejection hole (the downstream ball ejection hole 118 or the upstream ball ejection hole 119) so that at least one game ball can pass through may be larger for the downstream ball ejection button 120 than for the upstream ball ejection button 306. Specifically, for example, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is moved about 4 mm from the initial position, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 becomes a state in which the game ball can pass through, and when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is moved about 3 mm from the initial position, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 becomes a state in which the game ball can pass through. In other words, the amount of operation for one ball may be different for the downstream ball ejection button 120 and the upstream ball ejection button 306, and it is sufficient that the difference between the amount of operation for one ball for both buttons is smaller than the difference between the maximum amounts of operation. According to this configuration, since the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 have different operation amounts for one ball (associating the operation amount with the discharge capacity of the hole), it becomes easier to distinguish between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306, and it becomes easier to grasp the operation feel of both operation means that have the same function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation such as ejecting a game ball from an unintended place by the player, or erroneous operation such as ejecting an unintended number of game balls by the player. Also, according to this configuration, the operation amount for one ball of the downstream ball removal button 120 is greater than the operation amount for one ball of the upstream ball removal button 306, and the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 is smaller than the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306.

In addition, the operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 for one ball may be smaller than the operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 for one ball, and the operation load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 by the operation amount of one ball for the upstream ball removal button 306 may be smaller than the operation load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 by the operation amount of one ball for the downstream ball removal button 120. Specifically, for example, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved about 3 mm from the initial position, the game ball is allowed to pass through the upstream ball removal hole 119, and when the downstream ball removal button 120 is moved about 4 mm from the initial position, the game ball is allowed to pass through the downstream ball removal hole 118, and the operation load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 about 3 mm may be, for example, 2 N, and the operation load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 about 4 mm may be about 4 N. In other words, when the same load is applied to the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 (within a range where the operation amount for each is not the maximum operation amount), the upstream ball removal hole 119 may be configured to open larger than the downstream ball removal hole 118. With this configuration, the upstream ball removal button 306 can remove balls with a smaller operation amount than the downstream ball removal button 120, and can remove balls with a smaller operation load than the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the receiving tray 16 and the receiving tray 16 is in a full state (when a full-tank error occurs), etc., when quick ball removal is desired, a physical motivation can be provided to encourage the operation of the upstream ball removal button 306, which can perform efficient ball removal.
In addition, regardless of the magnitude relationship between the amount of operation for one ball for the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306, the operating load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 by the amount of operation for one ball for the upstream ball removal button 306 may be smaller than the operating load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 by the amount of operation for one ball for the downstream ball removal button 120.

In addition, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the ratio of the operation amount for one ball (about 3 mm or about 4 mm) to the maximum operation amount (about 14.5 mm) of the upstream ball removal button 306 is smaller than the ratio of the operation amount for one ball (about 4 mm) to the maximum operation amount (about 6 mm) of the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a feeling that the game balls can be discharged more quickly by operating the upstream ball removal button 306. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the receiving tray 16 and the receiving tray 16 is full (when a full-tank error occurs), a physical motivation can be provided to encourage the operation of the upstream ball removal button 306, which allows efficient ball removal.

In addition, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 is at its maximum operation amount, it is impossible for two or more gaming balls to pass through the downstream ball removal hole 118 at the same time, and when the operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 is at its maximum operation amount, it is possible for two or more gaming balls to pass through the upstream ball removal hole 119 at the same time, and the maximum operation amount for the upstream ball removal button 306 is greater than the maximum operation amount for the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, the relationship between the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 and the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is linked to the ejection efficiency of the gaming balls. Therefore, it is possible to give the feeling that the gaming balls can be ejected more quickly by operating the upstream ball removal button 306. Therefore, when a certain amount of game balls or more are stored in the tray 16 and the tray 16 becomes full (when a full-tray error occurs), or when quick removal of the balls is desired, a sensory motivation can be provided to encourage the operation of the upstream ball removal button 306, which allows efficient removal of the balls.

In addition, the mechanism for increasing the amount of movement of the lid (downstream lid 125 or upstream lid 300) relative to the amount of operation of the button (downstream ball removal button 120 or upstream ball removal button 360) in the downstream ball removal unit 112 or the upstream ball removal unit 113 is not limited to the mechanism described above, and various well-known transmission mechanisms can be used. Furthermore, the downstream ball removal button 120 (first operating means) or the upstream ball removal button 360 (second operating means) is not limited to a push button as described above, and may be a sliding operating means (for example, a lever that slides left and right), etc.

As shown in FIG. 19, the upstream ball removal unit 113 is fixed to the underside of the left part of the dish member 110 by screwing. The upstream ball removal button 306 is positioned below the receiving dish 16. As shown in FIG. 28, the upstream ball removal button 306 protrudes forward from an opening provided in the exterior part of the front frame 10.

The upstream ball removal button 306 and the area surrounding the upstream ball removal button 306 are different colors. In other words, the surrounding material (exterior part) that forms the opening that exposes the upstream ball removal button 306 is a different color from the upstream ball removal button 306. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball removal button 306 is red, while the surrounding material is white.

As mentioned above, the downstream ball removal button 120 is provided in the button arrangement section 116, but the downstream ball removal button 120 and the button arrangement section 116 are different colors. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 is red, while the button arrangement section 116 is black.

In this way, by making the colors of the upstream ball ejection button 306 and the downstream ball ejection button 120 different from the colors of the surrounding materials surrounding the buttons, the visibility of the buttons can be improved. Therefore, players can easily find the buttons.

In addition, the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 are formed from a resin material of the same color (similar colors). In addition, the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 are formed from a single color throughout. In addition, all of the other buttons (ball lending button, return button 91, directional keys 92, volume adjustment button 93, light intensity adjustment button 94, etc.) arranged in the button arrangement section 116 are formed from a resin material of a different color from the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, it is easy to tell which button is the ball removal button, and the player can more easily find the button.
It is also possible that there are no other buttons molded from a resin material of the same color as the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120. In other words, this color may be a dedicated color for buttons for ejecting game balls from the tray 16. In addition, buttons (other buttons) other than the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 may include a dedicated color, but in that case, it is preferable that the other buttons also include a color other than the dedicated color.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the pressing surface (the surface that the player, etc. touches when pressing the button: the top surface) (operation surface) of the downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operation means) is formed (almost) flat. On the other hand, the pressing surface (the surface that the player, etc. touches when pressing the button: the front surface) (operation surface) of the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operation means) is formed with unevenness. In other words, the pressing surface of the upstream ball removal button 306 has a shape with more unevenness than the pressing surface of the downstream ball removal button 120. The upstream ball removal button 306 is difficult to see because it is surrounded by exterior parts and is located below the receiving tray 16 and protruding forward, but the relatively large number of unevennesses makes it easy for the player to find the button. In addition, the downstream ball removal button 120 is easily visible because it is located in the button arrangement section 116 that constitutes the upper surface of the tray unit 100, and because it has relatively few projections and recesses, it is easy to distinguish that it is a button.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the operation surface of the downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means) is smaller in area than the operation surface of the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means). Here, the operation surface refers to a surface that does not change the range that the player can touch and the range that the player can see, regardless of the position to which the operating means is operated. In other words, the operation surface does not include a surface that is hidden by surrounding members when the operating means is operated. With this configuration, the size of the operation surface is related to the amount of operation of the operating means, making it easier to grasp the operating feel of both operating means that have the same function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation, such as ejecting an unintended number of game balls by the player.

The game balls discharged from the downstream ball ejection hole 118 are guided downward through the first passage 114. The game balls discharged from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 are guided downward through the second passage 115. The first passage 114 merges with the second passage 115. The second passage is connected to a hole 400 provided on the underside of the gaming machine (see Figure 28). The game balls discharged from the downstream ball ejection hole 118 or the upstream ball ejection hole 119 are discharged from this hole 400 to the outside of the gaming machine.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the tray 16 is one, but multiple trays may be provided. For example, gaming machines having two trays, an upper tray (first tray) and a lower tray (second tray), are generally known. In this type of gaming machine, game balls (loan balls) loaned to a player and game balls (prize balls) acquired by winning are stored in the upper tray. The lower tray is provided at a lower position than the upper tray, and stores game balls that are paid out when the upper tray is full (a state in which a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the upper tray). In addition, game balls can be discharged toward the lower tray from the ball ejection hole provided in the upper tray. The configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment may be applied to this type of gaming machine. Specifically, for example, a ball ejection hole similar to the downstream ball ejection hole 118 may be provided in the upper tray, and a downstream ball ejection unit 112 corresponding to the ball ejection hole may be provided. In other words, the downstream ball removal hole 118 and downstream ball removal unit 112 in this embodiment may be read as being provided on the upper tray. Also, for example, a ball removal hole similar to the upstream ball removal hole 119 may be provided on the lower tray, and an upstream ball removal unit 113 corresponding to that ball removal hole may be provided. In other words, the upstream ball removal hole 119 and upstream ball removal unit 113 in this embodiment may be read as being provided on the lower tray.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
A first hole capable of discharging game balls from the tray;
A second hole capable of discharging game balls from the tray;
a first opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole;
a second opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole;
a first operating means for accepting an operation to move the first opening/closing means;
and a second operating means for accepting an operation to move the second opening/closing means,
the second hole is larger than the first hole;
the first operation means sets the first hole in a state in which the game ball can pass through with an operation amount less than a diameter of the game ball;
the second operation means sets the second hole in a state in which the game ball can pass through with an operation amount less than a diameter of the game ball;
an operation amount of the second operating means less than the diameter is smaller than an operation amount of the first operating means less than the diameter;
The operating load required to move the second operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the second operating means is smaller than the operating load required to move the first operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the first operating means.

In addition, the gaming machine according to this embodiment has
A first hole capable of discharging game balls from a first tray;
A second hole capable of discharging game balls from the second tray;
a first opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole;
a second opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole;
A first operating means for accepting an operation to move the first opening/closing means;
and a second operating means for accepting an operation to move the second opening/closing means,
the second hole is larger than the first hole;
the first operation means sets the first hole in a state in which the game ball can pass through with an operation amount less than a diameter of the game ball;
the second operation means sets the second hole in a state in which the game ball can pass through with an operation amount less than a diameter of the game ball;
an operation amount of the second operating means less than the diameter is smaller than an operation amount of the first operating means less than the diameter;
The operating load required to move the second operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the second operating means is smaller than the operating load required to move the first operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the first operating means.

According to this configuration, the amount of operation of the first operation means or the second operation means required to discharge game balls from the first hole or the second hole can be reduced. Therefore, balls can be removed from the tray with a small amount of operation, reducing the burden of operation. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the second operation means can remove balls with a smaller amount of operation than the first operation means, and can remove balls with a smaller operating load than the first operation means. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the tray and the tray is full (when a full-tank error occurs), a physical motivation can be provided to encourage the operation of the second operation means that can efficiently remove balls. The gaming machine according to this embodiment can be operated comfortably.

Third Embodiment
As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a gaming board and a launching device is known. In the pachinko gaming machine, a gaming ball (gaming medium) is launched into a gaming area provided in front of the gaming board, and a gaming benefit is given to a player based on the gaming ball entering a winning hole provided in the gaming area. A certain gaming machine represented by such a gaming machine is equipped with a rail for guiding the gaming ball. Meanwhile, in gaming machines, there is an increasing demand for a larger design part that decorates the gaming machine, but there is a problem that the visibility of the gaming ball in the gaming area, such as the gaming ball rolling along the rail, is impaired as the design part becomes larger. In this embodiment, an object is to provide a gaming machine that can ensure the visibility of the gaming ball.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is one of the game machines, will be described, but other game machines (for example, slot machines, etc.) may also be used. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the game machine, the player side is "front" and the game machine side is "rear", "up and down" means that the top side of the game machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing is "left" and the right hand side is "right".
It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, any combination of the components, any modification of the components, or the omission of any components are possible.

29 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment. The game machine of this embodiment is used to play games using game balls (game media) loaned from an arcade, and includes an outer frame 2 forming the outer surface of the game machine, a game board 6 provided inside the game machine and forming a game area 4 in which the game balls move, a glass unit 8 that allows the game board 6 to be visible but not touched by the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.
Although not shown in Figure 29, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has an inner frame, and a main frame having a front frame 10 and an inner frame. The main frame can be attached to the outer frame 2. The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a tray unit having a tray (upper tray 16 and lower tray 24). The main frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a tray unit.
The "tray unit 320, tray" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into a "tray unit, tray" in the third embodiment. The "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into a "grip unit 20" in the third embodiment. The "front frame 300, outer frame 102" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into a "front frame 10, outer frame 2" in the third embodiment. The "inner frame 104, main body frame" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into an "inner frame, main body frame" in the third embodiment. The "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into a "game board 6" in the third embodiment. In addition, although details will be described later, in this embodiment, a design part (design member) 84 is provided on the upper part of the front frame 10. The design portion 84 shown in this embodiment can be added to the "front frame 300, main body frame" shown in the first embodiment. Also, the game ball passage 80 shown in this embodiment can be added to the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment.

The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a number of front frame lamps 12 that output special lights to liven up the game. In addition, the front frame 10 is provided with a number of speakers 14 that output special sounds to liven up the game.

At the center of the bottom of the front frame 10 is an upper tray 16 for storing game balls, and at the left part of the inner side of the upper tray 16 is a payout outlet for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player. At the right side of the bottom of the front frame 10 is a grip unit 20, and when the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated to launch game balls into the game area 4. The launching device of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

A supply port is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. In addition, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

A performance operation device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance operation device 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes. In detail, the performance operation device 26 has a built-in push button switch and a rotary switch (jog dial), and is capable of detecting the operation of pressing the performance operation device 26 and the operation of rotating the performance operation device 26.

Figure 30 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 29. As shown in Figure 30, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the game board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the game area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 to the game area 4.

In the center of the game board 6, there is a presentation unit 36 that includes a liquid crystal display 32 that displays presentation images and the like to liven up the game, and a display frame 34 that is formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the LCD display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls through the game area 4 on the left or right side of the LCD display 32. A large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, so that the direction of movement of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls can pass as they fall through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44. Game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth across the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

A first starting winning hole 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44.
A passing gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start winning port 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. This second start winning port 50 is provided with a normal role 52 having an auxiliary member that can be operated between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted/non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 50 and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted/assisted state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter.

In the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32, a large prize opening 54 is provided below the second start prize opening 50. This large prize opening 54 is provided with a special device 56 having a movable member that closes the large prize opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54, and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize opening 54 (Figure 30 shows the closed state). The special device 56 is controlled to be in the open state under specified conditions in the special game state that begins when a large prize is won.

Below the big prize opening 54, a big prize passage 58 is provided downward. At the lower end of the big prize passage 58, a normal entrance 62 is provided. In addition, below the big prize passage 58, a special passage 65 is provided so as to branch downward from the middle of the big prize passage 58. This special passage 65 is provided with a special role 66 having a movable member that blocks the special passage 65. The special role 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the special passage 65 and an open state in which game balls can enter the special passage 65 (FIG. 30 shows the closed state). The special role 66 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in the special game state. At the lower end of the special passage 65, a special entrance 68 is provided. In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4, an outlet 69 is provided to collect game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings into the inside of the game machine.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 shown in Figure 29. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-hand game area 4 or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44 and enters the first start winning opening 46 (left hit), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right-hand game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second start winning opening 50 or enters the big winning opening 54 (right hit).

At the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, there is a status display unit 70 that indicates various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps and the like. The game machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and the sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

The main board receives input signals from the input means (first start winning port sensor, passing gate sensor, second start winning port sensor, large winning port sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of the output means (status display drive device, normal role drive device, special role drive device, specific role drive device, payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the performance operation sensor that detects operations on the performance operation device 26, performs various calculations to execute performances according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance devices (performance display devices, audio devices, performance object driving devices, etc.) based on the results of the calculations.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the gaming area 4 is divided into a left-hand hitting area 4a located on the left side and a right-hand hitting area 4b located on the right side, and the player can change the strength of the game ball's launch to make the ball fall into the different areas.

In addition, a game ball passage 80 is provided at the top end (upper part) of the game area 4, connecting the left hitting area 4a and the right hitting area 4b. Game balls launched from the launching device with a predetermined launch strength or more pass through the game ball passage 80 and proceed to the right hitting area 4b, while game balls launched from the launching device with a launch strength less than the predetermined strength proceed to the left hitting area 4a without passing through the game ball passage 80.

The game ball passage 80 is formed by the outer rail 28 and a rail 81 that is provided along the outer rail 28 and below the outer rail 28. The game ball passage 80 is formed to include the upper end of the outer rail 28. The width of the game ball passage 80 (the distance between the outer rail 28 and the rail 81) is longer than the diameter of one game ball and shorter than the diameter of two game balls at its narrowest part. The narrowest part of the game ball passage 80 is the top of the game ball passage 80, in other words, the part formed by the upper end (top: apex) of the outer rail 28 and the part of the rail 81 that faces the upper end, or in other words, the part located at the upper end of the game area 4.

29 and 31, the gaming machine of this embodiment has a generally rectangular box-shaped design portion (design member) 84 that is long in the left-right direction provided on the upper portion of the front frame 10. The left-right length of the design portion 84 is more than half the left-right length of the front frame 10. The design portion 84 is disposed to protrude forward so that its front surface is located forward of the playing area 4 and the glass unit 8.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the glass unit 8 has two transparent plates (glass plates) 8a, 8b arranged in the front-rear direction with their plate surfaces parallel to each other.

Design section 84 includes an LED board (not shown) for illumination provided therein and an exterior member 85 that covers it, and a space for storing the LED board is provided inside exterior member 85. In addition, a logo indicating the model name or the like is provided on a portion of exterior member 85 that constitutes the front surface of design section 84, and the logo is illuminated by the LED board provided inside.
In addition, a speaker or the like may be provided inside the design portion 84.

The front portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located at the lowest position. The front portion forms a flat surface 87 that is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. The rear end of the flat surface 87 of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 forms an inclined surface 88 that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The rear portion (inclined surface 88 portion) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is shaped so that it slopes upward as it approaches the rear. That is, the front portion of the design portion 84 protrudes downward more than the rear portion, forming a protrusion 90. The rear end of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) of the design portion 84 abuts or is close to the glass unit 8.
The shape of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 may be formed to follow the shape of the outer rail 28. That is, the rear end of the lower surface 86 may be curved so as to be convex upward when viewed from the front. In addition, in accordance with this, the shape of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) may be a mortar shape that is concave upward.

Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the main parts in the cross section taken along line A-A in Figure 29, showing a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the vertical and front-to-rear directions and passing through the upper end (top: upper end of the outer rail 28) of the play area 4. The cross section shown in Figure 31 also passes through the upper end (top) of the rail 81 and the upper end (top) of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84.

The rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design part 84 is located below the upper end of the play area 4 in the part corresponding to the upper end of the play area 4 (the front part of the upper end of the play area 4). In other words, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design part 84 is located below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 described later). In addition, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design part 84 is located above the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 (the surface of the rail 81 that the game ball contacts). In addition, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design part 84 is located above the lower end of the game ball B (a game ball in contact with the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80: a game ball in contact with the top of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113)) located at the upper end of the play area 4. More specifically, it is located above the center of the game ball B in that state (shown by the dashed line C in FIG. 31).

In addition, the protrusion 90 protrudes downward from the center of the game ball B when it is located at the upper end of the game area 4. In other words, the lower end of the protrusion 90 is located below the center of the game ball B in that state. More specifically, the lower end of the protrusion 90 is located below the lower end of the game ball B in that state. In addition, the protrusion 90 protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80.

As is clear from the above, the design part 84 overlaps with the game ball B located at the top of the game area 4 in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8), and covers the entire game ball B in that state. In addition, the design part 84 is configured so that the part corresponding to the top of the game area 4 at the rear end of the lower surface 86 (the front part of the top end of the game area 4) does not overlap with at least the lower half of the game ball B located at the top of the game area 4 in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8), and does not cover at least the lower half of the game ball in that state. In addition, the rear part of the lower surface 86 is an inclined surface 88. Therefore, even if the game ball is located at the top of the game area 4, the player can easily see the game ball rolling in the game area 4. Here, it is preferable that at least the lower half of the game ball in that state can be seen from a predetermined position, specifically, from the player's eye point, without the player moving his face up, down, left or right. The player's eye point means the position of the player's eyes when sitting on a chair to play. Specifically, for example, when the distance between the player's eyes and the glass unit 8 in the front-back direction is between 30 and 50 cm, and the distance (height) between the player's eyes and the bottom surface of the gaming machine in the up-down direction is between 40 and 60 cm, it is preferable that at least a part (lower half) of the gaming ball in that state can be seen. In other words, it is preferable that the design part 84 does not overlap a straight line from a predetermined point that is between 30 and 50 cm away from the glass unit 8 and between 40 and 60 cm away from the bottom surface of the gaming machine to the gaming ball B (the part below the center of the gaming ball B) located at the top end of the gaming area 4. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the gaming medium moving in the gaming area while enlarging the design part 84.

Next, with reference to Figure 31, we will explain the various lengths of the design portion 84, the game ball passage 80, and the game ball B positioned at the top end of the game area 4 in a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the up-down and front-to-back directions passing through the top end of the game area 4 (top: the top end of the outer rail 28).

31, in the cross section, the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (first reference line BL1 described later) is located above the rear end 91 of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Note that hereinafter, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as the first design portion 91. When the horizontal line that passes through the upper end of the upper surface of the game ball passage 80 and extends in the short direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 is taken as the first reference line BL1, the first design portion 91 can also be said to be the rearmost portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the first reference line BL1 can intersect. In addition, the first design portion 91 can be said to be the rearmost portion of the portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line intersecting with the second reference line BL2 may intersect with the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 when a horizontal line extending in the short direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 that passes through a portion of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 located directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 is taken as the second reference line BL2. Note that, here, the portion of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 located directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 may be the upper end of the lower surface 80b, or may not be the upper end of the lower surface 80b. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the distance L1 in the vertical direction between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 in the cross section is about 4 mm. That is, the distance L1 is equal to or less than the diameter (11 mm) of the game ball, more specifically, less than the diameter. The distance L1 can also be considered as the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the first design portion 91 (the distance on a vertical line).

In addition, in the cross section, the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the lower end 92 (rear end of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. In the following, the lower end (rear end of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as the second design portion 92. The second design portion 92 can be said to be the lowest part of the parts of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the first reference line BL1 can intersect. The second design portion 92 can be said to be the lowest part of the parts of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the second reference line BL2 can intersect. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the cross section, the distance L2 in the vertical direction between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 is about 40 mm. That is, the distance L2 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, more specifically, exceeds the diameter. Note that the distance L2 can also be considered the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the second design portion 92 (the distance on a vertical line).

In addition, in this cross section, the underside 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located below the first design portion 91. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, in this cross section, the vertical distance L3 between the underside 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is approximately 14 mm. In other words, the distance L3 is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, more specifically, a length that exceeds the radius, and even more specifically, a length that exceeds the diameter. Note that the distance L3 can also be said to be the distance from the second reference line BL2 to the first design portion 91 (the distance on a vertical line).

In addition, in this cross section, the bottom surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the second design portion 92. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, in this cross section, the vertical distance L4 between the bottom surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 is approximately 22 mm. In other words, the distance L4 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, more specifically, it exceeds the diameter. Note that the distance L4 can also be said to be the distance from the second reference line BL2 to the second design portion 92 (the distance on a vertical line).

As described above, the second design portion 92 can be positioned below the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 to increase the size of the design portion 84, and can be positioned below the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 to increase the size of the design portion 84 even further. Furthermore, while increasing the size of the design portion 84 in this manner, the distance L1 between the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), thereby ensuring the visibility of the game ball when the game ball is hit hard (when the game ball rolls along the upper surface 80a). In addition, while the design portion 84 is enlarged in this manner, the distance L3 between the underside 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball (a length that exceeds the radius), thereby ensuring visibility of the game ball when the game ball is weakly shot (when the game ball rolls along the underside 80b).

Next, the configuration of the outer rail 28 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The outer rail 28 is supported by a rail base 100, which serves as a support member for supporting the outer rail 28. The rail base 100 is fixed to the game board 6, thereby attaching the outer rail 28 to the game board 6. The rail base 100 is fixed to the game board 6 by, for example, screws. The game board 6 is formed into a substantially rectangular plate shape from transparent resin.

The outer rail 28 is a long, thin plate-like member. In the following, the length of the outer rail 28 in the lengthwise direction (longitudinal direction) is referred to as the "length", the length in the widthwise direction (short direction) is referred to as the "width", and the length in the thickness direction (plate thickness) is referred to as the "thickness". In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the length L of the outer rail 28 is 900 mm or more (at least 800 mm or more). The width W of the outer rail 28 is about 15 mm. The plate thickness T of the outer rail 28 is about 0.6 mm. In this embodiment, the outer rail 28 is formed of a metal, specifically stainless steel (e.g., SUS430).

One end (starting end) of the outer rail 28 is formed with a bent portion 110 bent into a generally L-shape. The other end (terminal end) of the outer rail 28 is formed with a U-shaped portion (curved portion) 112 bent into a generally U-shape.

The bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 is about 6 mm. In other words, the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces of the U-shaped portion 112) is about 12 mm. Moreover, the U-shaped portion 112 has a height H of about 12 mm in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28.
Furthermore, the curvature of the U-shaped portion 112 is greater than the curvature of the curved surface 126 described later, and is greater than the curvature of the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 when attached to the rail base 100 (when assembled into an amusement machine).

A guide surface 113 is formed on the outer rail 28 between the bent portion 110 and the U-shaped portion 112. The guide surface 113 is the surface against which the game ball launched from the launching device strikes, and the game ball launched from the launching device rolls along the guide surface 113 and is guided to the game area 4.

Further, a substantially square hole 114 is formed in the outer rail 28. The hole 114 is formed in the U-shaped portion 112 (at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112) of the outer rail 28. Furthermore, the length of the hole 114 is longer than the length of the U-shaped portion 112. In other words, the hole 114 is formed over the entire length of the U-shaped portion 112 (direction along the U-shape). Specifically, the hole 114 is formed up to a corner 115a formed between the U-shaped portion 112 and the guide surface 113. In other words, the hole 114 is formed up to at least one (preferably both) of the corners 115a and 115b formed at both end portions (boundaries between the U-shaped portion 112 and other portions) in the length direction of the U-shaped portion 112.
The hole 114 may be formed beyond at least one of the corners 115a, 115b. The corners 115a, 115b are rounded.

The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1/2 or less, and more preferably 1/3 or less, of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1/5 or more, and more preferably 1/4 or more, of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). By setting the width Wa of the hole 114 in this manner, it is possible to increase the flexibility of the U-shaped portion 112 while maintaining the strength of the U-shaped portion 112 at a high level. In this embodiment, the width Wa of the hole 114 is set to 4 mm.

The hole 114 does not have to penetrate the outer rail 28 in the thickness direction. In other words, the hole 114 portion only needs to be formed thinner than other portions. In other words, the hole 114 only needs to be a hollowed-out portion that has been hollowed out in some way. That is, the portion of the outer rail 28 where the hole 114 of the U-shaped portion 112 is formed only needs to have a smaller cross-sectional area in a cross section perpendicular to the plate surface than the portion where the guide surface 113 is formed.

The outer rail 28 is also formed with a number of positioning holes 118 (five in this embodiment). A protrusion 128, which will be described later, is inserted into each hole 118. The holes 118 are oval in shape with a length at least twice as long as their width. In this embodiment, the hole 118 has a length La of 5.2 mm and a width Wb of 2 mm.

The holes 118 are arranged in a line in the length direction. The holes 118 are arranged off-center in the width direction (not overlapping the center). Specifically, the distance Wc from the center of the holes 118 to the end of the outer rail 28 in the width direction of the outer rail 28 is set to 2.7 mm. The holes 118 are arranged in positions where they will not be hit by game balls rolling on the guide surface 113. More specifically, all of the holes 118 are arranged in positions where they will not be hit by game balls rolling on the guide surface 113.
All of the holes 118 are formed in the guide surface 113, and none are formed in the bent portion 110, the U-shaped portion 112, or the portion (extension portion 120) closer to the terminal end than the U-shaped portion 112. Furthermore, two circular holes 119 are formed in the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 in the same straight line as the multiple holes 118. These two holes 119 are used when machining the outer rail 28, and protrusions 128, which will be described later, are not inserted into the holes 119.

Figures 34 to 36 show the mounting state of the outer rail 28 attached to the rail base 100. As shown in Figure 34, the rail base 100 is made of black resin material and is formed into a roughly L-shape. The rail base 100 also has a curved surface 126 formed in an arc shape. The curved surface 126 is formed so as to extend from the lower left side of the game board 6 (play area 4), pass through the upper left side, and reach the upper right side, with the lower right side open.

The curved surface 126 has multiple (five in this embodiment) protrusions 128 formed along the length (see FIG. 32). The protrusions 128 are located rearward of the center of the curved surface 126 in the front-to-rear direction. In addition, each protrusion 128 is located at a position corresponding to each hole 118 of the outer rail 28.

In addition, a wall portion 129 that protrudes toward the play area 4 side from the curved surface 126 is formed along the front edge of the curved surface 126 (see Figures 36 and 37).

34 and 36, a recess 130 having a generally L-shaped cross section is provided at the lower left (one end) of the rail base 100, into which the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 is inserted. The recess 130 is also formed with an abutment surface (contact surface) 131 against which one end face (end face on the starting end side) of the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction abuts.
The recess 130 is configured so that it does not come into contact with any portion of the outer rail 28 other than the one end face in the length direction of the outer rail 28. Specifically, in the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28, the escape portion 110a extending in a direction intersecting (substantially perpendicular to) the guide surface 113 is configured so as not to come into contact with the recess 130 (at least in the length direction of the outer rail 28).

In addition, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, an abutment surface (contact surface) 135 is formed at the upper right portion (other end portion) of the rail base 100 against which the other end face (terminal end face) of the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction abuts. In addition, a storage section 137 is formed at the upper right portion of the rail base 100 to store the U-shaped section 112.

The storage section 137 is provided adjacent to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. The storage section 137 has a space 137b formed by a wall section 137a having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The space 137b is a space that expands toward the outside of the play area 4 from the curved surface 126. The U-shaped section 112 is accommodated in this space 137b. One end of the wall section 137a is connected to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. The other end 137c of the wall section 137a is disposed on a virtual extension line of the curved surface 126 (a predetermined position when the curved surface 126 is extended according to its curvature). A rib 139 is formed at a position farther from the curved surface 126 than the other end 137c and on the opposite side of the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28. The extension 120 of the outer rail 28 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the other end 137c and the rib 139.

The outer rail 28 has a bent portion 110 inserted into the recess 130 of the rail base 100, and one end face is abutted against the abutment surface 131. The other end face of the outer rail 28 is abutted against the abutment surface 135. When the outer rail 28 is attached to the rail base 100, it is in a state of being stretched between the abutment surface 131 and the abutment surface 135. That is, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set longer than the distance from the abutment surface 131 to the abutment surface 135 (the distance in the direction along the curved surface 126). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set 3 mm longer than the distance. In other words, the outer rail 28 has an extra length of 3 mm with respect to the length of the portion where the outer rail 28 is installed (the distance from the abutment surface 131 to the abutment surface 135).

In the attached state, the excess length of the outer rail 28 is absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112. That is, first, in the attached state, the outer rail 28 is arranged along the curved surface 126 of the rail base 100. At this time, substantially the entire surface (back surface) of the outer rail 28 opposite the guide surface 113 is in contact with substantially the entire curved surface 126. In other words, the guide surface 113 is a surface (substantially parallel surface) along the curved surface 126. In addition, the U-shaped portion 112 is deflected so that the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the corners 115a and 115b) is reduced, thereby absorbing the excess length of the outer rail 28. Then, the outer rail 28 is in a stretched state between the abutment surface 131 and the abutment surface 135.
34 and 35, the end 28a of the outer rail 28 is shown penetrating the abutment surface 135, but in reality, the end 28a stops when it abuts against the abutment surface 135, and does not penetrate the abutment surface 135. In other words, the portion penetrating the abutment surface 135 in Fig. 34 and 35 is the excess length of the outer rail 28, and the length of the penetrating portion is absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112. The U-shaped portion 112 is designed not to abut against the wall portion 137a of the storage portion 137 even in the attached state (in a state in which the excess length is absorbed and the portion is bent).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the 3 mm surplus length of the outer rail 28 is set shorter than the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces of the U-shaped portion 112: about 12 mm). More specifically, the surplus length is set to be equal to or less than the bending radius R (about 6 mm) of the U-shaped portion 112 (equal to or less than half the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112). Therefore, the U-shaped portion 112 can effectively absorb the surplus length.
The extra length of 3 mm as the reference value (design value) is set longer than the tolerance of the outer rail 28. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the tolerance of the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to ±0.8 mm. Therefore, the reference value of the extra length is set so that even if the outer rail 28 is manufactured as short as possible (when the tolerance is the lower limit of -0.8 mm), an extra length of 0 mm or more (in this example, an extra length of 2.2 mm) is generated. That is, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to a length that generates an extra length even including the tolerance. In addition, the reference value of the extra length is set so that even if the outer rail 28 is manufactured as long as possible (when the tolerance is the upper limit of +0.8 mm), the extra length (in this example, an extra length of 3.8 mm) is generated less than the bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 (less than half the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112).

In addition, in the mounted state, each of the multiple protrusions 128 of the rail base 100 is inserted into each of the multiple holes 118 of the outer rail 28. Here, the length La of the hole 118 is set to a length that does not abut against the protrusions 128 in the mounted state. In addition, the width Wb of the hole 118 is set to a length that can abut against the protrusions 128 in the mounted state.

The protrusion 128 abuts against the hole 118 in the width direction of the outer rail 28, thereby restricting movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction. In other words, the protrusion 128 serves as a restricting portion (restricting means) that restricts the movement of the outer rail 28. The protrusion 128 and the hole 118 function as a positioning portion (positioning means) that determines the position of the outer rail 28 in the width direction.
The regulating portion does not have to have a shape like the protrusion 128, and may be, for example, a pin, etc. Specifically, for example, a split pin as the regulating portion may be provided so as to pass through the hole 118 (so that the legs of the split pin straddle the hole 118), and both legs of the split pin may be fitted into the rail base 100 or the game board 6, etc., so that the movement of the outer rail 28 is regulated by the split pin.

On the other hand, in the mounted state, the protrusion 128 is not in contact with the hole 118 in the length direction of the outer rail 28, and does not restrict the movement of the outer rail 28 in the length direction. In other words, the repulsive force of the outer rail 28, which is accommodated between the abutment surface 131 and the abutment surface 135 and has been shortened, is applied to the abutment surface 131 and the abutment surface 135, and is (almost) not applied to the protrusion 128. This allows the positioning of the outer rail 28 in the length direction to be stably performed by the abutment surface 131 and the abutment surface 135. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the escape portion 110a of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 does not come into contact with the recess 130 in the length direction of the outer rail 28, so that the positioning of the outer rail 28 in the length direction can be more stably performed by the abutment surface 131 and the abutment surface 135.
In addition, when an external force other than the repulsive force from the abutment surfaces 131, 135 is forcibly applied (for example, by human force, etc.) to forcibly shrink the U-shaped portion 112, the hole 118 and the escape portion 110a may be made to abut against the rail base 100 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28.

The length (height) of the protruding portion 128 in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or less than the thickness of the outer rail 28. In other words, the protruding portion 128 does not protrude beyond the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 toward the play area 4.

In addition, even when the outer rail 28 moves to the front of the gaming machine (in the width direction of the outer rail 28) relative to the rail base 100 to the maximum extent, the front end face of the outer rail 28 does not abut against the wall portion 129 of the rail base 100. In other words, the wall portion 129 does not have the function of restricting the movement of the outer rail 28. On the other hand, the length (height) of the wall portion 129 in the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or greater than the plate thickness of the outer rail 28, and has the function of preventing the end face of the outer rail 28 from being seen by the player.
However, the wall portion 129 may also restrict the movement of the outer rail 28 .

Here, the relationship between the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28 and the holes 118, etc. will be explained with reference to Figure 37. Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the outer rail 28 and the rail base 100, and shows a cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the guide surface 113 and the curved surface 126.

As shown in FIG. 37, the hole 118 and the protrusion 128 are formed at a position where they will not hit the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28. To explain in more detail, the hole 118 is formed at a position where it will not hit the game ball B even if the outer rail 28 moves to its maximum in the width direction (for example, even if it moves to its maximum upward in FIG. 37). In other words, it can be said that the protrusion 128 restricts the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction so that the hole 118 does not hit the game ball B. Note that in FIG. 37, the protrusion 128 protrudes toward the game area 4 side more than the guide surface 113, but even if the protrusion 128 is formed to protrude in this way, it is preferable that the protrusion amount of the protrusion 128 is set so that the protrusion 128 does not hit the game ball B.

As shown in FIG. 37, the guide surface 113 (curved surface 126) is an inclined surface that slopes toward the playing area 4 (the radially inner side of the outer rail 28) as it moves toward the front in the width direction of the outer rail 28. In other words, the guide surface 113 is an inclined surface that makes it difficult for the game ball to flow forward (it makes it easier for the game ball to flow along the rear side).

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the rail 28 includes a U-shaped portion 112 bent into a substantially U-shape and a hole 114 formed at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112. The hole 114 has a length that covers the entire length of the U-shaped portion 112 in the direction along the U-shape of the U-shaped portion 112, so that the U-shaped portion 112 absorbs the variation in length of the rail 28 that occurs during manufacturing, and the rail 28 can be stably and accurately attached. In addition, by forming the hole 114 at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112, the U-shaped portion 112 can be made softer than the guide surface 113 portion, and the U-shaped portion 112 can be made more easily deformed than the guide surface 113 portion. Therefore, when attaching the rail 28 to the rail base 100, the guide surface 113 can be stretched appropriately while discharging excess force to the U-shaped portion 112, and the rail 28 can be accurately attached. This makes it possible to stabilize the movement of the game ball as it rolls along the rail 28, providing a comfortable game experience.

In addition, by making the length of the hole 114 the length of the entire U-shaped portion 112, it is possible to make the degree of force applied within the U-shaped portion 112 uniform. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rail 28 from being deformed distortedly due to excessive force being applied to a part of the U-shaped portion 112, and the rail 28 can be attached more accurately. It is also possible to prevent the rail 28 from being damaged due to excessive force being applied to a part of the U-shaped portion 112. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hole 114 is formed up to at least one of the corners 115a, 115b formed on both side ends in the length direction of the U-shaped portion 112, so that the flexibility of the corners 115a, 115b, where loads tend to concentrate, is increased, and the corners 115a, 115b can be prevented from being damaged.

In addition, the hole 114 has a length (4 mm) in the width direction of the rail 28 that is less than 1/3 of the width W of the rail, so the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set to an appropriate range. In other words, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set to a certain height or higher, and the U-shaped portion 112 can be prevented from absorbing too much of the force applied to the rail 28. This prevents the tension of the guide surface 113 from weakening too much, making the movement of the game ball more stable.

In addition, the guide surface 113 is formed with multiple (five) holes 118 that allow for positioning, and all of the holes 118 are formed in positions that will not be hit by the game ball rolling along the guide surface, preventing the game ball from rolling over the holes 118 and vibrating. This makes it possible to make the movement of the game ball more stable.

As shown in FIG. 35, an elastic member 150 made of an elastic body (e.g., rubber) is disposed on the end of the guide surface 113 on the U-shaped portion 112 side. In the vicinity of the U-shaped portion 112, the outer rail 28 is sandwiched between the elastic member 150 and the curved surface 126. The elastic member 150 has a collision surface 151 against which the game ball guided along the guide surface 113 to the terminal end side (right hitting area 4b) collides. The elastic member 150 is designed to reduce the impact when the game ball collides with a component of the game machine.

Also, as shown in FIG. 38, all of the holes 118 (the protrusions 128) are provided to the left (the launching device side) of the upper end (upper apex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is greater on the lower side than on the upper side with the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as the boundary. In other words, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is greater on the lower side than on the upper side with the left end (left apex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as the boundary. Specifically, for example, one or two holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided above the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and three holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided below the vertical center.
In addition, no holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided at the upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113).

In addition, some of the holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be provided to the right of the upper end (upper apex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In this case, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater on the left side than on the right side with the left-right center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as the boundary. In other words, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater on the left side than on the right side with the upper end (upper apex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as the boundary. Specifically, for example, one hole 118 (protrusion 128) may be provided to the right of the left-right center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and three or four holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be provided to the left of the left-right center. In addition, for the multiple holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided on the left side of the horizontal center, the holes 118 (protrusions 128) arranged below the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) may be more than the holes 118 (protrusions 128) arranged above. For example, when four holes 118 are provided on the left side, three may be arranged on the lower side and one may be arranged on the upper side. In addition, for the multiple holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided on the left side of the horizontal center, the holes 118 (protrusions 128) arranged above the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) may be more than the holes 118 (protrusions 128) arranged below. For example, when three holes 118 are provided on the left side, two may be arranged on the upper side and one may be arranged on the lower side.
Even if some holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided to the right of the upper end (upper vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), it is preferable that the holes 118 (protrusions 128) are not present at the upper end (upper vertex) and left end (left vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). By preventing the holes 118 (protrusions 128) from being present at the upper end (upper vertex) and left end (left vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), the play ball can follow a stable trajectory.

In addition, with regard to the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), if the range from the starting end (lower left end) to the left end (the part located on the leftmost side: the 9 o'clock position when viewed from the front) P2 is defined as a first range H1, the range from the left end to the top end (the part located on the topmost side: the 12 o'clock position when viewed from the front) P1 is defined as a second range H2, and the range from the top end to the end (the upper right end) is defined as a third range H3, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows.
That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2. That is, the first range H1>second range H2>third range H3 may be satisfied. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and the first range H1 may be greater than or equal to the second range H2. That is, the first range H1>second range H2>third range H3 may be satisfied. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and the second range H2 may be greater than or equal to the first range H1. That is, the second range H2>first range H1>third range H3 may be satisfied. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3. That is, the first range H1 and the second range H2 may be greater than the third range H3. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2 and greater than the third range H3. That is, the first range H1 may be greater than or equal to the second range H2 and the third range H3. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the range with the fewest holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be 0.
In addition, in the XY plane of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), a virtual line passing through the left end of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and extending in the left-right direction is defined as the X axis, and a virtual line passing through the upper end of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and extending in the up-down direction is defined as the Y axis, the part located in the third quadrant can be called the first range, the part located in the second quadrant can be called the second range, and the part located in the first quadrant can be called the third range. In addition, in the XY plane of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), a virtual line passing through the center of the play area 4 and extending in the left-right direction is defined as the X axis, and a virtual line passing through the center of the play area 4 and extending in the up-down direction is defined as the Y axis, the part located in the third quadrant can be called the first range, the part located in the second quadrant can be called the second range, and the part located in the first quadrant can be called the third range.

As described above, the number of holes 118 should be greater on the side closer to the launching device than on the side farther from the launching device. Specifically, the above-mentioned arrangements should be used. With this arrangement, the number of holes 118 can be increased on the launching device side (first range H1 side), where the impact from the game balls is greater and where the arrangement of the outer rail 28 requires particular accuracy, and it is possible to reliably prevent the outer rail 28 on the launching device side from shifting or vibrating. Also, with this arrangement, the number of holes 118 can be reduced on the terminal side (third range H3 side), where the impact from the game balls is smaller and where the effect on the game is smaller, making it easier to process the outer rail 28 and attach it to the rail base 100.

The hole 118 may not have the shape shown in this embodiment, and may be, for example, a notch. Even if the hole 118 is a notch, the arrangement of the notch may be the same as that of the hole 118 described above. Specifically, for example, all of the notches may be provided to the left of the upper end (upper apex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In such a case, for example, when there are two notches, one notch may be provided above the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and one notch may be provided below the vertical center.
Furthermore, even if several notches are provided in the outer rail 28 in this manner, it is preferable that no notches are present at the upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113).

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
A design portion protruding forward above the play area;
A gaming machine including: a gaming ball passage through which a gaming ball passing through an upper end of the gaming area is guided;
A horizontal line passing through the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is set as a reference line;
Among the portions on the underside of the design portion where a vertical line intersects with the reference line, the rearmost portion is defined as a first design portion;
If the lowermost portion of the lower surface of the design portion among the portions where a vertical line intersects with the reference line is defined as a second design portion,
The first design portion is located below the reference line and is located at a distance from the reference line equal to or less than the diameter of a game ball,
The second design portion is characterized in that it is located below the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the diameter of a game ball.

With this configuration, the second design portion is positioned below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, allowing the design portion to be enlarged. Furthermore, while enlarging the design portion in this manner, the distance between the reference line and the first design portion is equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball, ensuring visibility of the gaming ball when the gaming ball is hit with force (when the gaming ball rolls along the top surface of the gaming ball passage). The gaming machine according to this embodiment ensures visibility of the gaming ball.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
A design portion protruding forward above the play area;
A gaming machine including: a gaming ball passage through which a gaming ball passing through an upper end of the gaming area is guided;
A horizontal line passing through a portion of the lower surface of the game ball passage located directly below the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is set as a reference line;
Among the portions on the underside of the design portion where a vertical line intersects with the reference line, the rearmost portion is defined as a first design portion;
If the lowermost portion of the lower surface of the design portion among the portions where a vertical line intersects with the reference line is defined as a second design portion,
The first design portion is located above the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball,
The second design portion is characterized in that it is located below the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the diameter of a game ball.

With this configuration, the second design portion is positioned below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, allowing the design portion to be enlarged. Furthermore, while enlarging the design portion in this manner, the distance between the reference line and the first design portion is equal to or greater than the radius of the gaming ball, ensuring visibility of the gaming ball when the gaming ball is weakly shot (when the gaming ball rolls along the underside of the gaming ball passage). The gaming machine according to this embodiment ensures visibility of the gaming ball.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the configuration of the pachinko machine is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. Any of the components of the present invention can be modified or omitted within the scope of the invention.

100 Gaming machine 102 Outer frame 342 Handle ring (handle)
100: Receiving tray unit 110: Tray member 112: Downstream ball removal unit (first ball removal unit)
113 Upstream ball removal unit (second ball removal unit)
118 Downstream ball hole (first hole)
119 Upstream ball hole (second hole)
120 Downstream ball removal button (first operating means)
125 downstream lid (first opening/closing means)
300 Upstream lid (second opening/closing means)
306 Upstream ball removal button (second operating means)
4 Play area 6 Play board 28 Outer rail (rail)
80 Game ball passage 80a Upper surface 80b Lower surface 84 Design portion 86 Lower surface 91 First design portion 92 Second design portion 113 Guide surface 118 Hole

Claims (1)

A gaming machine including a main body frame, an outer frame to which the main body frame can be attached, and a gaming board on which a gaming area is formed,
The main body frame includes a handle formed to be rotatable and a design portion protruding forward from an upper portion thereof,
The handle includes a base and a plurality of finger hooks protruding radially outward from the base by different amounts,
The handle can be rotated from an initial position to a maximum rotation position by applying a predetermined operating torque,
the plurality of finger hook portions include a finger hook portion that protrudes downward from the base portion at the maximum rotation position,
Among the plurality of finger hooks, the finger hook with the largest protruding amount is designated as a specific finger hook,
a distance from a rotation center of the handle to a tip end of the specific finger rest portion is defined as a first distance;
If the distance from the rotation center of the handle to the lower edge of the main body frame is a second distance,
The first distance is greater than the second distance,
In the initial position, none of the finger hook portions of the plurality of finger hooks protrudes below a lower edge of the main body frame, and none of the finger hook portions of the plurality of finger hooks protrudes to the right of a right edge of the main body frame,
At the maximum rotation position, none of the finger hook portions of the plurality of finger hooks protrudes below a lower edge of the main body frame, and none of the finger hook portions of the plurality of finger hooks protrudes to the right of a right edge of the main body frame,
The game board includes a game ball passage through which a game ball passing through an upper end of the game area is guided,
A horizontal line passing through the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is set as a reference line;
Among the portions on the underside of the design portion where a vertical line intersects with the reference line, the rearmost portion is defined as a first design portion;
If the lowermost portion of the lower surface of the design portion among the portions where a vertical line intersects with the reference line is defined as a second design portion,
The first design portion is located below the reference line and is located at a distance from the reference line equal to or less than the diameter of a game ball,
The second design portion is located below the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line equal to or greater than a diameter of a gaming ball.