JP7525860B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines (commonly referred to as "pachinko machines").

In recent years, the effective use of resources has become increasingly important in light of environmental issues. From this perspective, development is underway to make more parts of gaming machines out of recyclable materials. At the same time, the replacement cycle for gaming machines at game halls (amusement stores) where gaming machines are installed is becoming shorter, and the number of gaming machines that are discarded and dismantled is on the rise. This has increased the burden of dismantling and sorting gaming machines, and there is a demand to reduce this work even if only slightly.

For example, in a conventional gaming machine such as that shown in Patent Document 1, when attempting to disassemble the side unit (ball entry unit), which has multiple general winning ports as ball entry ports, by pulling it forward to remove it from the gaming panel, the ball entry unit bends, causing the positioning protrusions inserted into the positioning holes of the gaming panel to tilt, resulting in a problem that disassembly is time-consuming.

JP 2017-018185 A

In view of the above situation, the present invention aims to provide an amusement machine that can reduce the disassembly work required when separating the equipment for recycling, etc.

The present invention relates to
In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit attached to the front of a gaming panel having a plurality of winning holes through which game balls can enter and through which game balls can flow down,
The game panel has an opening area through which game balls can flow from the front side to the rear side,
The ball entry unit is attached from the front side of the game panel so that at least a portion of the ball entry unit overlaps, in a front view, with a winning opening area of the opening area through which game balls that have entered the winning opening can circulate, and at least a portion of the ball entry unit overlaps, in a front view, with an out opening area of the opening area through which game balls that have not entered the winning opening can circulate,
The ball entry unit has a plate-like portion having a surface parallel to the surface of the game panel, and a portion of the ball entry unit that overlaps with the out opening area in a front view is formed as a specific portion of the plate-like portion;
The identification unit is configured so that the ball-entering unit can be pulled forward by hooking a finger, a tool, or the like when removing the ball-entering unit from the game panel,
The plurality of winning openings in the winning unit are configured without including a variable winning opening,
The plate-shaped portion on which the specific portion is formed has a game ball contact surface with which the game ball comes into contact, and has an inclined portion provided between the game ball contact surface and an end surface of the plate-shaped portion, while no inclined portion is provided between the side opposite to the game ball contact surface in the specific portion and the end surface of the plate-shaped portion.
It is characterized by the above.
In addition, the following means are disclosed for reference as another invention different from the present invention.
Method 1:
In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit attached to the front of a gaming panel having a plurality of ball entry ports through which game balls can enter and through which game balls can flow down,
The ball entry unit includes:
a first component member having a positioning protrusion to be inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel and a first mounting hole for mounting the first component member to the game panel, the first component member being attached to the game panel so as to close an opening provided to penetrate the game panel from the front side;
a second component member having a second mounting hole for mounting to the first component member and attached from a rear side of the first component member;
Equipped with
It is characterized by the above.

Here, examples of "ball entry ports" include "a prize entry port that confers a specified bonus when a game ball enters the port (e.g., a general prize entry port, a normal prize entry port, a start prize entry port (start prize entry port), a big prize entry port, a special feature prize entry port, a V prize entry port, etc.)" and "an outlet port that does not award a bonus when a game ball enters the port and expels the game ball from the gaming machine without returning it to the player", etc.

The "ball inlet" may be provided in either the first component or the second component.

Examples of "game panels" include "those made of wooden plywood such as plywood," "those made of a panel plate machined from a transparent resin plate and a panel holder that holds the outer periphery of the panel plate," and "those made by injection molding transparent resin."

According to the configuration of Means 1, in a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has multiple ball entry openings through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down, the ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the gaming panel, and a first mounting hole for mounting to the gaming panel, a first component member that is attached to the gaming panel so as to block the opening that penetrates the gaming panel from the front side, and a second component member that has a second mounting hole for mounting to the first component member and is attached from the rear side of the first component member (see chapter [12-1. Side unit of the second embodiment] and the descriptions in Figures 75 to 77, etc. in [Form for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, the first component is attached to the front of the gaming panel with a mounting screw through the first mounting hole, and the second component is attached with a mounting screw through the second mounting hole, so the rigidity of the ball-entering unit composed of the first and second components can be increased. Therefore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, when the mounting screw screwed into the gaming panel through the first mounting hole is removed and the ball-entering unit is pulled forward, the ball-entering unit will not bend due to the increased rigidity of the ball-entering unit, so the positioning protrusion of the ball-entering unit (first component) will not tilt with respect to the positioning hole of the gaming panel, and the ball-entering unit can be easily removed from the gaming panel, thereby providing a gaming machine that can reduce disassembly work for sorting.

In addition, because the second component is attached to the rear side of the first component with a mounting screw through the second mounting hole, the mounting screw that attaches the second component can be made less visible from the front, improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

It is preferable to provide a first mounting hole for mounting the first component to the gaming panel near the positioning protrusion. This allows the positioning protrusion to be firmly pressed against the gaming panel by screwing a mounting screw into the gaming panel through the first mounting hole, ensuring that the positioning protrusion is inserted securely into the positioning hole of the gaming panel, and preventing the positioning protrusion from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

The second component may also be attached from the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening. This allows the second component, which is attached from the rear side of the first component, to protrude into the opening of the gaming panel, making more effective use of the thickness of the gaming panel compared to when the second component protrudes to the front or rear of the gaming panel, and making it easier to secure empty space in front of or behind the gaming panel. This makes it possible to provide presentation devices such as decorative bodies, LED boards, and movable parts in the empty space, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that is more appealing to players.

Furthermore, the second component may be attached from the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and may have a ball passage between the first component and the second component, which allows game balls that enter the ball entrance to flow down along the surface of the game panel. As a result, since the second component is provided with a ball passage that allows game balls to flow down along the surface of the game panel, the cross section of the ball passage is U-shaped, and the presence of the ball passage can increase the rigidity of the second component. And, since the second component, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage, is attached from the rear side of the first component to form the ball entrance unit, the rigidity of the ball entrance unit can be further increased, and a gaming machine that can reliably achieve the above-mentioned effects can be provided.

As described above, the second component attached from the back side of the first component protrudes into the opening of the gaming panel, and a ball passage is provided between the first and second component members to allow gaming balls that enter the ball entrance to flow down along the surface of the gaming panel. This makes it possible to make effective use of the thickness of the gaming panel and to easily secure empty space behind the gaming panel, compared to when the ball passage is provided behind the rear surface of the gaming panel. This makes it possible to provide presentation devices such as decorative bodies, LED boards, and movable parts in the empty space, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that is more appealing to players.

It is also desirable to provide at least two positioning protrusions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component member. In this way, since the multiple positioning protrusions on the first component member are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component member, when the ball-scoring unit is attached to the gaming panel, the ball-scoring unit does not rotate along the surface of the gaming panel, and the ball-scoring unit can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the gaming panel.

However, when multiple positioning protrusions are provided at a distance in the longitudinal direction on a conventional ball-entering unit with low rigidity, when the ball-entering unit is pulled forward during disassembly, the ball-entering unit bends in a curved shape so that the center of the ball-entering unit moves forward. This bending creates a force that tilts the positioning protrusions so that the tips of the positioning protrusions that are separated in the longitudinal direction approach each other, and the positioning protrusions cannot be removed from the positioning holes of the gaming panel. In contrast, when multiple positioning protrusions are provided in the first component member so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component member as described above, the rigidity of the ball-entering unit is increased by attaching the second component member to the first component member, so that even if the ball-entering unit is pulled forward, the ball-entering unit does not bend and the positioning protrusions that are separated in the longitudinal direction do not tilt, and the ball-entering unit can be easily removed from the gaming panel, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for separation.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide the ball entry openings in the first component so that they protrude forward from the front surface of the gaming panel. In this way, since the multiple ball entry openings protrude forward from the front surface of the gaming panel, when the ball entry unit is pulled forward to remove it from the gaming panel during disassembly of the gaming machine, the ball entry openings can be grasped and pulled, making it easier to remove the ball entry unit.

The second component may also have multiple ball entry ports that protrude forward from the front surface of the first component, and a flat front plate that connects the front ends of the multiple ball entry ports. This allows the second component, which connects the front ends of the multiple ball entry ports that protrude forward with the flat front plate, to be attached from the rear side of the first component, which is attached to the front surface of the gaming panel through the first mounting hole, to form a ball entry unit, making it possible to increase rigidity compared to conventional ball entry units and to achieve the same effects as described above.

The first component may also have a flat base plate that can abut against the front surface of the gaming panel. As a result, since the first component has a flat base plate, the opening of the gaming panel can be blocked from the front side by attaching the first component to the front surface of the gaming panel through the first mounting hole, and the rear of the gaming panel can be hidden from the front side (player side) through the opening by the base plate, improving the appearance of the gaming machine. In this case, the rigidity of the first component may be reduced because the base plate is flat, but since the second component is attached from the rear side of the first component, the rigidity of the ball-striking unit formed by the first component and the second component can be increased to be higher than the rigidity of a conventional ball-striking unit, and the same effect as described above can be achieved.

Means 2: In the configuration of Means 1,
"The second component is attached to the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 2, the second component is attached to the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening (see the description of the second component 2812 of the side unit 2800 in the [Mode for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, the second component, which is attached from the back side of the first component, protrudes into the opening of the gaming panel, making more effective use of the thickness of the gaming panel compared to when the second component protrudes from the front or rear of the gaming panel, and making it easier to secure empty space in front of or behind the gaming panel. This makes it possible to provide presentation devices such as decorations, LED boards, and movable props in the empty space, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that is more appealing to players.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 or means 2,
"The second component is attached to the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and has a ball passage between the first component and the second component that allows the game ball that has entered the ball entrance to flow down along the surface of the game panel."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 3, the second component is attached to the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and has a ball passage between the first component and the second component that allows game balls that enter the ball entrance to flow down along the surface of the game panel (see the description of the second component 2812 of the side unit 2800 in [Form for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, the second component is provided with a ball passage that allows game balls to flow down along the surface of the game panel, and the cross section of the ball passage is U-shaped, so the presence of the ball passage can increase the rigidity of the second component. And, since the second component, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage, is attached from the rear side of the first component to form the ball entry unit, the rigidity of the ball entry unit can be further increased, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that can reliably achieve the above-mentioned effects.

In addition, the second component attached from the back side of the first component protrudes into the opening of the gaming panel, and a ball passage is provided between the first and second component members to allow gaming balls that enter the ball entrance to flow down along the surface of the gaming panel. This makes it possible to make effective use of the thickness of the gaming panel and to easily secure empty space behind the gaming panel, compared to when the ball passage is provided behind the rear surface of the gaming panel. This makes it possible to provide presentation devices such as decorative bodies, LED boards, and movable parts in the empty space, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that is more appealing to players.

When installing a ball sensor to detect game balls circulating in the ball passage, it is desirable to install the ball sensor within the thickness of the game panel (inside the opening). Alternatively, it is desirable to install the ball sensor below the performance device (movable prop) installed at the rear. This prevents the ball sensor from interfering with the performance device, and makes it possible to increase the range of motion of the movable prop.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 3,
"At least two of the positioning projections are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component member."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 4, at least two positioning protrusions are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component (see the description of the first component 2811 of the side unit 2800 in the [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, the multiple positioning protrusions on the first component are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component, so that when the ball-scoring unit is attached to the gaming panel, the ball-scoring unit does not rotate along the surface of the gaming panel, and the ball-scoring unit can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the gaming panel.

However, when multiple positioning protrusions are provided at a distance in the longitudinal direction on a conventional ball-entry unit with low rigidity, when the ball-entry unit is pulled forward during disassembly, the center of the ball-entry unit bends in a curved shape so that it moves forward. This bending creates a force that tilts the positioning protrusions so that the tips of the positioning protrusions that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction approach each other, preventing the positioning protrusions from coming out of the positioning holes in the gaming panel. In contrast, in this configuration, the rigidity of the ball-entry unit is increased by attaching the second component member to the first component member as described above, so that even if the ball-entry unit is pulled forward, the ball-entry unit does not bend and the positioning protrusions that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction do not tilt, and the ball-entry unit can be easily removed from the gaming panel, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for separation.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 5,
"The ball entrance is provided in the first component member so as to protrude forward beyond the front surface of the game panel."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 5, the ball entrance is provided in the first component so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the game panel (see the description of the first component 2811 of the side unit 2800 in the [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, multiple ball entry ports protrude forward from the front surface of the gaming panel, so when disassembling the gaming machine, the ball entry port can be grasped and pulled when pulling the ball entry unit forward to remove it from the gaming panel, making it easier to remove the ball entry unit.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 5,
"The second component member has a plurality of ball inlets protruding forward from the front surface of the first component member, and a flat front plate connecting the front ends of the plurality of ball inlets."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 6, the second component has multiple ball inlets that protrude forward from the front surface of the first component, and a flat front plate that connects the front ends of the multiple ball inlets (see the description of the second component 2812A of the side unit 2800D in the [Form for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, the ball entry unit is constructed by attaching the second component member, which connects the front ends of the multiple ball entry ports that protrude forward with a flat front plate, from the rear side of the first component member that is attached to the front surface of the game panel through the first mounting hole, making it possible to increase rigidity compared to conventional ball entry units and achieve the same effects as described above.

Means 7: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 6,
"The first component member has a flat base plate that can come into contact with the front surface of the game panel."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 7, the first component member has a flat base plate that can abut against the front surface of the game panel (see the description of the first component member 2811 of the side unit 2800 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, because a flat base plate is provided on the first component, by attaching the first component to the front surface of the gaming panel through the first mounting hole, the opening of the gaming panel can be blocked from the front side by the base plate, and the rear of the gaming panel can be hidden from the front side (player side) through the opening by the base plate, improving the appearance of the gaming machine. In this case, the rigidity of the first component may be reduced because the base plate is flat, but because the second component is attached from the rear side of the first component, the rigidity of the ball-scoring unit made up of the first component and the second component can be increased compared to the rigidity of conventional ball-scoring units, and the same effect as described above can be achieved.

Means 8: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry ports through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down,
The ball entry unit includes:
a first component member having a positioning protrusion to be inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel and a first mounting hole for mounting the first component member to the game panel, the first component member being attached to the game panel so as to close an opening provided to penetrate the game panel from the front side;
a second component member having a second mounting hole for mounting to the first component member and being attached to the first component member from a rear side thereof;
Equipped with
The first component member has a flat base plate with the positioning projection protruding therefrom and the first mounting hole penetrating therethrough, capable of contacting the front surface of the game panel, at least two of the positioning projections are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, and the ball entrance is provided to protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate,
The second component is attached to the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and has a ball passage between the first component and the second component that allows game balls that enter the ball entrance to flow down along the surface of the game panel.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 8, in a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry openings through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down, the ball entry unit comprises a first component member that has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the gaming panel and a first mounting hole for mounting to the gaming panel, and is attached to the gaming panel so as to block an opening that is provided to penetrate the gaming panel from the front side, and a second component member that has a second mounting hole for mounting to the first component member and is attached from the rear side of the first component member. The first component has a flat base plate with a protruding positioning projection and a first mounting hole penetrating it that can abut against the front surface of the game panel, at least two positioning projections are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, and the ball entrance is provided to protrude forward from the front surface of the base plate, the second component is attached from the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and has a ball passage between the first component and the second component that allows game balls that enter the ball entrance to flow down along the surface of the game panel.

As a result, since a flat base plate is provided on the first component, the first component is attached to the front of the game panel by screwing a mounting screw into the game panel through the first mounting hole penetrating the base plate, and the opening of the game panel can be blocked from the front side by the base plate, and the rear of the game panel can be hidden by the base plate through the opening from the front side (player side), improving the appearance of the game machine. On the other hand, since the second component is provided with a ball passage that allows game balls to flow down along the surface of the game panel, the cross section of the ball passage is U-shaped, and the rigidity of the second component can be increased by the presence of the ball passage. And, since the base plate is flat, the rigidity of the first component can be reduced, but since the second component, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage, is attached from the rear side of the first component through the second mounting hole with a mounting screw to form the ball entry unit, the rigidity of the ball entry unit can be increased compared to conventional ball entry units. Therefore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, when the mounting screw screwed into the gaming panel through the first mounting hole is removed and the ball-striking unit is pulled forward, the ball-striking unit does not bend due to its increased rigidity, so the positioning protrusion of the ball-striking unit (first component) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole of the gaming panel, and the ball-striking unit can be easily removed from the gaming panel, providing a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

However, since the multiple positioning protrusions on the first component are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component, when the first component is pulled forward during disassembly, the first component is bent in a curved shape so that the center of the first component moves forward. This bending creates a force that tilts the positioning protrusions so that the tips of the positioning protrusions that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction approach each other, and there is a risk that the positioning protrusions will not be able to be removed from the positioning holes of the gaming panel. However, in this configuration, as described above, the second component is attached from the rear side of the first component to form the ball-entering unit, and the rigidity of the ball-entering unit is increased. Therefore, even if the ball-entering unit is pulled forward, the ball-entering unit does not bend and the positioning protrusions that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction do not tilt, and the ball-entering unit can be easily removed from the gaming panel, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for separation.

Furthermore, since the multiple ball entry ports protrude forward from the front surface of the gaming panel, when disassembling the gaming machine, the ball entry port can be grasped and pulled when pulling the ball entry unit forward to remove it from the gaming panel, making it easier to remove the ball entry unit.

In addition, because the second component is attached to the rear side of the first component with a mounting screw through the second mounting hole, the mounting screw that attaches the second component can be made less visible from the front, improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

In addition, a ball passage that allows game balls that enter the ball entrance to flow down along the surface of the game panel is provided between the first and second components so as to protrude into the opening of the game panel. This makes it possible to make effective use of the thickness of the game panel and makes it easier to secure empty space behind the game panel, compared to conventional ball entrance units that guide game balls that enter the ball entrance behind the rear surface of the game panel and provide a ball passage behind the rear surface of the game panel to allow them to flow downward. This makes it possible to provide presentation devices such as decorative bodies, LED boards, and movable parts in the empty space, making it possible to provide a game machine that is more appealing to players.

Furthermore, since the multiple positioning protrusions on the first component are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component, when the ball-scoring unit is attached to the gaming panel, the ball-scoring unit does not rotate along the surface of the gaming panel, and the ball-scoring unit can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the gaming panel.

If the first mounting hole for mounting the first component to the gaming panel is provided near the positioning protrusion, the mounting screw can be screwed into the gaming panel through the first mounting hole to press the positioning protrusion firmly against the gaming panel and ensure that it is inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming panel, preventing the positioning protrusion from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

Means 9: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 8,
The gaming machine includes:
The present invention is characterized in that the pachinko machine has at least one of the plurality of ball entrances as a winning entrance that awards a predetermined privilege when a game ball enters the winning entrance.

Here, the term "winning port" refers to "a general winning port that is always open within the game area", "a start winning port (starting port) that is always open within the game area and where a special lottery is held to determine whether or not a game ball entering the game area will create a favorable game state that gives the player an advantage as a specified bonus", "a variable winning port (variable starting port, special winning port, etc.) that allows a game ball to enter the game area as a specified bonus when a game ball enters a specific receiving port (chucker) within the game area", and "a variable winning port (variable starting port, special winning port, etc.) that allows a game ball to enter the game area as a specified bonus depending on the result of a general lottery held when a game ball passes through a specific area (gate, through chucker, etc.) within the game area". "A special prize opening (a special prize opening, etc.)," "A variable start prize opening (a variable start prize opening) in which a game ball can enter as a specified bonus depending on the result of a normal lottery drawn when a game ball passes through a specific area (e.g., a gate, a chucker, etc.) in the game area, and a special lottery is held to determine whether or not the entry of the game ball will create a favorable game state that gives the player an advantage as a specified bonus," "A V prize opening that creates a favorable game state that gives the player an advantage as a specified bonus when a game ball that enters a special prize opening is sorted by a sorting means and enters," "A large prize opening or special prize opening that opens and closes in a specified pattern to allow the entry of a game ball as a favorable game state that gives the player an advantage as a specified bonus," etc.

As for the "pachinko machine", it is one equipped with "lottery means for conducting a special lottery to generate a favorable gaming state in which the player is advantageous as a predetermined privilege by the entry of a gaming ball into the starting port, special lottery result display means as a display which variably displays special symbols according to the special lottery result drawn by the lottery means and then stops and displays the special lottery result drawn from the combination of the stopped and displayed special symbols, and advantageous gaming state generating means which opens and closes the large prize port in a predetermined pattern when the special lottery result display means displays the special lottery result that generates the favorable gaming state (so-called digital pachinko machine)", and "distribution means for distributing the gaming balls that have entered the role-playing prize port, and "a machine equipped with advantageous game state generating means for opening and closing the special prize opening in a predetermined pattern as a predetermined privilege when the game ball allocated by the allocation means enters the V prize opening, thereby generating an advantageous game state in which the player has an advantage (a so-called "Hanemono" machine)," "a machine equipped with advantageous game state generating means for opening and closing the special prize opening or the special prize opening in a predetermined pattern according to the result of a special lottery drawn when the game ball enters the start opening (start ball entry), and for opening and closing the special prize opening or the large prize opening in a predetermined pattern as a predetermined privilege when the game ball that entered the special prize opening is allocated to the V prize opening (a so-called "combined machine")," and so on.

According to the configuration of means 9, the gaming machine is a pachinko machine in which at least one of the plurality of ball entrances is a winning entrance that awards a predetermined prize when a gaming ball enters. This allows the pachinko machine to achieve the action and effect of any of the above-mentioned means.

In this way, the present invention can provide an amusement machine that can reduce the amount of disassembly required when separating the parts for recycling, etc.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine shown with the upper side tilted forward. This is a front view of the pachinko machine with the door frame removed. This is a front view of the pachinko machine with the door frame and game board removed. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine of FIG. 4 as seen obliquely from the front. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine of FIG. 4 broken down into its main components as viewed from the front. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine of FIG. 4 disassembled into its main components and viewed from the rear. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the pachinko machine of FIG. 4 cut at the center from top to bottom. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 9. FIG. 4 is a front view of the main part, showing the launch unit, the foul unit, etc. in cross section in the front view of FIG. 3 . This is an exploded oblique view of the main body frame base unit in the main body frame, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front. This is an exploded oblique view from behind of the main components of the main frame base unit of the main frame. 1A is a perspective view of the ball launching unit in the main body frame seen from the front, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the ball launching unit in the main body frame seen from the back. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the ball launching unit as viewed from the front, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the ball launching unit as viewed from the rear. (a) is an oblique view of the launching unit cover of the ball launching unit viewed from the rear left, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the ball launching unit showing only the launching unit cover in cross section when viewed from the front. 1A is a perspective view of the foul unit in the main body frame as seen from the front, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the foul unit in the main body frame as seen from the rear. FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the foul unit as seen from the front, and FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the foul unit as seen from the rear. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the foul unit with the foul shutter in a closed state, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the foul unit with the foul shutter in an open state. 1A is a perspective view of the circulating ball path unit in the main body frame seen from the front, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the circulating ball path unit in the main body frame seen from the back. This is an exploded oblique view of the circulating ball path unit as seen from the front. This is an exploded oblique view of the circulating ball path unit as seen from the rear. (a) is a plan view showing only the ball serpentine member and ball removal shutter in the circulating ball path unit, and (b) is an oblique view from the front showing only the ball serpentine member and ball removal shutter in the circulating ball path unit. (a1) is an explanatory diagram showing the ball removal shutter and ball snaking member in the closed position together with the ball receiving tray in a side cross-section, (a2) is an explanatory diagram showing only the ball removal shutter portion in (a1) from the bottom, (b1) is an explanatory diagram showing the ball removal shutter and ball snaking member in the open position together with the ball receiving tray in a side cross-section, and (b2) is an explanatory diagram showing only the ball removal shutter portion in (b1) from the bottom. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball snaking member and ball removal tray with an iron ball magnetically attached to the ball removal shutter in the closed position, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball snaking member and ball removal tray with an iron ball magnetically attached to the ball removal shutter in the open position, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball snaking member and ball removal tray with the ball removal shutter slid from the position (b) to the closed position with an iron ball magnetically attached to the underside. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a circulating ball path unit in cross section at the out ball sensor location, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a circulating ball path unit in cross section at the safe ball sensor location. (a) is an oblique view from the front showing an enlarged view of the lower part of the main body frame together with the outer frame with the serpentine cover of the circulating ball path unit removed, and (b) is an oblique view from the back showing an enlarged view of the lower part of the main body frame together with the outer frame with the serpentine cover of the circulating ball path unit removed. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the key parts of the rear cross section cut at the out ball sensor with the cover member of the ball elimination mechanism in the circulating ball path unit attached to the main frame closed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the cover member in (a) is open. (a) is an oblique view of the ball lifting unit in the main body frame seen from the front left, (b) is an oblique view of the ball lifting unit in the main body frame seen from the front right, and (c) is an oblique view of the ball lifting unit in the main body frame seen from the rear. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the ball lifting unit disassembled into its main components as viewed from the front, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the ball lifting unit disassembled into its main components as viewed from the rear. This is an enlarged front view showing the main parts with the ball grinding cassette removed from the ball lifting unit attached to the main body frame. (a) is a right side view showing the main parts of the ball grinding mechanism and ball lifting mechanism in the ball lifting unit, (b) is a rear view showing the main parts of the ball lifting mechanism, and (c) is a plan view of the main parts of the ball lifting mechanism as seen from arrow A in (b). 1A is a perspective view of the ball throwing unit in the main body frame seen from the front, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the ball throwing unit in the main body frame seen from the rear. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the ball throwing unit seen from the front, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the ball throwing unit seen from the rear. This is a front cross-sectional view of the ball sending unit cut at the pre-launch sensor location. This is an explanatory diagram showing the various passages for game balls on the rear side of the main body frame from the rear. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of the flow of game balls in the main body frame. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control configuration of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission process. 13 is a flowchart showing a ball possession subtraction process. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for adding balls in possession using foul balls. 13 is a flowchart showing a launch control process. 13 is a flowchart showing prize ball processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a lifting motor operation process. 11 is a table showing the relationship between the lift inlet sensor and the lift outlet sensor and the operation of the lift motor. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the launching operation of a game ball and the operation of a ball lifting unit. 11 is a graph showing the operation of the ball lifting mechanism in the ball lifting unit. 1A is a flowchart showing security processing, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing security processing of an embodiment different from that of FIG. 13 is a table showing the relationship between the low circulating ball sensor and the high circulating ball sensor and error notification. This is a front view of the game board, with the transparent center gimmicks and other parts shown as opaque. 51 is a perspective view of the game board of FIG. 50 as seen from the front right side. 51 is a perspective view of the game board of FIG. 50 as seen from the front left. FIG. 51 is a rear perspective view of the game board of FIG. 50. This is an exploded perspective view of the game board disassembled into its main components as seen from the front. This is an exploded perspective view of the game board disassembled into its main components and viewed from behind. This is a front view of the game board, showing the inside of the game area where game balls circulate, by cutting the front unit parallel to the surface of the game panel. 1A is a front view of the lottery device in the center device, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the lottery device as seen from above in front. This is a side cross-sectional view of the lottery device in the center device, cut in the center in the left-right direction. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a lottery device in a state where the game ball cannot loop, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a lottery device in a state where the game ball can loop. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in a lottery device. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board in a normal state. This is a front view of the game board showing the state in which the back-front rising decoration unit of the back-front performance unit has been dropped from the standby position to the performance position from the normal state. This is a front view of the game board showing the rear rising decoration of the rear performance unit being moved from the retracted position to the appearing position from the normal state. This is a front view of the game board showing the state in which, from the normal state, the back front rising decoration unit of the back front performance unit has been dropped from the standby position to the performance position, and the back rear rising decoration of the back rear performance unit has been moved from the retracted position to the appearing position. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control configuration of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the center device of the first embodiment attached to a game panel, cut halfway in the vertical direction, together with the previous component parts. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative body in the center piece disassembled into a front decorative part and a rear decorative part from the front, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative body consisting of a front decorative part and a rear decorative part from the front. This is an explanatory diagram showing the center frame of the center gimmick in Figure 66 placed on a stand with its rear end facing down. This is an explanatory diagram showing a partial cross section of a center piece having a center frame to which a decorative body different from that shown in Figure 66 is attached. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the center role of the second embodiment from within the frame, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the center role of (a) with the rear end facing down and the center frame placed on a stand. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a gaming board having a center device of a third embodiment with the rear side beyond the gaming panel omitted. This is an exploded oblique view of the center gimmick and game panel of Figure 71 when viewed from the front. This is an exploded oblique view of the center part of Figure 71 as seen from the front. 13A to 13G are explanatory diagrams showing various joining patterns between the first frame and the second frame in the center role piece of the third embodiment. 10A is a front view showing a main part of a game board on which a side unit of a second embodiment is provided, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of FIG. 75, (a) is an exploded oblique view showing the side unit disassembled from the game panel on the game board of FIG. 75, (b) is an exploded oblique view showing the side unit of (a) from the front, (c) is an exploded oblique view of the side unit of (b) seen from the back, and (d) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the game panel and the side unit in vertical cross section. An explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the side unit and the game panel in Figure 76. An explanatory diagram showing a side unit having a different configuration from that of the side unit in Figure 75 in vertical cross section together with a game panel. 77A is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit having a different shape from the side unit shown in FIG. 77 in vertical cross section together with a game panel, and FIG. 77B is an explanatory diagram showing an oblique view of the main parts of the LED board and board cover of the side unit in FIG. 77A. An explanatory diagram showing a side unit having a different configuration from the side unit shown in Figure 79 in vertical cross section together with a game panel. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical cross section of a side unit of a different type together with a game panel. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical cross section of a side unit of a different type together with a game panel. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a side unit of a further different type together with a game panel, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical cross-section of FIG. (a) is a front view showing the main parts of a game board on which a side unit of the third embodiment is provided, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the outlet area in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a longitudinal cross section of (b). 84. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the outlet portion of a game board provided with a side unit having a finger hook portion of a different shape from that shown in Figure 84, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing (a) in longitudinal section. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of a panel plate of a game panel in which an opening to which a side unit is attached and an outlet are continuously connected. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided rearward of the LED board, FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided rearward of the LED board in a form different from that of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided so as to overlap the LED board, and FIG. 1D is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided around the entire circumference of the unit cover.

[1. Overall structure of a pachinko machine]
A pachinko machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine shown in a state in which the upper side is tilted forward.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is installed and used in an island facility in an amusement hall. This pachinko machine 1 is a so-called enclosed type gaming machine or managed gaming machine in which a large number of gaming balls B (for example, 40 to 60 balls) are enclosed without being discharged to the outside or supplied from the outside, and the gaming balls B circulate internally so that the player does not come into contact with them. In this pachinko machine 1, the number of balls held by the player is converted into digital data and handled as held ball data.

The game ball B enclosed in the pachinko machine 1 has the same diameter (hereinafter also referred to as diameter D; diameter D = 11 mm) as the game ball used in conventional pachinko machines, but is made of a material that is not magnetic, such as SUS304 stainless steel. This means that game ball B will not rust even if it is enclosed in the pachinko machine 1 for a long period of time, and it is distinguished from conventional game balls (iron ball SB) that are magnetic.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a frame-shaped outer frame 2 that is installed in an island facility (not shown) of a gaming hall, a door frame 3 that closes the front of the outer frame 2 in an openable and closable manner, a main frame 4 that supports the door frame 3 in an openable and closable manner and is attached to the outer frame 2 in an openable and closable manner, and a game board 5 that is detachably attached to the main frame 4 from the front side and is visible from the player's side through the door frame 3, and has a game area 5a into which the player shoots the game ball B.

[2. Outer Frame]
The outer frame 2 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Figure 3 is a front view of the pachinko machine with the door frame removed. Figure 4 is a front view of the pachinko machine with the door frame and game board removed, Figure 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4 seen from the diagonal front. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4 disassembled into its main components and seen from the front, and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4 disassembled into its main components and seen from the rear. Figure 9 is a plan view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4 cut at the center from top to bottom. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 9.

The outer frame 2 is attached to the island equipment of the game hall (not shown), and the main frame 4 can be attached so that it can be opened and closed forward and can be attached detachably. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame body 10 formed as a vertically long frame overall, an outer frame assembly metal fitting 20 to which the outer frame body 10 is attached, an outer frame hinge mechanism 30 that supports the main frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, an outer frame lock metal fitting (not shown) for locking the main frame 4 in a closed state, a fascia board 45 attached to the lower frame body 14 of the outer frame body 10, and a sliding board 46 attached to the upper surface of the fascia board 45.

The outer frame body 10 of the outer frame 2 comprises a left frame body 11 and a right frame body 12 which extend vertically and are spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides, an upper frame body 13 which connects the upper ends of the left frame body 11 and the right frame body 12, and a lower frame body 14 which connects the lower ends of the left frame body 11 and the right frame body 12. The left frame body 11 and the right frame body 12 are each formed from an extruded metal material such as an aluminum alloy. The upper frame body 13 and the lower frame body 14 are formed from wood. The left frame body 11, the right frame body 12, the upper frame body 13, and the lower frame body 14 have the same dimensions in the front-to-rear direction.

The outer frame assembly fittings 20 of the outer frame 2 include an upper left fitting (not shown) that connects the left frame body 11 and the upper frame body 13, an upper right fitting (not shown) that connects the right frame body 12 and the upper frame body 13, a lower left fitting 23 that connects the left frame body 11 and the lower frame body 14, and a lower right fitting (not shown) that connects the right frame body 12 and the lower frame body 14.

The outer frame hinge mechanism 30 has an upper outer frame hinge body 31 provided at the upper left end of the outer frame main body 10, and a lower outer frame hinge body 35 provided at the lower left end of the outer frame main body 10.

The upper outer frame hinge body 31 of the outer frame hinge mechanism 30 is attached to the upper left end surface of the upper frame body 13, and its front end protrudes forward beyond the outer frame main body 10. The upper outer frame hinge body 31 has a bearing groove 31a that penetrates vertically and is open on one side at the part that protrudes forward beyond the outer frame main body 10, and a locking member 32 that is provided on the underside of the part that protrudes forward beyond the outer frame main body 10 and can open and close the open part of the bearing groove 31a.

The bearing groove 31a of the outer frame upper hinge body 31 can support the main frame hinge shaft 411a by inserting the main frame hinge shaft 411a of the main frame upper hinge body 411 in the main frame 4 from the released portion. The locking member 32 of the outer frame upper hinge body 31 is normally in a locked position where the released portion of the bearing groove 31a is closed by the biasing force of an elastic piece (not shown). When the locking member 32 is moved to the released position against the biasing force of the elastic piece, the bearing groove 31a is opened to the side, and the main frame hinge shaft 411a can be inserted into the bearing groove 31a from the side, or the main frame hinge shaft 411a inserted in the bearing groove 31a can be removed from the bearing groove 31a.

The outer frame lower hinge body 35 of the outer frame hinge mechanism 30 is attached to the upper left end surface of the fascia board 45 at a portion (upper portion) that overlaps with the lower frame body 14, and its front end protrudes forward beyond the outer frame main body 10. The outer frame lower hinge body 35 has a hinge shaft 35a that protrudes upward at a portion that protrudes forward beyond the outer frame main body 10. The hinge shaft 35a of the outer frame lower hinge body 35 is inserted into the outer frame shaft hole (not shown) of the main frame lower hinge body 412 in the main frame 4, thereby rotatably supporting the main frame lower hinge body 412.

The outer frame hinge mechanism 30 supports the main frame hinge shaft 411a of the main frame upper hinge body 411 in the main frame 4 in the bearing groove 31a of the outer frame upper hinge body 31, and inserts the hinge shaft 35a of the outer frame lower hinge body 35 into the outer frame shaft hole of the main frame lower hinge body 412, thereby supporting the main frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed.

Two outer frame locking fittings for the outer frame 2 are provided vertically spaced apart on the inner surface (left side surface) of the right frame body 12. The outer frame locking fittings are each engaged with the outer frame locking claws 684 of the lock unit 680 in the main frame 4, thereby locking the main frame 4 against the outer frame 2 in a closed state so that it cannot be opened.

The fascia 45 of the outer frame 2 is attached to the lower frame body 14, and its front end protrudes forward beyond the lower frame body 14. The fascia 45 is made of synthetic resin. Two sliding plates 46 are provided on the upper surface of the fascia 45, spaced apart from each other on the left and right. The sliding plates 46 are against which the lower end surface of the main frame 4 abuts when the main frame 4 is closed against the outer frame 2. The sliding plates 46 are made of a low-friction material with low friction resistance, making the main frame 4 easier to slide and easier to open and close.

3. Door Frame
The door frame 3 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The door frame 3 is formed in a rectangular shape extending vertically in a front view with approximately the same size as the inside of the outer frame 2, and is attached to the inside of the outer frame 2 via the main frame 4 so as to be able to open and close from the front side. The door frame 3 is provided with a door frame main body 100 that is openable and closable with respect to the main frame 4 and has a game window 101 through which the game area 5a of the game board 5 attached to the main frame 4 faces forward when closed, a transparent glass 120 that is detachably attached to the rear side of the door frame main body 100 and closes the game window 101, a ball number display unit 140 that displays the number of balls held by the player, a handle 160 that the player operates to shoot the game ball B into the game area 5a of the game board 5, a cylindrical handle cover 170 that surrounds the outer periphery of the handle 160, and a counting button switch 180 that can be operated by the player.

The door frame 3 also includes a door frame panel 190 that extends from the bottom end of the front of the door frame body 100 across the entire width in the left-right direction at a certain height, a shelf unit 200 that protrudes forward at a location between the game window 101 and the door frame panel 190 on the front of the door frame body 100, and a performance operation unit 250 that is provided in the left-right center of the shelf unit 200 and can be operated by the player. The ball count display unit 140 and the count button switch 180 are provided on the top surface of the shelf unit 200 (top surface of the shelf portion 201).

Furthermore, the door frame 3 includes a door frame top unit 300 provided above the game window 101 on the front surface of the door frame main body 100, a door frame left side unit 320 provided to the left of the game window 101 on the front surface of the door frame main body 100, and a door frame right side unit 340 provided to the right of the game window 101 on the front surface of the door frame main body 100.

The door frame body 100 has a door frame hinge mechanism 110 for mounting the door frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. The door frame hinge mechanism 110 has an upper door frame hinge body (not shown) provided at the upper left end of the door frame body 100, and a lower door frame hinge body 112 provided at the lower left end of the door frame body 100. The upper door frame hinge body has an upper door frame hinge shaft (not shown) protruding upward. The door frame hinge mechanism 110 can support the door frame 3 so as to be openable and closable relative to the main body frame 4 by inserting the upper door frame hinge shaft of the upper door frame hinge body from below into the upper door frame shaft hole 411b of the upper main body frame hinge body 411 described later, and inserting the lower door frame hinge shaft 112a of the lower door frame hinge body 112 from above into the lower door frame shaft hole 412b of the lower main body frame hinge body 412 described later.

The ball count display unit 140 is composed of a 6-digit 7-segment LED. The ball count display unit 140 is located to the left of the center in the left-right direction on the top surface of the shelf unit 200.

The handle 160 is located in the lower right corner of the front of the door frame body 100, that is, near the right end between the game window 101 and the door frame panel 190 on the front of the door frame body 100. The handle 160 is attached so that the player can rotate it with its axis of rotation facing forward and backward. The handle 160 is shaped like a steering wheel of an automobile, and has a central hub portion 160a, multiple spoke portions 160b (three in this case) extending outward from the hub portion 160a, and an annular ring portion 160c connecting the tips of the spoke portions 160b.

The ring portion 160c of the handle 160 is provided at a position slightly away from the front end of the cylindrical handle cover 170, and is provided so that the player cannot grip the ring portion 160c. Therefore, when the player rotates the handle 160, he or she mainly operates it while gripping the hub portion 160a with their fingers passing between the spoke portions 160b. In this state, the player's fingers are inserted into the cylindrical handle cover 170. As a result, when the player is operating the handle 160, air vibrations (wind) caused by the driving of the main frame speaker 403 are released forward from the bass reflex duct 401e of the main frame 4, and the wind is sent to the fingers of the player gripping the handle 160 through the duct grill 191 of the door frame fascia 190 and the opening 171 of the handle cover 170, which can surprise the player and allow the player to experience an unprecedented performance.

The handle 160 is equipped with a firing stop switch 161 that can be pressed by the player, a handle touch sensor 162 that detects changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the handle 160, and a handle rotation sensor 163 that detects the rotation angle of the handle 160 (see Figure 35).

When the player presses the launch stop switch 161, the frame control board 640 stops the operation of the launch solenoid 453. Therefore, if the player presses the launch stop switch 161 while rotating the handle 160, the launch of the game ball B can be temporarily stopped without returning the rotation of the handle 160. If the player then releases the pressing of the launch stop switch 161 while continuing to rotate the handle 160, the game ball B can be shot into the game area 5a again with the impact strength before pressing the launch stop switch 161 (the impact strength corresponding to the rotation of the handle 160).

The handle touch sensor 162 detects static electricity acting on the handle 160, and when the player touches the handle 160, it detects the static electricity acting from the player and detects the player's contact (touch) with the handle 160. Then, when the handle touch sensor 162 detects the player's contact, if the handle 160 is rotated, the detection of the handle rotation sensor 163 is accepted, and the drive of the launch solenoid is controlled with a strength according to the rotation angle of the handle 160, allowing the game ball B to be shot into the ball.

Therefore, even if a player tries to rotate the handle 160 in some way to shoot game ball B into the game area 5a without touching the handle 160, the handle touch sensor 162 does not detect the player's contact, so the launch solenoid 453 is not driven and game ball B cannot be shot into the game area 5a. This makes it possible to prevent players from playing by rotating the handle 160 in a way that is different from the intended way, and reduces the burden (stress) placed on the game hall in which the pachinko machine 1 is installed.

The handle rotation sensor 163 is a variable resistor, and when the handle 160 is rotated, the detection axis rotates and the internal resistance changes according to the rotation angle of the detection axis. Therefore, when the handle 160 is rotated to change the internal resistance of the handle rotation sensor 163, the driving force of the launch solenoid 453 in the ball launch unit 450 (described later) changes according to the internal resistance, and the game ball B can be shot into the game area 5a with a strength according to the rotation angle of the handle 160.

The handle cover 170 extends rearward from the rear part of the annular part of the handle 160 so that the diameter widens, and is formed in a conical cylinder shape. Openings 171 that communicate with the inside are provided on the right and lower peripheral surfaces of the outer peripheral surface of the handle cover 170. The duct grill 191 of the door frame curtain board 190 is located below the opening 171 on the lower peripheral surface of the handle cover 170. As a result, when the player is operating the handle 160, air vibrations (wind) caused by the driving of the main frame speaker 403 are released forward from the bass reflex duct 401e of the main frame 4, and the wind is sent to the fingers of the player holding the handle 160 through the duct grill 191 of the door frame curtain board 190 and the opening 171 of the handle cover 170, which can surprise the player and allow the player to experience an unprecedented performance.

The counting button switch 180 is located on the top surface of the shelf unit 200, to the right of the center in the left-right direction. The counting button switch 180, which will be described in detail later, can be pressed while there are balls in your possession to send the balls to the game ball lending device 8 for settlement.

The door frame panel 190 extends left and right at a fixed height with a length equal to the left and right width of the door frame body 100, and is attached to the lower end of the front surface of the door frame body 100. The door frame panel 190 penetrates from front to back near the right end, and has a duct grill 191 located in front of the bass reflex duct 401e of the body frame 4, which will be described later.

The duct grill 191 is formed in a lattice shape consisting of vertical and horizontal lattices. The horizontal lattice of the duct grill 191 is a strip of a certain width in the front-to-rear direction, and is provided in an inclined state so that the front end is located higher than the rear end. This duct grill 191 is provided below (directly below) the handle 160. As a result, when the player is operating the handle 160, air vibrations (wind) caused by the driving of the main frame speaker 403 are released forward from the bass reflex duct 401e of the main frame 4, the wind is guided diagonally upward and forward by the horizontal lattice of the duct grill 191, and is sent to the fingers of the player holding the handle 160 through the opening 171 of the handle cover 170, which surprises the player and allows the player to experience an unprecedented performance.

The shelf unit 200 is provided in the area between the game window 101 and the door frame panel 190 on the front side of the door frame main body 100. A spherical performance operation unit 250 is provided in the left-right center of the shelf unit 200. The shelf unit 200 has a shelf section 201 that bulges forward like a shelf from the top end along the bottom end of the game window 101, a dish section 202 that bulges forward from the left side of the left-right center at the bottom end, a speaker grill 203 provided in the area between the shelf section 201 and the dish section 202, and a setting adjustment button 204 consisting of four push buttons provided on the top surface of the shelf section 201 and arranged in a row front to back, left to right, and back.

The shelf section 201 has a smooth upper surface. The shelf section 201 has a semi-tube-shaped front end decorative section 201a at its front edge, which is continuous with the lower ends of the door frame left side unit 320 and the door frame right side unit 340. The semi-tube-shaped front end decorative section 201a is provided so as to be connected to both the left and right sides of the spherical performance operation unit 250. On the top surface of the shelf section 201, a ball count display section 140 is provided to the left of the center in the left-right direction, a counting button switch 180 is provided to the right of the center in the left-right direction, and a setting adjustment button 204 is provided in front of and to the left of the counting button switch 180.

The dish portion 202 is formed in a shallow dish shape. This allows the player to place their hand (fingers) on the dish portion 202, or to place small items such as a pouch, mobile phone, wallet, car keys, etc., making it convenient.

The speaker grill 203 is located in front of the main frame speaker 403 in the main frame 4 (described later) and is made of punched metal with multiple through holes.

The performance operation unit 250 is provided in the center of the shelf unit 200 in the left-right direction, with its front end protruding forward from the shelf unit 200 and its top end protruding upward from the shelf unit 200. The performance operation unit 250 is formed in a spherical shape as a whole. The performance operation unit 250 has a circular first performance button 251 provided near the center on the top surface, and an annular second performance button 252 provided to surround the first performance button 251. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the first performance button 251 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the second performance button 252 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252 are provided on the same axis, and are inclined so that the axis moves forward as it goes upward.

The first effect button 251 and the second effect button 252 are arranged so that they move upwards (pop up) in their entirety in response to the player participation type effect. The first effect button 251 can be pressed at all times, whereas the second effect button 252 can only be pressed when it pops up.

Although not shown in the figure, a vibrator (vibration device) is provided inside the first performance button 251.

The door frame top unit 300 is located above the play window 101 on the front surface of the door frame main body 100, with both left and right ends sandwiched between the upper end portions of the left side unit 320 and the right side unit 340. The door frame top unit 300 protrudes forward like a canopy. The door frame top unit 300 is equipped with a semi-tube-shaped door frame top decorative body 301 that extends left and right along the front edge and has translucency. The door frame top decorative body 301 is curved in the front-to-rear direction so that the center in the left-to-right direction is located furthest forward in a plan view.

Although not shown in the figure, the door frame top unit 300 has a door frame top decorative board on which multiple LEDs are mounted to illuminate and decorate the door frame top decorative body 301, and a door frame top speaker that outputs sounds such as voice, music, and sound effects.

The door frame left side unit 320 is installed on the front of the door frame main body 100 to the left of the game window 101, and extends vertically from near the upper end of the door frame main body 100 to near the speaker grill 203 below the shelf portion 201 of the shelf unit 200. The door frame left side unit 320 extends over its entire length in the vertical direction and is equipped with a semi-tubular door frame left side decorative body 321 that is translucent. The door frame left side decorative body 321 is curved to the right near its lower end.

Although not shown in the figure, the door frame left side unit 320 has a door frame left side decorative board on which multiple LEDs are mounted to illuminate and decorate the door frame left side decorative body 321.

The door frame right side unit 340 is located on the front of the door frame main body 100 to the right of the play window 101, and is vertically long from near the top end of the door frame main body 100 to the handle cover 170 below the shelf portion 201 of the shelf unit 200. The door frame right side unit 340 protrudes further forward than the door frame left side unit 320, and is formed in the shape of a vertically long partition.

The right door frame unit 340 includes a semi-tube-shaped right door frame decorative body 341 that extends vertically along the front end and has translucency, a left side decorative body (not shown) on the right side of the door frame that is provided behind the right side decorative body 341 and forms the left side, a right side decorative body (not shown) on the right side of the door frame that is translucent and forms the right side, and a right side decorative board (not shown) on which multiple LEDs are mounted to illuminate and decorate the right side decorative body 341, the left side decorative body on the right side of the door frame, and the right side decorative body on the right side of the door frame. The right side decorative body 341 is curved leftward near the bottom end.

The door frame right side unit 340 also has an opening 342 that penetrates from front to back near the bottom end and through which the keyhole 682 of the lock unit 680 faces forward.

[3-1. Counting button switch]
The counting button switch 180 is provided on the top surface of the shelf unit 200, to the right of the center in the left-right direction. When the counting button switch 180 is pressed when there are balls in hand (number of balls in hand > 0), the balls can be sent to the game ball lending device 8 for settlement. The counting button switch 180, which will be described in detail later, can send balls one by one or a predetermined number (for example, 250 balls) depending on the time it is pressed. The number of balls sent to the game ball lending device 8 is sent to the management server 9 via the communication network, and an IC card storing the number of balls in hand is ejected from the game ball lending device 8.

The game ball lending device 8 is provided adjacent to the pachinko machine 1 in the island equipment of the game hall (also called a sand). Although not shown in detail, the game ball lending device 8 is provided with an insertion slot for inserting cash or prepaid cards, a card slot for inserting/removing IC cards, a ball lending button switch 8a, a return button switch, a display unit that displays the amount of money inserted and the number of balls counted, etc. When cash or the like is inserted into the insertion slot and the ball lending button switch 8a is pressed, the game ball lending device 8 lends out a predetermined number of game balls B within the amount inserted. In this embodiment, the number of lent game balls B is transmitted as digital data to the frame control board and also transmitted to the management server 9 via a communication network for management.

To go into more detail about the counting button switch 180, when the player has balls in hand and presses the counting button switch 180 for a short time (e.g., pressing the button once for less than 500 ms), one game ball B is counted from the balls in hand. When the counting button switch 180 is pressed for a long time (e.g., pressing the button once for more than 500 ms), 250 game balls B are counted at the count notification timing every predetermined time (e.g., 300 ms) until the number of balls in hand falls below 250. When the number of balls in hand falls below 250 during the long press, one game ball B is counted. In addition, when the counting button switch 180 is pressed for a long time (e.g., pressing the button once for more than 500 ms), the total number of balls in hand may be counted unconditionally even if the counting button switch 180 is not continuously pressed.

When counting is performed by pressing the counting button switch 180, the number of balls held displayed on the ball count display unit 140 is subtracted and displayed, and the counted number of balls is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the game ball lending device 8.

[4. Main body frame]
The main body frame 4 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 11. Figure 11 is a front view of the main part, showing the firing unit, the foul unit, etc. in cross section in the front view of Figure 3. The main body frame 4 is formed in a box-like shape with an open front, and a game board 5 is housed inside so as to be removable from the front. The main body frame 4 is attached to a frame-shaped outer frame 2 attached to the island equipment of the game hall at the top and bottom of the front end on the left side of the front side so as to be able to open and close, and a door frame 3 is attached so as to be able to open and close so as to close the open front side.

The main frame 4 includes a frame-shaped main frame base unit 400 supported on the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable; a ball launching unit 450 for shooting game balls B into the game area 5a of the game board 5; a foul unit 470 for collecting game balls B that were shot by the ball launching unit 450 but not shot into the game area 5a; a circulating ball path unit 500 for sending game balls B discharged from the game board 5 and game balls B collected by the foul unit 470 to the ball launching unit 450; a ball lifting unit 550 for moving game balls B upward from the downstream end of the circulating ball path unit 500; and a ball sending unit 600 for sending the game balls B lifted by the ball lifting unit 550 one by one to the ball launching unit 450.

The main frame 4 also includes a ball receiving tray 620 for receiving game balls B discharged from the ball outlet 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500, a frame base unit 630 having a frame control board 640 that controls the ball launching unit 450 and the ball lifting unit 550, and a lock unit 680 that locks the outer frame 2 and the main frame 4, and the door frame 3 and the main frame 4.

[4-1. Main frame base unit]
The main frame base unit 400 in the main frame 4 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the main frame base unit in the main frame disassembled into its main components as viewed from the front, and Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the main frame base unit in the main frame disassembled into its main components as viewed from the rear. The main frame base unit 400 is supported on the outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed forward, and can support the door frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed forward. The main frame base unit 400 is equipped with a ball launching unit 450, a foul unit 470, a circulating ball path unit 500, a ball lifting unit 550, a ball sending unit 600, a ball receiving tray 620, a frame base unit 630, a lock unit 680, and the like.

The main frame base unit 400 is equipped with a main frame base 401 which is formed in a vertically elongated rectangle as a whole and has a game board insertion section 401a which penetrates from the front to the back and into which the game board 5 is inserted from the front, and a base wall section 401b which is provided below the game board insertion section 401a, and a side reinforcing plate 402 which reinforces the left side of the main frame base 401.

The main frame base unit 400 also includes a main frame speaker 403 attached to the rear side of the base wall 401b of the main frame base 401, a box-shaped main frame speaker box 404 attached to the base wall 401b so as to cover the main frame speaker 403 from the rear and open at the front, and a rear cover 405 that allows the game board insertion section 401a of the main frame base 401 to be opened and closed from the rear.

Furthermore, the main body frame base unit 400 includes a game board lock member 406 attached to the main body frame base 401, a door opening switch 407 and a frame opening switch 408 attached to the main body frame base 401, and a main body frame hinge mechanism 410 attached to the main body frame base 401.

The main frame base 401 is made of synthetic resin and has a vertically long rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The main frame base 401 is provided with a game board insertion section 401a that penetrates from the top end downward to about 2/3 of the total height, a base wall section 401b provided on the underside of the game board insertion section 401a, a game board restriction section 401c that protrudes upward (into the game board insertion section 401a) near the center in the left-right direction on the upper end surface of the base wall section 401b, a main frame speaker port 401d that penetrates from the front to the back near the left end of the base wall section 401b and through which the main frame speaker 403 faces forward, and a bass reflex duct 401e that penetrates from the front to the back at the lower right corner of the base wall section 401b.

In addition, the main frame base 401 is provided with a tray insertion recess 401f, recessed rearward from the front side at the bottom of the center in the left-right direction of the base wall portion 401b, into which the ball receiving tray 620 is inserted, and a ball storage passage insertion port 401g, which penetrates forward and backward above the tray insertion recess 401f in the base wall portion 401b, into which the ball serpentine member 513 and serpentine cover 514 of the circulating ball passage unit 500 are inserted.

The main frame base 401 also includes a foul unit mounting section 401h and a ball launching unit mounting section 401i, which are arranged side by side above the ball storage passage insertion port 401g on the front surface of the base wall section 401b, a ball lifting unit mounting section 401j that opens vertically to the right of the ball launching unit mounting section 401i on the base wall section 401b, a ball sending unit mounting section 401k that is arranged behind the ball launching unit mounting section 401i on the rear surface of the base wall section 401b, a circulating ball path unit mounting section 401l that is arranged on the rear surface of the base wall section 401b, and a cylinder insertion port 401m that penetrates from front to back near the upper right corner of the base wall section 401b and through which the lock cylinder 681 of the lock unit 680 is inserted.

Furthermore, the main frame base 401 is provided with a locking claw 401n that protrudes forward from the left end of the tray insertion recess 401f and elastically locks to the front end of the ball receiving tray 620 inserted into the tray insertion recess 401f, thereby restricting the forward movement of the ball receiving tray 620.

The game board 5 is removably inserted from the front into the game board insertion section 401a of the main body frame base 401. The game board 5 is placed on the upper end surface of the base wall section 401b. A door opening switch 407, a ball launching unit 450, a foul unit 470, and a ball receiving tray 620 are attached to the front surface of the base wall section 401b. In addition, a main body frame speaker 403, a main body frame speaker box 404, a frame opening switch 408, a circulating ball path unit 500, a ball lifting unit 550, and a ball sending unit 600 are attached to the rear surface of the base wall section 401b.

The game board restricting portion 401c restricts the left-right and rearward movement of the game board 5 when the game board 5 is inserted into the game board insertion portion 401a. The main body frame speaker port 401d is formed in a lattice shape as shown in the figure, and is provided so as to be located behind the speaker grill 203 of the door frame 3 when the door frame 3 is closed against the main body frame 4. The main body frame speaker 403 is attached to the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b so as to close the main body frame speaker port 401d from the rear.

The bass reflex duct 401e is formed in a long cylindrical shape that is long from side to side, and two are provided side by side. The bass reflex duct 401e is connected to the enclosure 404a of the main frame speaker 403, which is composed of the base wall portion 401b and the main frame speaker box 404, and is used to invert the phase of the sound output from the main frame speaker 403 to the rear and emit it forward. In this embodiment, the cylindrical bass reflex duct 401e resonates and amplifies the low-frequency range of the sound output from the main frame speaker 403, making it possible to produce a deeper bass sound. This bass reflex duct 401e is provided so as to be located behind the duct grill 191 of the door frame 3 when the door frame 3 is closed to the main frame 4.

The tray insertion recess 401f can support the ball receiving tray 620 removably from the front. The bottom wall of the tray insertion recess 401f is inclined so that the front end is lower (see FIG. 10). This allows game balls B to be ejected forward even if they spill into the tray insertion recess 401f when the ball receiving tray 620 is not inserted into the tray insertion recess 401f. In addition, because the bottom wall of the tray insertion recess 401f is inclined so that the front end is lower, it is possible to easily slide the placed ball receiving tray 620 forward.

The ball storage passage insertion port 401g is provided so that the ball serpentine member 513 and the front portion of the serpentine cover 514 of the circulating ball passage unit 500 attached to the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b penetrate and protrude forward. The foul unit mounting portion 401h is provided near the upper end of the base wall portion 401b, to the right of the main frame speaker port 401d. The ball launching unit mounting portion 401i is provided to the right of the foul unit mounting portion 401h. The ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j is provided in the area between the upper end of the base wall portion 401b and the bass reflex duct 401e.

The ball-sending unit mounting section 401k is provided on the rear surface of the base wall section 401b so that the top surface of the ball-sending unit 600 faces upward (inside the game board insertion section 401a) and is provided so that the ball-sending unit 600 can be attached and detached from above. When the ball-sending unit 600 is attached to the ball-sending unit mounting section 401k, the elastic claw 609b of the ball-sending unit 600 penetrates the locking hole of the base wall section 401b to the right of the ball launching unit 450 and faces forward. In this state, the elastic claw 609b is pressed backward to elastically deform it, and the knob section 609a provided on the top surface of the ball-sending unit 600 is grasped and pulled up, allowing the ball-sending unit 600 to be removed upward.

The circulating ball path unit mounting section 401l is provided in the center of the rear surface of the base wall section 401b in the left-right direction, above the box extension section 404c of the main frame speaker box 404 (described later). The cylinder insertion port 401m is provided to the right of the ball lifting unit mounting section 401j near the upper end of the base wall section 401b.

The side reinforcing plate 402 is U-shaped in plan view, opening to the right, and is attached to the left side of the main frame base 401. The side reinforcing plate 402 is made of an extruded metal such as an aluminum alloy. The side reinforcing plate 402 has two left positioning members 402a spaced apart from each other above and below. The left positioning member 402a is used to position the left side of the game board 5.

The main frame speaker 403 is attached to the rear side of the base wall 401b so as to close the main frame speaker port 401d of the main frame base 401 from the rear. The main frame speaker 403 is a cone-shaped speaker that mainly outputs low-pitched sounds.

The main frame speaker box 404 is formed in a box shape that is open to the front, and is attached to the rear side of the base wall portion 401b so as to cover the main frame speaker 403 from the rear. The main frame speaker box 404 forms an enclosure 404a for the main frame speaker 403 by attaching it to the base wall portion 401b.

The main frame speaker box 404 has a box main body 404b located behind the main frame speaker 403, a box extension 404c connected to the bottom end of the box main body 404b and extending to the right in a front view, and a frame board unit pivot support 404d provided on the rear surface of the box main body 404b. The box extension 404c of the main frame speaker box 404 extends to the right near the right end of the main frame base 401 so as to cover the rear of the bass reflex duct 401e, and a portion of it extends further rearward than the box main body 404b.

The enclosure 404a is composed of a box main body 404b and a box extension 404c, and is connected to the outside through a bass reflex duct 401e. In other words, the bass reflex duct 401e, the main frame speaker 403, and the main frame speaker box 404 form a phase-inverting bass reflex speaker.

In more detail, a predetermined sound is output forward and backward from the main body frame speaker 403. The sound output forward from the main body frame speaker 403 is emitted forward of the pachinko machine 1 through the main body frame speaker port 401d and the speaker grill 203.

Meanwhile, the sound output rearward from the main frame speaker 403 vibrates the air inside the main frame speaker box 404 (enclosure 404a). This enclosure 404a is open to the front (outside) by the cylindrical bass reflex duct 401e, so the sound is emitted forward from the bass reflex duct 401e. At this time, because the bass reflex duct 401e is formed into a cylindrical shape of a certain length, the low-frequency range is amplified inside it by resonance caused by the vibration of the air column, and the sound is emitted forward in an inverted phase.

As a result, the sound output from the main frame speaker 403 to the front and the sound output to the rear do not cancel each other out and attenuate, but rather resonate with each other and amplify, so that even though the diameter of the main frame speaker 403 is small, it can output a loud sound with deep bass, allowing the player to hear a sound with rich bass.

The bass reflex duct 401e is located behind the duct grill 191 below the handle 160 in the door frame 3, so that when air vibrations (wind) caused by the driving of the main frame speaker 403 are released forward from the bass reflex duct 401e, the wind is guided diagonally upward and forward by the horizontal lattice of the duct grill 191 and sent into the handle cover 170 through the opening 171 of the handle cover 170. Therefore, when the main frame speaker 403 is driven (sound is output) while the player is operating the handle 160, wind is sent through the bass reflex duct 401e and the duct grill 191 to the fingers of the player holding the handle 160, surprising the player and allowing the player to experience an unprecedented performance.

The box extension 404c of the main frame speaker box 404 is formed so that its front-to-back depth is longer than its top-to-bottom height, and its rear end is arranged to protrude slightly rearward beyond the rear end of the frame board unit 630 (see Figure 10). When assembled to the main frame 4, the box extension 404c covers the bottom of the frame board unit 630 so that a gap is formed between it and the frame board unit 630 (unit base 670 and power board box 672). This makes it difficult for the various wiring connected to the frame board unit 630 to droop.

The box extension section 404c is inclined so that the upper surface is lower toward the rear. This allows garbage, game balls B, etc. that have fallen from above to be guided rearward and discharged. The box extension section 404c is also inclined so that the lower surface is higher toward the rear. This means that when the main body frame 4 is closed against the outer frame 2, the box extension section 404c does not come into contact with the lower frame 14 of the main body frame 4.

When assembled to the main body frame 4, the main body frame speaker box 404 supports the rear end side of the tray insertion recess 401f in the main body frame base 401 so that it is suspended. As a result, the game balls B discharged from the circulating ball path unit 500 are received in the ball receiving tray 620, and even if a load (the weight of multiple game balls B) acts from above on the tray insertion recess 401f via the ball receiving tray 620, the tray insertion recess 401f will not deform.

The rear cover 405 is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the main frame base 401 so as to cover the rear of the game board 5 attached to the main frame 4 when assembled to the pachinko machine 1. The rear cover 405 is formed from a transparent synthetic resin. When viewed from the front, the left side of the rear cover 405 is rotatably supported relative to the main frame base 401, and the right side is detachably engaged with the main frame base 401 by an elastic engaging claw.

The game board locking member 406 is attached to the front surface of the main frame base 401 (base wall portion 401b) so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. The game board locking member 406 can prevent the bottom end of the game board 5 from moving forward by rotating it to the lock position with the game board 5 inserted into the game board insertion portion 401a.

The door opening switch 407 is for detecting the opening and closing of the door frame 3 relative to the main body frame 4. The door opening switch 407 is attached below the cylinder insertion opening 401m in the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401.

The frame opening switch 408 is for detecting the opening and closing of the main frame 4 relative to the outer frame 2. The frame opening switch 408 is attached below the door opening switch 407 on the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401.

The main body frame hinge mechanism 410 has a main body frame upper hinge body 411 attached to the upper end of the left side of the main body frame base 401, and a main body frame lower hinge body 412 attached to the lower end of the left side of the main body frame base 401.

The main frame upper hinge body 411 has a main frame hinge shaft 411a that protrudes upward in a cylindrical shape and is inserted into the bearing groove 31a of the outer frame upper hinge body 31 in the outer frame 2, and a door frame upper shaft hole 411b that is provided adjacent to the main frame hinge shaft 411a and into which the door frame upper hinge shaft of the door frame upper hinge body in the door frame 3 is inserted from below.

The lower hinge body 412 of the main frame has an outer frame shaft hole (not shown) into which the hinge shaft 35a of the lower hinge body 35 of the outer frame 2 is inserted from below, and a lower shaft hole 412b for the door frame into which the lower hinge shaft 112a of the lower hinge body 112 of the door frame 3 is inserted from above.

The main frame hinge mechanism 410 supports the main frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 2 by inserting the main frame hinge shaft 411a of the main frame upper hinge body 411 into the bearing groove 31a of the outer frame upper hinge body 31 in the outer frame 2 and inserting the hinge shaft 35a of the outer frame lower hinge body 35 in the outer frame 2 into the outer frame shaft hole of the main frame lower hinge body 412.

The main frame hinge mechanism 410 supports the door frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the main frame 4 by inserting the upper hinge shaft of the upper hinge body of the door frame 3 in the upper shaft hole for door frame 411b of the upper hinge body of the main frame 411 from below, and inserting the lower hinge shaft 112a of the lower hinge body 112 in the door frame 3 in the lower shaft hole for door frame 412b of the lower hinge body of the main frame 412 from above.

[4-2. Ball launch unit]
The ball launching unit 450 in the main body frame 4 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 14 to 16. Figure 14(a) is a perspective view of the ball launching unit in the main body frame as seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball launching unit in the main body frame as seen from the back. Figure 15(a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball launching unit as seen from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball launching unit as seen from the back. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view of the launching unit cover of the ball launching unit as seen from the left rear, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the ball launching unit showing only the launching unit cover in cross section as seen from the front.

The ball launching unit 450 is for launching the game ball B into the game area 5a of the game board 5, and has a ball entrance 450a for receiving the game ball B sent from the ball sending unit 600, a ball launching port 450b through which the launched game ball B is released to the outside, and a ball discharge port 450c for discharging the game ball B. The ball launching unit 450 can shoot the game ball B with a strength according to the rotation angle of the handle 160 in the lower right corner of the front of the door frame 3. The ball launching unit 450 is attached to the ball launching unit mounting portion 401i, which is provided on the upper front surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401, to the right of the center in the left-right direction.

The ball inlet 450a of the ball launching unit 450 is provided on the rear surface and opens in a square shape large enough for one game ball B to pass through. When assembled to the main body frame 4, this ball inlet 450a is located in front of the ball outlet 602 of the ball sending unit 600 and communicates with the ball outlet 602. The ball launching port 450b opens at an angle at the left end of the top surface, with the left end side lower. When assembled to the main body frame 4, this ball launching port 450b communicates with the upper part of the foul right opening 470b of the foul unit 470. The ball discharge port 450c opens on the left side. When assembled to the main body frame 4, this ball discharge port 450c communicates with the lower part of the foul right opening 470b of the foul unit 470.

The ball launching unit 450 includes a flat unit base 451, a launching unit cover 452 attached to cover the front side of the unit base 451, a launch solenoid 453 attached to the rear side of the unit base 451 so that the rotation axis 453a protrudes forward from the unit base 451, a launch subtraction sensor 454 capable of detecting whether or not a game ball B has been launched, a launching hammer 455 attached to the rotation axis 453a of the launching solenoid 453, a nut 456 attaching the launching hammer 455 to the rotation axis 453a of the launching solenoid 453, a circular spacer 457 inserted into the rotation axis 453a of the launching solenoid 453, two rubber members 458 that can come into contact with the launching hammer 455, and a rubber holder 459 that holds one of the rubber members 458.

The unit base 451 of the ball launching unit 450 is formed from a metal plate such as an iron plate. The unit base 451 is provided with a ball inlet 450a, which penetrates in a square shape from the center to the upper part when viewed from the front.

The launch unit cover 452 is formed by injection molding using an opaque synthetic resin with low light transmittance. The launch unit cover 452 is equipped with a flat front plate 452a that is spaced forward from the unit base 451, a ball launch pad 452b that is provided behind the front plate 452a and directly below the ball inlet 450a of the unit base 451 and is inclined so that the left end is higher, and a detection port 452c that passes vertically through the ball launch pad 452b.

The launch unit cover 452 also includes a launch pad upper wall portion 452d behind the front plate 452a, which forms a gap between the ball launch pad 452b and the ball launch pad 452b at the upper right when viewed from the front, through which the game ball B cannot pass, and a sensor lower mounting portion 452e and a sensor upper mounting portion 452f which are arranged to sandwich the ball launch pad 452b and the launch pad upper wall portion 452d behind the front plate 452a.

Furthermore, the launch unit cover 452 is provided with a guide wall portion 452g that is provided to the left of the ball launch pad 452b on the rear side of the front plate 452a and follows the inclined extension line of the ball launch pad 452b, and an ejection guide wall portion 452h that extends downward from the left end of the ball launch pad 452b on the rear side of the front plate 452a and then extends downward toward the left.

The ball launch pad 452b is where the game ball B supplied through the ball inlet 450a is placed. The top surface of the ball launch pad 452b is inclined so that the left end is higher when viewed from the front. The ball launch pad 452b is recessed into a certain cross-sectional shape (trapezoidal) so that it narrows downward along the direction in which the top surface is inclined. The length of the ball launch pad 452b in the inclination direction (launching direction) is slightly longer than the diameter of the game ball B, and the ball launch pad 452b is formed so that only one game ball B can be placed on it so that it is in contact with the two inclined surfaces of the trapezoidal recess. In this embodiment, the ball launch pad 452b is inclined at an angle of approximately 27 degrees to the horizontal.

The detection port 452c is provided at the bottom of the trapezoidally recessed portion of the ball launch pad 452b. The launch pad upper wall portion 452d is provided above the inclined lower end side of the ball launch pad 452b. The launch pad upper wall portion 452d is provided so as to form a gap between the ball launch pad 452b and the ball launch pad 452b through which the game ball B cannot pass, but through which the tip of the launch hammer 455 can pass. As a result, the game ball B supplied to the ball launch pad 452b is placed on the ball launch pad 452b in a state in which it abuts against the left end of the launch pad upper wall portion 452d and its movement downstream (here, to the right) in the inclination direction of the ball launch pad 452b is restricted.

The light emitting unit 454a and the light receiving unit 454b that constitute the emission subtraction sensor 454 are attached to the lower sensor mounting portion 452e and the upper sensor mounting portion 452f, respectively.

The upper surface of the guide wall 452g constitutes the bottom surface of the ball launch port 450b. The upper surface of the guide wall 452g is inclined at the same angle as the inclination of the ball launch pad 452b, and is provided at a location that is longer than the diameter of the game ball B to the left of the ball launch pad 452b. In this embodiment, the ball launch pad 452b is made as short as possible, so when the game ball B on the ball launch pad 452b is struck by the launch hammer 455, the launch direction of the game ball B is difficult to determine, and there is a risk that the game ball B will not be properly driven between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5. However, since the guide wall 452g is provided, the game ball B launched from the ball launch pad 452b bounces on the upper surface of the guide wall 452g, so that the game ball B can jump outward from the ball launch port 450b and be driven between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002.

In addition, since the guide wall portion 452g is located away from the ball launch pad 452b, even if the game ball B tries to return toward the ball launch pad 452b at the guide wall portion 452g depending on the impact strength of the game ball B, it will flow down between the guide wall portion 452g and the ball launch pad 452b onto the lower discharge guide wall portion 452h, and will not return to the ball launch pad 452b.

The discharge guide wall 452h forms a ball discharge port 450c between itself and the guide wall 452g. The discharge guide wall 452h is inclined so that the left end is lower, and the game ball B that flows down between the ball launch pad 452b and the guide wall 452g can be guided to the left and discharged from the ball discharge port 450c at the left end to the foul unit 470 side. As a result, the game ball B that was struck by the launching hammer 455 at the ball launch pad 452b but was not launched from the ball discharge port 450b is guided by the discharge guide wall 452h and discharged from the ball discharge port 450c to the foul unit 470.

The firing solenoid 453 is composed of a rotary solenoid having a rotating shaft 453a extending forward and backward.

The launch subtraction sensor 454 can detect the presence or absence of a game ball B on the ball launch pad 452b. The launch subtraction sensor 454 is composed of a light-emitting unit 454a that irradiates detection light and a light-receiving unit 454b that receives the detection light, and is attached to the sensor lower mounting part 452e and the sensor upper mounting part 452f of the launch unit cover 452, respectively. The detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 454a is received by the light-receiving unit 454b through a detection port 452c provided at the bottom of the ball launch pad 452b. At this time, if a game ball B is placed on the ball launch pad 452b, the detection light is blocked by the game ball B and the detection light is not received by the light-receiving unit 454b. This makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of a game ball B on the ball launch pad 452b.

The launch subtraction sensor 454, which will be described in detail later, detects when game ball B is launched from ball launch pad 452b and subtracts one ball from the player's total number of balls.

The launching hammer 455 is used to strike and launch the game ball B. The launching hammer 455 is attached to the rotating shaft 453a of the launching solenoid 453, and rotates (pivots) together with the rotating shaft 453a. The tip of the launching hammer 455 passes between the ball launch pad 452b and the launch pad upper wall portion 452d and is arranged so that it can abut against the game ball B placed on the ball launch pad 452b.

The nut 456 is screwed onto the rotating shaft 453a of the firing solenoid 453. The rotating shaft 453a of the firing solenoid 453 is inserted into the spacer 457. The rotating shaft 453a of the firing solenoid 453 is inserted from the rear through the spacer 457 and then through the firing hammer 455, and the nut 456 is screwed onto the tip protruding forward from the firing hammer 455 and tightened, thereby attaching the firing hammer 455.

The rubber 458 is attached to the unit base 451 so as to regulate the rotation range (pivot range) of the firing hammer 455. The rubber 458, which is provided at the rotation end in the direction in which the firing hammer 455 strikes the game ball B (counterclockwise in this case), is attached to the unit base 451 via the rubber holder 459.

According to the ball launching unit 450 of this embodiment, only one game ball B is placed on the ball launch pad 452b, and the launch subtraction sensor 454 detects that the game ball B has been launched from the ball launch pad 452b, so that the launch of the game balls B can be reliably detected one by one.

In addition, according to the ball launching unit 450, the unit base 451 is made of a metal plate, and the launching unit cover 452 is made of an opaque synthetic resin with low light transmittance, so that it is possible to prevent the launch subtraction sensor 454, which is a photosensor, from making a false detection due to external light.

In addition, because the ball launching unit 450 detects the launch of game ball B, when the player stops playing and settles the account, there is no need to automatically shoot game ball B placed on the ball launching pad 452b into the air to return it to the player, turning it into a foul ball.

[4-3. Foul Unit]
The foul unit 470 in the main body frame 4 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Figure 17(a) is a perspective view of the foul unit in the main body frame as seen from the front, and Figure 17(b) is a perspective view of the foul unit in the main body frame as seen from the rear. Figure 18(a) is an exploded perspective view of the foul unit as seen from the front, and Figure 18(b) is an exploded perspective view of the foul unit as seen from the rear. Figure 19(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross section of the foul unit with the foul shutter in a closed state, and Figure 19(b) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross section of the foul unit with the foul shutter in an open state.

The foul unit 470 is for collecting game balls B that were launched by the ball launching unit 450 and shot between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5 but did not land in the game area 5a, and game balls B that were launched by the ball launching unit 450 but did not reach the game board 5 (between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002) because the launch strength was too weak. The foul unit 470 has a foul top opening 470a that opens on the top surface, a foul right opening 470b that opens on the right side surface, and a foul ball outlet 470c that communicates with the foul top opening 470a and the foul right opening 470b and opens backward at the bottom end.

The foul unit 470 is attached to the foul unit mounting portion 401h provided in the center of the upper front part of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401 in the left-right direction. When assembled to the main body frame 4, the foul unit 470 has an upper end at approximately the same height as the upper end of the base wall portion 401b, and the foul right opening 470b is closed by the ball launching port 450b and ball discharge port 450c of the ball launching unit 450. In other words, when assembled to the main body frame 4, the foul right opening 470b is connected to the ball launching port 450b and ball discharge port 450c. The foul upper opening 470a and the foul right opening 470b are formed by the unit base 472 and the front cover 473 described later, and the ball discharge port 450c is formed in the unit base 472.

The foul unit 470 includes a foul shutter 471 that can be opened and closed to prevent the game ball B from passing through the foul upper opening 470a, a unit base 472 that is attached to the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401, a front cover 473 that is attached to the front side of the unit base 472, a rear cover 474 that is attached to the rear side of the unit base 472 so as to cover the rear of the foul shutter 471, a spring 475 that biases the foul shutter 471 forward, and a foul ball earth metal plate 476 that is provided between the unit base 472 and the front cover 473.

The fall shutter 471 is supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction by the cooperation of the unit base 472 and the front cover 473. The fall shutter 471 has a strip-shaped shutter section 471a that is long in the left-right direction, two forward protruding sections 471b that protrude forward from both the left and right ends of the shutter section 471a, and a flat rear wall section 471c that extends downward from the rear end edge of the shutter section 471a.

The foul shutter 471 can close the foul upper opening 470a by the shutter part 471a so that the game ball B cannot pass through. The two forward protruding parts 471b are provided so that their front ends protrude forward from the front cover 473, and are provided so that the rear surface of the door frame main body 100 of the door frame 3 can abut against them. The front end of the spring 475 abuts against the rear surface of the rear wall part 471c.

The unit base 472 has a main body 472a that is flat and T-shaped with a portion that is long from side to side and extends downward near the right end, a shutter insertion opening 472b that penetrates from front to back near the upper end of the main body 472a and extends left and right, and a number of rear support openings 472c that are provided along the lower edge to the left of the portion that extends downward in the main body 472a and penetrate from front to back.

The unit base 472 is provided with a foul ball outlet 470c that penetrates from front to back and extends rearward in a rectangular cylindrical shape near the bottom end of the portion of the main body 472a that extends downward. The cylindrical foul ball outlet 470c is inclined so that it is lower toward the rear.

The lower edge of the left side of the main body 472a is inclined to the right, lower than the downward extending portion. The shutter insertion opening 472b is large enough to allow the shutter portion 471a and forward protrusion 471b of the foul shutter 471 to pass through. The multiple rear support openings 472c are long on the left and right, each lowering to the right, and are lined up along the inclined lower edge of the main body 472a. The rear support openings 472c are designed so that the support piece 476a of the foul ball earth metal plate 476 can be inserted with a gap.

The front cover 473 is provided with a flat, partial T-shaped front plate 473a that is long from side to side and has a portion that extends downward near the right end, a left wall portion 473b that extends rearward from the left edge of the front plate 473a, a lower wall portion 473c that extends rightward from the lower end of the left wall portion 473b along the lower edge of the front plate 473a and also extends rearward, a hanging wall portion 473d that extends downward from the right end of the lower wall portion 473c along the left edge of the portion of the front plate 473a that extends downward and also extends rearward, a bottom wall portion 473e that extends rightward from the lower end of the hanging wall portion 473d along the lower edge of the portion of the front plate 473a that extends downward and also extends rearward, and a right wall portion 473f that extends rearward from the upper right end of the front plate 473a.

The upper and right edges of the front plate 473a form the front edges of the upper foul opening 470a and the right foul opening 470b. The right edge of the upper end of the left wall portion 473b forms the left edge of the upper foul opening 470a, and the left edge of the upper end of the right wall portion 473f forms the right edge of the upper foul opening 470a. The lower edge of the right wall portion 473f forms the upper edge of the right foul opening 470b, and the right edge of the bottom wall portion 473e forms the lower edge of the right foul opening 470b.

The lower wall portion 473c of the front cover 473 is located below the foul upper opening 470a, and the game ball B that flows down through the foul upper opening 470a can be guided to the right and then flow down onto the bottom wall portion 473e along the hanging wall portion 473d. This bottom wall portion 473e is inclined so that the part in front of the foul ball outlet 470c is lower toward the rear, and the part to the right of that part is inclined so that it is higher toward the right. Therefore, the game ball B that flows down to the bottom wall portion 473e is guided rearward and discharged rearward from the foul ball outlet 470c. In addition, since the right edge of the bottom wall 473e forms the lower edge of the foul right opening 470b, the game ball B that enters through the foul right opening 470b flows down onto the bottom wall 473e, is guided by the bottom wall 473e, and is discharged rearward from the foul ball outlet 470c.

The front cover 473 has a front plate 473a with multiple front support openings 473g that are aligned left and right along the lower wall portion 473c and penetrate from front to back. The multiple front support openings 473g are provided to face the rear support openings 472c of the unit base 472. The front support openings 473g are also provided so that the support piece 476a of the foul ball earth metal plate 476 can be inserted with a gap.

The rear cover 474 is formed in a box shape with an open front. The rear part of the fall shutter 471 is inserted inside the rear cover 474, and a spring 475 is also placed inside the rear cover 474. The rear end of the spring 475 abuts against the front surface of the rear wall of the rear cover 474.

Two springs 475 are provided, spaced apart on the left and right, and are disposed inside the box-shaped rear cover 474. The front end of the spring 475 abuts against the rear surface of the rear wall portion 471c of the fall shutter 471, and the rear end abuts against the front surface of the rear wall of the rear cover 474. The spring 475 biases the fall shutter 471 forward.

The foul ball earth metal plate 476 is made of a metal plate such as an iron plate, and is ultimately connected to the ground of the game hall via an earth wire (not shown). The foul ball earth metal plate 476 is formed in the shape of a long strip from side to side, with multiple support pieces 476a extending outward from the front and rear long sides. The foul ball earth metal plate 476 is placed on the upper surface of the lower wall portion 473c of the front cover 473, and the multiple support pieces 476a are inserted with some play into the rear support opening 472c of the unit base 472 and the front support opening 473g of the front cover 473.

As a result, the game ball B that has flowed down through the upper foul opening 470a toward the lower wall portion 473c is guided to the right with the static electricity that has been charged by contacting the foul ball earth metal plate 476 removed. At this time, since the support piece 476a is loosely fitted into the rear support port 472c and the front support port 473g, the contact of the game ball B causes the foul ball earth metal plate 476 to vibrate, and the vibration causes dust and dirt on the foul ball earth metal plate 476 to be discharged to the outside through the gap between the rear support port 472c and the front support port 473g, into which the game ball B is loosely fitted. The foul ball earth metal plate 476 also serves as reinforcement against the falling game ball B.

When assembled into the pachinko machine 1, the foul unit 470 is attached to the foul unit attachment section 401h, which is provided at the top near the center in the left-right direction on the front surface of the base wall section 401b of the main body frame 4. In this state, the ball launching unit 450 is attached adjacent to the right side of the foul unit 470.

As shown in FIG. 11, the foul upper opening 470a of the foul unit 470 is located near the upper end of the base wall portion 401b and is located on the axis of the launch direction of the game ball B in the ball launching unit 450. In other words, the foul upper opening 470a is provided in the area between the opening at the lower end between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5 and the ball launch port 450b of the ball launching unit 450.

On the other hand, the foul right opening 470b of the foul unit 470 is connected at its upper part to the ball launch port 450b of the ball launch unit 450, and at its lower part to the ball discharge port 450c of the ball launch unit 450. Therefore, the foul upper opening 470a and the foul right opening 470b are provided in the area between the lower end opening between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5 and the ball launch port 450b of the ball launch unit 450. As a result, the game ball B launched from the ball launch port 450b of the ball launch unit 450 enters the foul unit 470 from the foul right opening 470b, and then enters between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5 through the foul upper opening 470a.

When the door frame 3 of the foul unit 470 of this embodiment is opened forward relative to the main body frame 4, the foul shutter 471 slides forward due to the biasing force of the spring 475, as shown in FIG. 19(a), and the shutter portion 471a of the foul shutter 471 protrudes between the front surface of the unit base 472 and the front plate 473a of the front cover 473, closing the foul upper opening 470a so that the game ball B cannot pass through. In other words, the foul shutter 471 is in the closed position. In this state, the rear wall portion 471c of the foul shutter 471 abuts against the rear surface of the main body portion 472a of the unit base 472, and it will not slide forward any further.

When the foul shutter 471 is in the closed position and a game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450, the launched game ball B enters the foul unit 470 from the foul right opening 470b, abuts against the underside of the shutter part 471a of the foul shutter 471, and flows down inside the foul unit 470 without being shot upward through the foul upper opening 470a. The game ball B that flows down inside the foul unit 470 is guided by the lower wall part 473c (foul ball earth metal plate 476), the hanging wall part 473d, the bottom wall part 473e, etc., and is supplied to the circulation ball path unit 500 from the rear foul ball outlet 470c. As a result, even if the game ball B is launched when the door frame 3 is open, the game ball B will not leak out from the foul unit 470 to the outside.

When the door frame 3 is opened relative to the main frame 4, the door opening switch 407 is turned OFF, and turning the door opening switch 407 OFF may stop the launch of the game ball B from the ball launching unit 450. Alternatively, rather than stopping the launch of the game ball B when the door frame 3 is opened, the main control board 1310 may temporarily suspend the game, and when the door frame 3 is closed, the game may be resumed.

In addition, when the main frame 4 is opened relative to the outer frame 2 (the frame open switch 408 is OFF), the door frame 3 is closed and the game ball B does not leak to the outside, so the launch of the game ball B from the ball launch unit 450 may not be stopped. Alternatively, when the main frame 4 is opened, the same processing as when the door frame 3 is opened may be performed.

When the door frame 3 is closed relative to the main frame 4, the rear surface of the door frame 3 comes into contact with the front ends of the two forward protrusions 471b of the foul shutter 471, causing the foul shutter 471 to slide rearward against the biasing force of the spring 475 (see FIG. 19(b)). In this state, the shutter portion 471a of the foul shutter 471 is located rearward of the front surface of the unit base 472, and the foul upper opening 470a is open so that the game ball B can pass through. In other words, the foul shutter 471 is in the open position.

When the foul shutter 471 is in the open position and a game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450, the launched game ball B enters the foul unit 470 from the foul right opening 470b, and is then launched upward toward the game board 5 (between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002) through the foul upper opening 470a. The launched game ball B then passes over the backflow prevention member 1007 provided at the top end of the inner rail 1002, and is launched into the game area 5a.

The game ball B that was launched from the ball launching unit 450 but did not pass the backflow prevention member 1007 at the top end of the inner rail 1002 (the game ball B that was not shot into the game area) flows down between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002, enters the foul upper opening 470a as a foul ball, and is collected by the foul unit 470. The game ball B that was collected through the foul upper opening 470a flows down onto the foul ball earth metal plate 476 placed on the upper surface of the lower wall portion 473c, and static electricity is removed by the foul ball earth metal plate 476. At this time, since the foul ball earth metal plate 476 is loosely fitted, it vibrates when the game ball B comes into contact with it, and the vibration causes dust and dirt on the foul ball earth metal plate 476 to be discharged outside the foul unit 470 from the rear support port 472c and the front support port 473g.

The game ball B that flows down onto the foul ball earth metal plate 476 (lower wall portion 473c) is guided to the right by its inclination, flows down along the hanging wall portion 473d onto the bottom wall portion 473e, and is guided backward by the inclination of the bottom wall portion 473e, and is discharged from the foul ball outlet 470c into the circulating ball path unit 500.

The foul unit 470 receives the game ball B discharged from the ball discharge port 450c of the ball launching unit 450 at the bottom of the foul right opening 470b. The game ball B that enters the foul unit 470 from the bottom of the foul right opening 470b flows down onto the bottom wall 473e, and is guided rearward by the inclination of the bottom wall 473e until it is discharged from the foul ball outlet 470c to the circulating ball path unit 500.

In this way, the foul unit 470 can collect game balls B that were launched from the ball launching unit 450 but did not land in the game area 5a of the game board 5 without leaking out and supply them to the circulating ball path unit 500. As will be described in detail later, the circulating ball path unit 500 detects the game ball B supplied from the foul ball outlet 470c by the foul ball sensor 507. When the foul ball sensor 507 detects the game ball B, the number of balls held by the player is increased by one.

In addition, the foul unit 470 has a unit base 472, a front cover 473, a rear cover 474, etc., which are made of transparent synthetic resin, so the inside can be seen from the outside, making it easy to find balls stuck inside.

[4-3a. Second embodiment of the foul unit]
Next, a second embodiment of the foul unit 470 will be described. The foul unit 470 of the second embodiment is different only in the opening and closing mechanism of the foul shutter 471, and other configurations are the same as the above foul unit 470. The foul unit 470 of the second embodiment is provided with an electric actuator such as a motor or a solenoid for opening and closing the foul shutter 471, although not shown.

In this embodiment, when the door opening switch 407 is turned OFF by opening the door frame 3 relative to the main body frame 4, the foul shutter 471 is slid to the closed position by the electric actuator. As a result, even if the game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450 with the door frame 3 open, the game ball B will not fly out from the foul upper opening 470a.

When the door frame 3 is closed and the door open switch 407 is turned ON, the electric actuator slides the foul shutter 471 to the open position, allowing the game ball B launched from the ball launching unit 450 to be shot through the foul upper opening 470a into the game board 5.

In addition, even when the frame opening switch 408 is turned OFF by opening the main frame 4 relative to the outer frame 2, the fall shutter 471 may be slid to the closed position by the electric actuator. In this case, if the opening and closing process of the fall shutter 471 by the frame opening switch 408 is made the same as the opening and closing process by the door opening switch 407 described above, the software configuration can be simplified.

In addition, an opening switch (not shown) that can detect the opening of both the door frame 3 and the main frame 4 can be provided, and the fall shutter 471 can be opened and closed by an electric actuator, simplifying the mechanism for opening and closing.

[4-4. Circulation ball path unit]
The circulating ball path unit 500 in the main body frame 4 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 20 to 27. Figure 20(a) is a perspective view of the circulating ball path unit in the main body frame as seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the circulating ball path unit in the main body frame as seen from the back. Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the circulating ball path unit as seen from the front, and Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the circulating ball path unit as seen from the back. Figure 23(a) is a plan view showing only the ball meandering member and ball removal shutter in the circulating ball path unit, and (b) is a perspective view of the circulating ball path unit as seen from the front. Figure 24 (a1) is an explanatory diagram showing the ball removal shutter and ball snaking member in the closed position together with the ball receiving tray in a side cross-section, (a2) is an explanatory diagram showing only the ball removal shutter portion in (a1) from the bottom, (b1) is an explanatory diagram showing the ball removal shutter and ball snaking member in the open position together with the ball receiving tray in a side cross-section, and (b2) is an explanatory diagram showing only the ball removal shutter portion in (b1) from the bottom.

Also, FIG. 25(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross section of the ball meandering member and ball removal tray when the ball removal shutter is in the closed position and the iron ball is magnetically attached to the ball removal shutter in the open position, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross section of the ball meandering member and ball removal tray when the ball removal shutter is in the open position and the iron ball is magnetically attached to the underside after sliding the ball removal shutter from the state shown in (b) to the closed position. FIG. 26(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a front cross section of the circulating ball path unit cut at the out ball sensor, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a front cross section of the circulating ball path unit cut at the safe ball sensor. FIG. 27(a) is an oblique view from the front showing an enlarged view of the lower part of the main body frame together with the outer frame with the meandering cover of the circulating ball path unit removed, and (b) is an oblique view from the back showing an enlarged view of the lower part of the main body frame together with the outer frame with the meandering cover of the circulating ball path unit removed.

The circulating ball path unit 500 is for storing multiple game balls B discharged from the game board 5 and game balls B collected by the foul unit 470, and for sending the stored game balls B to the ball launching unit 450 via the ball lifting unit 550. The circulating ball path unit 500 is attached to the circulating ball path unit mounting portion 401l provided on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401.

The circulating ball path unit 500 has an out ball receiving port 500a that is long on the left and right and opens upward, a safe ball receiving port 500b that is long on the left and right and opens upward, which is located behind the out ball receiving port 500a, a foul ball receiving port 500c that opens at the front, and a ball discharge port 500d that opens to the right near the bottom end. The out ball receiving port 500a and the safe ball receiving port 500b are formed with a depth in the front-to-back direction that is slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball B, and are formed in the left-to-right direction so that multiple game balls B can pass through. The foul ball receiving port 500c and the ball discharge port 500d are formed to be large enough to allow one game ball B to pass through each.

The out ball receiving port 500a receives the game ball B (out ball) received in the out port of the game board 5. The safe ball receiving port 500b receives the game ball B (safe ball) received in the winning port of the game board 5, such as the general winning port, the starting port, the big winning port, etc. The foul ball receiving port 500c receives the game ball B (foul ball) discharged from the foul ball outlet 470c of the foul unit 470. The ball discharge port 500d discharges the game ball B received in the out ball receiving port 500a, the safe ball receiving port 500b, and the foul ball receiving port 500c and stored therein, and passes it to the ball lifting unit 550.

The circulating ball path unit 500 also has an out ball passage 501 through which game balls B received in the out ball receiving port 500a circulate, a safe ball passage 502 through which game balls B received in the safe ball receiving port 500b circulate, a foul ball passage 503 through which game balls B received in the foul ball receiving port 500c circulate, and a ball storage passage 504 that is connected to the downstream ends of the out ball passage 501, the safe ball passage 502, and the foul ball passage 503 and whose downstream end is the ball release port 500d.

Furthermore, the circulating ball path unit 500 has an out ball sensor 505 that detects each game ball B (out ball) circulating through the out ball path 501, a safe ball sensor 506 that detects each game ball B (safe ball) circulating through the safe ball path 502, and a foul ball sensor 507 that detects each game ball B (foul ball) circulating through the foul ball path 503. The safe ball sensor 506 is equivalent to a total winning port sensor in conventional pachinko machines, and can be used to determine illegal winning by comparing it with the total number of winning balls in all winning ports.

The circulating ball path unit 500 comprises a flat ball receiving front plate 510, a ball receiving front member 511 attached to the rear side of the ball receiving front plate 510, and a ball receiving rear member 512 attached to the rear side of the ball receiving front member 511. A ball storage passage 504 is provided below the ball receiving front plate 510, the ball receiving front member 511, and the ball receiving rear member 512.

The circulating ball path unit 500 also includes a ball snaking member 513 that is provided below the ball receiving front plate 510, the ball receiving front member 511, and the ball receiving rear member 512 and is open upward, a snaking cover 514 that covers the top of the ball snaking member 513, a ball removal shutter 515 for discharging game balls B from the ball snaking member 513, a magnet 516 attached to the ball removal shutter 515, and a circulating ball path relay board 517 attached to the rear side of the ball receiving front member 511.

The ball receiving front plate 510 extends to the left and right, and has a foul ball receiving opening 500c that penetrates from front to back near the bottom center in the left-right direction.

The ball receiving front member 511 cooperates with the ball receiving front plate 510 to form the out ball receiving port 500a on its upper surface. The ball receiving front member 511 is formed with the out ball passage 501 and the foul ball passage 503 open to the front, and the front side of these is closed by attaching the ball receiving front plate 510. The downstream end of the out ball passage 501 opens downward at the lower left end of the ball receiving front member 511. The opening at the downstream end of the out ball passage 501 is located in front of the opening at the downstream end of the safe ball passage 502. The downstream end of the foul ball passage 503 opens downward at a position on the ball receiving front member 511 lower right than the downstream end of the out ball passage 501.

The ball receiving front member 511 has an upper out-ball receiving plate portion 511a that slopes downward toward the right from the middle of the vertical wall that forms the left edge of the out-ball receiving opening 500a to near the center in the left-right direction, a lower out-ball receiving plate portion 511b that slopes downward toward the left from a portion of the vertical wall that forms the right edge of the out-ball receiving opening 500a below the upper out-ball receiving plate portion 511a to near the bottom of the left edge of the out-ball receiving opening 500a, and a crank portion 511c that extends in a crank shape toward the lower left from the left end of the lower out-ball receiving plate portion 511b with a width that allows game balls B to pass in a single file.

The height between the right end of the upper out ball receiving plate 511a and the lower out ball receiving plate 511b is about twice the diameter of the game ball B, so that the height of the lower out ball receiving plate 511b on the left side becomes lower as it moves to the left. This allows the game balls B received in the out ball receiving port 500a to be aligned in a single row.

The out ball sensor 505 is attached to a vertically extending portion of the crank portion 511c directly below the downstream end of the out ball receiving plate portion 511b.

In the front ball receiving member 511, the out ball passage 501 is formed by the upper out ball receiving plate portion 511a, the lower out ball receiving plate portion 511b, the crank portion 511c, etc. Therefore, the out ball passage 501 is formed wide on the upstream side so that it can receive many game balls B, and the received game balls B are aligned in a row and handed over to the downstream ball storage passage 504 (ball snaking member 513).

In addition, in the ball receiving front member 511, the foul ball passage 503 is located below the upper out ball receiving plate portion 511a and below the lower out ball receiving plate portion 511b, and slopes downward from the rear of the foul ball receiving opening 500c to a portion to the right of the left end of the lower out ball receiving plate portion 511b, and then extends downward for a short distance. In the ball receiving front member 511, a foul ball sensor 507 is attached to the portion of the foul ball passage 503 that extends to the left. This foul ball passage 503 is formed so that game balls b flow in a single file, and game ball B that flows through the foul ball passage 503 is handed over to a portion of the ball storage passage 504 (ball meandering member 513) downstream of the portion where it is handed over from the out ball passage 501.

The ball receiving front member 511 has recesses 511d at the front edge of the upper out ball receiving plate portion 511a, the front edge of the lower out ball receiving plate portion 511b, and the front edge of the bottom wall extending to the left and right to form the foul ball passage 503, which are recessed to a size that does not impede the flow of the game ball B. These recesses 511d allow dust, debris, etc. inside the out ball passage 501 and the foul ball passage 503 to be discharged to the outside.

In addition, a circulating ball path relay board 517 is attached to the rear of the ball receiving front member 511, behind the foul ball passage 503 on the rear surface.

The rear ball receiving member 512 cooperates with the front ball receiving member 511 to form the safe ball receiving port 500b on its upper surface. The rear ball receiving member 512 is formed with the safe ball passage 502 open to the front, and the front side of the safe ball passage 502 is closed when the front ball receiving member 511 is attached. The downstream end of the safe ball passage 502 opens downward at the lower left end of the rear ball receiving member 512. The opening at the downstream end of the safe ball passage 502 is located behind the opening at the downstream end of the out ball passage 501. In other words, the opening at the downstream end of the out ball passage 501 and the opening at the downstream end of the safe ball passage 502 are lined up front to back.

The ball receiving rear member 512 has an upper safe ball receiving plate portion 512a that slopes downward toward the right from the middle of the vertical wall that forms the left edge of the safe ball receiving opening 500b to near the center in the left-right direction, a lower safe ball receiving plate portion 512b that slopes downward toward the left from a portion of the vertical wall that forms the right edge of the safe ball receiving opening 500b below the upper safe ball receiving plate portion 512a to near the bottom of the left edge of the safe ball receiving opening 500b, and a crank portion 512c that extends in a crank shape toward the lower left from the left end of the lower safe ball receiving plate portion 512b with a width that allows game balls B to pass in a single file.

The height between the right end of the upper safe ball receiving plate 512a and the lower safe ball receiving plate 512b is about twice the diameter of the game ball B, so that the height of the lower safe ball receiving plate 512b on the left side is lower as it moves to the left. This allows the game balls B received in the safe ball receiving port 500b to be aligned in a single row.

The safe ball sensor 506 is attached to a vertically extending portion of the crank portion 512c directly below the downstream end of the safe ball receiving plate portion 512b.

In the post-ball receiving member 512, the safe ball passage 502 is formed by the upper safe ball receiving plate portion 512a, the lower safe ball receiving plate portion 512b, the crank portion 512c, etc. Therefore, the safe ball passage 502 is formed wide on the upstream side so that it can receive many game balls B, and the received game balls B are aligned in a row and handed over to the most upstream portion of the downstream ball storage passage 504 (ball snaking member 513).

The ball receiving member 512 has recesses 512d at the front edge of the upper safe ball receiving plate portion 512a and the front edge of the lower safe ball receiving plate portion 512b, which are recessed to a size that does not impede the flow of the game ball B. These recesses 512d allow dust, debris, etc. within the safe ball passage 502 to be discharged to the outside.

The ball meandering member 513 extends left and right while meandering back and forth so that the right end is lower, forming a ball storage passage 504 capable of storing a large number of game balls B. As shown in FIG. 23 etc., the ball meandering member 513 is made up of a first straight portion 513a that is inclined so as to become lower toward the front, with the rear portion being the upstream end, a first turn-back portion 513b that is bent to the right from the downstream end (front end) of the first straight portion 513a and then bent so as to become lower toward the rear, a second straight portion 513c that extends from the downstream end (rear end) of the first turn-back portion 513b to a position near the rear end of the first straight portion 513a so as to become lower toward the rear, and a second straight portion 513c that is bent to the right from the downstream end (rear end) of the second straight portion 513c and then ... first straight portion 513a and then bent to the rear. a second folded portion 513d bent so as to become lower toward the front; a third straight portion 513e extending from a downstream end (front end) of the second folded portion 513d to a position equal to the front end of the second straight portion 513c so as to become lower toward the front; a third folded portion 513f bent from the downstream end (front end) of the third straight portion 513e to the right and then bent so as to become lower toward the rear; and a fourth straight portion 513g extending from the downstream end (rear end) of the third folded portion 513f to a position equal to the rear end of the third straight portion 513e so as to become lower toward the rear. a fourth turn-back portion 513h that turns rightward from the downstream end (rear end) of the fourth straight portion 513g and then turns forward and lower; a fifth straight portion 513i that extends from the downstream end (front end) of the fourth turn-back portion 513h to the same position as the front end of the fourth straight portion 513g so as to turn forward and lower; a first bent portion 513j that turns rightward from the downstream end (front end) of the fifth straight portion 513i; and a first lateral portion 513k that extends rightward and lower from the downstream end (right end) of the first bent portion 513j. The ball discharge port 500d includes a second bent portion 513l that is bent from the downstream end (right end) of the first horizontal portion 513k so as to bend downward toward the rear, a sixth straight portion 513m that extends from the downstream end (rear end) of the second bent portion 513l to a position near the downstream end of the fifth straight portion 513i so as to bend downward toward the rear, a third bent portion 513n that is bent from the downstream end (rear end) of the sixth straight portion 513m so as to bend downward toward the right, and a second horizontal portion 513o that extends from the downstream end (right end) of the third bent portion 513n so as to bend downward toward the right. The opening at the downstream end of the second horizontal portion 513o forms a ball discharge port 500d that opens to the right.

In the ball snaking member 513 (ball storage passage 504), the opening of the downstream end of the safe ball passage 502 is located above the rear end of the first straight section 513a, and the opening of the downstream end of the out ball passage 501 is located in front of that. In addition, the opening of the downstream end of the foul ball passage 503 is located above the rear end of the second straight section 513c.

The ball snaking member 513 also has a ball outlet 513p that penetrates the first horizontal section 513k from top to bottom, a pair of rail sections 513q that extend forward and backward along both left and right edges of the ball outlet 513p on the underside of the first horizontal section 513k and protrude downward, support pieces 513r that protrude close to each other from the lower ends of each of the pair of rail sections 513q, and locking recesses 513s that are recessed on the side surfaces of the pair of rail sections 513q that face each other.

The ball outlet 513p of the ball meandering member 513 is closed by the ball outlet shutter 515 so that it can be opened and closed, as will be described in detail later. The pair of rail portions 513q extend rearward from the ball outlet 513p. The pair of rail portions 513q support the ball outlet shutter 515 so that it can slide back and forth. The two support pieces 513r prevent the ball outlet shutter 515 from falling. In addition, the two support pieces 513r protrude from the respective rail portions 513q at the ball outlet 513p. This allows the ball outlet shutter 515 to be fully supported and prevents it from falling off even if the load of the game ball B acts on the ball outlet shutter 515 through the ball outlet 513p. The locking recess 513s can hold the ball outlet shutter 515 in the open position by inserting the locking protrusion 515f of the ball outlet shutter 515.

The ball meandering member 513 is provided with a gauge section 520 that allows visual confirmation of the appropriate amount of game balls B (circulating balls), as well as a circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and an circulating ball excess sensor 522 that can detect the game balls B in circulation, as described in detail below.

This ball meandering member 513 can form a ball storage passage 504 that meanders back and forth and extends left and right so as to become lower to the right. In addition, the ball meandering member 513 has multiple turn-back portions (first turn-back portion 513b, second turn-back portion 513d, third turn-back portion 513f, fourth turn-back portion 513h) and multiple bends (first bend portion 513j, second bend portion 513l, third bend portion 513n), so that the flow speed of the game ball B can be suppressed at these portions and the impact on the inlet side of the ball lifting unit 550 can be mitigated.

The serpentine cover 514 is attached to the ball serpentine member 513 so as to cover the open upper end of the ball serpentine member 513. By attaching the serpentine cover 514 to the ball serpentine member 513, it is possible to prevent game balls B from leaking from the ball serpentine member 513 (ball storage passage 504) to the outside, or to prevent game balls B that are not compatible with the ball storage passage 504 or illegal game balls B from being inserted from the outside.

The length of the portion of the serpentine cover 514 that extends forward and backward at the left end is shorter toward the rear than the first straight portion 513a of the ball serpentine member 513. As a result, when the serpentine cover 514 is attached to the ball serpentine member 513, the rear portion of the first straight portion 513a of the ball serpentine member 513 is opened upward, and communication with the out ball passage 501 and the safe ball passage 502 is possible through this portion.

The serpentine cover 514 also has an opening 514a that penetrates vertically at a location above the rear end of the second straight section 513c of the ball serpentine member 513. Through this opening 514a, the foul ball passage 503 can communicate with the ball storage passage 504.

The ball removal shutter 515 is used to remove (discharge) game ball B (circulating game ball) from the circulating ball path unit 500, etc., and is attached to the underside of the ball serpentine member 513 so as to be slidable in the forward and backward directions. The ball removal shutter 515 has a flat door section 515a capable of closing the ball removal opening 513p, a knob section 515b extending up, down, left and right from the front edge of the door section 515a, a pair of rod sections 515c each extending rearward from the rear ends of both the left and right ends of the door section 515a, a connecting section 515e that connects the pair of rod sections 515c at the rear of the door section 515a to form an opening 515d that penetrates vertically, a locking protrusion 515f that bulges from the outer surface of each of the pair of rod sections 515c between the connecting section 515e and the rear end, a hook section 515g that extends outward from the rear ends of the pair of rod sections 515c, and a magnet support section 515h that protrudes cylindrically from the bottom surface of the door section 515a.

The magnet support portion 515h of the ball-removing shutter 515 can support a cylindrical magnet 516 by inserting the magnet 516 into the cylinder. This magnet support portion 515h is open to the rear so that the rear end side of the outer circumferential surface of the supported magnet 516 coincides with the front inner circumferential surface of the opening 515d (see FIG. 24, etc.).

When the ball-removal shutter 515 is attached to the ball-snaking member 513, a pair of rail portions 513q of the ball-snaking member 513 are located on the left and right outer sides of the door portion 515a and the pair of rod portions 515c, and the lower surface of the first horizontal portion 513k and the upper surfaces of the pair of support pieces 513r are located on both the top and bottom sides of the door portion 515a and the pair of rod portions 515c. This allows the ball-removal shutter 515 to slide in the front-to-back direction between a closed position and an open position, which will be described later.

In addition, a screw hole is provided on the lower end surface of the magnet support part 515h of the ball removal shutter 515. When a screw is screwed into the screw hole with the magnet 516 inserted into the magnet support part 515h, part of the head of the screw is located below the magnet 516, so that the magnet 516 does not fall off the magnet support part 515h.

In the normal state, as shown in Figures 24 (a1) and (a2), the ball removal shutter 515 is in a closed position where the door portion 515a prevents the game ball B from passing through the ball removal opening 513p. In this state, the rear surface of the knob portion 515b abuts against the front surface of the first horizontal portion 513k, and the pair of locking protrusions 515f abut against the respective rear end surfaces of the pair of rail portions 513q. This restricts the ball removal shutter 515 from moving forward and backward and holds it in the closed position. Therefore, when the ball removal shutter 515 is in the closed position, the game ball B is not discharged from the ball removal opening 513p into the ball receiving tray 620 below.

When the ball removal shutter 515 is in the closed position, the magnet support portion 515h (magnet 516) is located below and near the center of the ball removal opening 513p. As will be described in detail later, when an iron ball SB (see FIG. 25) flows through the ball storage passage 504, the iron ball SB is magnetically attracted to the door portion 515a by the magnetic force of the magnet 516, causing a ball blockage, making it possible to detect the intrusion of the iron ball SB.

When the knob 515b of the ball shutter 515 is pinched and pulled forward in the closed position, the locking protrusion 515f on the rod 515c strongly abuts against the rear end surface of the rail 513q. At this time, the force applied to the locking protrusion 515f causes the rod 515c to elastically deform inward, and the locking protrusion 515f moves toward the inner surface of the rail 513q, causing the ball shutter 515 to slide forward from the closed position. When the locking protrusion 515f reaches the locking recess 513s, the elastic force of the rod 515c causes the locking protrusion 515f to be inserted into the locking recess 513s, and the hook 515g on the rear end of the rod 515c approaches the rear end surface of the rail 513q. This restricts the ball shutter 515 from sliding forward any further.

In this state, as shown in Figures 24 (b1) and (b2), the opening 515d of the ball removal shutter 515 coincides with the ball removal port 513p, allowing the game ball B to pass through the ball removal port 513p. In other words, the ball removal shutter 515 is in the open position. When the ball removal shutter 515 is in the open position, the game ball B upstream of the ball removal port 513p in the ball storage passage 504 is discharged through the ball removal port 513p and the opening 515d into the ball receiving tray 620 below. This makes it possible to remove the circulating game ball B to the outside.

When game balls B accumulate in the ball receiving tray 620 and it becomes heavy, the ball receiving tray 620 is placed on the bottom wall of the tray insertion recess 401f, which is inclined so that the front end is lower, and the inclination of the bottom wall causes the ball receiving tray 620 to slide forward, but the locking claws 401n lock it in place and prevent it from sliding forward. In this state, when the locking claws 401n are released, the weight of the stored game balls B causes the ball receiving tray 620 to automatically slide forward, and the ball receiving tray 620 can be easily removed from the tray insertion recess 401f.

When the ball removal shutter 515 is assembled to the pachinko machine 1, the rear surface of the door frame 3 is close to the front surface of the knob portion 515b, and even if the ball removal shutter 515 tries to slide forward for some reason, the knob portion 515b abuts the door frame 3 and prevents it from sliding to the open position. This prevents the circulating game balls B from accidentally falling out and being lost, and prevents illegal game balls B from being mixed in through the ball removal opening 513p.

The magnet 516 is formed in a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the magnet support portion 515h of the ball removal shutter 515. This magnet 516 is for attracting the iron ball SB. The magnet 516 is made of a material with strong magnetic force, such as a neodymium magnet.

However, if the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment coexists with conventional pachinko machines in which players can touch game balls (iron balls SB) in an amusement hall or the like, there is a risk that the iron balls SB will become mixed in when the game balls B are replenished or replaced during maintenance of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment.

In contrast, in this pachinko machine 1, if an iron ball SB gets mixed in, the ball shutter 515 is provided with a magnet 516, so when the iron ball SB flows through the ball storage passage 504, the iron ball SB is magnetically attracted to the upper surface of the door section 515a of the ball shutter 515 in the closed position by the magnetic force of the magnet 516 and stops (see FIG. 25(a)). At this time, because a magnet 516 with strong magnetic force is used, even if a large number of game balls B accumulate upstream of the magnetically attracted iron ball SB and a force acts to press it downstream, the iron ball SB will not move from the upper surface of the door section 515a.

When the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the door portion 515a (magnet 516) of the ball removal shutter 515 in the ball storage passage 504, and the game ball B continues to be launched from the ball launch unit 450, the game balls B downstream of the magnetically attached iron ball SB are sequentially consumed, and the consumed (launched) game balls B are sequentially supplied upstream of the iron ball SB. Therefore, the detection of the game ball B is turned OFF in the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the lifting entrance sensor 553, which are provided downstream of the ball removal shutter 515, and the detection of the game ball B is turned ON in the circulating ball excess sensor 522, the out ball sensor 505, the safe ball sensor 506, the foul ball sensor 507, etc., which are provided upstream of the ball removal shutter 515. This makes it possible to detect and report the occurrence of ball clogging between the circulating ball shortage sensor 521, etc. and the circulating ball excess sensor 522, etc. In other words, it is possible to detect that the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the door portion 515a.

As shown in FIG. 25(a), when the ball shutter 515 is slid from the closed position to the forward open position while the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the upper surface of the door portion 515a of the ball shutter 515 by the magnetic force of the magnet 516, the front end of the iron ball SB magnetically attached to the upper surface of the door portion 515a abuts against the front wall of the first horizontal portion 513k, preventing only the iron ball SB from moving forward. Then, when the ball shutter 515 slides further forward, the door portion 515a that was supporting the lower end of the iron ball SB disappears, and the iron ball SB moves downward into the opening 515d due to gravity. At this time, the rear end side of the outer circumferential surface of the magnet 516 coincides with the inner surface of the front side of the opening 515d, so that the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the outer circumferential surface of the magnet 516 (see FIG. 25(b)).

The iron ball SB tries to move from the outer periphery of the magnet 516 to the pole with the stronger magnetic force (here, the bottom end face), but when the ball removal shutter 515 is in the open position, the top end face of the ball receiving tray 620 is located below the magnet 516, so the iron ball SB does not move below the magnet 516. Therefore, when the ball removal shutter 515 is slid to the open position, the iron ball B is located at a position overlapping with the opening 515d, and the game ball B upstream of the iron ball SB is not discharged downward through the opening 515d, i.e., the ball removal port 513p.

After sliding the ball removal shutter 515 to the open position, the ball removal shutter 515 is then slid rearward to the closed position, and the door portion 515a prevents the game ball B upstream of the iron ball SB from passing through the ball removal opening 513p, while the iron ball SB that was magnetized on the outer periphery of the magnet 516 moves to the underside of the magnet 516, and the iron ball SB becomes magnetically attached to the underside of the magnet 516 (see FIG. 25(c)). The ball receiving tray 620 is then pulled out and removed from the tray insertion recess 401f, and the iron ball SB that is magnetically attached to the underside of the magnet 516 is removed.

In this way, when the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the door portion 515a of the ball removal shutter 515 by the magnet 516, by sliding the ball removal shutter 515 back and forth, only the magnetically attached iron ball SB can be removed from the ball storage passage 504 to the outside.

The circulating ball path relay board 517 is attached to the rear of the foul ball passage 503 on the rear surface of the front ball receiving member 511, below the out ball receiving plate portion 511b of the rear ball receiving member 512. The circulating ball path relay board 517 is used to relay the connections between the out ball sensor 505, safe ball sensor 506, foul ball sensor 507, low circulating ball sensor 521, and high circulating ball sensor 522 and the frame control board 640, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the ball circulation path unit 500 has a ball receiving front plate 510, a ball receiving front member 511, a ball receiving rear member 512, a ball serpentine member 513, and a serpentine cover 514, which are made of transparent synthetic resin. Therefore, it is possible to visually check the internal condition from the outside.

The circulating ball path unit 500 is installed with the out ball sensor 505 and the foul ball sensor 507 sandwiched between the ball receiving front plate 510 and the ball receiving front member 511, and the safe ball sensor 506 is installed with the safe ball sensor 506 sandwiched between the ball receiving front member 511 and the ball receiving rear member 512. The out ball sensor 505 and the safe ball sensor 506 are arranged side by side, front to back.

The out ball sensor 505, safe ball sensor 506, foul ball sensor 507, insufficient circulating ball sensor 521, and excessive circulating ball sensor 522 detect game ball B in a non-contact manner, for example, by detecting changes in induced current.

The circulating ball path unit 500 is attached from the rear to the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401. When assembled to the main body frame 4, the circulating ball path unit 500 is attached so that the out ball receiving port 500a and the safe ball receiving port 500b are at the same height as the top surface of the base wall portion 401b and in contact with the rear edge of the top surface of the base wall portion 401b.

In addition, when assembled to the main body frame 4, the circulating ball path unit 500 is attached so that the ball sending unit 600 is positioned between it and the base wall portion 401b.

Furthermore, when the circulating ball path unit 500 is assembled to the main body frame 4, the portions of the ball snaking member 513 and the snaking cover 514 forward of the center in the fore-and-aft direction protrude forward through the ball storage path insertion port 401g provided in the base wall portion 401b from the rear. As a result, when the door frame 3 is opened relative to the main body frame 4, the game ball B in the ball snaking member 513 (ball storage path 504) can be seen from the front (outside).

When the circulating ball path unit 500 is assembled to the main body frame 4 and the frame base unit 630 is opened to the rear, the interiors of the out ball path 501, the safe ball path 502, the foul ball path 503, and the areas of the ball storage path 504 rearward of the base wall portion 401b can be seen from the rear. As a result, when a ball jam occurs, the inside of the out ball path 501, etc. can be checked by opening the frame base unit 630, making it easy to identify the location of the jam.

When the circulating ball path unit 500 is assembled to the main body frame 4, the second horizontal section 513o of the ball snaking member 513 is located behind the base wall section 401b and below the ball launching unit 450. In other words, the circulating ball path unit 500 has a ball discharge port 500d that opens to the right behind the base wall section 401b and at a lower position than the ball launching unit 450. This ball discharge port 500d is connected to the ball lifting inlet passage 551 of the ball lifting unit 550, which will be described later.

The circulating ball path unit 500 of this embodiment has a gauge section 520 that allows visual inspection of the appropriate amount of game balls B stored in the ball storage passage 504 (ball serpentine member 513), a circulating ball shortage sensor 521 for detecting when there are too few stored game balls B (circulating balls), and a circulating ball excess sensor 522 for detecting when there are too many stored game balls B (circulating balls) (see Figure 37).

The gauge section 520 is a region of a predetermined length that is colored a different color from other areas in the direction of ball flow in the ball storage passage 504 of the ball snaking member 513. Here, the appropriate amount is defined as the state in which the rear end of the row of game balls B stored in a line is hanging on the gauge section 520.

When the gauge section 520 is viewed during maintenance, etc., if no game balls B can be seen in the gauge section 520 (appropriate amount area), it is clear that there are fewer game balls B than the appropriate amount. To replenish game balls B, insert game balls B into the out port 1008 of the game board 5, or into the out ball receiving port 500a or safe ball receiving port 500b until the appropriate amount is reached.

On the other hand, when looking at the gauge section 520, if game balls B can be seen in all parts of the gauge section 520 (the rear end of the row of game balls B is not visible), it can be determined that there are more game balls B than is appropriate. If there are too many game balls B, the ball removal shutter 515 is pulled forward and slid to the open position, thereby discharging the game balls B in the ball storage passage 504 from the ball removal opening 513p to bring the amount to the appropriate level.

The low circulating ball sensor 521 is provided near the downstream end of the gauge section 520 in the ball storage passage 504. The excess circulating ball sensor 522 is provided near the upstream end of the gauge section 520 in the ball storage passage 504. The low circulating ball sensor 521 and the excess circulating ball sensor 522 are connected to the frame control board 640 via the circulating ball path relay board 517.

Details will be described later, but when there is an appropriate amount of game balls B, the under-circulating ball sensor 521 detects game ball B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or more, and the excess circulating ball sensor 522 does not detect game ball B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or more. When there are too few game balls B, neither the under-circulating ball sensor 521 nor the excess circulating ball sensor 522 detects game ball B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or more. On the other hand, when there is too many game balls B, both the under-circulating ball sensor 521 and the excess circulating ball sensor 522 detect game ball B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or more. In addition, if the under-circulating ball sensor 521 does not detect game ball B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or more, and the over-circulating ball sensor 522 detects game ball B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or more, a ball jam including the inclusion of iron ball SB has occurred between the under-circulating ball sensor 521 and the over-circulating ball sensor 522.

Here, the reason for the predetermined time k80 ms as a threshold for detecting the presence or absence of game ball B will be explained. For example, on the circulation path R, the positions where sensors such as the circulating ball excess sensor 522, the circulating ball shortage sensor 521, the lifting inlet sensor 553, the lifting outlet sensor 554, and the launch front sensor 604 are placed are placed at the stopping position of game ball B when the ball lifting unit 550 and the ball sending unit 600 are stopped. This position is the position where the next game ball B is located every time one game ball B is sent. Therefore, the detection method here is whether or not the game ball B is detected for 80 ms or more. This is because the time it takes to detect game ball B rolling on a slope with an inclination of about 5 degrees is about 50 ms, so a margin is added to detect the presence of game ball B at that position with certainty, and it is detected at 80 ms. In other words, this value of 80 ms is a practical value obtained by experiment.

In this way, by combining the detection states of game balls B by the low circulating ball sensor 521 and the high circulating ball sensor 522, the frame control board 640 can automatically determine and report the amount of game balls B, ball clogging, etc.

In the above embodiment, the gauge section 520 in the spherical serpentine member 513 is colored in a different color to the other areas of the appropriate amount area, but the gauge section 520 in the spherical serpentine member 513 may be molded in a different color, a sticker may be attached as the gauge section, or colored lines may be drawn at the downstream and upstream ends of the appropriate amount area.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and a circulating ball excess sensor 522 are provided, but the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 may be replaced with a lifting inlet sensor described below, and the circulating ball excess sensor 522 may be replaced with an out ball sensor 505, a safe ball sensor 506, or a foul ball sensor 507.

[4-4a. Ball jamming elimination mechanism]
Next, in the circulating ball path unit 500, a ball jamming elimination mechanism 530 may be provided to facilitate the elimination of ball jams in the out ball sensor 505 and the safe ball sensor 506, as shown in Figure 28. Figure 28(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the essential parts of the rear cross section cut at the out ball sensor with the cover member of the ball elimination mechanism in the circulating ball path unit attached to the main body frame closed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the cover member in (a) in the open state.

The ball jamming elimination mechanism 530 is configured by forming an openable and closable lid member 531 on the wall portion above the out ball sensor 505 and safe ball sensor 506 in the front ball receiving member 511 and rear ball receiving member 512 of the circulating ball path unit 500. As shown in FIG. 28(a), the lid member 531 is normally closed. The lid member 531 is held in the closed state by a locking claw (not shown).

This ball jamming clearing mechanism 530 is used to clear jams that occur in the out ball passage 501 or the safe ball passage 502, or when a fraudulent ball B' with a larger diameter than the game ball B is inserted as a fraudulent act, blocking the out ball sensor 505, etc.

For example, if an illegal ball B' with a larger diameter than the game ball B is inserted from the outlet 1008 of the game board 5 and the out ball sensor 505 is blocked, the rear of the circulating ball path unit 500 will appear when the main frame 4 is opened relative to the outer frame 2 and the frame base unit 630 is opened. In this embodiment, a gap into which a finger can be inserted is formed between the part of the circulating ball path unit 500 where the ball jamming elimination mechanism 530 is provided and the box main body part 404b of the main frame speaker box 404, so that the locking claw of the cover member 531 can be released through the gap and the cover member 531 can be opened by rotating it so that the lower end of the cover member 531 moves upward (see FIG. 28(b)).

By opening the cover member 531, a finger can be inserted into the upper portion of the out ball sensor 505 in the out ball passage 501, making it possible to easily remove the illegal ball B' that is blocking the out ball sensor 505. In this way, the illegal ball B' can be easily removed without having to remove the circulating ball passage unit 500, which is screwed in place using a screwdriver.

In addition, even if the safe ball sensor 506 is blocked by the illegal ball B', the illegal ball B' can be removed by following the same procedure as above.

In the above, the ball jamming elimination mechanism 530 is shown to have an openable and closable lid member 531, but for example, elastic claws may be provided on the rear ball receiving member 512 and the front ball receiving member 511, and the rear ball receiving member 512 and the front ball receiving member 511 may be made detachable toward the rear by engaging the elastic claws. In this case, under normal conditions, the frame base unit 630 is located behind the circulating ball path unit 500, and even if the elastic claws become loose, the rear ball receiving member 512 and the front ball receiving member 511 will not come off toward the rear. If the out ball sensor 505 is blocked by an illegal ball B', the main frame 4 is opened relative to the outer frame 2, and the frame base unit 630 is then opened, revealing the rear of the circulating ball path unit 500. By releasing the elastic claws that attach the rear ball receiving member 512 and the front ball receiving member 511, the rear ball receiving member 512 and the front ball receiving member 511 can be easily removed, and the illegal ball B' blocking the out ball sensor 505 can be easily removed.

Alternatively, the ball jamming elimination mechanism 530 may be such that the upper part of the out ball sensor 505 of the ball receiving front member 511 sandwiched between the ball receiving front plate 510 and the ball receiving rear member 512 can be slid upward and removed. In this case, under normal conditions, the game board 5 is located above the circulating ball path unit 500, and the sliding part of the ball receiving front member 511 does not come off upward due to the action of gravity. If the out ball sensor 505 is blocked by an illegal ball B', the door frame 3 is opened relative to the main body frame 4 and the game board 5 is removed from the main body frame 4, and the upper part of the circulating ball path unit 500 is revealed. The sliding part of the ball receiving front member 511 can be slid upward and removed to easily remove the illegal ball B' blocking the out ball sensor 505.

[4-5. Ball lifting unit]
The ball lifting unit 550 in the main body frame 4 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 29 to 32. Figure 29(a) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main body frame seen from the front left, (b) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main body frame seen from the front right, and (c) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main body frame seen from the rear. Figure 30(a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball lifting unit disassembled into its main components and seen from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball lifting unit disassembled into its main components and seen from the rear. Figure 31 is a front view showing an enlarged view of the main parts of the ball lifting unit attached to the main body frame with the ball grinding cassette removed. Figure 32(a) is a right side view showing the main parts of the ball grinding mechanism and ball lifting mechanism in the ball lifting unit, (b) is a rear view showing the main parts of the ball lifting mechanism, and (c) is a plan view of the main parts of the ball lifting mechanism seen from the arrow A in (b).

The ball lifting unit 550 is for sending the game ball B, which is discharged from the game board 5 or the foul unit 470 and circulates through the circulating ball path unit 500, to the ball launching unit 450 via the ball sending unit 600. The ball lifting unit 550 is attached to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j provided on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401.

The ball lifting unit 550 is equipped with a ball lifting mechanism 560 for lifting game balls B, a ball lifting inlet passage 551 that supplies game balls B sent from the circulating ball path unit 500 to the ball lifting mechanism 560, a ball lifting outlet passage 552 that supplies game balls B lifted by the ball lifting mechanism 560 to the ball sending unit 600, a lifting inlet sensor 553 provided in the ball lifting inlet passage 551 for detecting game balls B in circulation, and a lifting outlet sensor 554 provided in the ball lifting outlet passage 552 for detecting game balls B in circulation.

The ball lifting unit 550 also includes a ball lifting inlet earth metal plate 555 that is arranged so as to be in contact with the game ball B in the ball lifting inlet passage 551, a ball lifting outlet earth metal plate 556 that is arranged so as to be in contact with the game ball B in the ball lifting outlet passage 552, a ball lifting relay board 557 that relays the connection with the frame control board 640, and a ball polishing mechanism 580 for polishing the game ball B lifted by the ball lifting mechanism 560.

First, the ball lifting mechanism 560 of the ball lifting unit 550 includes a lifting spiral shaft 561 that extends vertically and has a helical lifting groove 561a on its outer circumferential surface, a shaft gear 562 attached to the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561, a motor gear 563 that meshes with the shaft gear 562 and can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the lifting spiral shaft 561, a lifting motor 564 with the motor gear 563 attached to its rotating shaft for rotating the lifting spiral shaft 561, a lifting motor index 565 that has a detection portion 565a that is notched out in a portion of the circumference extending from the lower end of the shaft gear 562 in a flange-like shape, and a lifting motor index sensor 566 that can detect the detection portion 565a of the lifting motor index 565.

The ball lifting mechanism 560 also includes a motor base metal plate 567 to which the lifting motor 564 is attached and which rotatably supports the motor gear 563, and a lifting mechanism base 568 and a lifting mechanism cover 569 which are attached to the motor base metal plate 567 and which rotatably support the lifting spiral shaft 561 and are attached to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401.

The lifting spiral shaft 561 has a spiral lifting groove 561a on its outer periphery, with a depth that allows game balls B to be stored in a row. The lifting groove 561a is formed so that the lifting spiral shaft 561 can lift the game balls B by rotating in a clockwise direction when viewed from above in the axial direction (see FIG. 32(c)). The spiral pitch of the lifting groove 561a is longer near the upper and lower ends than between them. The lifting spiral shaft 561 is rotatably supported by the lifting mechanism base 568 and the lifting mechanism cover 569. The rotation axis of this lifting spiral shaft 561 is inclined relative to the vertical so that the upper end is located to the right of the lower end when viewed from the front. This allows the upper end side of the lifting spiral shaft 561 to be moved away from the ball sending unit to the right, making it possible to relatively lengthen the length of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 and increase the amount of game balls B that can be stored. In this embodiment, the axis of rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561 is inclined at an angle of 12 degrees to the vertical.

The shaft gear 562 is a spur gear. The motor gear 563 is a worm gear. As a result, even if the lifting spiral shaft 561 tries to rotate due to the load acting when a large number of game balls B are contained in the lifting groove 561a of the lifting spiral shaft 561, the rotation can be prevented by the motor gear 563, which is made of a worm gear meshed with the shaft gear 562. The lifting motor 564 is a DC motor.

The lifting motor index 565 is integrally molded with the shaft gear 562 in a flange shape. The detection section 565a of the lifting motor index 565 is provided so that a 45 degree angle range is cut out around the entire circumference. The lifting motor index sensor 566 is a photosensor. The lifting motor index sensor 566 is in a light receiving state at the detection section 565a of the lifting motor index 565, and is light-shielded and in a non-light receiving state at areas other than the detection section 565a. This makes it possible to detect the rotational position of the lifting spiral shaft 561 via the lifting motor index 565.

Although the details will be described later, the lifting spiral shaft 561 rotates once when the rotating shaft of the lifting motor 564 rotates 32 times due to the shaft gear 562 and the motor gear 563. Then, when the lifting motor 564 rotates 28 times after the lifting motor index sensor 566 is located at a position other than the detection unit 565a and enters a non-light receiving state, it reaches the detection unit 565a and enters a light receiving state, and when the lifting motor 564 rotates another four times after entering the light receiving state, it moves away from the detection unit 565a and enters a non-light receiving state. In this embodiment, the position where the lifting motor 564 rotates two times after reaching the detection unit 565a and entering the light receiving state is set as the origin. In other words, the center of the detection unit 565a is set as the origin of rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561.

The motor base metal plate 567 has the lifting motor 564 attached to its left end when viewed from the front, and rotatably supports the right end of the motor gear 563 at its right end. The motor base metal plate 567 has its upper end attached to the lifting mechanism base 568 and its lower end attached to the lifting mechanism cover 569.

The lifting mechanism base 568 cooperates with the lifting mechanism cover 569 to house the lifting spiral shaft 561 and rotatably supports the lifting spiral shaft 561. The lifting mechanism base 568 has a ball polishing opening 568a that penetrates from front to back so that the lifting spiral shaft 561 faces forward and is large enough that the game ball B cannot pass through. This ball polishing opening 568a is provided so that a part of the game ball B lifted by the lifting spiral shaft 561 protrudes forward, and the part of the game ball B that protrudes forward beyond the ball polishing opening 568a comes into contact with the polishing cloth 582 of the ball polishing mechanism 580, thereby polishing the game ball B.

The lifting mechanism base 568 is provided with a downstream portion of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 at a position to the right of the lifting spiral shaft 561 near its lower end when viewed from the front. The portion of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 opens at its upstream end toward the rear and slopes downward toward the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 on the left. In addition, a lifting inlet sensor 553 is attached to the lifting mechanism base 568 at a position to the right of the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 when viewed from the front.

The lifting mechanism base 568 also has an upstream portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 near its upper end. The portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 slopes downward from the front of the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 to the left when viewed from the front, then slopes downward toward the rear, with the downstream end opening toward the rear. The ball lifting outlet passage 552 slopes downward from the portion of the lifting mechanism base 568 that opens toward the rear to the left, then slopes downward toward the front, and opens toward the front at its front end. This portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 is formed by the cooperation of the lifting mechanism base 568 and the lifting mechanism cover 569.

The lifting mechanism base 568 also has a grinding motor base 586, to which the grinding motor 588 of the grinding mechanism 580 is attached, which is rotatable about an axis extending vertically.

The lifting mechanism cover 569 cooperates with the lifting mechanism base 568 to house the lifting spiral shaft 561 and rotatably supports the lifting spiral shaft 561. It is attached from the rear to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401. A ball lifting relay board 557 is attached to the rear surface of the lifting mechanism cover 569.

The lifting mechanism cover 569 has a portion upstream of the portion of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 provided on the lifting mechanism base 568. The downstream end of the portion of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 opens forward at a location on the right side of the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 when viewed from the front, extends rearward, bends leftward, passes behind the lifting spiral shaft 561, extends diagonally forward, and the upstream end opens to the left. A ball lifting inlet earth metal plate 555 is attached to this lifting mechanism cover 569 behind the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 so as to be able to come into contact with the game ball B flowing through the ball lifting inlet passage 551.

The lifting mechanism cover 569 also has a portion downstream of the portion provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 in the ball lifting outlet passage 552. The portion provided on the lifting mechanism cover 569 in the ball lifting outlet passage 552 has an upstream end that opens rearward, bends leftward when viewed from the front, extends leftward to the left end, then bends forward, and has a downstream end that opens forward at the front end of the lifting mechanism cover 569.

A lifting outlet sensor 554 is attached to the lifting mechanism cover 569 near the left end of the portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 that extends to the left when viewed from the front. A ball lifting outlet earth metal plate 556 is attached to the lifting mechanism cover 569 upstream of the lifting outlet sensor 554 in the portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 that extends to the left.

The ball lifting inlet passage 551 of the ball lifting unit 550 has an opening (inlet) at the upstream end that opens to the left near the lower part of the left side surface of the ball lifting unit 550. This opening is provided so as to face the ball discharge port 500d of the circulating ball path unit 500 when assembled to the main body frame 4. The ball lifting inlet passage 551 is inclined so as to become lower toward the right from the left end inlet, and after extending to the right of the lifting spiral shaft 561 to bypass the rear of the lifting spiral shaft 561, it turns back to the front side and extends to the left near the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561. Then, it bends in a crank shape so as to wrap around the front side of the lifting spiral shaft 561 near the lifting spiral shaft 561, and communicates with the lifting groove 561a of the lifting spiral shaft 561 on the front side near the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561.

The ball lifting inlet passage 551 is arranged so that the opening at the upstream end faces the ball discharge port 500d, which forms the opening at the downstream end of the ball storage passage 504 in the circulating ball path unit 500, and game balls B that have circulated through the ball storage passage 504 are handed over and circulated.

The ball lifting inlet passage 551 is provided with a lifting inlet sensor 553 at a location that is lower toward the left near the downstream end where it meets the lifting spiral shaft 561, and a ball lifting inlet earth metal plate 555 is attached to the rear of the lifting spiral shaft 561.

The ball lifting outlet passage 552 is connected to the lifting groove 561a at the front side near the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 near the upper end of the ball lifting unit 550 at its upstream end, extends to the left of the lifting spiral shaft 561, then bends backward, extends to the same position as the rear end of the lifting spiral shaft 561, and then bends to the left. From there, it extends to the left near the left end of the ball lifting unit 550 and bends forward, and its downstream end opens forward at the front surface of the ball lifting unit 550 (lifting mechanism cover 569).

The ball lifting outlet passage 552 is arranged so that the opening at the downstream end faces the ball supply port of the ball sending unit described below, and can supply game balls B to the ball sending unit 600.

The ball lifting exit passage 552 has a lifting exit sensor 554 near the left end of the section that extends leftward near the rear end of the ball lifting unit 550, and a ball lifting exit earth metal plate 556 is attached upstream (to the right) of that. The bottom wall of the section of the ball lifting exit passage 552 where the ball lifting exit earth metal plate 556 is located has an opening that is large enough not to interfere with the flow of the game ball B, and dust, debris, etc. can be discharged to the outside through the opening.

The lifting entrance sensor 553 detects the presence or absence of the game ball B to be lifted when the lifting motor 564 is driven to rotate the lifting spiral shaft 561 to lift the game ball B. Details will be described later, but when the lifting entrance sensor 553 does not detect the game ball B, the lifting motor 564 is not driven.

The lifting exit sensor 554 detects the presence or absence of game balls B being supplied to the ball sending unit. Details will be described later, but when the lifting entrance sensor 553 detects game balls B and the lifting exit sensor 554 does not detect game balls B, and a predetermined condition is met (here, the launch subtraction sensor 454 subtracts a predetermined number (e.g., three) of game balls B), the lifting motor 564 is driven to rotate the lifting spiral shaft 561, and a predetermined number of game balls B are lifted.

The lifting inlet sensor 553 and the lifting outlet sensor 554 detect the game ball B in a non-contact manner, for example, by detecting a change in induced current.

The ball lifting inlet earth metal plate 555 removes static electricity from the game ball B supplied to the ball lifting inlet passage 551 from the circulating ball path unit 500. The ball lifting inlet earth metal plate 555 is provided upstream of the lifting inlet sensor 553. This allows the static electricity from the game ball B passing through the lifting inlet sensor 553 to be removed in advance, preventing false detection by the lifting inlet sensor 553 or failure of the frame control board 640 due to static electricity from the game ball B.

The ball lifting outlet earth metal plate 556 removes static electricity from the game ball B that has been lifted by the ball lifting mechanism 560 and polished by the ball polishing mechanism 580. The ball lifting outlet earth metal plate 556 is located upstream of the lifting outlet sensor 554. This allows the static electricity from the game ball B that passes through the lifting outlet sensor 554 to be removed in advance, preventing false detection by the lifting outlet sensor 554 and failure of the frame control board 640 due to static electricity from the game ball B.

The ball lift relay board 557 is used to relay the connections between the lift inlet sensor 553, the lift outlet sensor 554, the lift motor 564, the lift motor index sensor 566, the ball motor 588, etc. and the frame control board 640. The ball lift relay board 557 is attached to the rear side of the lift mechanism cover 569.

The ball polishing mechanism 580 is attached to the front side of the ball lifting mechanism 560. The ball polishing mechanism 580 includes a ball polishing cassette 581 in the shape of a vertically elongated rectangular box, an endless belt-like polishing cloth 582 partially exposed to the outside at the rear of the ball polishing cassette 581, a sheet-like ball polishing sponge 583 provided between the exposed part of the polishing cloth 582 and the rear of the ball polishing cassette 581, a ball polishing feed gear 584 supported rotatably around a left-right axis at the bottom of the ball polishing cassette 581, and a ball polishing driven gear 585 that meshes with the ball polishing feed gear 584 across the polishing cloth 582 and is supported rotatably around a left-right axis.

The ball grinding mechanism 580 is made up of a flat ball grinding motor base 586 that extends vertically to the left of the ball grinding cassette 581 with a constant depth from front to back and its rear end edge rotatably attached to the lifting mechanism base 568, a gear cover 587 attached to the left side of the ball grinding motor base 586, a ball grinding motor 588 that is attached to the left side of the gear cover 587 and whose rotating shaft protrudes between the gear cover 587 and the ball grinding motor base 586, a spur gear-shaped motor gear 589 attached to the rotating shaft of the ball grinding motor 588, and a gear meshing with the motor gear 589. The transmission gear 590 has a large diameter spur gear-shaped gear portion 590a that meshes with the large diameter gear portion 590a, and a small diameter spur gear-shaped gear portion 590b that rotates integrally with the large diameter gear portion 590a, and is rotatably supported between the motor base 586 and the gear cover 587; a spur gear-shaped transmission gear 591 that meshes with the small diameter gear portion 590b of the transmission gear 590 and is rotatably supported between the motor base 586 and the gear cover 587; and a rotary connecting portion 592 that rotates integrally with the transmission gear 591, passes through the motor base 586, and protrudes to the right.

Furthermore, the ball grinding mechanism 580 abuts against the front surface of the ball grinding cassette 581, and is equipped with a flat cassette pressing piece 593 whose left end is engaged with the front end of the ball grinding motor base 586 and whose right end is attached to the front surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401, and a Nylatch 594 which detachably attaches the right end of the cassette pressing piece 593 to the front surface of the base wall portion 401b.

The ball polishing cassette 581 of the ball polishing mechanism 580 is formed in a hollow box shape, and has slits at both the upper and lower edges of the rear surface through which the polishing cloth 582 can pass. The ball polishing cassette 581 is detachably attached from the front to the lifting mechanism base 568 of the ball lifting mechanism 560 so as to close the ball polishing opening 568a.

The polishing cloth 582 is formed in the shape of an endless loop belt with a constant width on both sides. As shown in FIG. 32(a), the polishing cloth 582 is stored in the ball polishing cassette 581 in a state where it snakes back and forth, and a portion of it is exposed behind the rear surface of the ball polishing cassette 581 through the slits at the top and bottom of the ball polishing cassette 581.

The ball polishing sponge 583 is provided between the rear surface of the ball polishing cassette 581 and the portion of the polishing cloth 582 exposed to the rear, and is attached to the rear surface of the ball polishing cassette 581. The inner surface of the polishing cloth 582 contacts the rear surface of the ball polishing sponge 583. When assembled to the ball lifting unit 550, the ball polishing sponge 583 elastically presses the polishing cloth 582 against the game ball B exposed to the front from the ball polishing port 568a of the ball lifting mechanism 560, so that the polishing cloth 582 comes into contact with a wider area of the spherical surface of the game ball B. The ball polishing sponge 583 is attached to the ball polishing cassette 581 so that it can be replaced.

When the ball grinding cassette 581 is attached, the ball grinding feed gear 584 is arranged so that its axis coincides with the axis of the transmission gear 591 (rotational coupling part 592), and the left end of the rotating shaft is coupled to the rotational coupling part 592 and rotates integrally with the transmission gear 591.

The ball-polished driven gear 585 is engaged with the ball-polished feed gear 584 so that there is a gap between them that allows the polishing cloth 582 to fit in. When the ball-polished feed gear 584 rotates, it rotates in the opposite direction and can feed the polishing cloth 582 that is sandwiched between the ball-polished feed gear 584 and the ball-polished feed gear 584.

The ball grinding motor base 586 extends vertically along the left side surface of the ball grinding cassette 581, and its rear end edge is rotatably attached to the lifting mechanism base 568 around an axis extending in the vertical direction. This allows the front end of the ball grinding motor base 586 to rotate in a direction away from the ball grinding cassette 581. The ball grinding motor base 586 has a locking hole 586a that penetrates from left to right at a location above the vertical center on the front end edge. A locking hook portion 593a provided at the left end of the cassette pressing piece 593 is inserted into this locking hole 586a to lock it.

The ball polishing motor 588 is controlled independently of the operation of the lifting motor 564, and is controlled so that the polishing cloth 582 moves 0.17 mm every time 1,000 game balls B are shot.

The cassette pressing piece 593 extends to the left and right, and at its left end is provided a hook-shaped locking hook portion 593a that is inserted into and locked into the locking hole 586a of the ball-shaped motor base 586. A Nylatch 594 is provided near the right end of the cassette pressing piece 593.

The Nylatch 594 can be locked by pressing the operating part 594a, and can be unlocked by pulling it towards you.

The ball lifting unit 550 of this embodiment is attached to the rear side of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401 in a state where it is assembled to the main body frame 4. When this ball lifting unit 550 is assembled to the main body frame base 401 of the main body frame 4, the ball lifting unit 550 is attached to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j provided on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b in a state where the ball grinding cassette 581 and cassette pressing piece 593 of the ball lifting mechanism 580 are removed from the ball lifting mechanism 560. At this time, the ball grinding motor base 586 protruding forward from the lifting mechanism base 568 is made to protrude at its front end forward of the base wall portion 401b through the portion penetrating the front and rear of the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j. In this state, the ball polishing port 568a of the lifting mechanism base 568 of the ball lifting mechanism 560 is located at the penetrating portion of the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b, and the game ball B being lifted up to the lifting spiral shaft 561 can be seen from the front of the base wall portion 401b (main body frame 4) through the ball polishing port 568a (see FIG. 31). In other words, by opening the door frame 3 for the main body frame 4 and removing the ball polishing cassette 581, the lifting spiral shaft 561 and the game ball B being lifted up to the lifting spiral shaft 561 can be seen from the front.

After attaching the ball lifting mechanism 560 side of the ball lifting unit 550 to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j of the base wall portion 401b, place the ball polishing cassette 581 in front of the lifting mechanism base 568 so that the ball polishing opening 568a is closed from the front, with the surface on which the polishing cloth 582 is exposed facing backwards from the front of the base wall portion 401b. At this time, rotate the ball polishing motor base 586 so that its tip side is away from the ball polishing cassette 581.

Then, the locking hook 593a at the left end of the cassette pressing piece 593 is inserted into the locking hole 586a at the front end of the ball grinding motor base 586 to lock it, and the cassette pressing piece 593 is pushed backward to press the ball grinding cassette 581 backward. As a result, the ball grinding motor base 586 rotates so that it is parallel to the left side of the ball grinding cassette 581, and the rotating connection part 592 protruding from the right side of the ball grinding motor base 586 engages with the left end of the ball grinding feed gear 584 supported by the ball grinding cassette 581. Then, by pressing the operating part 594a of the Nylatch 594 to lock it, the right end side of the cassette pressing piece 593 is attached to the front surface of the base wall part 401b, and the installation of the ball grinding cassette 581 is completed.

To remove the ball grinding cassette 581, pull the operating part 594a of the Nylatch 594 toward you to release the lock, then follow the steps above in reverse to remove the ball grinding cassette 581.

In this embodiment, when the ball lifting unit 550 is assembled to the main frame 4, the opening at the upstream end of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 faces the ball discharge port 500d of the circulating ball path unit 500, and the game ball B that has flowed through the serpentine ball storage passage 504 is supplied. The game ball B supplied to the ball lifting inlet passage 551 comes into contact with the ball lifting inlet earth metal plate 555 to remove static electricity, and is then detected by the lifting inlet sensor 553 and supplied to the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561. At this time, the game ball B is inserted into the ball polishing port 568a, the front end of which penetrates forward, and the front end of the game ball B comes into contact with the polishing cloth 582 of the ball polishing mechanism 580, and the vertically long ball polishing port 568a restricts movement in the left and right directions.

In this state, when the lifting motor 564 rotates the lifting spiral shaft 561 in a direction to lift the game ball B, the game ball B is pushed from below by the lifting groove 561a and moves upward along the ball polishing mouth 568a. At this time, the game ball B moves upward while rotating while contacting the part extending up and down on the inner periphery of the ball polishing mouth 568a and the lifting groove 561a. As a result, the part of the game ball B that contacts the polishing cloth 582 on the front end side changes as the game ball B rises (rotates), making it possible to polish the entire surface of the game ball B evenly.

When the game ball B reaches the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561, it enters the ball lifting exit passage 552, comes into contact with the ball lifting exit earth metal plate 556, is detected by the lifting exit sensor 554, and is sent to the ball sending unit from the downstream end of the ball lifting exit passage 552. At this time, even if the game ball B is polished by the polishing cloth 582 as it is lifted by the ball lifting mechanism 560 and becomes statically charged, the static electricity is removed by contact with the ball lifting exit earth metal plate 556 upstream of the lifting exit sensor 554, and no malfunctions due to static electricity from the ball polishing will occur in the lifting exit sensor 554, the frame control board 640, etc.

On the other hand, in the polishing mechanism 580, when the polishing motor 588 rotates the polishing feed gear 584 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the right side with the polishing cassette 581 attached, the part of the polishing cloth 582 exposed to the outside from the rear surface of the polishing cassette 581 passes through the slit on the bottom of the polishing cassette 581 and is accommodated in the polishing cassette 581. At this time, the part of the polishing cloth 582 exposed to the outside is pulled downward, so that the part of the polishing cloth 582 accommodated in the polishing cassette 581 is pulled out from the outside through the slit on the top of the polishing cassette 581.

The polishing cloth 582 of the ball polishing mechanism 580 moves intermittently at a slow speed. In this embodiment, the polishing cloth 582 moves 0.17 mm every time 1,000 game balls B are shot.

In this way, the ball lifting unit 550 of this embodiment can polish the game ball B while supplying the game ball B discharged from the circulating ball path unit 500 to the ball sending unit 600.

[4-6. Ball throwing unit]
The ball throwing unit 600 in the main body frame 4 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 33 to 35. Figure 33(a) is a perspective view of the ball throwing unit in the main body frame as seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball throwing unit in the main body frame as seen from the back. Figure 34(a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball throwing unit as seen from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball throwing unit as seen from the back. Figure 35 is a front cross-sectional view of the ball throwing unit cut at the location of the pre-launch sensor.

The ball sending unit 600 is for supplying the game balls B lifted by the ball lifting unit 550 one by one to the ball launching unit 450. The ball sending unit 600 is attached to the ball sending unit mounting portion 401k provided on the rear side of the base wall portion 401b in the main body frame base 401. The ball sending unit 600 faces upward from the upper surface of the base wall portion 401b so as to be sandwiched between the base wall portion 401b and the circulating ball path unit 500, and is attached detachably upward.

The ball sending unit 600 is provided with a ball supply port 601 that opens at the rear and through which the game ball B supplied from the ball lifting unit 550 can enter, a ball sending port 602 that opens at the front and sends the game ball B to the ball launch pad 452b of the ball launching unit 450, a ball sending passage 603 that connects the ball supply port 601 and the ball sending port 602 and through which the game ball B can flow, a launching sensor 604 that can detect the game ball B flowing through the ball sending passage 603, a ball sending movable member 605 that releases the game balls B detected by the launching sensor 604 one by one from the ball sending port 602, a ball sending solenoid 606 that moves the ball sending movable member 605 to send the game ball B to the ball launching unit 450, and a ball sending relay board 607 that relays the connection between the ball sending solenoid 606, the launching sensor 604, and the frame control board 640.

The ball sending unit 600 also includes a transmission member 608 that transmits the movement of the plunger in the ball sending solenoid 606 to move the ball sending movable member 605, a box-shaped unit base 609 that is open to the rear and has a launch sensor 604 and a ball sending solenoid 606 inside, and a flat unit cover 610 that is attached to close the opening at the rear end of the unit base 609.

The ball supply port 601 of the ball sending unit 600 is provided by penetrating the unit cover 610 that constitutes the rear of the ball sending unit 600, and is provided in the area from the center to the upper right when viewed from the front. The ball supply port 601 is formed in a size that allows game balls B to pass through one at a time.

The ball sending outlet 602 penetrates the unit base 609 that constitutes the front side of the ball sending unit 600 from front to back, and is located in a position lower than the center when viewed from the front. The ball sending outlet 602 is formed to a size that allows game balls B to pass through one at a time.

The ball sending passage 603 connects the ball supply inlet 601 and the ball sending outlet 602, and extends lower to the left from the ball supply inlet 601 to the upper part of the ball sending outlet 602, and then extends downward to the ball sending outlet 602. A pre-launch sensor 604 is provided near the left end of the part of the ball sending passage 603 that extends to the left. In addition, the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball sending movable member 605 is located in the part of the ball sending passage 603 that extends up and down behind the ball sending outlet 602.

The pre-launch sensor 604 is located near the left end of the ball-transporting passage 603, where it extends lower to the left. In other words, the pre-launch sensor 604 is located immediately upstream of the ball-receiving portion 605a of the ball-transporting movable member 605. This pre-launch sensor 604 detects the game ball B in a non-contact manner, for example, by detecting a change in induced current.

The ball-transporting movable member 605 is movable by the drive of the ball-transporting solenoid 606 to release the game balls B in the ball-transporting passage 603 one by one from the ball-transporting outlet 602 and supply them to the ball launching unit 450. The ball-transporting movable member 605 has a ball receiving portion 605a that is U-shaped and open to the right and front and rear, with the bottom wall inclined toward the front and capable of accommodating only one game ball B, a shaft portion 605b that extends leftward from the left end of the ball receiving portion 605a, a bearing portion 605c that penetrates front and rear at the left end of the shaft portion 605b and into which the first shaft pin 610a of the unit cover 610 is inserted so as to be capable of relative rotation, and a movable gear portion 605d that is fan-shaped and arranged to the right on the same axis as the bearing portion 605c.

The ball sending solenoid 606 is for moving the ball sending movable member 605 to supply the game balls B in the ball sending passage 603 one by one from the ball sending outlet 602 to the ball launching unit 450. The ball sending solenoid 606 is located in the upper left corner when viewed from the front, between the unit base 609 and the unit cover 610, with the magnetic pole part that generates magnetic force when current is applied facing downward.

The ball sending relay board 607 is used to relay the connection between the launch front sensor 604 and ball sending solenoid 606 and the frame control board 640. The ball sending relay board 607 is located in the upper right corner when viewed from the front, between the unit base 609 and the unit cover 610.

The transmission member 608 transmits the forward and backward movement of the plunger of the ball-transporting solenoid 606 so that the ball-transporting movable member 605 can move. The transmission member 608 has a sheet metal holding portion 608b to which a magnetically attachable sheet metal 608a is attached to the magnetic pole portion of the ball-transporting solenoid 606, a rod portion 608c extending to the right from the sheet metal holding portion 608b, a bearing portion 608d penetrating the right end of the rod portion 608c from front to back and into which the second shaft pin 610b of the unit cover 610 is inserted so as to be capable of relative rotation, and a drive gear portion 608e that is fan-shaped to the left on the same axis as the bearing portion 608d and engages with the movable gear portion 605d of the ball-transporting movable member 605.

The unit base 609 is formed in a box shape that opens to the rear, and has a ball delivery port 602 that penetrates from front to back at a central lower part of the front side. The unit base 609 cooperates with the unit cover 610 to form the ball delivery passage 603, and also holds the pre-launch sensor 604, the ball delivery movable member 605, the ball delivery solenoid 606, the ball delivery relay board 607, and the transmission member 608.

The unit base 609 has a knob portion 609a that is recessed downward near the center of the left-right direction on the top surface, and an elastic claw 609b that is provided in the lower right corner of the front surface. The knob portion 609a is formed so that an operator can grasp it from above, and is used when removing the ball throwing unit 600 upward from the main body frame base 401 of the main body frame 4. The elastic claw 609b is designed to engage with an engagement hole in the ball throwing unit attachment portion 401k when the ball throwing unit 600 is attached to the ball throwing unit attachment portion 401k of the main body frame base 401, so that it cannot be removed upward.

When removing the ball-sending unit 600 from the main frame base 401, the elastic claw 609b, which passes through the locking hole in the base wall portion 401b and faces forward, is pressed backward to cause elastic deformation, and the knob portion 609a on the top surface is grasped and pulled up, allowing the ball-sending unit to be removed upward from the ball-sending unit mounting portion 401k of the main frame base 401.

The unit cover 610 has a ball supply port 601 penetrating from the center to the upper right when viewed from the front. The unit cover 610 cooperates with the unit base 609 to form a ball transmission passage 603, and holds the launch front sensor 604, the ball transmission movable member 605, the ball transmission solenoid 606, the ball transmission relay board 607, and the transmission member 608. The unit cover 610 has a first shaft pin 610a and a second shaft pin 610b that protrude forward in a cylindrical shape near the lower left corner when viewed from the front. The first shaft pin 610a can be inserted into the bearing portion 605c of the ball transmission movable member 605 to rotatably support the ball transmission movable member 605. The second shaft pin 610b can be inserted into the bearing portion 608d of the transmission member 608 to rotatably support the transmission member 608.

In the assembled state of the ball-sending unit 600 of this embodiment, the first shaft pin 610a is inserted into the bearing portion 605c of the ball-sending movable member 605, and the second shaft pin 610b is inserted into the bearing portion 608d of the transmission member 608, and the movable gear portion 605d of the ball-sending movable member 605 and the drive gear portion 608e of the transmission member 608 are meshed with each other. In this state, the ball receiving portion 605a at the right end of the ball-sending movable member 605 is located in a portion extending vertically behind the ball-sending opening 602 in the ball-sending passage 603, and when the ball-sending movable member 605 rotates around the bearing portion 605c, the ball receiving portion 605a moves vertically in the portion extending vertically in the ball-sending passage 603.

In the normal state of the ball sending unit 600, the ball sending solenoid 606 is not energized (OFF). Therefore, the metal plate 608a of the transmission member 608 is in a state where it is separated downward from the magnetic pole part of the ball sending solenoid 606 by gravity. In this state, the lower surface of the ball receiving part 605a of the ball sending movable member 605 abuts against the bottom wall of the downstream end of the ball sending passage 603, the front end opening of the ball receiving part 605a coincides with the ball sending outlet 602, and the right end opening of the ball receiving part 605a does not coincide with the ball sending passage 603. Therefore, the game ball B that has flowed from upstream toward the ball receiving part 605a abuts against the upper part of the U-shaped part of the ball receiving part 605a and is not received by the ball receiving part 605a. Meanwhile, the game ball B received in the ball receiving portion 605a rolls forward due to the inclination of the bottom wall of the ball receiving portion 605a and is released forward from the ball discharge port 602.

In this normal state, when the ball-transmitting solenoid 606 is energized (ON), the magnetic force generated in the magnetic pole of the ball-transmitting solenoid 606 attracts the metal plate 608a of the transmission member 608 to the upper magnetic pole, causing the transmission member 608 to rotate in a clockwise direction around its bearing portion 608d. When the transmission member 608 rotates in a clockwise direction, the ball-transmitting movable member 605 rotates in a counterclockwise direction around its bearing portion 605c due to the movable gear portion 605d of the ball-transmitting movable member 605, which is engaged with the drive gear portion 608e of the transmission member 608, causing the ball-transmitting movable member 605 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction around its bearing portion 605c, causing the ball receiving portion 605a to move upward.

When the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball-transporting movable member 605 moves upward, the front end opening of the ball receiving portion 605a does not coincide with the ball-transporting port 602, and the right end opening of the ball receiving portion 605a coincides with the ball-transporting passage 603, and the game ball B is received by the ball receiving portion 605a from the ball-transporting passage 603. In this state, since the right end opening of the ball receiving portion 605a does not coincide with the ball-transporting port 602, the game ball B received by the ball receiving portion 605a does not roll forward and is not released from the ball-transporting port 602. In addition, since the ball receiving portion 605a is sized to accommodate only one game ball B, when one game ball B is received by the ball receiving portion 605a, the game ball B upstream of it is not received by the ball receiving portion 605a.

After that, when the power supply to the ball-transporting solenoid 606 is stopped (OFF), the magnetic pole of the ball-transporting solenoid 606 is released from the metal plate 608a of the transmission member 608. At this time, since the game ball B is received in the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball-transporting movable member 605, the ball-transporting movable member 605 rotates clockwise around its bearing portion 605c so that the ball receiving portion 605a moves downward due to the weight of the game ball B, and the transmission member 608 rotates counterclockwise around its bearing portion 608d via the drive gear portion 608e that is engaged with the movable gear portion 605d of the ball-transporting movable member 605, returning to the normal state.

When the ball sending unit 600 returns to its normal state, the front end opening of the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball sending movable member 605 coincides with the ball sending outlet 602, so that the game ball B received in the ball receiving portion 605a rolls forward and is released from the ball sending outlet 602 to the ball launching unit 450.

In this way, according to the ball sending unit 600 of this embodiment, the game balls B can be sent one by one to the ball launching unit 450 by turning the ball sending solenoid 606 ON and OFF.

[4-7. Ball receiving tray]
The ball receiving tray 620 in the main body frame 4 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 7, 8, 10, etc. The ball receiving tray 620 is provided below the circulating ball path unit 500, and is for receiving the game balls B discharged from the ball ejection port 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500. The ball receiving tray 620 is formed in a container shape that is open upward, and the bottom wall is inclined so that it becomes lower toward the front.

The ball receiving tray 620 is attached by being inserted from the front into the tray insertion recess 401f in the main body frame base 401. When the ball receiving tray 620 is attached to the main body frame base 401, it is locked by the locking claw 401n of the main body frame base 401 and will not slip out forward. To remove the ball receiving tray 620, the locking claw 401n is elastically deformed to the left, releasing the lock and allowing the ball receiving tray 620 to be pulled out forward.

When the ball receiving tray 620 is attached to the tray insertion recess 401f of the main frame base 401, the ball receiving tray 620 is moved backward from the front of the tray insertion recess 401f and inserted into the tray insertion recess 401f. At this time, since the front end of the locking claw 401n is inclined like an arrowhead, when the rear end of the ball receiving tray 620 abuts against the locking claw 401n from the front, the locking claw 401n is elastically deformed to the left due to the inclination of the arrowhead, and the ball receiving tray 620 can be inserted into the tray insertion recess 401f. Then, when the front end of the ball receiving tray 620 reaches the locking claw 401n and is no longer abutting against the front end of the locking claw 401n, the elastically deformed locking claw 401n returns to its original state, locking the front end of the ball receiving tray 620 and preventing the ball receiving tray 620 from sliding forward.

This ball receiving tray 620 is placed on the bottom wall of the tray insertion recess 401f, which is inclined so that the front end is lower. Therefore, when game balls B discharged from the ball removal port 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500 accumulate and become heavy, the ball receiving tray 620 attempts to slide forward due to the inclination of the bottom wall, but the sliding is prevented by the locking claws 401n. Then, when the locking claws 401n are released, the ball receiving tray 620 automatically slides forward due to the weight of the stored game balls B, and the ball receiving tray 620 can be easily removed from the tray insertion recess 401f.

[4-8. Frame board unit]
The frame board unit 630 in the main body frame 4 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The frame control board 640, which will be described in detail later, is used to display the number of balls held on the ball number display unit 140, perform settlement processing by operating the counting button switch 180, control the ball launching unit 450, ball lifting unit 550, ball sending unit 600, etc., and manage (monitor) the game balls B in the circulating ball path unit 500, etc.

The frame board unit 630 is openably attached to the rear portion of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401 in the main body frame base unit 400. The frame board unit 630 includes a frame control board 640, a power supply board 650, an interface board 660, and a game ball lending device connection terminal board 665.

The frame board unit 630 also includes a unit base 670 that is attached to the rear of the main frame base unit 400 in an openable and closable manner, a frame control board box 671 that is attached to the rear of the unit base 670 and houses the frame control board 640, a power board box 672 that is attached between the frame control board box 671 and the unit base 670 and houses the power board 650, an interface board box 673 that is attached to the unit base 670 to the left of the frame control board box 671 when viewed from the front and houses the interface board 660 and the game ball lending device connection terminal board 665, and a nylac 674 for fixing the unit base 670 to the main frame base unit 400 so that it cannot be opened or closed.

Although not shown in the figure, the frame control board 640 includes a ROM that stores various processing programs and commands, a RAM for temporarily storing data, a CPU that executes the processing programs and commands, and the like.

The frame control board 640 has a RAM clear switch 641 for erasing information stored in the RAM, a ball removal switch 642 used to remove the enclosed game ball B from the ball removal port 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500 to the outside (ball receiving tray 620), and a ball number memory/display clear switch 643 for clearing the number of balls held by the player stored in the RAM etc. and clearing the display on the ball number display section 140 of the door frame 3 (see Figure 38).

The frame control board 640 is connected via two-way communication to the main control board 1310 (described later) provided on the game board 5, and is also connected via two-way communication to the game ball lending device connection terminal board 665. The frame control board 640 is connected to the game ball lending device 8 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 665.

The frame control board 640 is connected to the door frame 3's ball count display unit 140, the launch stop switch 161, the handle touch sensor 162, the handle rotation sensor 163, and the count button switch 180.

The frame control board 640 is also connected to the door opening switch 407 of the main frame 4, the frame opening switch 408, the launch solenoid 453, the launch subtraction sensor 454, the out ball sensor 505, the safe ball sensor 506, the foul ball sensor 507, the circulating ball shortage sensor 521, the circulating ball excess sensor 522, the lifting inlet sensor 553, the lifting outlet sensor 554, the lifting motor 564, the lifting motor index sensor 566, the ball grinding motor 588, the launch front sensor 604, and the ball delivery solenoid 606.

The power supply board 650 is used to supply power of a specified voltage to the frame control board 640, main control board 1310, peripheral control board 1510, etc.

The interface board 660 is used to relay connections between the frame control board 640 and various relay boards provided on the door frame 3 side and the game board 5 side.

The game ball lending device connection terminal board 665 is used to relay the connection between the frame control board 640 and the game ball lending device 8.

The unit base 670 is elongated from side to side, with a hinge shaft 670a at its left end that is supported by the frame base unit shaft support 404d on the rear surface of the main body frame speaker box 404 of the main body frame base unit 400, and two Nylatches 674 attached to its right end with their operating parts 674a facing backwards.

The unit base 670 has a rear portion 670b that extends to the right from the left end by a length that is 1/4 of the overall length in the left-right direction in a plan view, a connecting portion 670c that extends forward a short distance from the right end of the rear portion 670b, and a front portion 670d that extends from the front end of the connecting portion 670c to the right end. As a result, the unit base 670 has a step in the front-to-rear direction between the rear portion 670b and the front portion 670d.

An interface board box 673 is removably attached to the rear side of the rear surface 670b of the unit base 670. Meanwhile, a power supply board box 672 is removably attached to the rear side of the front surface 670d of the unit base 670, and a frame control board box 671 is removably attached to the rear side of the power supply board box 672.

In the normal state (usage state) of the frame base unit 630 of this embodiment, the hinge shaft 670a provided at the left end of the unit base 670 is supported by the frame base unit support portion 404d of the main body frame base unit 400, and the Nylatch 674 attached to the right end of the unit base 670 is attached to the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main body frame base 401. In this state, the frame base unit 630 covers the rear of the circulating ball path unit 500 and the ball lifting unit 550 attached to the rear side of the base wall portion 401b, making them inaccessible.

In addition, in the normal state, as shown in FIG. 10, the front portion 670d of the unit base 670 in the frame board unit 630, the power board box 672, and the frame control board box 671 are located above the box extension portion 404c in the main frame speaker box 404. At this time, since the front portion 670d and the power board box 672 are formed shorter vertically than the frame control board box 671, a space capable of accommodating wiring, etc. is formed between the power board box 672 and the box extension portion 404c.

When the operating part 674a of the Nylatch 674 is pulled backwards from the normal state to release the lock, the right end of the unit base 670 is released, and the frame base unit 630 can be opened backwards by rotating the hinge around the hinge shaft 670a on the left end. By opening this frame base unit 630 backwards, the circulating ball path unit 500 and ball lifting unit 550 attached to the rear side of the base wall part 401b are revealed, making it possible to approach them.

[4-9. Lock unit]
The lock unit 680 in the main body frame 4 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The lock unit 680 is attached from the rear along the right edge of the main body frame base 401 in the main body frame base unit 400 when viewed from the front. The lock unit 680 is for locking between the outer frame 2 and the main body frame 4, and between the door frame 3 and the main body frame 4.

The lock unit 680 has a cylindrical lock cylinder 681 that passes through the cylinder insertion port 401m of the main frame base 401 from the rear and has its front end protruding forward, a keyhole 682 provided on the front end surface of the lock cylinder 681, a door frame lock claw 683 that unlocks the door frame 3 and main frame 4 when a key corresponding to the keyhole 682 is inserted and rotated in a specified direction, and an outer frame lock claw 684 that unlocks the main frame 4 and outer frame 2 when a key corresponding to the keyhole 682 is inserted and rotated in a direction determined from the above.

[5. Brief explanation of the game board]
The game board 5 of the pachinko machine 1 has the same board surface configuration as the game board 5 shown in FIG. 75 etc. described later, and will be briefly described here with reference to FIG. 3. The game board 5 has prize winning holes such as a general prize winning hole 2001, a first start hole 2003, a second start hole 2004, and a large prize winning hole 2005, which are provided with a special prize by receiving the game ball B, in a game area 5a into which the game ball B is shot, and the player operates a handle 160 so that the game ball B is received in the prize winning hole, and enjoys shooting the game ball B. The game board 5 is detachably attached from the front side to the game board insertion part 401a of the main body frame 4. The game board 5 is visible from the player side through the game window 101 of the door frame 3 when assembled in the pachinko machine 1, and has a game area 5a into which the game ball B is shot by the player operating the handle 160.

The game board 5 comprises a front component 1000 that defines the outer periphery of the game area 5a and has a generally rectangular external shape when viewed from the front, a plate-shaped game panel 1100 that is attached to the rear side of the front component 1000 and defines the rear end of the game area 5a, and a number of obstacle nails (not shown) that are planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement within the game area 5a on the front side of the game panel 1100 so as to be able to come into contact with the game ball B.

The front component 1000 of the game board 5 is formed entirely transparent. The front component 1000 has an outer shape of an approximately square in front view, an inner shape of an approximately circular shape penetrating in the front-rear direction, and the inner circumference of the inner shape defines the outer circumference of the game area 5a. The front component 1000 includes an outer rail 1001 that extends in an arc shape from the lower end on the left side of the center in the front view to the upper right diagonal direction in a clockwise circumferential direction, passing the upper end of the center in the front view to the upper right diagonal direction, an inner rail 1002 that is disposed inside the front component 1000 along the outer rail 1001 and extends in an arc shape from the lower center in the front view to the upper left diagonal direction in the front view, and an out guide portion 1003 that is formed at the lowest position of the game area 5a on the right side of the lower end of the inner rail 1002 in the front view and is inclined so as to become lower toward the rear.

The component 1000 also includes a lower right rail 1004 that slopes linearly from the right end of the out guide section 1003 when viewed from the front to near the right side of the component 1000, with the right end being slightly higher; a right rail 1005 that extends from the right end of the lower right rail 1004 along the right side of the component 1000 to below the upper end of the outer rail 1001, with the upper part curved inward of the component 1000; and a collision stop section 1006 that connects the upper end of the right rail 1005 to the upper end of the outer rail 1001 and comes into contact with the game ball B that rolls along the outer rail 1001.

The component 1000 is also provided with a backflow prevention member 1007 that is rotatably supported on the upper end of the inner rail 1002 and can rotate only between a closed position in which it extends upward from the upper end of the inner rail 1002 to close the gap with the outer rail 1001, and an open position in which it rotates clockwise when viewed from the front to open the gap with the outer rail 1001, and is biased by a spring (not shown) to return to the closed position.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 is provided with an outlet 1008 that penetrates from front to back at the rear end of the out guide section 1003, at the lower center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front within the frame. The game ball B received in the outlet 1008 is discharged downward from the game board 5 (to the out ball receiving port 500a of the circulating ball path unit 500) behind the game panel 1100 without being returned to the game area 5a.

The game board 5 is provided with a main control board 1310 that is located behind the game panel 1100 and controls the game content that is played by shooting the game ball B into the game area 5a, and a function display unit 1400 that displays the game status based on the control signal from the main control board 1310 and is attached to the upper left corner of the component 1000 so that it can be seen by the player.

The game board 5 also includes a peripheral control board 1510 provided behind the game panel 1100, a performance display device 1600 that is located behind the game panel 1100 in the center of the game area 5a when viewed from the front and is capable of displaying a predetermined performance image, a front unit 2000 that is attached to the front of the game panel 1100, and a back unit 3000 that is attached to the rear of the game panel 1100.

The game board 5 (front unit 2000) is equipped with a number of general winning openings 2001 that are always open and can receive game balls B that have been shot into the game area 5a, a gate 2010 that is provided at a predetermined position within the game area 5a and through which game balls B can pass, a first starting opening 2003 and a second starting opening 2004 that are provided at a predetermined position within the game area 5a and through which a first special pattern and a second special pattern are drawn by receiving game balls B, and a large winning opening 2005 that can receive game balls B depending on the results of the drawing of special patterns drawn by receiving game balls B into the first starting opening 2003 or the second starting opening 2004.

The first starting opening 2003 is located directly above the outlet 1008, below the frame-shaped center device 2500 located in the center of the game area 5a. The second starting opening 2004 is located in the attacca unit 2400, and opens and closes to allow the game ball B to enter depending on the result of the lottery for the normal symbol drawn when the game ball B passes through the gate 2010.

The big prize slot 2005 is located in the attacca unit 2400, which is attached to the bottom right corner of the game area 5a.

The game board 5 is also equipped with a general winning opening sensor 3001 that detects a game ball B received in the general winning opening 2001, a gate sensor 2011 that detects a game ball B passing through the gate 2010, a first starting opening sensor 2101 that detects a game ball B received in the first starting opening 2003, a second starting opening sensor 2401 that detects a game ball B received in the second starting opening 2004, and a large winning opening sensor 2402 that detects a game ball B received in the large winning opening 2005 (see FIG. 38).

A game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 is detected by the general winning port sensor 3001 behind the game panel 1100, and is then discharged from the game board 5 to the safe ball receiving port 500b in the circulating ball path unit 500 below. A game ball B received in the first starting port 2003 is detected by the first starting port sensor 2101 behind the game panel 1100, and is then discharged from the game board 5 to the safe ball receiving port 500b in the circulating ball path unit 500 below. A game ball B received in the second starting port 2004 is detected by the second starting port sensor 2401 behind the game panel 1100, and is then discharged from the game board 5 to the safe ball receiving port 500b in the circulating ball path unit 500 below. The game ball B received in the big prize opening 2005 is detected by the big prize opening sensor 2402 at the rear of the game panel 1100, and is then discharged from the game board 5 to the safe ball receiving opening 500b in the circulating ball path unit 500 below.

The main control board 1310 controls the game using the game ball B within the game area 5a in the pachinko machine 1. The main control board 1310 is connected to the frame control board 640 provided in the main body frame 4 via two-way communication, and is connected to the peripheral control board 1510 via one-way output signal only.

The main control board 1310 receives detection signals of game ball B from the general winning hole sensor 3001, gate sensor 2011, first start hole sensor 2101, second start hole sensor 2401, large winning hole sensor 2402, etc. The main control board 1310 also outputs drive signals to the start hole solenoid 2412 for opening and closing the second start hole 2004, the attacca solenoid 2414 for opening and closing the large winning hole 2005, etc.

When the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 is detected by the general winning port sensor 3001, the main control board 1310 outputs a predetermined number of prize ball commands (e.g., 10). This is no different from conventional pachinko machines, so there is no need to change the software of the main control board 1310. When this prize ball command is received, the frame control board 640 interprets it as a ball count addition signal. Also, when the game ball B received in the first starting port 2003 is detected by the first starting port sensor 2101, a predetermined number of prize ball commands (e.g., 1) are output. Also, when the game ball B received in the second starting port 2004 is detected by the second starting port sensor 2401, a predetermined number of prize ball commands (e.g., 1) are output. Furthermore, when the game ball B received in the large prize opening 2005 is detected by the large prize opening sensor 2402, a predetermined number of prize ball commands (for example, 10 or 13) are output.

In addition, the main control board 1310 outputs signals such as the results of the lottery for normal patterns and the lottery results for special patterns to the peripheral control board 1510.

The function display unit 1400 uses multiple LEDs based on signals from the main control board 1310 to display the game status (game situation), the results of the regular pattern lottery, the results of the special pattern lottery, etc.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the function display unit 1400 is equipped with a status indicator consisting of three LEDs that display the game status, a normal pattern display consisting of two LEDs that display the lottery results of the normal pattern drawn when game ball B passes through gate 2010, and a normal reserve display consisting of two LEDs that displays the number of reserved normal patterns drawn when game ball B passes through gate 2010.

The function display unit 1400 also includes a first special pattern display consisting of eight LEDs that displays the result of the drawing of the first special pattern drawn by the reception of the game ball B into the first starting port 2003, a first special reserved number display consisting of two LEDs that displays the reserved number related to the reception of the game ball B into the first starting port 2003, a second special pattern display consisting of eight LEDs that displays the result of the drawing of the second special pattern drawn by the reception of the game ball B into the second starting port 2004, and a second special reserved number display consisting of two LEDs that displays the reserved number related to the reception of the game ball B into the second starting port 2004.

Furthermore, the function display unit 1400 is equipped with a round display consisting of five LEDs that displays the number of times (number of rounds) the opening and closing pattern of the large prize opening 2005 is repeated when the lottery result for the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern) is a "win" or the like.

This functional display unit 1400 can display the number of reserved items, designs, etc., by turning on, off, blinking, etc. the LEDs provided as appropriate.

The peripheral control board 1510 is attached to the rear of the performance display device 1600. The peripheral control board 1510 causes the performance display device 1600 to display performance images and execute light-emitting performances, moving performances, etc. based on signals sent from the main control board 1310.

[6. Flow of the Game Ball]
Next, the flow of the game ball B in the pachinko machine 1 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 36 and 37. Figure 36 is an explanatory diagram showing various paths of the game ball on the rear side of the main body frame from the rear. Figure 37 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the game ball in the main body frame.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the player is not operating the handle 160, as shown in FIG. 37, a large number (for example, 40 to 60 balls) of circulating game balls B are stored in a portion of the main body frame 4 below the game board 5. The circulation path R of the game balls B in the main body frame 4 is provided with, in order from the upstream side, a foul unit 470, a circulating ball path unit 500, a ball lifting unit 550, a ball sending unit 600, and a ball launching unit 450. The circulation path R is composed of an out ball passage 501, a safe ball passage 502, a foul ball passage 503, a ball storage passage 504, a ball lifting inlet passage 551, a ball lifting outlet passage 552, etc.

The multiple sensors for detecting the game ball B circulating through the circulation path R are arranged in the following order from the upstream side: safe ball sensor 506, out ball sensor 505, foul ball sensor 507, excess circulating ball sensor 522, insufficient circulating ball sensor 521, lift inlet sensor 553, lift outlet sensor 554, pre-launch sensor 604, and launch subtraction sensor 454. Based on the signals from these various sensors, various control processes described below are executed in the frame control board 640.

When the player is not operating the handle 160, the safe ball sensor 506, the out ball sensor 505, the foul ball sensor 507, and the excess circulating ball sensor 522 are in an OFF (non-detecting) state, and the insufficient circulating ball sensor 521, the lift inlet sensor 553, the lift outlet sensor 554, the launch pre-sensor 604, and the launch subtraction sensor 454 are in an ON (detecting) state.

A large number of game balls B are stored in a line within the circulation path R in the main body frame 4. The leading ends of the numerous game balls B lined up in a line are located on the ball launch pad 452b of the launch unit cover 452 in the ball launch unit 450, and the trailing ends are located upstream of the ball removal shutter 515 within the range of the gauge section 520 in the ball storage passage 504 of the circulation ball path unit 500.

In the circulation path R, in the area between the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 in the ball lifting unit 550 and the lifting outlet sensor 554, a specific number (e.g., 4 balls) of game balls B is lined up, which is less than a predetermined number (e.g., 5 balls) of game balls B lined up along the length of the line. This is to ensure that even if one game ball B is lifted when the lifting spiral shaft 561 is returned to its origin, there is enough space to receive the lifted game ball B.

In addition, in the circulation path R, a predetermined number (e.g., 10) of sensors are lined up between the pre-launch sensor 604 and the lifting exit sensor 554. This makes it possible to prevent the game balls B from running out of balls to be launched before they are lifted up and replenished by the rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561, even if the game balls B continue to be launched in the ball launching unit 450 after the detection of the game balls B in the lifting exit sensor 554 has turned OFF (non-detection).

When the player operates the handle 160 to drive the launch solenoid 453 of the ball launch unit 450, the game ball B placed on the ball launch pad 452b in the launch unit cover 452 is launched, and the launch subtraction sensor 454 detects the game ball B as not detected (OFF). This subtracts one ball from the number of balls the player has (held ball subtraction process described below). After that, the ball sending solenoid 606 of the ball sending unit 600 is energized for a predetermined time, the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball sending movable member 605 moves up and down, one game ball B is placed on the ball launch pad 452b, and the launch subtraction sensor 454 goes into a detection (ON) state.

When the player operates the handle 160 to launch game balls B one by one, the number of game balls B stored between the pre-launch sensor 604 and the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 (ball lifting exit passage 552) decreases by one, and eventually the lifting exit sensor 554 detects no game balls B (OFF). Then, when a predetermined number of game balls B (e.g., three) are launched after the lifting exit sensor 554 becomes non-detecting, the lifting motor 564 of the ball lifting unit 550 starts rotating the lifting spiral shaft 561, which rotates three times to supply three game balls B to the ball lifting exit passage 552, and then stops (lifting motor operation process described below).

When the lifting motor 564 rotates the lifting spiral shaft 561, the game ball B located at the downstream end of the ball lifting entrance passage 551 moves upward toward the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561. This causes the numerous game balls B lined up in the ball lifting entrance passage 551 and the ball storage passage 504 to flow downstream, and the number of game balls B stored in the ball storage passage 504 decreases.

The game ball B launched from the ball launching unit 450 and shot into the game area 5a of the game board 5 is received by either the out port 1008 or the winning port (general winning port 2001, first starting port 2003, second starting port 2004, large winning port 2005). The game ball B received by the out port 1008 of the game board 5 is discharged downward from the game board 5 and handed over to the out ball receiving port 500a of the circulating ball path unit 500. The game ball B handed over to the out ball receiving port 500a passes through the out ball passage 501, is detected by the out ball sensor 505, and is sent to the ball storage passage 504.

On the other hand, the game ball B received in the winning port of the game board 5 is discharged downward from the game board 5 and handed over to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulating ball path unit 500. The game ball B handed over to the safe ball receiving port 500b passes through the safe ball passage 502 and is detected by the safe ball sensor 506, and is sent to the ball storage passage 504.

When game ball B is detected by the out ball sensor 505, the number of out balls is counted, and when game ball B is detected by the safe ball sensor 506, the number of safe balls is counted. This makes it possible to calculate an accurate ball payout rate for game ball B. The calculated ball payout rate is displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided on the main control board 1310. This ball payout rate changes depending on the game status, so it is calculated as the ball payout rate within a specified period (for example, per unit time, per specified time, per day, etc.) as "(number of balls added due to winning within a specified period - number of safe balls within a specified period) ÷ number of out balls within a specified period = ball payout rate within a specified period".

However, game ball B that was launched from the ball launching unit 450 (ball launching pad 452b) but did not land in the game area 5a of the game board 5 is collected by the foul unit 470 as a foul ball and then handed over to the foul ball receiving port 500c of the circulating ball path unit 500. The game ball B handed over to the foul ball receiving port 500c then flows through the foul ball path 503, where it is detected by the foul ball sensor 507 and sent to the ball storage path 504. When game ball B is detected by the foul ball sensor 507, the number of balls held by the player is increased by one (ball addition process described below).

In this way, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game ball B is sealed inside without being discharged to the outside or supplied from the outside, and as it circulates inside, the player does not come into contact with the game ball B.

[7. Various control processes]
Next, various control processes in the frame control board 640 in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 38 to 49. Fig. 38 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the pachinko machine. Fig. 39 is a flowchart showing the launch permission process. Fig. 40 is a flowchart showing the ball subtraction process, and Fig. 41 is a flowchart showing the ball addition process by foul balls. Fig. 42 is a flowchart showing the launch control process. Fig. 43 is a flowchart showing the prize ball process. Fig. 44 is a flowchart showing the lifting motor operation process, Fig. 45 is a table showing the relationship between the lifting inlet sensor and the lifting outlet sensor and the operation of the lifting motor, and Fig. 46 is a graph showing the relationship between the launching operation of the game ball and the operation of the ball lifting unit. Fig. 47 is a graph showing the operation of the ball lifting mechanism in the ball lifting unit. Fig. 48(a) is a flowchart showing the security process, and Fig. 48(b) is a flowchart showing the security process of an embodiment different from (a). Fig. 49 is a table showing the relationship between the circulating ball shortage sensor and the circulating ball excess sensor and the error notification. In addition, in FIG. 38, some of the electronic components such as sensors, solenoids, motors, LEDs, etc. connected to the main control board 1310 and the peripheral control board 1510 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 38, the main control configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is made up of a frame control board 640 attached to the main frame 4, and a main control board 1310 and a peripheral control board 1510 attached to the game board 5. The frame control board 640 mainly performs control processing for the launch and circulation of game balls B, the number of balls held, etc. The main control board 1310 mainly performs control processing for the game. The peripheral control board 1510 mainly performs control processing for the presentation.

Signals are input to the frame control board 640 from the launch stop switch 161, handle touch sensor 162, handle rotation sensor 163, counting button switch 180, door open switch 407, frame open switch 408, launch subtraction sensor 454, out ball sensor 505, safe ball sensor 506, foul ball sensor 507, circulating ball shortage sensor 521, circulating ball excess sensor 522, lifting inlet sensor 553, lifting outlet sensor 554, lifting motor index sensor 566, launch front sensor 604, RAM clear switch 641, ball removal switch 642, ball count memory/display clear switch 643, etc.

The frame control board 640 also outputs signals to the ball count display unit 140, the launch solenoid 453, the lifting motor 564, the ball motor 588, the ball delivery solenoid 606, etc.

Furthermore, the frame control board 640 receives signals from the game ball lending device 8 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 665, and outputs signals. The frame control board 640 also receives signals from the main control board 1310, and outputs signals.

Signals are input to the main control board 1310 from the general prize opening sensor 3001, the gate sensor 2011, the first start opening sensor 2101, the second start opening sensor 2401, the large prize opening sensor 2402, etc. The main control board 1310 also outputs signals to the start opening solenoid 2412, the attacca solenoid 2414, the peripheral control board 1510, etc.

The game ball lending device 8 is provided outside the pachinko machine 1, and outputs signals to the management server 9 via the communication network. Signals are input to the game ball lending device 8 from the ball lending button switch 8a, the return button switch, the frame control board 640, etc. The game ball lending device 8 also outputs signals to the display unit, the frame control board 640, etc.

[7-1. Launch permission processing]
The launch permission process will be described with reference to Fig. 39. The launch permission process is a process for determining whether or not the game ball B should be launched. When the launch permission process is started, first in step S101, it is confirmed whether or not the player is touching the handle 160, and if the player touches the handle 160 and the handle touch sensor 162 is ON (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S102. If the handle touch sensor 162 is OFF in step S101 (NO), the process proceeds to step S107, where the frame control launch permission signal is turned OFF and the process ends.

In step S102, it is confirmed whether the firing stop switch 161 is OFF or not, and if the firing stop switch 161 is OFF, the process proceeds to the next step S103 as YES. On the other hand, if the firing stop switch 161 is OFF in step S102, the process proceeds to step S107 as NO, the frame control firing permission signal is turned OFF, and the process ends.

In step S103, it is confirmed whether the frame control board 640 is connected to the game ball lending device 8 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 665, and if it is connected to the game ball lending device 8, the process proceeds to the next step S104 as YES. On the other hand, if the connection to the game ball lending device 8 is not confirmed in step S103, the process proceeds to step S107 as NO, and the frame control launch permission signal is turned OFF to end the process.

In step S104, the presence or absence of main control launch permission from the main control board 1310 is confirmed, and if main control launch permission is present, the process proceeds to the next step S105 as YES. On the other hand, if main control launch permission is not present in step S104, the process proceeds to step S107 as NO, the frame control launch permission signal is turned OFF, and the process ends.

In step S105, it is confirmed whether the number of balls held by the player is greater than 0, and if the number of balls held is greater than 0, the process proceeds to the next step S106 as YES, the frame control firing permission signal is turned ON, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the number of balls held is less than 0 in step S105 (the number of balls held is 0), the process proceeds to step S107 as NO, the frame control firing permission signal is turned OFF, and the process ends.

In this way, the launch permission process allows the launch of game ball B, and when the player rotates the handle 160 in this state, the launch solenoid 453 is driven with a strength according to the angle of rotation, and game ball B is launched from the ball launch unit 450. When the launch solenoid 453 is driven, the launch control process described below is executed.

[7-2. Ball subtraction processing]
The ball subtraction process will be described with reference to FIG. 40. The ball subtraction process is a process for subtracting the number of balls held by a player by launching a game ball B. In the ball subtraction process, first, in step S111, it is determined whether the launch subtraction sensor 454 of the ball launching unit 450 has changed from an ON state to an OFF state. When the game ball B is placed on the ball launching stand 452b of the ball launching unit 450, the launch subtraction sensor 454 detects the game ball B and is in an ON state. From this state, when the launching solenoid 453 is driven to cause the launching hammer 455 to strike the game ball B on the ball launching stand 452b and launch the game ball B, the launch subtraction sensor 454 becomes non-detecting and is in an OFF state.

Then, in step S111, when game ball B is launched and the launch subtraction sensor 454 changes from ON to OFF, the process proceeds to the next step S112 as YES, the number of balls held is subtracted by one, and the process ends.

On the other hand, in step S111, if the shot subtraction sensor 454 does not change from ON to OFF and remains ON, the result is NO and the process ends without subtracting the number of balls held.

In this way, when game ball B is launched from ball launching unit 450 through the ball subtraction process, the number of balls the player has is reduced by one.

[7-3. Ball addition process]
The ball count addition process due to fouls will be described with reference to Fig. 41. When a game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450, the number of balls the player has is subtracted by the ball count subtraction process. However, if the launched game ball B is not shot into the game area 5a of the game board 5, the game is not played with that game ball B, and the player's interest is reduced if the number of balls remains subtracted. Therefore, in the ball count addition process, the game ball B (foul ball) that was not shot into the game area 5a is added to the number of balls the player has.

In step S121, the ball count addition process determines whether the foul ball sensor 507 of the circulating ball path unit 500 has turned from OFF to ON by detecting game ball B (foul ball). If the foul ball sensor 507 turns ON, the process proceeds to the next step S122 as YES, and the number of balls held is added by one, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if in step S121 the foul ball sensor 507 does not turn ON and remains OFF, the result is NO and the process ends without incrementing the number of balls held.

In this way, the ball count addition process makes it possible to avoid putting the player at a disadvantage by adding foul balls to the number of balls in hand when game ball B is not shot into the game area 5a of the game board 5 despite being launched from the ball launching unit 450.

[7-4. Launch control processing]
The launch control process will be described with reference to Fig. 42 etc. The launch control process is for determining whether or not to actually launch the game ball B by driving the launch solenoid 453 after the player rotates the handle 160 after the frame control launch permission signal has been turned ON in the launch permission process. The launch control process first determines whether or not frame control launch permission is present (ON/OFF) in step S131, and if frame control launch permission is present (ON), the process proceeds to the next step S132 as YES. On the other hand, if frame control launch permission is not present (OFF) in step S131, the process ends as NO without driving the launch solenoid 453.

In step S132, it is determined whether the launch subtraction sensor 454 is ON or not, and if the launch subtraction sensor 454 is ON (there is game ball B on the ball launch pad 452b), the process proceeds to the next step S133 as YES, the launch solenoid 453 is turned ON, and game ball B is struck with a strength according to the rotation angle of the handle 160, and the process ends.

On the other hand, in step S132, if the launch subtraction sensor 454 is not ON (OFF), the process proceeds to the next step S134 as NO. If the launch subtraction sensor 454 is OFF, since the game ball B is not placed on the ball launch pad 452b, the process from step S134 onwards is carried out.

In step S134, it is determined whether the pre-launch sensor 604 is ON or not. If the pre-launch sensor 604 is not ON (if game ball B is not detected), the process proceeds to the next step S135 as NO, an error display indicating "out of balls to be fired" is turned ON, and the process returns to step S134, and is repeated until the pre-launch sensor 604 is turned ON. The error display is displayed, for example, on the display screen of the performance display device.

The error may be indicated by lighting a warning lamp or by displaying an image on the performance display device. Alternatively, an error signal may be output to the hall computer (Holcon) of the amusement hall via the game ball lending device 8, causing a warning lamp provided in the amusement hall to light up.

In this step S134, if the launch-preceding sensor 604 detects game ball B and is ON, the process proceeds to the next step S136 as YES, and the ball-transporting solenoid 606 is turned ON (energized) to move the ball-transporting movable member 605. As a result, the game ball B detected by the launch-preceding sensor 604 is delivered to the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball-transporting movable member 605, and when the ball-transporting solenoid 606 turns OFF after a predetermined short time, the game ball B delivered to the ball receiving portion 605a is supplied to the ball launch pad 452b. At this time, if there is a game ball B upstream (ball lifting exit passage 552) of the game ball B sent to the ball launch pad 452b by the ball-transporting movable member 605, that game ball B moves downstream and the launch-preceding sensor 604 turns ON.

In step S136, when the ball delivery solenoid 606 is turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step S137, where it is again determined whether the launch subtraction sensor 454 is ON. If the launch subtraction sensor 454 is not ON, the process returns to step S134 as NO, and the above flow is repeated until the launch subtraction sensor 454 is turned ON.

If the firing subtraction sensor 454 is ON in step S137, the process proceeds to the next step S138 as YES, the "out of firing balls" error display is turned OFF, and then the process proceeds to step S133, where the firing solenoid 453 is turned ON, and the game ball B is struck with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 160, and the process ends.

In this way, the launch control process can confirm that game ball B is placed on ball launch pad 452b in ball launch unit 450, and then launch game ball B.

[7-5. Handling of prize balls]
The prize ball process will be described with reference to Fig. 43. In the prize ball process, when a game ball B is received in a prize hole such as the general prize hole 2001, the first start hole 2003, the second start hole 2004, the big prize hole 2005, etc. provided on the game board 5, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the prize hole are awarded as a privilege, and the prize balls are added to the number of balls held by the player.

In the prize ball processing, when game ball B is received in a winning port on the game board 5 and a signal (prize ball signal) output from the main control board 1310 is input to the frame control board 640, the input prize ball signal is analyzed in step S141. The prize ball signal output from the main control board 1310 may be the number of prize balls or the type of winning port into which game ball B is received.

Then, when the prize ball signal is analyzed in step S141, the number of prize balls corresponding to the analyzed prize ball signal is added to the number of balls held by the player in the following step S142, and the process ends.

In this way, the prize ball processing can add the number of game balls B (number of prize balls) corresponding to the winning slot into which game ball B entered on game board 5 to the number of balls waiting for the player.

[7-6. Lifting motor operation processing]
The lifting motor operation process will be described with reference to Figures 44 to 47. In the lifting motor operation process, when the game balls B in the ball lifting outlet passage 552 decrease due to the game balls B being launched by the ball launching unit 450, the game balls B in the ball lifting inlet passage 551 are lifted by the rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561 of the ball lifting unit 550 and supplied to the ball lifting outlet passage 552.

The lifting motor operation process first clears retry counter 1 in step S201 and proceeds to the next step S202. In step S202, it is determined whether the lifting motor index sensor 566 for detecting the lifting motor index 565 attached to the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 in the ball lifting mechanism 560 of the ball lifting unit 550 is ON.

The lifting motor index 565 has a detection section 565a that is provided by cutting out a portion of the circumference of a disk (flange-shaped), and when the detection section 565a of the lifting motor index 565 is positioned at the lifting motor index sensor 566 due to the rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561, the lifting motor index sensor 566 turns ON, and the lifting motor index sensor 566 turns OFF in areas other than the detection section 565a.

If the lift motor index sensor 566 is ON in step S202, the process proceeds to the next step S203 as YES and it is determined whether the lift exit sensor 554 has been ON for 80 ms or more. If it is determined in step S203 that the lift exit sensor 554 has not been ON for 80 ms or more (the lift exit sensor 554 is OFF), the process proceeds to the next step S204 as NO.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the lifting outlet sensor 554 has been ON for 80 ms or more, the process returns to step S203 as a YES and is repeated until the lifting outlet sensor 554 is no longer ON for 80 ms or more (until the lifting outlet sensor 554 turns OFF). In other words, the process is repeated until the rear end of the row of multiple game balls B in the ball lifting outlet passage 552 is reduced by the launch of the game balls B and becomes downstream of the lifting outlet sensor 554, and when the lifting outlet sensor 554 turns OFF, the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, it is determined whether the lifting inlet sensor 553 has been ON for 80 ms or more. If it is determined that the lifting inlet sensor 553 has not been ON for 80 ms or more (the lifting inlet sensor 553 is OFF), the process proceeds to step S205 as NO, the error display indicating "Lifting inlet bulb out" is turned ON, and the process returns to step S204. This makes it possible to notify of bulb outage in the bulb lifting inlet passage 551 and prompt the user to resolve the bulb outage.

If it is determined in step S204 that the lifting inlet sensor 553 has been ON for 80 ms or more, the process proceeds to the next step S206 as YES, and the error display indicating "Lifting inlet ball out" is turned OFF. After that, in the following step S207, after 1800 ms has elapsed, the lifting motor 564 is started to operate and the lifting spiral shaft 561 is rotated. This starts the lifting of the game ball B in the ball lifting inlet passage 551. The lifting spiral shaft 561 ejects one game ball B with each rotation.

Here, in other words, as shown in FIG. 46, the lifting motor 564 starts to operate when the lifting inlet sensor 553 is ON (continuously ON) for 80 ms or more, the lifting motor 564 is stopped, the lifting outlet sensor 554 is ON (continuously ON) for 80 ms or more, and the launch front sensor 604 is ON (continuously ON) for 80 ms or more. In this state, the game ball B is continuously launched at a predetermined time interval (here, 600 ms) by operating the handle 160. Then, when the lifting outlet sensor 554 turns OFF, the lifting motor 564 starts to operate after t1 time (here, 1800 ms) has elapsed, and the game ball B starts to be discharged (lifting device ball discharge) from the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 to the ball lifting outlet passage 552 side.

In this embodiment, when three game balls B have been launched after the lifting outlet sensor 554 turns OFF, the lifting motor 564 is activated and the lifting spiral shaft 561 starts to rotate. The time interval at which game balls B are ejected by the rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561 is set to be shorter than the time interval at which game balls B are continuously launched. This ensures that the supply of game balls B to the ball launching unit 450 will not be unable to keep up with the launch of game balls B.

The ball polishing motor 588 provided in the ball lifting unit 550 is controlled independently of the operation of the lifting motor 564, as shown in FIG. 46, and operates to move the polishing cloth 582 0.17 mm every time 1,000 game balls B are shot.

As shown in FIG. 45, this lifting motor 564 will not operate and will be stopped unless the lifting inlet sensor 553 is ON and the lifting outlet sensor 554 is OFF.

Returning to the explanation of the lift motor operation process, when the lift motor 564 starts to operate in step S207, the retry counter 2 is cleared in the following step S208, and it is determined in the following step S209 whether the lift motor index 565 (lift motor index sensor 566) has turned ON again within 600 ms after turning OFF.

If it is determined in step S209 that the lifting motor index 565 has turned ON again within 600 ms after it was turned OFF (the lifting spiral shaft 561 is rotating), the process proceeds to the next step S210 as YES and determines whether the lifting outlet sensor 554 has been ON for 80 ms or more. If it has not been ON, the process returns to step S208 as NO and the operation of the lifting motor 564 continues.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the lifting outlet sensor 554 has been ON for 80 ms or more, the process proceeds to the next step S211 as YES, the lifting motor 564 is stopped at the third detection position of the detection unit 565a of the lifting motor index 565, and the process returns to step S201 to repeat the lifting motor operation process.

That is, as shown in FIG. 46 and FIG. 47, the lift motor 564 stops when the lift motor index 565 rotates for the third time to be unshaded (the lift motor index sensor 566 is ON by the detection unit 565a) after the lift outlet sensor 554 is ON (continuous ON). At this time, the lift spiral shaft 561, which rotates together with the lift motor index 565, discharges one game ball B per rotation to the ball lift outlet passage 552 side (lift device ball discharge), so that three game balls B are discharged between the time the lift outlet sensor 554 turns ON and the time the lift motor 564 stops. In other words, when the lift outlet sensor 554 turns ON, three game balls B are discharged to the ball lift outlet passage 552 side and the lift motor 564 stops. As a result, a sufficient number of game balls B are stored in the ball lift outlet passage 552. In addition, to ensure that the lifting motor origin return process described below is carried out smoothly, the ball lifting outlet passage 552 is never filled with game balls B, but rather a certain number of balls are left empty.

In this lift motor operation process, if it is determined in step S202 that the lift motor index 565 is not ON (the lift motor index sensor 566 is OFF), the process proceeds to the next step S212 as NO, and it is determined whether the retry counter 1 is less than 3.

If retry counter 1 is less than 3 in step S212, the answer is YES and the lift motor origin return process is executed in the next step S213, and then retry counter 1 is incremented by "1" in step S214 and the process returns to step S202.

In the lift motor origin return process of step S213, when the lift motor index sensor 566 is OFF, the lift motor 564 is operated to rotate the lift motor index 565 together with the lift spiral shaft 561, and when the lift motor index sensor 566 is OFF and reaches the detection unit 565a, it turns ON. After that, the lift motor 564 rotates twice and stops, and the lift motor 564 (lift motor index 565) returns to the origin.

In more detail, the lifting motor index 565 (lifting spiral shaft 561) is configured to rotate once for every 32 rotations of the lifting motor 564 due to the gear ratio between the shaft gear 562 and the motor gear 563. The circumferential length of the detection part 565a of the lifting motor index 565 is formed to be a length for four rotations of the lifting motor 564, so the position where the lifting motor 564 stops after two rotations after the lifting motor index sensor 566 is turned ON is located at the center of the detection part 565a. In other words, the center of the detection part 565a of the lifting motor index 565 is set as the origin of the lifting motor 564 (lifting spiral shaft 561, lifting motor index 565) (see FIG. 47).

When the lifting motor origin return process is executed, the lifting spiral shaft 561 rotates approximately once, and one game ball B is ejected into the ball lifting outlet passage 552. However, since the ball lifting outlet passage 552 has a predetermined number of spaces available for accommodating game balls B, the ejection of game balls B from the lifting spiral shaft 561 is not impeded, and the lifting motor 564 can be returned to the origin.

If it is determined in step S212 above that retry counter 1 is not less than 3, the process proceeds to step S215 as NO, the error display indicating "lifting ball jamming error" is turned ON, and operation is stopped in the following step S216. The condition for canceling this operation stop can be released by turning on and off a power switch (not shown) provided on the power supply board 650 in the main body frame 4.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S209 above that the lifting motor index 565 has not been turned ON again within 600 ms after it was turned OFF (the lifting spiral shaft 561 is not rotating), it is set to ON and the process proceeds to step S217, where it is determined whether the retry counter 2 is less than 3. If it is determined that the retry counter 2 is not less than 3, it is set to NO and the process proceeds to step S215, where the error display indicating a "lifting ball jamming error" is turned ON, and operation is stopped in the following step S216.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S217 that retry counter 2 is less than 3, the result is YES and the ball jamming release process is executed in the next step S218, and in the following step S219, "1" is added to retry counter 2 and the process returns to step S209.

The ball jamming release process in step S218 stops the lift motor 564 without monitoring the ON/OFF state of the lift outlet sensor 554, then rotates the lift motor 564 in the reverse direction, stops the lift motor 564 after a predetermined time (e.g., 100 ms), and operates the lift motor 564 again (forward rotation).

In this way, when the game ball B is launched by the lifting motor operation process, decreasing the number of game balls B in the ball lifting exit passage 552, the lifting motor 564 is operated to rotate the lifting spiral shaft 561, lifting the game ball B in the ball lifting entrance passage 551 from the lower end and ejecting it from the upper end to supply it to the ball lifting exit passage 552.

Note that the operating time of the lifting motor 564 and the number of game balls B ejected described above are merely examples, and may be any appropriate time or number.

[7-7. Security Processing]
The security process will be described with reference to Fig. 48 etc. The purpose of the security process is to monitor whether or not there is any fraudulent activity. As shown in Fig. 48(a), the security process clears the contradiction counter in step S301, and in the following step S302, calculates the number of recovered balls within a specified time in the circulating ball path unit 500. The number of recovered balls is calculated as the sum of the number of out balls, the number of safe balls and the number of foul balls.

After the number of recovered balls is calculated in step S302, the process proceeds to the next step S303, where it is determined whether the number of shot balls measured by the shot subtraction sensor 454 is the same as the number of recovered balls, and if it is determined that they are the same, the process returns to step S302 as a YES result. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of shot balls is not the same as the number of recovered balls, the process proceeds to the next step S304 as a NO result, where "1" is added to the discrepancy counter, and the process proceeds to the following step S305.

In step S305, it is determined whether the contradiction counter is greater than n (e.g., 50), and if it is determined that the contradiction counter is less than n, the process returns to step S302 as NO. On the other hand, if it is determined that the contradiction counter is greater than n, the process proceeds to the next step S306 as YES, and an error display indicating that fraud is occurring is turned ON, and then in the following step S307, a game stop process is executed to end the process.

The error display in step S306 can be cleared by turning on and off the power switch (not shown) provided on the power supply board 650 in the main body frame 4.

The game stop processing in step S307 includes stopping the launch of game ball B by the ball launching unit 450, stopping the lifting of game ball B by the ball lifting unit 550 (stopping circulation), stopping the game on the main control board 1310 side, etc.

The security process may be as shown in FIG. 48(b). In this security process, first, in step S311, the discrepancy counter is cleared, and in the following step S312, it is determined whether the number of shot balls detected by the shot subtraction sensor 454 is equal to or greater than the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball sensor 507.

If it is determined in step S312 that the number of balls shot is equal to or greater than the number of foul balls, the process returns to step S312 as YES. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of balls shot is not equal to or greater than the number of foul balls, the process proceeds to the next step S313 as NO, increments the contradiction counter by 1, and proceeds to the next step S314.

In step S314, it is determined whether the contradiction counter is greater than n (e.g., 50), and if it is determined that the contradiction counter is less than n, the process returns to step S312 as NO. On the other hand, if it is determined that the contradiction counter is greater than n, the process proceeds to the next step S315 as YES, and an error display indicating that fraud is occurring is turned ON, and then in the following step S316, a game stop process is executed to end the process.

The error display in step S315 can be cleared by turning on and off the power switch (not shown) provided on the power supply board 650 in the main body frame 4.

The game stop processing in step S316 includes stopping the launch of game ball B by the ball launching unit 450, stopping the lifting of game ball B by the ball lifting unit 550 (stopping circulation), stopping the game on the main control board 1310 side, etc.

In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not there has been any cheating based on the number of balls fired, the number of game balls B discharged from the game board 5 (number of recovered balls), the number of foul balls, etc.

[7-8. Enclosed ball amount detection process]
The enclosed ball amount detection process will be described with reference to FIG. 49 etc. The enclosed ball amount detection process detects whether the amount (number) of enclosed game balls B is appropriate or not. The enclosed ball amount detection process determines whether the amount of game balls B is appropriate or not by combining the ON/OFF of the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the ON/OFF of the circulating ball excess sensor 522. The circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522 are ON when the detection of game balls B continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or more.

Specifically, in the ball storage passage 504 of the circulating ball path unit 500, which is upstream of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 in the ball lifting unit 550, when the rearmost end of a line of game balls B is located between the under-circulating ball sensor 521 and the over-circulating ball sensor 522, the under-circulating ball sensor 521 turns ON and the over-circulating ball sensor 522 turns OFF. In such a combination, the amount of game balls B is determined to be appropriate, and no related error is reported.

On the other hand, if the rearmost part of the game balls B lined up in a row in the ball storage passage 504 is located downstream of the low circulating ball sensor 521, the low circulating ball sensor 521 will be OFF and the excess circulating ball sensor 522 will be OFF. In such a combination, it is determined that the amount of game balls B is too few, and an error message is displayed informing the user that there are "too few game balls."

In addition, if the rearmost end of game balls B lined up in a row in ball storage passage 504 is located upstream of circulating ball excess sensor 522, beyond circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and circulating ball excess sensor 522, then circulating ball shortage sensor 521 will be ON and circulating ball excess sensor 522 will be ON. In such a combination, it is determined that there is an excess amount of game balls B, and an error message is displayed indicating that there are "excess game balls."

Depending on the environment (game hall) in which the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is installed, it may be installed together with a pachinko machine that uses conventional iron balls SB as game balls, and there is a risk that iron balls SB may become mixed in when the game balls B are refilled or replaced during maintenance of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. If iron balls SB become mixed in with this pachinko machine 1, the strong magnet 516 is provided on the ball removal shutter 515 of the ball storage passage 504 in the circulation route R, and the mixed iron balls B are magnetically attracted by the magnet 516 and come to a stop on the ball removal shutter 515.

When the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the ball ejection shutter 515 and the ball launching unit 450 continues to launch game balls B, the game balls B downstream of the ball ejection shutter 515 in the ball storage passage 504 are lifted by the ball lifting unit 550 and reduced, and eventually the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 turns OFF. Meanwhile, the game balls B launched from the ball launching unit 450 are collected by the out ball receiving port 500a and safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulating ball path unit 500, the foul unit 470, etc., and supplied to the upstream side of the ball storage passage 504, where they accumulate upstream of the ball ejection shutter 515 (iron ball SB), and eventually the circulating ball excess sensor 522 turns ON. In this way, when the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 is OFF and the circulating ball excess sensor 522 is ON, it is determined that the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the ball removal shutter 515, and an error message is issued indicating that an "iron ball has been mixed in."

If ball jamming occurs between the low circulating ball sensor 521 and the high circulating ball sensor 522, an error message will be displayed indicating that "iron balls have been mixed in" since the combination will be the same as above.

Also, the error may be notified by lighting a notification lamp or by displaying an image on the performance display device. Alternatively, an error signal may be output to the hall computer (Holcon) of the amusement hall via the game ball lending device 8, and a notification lamp provided on the amusement hall side may be lighted.

In this way, the enclosed ball amount detection process makes it possible to appropriately manage the amount of enclosed game balls B and detect the presence of iron balls SB.

[7-9. Ball removal processing]
The ball removal process will be described. The ball removal process is executed in the circulating ball path unit 500 when the ball removal shutter 515 opens the ball removal port 513p to remove the game ball B to the ball receiving tray 620. The ball removal process is executed by opening the door frame 3 relative to the main body frame 4, turning off the door opening switch 407, pulling the ball removal shutter 515 forward to open the ball removal port 513p, and turning on the ball removal switch 642 provided on the frame control board 640.

During the ball removal process, the lifting inlet sensor 553 is disabled on/off, the launch solenoid 453 in the ball launching unit 450 repeatedly turns on/off at a predetermined time interval, and the lifting motor 564 remains in an operating state.

At this time, even if the launch solenoid 453 is turned ON and game ball B is launched, the door frame 3 is open, so the foul shutter 471 is in the closed position, and the game ball B is sent to the circulating ball path unit 500 as a foul ball without being shot out from the foul unit 470.

Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, or when the power switch on the power supply board 650 is turned OFF, the ball removal process ends.

In this way, the enclosed game ball B can be removed by the ball removal process. When inserting a game ball B, it is possible to insert it through the out port 1008 of the game board 5, or to remove the game board 5 from the main frame 4 and insert (refill) it through the out ball receiving port 500a or safe ball receiving port 500b that open upward.

[8. Overall configuration of the game board]
The overall structure of the game board 5 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figs. 50 to 56. Fig. 50 is a front view of the game board with the transparent center gadget and the like rendered opaque. Fig. 51 is a perspective view of the game board in Fig. 50 as seen from the right front, Fig. 52 is a perspective view of the game board in Fig. 50 as seen from the left front, and Fig. 53 is a perspective view of the game board in Fig. 50 as seen from the back. Fig. 54 is an exploded perspective view of the game board disassembled into main components as seen from the front, and Fig. 55 is an exploded perspective view of the game board disassembled into main components as seen from the back. Fig. 56 is a front view of the game board showing the inside of the game area in which game balls circulate, with the front unit cut parallel to the surface of the game panel.

The game board 5 of the pachinko machine 1 has a game area 5a into which a game ball B is inserted by a player operating a handle 160. The game area 5a is provided with a general prize opening 2001, a normal prize opening 2002, a first start opening 2003, a second start opening 2004, a big prize opening 2005, a special prize opening 2006, and a second V prize opening 2008, which give a player a predetermined privilege (e.g., an addition of a predetermined number of balls to the player's possession) when a game ball B is accepted or passed through the game area 5a. This game board 5 is for playing an entertaining game in which the handle 160 is operated to strike the ball B and the ball B circulates within the game area 5a so that the ball B can be received by the general winning hole 2001, the normal winning hole 2002, the first starting hole 2003, the second starting hole 2004, the big winning hole 2005, and the special winning hole 2006 within the game area 5a.

The game board 5 comprises a front component 1000 that defines the outer periphery of the game area 5a and has a generally rectangular external shape when viewed from the front, a plate-shaped game panel 1100 that is attached to the rear side of the front component 1000 and defines the rear end of the game area 5a, a plurality of magnetic sensors 1030 (see FIG. 65) that detects magnetic fields acting illegally within the game area 5a, and a vibration sensor 1040 (see FIG. 65, etc.) that detects vibrations acting on the game board 5 (pachinko machine 1). A plurality of obstacle nails that come into contact with the game ball B are planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement in a portion of the front of the game panel 1100 that is within the game area 5a.

The game board 5 also includes a board holder 1200 attached to the lower rear of the game panel 1100, and a main control unit 1300 attached to the rear of the board holder 1200 and having a main control board 1310 (see FIG. 65, etc.) that controls the game content that is played by shooting the game ball B into the game area 5a.

The game board 5 also includes a function display unit 1400 that displays the game status based on a control signal from the main control board 1310 and is attached to the upper left corner of the front component 1000 so as to be visible to the player, a peripheral control unit 1500 that is located on the rear side of the game panel 1100, a performance display device 1600 that is located in the center of the game area 5a when viewed from the front and is capable of displaying a predetermined performance image, a panel relay board (not shown) that is located on the rear side of the game panel 1100 and relays the connection between the main control board 1310 and the peripheral control board 1510, a front unit 2000 that is attached to the front of the game panel 1100, and a rear unit 3000 that is attached to the rear of the game panel 1100.

The performance display device 1600 is provided on the rear side of the rear unit 3000, and the peripheral control unit 1500 is provided on the rear side of the performance display device 1600.

The front unit 2000 has a plurality of (three in this case) general winning openings 2001 that are always open and can receive the game ball B that has been shot into the game area 5a, a normal winning opening 2002 that is provided at a predetermined position within the game area 5a and is always open and can receive the game ball B, a first starting opening 2003 that is provided in the center in the left-right direction below the center device 2500 and is always open and can receive the game ball B, and a lottery is drawn when the game ball B is received by the normal winning opening 2002. The game board 5 is provided with a second starting hole 2004 that can receive the game ball B depending on the result of the lottery for the normal symbol that is drawn, a large prize hole 2005 or a special prize hole 2006 that can receive the game ball B depending on the result of the lottery for the first special symbol that is drawn by receiving the game ball B into the first starting hole 2003 or the second special symbol that is drawn by receiving the game ball B into the second starting hole 2004, and a first V prize hole 2007 and a second V prize hole 2008 that can receive the game ball B received into the special prize hole 2006. The game board 5 is also provided with a plurality of magnetic sensors 1030 (see FIG. 65) that detect magnetic fields acting illegally within the game area 5a.

The front unit 2000 is provided with an outlet 2020, which is provided at the most downstream position in the play area 5a and is always open to receive the game ball B, and discharges the received game ball B outside the play area 5a without returning it, and two sub-outlets 2021, which are provided upstream of the outlet 2020 in the play area 5a and are always open to receive the game ball B, and discharge the received game ball B outside the play area 5a without returning it. Two outlets 2020 are provided on the left and right with the first starting port 2003 in between. The two sub-outlets 2021 are provided at a position to the left of the center of the play area 5a in the left-right direction and a position to the right of the center of the play area 5a in the left-right direction, respectively.

Furthermore, the front unit 2000 comprises a start port unit 2100 which is attached directly above the bottom end of the play area 5a in the left-right center of the play area 5a and has a first start port 2003 and an outlet port 2020, a side unit 2200 which is provided along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the start port unit 2100 when viewed from the front and has three general winning ports 2001 and one sub-out port 2021, and an upper left side unit 2300 which is provided slightly above the left side of the side unit 2200 when viewed from the front. It is equipped with an attacca unit 2400 that is provided to the right of the starting port unit 2100 and has a second starting port 2004, a large winning port 2005, and one sub-out port 2021, a frame-shaped center role 2500 that is provided slightly above the center in a front view of the game area 5a and has a role winning port 2006, a first V winning port 2007, and a second V winning port 2008, and a normal winning port unit 2600 that is provided at the upper right end of the attacca unit 2400 and has a normal winning port 2002.

The center device 2500 comprises a frame-shaped main unit 2510 having a device winning port 2006 and a first V winning port 2007, and a lottery device 2550 located at the bottom within the frame of the main unit 2510 and having a second V winning port 2008.

The rear unit 3000 includes a plurality of magnetic sensors 1030 that detect magnetic fields acting illegally within the play area 5a, a vibration sensor 1040 that detects vibrations acting on the play board 5 (pachinko machine 1), a rear box 3010 that is attached to the rear surface of the panel holder 1120 in the play panel 1100 and has a box shape with an open front and a square opening 3010a in the rear wall, a lock slider 3020 that detachably attaches the performance display device 1600 to the rear wall of the rear box 3010, and a rear board unit 3040 that is located behind the performance display device 1600 and attached to the rear wall of the rear box 3010.

The rear unit 3000 also includes a rear ball guide unit 3100, which is provided at the bottom near the front end of the rear box 3010 and through which the game ball B guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 circulates, a rear decoration unit 3200 provided behind the rear ball guide unit 3100 within the rear box 3010, a rear front performance unit 3300 provided to the left and above the rear ball guide unit 3100 near the front end within the rear box 3010, and a rear rear performance unit 3400 provided behind the rear front performance unit 3300 within the rear box 3010.

[8-1. Front components]
The front component 1000 in the game board 5 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figs. 54 and 55. The front component 1000 is formed to be transparent as a whole. The front component 1000 has an outer shape of a substantially square in front view, an inner shape of a substantially circular shape penetrating in the front-rear direction, and the inner circumference of the inner shape defines the outer circumference of the game area 5a. The front component 1000 includes an outer rail 1001 that extends in an arc shape from the lower end on the left side of the center in the front view to the upper right diagonal direction in the clockwise circumferential direction, passing the upper end of the center in the front left direction in the front view, an inner rail 1002 that is disposed inside the front component 1000 along the outer rail 1001 and extends in an arc shape from the lower center in the front left direction to the upper left diagonal direction in the front view, and an out guide portion 1003 that is formed at the lowest position of the game area 5a on the right side of the lower end of the inner rail 1002 in the front view and is inclined so as to become lower toward the rear.

The component 1000 also includes a lower right rail 1004 that slopes linearly from the right end of the out guide section 1003 when viewed from the front to near the right side of the component 1000, with the right end being slightly higher; a right rail 1005 that extends from the right end of the lower right rail 1004 along the right side of the component 1000 to below the upper end of the outer rail 1001, with the upper part curved inward of the component 1000; and a collision stop section 1006 that connects the upper end of the right rail 1005 to the upper end of the outer rail 1001 and comes into contact with the game ball B that rolls along the outer rail 1001.

The component 1000 is also provided with a backflow prevention member 1007 that is rotatably supported on the upper end of the inner rail 1002 and can rotate only between a closed position in which it extends upward from the upper end of the inner rail 1002 to close the gap with the outer rail 1001, and an open position in which it rotates clockwise when viewed from the front to open the gap with the outer rail 1001, and is biased by a spring (not shown) to return to the closed position.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 is provided with an outlet 1008 that penetrates from front to back at the rear end of the out guide section 1003 at the lower center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front within the frame. This outlet 1008 is closed from the front by the starting port unit 2100.

In addition, the front component 1000 is provided with security recesses 1009 recessed rearward from the front end at the outside of the areas near the bottom ends of the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 that extend approximately vertically, the underside of the out guide portion 1003 and the lower right rail 1004, and the outside of the right rail 1005. When the game board 5 is attached to the main body frame 4 and the door frame 3 is closed against the main body frame 4, a rear protrusion (not shown) that protrudes rearward of the security cover (not shown) on the door frame 3 is inserted into this security recess 1009. As a result, the area between the security cover and the game board 5 (front component 1000) is bent in a complex manner by the rear protrusion of the security cover and the security recess 1009 of the front component 1000, so even if someone tries to insert an illegal tool such as a piano wire into the game area 5a between the security cover and the front component 1000 from below the front of the game board 5, it will be blocked by the rear protrusion and the security recess 1009, preventing the illegal tool from entering the game area 5a.

The component 1000 also has a notch 1010 cut upward from the bottom end at the bottom left corner when viewed from the front. This notch 1010 coincides with the notch 1122 of the game panel 1100. When the component 1000 is attached to the main frame of a pachinko machine that pays out game balls to players, the notch 1010 and the notch 1122 pass through the front end openings of the lower normal payout passage and the lower full payout passage of the lower full ball path unit to face forward, allowing game balls to be supplied to the upper and lower trays of the door frame.

Furthermore, the component 1000 is provided with a function display unit mounting portion 1011 formed in the upper left corner when viewed from the front, to which the function display unit 1400 is attached, and a stamp attachment portion 1012 formed in the lower right corner.

Also, the front component 1000 is almost entirely transparent, allowing the game panel 1100 and rear unit 3000 located at the rear to be viewed from the front.

[8-2. Game Panel]
The game panel 1100 in the game board 5 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The game panel 1100 is attached to the rear surface of the front component 1000, and the front unit 2000 and the rear unit 3000 are attached to it. The game panel 1100 is equipped with a flat panel board 1110 whose outer periphery is formed slightly larger than the inner periphery of the frame-shaped front component 1000 and made of transparent synthetic resin, and a frame-shaped panel holder 1120 that holds the outer periphery of the panel board 1110, is attached to the rear side of the front component 1000, and has the rear unit 3000 attached to its rear surface. A plurality of obstacle nails are planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement on the front surface of the game panel 1100.

The panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100 is formed from a synthetic resin board such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polyarylate resin, or methacrylic resin, or an inorganic board such as glass or metal. The thickness of this panel board 1110 is thinner than that of a wooden game panel, which is about 20 mm, and the minimum thickness required to sufficiently support the installation of obstacle nails on the front and the attachment of the front unit 2000 is about 10 mm. In this embodiment, the panel board 1110 is formed from a transparent synthetic resin board.

The panel plate 1110 is at its lowest position within the play area 5a, and the position corresponding to the outlet 1008 of the previous component 1000 is recessed upward from the bottom end. In other words, in this embodiment, the outlet 1008 of the panel plate 1110 is not hole-shaped, but is formed as a notch that opens downward from the panel plate 1110. The outlet 1008 may also be formed as a hole. The panel plate 1110 is also formed with multiple openings 1112 that penetrate from front to back and are used to attach the front unit 2000. In this embodiment, the openings 1112 are formed as holes, but they may also be formed as notches that open outward from the outer periphery of the panel plate 1110.

Although not shown, the panel plate 1110 has a number of positioning holes formed as round holes and short long holes penetrating from front to back, and a number of engagement steps formed with a thin plate thickness and spaced apart in the left-right direction at the upper and lower edges. The positioning holes are for positioning with the panel holder 1120 by inserting protruding pins (not shown) of the panel holder 1120. The engagement steps are for removably attaching to the panel holder 1120 by engaging with the engagement claws (not shown) or engagement pieces (not shown) of the panel holder 1120.

The panel plate 1110 has a large opening 1112 for mounting the center device 2500, which is offset above the center when viewed from the front. This makes the panel plate 1110 frame-shaped, and the width perpendicular to the flow direction of the game balls B (circumferential direction of the frame) when viewed from the front is wide enough to line up multiple game balls B on the left, right, and lower sides, excluding the area above the center, and narrow enough that multiple game balls B cannot be lined up on the upper side.

The panel holder 1120 of the gaming panel 1100 is sized to encompass the panel plate 1110, has a roughly rectangular outer shape, and is thicker than the panel plate 1110 (in this embodiment, about 38 mm, the same thickness as a wooden gaming panel). This is so that regardless of whether the gaming panel is a wooden gaming panel or a gaming panel 1100 made of transparent synthetic resin, it can be attached to the main frame 4 of the same pachinko machine 1 (gaming machine) and used for play.

The panel holder 1120 is made of a transparent synthetic resin (e.g., a thermoplastic synthetic resin). The panel holder 1120 has a holding step (not shown) that is recessed from the front side to the rear side and has approximately the same size as the panel board 1110, and a through hole 1121 that penetrates the holding step in the front-to-rear direction and has a size approximately equal to that of the play area 5a.

The panel holder 1120 also has a notch 1122 cut upward from the bottom end at the bottom left corner when viewed from the front. This notch 1122 is formed to match the notch 1010 of the previous component 1000. When this notch 1122 is attached to the main frame of a pachinko machine that pays out game balls to players, the front end openings of the lower normal payout passage and the lower full payout passage of the lower full ball path unit penetrate the notch 1010 and the notch 1122 to face forward and supply game balls to the upper and lower trays of the door frame.

Furthermore, the panel holder 1120 is formed with an out recess 1123 that extends upward from the lower end to a position corresponding to the out port 1008 and is recessed from the rear surface toward the front. The out recess 1123 has an upper portion that communicates with the out port 1008.

Although not shown, the panel holder 1120 includes a plurality of protruding pins that protrude forward from the holding step and are inserted into a plurality of positioning holes in the panel plate 1110, three engagement claws that are disposed outside the holding step and elastically engage with engagement steps at the upper and lower left inclined portions of the panel plate 1110, and a pair of engagement pieces that protrude upward from the lower outer side of the holding step and respectively engage with two engagement steps at the lower edge of the panel plate 1110. The panel holder 1120 can detachably attach the panel plate 1110 in a state where it is housed in the holding step by engaging the engagement steps at the lower edge of the panel plate 1110 with the engagement pieces from the front diagonally above, and then moving the upper part of the panel plate 1110 backward to elastically engage the engagement steps at the upper and lower left inclined portions with the engagement claws. At this time, the protruding pin of the panel holder 1120 is inserted into the positioning hole of the panel plate 1110, and the panel plate 1110 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the panel holder 1120.

This game panel 1100, together with the front component 1000 attached to the front side, is formed transparent, so when assembled to the game board 5, the boundaries of the game area 5a are less clearly visible, giving the player a sense of openness, and although the actual size of the game area 5a does not change, the game area 5a appears larger (wider) to the player.

In addition, because the game panel 1100, along with the front component 1000, is made transparent, the light from the performance display device 1600, front unit 2000, rear unit 3000, etc. can be reflected or refracted forward (towards the player) to appear as if it is emitting light, further enhancing the overall decorativeness of the game board 5.

[8-3. Substrate holder]
The board holder 1200 in the game board 5 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The board holder 1200 is formed in a horizontally long box shape with an open top and front, and the bottom surface is inclined so that it becomes lower toward the center in the left-right direction. The board holder 1200 has an ejection part 1201 that is cut out from the front end toward the rear at the center in the left-right direction of the bottom surface. When assembled to the game board 5, this board holder 1200 covers the lower part of the back unit 3000 attached to the rear side of the game panel 1100 from the bottom and rear, and the main control board box 1320 of the main control unit 1300 is attached to the rear surface.

When the board holder 1200 is assembled to the pachinko machine 1, the discharge section 1201 is located directly above the out ball receiving port 500a and the safe ball receiving port 500b in the circulating ball path unit 500 of the main body frame 4. As a result, game balls B discharged to the rear of the game panel 1100 through the out port 2020 or sub-out port 2021 are discharged to the out ball receiving port 500a in the circulating ball path unit 500, and by being received in the out ball receiving port 500a, they flow through the out ball passage 501 and are detected (counted) one by one by the out ball sensor 505. On the other hand, game balls B that are received in winning ports such as the general winning port 2001, the normal winning port 2002, the first starting port 2003, the second starting port 2004, the big winning port 2005, and the special winning port 2006 and discharged downward from the front unit 2000 and the back unit 3000 are discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b in the circulating ball path unit 500, and by being received in the safe ball receiving port 500b, they flow through the safe ball passage 502 and are detected (counted) one by one by the safe ball sensor 506.

[8-4. Main control board unit]
The main control unit 1300 in the game board 5 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 53 to 55. The main control unit 1300 is detachably attached to the rear surface of the board holder 1200. The main control unit 1300 includes a main control board 1310 (see Figure 65) that controls the game content and the granting of benefits to players, and a main control board box 1320 that houses the main control board 1310 and is attached to the board holder 1200.

The main control board box 1320 is composed of a board base 1330 which is attached to the board holder 1200 and has the main control board 1310 attached to its rear surface, and a board cover 1340 which is attached to the board base 1330 so as to cover the main control board 1310 from behind. The board base 1330 and the board cover 1340 are made of transparent polycarbonate. The main control board 1310 is housed in the internal space formed by the board base 1330 and the board cover 1340. Because the board base 1330 and the board cover 1340 are made of transparent polycarbonate, it is possible to check the condition of the front and back sides of the main control board 1310 (whether or not unauthorized tampering has been performed, or whether or not an unauthorized IC is installed) from the outside of the main control board box 1320.

The main control board box 1320 is also provided with multiple sealing mechanisms 1350, each corresponding to the board base 1330 and the board cover 1340. When the main control board box 1320 is closed using one sealing mechanism 1350, the sealing mechanism 1350 must be destroyed in order to open the main control board box 1320 again, leaving traces of the opening and closing of the main control board box 1320. Therefore, by observing the traces of opening and closing, unauthorized opening and closing of the main control board box 1320 can be discovered, enhancing the deterrent effect against unauthorized acts on the main control board 1310.

The main control board 1310 of the main control unit 1300 is connected to the interface board 660, the out ball sensor 505, the peripheral control board 1510, etc. In addition, the main control board 1310 is connected to the function display unit 1400, the general winning port sensor 3001, the normal winning port sensor 3002, the first start port sensor 2101, the second start port sensor 2401, the large winning port sensor 2402, the special winning port sensor 2501, the first V winning port sensor 2502, the second V winning port sensor 2503, the losing port sensor 2504, the start port solenoid 2412, the attacca solenoid 2414, the special winning port solenoid 2516, the first distribution solenoid 2534, the second distribution solenoid 2544, the lottery loop solenoid 2558, the striking piece drive motor 2561, the gutter swing drive motor 2564, the swing piece solenoid 2565, the magnetic sensor 1030, the vibration sensor 1040, etc.

The main control board 1310 also has a base monitor consisting of four 7-segment LEDs (not shown). The base monitor can be seen from behind through the transparent board cover 1340. This base monitor displays the number of game balls B that have been launched by the ball launching unit 450, have been shot into the game area 5a, and then ejected downward from the game board 5, and are detected and counted by the out ball sensor 505 provided in the circulating ball path unit 500 of the main body frame 4. The base monitor of this embodiment displays the number of balls (the number of balls that have returned to the game hall) counted by the out ball sensor 505 after 100 shots have been launched, as a percentage.

[8-5. Function display unit]
The function display unit 1400 in the game board 5 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG. 50 and the like. The function display unit 1400 is attached to the upper left corner of the front component 1000 outside the game area 5a. When assembled to the pachinko machine 1, the function display unit 1400 can be seen from the front (player side) through the game window 101 of the door frame 3. This function display unit 1400 uses multiple LEDs based on control signals from the main control board 1310 to display the game status (game situation), the lottery results for normal symbols, the lottery results for special symbols, and the like.

The function display unit 1400, although not shown in detail, is equipped with a status indicator consisting of three LEDs that displays the game status, a normal pattern display consisting of two LEDs that displays the lottery results of the normal pattern drawn by the reception of a game ball B into the normal winning opening 2002, and a normal reserve display consisting of two LEDs that displays the number of reserved balls related to the reception of a game ball B into the normal winning opening 2002.

The function display unit 1400 also includes a first special pattern display consisting of eight LEDs that displays the result of the drawing of the first special pattern drawn by the reception of the game ball B into the first starting port 2003, a first special reserved number display consisting of two LEDs that displays the reserved number related to the reception of the game ball B into the first starting port 2003, a second special pattern display consisting of eight LEDs that displays the result of the drawing of the second special pattern drawn by the reception of the game ball B into the second starting port 2004, and a second special reserved number display consisting of two LEDs that displays the reserved number related to the reception of the game ball B into the second starting port 2004.

Furthermore, the function display unit 1400 is equipped with a round display consisting of five LEDs that displays the number of times (number of rounds) the opening and closing pattern of the large prize opening 2005 is repeated when the lottery result for the first special pattern or the lottery result for the second special pattern is a "win" or the like.

This functional display unit 1400 can display the number of reserved items, designs, etc., by turning on, off, blinking, etc. the LEDs provided as appropriate.

[8-6. Peripheral control unit]
The peripheral control unit 1500 in the game board 5 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 53 and the like. The peripheral control unit 1500 is provided behind the performance display device 1600 provided on the rear side of the rear box 3010 of the rear unit 3000. In detail, the peripheral control unit 1500 is attached to the rear surface of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 that attaches the performance display device 1600 to the rear surface of the rear box 3010. The peripheral control unit 1500 includes a peripheral control board 1510 (see FIG. 65) that controls the performance presented to the player based on a control signal from the main control board 1310, and a peripheral control board box 1520 that houses the peripheral control board 1510. The peripheral control board 1510 includes a peripheral control unit 1511 for controlling light emission performance, sound performance, movable performance, etc., and a performance display control unit 1512 for controlling performance images.

The peripheral control board 1510 of the peripheral control unit 1500 is connected to the main control board 1310, the performance operation unit 250, various decorative boards on the door frame 3 side, the performance display device 1600, etc. (see Figure 65). The peripheral control unit 1500 is attached to the rear of the performance display device 1600, details of which will be described later.

[8-7. Performance display device]
The effect display device 1600 in the game board 5 will be described mainly with reference to Figs. 54 and 55. The effect display device 1600 is disposed in the center of the game area 5a when viewed from the front, and is disposed behind the game panel 1100. The performance display device 1600 is attached to the front of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 which is attached to the rear wall of the rear box 3010. Since the performance display device 1600 is detachable from the box 3010, the performance display device 1600 can be attached and detached from the rear box 3010 via the liquid crystal spacer 1610. The performance display device 1600 is a transparent It can be seen from the front (player's side) through the game panel 1100 and the frame of the frame-shaped center device 2500.

The performance display device 1600 is a 15-inch full-color LCD display device with a white LED backlight, and is attached in landscape orientation to the front of the LCD spacer 1610. The performance display device 1600 is connected to the peripheral control board 1510, and can display specified still images and videos.

The performance display device 1600 is attached with an offset (eccentricity) such that its center is located to the lower right of the center of the liquid crystal spacer 1610, so that space is created above and to the left of the liquid crystal spacer 1610.

The liquid crystal spacer 1610 is formed in a transparent flat plate shape with the same size as a 19-inch liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal spacer 1610 has two upper fixing pieces 1611 protruding upward from the upper end surface and one lower fixing piece 1612 protruding downward from the lower end surface. With the liquid crystal screen of the performance display device 1600 facing forward, the two upper fixing pieces 1611 are inserted from the diagonal rear of the rear box 3010 into two fixing grooves 3010c opening on the upper inner surface of the opening 3010a of the rear box 3010 described later, and the lower fixing piece 1612 is moved forward to insert the lower fixing piece 1612 into the opening of the lock slider 3020, and the lock slider 3020 is slid to the left when viewed from behind, thereby attaching the liquid crystal spacer 1610 to the rear box 3010.

[8-8. Overall structure of the table unit]
The front unit 2000 of the game board 5 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The front unit 2000 is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front, with the front end protruding forward beyond the front surface of the game panel 1100 and the rear end partly protruding into the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100.

The front unit 2000 comprises a plurality of (three in this case) general winning openings 2001 which are always open to receive the game ball B that has been shot into the game area 5a, a normal winning opening 2002 which is provided at a predetermined position within the game area 5a and is always open to receive the game ball B, a first starting opening 2003 which is provided at a predetermined position within the game area 5a and is always open to receive the game ball B, and a normal symbol which is drawn by lottery when the game ball B is received by the normal winning opening 2002. It is equipped with a second starting opening 2004 that can receive game ball B depending on the lottery result, a large prize opening 2005 and a special prize opening 2006 that can receive game ball B depending on a first special pattern drawn by receiving game ball B into the first starting opening 2003 or a second special pattern drawn by receiving game ball B into the second starting opening 2004, and a first V prize opening 2007 and a second V prize opening 2008 that can receive game ball B received into the special prize opening 2006.

The front unit 2000 further includes an outlet 2020 and a sub-outlet 2021 that discharge the game ball B that is shot into the game area 5a to the outside of the game area 5a. The outlet 2020 and the sub-outlet 2021 are always open so that they can receive the game ball B. The outlet 2020 is provided at the downstream end of the game area 5a.

The front unit 2000 also includes a first start port sensor 2101 that detects a game ball B received in the first start port 2003, a second start port sensor 2401 that detects a game ball B received in the second start port 2004, a large prize port sensor 2402 that detects a game ball B received in the large prize port 2005, a first V prize port sensor 2502 that detects a game ball B received in the first V prize port 2007, a second V prize port sensor 2503 that detects a game ball B received in the second V prize port 2008, a loss port sensor 2504 that detects a game ball B received in the loss port 2009, and a magnetic sensor 1030 that detects unauthorized magnetism acting within the game area 5a.

Multiple (three in this example) general winning openings 2001 are located on the left side of the horizontal center at the bottom of the play area 5a. The regular winning opening 2002 is located below the vertical center near the right end of the play area 5a when viewed from the front. The first starting opening 2003 is located between the two exit openings 2020 in the horizontal center of the play area 5a. The second starting opening 2004 is located below the regular winning opening 2002 near the right end of the play area 5a. The large winning opening 2005 is located to the right of the first starting opening 2003 in the play area 5a. The special winning opening 2006 is located above the regular winning opening 2002 near the right end of the play area 5a.

The outlets 2020 are located at the downstream end of the game area 5a, below both the left and right sides of the first starting outlet 2003. One of the sub-outlets 2021 is located to the left of the three general winning outlets 2001, and the remaining one is located below the second starting outlet 2004.

The front unit 2000 is equipped with a start port unit 2100 which is attached directly above the bottom end of the play area 5a in the left-right center of the play area 5a and has a first start port 2003 and an outlet port 2020, a side unit 2200 which is provided along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the start port unit 2100 when viewed from the front and has three general winning ports 2001 and one sub-out port 2021, and an upper left side unit 2300 which is provided slightly above the left side of the side unit 2200 when viewed from the front.

The front unit 2000 further includes an attacca unit 2400, which is provided to the right of the start port unit 2100 and has a second start port 2004, a large prize port 2005, and one sub-out port 2021; a frame-shaped center role 2500, which is provided slightly above the center of the game area 5a when viewed from the front and has a role prize port 2006, a first V prize port 2007, a second V prize port 2008, and a loss port 2009; and a normal prize port unit 2600, which is provided above the attacca unit 2400 and has a normal prize port 2002.

[8-8a. Starting unit]
Next, the starting port unit 2100 of the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52, 56, etc. The starting port unit 2100 of the front unit 2000 is disposed directly above the outlet 1008 near the lower end of the center in the left-right direction in the game area 5a, and is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front. The starting port unit 2100 has a first starting port 2003 that is always open upward with a width that can receive only one game ball B, and two outlets 2020 that are always open to receive the game ball B and discharge the received game ball B outside the game area 5a without returning it. The starting port unit 2100 also has a first starting port sensor 2101 that detects the game ball B received in the first starting port 2003 (see Figure 65).

The outlet 2020 is located at a lower position than the first starting port 2003. The two outlets 2020 of the starting port unit 2100 are located at symmetrical positions with the first starting port 2003 in between. The first starting port 2003 opens upward with a width that allows one game ball B to pass through. The outlet 2020 opens upward with a width equivalent to two game balls B, and is located at the lowest position within the game area 5a.

The starting hole unit 2100 is arranged so that the height difference between the first starting hole 2003 and the outlet hole 2020 is smaller (lower) than the height difference between the first starting hole and the outlet hole (outlet hole 1008) in a conventional pachinko machine. This gives the player the illusion that the first starting hole 2003 is located lower than a conventional first starting hole, making the playing area 5a appear relatively larger.

The start port unit 2100 has a start port display section 2110 that is provided below the first start port 2003 and can display a predetermined picture. The start port display section 2110 is composed of a single 7-segment LED. This start port display section 2110 can display a predetermined picture (including numbers) according to the progress of the game. When the start port unit 2100 is assembled to the game board 5, the start port display section 2110 closes the outlet 1008 from the front, making the outlet 1008 invisible to the player. This allows the player to recognize that the outlet 2020 is the lowest end of the game area 5a.

When the start port unit 2100 is assembled to the game board 5, the first start port 2003 is located directly below the central release section 2513a on the stage 2513 of the center gimmick 2500, and can receive the game ball B released from the central release section 2513a with a high probability. The game ball B received in this first start port 2003 is detected by the first start port sensor 2101, guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulation ball path unit 500 below.

The game ball B received at the outlet 2020 is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 and handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and then discharged from the back ball guiding unit 3100 to the out ball receiving port 500a of the circulating ball path unit 500 below.

[8-8b. Side unit]
Next, the side unit 2200 of the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and 56. The side unit 2200 of the front unit 2000 extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting port unit 2100 in the game area 5a, and is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front. The side unit 2200 has three general winning ports 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B, and one sub-out port 2021 that is always open to receive the game ball B.

The three general winning openings 2001 of the side unit 2200 are arranged in an arc along the inner rail 1002, with the openings located higher toward the left. Each general winning opening 2001 opens to the size (width) of one game ball B. A sub-out opening 2021 is provided to the left of the leftmost general winning opening 2001. The sub-out opening 2021 opens to the size (width) of one game ball B.

The side unit 2200 also has a shelf 2201 to the right of the rightmost general winning port 2001, which slopes downward as it goes to the right. The shelf 2201 extends to the right, up to near the right end of the left outlet 2020 in the starting port unit 2100. In other words, when the game ball B rolls down the shelf 2201, it is received by the left outlet 2020.

When the side unit 2200 is assembled to the game board 5, the three general winning openings 2001 and one sub-out opening 2021 protrude forward from the front surface of the game panel 1100. This side unit 2200 can guide the game ball B received in the general winning opening 2001 to the rear of the game panel 1100 and deliver it to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. The game ball B delivered to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 is detected by the general winning opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downward.

The side unit 2200 can also guide the game ball B received in the sub-out port 2021 to the rear of the game panel 1100 and deliver it to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. The game ball B delivered to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 is discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulating ball path unit 500 below.

[8-8c. Upper left side unit]
Next, the upper left side unit 2300 of the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52, 56, etc. The upper left side unit 2300 of the front unit 2000 is attached to the gaming panel 1100 from the front so as to contact the inner rail 1002 to the left of the side unit 2200 within the gaming area 5a. The upper left side unit 2300 has a shelf portion 2301 that is inclined so as to be lower to the right.

When the upper left side unit 2300 is assembled to the game board 5, the shelf portion 2301 protrudes forward from the front surface of the game panel 1100. The upper left side unit 2300 can guide the game ball B that has flowed down the left side of the center device 2500 to the right side below the center device 2500 by the shelf portion 2301.

[8-8d. Attacker Unit]
Next, the attacca unit 2400 of the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and Figure 56. The attacca unit 2400 of the front unit 2000 is located in the game area 5a, to the right of the start hole unit 2100 as seen from the front, which is the lower right corner as seen from the front, and is attached from the front to the front of the game panel 1100. This attacca unit 2400 has a second start hole 2004, a big winning hole 2005, and one sub-out hole 2021 (see Figure 56, etc.).

When viewed from the front, the Attacka unit 2400 has a second starting hole 2004 located at the top and to the right of the center in the left-right direction, a large prize opening 2005 located to the left of the center in the left-right direction and lower than the second starting hole 2004, and one sub-out hole 2021 located below the second starting hole 2004 and lower than the large prize opening 2005.

The attacca unit 2400 also includes a second start opening sensor 2401 that detects a game ball B received in the second start opening 2004, a large prize opening sensor 2402 that detects a game ball B received in the large prize opening 2005, and a magnetic sensor 1030 that detects unauthorized magnetism (see FIG. 65). Two large prize opening sensors 2402 are provided, one on the left and one on the right.

The attacker unit 2400 also has a dummy sensor 2403 at a position behind the sub-out port 2021 that is visible from the front. This dummy sensor 2403 cannot detect game ball B, but is formed in the same manner as a through sensor that detects the passage of game ball B, such as the big prize port sensor 2402. With this configuration, the dummy sensor 2403 can be replaced with a sensor that can actually detect game ball B, so it is possible to change the main body frame 4 to either counting out balls or not counting them. Note that while the dummy sensor 2403 is formed in the same manner as a through sensor, it may also be a spacer that eliminates steps that could cause balls to get stuck in that area.

The attacca unit 2400 is equipped with a second start port door 2411 capable of opening and closing the second start port 2004, a start port solenoid 2412 that opens and closes the second start port door 2411 in response to a normal lottery result drawn by the reception of a game ball B in the normal prize port 2002, a large prize port door 2413 that can open and close the large prize port 2005, and an attacca solenoid 2414 that opens and closes the large prize port door 2413 in response to a first special lottery result or a second special lottery result drawn by the reception of a game ball B in the first start port 2003 or the second start port 2004.

The second starting opening 2004 of the attacca unit 2400 opens upward with a width in the left-right direction that is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball B. The large winning opening 2005 opens upward with a width in the left-right direction that is 4 to 6 times the diameter of the game ball B. The second starting opening door 2411, which allows the second starting opening 2004 to be opened and closed, is provided so that it can move back and forth in the front-to-rear direction and is inclined so that the left end side is lower. The large winning opening door 2413, which allows the large winning opening 2005 to be opened and closed, is provided so that it can move back and forth in the front-to-rear direction by rotating around an axis that extends in the left-to-right direction and is inclined so that the left end side is lower.

This second starting port door 2411 is arranged to move in the forward and backward directions. When the starting port solenoid 2412 is not energized, the plunger of the starting port solenoid 2412 protrudes due to the spring force, causing the second starting port door 2411 to move forward and close the second starting port 2004. When the starting port solenoid 2412 is energized, the plunger of the starting port solenoid 2412 retracts against the spring force, causing the second starting port door 2411 to move backward and open the second starting port 2004.

The large prize opening door 2413 is a long flat plate that moves back and forth by rotating around an axis extending in the left-right direction that is located below the large prize opening sensor 2402. The large prize opening door 2413 can open and close the large prize opening 2005 by the forward and backward movement of the plunger of the attacca solenoid 2414. When the attacca solenoid 2414 is not energized, the large prize opening door 2413 moves forward as the plunger of the attacca solenoid 2414 protrudes due to the spring force, closing the large prize opening 2005. When the attacca solenoid 2414 is energized, the large prize opening door 2413 moves backward as the plunger of the attacca solenoid 2414 retreats against the spring force, opening the large prize opening 2005.

The Attacka unit 2400 has an upper shelf 2421 at its upper end that forms a space between the second starting hole 2004 and the large prize hole 2005 through which the game ball B can flow, and is inclined downward toward the left and is provided to cover the upper parts. The upper shelf 2421 extends in the left-right direction from the upper right end of the second starting hole 2004 to the upper left end of the large prize hole 2005.

The attacca unit 2400 is provided with a first shelf 2422 that is above the second starting opening 2004 and slopes downward from a position that is spaced from the right end (right rail 1005) of the attacca unit 2400 to the left, allowing one game ball B to pass through, toward the second starting opening 2004 on the left; a second shelf 2423 that slopes downward from the left end of the second starting opening 2004; a third shelf 2424 that is below and to the left of the second shelf 2423 and slopes downward from a position that is spaced from the second shelf 2423 to the left, allowing one game ball B to pass through, toward the large winning opening 2005 on the left; and a fourth shelf 2425 that slopes downward from the left end of the large winning opening 2005 to the left.

When a game ball B enters the gap to the right of the first shelf 2422, between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424, the attacca unit 2400 receives the game ball B in the sub-out port 2021 and ejects the game ball B outside the game area 5a.

Although detailed illustrations of the Attacca unit 2400 are omitted, in the space between the upper shelf 2421 and the large prize opening 2005 where game balls B can flow to the left, multiple abutment parts that are triangular in plan view protrude into the space so that they are staggered left and right from the front and rear walls that form the space. When the large prize opening 2005 is in a closed state, these multiple abutment parts allow game balls B rolling on the large prize opening door 2413 to flow in a large zigzag pattern in the front and back directions, lengthening the time that game balls B circulate over the large prize opening door 2413.

In the normal state of the attacca unit 2400, the start port solenoid 2412 and the attacca solenoid 2414 are both de-energized (OFF). In this normal state, the plunger of the start port solenoid 2412 protrudes forward due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown), and the second start port door 2411 protrudes forward. In this state, the second start port door 2411 is located above the second start port 2004, and the second start port door 2411 prevents the second start port 2004 from receiving a game ball B. In other words, the second start port 2004 is closed by the second start port door 2411.

In addition, in the normal state, the plunger of the attacca solenoid 2414 protrudes forward due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown), and the large prize opening door 2413 protrudes forward. In this state, the large prize opening door 2413 is located above the large prize opening 2005, and the large prize opening 2005 cannot receive game ball B. In other words, the large prize opening 2005 is closed by the large prize opening door 2413.

In this normal state, when a game ball B flows down onto the first shelf 2422, the inclination of the first shelf 2422 causes the game ball B to roll to the left, roll over the top surface of the second starting gate door 2411 and the second shelf 2423, and is then released to the left from the left end of the second shelf 2423. The game ball B released to the left from the second shelf 2423 falls onto the third shelf 2424 or the big prize gate door 2413 depending on its momentum, and rolls to the left due to the inclination of these. Note that when a game ball B released to the left from the second shelf 2423 hits the underside of the upper shelf 2421 and bounces off to the right, it may enter the gap between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424.

The game ball B rolling on the large prize opening door 2413 that closes the large prize opening 2005 alternately comes into contact with multiple abutment parts provided in the space between the upper shelf 2421 and the large prize opening 2005, and rolls to the left while zigzagging back and forth. After rolling to the left on the large prize opening door 2413, the game ball B rolls on the fourth shelf 2425 and is released from its left end to the outside of the attacca unit 2400. Because the left end of the fourth shelf 2425 is located lower than the first starting opening 2003, the game ball B released to the left from the fourth shelf 2425 is received by the outlet 2020.

When a game ball B flows down onto the upper shelf 2421 of the Attacca unit 2400, it is guided to the left by the inclination, and is released to the left of the Attacca unit 2400 without being given a chance to be accepted by the second starting hole 2004 or the big winning hole 2005. Because the left end of the upper shelf 2421 is located at a higher position than the first starting hole 2003, game ball B released to the left from the upper shelf 2421 has the potential to be accepted by the first starting hole 2003.

In this attacca unit 2400, when game ball B flows down to the right of the first shelf 2422, it enters the sub-out port 2021. Also, when game ball B enters the gap between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424, it enters the sub-out port 2021. Game ball B that enters the sub-out port 2021 is discharged onto the lower substrate holder 1200 through the back ball guide unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 without being returned to the game area 5a, and is then handed over to the out ball receiving port 500a of the circulating ball path unit 500. In this attacca unit 2400, both the game ball B that flows along the right side of the first shelf 2422 and the game ball B that passes through the gap between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424 are configured to enter the sub-out port 2021, so that there are essentially two sub-out ports 2021.

In this normal state, when the start port solenoid 2412 is energized (ON) in accordance with the result of the normal lottery drawn when game ball B is received by the normal winning port 2002, the plunger retracts against the spring force, and the second start port door 2411 moves rearward. Then, as the second start port door 2411 moves rearward, the top of the second start port 2004 is opened, and game ball B can be received by the second start port 2004. In other words, the second start port 2004 is in an open state.

When the second starting port 2004 is open and game ball B is received in the second starting port 2004, it is detected by the second starting port sensor 2401 and then released rearward from the attacca unit 2400. The game ball B received in the second starting port 2004 and released rearward from the attacca unit 2400 is handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000 and discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulation ball path unit 500 below.

Meanwhile, in the normal state, when the attacca solenoid 2414 is energized (ON) in accordance with the special lottery result (first special lottery result or second special lottery result) that is determined by receiving the game ball B in the first starting hole 2003 or the second starting hole 2004, the plunger moves back against the spring force, and the large prize opening door 2413 moves rearward. By the large prize opening door 2413 moving rearward, the large prize opening 2005 is opened upward, and the large prize opening 2005 can receive the game ball B. In other words, the large prize opening 2005 is in an open state.

When the large prize opening 2005 is open and game ball B is received in the large prize opening 2005, it is detected by one of the two large prize opening sensors 2402 installed below, and is then released rearward from the attacca unit 2400. Game ball B received in the large prize opening 2005 and released rearward from the attacca unit 2400 is handed over to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000 and discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulation ball path unit 500 below.

In this way, according to the attacca unit 2400 of this embodiment, the game ball B received in the large prize opening 2005 is detected by one of the two large prize opening sensors 2402 and then released to the rear, which makes it possible to prevent the game ball B from getting stuck between the large prize opening 2005 and the large prize opening sensor 2402, and also makes it possible to receive a large number of game balls B in a short period of time.

[8-8e. Center role]
Next, the center role 2500 in the front unit 2000 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figs. 50 to 52, 56, 57 to 60, etc. Fig. 57(a) is a front view of the lottery role in the center role, and (b) is a perspective view of the lottery role from above the front. Fig. 58 is a side cross-sectional view of the lottery role in the center role cut at the center in the left-right direction. Fig. 59(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the lottery role in a state where the game ball cannot be looped, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the lottery role in a state where the game ball can be looped. Fig. 60 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the game ball in the lottery role.

The center device 2500 of the front unit 2000 is located in the game area 5a, above the starting unit 2100, and slightly above the center when viewed from the front, and is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. The center device 2500 is formed in a transparent frame shape.

The center device 2500, details of which will be described later, includes a device winning opening 2006 that opens and closes to accept a game ball B depending on the results of a drawing of a first special pattern drawn by receiving a game ball B into the first starting opening 2003 and a second special pattern drawn by receiving a game ball B into the second starting opening 2004, a second V winning opening 2008 that can only accept game balls B that have been received into the device winning opening 2006, and a losing opening 2009 that can accept game balls B that have been received into the device winning opening 2006 but not into the second V winning opening 2008.

The center device 2500 is equipped with a device winning port sensor 2501 that detects a game ball B received in the device winning port 2006, a first V winning port sensor 2502 that detects a game ball B received in the first V winning port 2007, a second V winning port sensor 2503 that detects a game ball B received in the second V winning port 2008, and a losing port sensor 2504 that detects a game ball B received in the losing port 2009.

The center role 2500 comprises a main unit 2510 formed in a frame shape, and a lottery role 2550 provided at the bottom within the frame of the main unit 2510. The main unit 2510 has a role winning hole 2006 and a first V winning hole 2007. The lottery role 2550 has a second V winning hole 2008 and a losing hole 2009.

[8-8e-1. Main unit]
The main unit 2510 of the center gadget 2500 will be described in detail. The main unit 2510 has a gadget winning port 2006. The main unit 2510 includes a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the front of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a warp passage 2512 capable of guiding the game ball B from the outside of the center frame 2511 to the inside of the frame, and a stage 2513 provided at the lower side within the frame of the center frame 2511, which rolls the game ball B that has flowed through the warp passage 2512 in the left-right direction and then releases it into the game area 5a.

The center frame 2511 has a frame-shaped insertion portion 2511a that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and is arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112 and extends in the front-to-rear direction, a flat flange portion 2511b that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a and abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, an inflow restriction portion 2511c that extends forward from the flange portion 2511b and restricts the game ball B flowing down the game area 5a from flowing into the inside of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and a flat support portion 2511d that protrudes from the inner periphery of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a.

The insertion portion 2511a is provided so that its rear end coincides with the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 when assembled to the game board 5. The inflow restriction portion 2511c, when assembled to the game board 5, has a front end excluding the bottom edge of the frame shape (annular shape) that protrudes forward from the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. As a result, when assembled to the game board 5, the inflow restriction portion 2511c can prevent (restrict) the intrusion (inflow) of the game ball B from the outside of the center role 2500 (center frame 2511) to the inside of the frame.

The thickness of the flange portion 2511b and the support portion 2511d is thinner than the thickness of the panel plate 1110 (1/4 to 1/5 the thickness of the panel plate 1110). The flange portion 2511b and the support portion 2511d protrude from the insertion portion 2511a at the same position in the front-to-rear direction.

The support parts 2511d are provided partially on the inner circumference of the insertion part 2511a. The support parts 2511d are also provided on the parts of the insertion part 2511a where the flange part 2511b does not protrude, and reinforce the insertion part 2511a (center frame 2511). The end edge of the support part 2511d protruding from the insertion part 2511a is formed in a shape that imitates the front shape of the insertion part 2511a or in a straight line, so that the support part 2511d is not noticeable. The amount of protrusion of the support part 2511d from the insertion part 2511a is within the range from the thickness of the support part 2511d to the thickness of the panel board 1110 (1 mm to 10 mm), so that it is not noticeable to the player while exerting a reinforcing effect.

The warp passage 2512 is open at the left side of the inflow restriction section 2511c when viewed from the front, allowing the game ball B in the game area 5a to enter. The warp passage 2512 can guide the game ball B that has entered to the stage 2513. A part of the warp passage 2512 is formed by the center frame 2511.

The stage 2513 is attached to the insertion portion 2511a of the center frame 2511. The stage 2513 is curved with a recessed central side in the left-right direction, and is formed in a wavy (W-shaped) shape such that the position corresponding to directly above the first starting hole 2003 of the starting hole unit 2100, that is, the approximate central position in the left-right direction when the center role 2500 is attached to the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, is slightly higher than the left and right sides. This stage 2513 is inclined so that the part (center release part 2513a) that is slightly higher than the left and right sides in the left-right direction and the lowest part on both sides (side release part 2513b) are lower toward the front, and the game ball B can be released into the game area 5a from these parts.

When the stage 2513 is assembled to the game board 5, its elevated central portion in the left-right direction (central release section 2513a) is located directly above the first starting hole 2003 of the starting hole unit 2100. As a result, when a game ball B is released from the central release section 2513a in the center of the stage 2513, it is received by the first starting hole 2003 with an extremely high probability.

The main unit 2510 of the center gadget 2500 is provided in the upper right corner of the center frame 2511 and is equipped with a guide passage group 2520 consisting of two passages through which the game ball B can flow. The guide passage group 2520 guides the game ball B above the normal winning opening 2002 and the attacca unit 2400.

As shown in FIG. 56, the guide passage group 2520 is provided outside the inflow restriction portion 2511c of the center frame 2511, and is composed of a first guide passage 2521 whose upper entrance is provided at the collision stopper portion 1006, and a second guide passage 2522 whose upper entrance is provided adjacent to the left side of the entrance of the first guide passage 2521. The guide passage group 2520 (first guide passage 2521 and second guide passage 2522) are both formed from a colorless and transparent material, and the game ball B flowing inside can be seen from the front.

The first guide passage 2521 extends vertically downward from the impact stop 1006 of the previous component 1000 for a short distance, then bends at a right angle to the right, and when it approaches the right rail 1005, bends downward and extends along the right rail 1005, bends left at approximately 3/4 of the height of the play area 5a from the bottom, extends left at a gentle angle, bends downward at a position one game ball B to the left of the entrance of the second guide passage 2522, extends to the center height of the play area 5a, bends right and extends to the vicinity of the right rail 1005, and then bends downward so that the exit opens downward.

The first guide passage 2521 does not bend in the front-to-rear direction, and guides the game ball B downward on approximately the same plane as the front surface of the game panel 1100. A special prize opening 2006 is provided in the upper leftward extending portion of the first guide passage 2521. In addition, below the exit of the first guide passage 2521, a normal prize opening 2002 opens upward.

On the other hand, the second guide passage 2522 is located at a distance to the left of the entrance of the first guide passage 2521, and its entrance opens upward. The second guide passage 2522 extends downward in a generally straight line from the entrance at the top, bends backward at a height lower than the height of the part where the first guide passage 2521 first bends to the right, bends downward behind the front of the game panel 1100 so that it is aligned in the front-to-back direction with the first guide passage 2521, extends downward so that the left-to-right direction is roughly aligned with the leftmost part of the first guide passage 2521 that extends downward, bends to the right in a crank shape at a height at the center of the game area 5a, bends downward, bends forward at a position lower than the part of the first guide passage 2521 that extends to the right on the lower side, bends to the right so that it extends along the lower side of the part of the first guide passage 2521 that extends to the right on the lower side, and then bends downward adjacent to the left side of the exit of the first guide passage 2521, so that the exit opens downward.

The main unit 2510 is provided in the middle of one of the guide passages 2520 (here, the first guide passage 2521), and includes a prize winning port 2006 into which the game ball B can be received according to the first special lottery result and the second special lottery result that are drawn when the game ball B is received in the first starting port 2003 and the second starting port 2004, and a chance port 2006 into which the game ball B received in the prize winning port 2006 can be received. 531, a second allocation device 2540 that allocates the game balls B allocated to the chance port 2531 by the first allocation device 2530 to the first V winning port 2007, and a lottery guide passage 2545 that guides the game balls B not allocated to the first V winning port 2007 by the second allocation device 2540 (game balls B allocated to the second slack port 2541) to the lottery device 2550.

The main unit 2510 (center gambling device 2500) has a gambling device winning port 2006 in a portion extending to the upper left of the first guide passage 2521, and extends left and right over the entire length of the portion in the left-right direction, and opens upward. The gambling device winning port door 2515 extends forward and backward, and is formed in a plate shape extending left and right so that the left end is lower, and can open and close the gambling device winning port 2006 that opens upward by moving forward and backward. The gambling device winning port door 2515 can close the gambling device winning port 2006 by moving forward, and when the gambling device winning port 2006 is closed, it forms the bottom surface of the portion extending to the left of the first guide passage 2521, and can guide the game ball B that has circulated from the upstream side to the exit side of the first guide passage 2521.

The bonus prize opening door 2515 opens the bonus prize opening 2006 by moving backwards due to the drive of the bonus prize opening solenoid 2516, and allows the game ball B that has circulated through the first guide passage 2521 to be received by the bonus prize opening 2006. This bonus prize opening door 2515 closes the bonus prize opening 2006 when the bonus prize opening solenoid 2516 is OFF (when not energized), and opens the bonus prize opening 2006 when the bonus prize opening solenoid 2516 is ON (when energized).

The first distribution device 2530 includes a chance port 2531 and a first spurt port 2532 into which a game ball B that has been received by the role winning port 2006 and detected by the role winning port sensor 2501 can enter, a distribution rotor 2533 that has a storage section 2533a on its outer periphery that can store only one game ball B and can rotate around an axis in the front-to-rear direction, and a first distribution solenoid 2534 (see FIG. 65) for rotating the distribution rotor 2533 between a state in which the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 faces rightward and a state in which it faces upward. The distribution rotor 2533 has an outer periphery formed in a truncated cone shape that narrows toward the rear.

The chance port 2531 of the first distribution device 2530 is provided downstream of the distribution rotor 2533 with respect to the flow of the game balls B, and is provided to the right of the distribution rotor 2533 so that the game balls B stored in the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 can enter. The chance port 2531 is connected to the second distribution device 2540. The first spur port 2532 is provided upstream of the distribution rotor 2533 with respect to the flow of the game balls B, and is provided above the distribution rotor 2533 so that the game balls B that are not stored in the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 can enter. The first spur port 2532 opens forward and guides the entering game balls B rearward of the game panel 1100.

When the first distribution solenoid 2534 is OFF (not energized), the first distribution device 2530 has the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 facing to the right. In this state, when a game ball B received in the role winning port 2006 flows down from above to the distribution rotor 2533 after being detected by the role winning port sensor 2501, it comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the distribution rotor 2533. Since the outer circumferential surface of this distribution rotor 2533 is formed in a truncated cone shape narrowing toward the rear, the inclination of the outer circumferential surface guides the game ball B backward, and it enters the first slot 2532.

On the other hand, when the first distribution solenoid 2534 is ON (energized), the distribution rotor 2533 rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise, and the storage section 2533a faces upward. In this state, when a game ball B received in the role winning port 2006 flows down from above into the distribution rotor 2533 after being detected by the role winning port sensor 2501, only one is stored in the storage section 2533a. When a game ball B is stored in the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533, if another game ball B flows down from above from the role winning port 2006 side into the distribution rotor 2533, the game ball B will come into contact with the game ball B stored in the storage section 2533a and then enter the first suction port 2532 at the rear. The game ball B that enters the first slot 2532 is detected by a sensor and then handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, from which it is discharged into the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulating ball path unit 500 below.

When game ball B is stored in storage section 2533a, the first distribution solenoid 2534 rotates distribution rotor 2533 90 degrees clockwise so that storage section 2533a faces to the right, and game ball B stored in storage section 2533a rolls to the right from storage section 2533a and is received by chance port 2531. Game ball B received by chance port 2531 is sent to the next second distribution device 2540.

In this way, the first distribution device 2530 can distribute the game ball B received in the special prize opening 2006 to either the chance opening 2531 side (the second distribution device 2540 side) or the first spurt opening 2532 side.

The second sorting device 2540 sorts the game balls B sorted by the first sorting device 2530 to the chance port 2531 to either the second spurt port 2541 or the first V winning port 2007. When viewed from the front, the second sorting device 2540 is provided at a height between the first sorting device 2530 and the exit of the guide passage group 2520. The second sorting device 2540 is provided behind the sorting rotor 2533 of the first sorting device 2530.

The second distribution device 2540 includes a second draw port 2541 and a first V winning port 2007 that are provided to allow the game ball B accommodated in the accommodation section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 in the first distribution device 2530 and distributed to the chance port 2531 to enter, a distribution piece 2543 that can open and close the second draw port 2541 by moving back and forth, and a second distribution solenoid 2544 (see FIG. 65) for moving the distribution piece 2543 back and forth.

The second spur port 2541 opens upward at a position to the right of the distribution rotor 2533, and game balls B distributed to the chance port 2531 are supplied from above. The first V winning port 2007 is provided adjacent to the right side of the second spur port 2541, and opens upward. The distribution piece 2543 is a flat plate that slopes lower to the right, and by protruding forward, it can close the upper end opening of the second spur port 2541, making it impossible for game balls B to be received by the second spur port 2541, and can guide game balls B that come into contact with the upper surface to the right and allow them to be received by the first V winning port 2007.

When the second distribution solenoid 2544 is OFF (not energized), the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 advances and closes the second spur port 2541. In this state, when the game ball B distributed to the chance port 2531 in the first distribution device 2530 flows down, it abuts on the upper surface of the distribution piece 2543, and is guided to the right by the inclination of the distribution piece 2543 and is received (distributed) into the first V winning port 2007. The game ball B distributed to the first V winning port 2007 is detected by the first V winning port sensor 2502, and is handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and is discharged from the back ball guiding unit 3100 to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulation ball path unit 500 below.

On the other hand, when the second distribution solenoid 2544 is ON (energized), the distribution piece 2543 retracts, the second spur port 2541 is opened upward, and the second spur port 2541 is able to receive the game ball B. In this state, when the game ball B distributed to the chance port 2531 in the first distribution device 2530 flows down, the game ball B passes in front of the retracted distribution piece 2543 and is received (distributed) by the second spur port 2541. The game ball B distributed to the second spur port 2541 is then guided by the lottery guide passage 2545 to the lottery device 2550 on the left.

In this way, in the second distribution device 2540, the game ball B stored in the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 in the first distribution device 2530, i.e., the game ball B distributed to the chance port 2531, can be distributed to either the second spurt port 2541 (lottery device 2550) side or the first V winning port 2007 side.

The lottery guide passage 2545 is provided with a lottery ball entrance sensor 2546 that detects the circulation of game ball B. When game ball B is detected by this lottery ball entrance sensor 2546, the peripheral control unit 1511 of the peripheral control board 1510 controls the performance display device 1600, the main frame speaker 403, the top center speaker, the top side speaker, and the LEDs provided on the game board 5 and the door frame 3, and executes a performance that livens up the lottery (allocation) of game ball B in the lottery device 2550. As a result, the game ball B is allocated to the second slot 2541 in the second allocation device 2540, which dispels the player's disappointment and increases his or her expectations for the lottery device 2550.

[8-8e-2. Lottery item]
The lottery device 2550 in the center device 2500 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figs. 57 to 60. The lottery device 2550 of the center device 2500 is provided in the lower part of the frame of the main unit 2510 formed in a frame shape, and has a second V winning hole 2008 and a losing hole 2009. The lottery device 2550 is supplied with game balls B received in the winning hole 2006. In detail, the game balls B received in the winning hole 2006 and distributed to the chance hole 2531 by the first distribution device 2530, and further distributed to the second losing hole 2541 by the second distribution device 2540 are supplied. In addition, the lottery device 2550 is equipped with a second V winning port sensor 2503 that detects a game ball B accepted into the second V winning port 2008, and a losing port sensor 2504 that detects a game ball B accepted into the losing port 2009.

The lottery device 2550 of the center device 2500 is provided with a guide path 2551 that is inclined downwards to the left and to which the game balls B that have been distributed to the second suction port 2541 by the second distribution device 2540 and circulated through the lottery guide passage 2545 are supplied, a distribution section 2552 that distributes the game balls B that have circulated through the guide path 2551 to either the loop side or the non-loop side (the loss port 2009 side), a hitting section 2553 that can hit the game balls B that have been distributed to the loop side by the distribution section 2552 backwards, and a game ball B that has been hit backwards by the hitting section 2553 is supplied and hit forwards. The table 2555 has a wide surface in both the front and rear and left and right directions along which the game ball B guided by the oscillating gutter 2554 rolls and which is inclined so as to become lower toward the guide path 2551 in front, and has a second V winning opening 2008 near the downstream end. The table 2555 has a pair of oscillating pieces 2556 that are provided between the second V winning opening 2008 on the table 2555 and the oscillating gutter 2554 and can swing around the axis in the vertical direction.

This lottery device 2550 will be described in detail later, but as long as the distribution unit 2552 distributes the game ball B to the loop side, the game ball B released from the table 2555 on which the second V winning port 2008 is provided is supplied to the striking unit 2553, and the game ball B can loop between the striking unit 2553 and the table 2555.

The guide path 2551 of the lottery device 2550 extends from near the rear end to the front end along the right edge of the lottery device 2550 so that the front becomes lower, and then extends along the front edge of the lottery device 2550 to near the left end so that the left becomes lower, and is formed in an L shape in a plan view. This guide path 2551 extends with a width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball B. Game ball B is supplied to the guide path 2551 from the lottery guide passage 2545 to the portion that extends in the front-rear direction along the right edge.

The distribution section 2552 of the lottery device 2550 is provided in a portion near the downstream end (left end) of the portion extending in the left-right direction of the guideway 2551. The distribution section 2552 is equipped with a losing port 2009 that penetrates the guideway 2551 and opens upward, a swing-bridge-shaped distribution bridge 2557 that is provided near the left end of the losing port 2009 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction and that allows the losing port 2009 to be opened and closed, and a lottery loop solenoid 2558 (see FIG. 65) for rotating the distribution bridge 2557. The guideway 2551 is divided into an upstream side and a downstream side by the losing port 2009.

When viewed from above, the sorting bridge 2557 is formed as a long, flat plate, with its left side supported so that it can rotate around an axis in the front-to-rear direction, and its right side being the free end. The sorting bridge 2557 is rotatable between a loop position (see FIG. 59(a)) in which the right side approaches the right side of the missing opening 2009 and extends left-to-right and is tilted over, and a non-loop position (see FIG. 59(b)) in which the right side is positioned above the left side and extends up-down and stands upright.

When the sorting bridge 2557 is in the loop position, it bridges the guideway 2551, which is divided into two by the loss port 2009, into the upstream side and the downstream side, and the game ball B can roll from the upstream side to the downstream side by passing over the sorting bridge 2557. In other words, when the sorting bridge 2557 is in the loop position, it can close the loss port 2009 and not accept the game ball B. On the other hand, when the sorting bridge 2557 is in the non-loop position, the loss port 2009 is opened upward, and the game ball B that has rolled from the upstream side can be accepted by the loss port 2009 without being passed to the downstream side. In this way, in the sorting unit 2552, the sorting bridge 2557 can sort the game ball B to either the loop side or the non-loop side.

The sorting bridge 2557 is provided with a sorting display section 2557a, which is formed in a flag shape with an X mark on it, on the side opposite the rolling surface of the game ball B. This sorting display section 2557a becomes visible to the player when the sorting bridge 2557 is in a non-loop position that opens the losing hole 2009. This allows the player to recognize that the game ball B cannot reach the downstream striking section 2553 (cannot loop).

The left end of the sorting bridge 2557, which is supported so as to be rotatable, is located to the left of the left end of the downstream end (front end edge) of the table 2555. Therefore, the game ball B released from the table 2555 to the guideway 2551 side is released to a position to the right of the sorting bridge 2557 in the non-loop position, so that when in the non-loop position, the game ball B from the table 2555 does not go to the downstream side of the guideway 2551, which is divided into two (downstream of the sorting bridge 2557), but is received by the open losing port 2009.

The striking section 2553 of the lottery device 2550 is inclined so that its front end is lower than the downstream end of the guideway 2551 and becomes higher toward the rear, and is equipped with an uphill section 2559 to which the game balls B sorted to the loop side by the sorting section 2552 are supplied, a fan-shaped striking piece 2560 that is provided at the downstream end of the uphill section 2559 and can strike the game balls B, and a striking piece drive motor 2561 (see FIG. 65) that rotates the striking piece 2560 around an axis perpendicular to the uphill section 2559.

The fan-shaped striking piece 2560 is rotated at a relatively high speed by the striking piece drive motor 2561. Therefore, the strength with which the game ball B is struck varies depending on the timing at which the game ball B reaches the part where the striking piece 2560 is provided and the timing of the rotation position of the striking piece 2560. Therefore, if the game ball B is struck with a certain degree of strength, it can climb over the uphill section 2559 and move to the rear oscillating gutter 2554 side, and if the strike is weak, it cannot climb over the uphill section 2559 and returns to the front. This makes it possible to make the player nervous and excited depending on whether the game ball B is struck hard and goes to the oscillating gutter 2554 (table 2555) side, and thus entertains the player. Furthermore, if the impact of the striking piece 2560 is weak, the game ball B will return, which can lengthen the time until the game with the game ball B is confirmed, and can make the player feel like he or she has gained something, entertaining the player and preventing a decline in interest.

This lottery device 2550 has a swinging passage 2562 between the striking part 2553 and the swinging gutter 2554, into which the game ball B that has climbed over the slope 2559 is supplied, which is curved so that both ends are high and the center is low, and a discharge port 2563 that is provided in the center of the swinging passage 2562 and discharges the game ball B into the swinging gutter 2554. A plurality of projections and recesses are provided near the raised both ends of the swinging passage 2562, which can reduce the rolling speed of the game ball B. This swinging passage 2562 is provided along the rear end edge of the lottery device 2550 and is provided behind the table 2555. The game ball B supplied from the striking part 2553 to the swinging passage 2562 rolls in the left-right direction, similar to the stage 2513, and is then discharged from the central discharge port 2563 into the swinging gutter 2554.

The oscillating gutter 2554 of the lottery device 2550 is formed in a disk shape, and has a gutter section 2554a that extends from the center toward the outer periphery and is recessed like a gutter. The disk-shaped oscillating gutter 2554 has an axis of rotation that is inclined so that the rear side is higher. The lottery device 2550 has a gutter swing drive motor 2564 (see FIG. 65) for rotating the oscillating gutter 2554 back and forth within a predetermined angle range. The gutter swing drive motor 2564 causes the oscillating gutter 2554 to swing back and forth so that the tip of the gutter section 2554a faces the second V winning opening 2008 in front and faces left and right within a predetermined angle range.

The oscillating gutter 2554 is provided at the rear end (top end) of the table 2555 in the center in the left-right direction, and the game ball B released from the release port 2563 is delivered to the gutter section 2554a. Since the oscillating gutter 2554 rotates back and forth, the game ball B delivered to the gutter section 2554a can be released into a fan-shaped range according to the rotation direction in which the tip of the gutter section 2554a on the table 2555 is facing. At this time, since the oscillating gutter 2554 is rotating even until the received game ball B rolls in the gutter section 2554a and is released from the tip, an inertial force acts on the game ball B due to the rotation. Therefore, the game ball B released from the tip of the gutter section 2554a does not roll on the table 2555 straight in the direction in which the gutter section 2554a is facing, making it difficult to predict the rolling direction.

The table 2555 of the lottery device 2550 is inclined so that the front end is lower, and the length of the front end, which is the downstream end, in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the rear end in the left-right direction. The table 2555 also has a swinging gutter 2554 at the top end in the left-right center, and a second V winning hole 2008 near the bottom end in the left-right center. The table 2555 has a central groove 2555a that extends from the swinging gutter 2554 to the second V winning hole 2008 in the left-right center, and a recess 2555b that is recessed more than the surrounding area near the bottom end in the left-right center. The recess 2555b is recessed in the shape of a pentagonal home base, and the second V winning hole 2008 is provided at the bottom.

This table 2555 has a central groove 2555a leading to the second V winning opening 2008, and a recess 2555b at the bottom where the second V winning opening 2008 is provided, so that the player can feel that when the game ball B enters these grooves, it will be received by the second V winning opening 2008, and the player can enjoy the movement of the game ball B rolling around on the table 2555.

The front end, which is the downstream end of the table 2555, is located at a higher position than the forward guideway 2551. Therefore, the game ball B flowing through the guideway 2551 is not supplied onto the table 2555 without passing through the striking section 2553 and the oscillating gutter 2554.

The pair of oscillating pieces 2556 of the lottery device 2550 are provided symmetrically at positions symmetrical with respect to the left-right center of the table 2555 between the oscillating gutter 2554 and the second V winning port 2008 in the table 2555. The oscillating pieces 2556 are formed in a droplet shape, with the circular base end facing forward and the pointed tip facing backward, and are provided so as to be rotatable around the circular base end.

The lottery device 2550 is equipped with a rocking piece solenoid 2565 for rocking a pair of rocking pieces 2556 by rotating them back and forth within a predetermined angle range around an axis in the vertical direction. The pair of rocking pieces 2556 are arranged to rotate in opposite directions by a single rocking piece solenoid 2565.

The pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are rotated by the oscillating piece solenoid 2565, so the rotation speed is faster than when they are rotated by a drive motor. Therefore, when the game ball B hits the oscillating piece 2556 while the oscillating piece 2556 is moving while swinging, the game ball B can be strongly bounced away. Therefore, depending on the rotation direction of the oscillating piece 2556, the abutting game ball B can be sent to the center in the left-right direction of the table 2555 or to both ends in the left-right direction, and the flow of the game ball B can be changed.

When the pointed tips of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are close to each other, the distance between the oscillating pieces 2556 narrows, and the rearward facing surface of the oscillating piece 2556 is inclined away from the left-right center as it moves forward, resulting in the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 narrowing toward the rear. As a result, when a game ball B that flows down from the rear of the oscillating gutter 2554 or table 2555 passes between the pair of oscillating pieces 2556, it is more likely to be accepted into the second V winning hole 2008, and when it comes into contact with the rearward facing surface of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556, it is guided away from the left-right center due to the inclination, so it is less likely to be accepted into the second V winning hole 2008.

On the other hand, when the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 have their pointed tips moving away from each other (as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 60), the rearward facing surface of the oscillating piece 2556 is inclined so as to approach the left-right center as it moves forward, and the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are in a state of being spread out toward the rear. As a result, when a game ball B flowing down from the rear of the oscillating gutter 2554 or table 2555 comes into contact with the rearward facing surface of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556, the inclination will guide it to the left-right center, and it may be received by the second V winning opening 2008.

Therefore, when the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are widened toward the rear, the game ball B that comes into contact with the oscillating pieces 2556 is guided toward the center in the left-right direction, so that the game ball B that flows down from the rear is more likely to be received by the second V winning port 2008 than when the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are narrowed toward the rear. In other words, the probability of receiving the game ball B by the second V winning port 2008 can be changed depending on the state of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556.

The lottery device 2550 of this embodiment is provided with a transparent cover 2566 that covers the entire device from above (see Figures 50 to 52, etc.). This cover 2566 can prevent the game ball B supplied through the lottery guide passage 2545 from flying out of the lottery device 2550, and can also prevent the game ball B from being supplied (entering) from outside other than the lottery guide passage 2545.

Next, the flow of game balls B in the lottery device 2550 will be described. In the lottery device 2550, one of the game balls B received in the device winning port 2006, which opens and closes in a predetermined pattern depending on the first special lottery result or the second special lottery result (for example, "a hit") obtained when the game ball B is received in the first start port 2003 or the second start port 2004, is supplied to the upstream area of the guide path 2551 through the lottery guide passage 2545. The game ball B supplied to the upstream area of the guide path 2551 rolls toward the left sorting section 2552 according to the inclination of the guide path 2551.

In the distribution section 2552, the distribution bridge 2557 is in a collapsed loop position for a predetermined time, and the game ball B rolling from the upstream side passes through the distribution bridge 2557 and rolls to the striking section 2553 on the downstream side. The game ball B supplied to the striking section 2553 is then struck backward by the rotating striking piece 2560, and rolls up the uphill section 2559 extending backward.

At this time, since the striking piece 2560 is formed in a fan shape and rotates at a relatively fast speed, depending on the timing of the impact of the game ball B relative to the rotational position of the striking piece 2560, the striking piece 2560 may strike the game ball B hard or just barely touch it, and the momentum of the game ball B struck backwards may vary. Therefore, if the impact by the striking piece 2560 is weak, the game ball B may not be able to climb the rising slope 2559 toward the rear and may come back down the rising slope 2559, causing the game ball B to go back and forth on the rising slope 2559.

When the game ball B struck by the striking piece 2560 gets over the uphill section 2559, it enters the swinging passage 2562 provided at the rear and rolls left and right along the swinging passage 2562, which is lower in the left and right center. At this time, since multiple irregularities are provided near both the left and right ends of the swinging passage 2562, as the game ball B passes through the uneven areas, the impact of the irregularities reduces the rolling speed. This makes it possible to reduce the momentum of the game ball B that has been struck by the striking piece 2560 and gotten over the uphill section 2559.

The game ball B, which has rolled so as to swing left and right along the swing passage 2562, is finally released onto the table 2555 from the release port 2563 provided in the center via the swing gutter 2554. At this time, the swing gutter 2554 is swinging and rotating so as to move back and forth within a predetermined angle range by the gutter swing drive motor 2564, so that the game ball B is released from the swing gutter 2554 in various directions depending on the timing at which the game ball B is released from the release port 2563 to the swing gutter 2554 and the timing of the rotation position of the swing gutter 2554.

The game ball B released from the oscillating gutter 2554 onto the table 2555 rolls forward as the table 2555 tilts, and is released from the front edge onto the guideway 2551. At this time, a pair of oscillating pieces 2556 spaced apart on the left and right are oscillating near the center of the table 2555 in the front-to-back direction, so that the game ball B that comes into contact with the oscillating pieces 2556 can be bounced and the rolling direction changed. In addition, a second V winning hole 2008 is provided near the front end of the table 2555 in the center of the left-to-right direction, so that the game ball B rolling on the table 2555 can be received by the second V winning hole 2008.

The game ball B received in the second V winning opening 2008 is detected by the second V winning opening sensor 2503, and is then handed over to the rear ball guide unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000, and is then discharged to the safe ball receiving opening 500b of the lower circulation ball path unit 500. When the game ball B is received in this second V winning opening 2008, a "jackpot game" is executed as a favorable game state in which the large winning opening 2005 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern. Therefore, when the game ball B is supplied to the lottery device 2550, the player can be made to feel anxious and excited depending on whether the game ball B is received in the second V winning opening 2008, which entertains the player and prevents a decline in interest.

If the game ball B is released from the front end edge of the table 2555 onto the guideway 2551 within a specified time, it will be supplied to the striking section 2553 through the sorting bridge 2557 because the sorting bridge 2557 of the sorting section 2552 is in the loop position. Therefore, when the sorting bridge 2557 is in the loop position, the game ball B can loop any number of times between the striking section 2553 and the table 2555 as long as the game ball B is not received by the second V winning port 2008. In other words, when the sorting bridge 2557 is in the loop position, there are any number of opportunities for the game ball B to be received by the second V winning port 2008. As a result, even if the game ball B rolling on the table 2555 cannot be accepted by the second V winning port 2008, it will have another opportunity to be accepted by the second V winning port 2008 by passing through the sorting bridge 2557 at the loop position, allowing the player to continue enjoying the game.

After a predetermined time has elapsed, the sorting bridge 2557 of the sorting section 2552 moves from the loop position to the raised non-loop position, and the losing port 2009 that was closed by the sorting bridge 2557 is opened upward. In this state, the game ball B released from the front end edge of the table 2555 and the game ball B that has rolled along the guideway 2551 are received by the losing port 2009, and the lottery at the lottery device 2550 ends without the game ball B looping. At this time, the sorting display section 2557a, which resembles a flag with an X mark, rises and becomes visible due to the upright sorting bridge 2557, so that the sorting display section 2557a can make the player aware that the game ball B will not loop.

The game ball B received in the losing port 2009 is detected by the losing port sensor 2504, and then handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and then discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulating ball path unit 500 below.

In this way, according to the lottery device 2550 of this embodiment, the game ball B supplied from the device winning port 2006 can be excited and thrilled depending on whether it will be accepted by the second V winning port 2008, and the player can be entertained. Even if the game ball B is not accepted by the second V winning port 2008, when the distribution bridge 2557 of the distribution section 2552 is in the loop position, the game ball B is sent again to the swinging gutter 2554 located upstream of the second V winning port 2008 via the striking section 2553 and looped, so that the game ball B is given another opportunity to be accepted by the second V winning port 2008, which gives the player a sense of expectation again, entertains the player, and prevents a decline in interest.

[8-8f. Regular winning unit]
Next, the normal winning hole unit 2600 in the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and 56. The normal winning hole unit 2600 has a normal winning hole 2002, and is provided in the vicinity of the left end of the game area 5a, below the center in the vertical direction. This normal winning hole unit 2600 is provided between the attacca unit 2400 and the guide passage group 2520 in the center role 2500, and the normal winning hole 2002 is provided so as to be located directly below the exit of the first guide passage 2521.

The normal winning port 2002 of the normal winning port unit 2600 is always open so that it can receive the game ball B facing upward. The game ball B received by the normal winning port 2002 is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, then handed over to the back ball guide unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and after being detected by the normal winning port sensor 3002, is discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulation ball path unit 500 below.

[8-9. Flow of game balls within the game area]
Next, the flow of the game ball B in the game area 5a will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG. 56. When assembled on the game board 5, the center role 2500 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 5a. Although not shown, in the game area 5a, a plurality of obstacle nails are planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement in both the left and right outer parts and the lower part of the center role 2500, and in the part between the attacca unit 2400 and the guide passage group 2520 in the center role 2500. In addition, a windmill (not shown) that rotates when the game ball B hits it is provided on the left side of the center role 2500 and above the side upper left unit 2300.

On the left side of the center device 2500, there are a number of obstacle nails planted in a specified gauge arrangement between the inner rail 1002. On the left side of the center device 2500 in the play area 5a, the entrance to the warp passage 2512 opens slightly upward from the left at a location below the center in the vertical direction of the inflow restriction section 2511c of the center frame 2511. A windmill is provided between the warp passage 2512 and the shelf section 2301 of the upper left side unit 2300.

The game ball B shot into the left side of the center role 2500 enters the warp passage 2512 with a certain probability. The game ball B that enters the warp passage 2512 is supplied to the stage 2513 provided within the frame of the center role 2500, rolls left and right on the stage 2513, and is released from either the central release section 2513a or the side release section 2513b so as to return to the game area 5a. The central release section 2513a of the stage 2513 is provided directly above the first starting hole 2003 in the left and right center of the game area 5a, so the game ball B released from the central release section 2513a is accepted by the first starting hole 2003 with a high probability. The game ball B released from the side release sections 2513b on both the left and right sides of the central release section 2513a is accepted by the first starting hole 2003 with a certain probability.

The game ball B received in the first starting hole 2003 is detected by the first starting hole sensor 2101 of the starting hole unit 2100, guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000, and discharged downward from the rear ball guiding unit 3100. When the game ball B is detected by the first starting hole sensor 2101, a bonus is given in which a predetermined number of game balls B are added to the number of balls held, and a lottery is held for a first special symbol that allows the occurrence of a favorable game state that is advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the number of reserved first special symbols is less than four). The first special symbol that is drawn is also referred to as the first special lottery result.

The game ball B that is released from the stage 2513 and is not received by the first starting port 2003 is received by the outlet 2020 and discharged outside the game area 5a. The game ball B received by the outlet 2020 is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 and handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and then discharged from the back ball guiding unit 3100 to the out ball receiving port 500a of the circulating ball path unit 500 below.

When a game ball B is shot into the left outer side of the center device 2500 and does not enter the warp passage 2512, if it flows to the right of the center of the windmill, there is a high probability that it will flow down to the right along the multiple obstacle nails that are lined up diagonally along the bottom edge of the center device 2500. A game ball B that flows to the right of the center of the windmill may be accepted by the first starting port 2003 or the general winning port 2001 provided in the side unit 2200. A game ball B that flows to the right of the center of the windmill may be accepted by the sub-out port 2021 provided in the side unit 2200. A game ball B that is not accepted by the first starting port 2003, the general winning port 2001, or the sub-out port 2021 is accepted by the out port 2020 and discharged outside the game area 5a.

The game ball B received by the general winning opening 2001 is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 and then handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, where it is detected by the general winning opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downward. When the game ball B is detected by the general winning opening sensor 3001, a bonus is awarded that adds a specified number of balls to the player's possession.

On the other hand, if the ball B flows to the left of the center of the windmill, it flows down onto the shelf 2301 of the upper left side unit 2300 and then flows down the shelf 2301 to the right. The game ball B that flows to the left of the center of the windmill may be received by the general winning opening 2001 and the sub-out opening 2021 provided in the side unit 2200. The game ball B received by the sub-out opening 2021 is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, and then handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and discharged downward from the back ball guiding unit 3100. The game ball B that is not received by the general winning opening 2001 or the sub-out opening 2021 is received by the out opening 2020 and discharged outside the game area 5a.

Next, on the right side of the center gambling device 2500, there are arranged, in order from the top, a guide passage group 2520, a gambling device winning hole 2006, a normal winning hole 2002, a second starting hole 2004, a large winning hole 2005, and a sub-out hole 2021. A number of obstacle nails are planted between the guide passage group 2520 and the second starting hole 2004.

In the game board 5 of this embodiment, when the game ball B is hit with enough force to enter above the portion of the inflow restriction portion 2511c of the center frame 2511 of the center device 2500 that becomes lower from near the center in the left-right direction toward the right, the game ball B flows through either the first guide passage 2521 or the second guide passage 2522 of the guide passage group 2520.

To be more specific, when the game ball B is struck with enough force to strike the impact stop 1006 protruding inward from the outer rail 1001 that constitutes part of the periphery of the play area 5a (i.e., struck to the right), the game ball B that strikes the impact stop 1006 enters the first guide passage 2521. The game ball B that enters the first guide passage 2521 rolls on the upper surface of the special prize opening door 2515 that closes the special prize opening 2006 midway through the first guide passage 2521, and is released downward from the right exit at the bottom end of the guide passage group 2520 toward the normal prize opening unit 2600.

On the other hand, when the game ball B that is shot above the center device 2500 enters the entrance of the second guide passage 2522 and starts to flow, it is twisted backwards and lines up in the front-to-back direction with the first guide passage 2521, and then twisted forwards and released downward from the left exit of the first guide passage 2521 toward the normal winning port unit 2600.

The normal winning port 2002 of the normal winning port unit 2600 is located directly below the exit of the first guide passage 2521, so that a game ball B that has circulated through the first guide passage 2521 is more likely to be accepted by the normal winning port 2002 than a game ball B that has circulated through the second guide passage 2522.

The game ball B received by the normal winning port 2002 is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 and then handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000, where it is detected by the normal winning port sensor 3002 and discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulation ball path unit 500 below. When the game ball B is detected by the normal winning port sensor 3002, a bonus is given to add a specified number of balls to the number of balls held, and when a specified condition is met (for example, when the number of reserved normal symbols is less than four), a lottery is held for a normal symbol that allows the game ball B to be received by the second starting port 2004. The normal symbol that is drawn is also referred to as the normal lottery result.

After being shot to the right into the game area 5a and flowing through the guide passage group 2520, the game ball B that was not accepted by the normal winning port 2002 flows down above the attacca unit 2400 while abutting against multiple obstacle nails. When the game ball B flows down to the upper shelf part 2421 of the attacca unit 2400, it is guided leftward and downward according to the inclination of the upper shelf part 2421, and is discharged leftward from the attacca unit 2400 without having a chance to be accepted by the second starting port 2004 or the large winning port 2005. Note that since the downstream end (left end) of the upper shelf part 2421 of the attacca unit 2400 is located above the first starting port 2003, there is a possibility that the game ball B that has flowed through the upper shelf part 2421 will be accepted by the first starting port 2003.

On the other hand, when the game ball B flows down to the first shelf 2422 of the attacca unit 2400, it rolls to the left due to its inclination, rolls over the top surface of the second starting gate door 2411 and the second shelf 2423, and is released to the left from the left end of the second shelf 2423. Then, the game ball B released to the left from the second shelf 2423 falls onto the third shelf 2424 or the large prize gate door 2413 depending on its momentum, rolls to the left due to their inclination, rolls from the large prize gate door 2413 to the fourth shelf 2425, and is released from the fourth shelf 2425 to the left outside the attacca unit 2400. The game ball B released from the fourth shelf 2425 is received by the outlet 2020.

Furthermore, if game ball B does not flow down to either the upper shelf 2421 or the first shelf 2422 of the attacca unit 2400, but flows down to the right of the first shelf 2422, it is received by the sub-out port 2021. Even if game ball B flows down onto the first shelf 2422, it is received by the sub-out port 2021 when it enters the gap between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424. Game ball B received by the sub-out port 2021 is handed over to the back ball guide unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 without being returned to the game area 5a, and is discharged to the out ball receiving port 500a of the circulation ball path unit 500 below.

When a game ball B flows down to the first shelf 2422 of the attacca unit 2400, the game ball B rolls on the second starting port door 2411. Therefore, when the game ball B is accepted into the normal winning port 2002, a "normal win" is drawn as a normal symbol (normal lottery result), and the second starting port door 2411 is moved back by the starting port solenoid 2412 to open the second starting port 2004. At this timing, when the game ball B circulates (rolls) from the first shelf 2422 side, the game ball B is accepted into the second starting port 2004.

After being detected by the second start port sensor 2401, the game ball B received in the second start port 2004 is handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and is then discharged downward from the back ball guiding unit 3100. When the game ball B is detected by the second start port sensor 2401, a bonus is given in which the number of balls held is increased by a predetermined number, and a lottery is executed for a second special pattern that allows the occurrence of a favorable game state that is advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the number of reserved second special patterns is less than four). The second special pattern that is drawn is also referred to as the second special lottery result.

In addition, the game ball B that flows down to the first shelf 2422 of the attacca unit 2400 and rolls on the second start opening door 2411 and the second shelf 2423 rolls on the large prize opening door 2413. Therefore, depending on the first special symbol (first special lottery result) drawn by the acceptance of the game ball B into the first start opening 2003 and the second special symbol (second special lottery result) drawn by the acceptance of the game ball B into the second start opening 2004 (for example, when the drawn special symbol (special lottery result) is "large win", "medium win", "small win", etc.), when the large prize opening door 2413 is moved back by the attacca solenoid 2414 and the large prize opening 2005 is opened, when the game ball B flows (rolls) from the second shelf 2423 side, the game ball B is accepted into the large prize opening 2005.

When the game ball B is received in the large prize opening 2005, it is detected by one of the two large prize opening sensors 2402 located below, and then guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 and handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000, before being discharged into the safe ball receiving opening 500b of the circulating ball path unit 500 below. When the game ball B is detected by the large prize opening sensor 2402, a bonus is awarded that adds a specified number of balls to the number of balls held.

When the game ball B is received by the first start opening 2003 or the second start opening 2004 and a "perfect prize" is drawn as the first or second special symbol, the prize winning opening 2006 provided in the middle of the first guide passage 2521 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, and the distribution rotor 2533 of the first distribution device 2530 and the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 operate in a predetermined pattern. Therefore, when a "perfect prize" is drawn, the prize winning opening 2006 opens and closes, so that the player can perform a "right hit" so that the game ball B flows through the first guide passage 2521 where the prize winning opening 2006 is provided, so that the game ball B can be received by the prize winning opening 2006.

In this embodiment, the probability of a "hit" being drawn is higher than that of a "jackpot", and three patterns of "hits" are set: "first hit", "second hit", and "third hit", and in each pattern, the winning slot 2006 opens and closes roughly twice.

First, the opening and closing of the prize winning port 2006 in each "perk" will be described in detail. In the "first perk", the prize winning port 2006 opens for a short time (80 ms) after a certain time (3000 ms) has elapsed since the start of execution, then closes, and after a short time (1252 ms) it opens again for a short time (80 ms) before closing, completing the process. In the "second perk", the prize winning port 2006 opens for a short time (80 ms) after a certain time (3000 ms) has elapsed since the start of execution, then closes, and after a longer time (5420 ms) than the "first perk", it opens for a long time (9414 ms) before closing, completing the process. For the "third role win", after a certain time (3000 ms) has elapsed since the start of execution, the role win port 2006 opens for a short time (80 ms), then closes, and after a longer time (19366 ms) has elapsed than for the "second role win", it remains open for a longer time (9404 ms) before closing again and completing the process.

The second opening state of the prize winning port 2006 in the "first prize winning" occurs after the time when the "first prize winning" is completed from the start of execution. Also, the second opening state of the prize winning port 2006 in the "third prize winning" occurs after the time when the "second prize winning" is completed from the start of execution.

In addition, in the second long-time open state in the "second role hit" and "third role hit", the open state is repeated eight times (80 ms) at regular intervals (1252 ms). In other words, the role winning port 2006 opens and closes (is in the open state) twice in the "first role hit" and nine times in the "second role hit" and "third role hit".

Next, the operation of the distribution rotor 2533 of the first distribution device 2530 in the "per reel" is to rotate counterclockwise at the start of execution and enter the first storage state with the storage section 2533a facing upward for a predetermined time (3020 ms), then rotate clockwise and enter the unstorable state with the storage section 2533a facing rightward after the predetermined time (4560 ms) has passed, entering the second storage state for a longer time (13446 ms) than the first time, and after entering the unstorable state for a short time (500 ms), enter the third storage state for the same time (13446 ms) as the second time, before entering the unstorable state.

The first available state of this distribution rotor 2533 ends halfway through the first open state of the device winning port 2006 in the "perfect hit", and the distribution rotor 2533 becomes unable to accommodate. Also, the distribution rotor 2533 enters the second available state after the time from the start of execution to the completion of the "first hit". Therefore, during the "first hit", the control of the distribution rotor 2533 ends before the second available state is reached, and the second and third available states are not executed. The second available state of this distribution rotor 2533 begins before the second open state of the device winning port 2006 in the "second hit", and becomes unable to accommodate after the second open state becomes closed.

The distribution rotor 2533 also enters the third storage state after the time from the start of execution to the completion of the "second role hit". Therefore, during the "second role hit", the control of the distribution rotor 2533 ends before the third storage state is reached, and the third storage state is not executed. In other words, the distribution rotor 2533 enters the storage state once during the "first role hit", twice during the "second role hit", and three times during the "third role hit". The third storage state of this distribution rotor 2533 begins before the second opening state of the role winning port 2006 during the "third role hit", and becomes unstorable after the second opening state ends and the closed state is reached.

Next, the operation of the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 in the "hit of the role" is to protrude forward at the same time as the execution starts, and to enter a first closed state (a state in which distribution to the first V winning port 2007 is possible) in which the second spurt opening 2541 is closed for a predetermined time (3020 ms), and then to enter an open state in which the second spurt opening 2541 is opened (a state in which distribution to the lottery role 2550 is possible) after a predetermined time (23006 ms) has passed, and then to enter a second closed state for a time longer than the first open state (13446 ms), and then to enter an open state.

The first closing state of this distribution piece 2543 ends in the middle of the first opening state of the prize winning opening 2006 in the "perfect hit", and the distribution piece 2543 becomes open. Also, in the second distribution device 2540, the second closing state of the distribution piece 2543 starts in the middle of the second opening state of the prize winning opening 2006 in the "third hit", and after the second opening state of the prize winning opening 2006 becomes closed, the distribution piece 2543 changes from closed to open. Therefore, in the second distribution device 2540, the second closing state of the distribution piece 2543 is executed only in the "third hit", and the second closing state of the distribution piece 2543 is not executed in the "first hit" or "second hit".

For this reason, in the "first role hit", the opening and closing of the role winning port 2006 is executed twice in a short time, so it is unlikely that game ball B circulating through the first guide passage 2521 by "hitting to the right" will be accepted by the role winning port 2006. In addition, the first opening state of the role winning port 2006 in the "second role hit" and "third role hit" is also short, so it is unlikely that game ball B will be accepted by the role winning port 2006. In addition, the time during which the first storage state of the distribution rotor 2533 in the first distribution device 2530 overlaps with the first open state of the device winning port 2006 in the "perfect hit" is shorter than the time during which the device winning port 2006 is first open, so the possibility that the game ball B received in the device winning port 2006 during the first open state of the device winning port 2006 will be stored in the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 is even lower. And since the time when the first storage state of the distribution rotor 2533 ends and the first closed state of the distribution piece 2543 in the second distribution device 2540 end is the same, the game ball B stored in the storage section 2533a during the first storage state of the distribution rotor 2533 will not be distributed to the first V winning port 2007 side.

On the other hand, the second open state of the prize winning port 2006 in the "second prize winning" and "third prize winning" takes a long time, so there is a high possibility that the game ball B will be received by the prize winning port 2006 through the first guide passage 2521. At this time, the distribution rotor 2533 of the first distribution device 2530 is in a state where it can be accommodated before the prize winning port 2006 opens, and then becomes in a state where it cannot be accommodated after the prize winning port 2006 changes from an open state to a closed state. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the game ball B received by the prize winning port 2006 in the second open state will be accommodated in the accommodation section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533.

Thus, in this example, in addition to the low probability of game ball B being accepted by the device winning port 2006 in the first opening state of the device winning port 2006 in the "second device winning" and "third device winning", the even lower probability of game ball B accepted by the device winning port 2006 being accommodated in the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 when the device winning port 2006 is in the first opening state, the distribution rotor 2533 rotates counterclockwise at the same time as the execution of the device winning game state begins to play, so that the storage section 2533a is facing upward and is in a storage-capable state, and after facing the storage section 2533a upward for a predetermined period of time (3020 ms), it rotates clockwise and so that the storage section 2533a is facing rightward and is in an unstorable state. In other words, immediately after the start of the game state where a per-game feature is played, the distribution rotor 2533 is unlikely to distribute game ball B to the chance hole 2531 side, but the distribution rotor 2533 performs an operation to distribute game ball B to the chance hole 2531 side, thereby indicating the distribution operation by the distribution rotor 2533 in advance.

Similarly, immediately after the start of the per-game play state, the distribution rotor 2533 is unlikely to distribute the game ball B to the chance port 2531 side, but at the same time as the start of the per-game play state, the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 is pushed forward to close the second spurt port 2541, making it possible to distribute to the first V winning port 2007, and after a predetermined time (3020 ms) has elapsed, it retreats and opens the second spurt port 2541, making it possible to distribute to the lottery device 2550. In other words, immediately after the start of the per-game play state, the distribution piece 2543 is unlikely to distribute the game ball B to the first V winning port 2007 side, but the distribution piece 2543 executes the operation of distributing the game ball B to the first V winning port 2007 side, and the distribution operation by the distribution piece 2543 is shown in advance.

In this example, the distribution rotor 2533 and the distribution piece 2543 operate simultaneously with the start of the per-game play state, that is, during the performance of the performance at the start of the per-game play state (the opening performance of the per-game play state, in which an explanation of the game in the per-game play state, such as "aim for the per-game win hole 2006," is given), and the per-game win hole 2006 opens for the first time after the operation of the distribution rotor 2533 and the distribution piece 2543. This reduces the possibility of the distribution rotor 2533 distributing game ball B to the chance hole 2531 side and the distribution piece 2543 distributing game ball B to the second spurt hole 2541 side. In addition, if there is no possibility or is extremely low possibility that the distribution rotor 2533 will distribute the game ball B to the chance hole 2531 side and that the distribution piece 2543 will distribute the game ball B to the second spurt hole 2541 side, the prize winning hole 2006 may be opened for the first time at the same time as the operation of the distribution rotor 2533 and the distribution piece 2543.

Also, only one of the distribution rotor 2533 and the distribution piece 2543 may be operated in advance, and the other may not be operated in advance. That is, some of the multiple movable parts (distribution rotor 2533, distribution piece 2543) that distribute the game ball B that has entered the role winning port 2006 may be operated in advance to perform the distribution operation, and the other movable parts may not be operated in advance. For example, the distribution piece 2543 that is more likely to cause the game ball B to enter the V winning port (in this example, the first V winning port 2007) by operating (high V winning expectation) may not be operated in advance, and only the distribution rotor 2533 that is less likely to cause the game ball B to enter the V winning port (in this example, the second V winning port 2008) than the distribution piece 2543 (low V winning expectation) may be operated in advance. As a result, while some of the allocation destinations of the game ball B that enters the bonus prize opening 2006 can be known in advance, the other allocation destinations can remain unknown. When the other allocation destinations are revealed, the player can be surprised by the increased number of allocation destinations, which can heighten anticipation, and the player can be drawn to the game ball B that is being allocated and enjoy its movement, preventing a decline in interest in the game.

In addition, the presence of the moving part (distribution piece 2543) with a high V winning expectation is concealed by not operating it in advance, leading the player to believe that game ball B will enter the lottery device 2550, and when the "third role hit" is executed, the moving part (distribution piece 2543) with a high V winning expectation operates to cause game ball B to enter the V winning hole (first V winning hole 2007 in this example), providing an element of surprise, and game ball B entering an unexpected allocation destination can increase interest in the game. In addition, the allocation to the first V winning hole 2007 side is concealed, leading the player to believe that there are only two allocation destinations, the first slack hole 2532 side and the lottery device 2550 side, so that the player will not be disappointed even if the "second role hit" with a lower V winning expectation than the "third role hit" is executed and game ball B is allocated to the lottery device 2550 side.

In this example, the distribution rotor 2533 is arranged in a manner that is easily visible to the player, whereas the distribution piece 2543 is flat and moves back and forth on the game board 5, and has a small area on the front side, so that its operation is difficult to notice. Furthermore, the passage on the side of the first V winning hole 2007, which can be entered by the distribution piece 2543 protruding forward, is difficult for the player to notice. Therefore, when the "third role hit" occurs, the distribution piece 2543 operates and the behavior of the game ball B when it enters the first V winning hole 2007 is difficult to notice, and the player can be given the sensation that a V win has suddenly occurred and a 15R jackpot has been executed, without being made aware that the game ball B has entered the first V winning hole 2007.

Also, by operating the distribution rotor 2533 in advance during the opening performance of the hit game state, the player can easily recognize the destination of the shot, i.e., the position to aim for during the hit game state, by the operation of the distribution rotor 2533 in addition to the instructions in the opening performance, such as "aim for the hit game winning hole 2006."

When the "hit" is drawn as described above and the reel winning port 2006 is opened, game ball B that has flowed down the first guide passage 2521 is received by the reel winning port 2006, is detected by the reel winning port sensor 2501, and is then sent to the first distribution device 2530. When game ball B is detected by the reel winning port sensor 2501, a bonus is awarded, such as adding a specified number of balls to the player's possession.

In the "second feature hit", when the feature winning port 2006 is opened for the second time, the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 is open, so when the distribution rotor 2533 rotates from a storage state to an unstorable state, the game ball B stored in the storage section 2533a flows down through the chance port 2531 to the second distribution device 2540 side, flows from the second spurt port 2541 through the lottery guide passage 2545, is detected by the lottery feature entry sensor 2546, and is sent to the lottery feature 2550.

In the lottery device 2550, the distribution bridge 2557 in the non-loop position is in the loop position. For example, the distribution bridge 2557 is in the loop position in response to the opening of the second suction port 2541 due to the retreat of the distribution piece 2543 in the second distribution device 2540. Then, the game ball B sent from the second distribution device 2540 to the lottery device 2550 rolls leftward on the guide path 2551 and is sent to the striking section 2553 through the distribution bridge 2557 in the loop position. Then, the game ball B sent to the striking section 2553 is supplied to the oscillating gutter 2554 provided at the central rear end of the table 2555 by the impact of the striking piece 2560 rotating at high speed, and is released from the oscillating gutter 2554 onto the table 2555.

The game ball B released onto the table 2555 rolls forward due to its inclination, and either enters the second V winning port 2008 located at the front center of the table 2555, or is released forward (guideway 2551) from the front edge of the table 2555. If the distribution bridge 2557 is still in the loop position when the game ball B is released forward from the front edge of the table 2555, the game ball B will pass through the distribution bridge 2557 and be supplied to the striking section 2553. Therefore, when the distribution bridge 2557 is in the loop position, the game ball B loops around the striking section 2553, the oscillating gutter 2554, the table 2555, and the guideway 2551 in that order until it is received by the second V winning port 2008.

Then, the lottery for a V winning at the lottery device 2550 ends when either game ball B is received by the second V winning port 2008, or game ball B is received by the losing port 2009, which is opened when the distribution bridge 2557 is placed in a non-loop position after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The game ball B received in the second V winning port 2008 is detected by the second V winning port sensor 2503 and discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the lower circulating ball path unit 500 via the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000. On the other hand, the game ball B received in the losing port 2009 is detected by the losing port sensor 2504 and discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the lower circulating ball path unit 500 via the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000. When the game ball B is detected by the second V winning port sensor 2503, a special privilege is given in which the large winning port 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern.

In the "third role hit", when the role winning port 2006 is in the second open state, the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 is in the closed state, so when the distribution rotor 2533 rotates from the storage state to the non-storage state, the game ball B stored in the storage section 2533a passes through the chance port 2531 and abuts against the upper surface of the distribution piece 2543 in the closed state of the second distribution device 2540, is guided to the right, and enters (is accepted by) the first V winning port 2007. The game ball B that entered the first V winning port 2007 is detected by the first V winning port sensor 2502, and is discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulation ball path unit 500 below via the back ball guide unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. When the first V winning hole sensor 2502 detects game ball B, a special bonus is awarded in which the big winning hole 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern.

In this embodiment, in the lottery for the first special pattern and the second special pattern in which the big prize winning port 2005 and the accessory prize winning port 2006 open and close to create a favorable game state in which the player has an advantage, the first start port 2003 is always open to receive the game ball B, whereas the second start port 2004 is only able to receive the game ball B in a predetermined pattern when the normal lottery drawn by receiving the game ball B into the normal prize winning port 2002 is a "normal win". This makes it more likely that the first start port 2003 will receive the game ball B than the second start port 2004.

For this reason, under normal conditions, the player can perform an operation to shoot game ball B so that game ball B flows down the left side of the center device 2500 so that game ball B can be accepted by the first starting opening 2003. By showing the movement of game ball B being guided by multiple obstacle pins, the player can enjoy playing the pachinko machine 1 with game ball B as intended, while also heightening the player's sense of anticipation for game ball B being accepted by the first starting opening 2003.

When game ball B is accepted into the first starting opening 2003 and a "win" (for example, a "small win", "medium win", "big win", "gift win", etc.) is selected as the lottery result for the first special pattern, the large prize opening 2005 or the gift winning opening 2006 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, allowing the player to enjoy hitting game ball B aimed at the right side of the center gift winning opening 2500 (so-called "right hit") so that game ball B can be accepted into the large prize opening 2005 or the gift winning opening 2006, and increasing the player's anticipation of game ball B being accepted into the large prize opening 2005 or the gift winning opening 2006.

When hitting the game ball B to the right of the center device 2500, a guide passage group 2520 consisting of a first guide passage 2521 and a second guide passage 2522 is provided on the right side of the center device 2500, and since it has a variety of flow paths, the hitting strength of the game ball B can be adjusted so that the game ball B flows through the desired flow path, allowing the player to enjoy the operation of hitting the game ball B.

In addition, a normal winning hole 2002 is provided on the right side of the center device 2500, and a normal lottery is held in which the second starting hole 2004 is opened when game ball B is received by the normal winning hole 2002. Therefore, the player can enjoy whether game ball B shot into the right side passes through the normal winning hole 2002 or not, and can also enjoy whether game ball B is received by the second starting hole 2004 when the second starting hole 2004 becomes open. At this time, since the normal winning hole 2002 is provided directly below the exit of the first guide passage 2521 in the guide passage group 2520, the player can enjoy the operation of shooting game ball B aimed at the first guide passage 2521.

Furthermore, in the role winning port 2006, one game ball B that is received and selected by the first allocation device 2530 is allocated to either the first V winning port 2007 or the second spurt port 2541 by the second allocation device 2540, so that the player can be made to feel anxious and excited depending on whether the game ball B is allocated to the first V winning port 2007 or not. And even if the game ball B is allocated to the second spurt port 2541 by the second allocation device 2540, the game ball B is supplied to the lottery role 2550 that is conspicuously provided in the lower center of the center role 2500, so that the player can have a sense of expectation that the game ball B will be accepted by the second V winning port 2008 in the lottery role 2550. Thereafter, the player can be excited again depending on whether or not the game ball B rolling on the table 2555 of the lottery device 2550 is received by the second V winning port 2008, which entertains the player and prevents a decline in interest.

When game ball B is received by the first V winning hole 2007 or the second V winning hole 2008, or when game ball B is received by the first starting hole 2003 and the second starting hole 2004 and a "big win" is drawn as the first and second special symbols, the large winning hole 2005 of the attacca unit 2400 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, providing an opportunity for many game balls B to be added to the number of balls held. In order to allow game ball B to be received by the large winning hole 2005 that is open and closed, the player can perform an operation to shoot game ball B toward the right side of the center device 2500, entertaining the player and preventing a decline in interest.

[8-10. Overall configuration of the rear unit]
Next, the overall configuration of the back unit 3000 in the game board 5 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The back unit 3000 includes a vibration sensor 1040 (see Figure 65) that detects vibration acting on the game board 5 (pachinko machine 1), a general winning opening sensor 3001 that detects the game ball B received by the general winning opening 2001 and guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, and a regular winning opening sensor 3002 that detects the game ball B received by the regular winning opening 2002 and guided to the rear of the game panel 1100. The general winning opening sensor 3001 and the regular winning opening sensor 3002 are provided in the back ball guide unit 3100.

The rear unit 3000 is equipped with a rear box 3010 that is attached to the rear surface of the panel holder 1120 in the game panel 1100 and has a box shape with an open front and a square opening 3010a in the rear wall, a lock slider 3020 that is slidable left and right on the rear wall of the rear box 3010 for attaching and detaching the performance display device 1600, and a rear board unit 3040 that is hingedly attached to the rear wall of the rear box 3010.

The rear board unit 3040 comprises a board box 3041 that is L-shaped when viewed from the front and thin from front to back, and a panel relay board and a performance drive board (not shown) housed within the board box 3041. The board box 3041 has two shafts 3041a on the outer edge of the part extending up and down in the L shape that are rotatably supported by the shaft support part 3010f of the rear box 3010. The board box 3041 also has a locking claw 3041b at the tip of the part extending left and right in the L shape that locks into the locking part 3010g of the rear box 3010.

Furthermore, the rear unit 3000 includes a rear ball guide unit 3100 provided at the bottom near the front end of the rear box 3010 and through which the game ball B guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 circulates, a rear decoration unit 3200 provided behind the rear ball guide unit 3100 within the rear box 3010, a rear front performance unit 3300 provided to the left and above the rear ball guide unit 3100 near the front end within the rear box 3010, and a rear rear performance unit 3400 provided behind the rear front performance unit 3300 within the rear box 3010.

The back ball guidance unit 3100 is attached to the front of the back decoration unit 3200. The back decoration unit 3200 is attached to the front of the rear wall of the back box 3010 via an attachment supporter (not shown). The left end of the back front performance unit 3300 is attached near the front end of the back box 3010, and the right end is attached to the front of the right end of the back rear performance unit 3400. The upper part of the back rear performance unit 3400 is attached to the front of the rear wall of the back box 3010 via an attachment supporter (not shown), and the lower part is attached to the back decoration unit 3200.

The back decoration unit 3200, the back front performance unit 3300, and the back rear performance unit 3400 in the back unit 3000 can show the player predetermined moving and light emitting performances depending on the progress of the game.

[8-10a. Back box]
Next, the rear box 3010 in the rear unit 3000 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The rear box 3010 is attached to the rear side of the game panel 1100 (panel holder 1120), and the presentation unit is attached inside the box-like shape, while the presentation display device 1600 and the rear board unit 3040 are attached to the rear surface. The rear box 3010 is formed transparent. This allows the inside to be seen from the outside even when assembled to the game board 5.

The rear box 3010 is box-shaped with an open front and a rectangular opening 3010a penetrating the rear wall, a mounting surface 3010b provided at the bottom of the opening 3010a on which the performance display device 1600 is placed, two fixing grooves 3010c recessed upward from the inside of the frame at the top of the opening 3010a, and a locking mechanism 3010d provided below near the center of the mounting surface 3010b in the left-right direction, to which a lock slider 3020 is attached so that it can slide left and right.

The opening 3010a of the rear box 3010 is formed in a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of 3:4 when viewed from the front. The opening 3010a is formed to have approximately the same size in the left-right direction as the rear wall of the rear box 3010 in the left-right direction. The opening 3010a is also provided in a position that is offset (eccentric) upward from the center of the rear box 3010 in the up-down direction. The opening 3010a is formed to have the same size as the liquid crystal spacer 1610 (a 19-inch liquid crystal display device).

The upper fixed piece 1611 of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 to which the performance display device 1600 is attached is inserted from below into the two fixing grooves 3010c of the rear box 3010. In addition, the lower fixed piece 1612 of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 to which the performance display device 1600 is attached can be inserted from behind into the lock mechanism part 3010d of the rear box 3010 with the lock slider 3020 slid to the left in rear view. With the lower fixed piece 1612 of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 inserted into the lock mechanism part 3010d, sliding the lock slider 3020 to the right in rear view prevents the lower fixed piece 1612 from moving backwards by the lock slider 3020, and the liquid crystal spacer 1610 (performance display device 1600) can be attached.

The rear box 3010 also has a flat fixed piece 3010e that extends outward from the front end. This fixed piece 3010e is attached to the gaming panel 1100 with its front surface abutting against the rear surface of the gaming panel 1100.

Furthermore, the rear box 3010 is provided with a pair of pivot supports 3010f on the rear surface that can rotatably support the shaft 3041a of the rear substrate unit 3040 around an axis extending in the vertical direction, and a locking portion 3010g that is provided on the rear surface on the opposite side in the left-right direction from the pair of pivot supports 3010f and that locks the locking claw 3041b of the rear substrate unit 3040.

The rear box 3010 has a pair of pivot supports 3010f and a locking portion 3010g, allowing the rear board unit 3040 to be attached to the rear side across the opening 3010a (the liquid crystal spacer 1610 and the performance display device 1600). When assembled to the game board 5, the L-shaped portion of the rear board unit 3040 that extends vertically is located to the left of the peripheral control unit 1500 when viewed from the rear. In addition, the L-shaped portion of the rear board unit 3040 that extends horizontally is located below the peripheral control unit 1500.

When the rear box 3010 is assembled to the game board 5, the rear of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 attached to the rear box 3010 can be opened by releasing the locking claw 3041b of the rear board unit 3040 that is locked to the locking portion 3010g and rotating the locking claw 3041b so that it moves rearward around the axis portion 3041a, and the liquid crystal spacer 1610, i.e., the performance display device 1600, can be attached and detached without removing the rear board unit 3040 from the rear box 3010.

The rear box 3010 also has a number of functional hole sections, each consisting of a set of two through holes aligned vertically or horizontally, provided on the surface facing the front-to-rear direction excluding the fixed piece section 3010e, and a functional surface section facing the front-to-rear direction that can be used when assembling the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5). The two through holes of the functional hole sections have the same diameter. The functional hole sections are intended for attaching the performance unit to the rear box 3010 directly or via an attachment supporter.

[8-10b. Back ball guidance unit]
Next, the back ball guiding unit 3100 in the back unit 3000 will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 54 etc. The back ball guiding unit 3100 is provided in the lower part near the front end inside the back box 3010, and is attached to the back box 3010 via the back decoration unit 3200. The back ball guiding unit 3100 includes a general winning port sensor 3001 that detects the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001, a normal winning port sensor 3002 that detects the game ball B received in the normal winning port 2002, and a plurality of magnetic sensors 1030 that can detect unauthorized magnetism acting within the game area 5a.

The back ball guiding unit 3100 can receive the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001, the normal winning port 2002, the first starting port 2003, the second starting port 2004, the big winning port 2005, the first V winning port 2007, the second V winning port 2008, the losing port 2009, and the first missing port 2532 in the front unit 2000 at the rear of the game panel 1100, guide it to the center in the left-right direction, and then discharge it to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the lower circulation ball path unit 500. The back ball guiding unit 3100 can also receive the game ball B received in the out port 2020 and the sub-out port 2021 in the front unit 2000 at the rear of the game panel 1100, guide it to the center in the left-right direction, and then discharge it to the out ball receiving port 500a of the lower circulation ball path unit 500.

[8-10c. Back decoration unit]
Next, the rear decoration unit 3200 in the rear unit 3000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The rear decoration unit 3200 is provided behind the rear ball guiding unit 3100 inside the rear box 3010, and is attached to the front of the rear wall of the rear box 3010 via an attachment supporter. A vibration sensor 1040 is attached to the rear decoration unit 3200. The rear ball guiding unit 3100 is attached to the front of this rear decoration unit 3200.

When assembled to the game board 5, the rear decoration unit 3200 comprises a rear bottom left decorative body 3210 and a rear bottom right decorative body 3220 that decorate the rear of the left and right outer sides of the lottery device 2550 in the center device 2500, and a rear bottom left decorative board and a rear bottom right decorative board (not shown) on which multiple LEDs are mounted to illuminate and decorate the rear bottom left decorative body 3210 and the rear bottom right decorative body 3220, respectively.

The lower left decorative body 3210 and the lower right decorative body 3220 are translucent, and on their respective upper surfaces are formed multiple projections and recesses that resemble a miniature town. The lower left decorative board and the lower right decorative board are provided below the lower left decorative body 3210 and the lower right decorative body 3220, respectively, and multiple LEDs (full color LEDs) are mounted on their upper surfaces. By appropriately illuminating the LEDs mounted on the lower left decorative board and the lower right decorative board, the lower left decorative body 3210 and the lower right decorative body 3220 can be illuminated and decorated.

[8-10d. Backstage Production Unit]
Next, the back front performance unit 3300 in the back unit 3000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and 54. The back front performance unit 3300 is provided to the left and above the back ball guide unit 3100 near the front end of the back box 3010, with its left end attached near the front end of the back box 3010 and its right end attached to the right end side of the back rear performance unit 3400.

The back-front performance unit 3300 comprises a back-front left decorative body 3301 which is a long, flat plate-like body located on the left end side, a back-front ascent decorative body unit 3310 which is arranged to the right of the back-front left decorative body 3301 and can be raised and lowered, and a back-front ascent mechanism 3350 for raising and lowering the back-front ascent decorative body unit 3310.

The back-front left decorative body 3301 of the back-front performance unit 3300 is provided with a magnetic sensor 1030 located downward from the center in the vertical direction. The back-front left decorative body 3301 extends vertically at a length approximately equal to the total height inside the back box 3010, and is translucent. Behind the back-front left decorative body 3301 is a back-front left decorative board (not shown) with multiple LEDs mounted on the front surface. The back-front left decorative body can be illuminated and decorated by appropriately illuminating the LEDs on this back-front left decorative board.

The back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 is formed long in the left-right direction. The back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 comprises a transparent flat back-front lifting base 3311 long in the left-right direction, a back-front central decorative body 3320 attached to the front center of the back-front lifting base 3311 and having a performance count display unit 3005, a back-front central left decorative body 3330 attached to the left of the back-front central decorative body 3320 on the front of the back-front lifting base 3311, and a back-front central right decorative body 3340 attached to the right of the back-front central decorative body 3320 on the front of the back-front lifting base 3311.

The back front central decorative body 3320 comprises a back front central decorative part 3321 formed in a predetermined three-dimensional shape, a back front central decorative board (not shown) provided behind the back front central decorative part 3321 and having multiple LEDs mounted thereon, and a back front central base 3323 which supports the back front central decorative board and the back front central decorative part 3321 from the rear and is attached to the back front lift base 3311. The back front central decorative part 3321 has a portion which three-dimensionally mimics a pine tree design, and this portion is provided with a performance count display part 3005 consisting of four 7-segment displays. The performance count display part 3005 uses some of the multiple LEDs mounted on the back front central decorative board.

The back-front middle left decorative body 3330 comprises a back-front middle left decorative part 3331 formed in a relief shape imitating the head of a specified character and having translucency, a back-front middle left decorative board (not shown) provided behind the back-front middle left decorative part 3331 and having multiple LEDs mounted thereon, and a back-front middle left base 3333 which supports the back-front middle left decorative board and the back-front middle left decorative part 3331 from behind and is attached to the back-front lift base 3311. The back-front middle left decorative body 3330 can illuminate and decorate the back-front middle left decorative part 3331 by appropriately illuminating the LEDs on the back-front middle left decorative board.

The back-front middle right decorative body 3340 has a back-front middle right decorative part 3341 which is formed in a relief shape imitating the head of a specified character and has translucency, a back-front middle right decorative board (not shown) which is provided behind the back-front middle right decorative part 3341 and has multiple LEDs mounted thereon, and a back-front middle right base 3343 which supports the back-front middle right decorative board and the back-front middle right decorative part 3341 from behind and is attached to the back-front lift base 3311. The back-front middle right decorative body 3340 can illuminate and decorate the back-front middle right decorative part 3341 by appropriately illuminating the LEDs on the back-front middle right decorative board.

The back-front lifting mechanism 3350 is provided with a back-front left lifting rail (not shown) that is provided behind the back-front left decorative body 3301 and supports the left end side of the back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 so that it can be raised and lowered, a back-front right lifting rail 3352 that supports the right end side of the back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 so that it can be raised and lowered, and a back-front lifting drive unit (not shown) that is provided behind the back-front left decorative body 3301 and lifts and lowers the back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310. The back-front lifting mechanism 3350 also has a drop solenoid for dropping the back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 from the elevated standby position, and a back-front lifting drive motor that raises the back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 from the performance position where it has dropped downward to the standby position above, although not shown.

When assembled to the game board 5, the back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 of the back-front performance unit 3300 is arranged so that it can be seen from the front through the frame of the center gimmick 2500. In the normal state, the back-front performance unit 3300 is positioned in a standby position, which is the upper end of its movement, and is prevented from falling downward by the locking claw. In the normal state, the back-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 is positioned near the top end of the display screen of the performance display device 1600, as shown in Figure 50 etc.

In addition, when the rear-front rising and lowering decorative body unit 3310 of the rear-front performance unit 3300 is in the standby position, which is the normal state, the rear-rear rising and lowering decorative body unit of the rear-rear performance unit 3400 is located in a retracted position behind it, making the rear-rear rising and lowering decorative body 3410 invisible from the front.

When the rear front performance unit 3300 is in the normal state, the rear front lifting drive motor moves the lifting slider to the lower end, allowing the rear front lifting decorative body unit 3310 to fall from the standby position to the lower performance position. Then, when the fall solenoid releases the locking claw from this state, the rear front lifting decorative body unit 3310 falls freely toward the standby position. When the rear front lifting decorative body unit 3310 has fallen to the performance position, it is located above the lottery device 2550 of the center device 2500 and slightly below the vertical center of the play area 5a.

When the rear-front rising decoration unit 3310 falls and reaches the performance position, the rear-rear rising decoration 3410 in the retreated position of the rear-rear performance unit 3400 located at the rear becomes visible from the front. This can surprise the player and make them think that something good is about to happen (that an opportunity has arrived).

In addition, a damper is provided at the bottom of the back-front lifting mechanism 3350 to absorb or mitigate the impact caused by the falling back-front lifting decorative unit 3310.

The rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 that has fallen to the performance position rises to an upper standby position as the lifting slider moves upward by the rear-front lifting drive motor, and returns to the standby position as the locking claws automatically engage.

This back front performance unit 3300 has a performance count display section 3005 consisting of four 7-segment displays on the back front rising and lowering decorative body unit 3310 (back front central decorative body 3320), so that by executing a countdown display in which the numbers displayed on the performance count display section 3005 decrease, the player can see a countdown performance in which the back front rising and lowering decorative body unit 3310 falls. Note that in the countdown performance, the back rear rising and lowering decorative body 3410 may be moved to a lower appearance position without dropping the back front rising and lowering decorative body unit 3310, or the back front rising and lowering decorative body unit 3310 may be dropped and the back rear rising and lowering decorative body 3410 may be moved to a lower appearance position.

[8-10e. Backstage Production Unit]
Next, the rear performance unit 3400 in the rear unit 3000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The rear performance unit 3400 is provided behind the front rear performance unit 3300 in the rear box 3010, with the upper part attached to the rear wall of the rear box 3010 via an attachment supporter and the lower part attached to the rear decorative unit 3200. The rear performance unit 3400 is equipped with a rear rear lifting decorative body 3410 that is long from side to side, and a rear rear lifting mechanism 3450 for lifting and lowering the rear rear lifting decorative body 3410.

The rear-rear lifting decoration 3410 in the rear-rear performance unit 3400 includes a rear-rear lifting decoration part 3411 that is long in the left and right directions and has translucency, a rear-rear lifting decoration board (not shown) that is provided behind the rear-rear lifting decoration part 3411 and has multiple LEDs mounted thereon, and a rear-rear lifting base (not shown) that supports the rear-rear lifting decoration board and the rear-rear lifting decoration part from the rear and is lifted and lowered by the rear-rear lifting mechanism 3450. The rear-rear lifting decoration part 3411 has a logo part 3411a that is applied over its entire length in the left and right direction and is made up of a predetermined logo, and a character part 3411b that is provided in relief above the logo part 3411a and has multiple characters different from the rear-front lifting decoration unit 3310 lined up on the left and right. The rear-rear lifting decoration part 3411 can be illuminated and decorated by appropriately illuminating the LEDs of the rear-rear lifting decoration board.

The rear lifting mechanism 3450 in the rear performance unit 3400 comprises a U-shaped rear base 3451 that opens downwards, a translucent flat rear fixed decorative part 3452 that is provided on the front of the upper edge of the rear base 3451, and a rear fixed decorative board 3453 that is provided between the rear fixed decorative part 3452 and the rear base 3451 and has multiple LEDs mounted on it. The rear fixed decorative part 3452 is formed to be approximately the same length in the left-right direction as the rear lifting decorative body 3410, and has a predetermined pattern applied to its front. The rear fixed decorative part 3452 can be illuminated and decorated by appropriately illuminating the LEDs on the rear fixed decorative board 3453.

The rear-rear lifting mechanism 3450, although not shown in the figure, has a rear-rear left rail provided on the left side of the rear-rear base 3451 and supporting the left end side of the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 so that it can be raised and lowered, a rear-rear right rail provided on the right side of the rear-rear base 3451 and supporting the right end side of the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 so that it can be raised and lowered, and a rear-rear lifting drive unit provided on the left side of the rear-rear base for raising and lowering the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410.

The rear-rear lifting drive unit has a rear-rear lifting drive motor, and by driving the rear-rear lifting drive motor, the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 can be raised and lowered between a retracted position, which is the upper end of its movement, and an emergent position, which is the lower end of its movement, and the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 can be stopped at any position between the retracted position and the emergent position.

In the normal state, the rear-rear performance unit 3400 has the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 in a retracted position, which is the upper end of its movement. In this state, the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 is located in front of the rear-rear fixed decorative part 3452 of the rear-rear lifting mechanism 3450. Therefore, the rear-rear fixed decorative part 3452 is hidden from view from the front by the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 in the retracted position.

When assembled on the game board 5, this rear performance unit 3400 is located behind the front performance unit 3300, so in the normal state, the front-rear lifting decoration unit 3310, which is the waiting position of the front-rear performance unit 3300, is located in front of the rear-rear lifting decoration unit 3410, and is hidden by the front-rear lifting decoration unit 3310 and cannot be seen from the front.

When the rear-rear performance unit 3400 moves the rear-rear lifting decoration 3410 from its normal state to the appearance position, which is the lower end of its movement, by driving the rear-rear lifting drive motor of the rear-rear lifting mechanism 3450, it is positioned lower than the rear-front lifting decoration unit 3310 in the standby position and slightly above the vertical center of the game area 5a. This makes the rear-rear lifting decoration 3410 visible to the player.

Even when the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 is moved downward from the retracted position, when the rear-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 is in the standby position, the rear-rear fixed decorative part 3452 cannot be seen from the front because the rear-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 is located in front of the rear-rear fixed decorative part 3452. Therefore, when the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 is moved downward (appearance position) from the retracted position and the rear-front lifting decorative body unit 3310 is dropped from the standby position to the lower performance position, the rear-rear fixed decorative part 3452 can be seen from the front for the first time. This gives a sense of premium to the rear-rear fixed decorative part 3452 being visible.

When the rear-rear rising decoration 3410 is moved to the downward appearance position and the rear-front rising decoration unit 3310 is dropped to its performance position, the rear-front rising decoration unit 3310 is positioned in front of the logo section 3411a in the rear-rear rising decoration part 3411 of the rear-rear rising decoration 3410, hiding the logo section 3411a and causing the character section 3411b, in which multiple characters are arranged in a row, to face forward from above the rear-front rising decoration unit 3310 (see Figure 64).

When the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 has been moved to the appearance position, the rear-rear lifting drive motor of the rear-rear lifting mechanism 3450 can be reversed to raise the rear-rear lifting decorative body 3410 and return it to the retracted position.

[8-11. Game board effects]
Next, the performance by the game board 5 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figs. 61 to 64. Fig. 61 is a front view of the game board shown in a normal state. Fig. 62 is a front view of the game board shown in a state in which the back front rising decoration unit of the back front performance unit is dropped from the standby position to the performance position from the normal state. Fig. 63 is a front view of the game board shown in a state in which the back rear rising decoration of the back rear performance unit is moved from the retreat position to the appearance position from the normal state. Fig. 64 is a front view of the game board shown in a state in which the back front rising decoration unit of the back front performance unit is dropped from the standby position to the performance position and the back rear rising decoration of the back rear performance unit is moved from the retreat position to the appearance position from the retreat position from the normal state.

As shown in FIG. 61, the game board 5 of this embodiment is mainly arranged so that the rear unit 3000 and the display screen of the performance display device 1600, which are provided at the rear, can be seen through the frame of the center role 2500. This game board 5 is arranged so that the lottery role 2550 and the rear lower left decoration 3210 and the rear lower right decoration 3220 of the rear decoration unit 3200 provided on the left and right sides of the lottery role 2550 are always visible near the bottom edge through the frame of the center role 2500, and the rear front left decoration 3301 of the rear front performance unit 3300 is always visible near the left edge within the frame of the center role 2500.

In the normal state of the game board 5, the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 of the back front performance unit 3300 in the back unit 3000 has moved to the waiting position, which is the upper end of its movement, and the back rear lifting decoration 3410 of the back rear performance unit 3400 has moved to the retracted position, which is the upper end of its movement. The back front lifting decoration unit 3310 that has moved to the retracted position is visible facing forward near the upper edge within the frame of the center gimmick 2500. The back rear lifting decoration 3410 that has moved to the retracted position is located behind the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 at the same height as the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 in the retracted position, and is hidden by the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 and cannot be seen from the front.

In addition, in the normal state, the rear-rear ascent and descent decorative body 3410 is located in a retracted position in front of the rear-rear fixed decorative part 3452 of the rear-rear performance unit 3400, and further in front of that is the front-rear ascent and descent decorative body unit 3310 in a standby position, which hides them and makes them invisible from the front.

In this normal state, the rear front lifting decorative body unit 3310 has moved to an upper waiting position, so that the performance count display section 3005 provided on the rear front lifting decorative body unit 3310 (rear front central decorative body 3320) is located above the center of the display screen of the performance display device 1600, and appears prominent to the player without interfering with the performance image displayed on the performance display device 1600.

The game board 5 of this embodiment can execute the performance shown in FIG. 62 using the back front performance unit 3300 of the back unit 3000. In this performance, in the normal state in which the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 moves to the upper standby position, the back front lifting mechanism 3350 moves the lifting slider to the lower end side by the back front lifting drive motor, and then the locking claw is released by the drop solenoid, and the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 is allowed to fall freely to the performance position. When the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 falls to the performance position, the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 is located above the lottery device 2550 of the center device 2500 and slightly lower than the vertical center of the game area 5a, and is in a state in which the vicinity of the vertical center of the display screen of the performance display device 1600 is hidden. In addition, when the back-front rising and lowering decoration unit 3310 falls to the performance position, the back-rear rising and lowering decoration 3410 in the retreated position of the back-rear performance unit 3400 becomes visible near the upper edge within the frame of the center gimmick 2500. As a result, the back-front rising and lowering decoration unit 3310 falls freely, surprising the player and making the player think that something good is about to happen (that an opportunity has arrived).

Next, the game board 5 can execute a performance as shown in FIG. 63 using the back rear performance unit 3400 of the back unit 3000. In this performance, in the normal state where the back rear lifting decoration 3410 is moved to the upper retracted position, the back rear lifting drive motor of the back rear lifting mechanism 3450 moves the back rear lifting decoration 3410 to the lower moving end to the appearance position state. As a result, the back rear lifting decoration 3410, which was invisible due to the back front lifting decoration unit 3310, becomes visible, so that the player can be surprised and the player can be made to think that a chance has arrived, increasing the expectation for the game. In addition, when the back rear lifting decoration 3410 moves to the appearance position, it is located approximately in the center in the vertical direction of the display screen of the performance display device 1600, so the back rear lifting decoration 3410 can divide the display screen into upper and lower parts, and the player can be shown a performance in which the performance image is physically divided into upper and lower parts.

In addition, as a performance using the rear-end performance unit 3400, the rear-end ascent and descent decorative body 3410 can be moved to any height between the retracted position and the emergent position by the rear-end ascent and descent drive motor, so that as a preview performance, the rear-end ascent and descent decorative body 3410 can be moved slightly downward from the retracted position or vibrated up and down.

Then, the game board 5 can execute the performance as shown in FIG. 64 using both the back front performance unit 3300 and the back rear performance unit 3400 of the back unit 3000. In this performance, the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 is dropped from the standby position to the performance position, and the back rear lifting decoration 3410 is moved downward from the retreat position to the appearance position. As a result, the back front lifting decoration unit 3310 and the back rear lifting decoration 3410 are in a state in which they cover the display screen of the performance display device 1600, which can give a strong impact to the player, and the back rear fixed decoration part 3452 located above the display screen, which was not visible until now, becomes visible, which can give the player a sense of premium and increase the player's sense of expectation for the occurrence of an advantageous game state (for example, a jackpot game) in which the player is advantageous.

In this performance, the back-front ascent and descent decorative body unit 3310 and the back-rear ascent and descent decorative body 3410 may be moved downward at the same time, or the back-front ascent and descent decorative body unit 3310 may be dropped first and then the back-rear ascent and descent decorative body 3410 may be moved downward, or the back-rear ascent and descent decorative body unit 3310 may be moved downward first and then the back-front ascent and descent decorative body unit 3310 may be dropped.

The game board 5 also has a performance count display unit 3005 that is always visible from the front of the back unit 3000, so that a performance can be executed using the performance count display unit 3005. For example, a countdown display that decreases the numbers displayed on the performance count display unit 3005 moment by moment can be used to count down the timing when the back front rising and lowering decoration unit 3310 falls or the back rear rising and lowering decoration 3410 moves downward. Or, for example, the detection of game ball B by the lottery ball entry sensor 2546 can be used to count down the time when game ball B can no longer loop in the lottery device 2550.

The effect count display unit 3005 may also be configured to display (suggest) as a number the expectation level for the special pattern drawn by the reception of the game ball B into the first start port 2003 or the second start port 2004. Alternatively, since the effect count display unit 3005 has four seven-segment displays, the effect pattern may be formed by combining the illumination of each segment, and the effect pattern may be displayed in a variable manner and then stopped, so that the expectation level is suggested by the stopped-displayed effect pattern.

9. Control Configuration
Next, the control configuration for performing various controls of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 38 and Fig. 65. Fig. 65 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the pachinko machine. Note that Fig. 65 omits some of the electronic components such as sensors, solenoids, motors, and LEDs connected to the frame control board 640.

As shown in the figure, the main control configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a main control board 1310 and a peripheral control board 1510 attached to the game board 5, and a frame control board 640 attached to the main body frame 4, with each being responsible for its own control. The main control board 1310 controls the game operation (progress of the game). The peripheral control board 1510 is equipped with a peripheral control unit 1511 that controls various effects during play based on commands from the main control board 1310, and an effect display control unit 1512 that controls the display of effect images on the effect display device 1600 based on commands from the peripheral control unit 1511.

[9-1. Main control board]
The main control board 1310 that controls the progress of the game is not shown in detail, but includes a main control MPU, which is a microprocessor that includes a ROM that stores various processing programs and various commands and a RAM that temporarily stores data, a main control I/O port as an input/output device (I/O device), a main control input circuit to which detection signals from various detection switches are input, a main control solenoid drive circuit for driving various solenoids, a RAM clear switch for completely erasing information stored in the RAM built into the main control MPU, a setting display for displaying setting values and errors, and a base monitor for displaying the number of game balls B collected by the out port 2020 and the sub-out port 2021 provided in the game area 5a partitioned and formed on the game board 5. In addition to the built-in ROM and RAM, the main control MPU also includes a watchdog timer that monitors its operation (system) and a function for preventing fraud.

In addition to its built-in RAM (hereafter referred to as "main control built-in RAM") and built-in ROM (hereafter referred to as "main control built-in ROM"), the main control MPU also has built-in watchdog timers (hereafter referred to as "main control built-in WDT") that monitor its operation (system) and functions to prevent fraud.

The main control MPU also has built-in non-volatile RAM. This non-volatile RAM pre-stores a unique ID code assigned by the manufacturer of the main control MPU as a unique code (a code that exists only once in the world) to identify the individual unit. Once this ID code is assigned, it cannot be rewritten even using an external device, as it is stored in the non-volatile RAM. The main control MPU is capable of retrieving the ID code from the non-volatile RAM and referencing it.

The main control MPU also has a built-in circuit that resets the main control MPU by hardware when it is affected by electrical noise (hereinafter referred to as the "built-in reset circuit"). The built-in reset circuit monitors the contents of a specified register of the main control MPU, and if the register changes to an inconsistent content, it resets the main control MPU as it has been affected by electrical noise. Such a forced reset by the built-in reset circuit cannot be disabled by controlling it with a user program. Therefore, when the main control MPU is forced to reset by the built-in reset circuit, it is reset without executing the main control side power off processing described below, and it will again execute the main control side power on processing described below. In this case, since the main control side power off processing is not executed, as described below, a checksum (sum value) error will always occur in the main control built-in RAM, and the contents of the main control built-in RAM will be completely erased (cleared). Furthermore, even if the main control MPU is forcibly reset by the built-in reset circuit, the built-in reset circuit of the main control MPU does not output a reset signal to the frame control board 640, so only the main control board 1310 (main control MPU) is restarted, and the frame control board 640 remains in an activated state.

The main control MPU also has a built-in hardware random number circuit (hereinafter referred to as the "main control built-in hardware random number circuit") that uses hardware to update the jackpot determination random numbers used to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot gaming state, among various random numbers related to gaming. This main control built-in hardware random number circuit generates random numbers within a predetermined numerical range (in this embodiment, a numerical range of 0 as the minimum value and 65535 as the maximum value is preset), and is configured so that the predetermined value is not fixed as the initial value (i.e., the initial value is not fixed), and a different value is set each time the main control MPU is reset. Specifically, when the main control MPU is reset, the main control built-in hard random number circuit first sets a value within a predetermined numerical range as the initial value, and rapidly extracts other values within the predetermined numerical range one after another without overlapping based on a clock signal input to the main control MPU (a clock signal output from a crystal oscillator (not shown) provided separately from the main control MPU), and when all values within the predetermined numerical range have been extracted, it again extracts a value within the predetermined numerical range, and rapidly extracts other values within the predetermined numerical range one after another without overlapping based on the clock signal input to the main control MPU. The main control built-in hard random number circuit repeatedly performs such rapid lottery selection, and the main control MPU sets the value extracted by the main control built-in hard random number circuit at the time when it obtains a value from the main control built-in hard random number circuit as the random number for determining a jackpot.

The main control input circuit does not have a reset terminal for forcibly resetting the information input to its various input terminals, which are detection signals from the various sensors, and does not have a reset function. For this reason, the main control input circuit is configured as a circuit that does not receive a system reset signal from a main control system reset (not shown). In other words, the main control input circuit is configured as a circuit in which information based on detection signals from the various sensors input to its various input terminals is not reset by a main control system reset, and various signals based on that information are output from its various output terminals.

The main control MPU of the main control board 1310 detects the game ball B received in the first start port 2003, the second start port sensor 2401 detects the game ball B received in the second start port 2004, the general prize port sensor 3001 detects the game ball B received in the general prize port 2001, the normal prize port sensor 3002 detects the game ball B received in the normal prize port 2002, the large prize port sensor 2402 detects the game ball B received in the large prize port 2005, the special prize port sensor 2501 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2006, the first V prize port sensor 2007 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2008, the first V prize port sensor 2009 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2009, the first V prize port sensor 2010 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2001, the first V prize port sensor 2011 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2002, the first V prize port sensor 2012 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2003, the first V prize port sensor 2013 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2004, the first V prize port sensor 2014 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2005, the special prize port sensor 2501 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2006, the first V prize port sensor 2015 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2007, the first V prize port sensor 2016 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2008, the first V prize port sensor 2017 detects the game ball B received in the special prize port 2009, the first V prize port sensor 2020 detects the game ball B received in the Detection signals from the first V winning port sensor 2502 that detects the game ball B that has been inserted, the second V winning port sensor 2503 that detects the game ball B that has been accepted into the second V winning port 2008, the losing port sensor 2504 that detects the game ball B that has been accepted into the losing port 2009, the out ball sensor 505 that detects the game ball B that has been discharged from the game board 5, the safe ball sensor 506, the magnetic sensor 1030 that detects illegal magnetism within the game area 5a, and the vibration sensor 1040 that detects vibrations acting on the game board 5, etc. are input to the input terminal of a specified input port of the main control MPU via the main control input circuit.

In addition, when the detection signal from the door open switch 407 and the detection signal from the frame open switch 408 are input to the main control board 1310 via the frame control board 640, they are input to the input terminals of the specified input ports of the main control MPU via the main control input circuit.

The detection signals from the out ball sensor 505, the first start opening sensor 2101, and the second start opening sensor 2401 are input directly to the main control board 1310 without going through other boards, and are input to the input terminal of a specified input port of the main control MPU via the main control input circuit. In contrast, the detection signals from the general prize opening sensor 3001, the normal prize opening sensor 3002, the large prize opening sensor 2402, the special prize opening sensor 2501, the first V prize opening sensor 2502, the second V prize opening sensor 2503, the losing opening sensor 2504, the magnetic sensor 1030, and the vibration sensor 1040 are input indirectly to the main control board 1310 via the panel relay board, and are input to the input terminal of a specified input port of the main control MPU via the main control input circuit.

Based on these detection signals, the main control MPU outputs a control signal from the output terminal of its specified output port to the main control solenoid drive circuit, so that the main control solenoid drive circuit outputs respective drive signals to the start port solenoid 2412, attacca solenoid 2414, role winning port solenoid 2516, first distribution solenoid 2534, second distribution solenoid 2544, lottery loop solenoid 2558, striking piece drive motor 2561, gutter oscillation drive motor 2564, and oscillation piece solenoid 2565 via the panel relay board, i.e. indirectly, and outputs respective drive signals from the output terminal of the specified output port to the status indicator, normal pattern display, normal hold indicator, first special pattern display, first special hold number display, second special pattern display, second special hold number display, and round indicator of the function display unit 1400 without going through other boards, i.e. directly. Based on these detection signals, the main control MPU also outputs a drive signal from the output terminal of the specified output port, thereby outputting a drive signal to the setting change permission lamp on the setting change board.

In addition, the main control MPU outputs various information related to the game (game information) to the frame control board 640 by outputting various information related to the game (game information) from the output terminal of the specified output port, outputs a signal (power outage clear signal) to the power outage monitoring circuit by outputting a signal (power outage clear signal) from the output terminal of the specified output port, and outputs a launch permission signal conveying permission to launch game ball B from the output terminal of the specified output port to the frame control board 640. The logic of this launch permission signal conveying permission to launch is set to launch permission logic when launch is permitted, and is set to launch stop logic (launch non-permission logic) which is the inverse of the launch permission logic when launch is not permitted. The logic of the firing permission signal is configured by hardware including a main control output circuit with a reset function so that the initial value (default) is set to firing stop logic (firing non-permission logic) which is the inversion of the firing permission logic from when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on (when power is restored) until the firing permission signal setting process in the main control timer interrupt process described below is started.

In this embodiment, the first start hole sensor 2101, the second start hole sensor 2401, the normal winning hole sensor 3002, the large winning hole sensor 2402, the accessory winning hole sensor 2501, the first V winning hole sensor 2502, the second V winning hole sensor 2503, the miss hole sensor 2504, the out ball sensor 505, the safe ball sensor 506, and the foul ball sensor 507 use non-contact type electromagnetic proximity switches, whereas the normal winning hole sensor 3001 uses a contact type ON/OFF operation mechanical switch. This is because game ball B frequently enters the first start hole 2003, the second start hole 2004, and the normal winning hole 2002, so the first start hole sensor 2101, the second start hole sensor 2401, and the normal winning hole sensor 3002 also frequently detect game ball B. For this reason, the first start port sensor 2101, the second start port sensor 2401, and the normal winning port sensor 3002 use proximity switches that are highly durable and have a long lifespan.

In addition, when a favorable game state (such as a "jackpot" game) occurs that is advantageous to the player, the large prize opening 2005 and the accessory prize opening 2006 are opened and game ball B frequently enters, so that the large prize opening sensor 2402 and the accessory prize opening sensor 2501 also frequently detect game ball B. For this reason, the large prize opening sensor 2402 and the accessory prize opening sensor 2501 also use a proximity switch that is highly durable and has a long life. In addition, since the game ball B shot into the game area 5a is collected in large quantities by the out opening 2020 and the sub-out opening 2021 provided in the game area 5a that is partitioned and formed on the game board 5, the out ball sensor 505 also frequently detects game ball B. For this reason, the out ball sensor 505 also uses a proximity switch that is highly durable and has a long life. In contrast, in the general winning opening 2001, where game ball B does not enter frequently, detection by the general winning opening sensor 3001 does not occur frequently. For this reason, a mechanical switch, which has a shorter lifespan than a proximity switch, is used for the general winning opening sensor 3001. Note that a highly durable proximity switch with a long lifespan may be used regardless of whether game ball B enters the general winning opening 2001 frequently or not.

The main control MPU also transmits various information related to the game (game information) and various commands related to the granting of bonuses to the frame control board 640, and receives various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 from the frame control board 640. Furthermore, the main control MPU transmits various commands related to the control of game presentations and various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 to the peripheral control unit 1511 of the peripheral control board 1510 via the main control I/O port. Note that, when the main control MPU receives various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 from the frame control board 640, which will be described in detail later, it formats these various commands and transmits them to the peripheral control unit 1511.

The main control board 1310 is supplied with various voltages from the power supply board 650 of the frame board unit 630, as will be described in detail later. The power supply board 650, which supplies various voltages to the main control board 1310, is equipped with an electric double layer capacitor (hereinafter simply referred to as "capacitor") as a backup power source to supply power to the main control board 1310 for a predetermined period of time even when the power is cut off. This capacitor allows the main control MPU to store various information in RAM during power-off processing even when the power is cut off. This stored information is completely erased (cleared) from the RAM when the RAM clear switch of the main control board 1310 is operated when the power is turned on. The operation signal (detection signal) of this RAM clear switch is also output to the frame control board 640.

The main control board 1310 is also provided with a power outage monitoring circuit. This power outage monitoring circuit monitors drops in various voltages supplied from the power supply board 650, and when these voltages fall below the power outage warning voltage, it outputs a power outage warning signal as a power outage warning. This power outage warning signal is input to the main control MPU via the main control I/O port, and is also output to the frame control board 640, etc.

[9-2. Frame control board]
The frame control board 640, which controls the number of game balls B held by a player, is equipped with a RAM clear switch 641 for erasing information stored in RAM, a ball removal switch 642 used to remove the enclosed game ball B from the ball removal port 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500 to the outside (ball receiving tray 620), and a ball number memory/display clear switch 643 for clearing the number of balls held by the player stored in RAM, etc. and clearing the display on the ball number display section 140 of the door frame 3.

[9-3. Peripheral control board]
As shown in FIG. 65 , the peripheral control board 1510 is equipped with a peripheral control unit 1511 that performs performance control based on commands from the main control board 1310, and a performance display control unit 1512 that performs drawing control of the performance display device 1600 based on control data from this peripheral control unit 1511.

[9-3a. Peripheral control unit]
The peripheral control unit 1511 which controls the performance on the peripheral control board 1510, although detailed illustration is omitted, is equipped with a peripheral control IC in which a CPU, RAM, VDP, VRAM, sound source, SATA controller, and various I/O interfaces are integrated onto a single semiconductor chip, a peripheral control ROM which stores various processing programs and various commands, a sound source IC which produces high-quality sound, and a sound ROM which stores sound information such as music, voice, and sound effects referenced by the sound source IC.

The peripheral control IC has multiple parallel I/O ports, serial I/O ports, etc. integrated on one semiconductor chip. When various commands are received from the main control board 1310, the CPU of the peripheral control IC transmits game board side light emission data from the serial I/O port for the lamp drive board to each decorative board of the game board 5 in order to output a lighting signal, a blinking signal, or a gradation lighting signal to the color LEDs, etc., provided on each decorative board of the game board 5 based on these various commands, and transmits game board side drive data from the serial I/O port for the game board decoration drive board to output a drive signal to the drive motor that operates the various performance units provided on the game board 5, and transmits game board side drive data from the serial I/O port for the game board decoration drive board to the drive motor of the game board 5. The serial I/O port for the frame decoration drive board transmits control data (display commands) indicating the screen to be displayed on the performance display device 1600 to the performance display control unit 1512 from the serial I/O port for the display control unit, and outputs a control signal (sound command) to the sound source IC to extract sound information from the sound ROM.

The detection signals from the first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252 of the performance operation unit 250 provided on the door frame 3 are input to the peripheral control IC.

The CPU of the peripheral control IC also receives a signal (operation signal) from the performance display control unit 1512 indicating that the performance display control unit 1512 is operating normally, and monitors the operation of the performance display control unit 1512 based on this operation signal.

The sound source IC extracts sound information from the sound ROM based on control data (sound commands) from the CPU of the peripheral control IC, and controls the top center speaker, top side speaker, and main frame speaker 403 of the main frame 4, etc., which are provided on the door frame 3 and main frame 4, so that music and sound effects corresponding to various performances are played. The volume can be adjusted by rotating the volume adjustment switch protruding backward from the peripheral control board box in which the peripheral control board 1510 is housed. In this embodiment, by sending audio signals (e.g., 2ch stereo signal, 4ch stereo signal, 2.1ch surround signal, or 4.1ch surround signal, etc.) as sound information to the top center speaker and top side speaker on the door frame 3 side and the main frame speaker 403 for low tones on the main frame 4, it is possible to present a more realistic sound effect (sound performance) than before.

In addition to the built-in WDT (watchdog timer) built into the CPU of the peripheral control IC, the peripheral control unit 1511 also has an external WDT (watchdog timer) (not shown), and the CPU of the peripheral control IC uses the built-in WDT and the external WDT together to diagnose whether its own system is out of control.

The display commands output from the CPU of this peripheral control IC to the performance display control unit 1512 are sent via a serial input/output port, and in this embodiment, the bit rate (the amount of data that can be sent per unit time) is set to 19.2 kilobits per second (bps). On the other hand, the initial data, door frame side light flashing command, game board side light flashing command, movable body drive command, etc., output from the CPU of the peripheral control IC to the game board 5 side are sent via multiple serial input/output ports different from the display commands, and in this embodiment, the bit rate is set to 250 kbps.

[9-3b. Production display control section]
The performance display control unit 1512 controls the drawing of the performance display device 1600. Although not shown in detail, the performance display control unit 1512 includes a display control MPU as a microprocessor, various processing programs, various commands, and the like. A display control ROM for storing various data, a VDP (short for Video Display Processor) for controlling the display of the performance display device 1600, an image ROM for storing various data of the screen displayed on the performance display device 1600, and a display control ROM for storing various data of the screen displayed on the performance display device 1600. and an image RAM to which various data stored in the ROM is transferred and copied.

This display control MPU has built-in parallel I/O ports, serial I/O ports, etc., and controls the VDP based on control data (display commands) from the peripheral control unit 1511 to control the drawing of the performance display device 1600. When the display control MPU is operating normally, it outputs an operation signal to the peripheral control unit 1511 to inform the same. The display control MPU also receives an execution signal from the VDP, and performs interrupt processing when the output of this execution signal is stopped every 16 ms.

The display control ROM stores a variety of programs for generating screens to be drawn on the performance display device 1600, as well as schedule data corresponding to control data (display commands) from the peripheral control unit 1511, and non-resident area transfer schedule data corresponding to the control data (display commands). The schedule data is configured by chronologically arranging screen data that specifies the screen configuration, and specifies the order in which the screens are drawn on the performance display device 1600. The non-resident area transfer schedule data is configured by chronologically arranging non-resident area transfer data that specifies the order in which the various data stored in the image ROM is transferred to the non-resident area of the image RAM. This non-resident area transfer data specifies the order in which the various data are transferred from the image ROM to the non-resident area of the image RAM in advance for the screen data to be drawn on the performance display device 1600 according to the progress of the schedule data.

The display control MPU extracts the first screen data of the schedule data corresponding to the control data (display command) from the peripheral control unit 1511 from the display control ROM and outputs it to the VDP, and then extracts the screen data following the first screen data from the display control ROM and outputs it to the VDP. In this way, the display control MPU extracts the screen data arranged in chronological order in the schedule data one by one from the display control ROM, starting from the first screen data, and outputs it to the VDP.

When the VDP receives screen data output from the display control MPU, it extracts sprite data from the image RAM based on the input screen data, generates drawing data to be displayed on the performance display device 1600, and outputs this generated drawing data to the performance display device 1600. When the performance display device 1600 does not accept screen data from the display control MPU, the VDP outputs an execution signal to the display control MPU to inform the display device 1600 of this. The VDP uses a line buffer system. This "line buffer system" is a system in which one line's worth of drawing data that draws the left and right directions of the performance display device 1600 is stored in a line buffer, and the one line's worth of drawing data stored in the line buffer is output to the performance display device 1600.

The image ROM stores a large amount of sprite data, and its capacity is large. When the capacity of the image ROM becomes large, that is, when the number of sprites to be drawn on the performance display device 1600 increases, the access speed of the image ROM cannot be ignored, and this affects the speed at which data is drawn on the performance display device 1600. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sprite data stored in the image ROM is transferred and copied to the image RAM, which has a fast access speed, and the sprite data is extracted from this image RAM. Note that the sprite data is the base data, which is the data before the sprite is expanded into bitmap format, and is stored in the image ROM in a compressed state.

Now, to explain what a "sprite" is, a "sprite" is an image that is displayed as a unit on the performance display device 1600. For example, when displaying various people (characters) on the performance display device 1600, the data for drawing each person is called a "sprite." As a result, when displaying multiple people on the performance display device 1600, multiple sprites are used. In addition to people, the houses, mountains, roads, etc. that make up the background are also sprites, and the entire background can be treated as a single sprite. These sprites are drawn on the performance display device 1600 after their placement on the screen and their hierarchical relationship when sprites overlap (hereinafter referred to as the "sprite overlapping order") are set.

A sprite is made up of multiple rectangular areas of 64 pixels each. The data used to draw these rectangular areas is called a "sprite character." Small sprites can be represented using one sprite character, while relatively large sprites such as people can be represented using a total of six sprite characters arranged, for example, 2 x 3. Even larger sprites such as backgrounds can be represented using even more sprite characters. In this way, the number and arrangement of sprite characters can be specified arbitrarily for each sprite.

The performance display device 1600 is driven by a main scan that sets the display state of each pixel in one direction along the pixels, from left to right when viewed from the front, and a sub-scan that repeats the main scan in a direction that intersects with the one direction. When the performance display device 1600 receives one line of drawing data output from the performance display control unit 1512, it outputs the data to each of the pixels in one line in a main scan from left to right when viewed from the front of the performance display device 1600. When the output of one line is completed, the performance display device 1600 moves to the line directly below as a sub-scan, and when the drawing data for the next line is input in the same way, it outputs the data to each of the pixels in one line in a main scan from left to right when viewed from the front of the performance display device 1600 based on the drawing data for the next line.

[10. Game Contents]
The game content of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 56 and the like. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the player rotates the handle 160 arranged in the lower right corner of the front of the door frame 3, and the game ball B enclosed in the circulation path R is shot into the upper part of the game area 5a through between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5, and a game with the game ball B is started. The game ball B shot into the upper part of the game area 5a flows down either the left side or the right side of the center role 2500 depending on the shooting strength. The shooting strength of the game ball B can be adjusted by the amount of rotation of the handle 160, and the more the game ball B is rotated in the clockwise direction, the stronger the game ball B can be shot, and up to 100 game balls B can be shot continuously in one minute, that is, at intervals of 0.6 seconds.

In addition, within the game area 5a, multiple obstacle nails are planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement at appropriate positions on the front of the game panel 1100, and when the game ball B hits the obstacle nails, the flow speed of the game ball B is suppressed and various movements are imparted to the game ball B, allowing the player to enjoy its movements. In addition to the obstacle nails, within the game area 5a, a windmill that rotates when the game ball B hits it is provided above the upper left side unit 2300 and to the left of the center role 2500.

When a game ball B is shot into the top of the center device 2500 and enters the left side of the highest part of the outer periphery of the center device 2500 when viewed from the front, it flows on the left side of the center device 2500, that is, between the inner rail 1002 and the center device 2500, while abutting against multiple obstacle nails. On the left side of the center device 2500, the entrance to the warp passage 2512 is always open so that it can receive the game ball B.

The game ball B that enters the warp passage 2512 is supplied to the stage 2513 provided within the frame of the center device 2500, rolls left and right on the stage 2513, and is released from either the central release section 2513a or the side release section 2513b so as to flow back into the game area 5a. The central release section 2513a of the stage 2513 is provided directly above the first starting hole 2003 in the left and right center of the game area 5a, so the game ball B released from the central release section 2513a is accepted by the first starting hole 2003 with a high probability. The game ball B released from the side release sections 2513b on both the left and right sides of the central release section 2513a may be accepted by the first starting hole 2003 with a certain degree of probability.

When a game ball B is received in the first starting hole 2003, a predetermined number (e.g., 3) of game balls B are added to the number of balls held in the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310, and the main control board 1310 draws a lottery for a first special symbol (e.g., "miss," "small hit," "hit with special feature," "2R jackpot," "5R jackpot," "15R jackpot," "probability change (changed probability) hit," "time reduction (time reduction) hit," "probability change time reduction hit," "probability change without time reduction hit," "second jackpot," etc.). If the result of the lottery for the first special symbol drawn is anything other than "miss," a favorable game state in which the player is at an advantage is created. The result of the lottery for the first special symbol drawn is then suggested to the player over a predetermined time period (e.g., 0.1 to 360 seconds, also called the special change time).

In this embodiment, if a game ball B is received into the first starting port 2003 during the period from the start of the special lottery due to the reception of a game ball B into the first starting port 2003 until the lottery result of the first special symbol drawn is suggested (special variable time), the suggestion of the lottery result of the first special symbol cannot start, so the start of the suggestion of the lottery result of the first special symbol is suspended until the suggestion of the lottery result of the first special symbol drawn earlier is completed. The number of reserved lottery results of the first special symbol that are reserved is limited to four for each first starting port 2003, and for any more than this, the lottery result of the first special symbol is not reserved but discarded even if a game ball B is received into the first starting port 2003. This prevents the burden on the game hall from increasing due to the accumulation of reserved results.

If the game ball B that flows down to the left side of the center device 2500 does not enter the warp passage 2512, it may be pulled toward the center in the left-right direction by the shelf 2301 or obstacle nails of the upper left side unit 2300, and may be accepted into the general winning opening 2001 or sub-out opening 2021 of the side unit 2200, or the first starting opening 2003 of the starting opening unit 2100. When the game ball B is accepted into the general winning opening 2001, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls B is added to the number of balls held in the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310.

On the other hand, when the game ball B that is shot into the upper part of the center role 2500 in the game area 5a enters to the right of the highest part of the inflow restriction part 2511c of the center frame 2511 in the center role 2500, it passes through either the first guide passage 2521 or the second guide passage 2522 of the guide passage group 2520 of the center role 2500. The game ball B that enters the first guide passage 2521 rolls on the upper surface of the role winning port door 2515 that closes the role winning port 2006 on the way, and is released above (directly above) the normal winning port unit 2600. On the other hand, the game ball B that enters the second guide passage 2522 is released above the left side of the normal winning port 2002. Therefore, when the game ball B enters the first guide passage 2521, there is a possibility that it will be accepted by the role winning port 2006.

When the result of the lottery for the special pattern drawn by receiving game ball B in first start opening 2003 or second start opening 2004 is a "small win" or "game win", the special winning opening 2006 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern to become ready to receive game ball B. When game ball B is received in the special winning opening 2006, a predetermined number (e.g., 10 or 13) of game balls B are added to the number of balls held in the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310.

The game ball B received in the special prize winning port 2006 is sent to the first distribution device 2530, and is distributed by the distribution rotor 2533 to either the chance port 2531 or the first spurt port 2532. The game ball B distributed to the first spurt port 2532 is discharged. The game ball B distributed to the chance port 2531 is sent to the second distribution device 2540. The game ball B sent to the second distribution device 2540 is distributed to either the first V prize winning port 2007 or the second spurt port 2541. When the game ball B is received in the first V prize winning port 2007 by the distribution of the second distribution device 2540, a "jackpot" game is executed in which the big prize winning port 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined opening and closing pattern.

When the game ball B is allocated to the second slot 2541 by the second allocation device 2540, it is sent to the lottery device 2550. The game ball B sent to the lottery device 2550 loops between the table 2555 on which the second V winning slot 2008 is provided and the striking section 2553 that supplies the game ball B to the table 2555 while the allocation bridge 2557 of the allocation section 2552 is moving to the loop position. Then, when the game ball B is received by the second V winning slot 2008, a "jackpot" game is executed in which the big winning slot 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined opening and closing pattern.

On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed and the distribution bridge 2557 has moved from the loop position to the non-loop position and the losing port 2009 has been opened, the game ball B that was not accepted by the second V winning port 2008 of the table 2555 is accepted by the losing port 2009. The game ball B that has been accepted by the losing port 2009 is discharged.

The normal winning port 2002, which is located downstream of the guide passage group 2520, is located directly below the exit of the first guide passage 2521, so that a game ball B that has flowed through the first guide passage 2521 is more likely to be accepted by the normal winning port 2002 than a game ball B that has flowed through the second guide passage 2522. Game balls B that are not accepted by the normal winning port 2002 flow down to the attacca unit 2400.

When a game ball B is received into this normal winning opening 2002 and detected by the normal winning opening sensor 3002, a normal lottery is performed on the main control board 1310, and if the lottery result of the normal symbol drawn is a "normal win", the second starting opening 2004, which is closed by the second starting opening door 2411, opens for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.3 to 10 seconds), allowing the game ball B to be received into the second starting opening 2004.

In this embodiment, in the normal lottery that is conducted when game ball B is received in the normal winning port 2002, a certain amount of time is set from the start of the normal lottery until the lottery result for the normal symbol is indicated (for example, 0.01 to 60 seconds, also referred to as the normal fluctuation time). This indication of the lottery result for the normal symbol is displayed on the function display unit 1400 of the game board 5. The second starting port 2004 opens after the normal fluctuation time has elapsed.

If game ball B is received in normal winning port 2002 between the time when game ball B is received in normal winning port 2002 and the time when the lottery result for the normal pattern is suggested, the suggestion of the lottery result for the normal pattern cannot start, so the start of the suggestion of the lottery result for the normal pattern is reserved until the previous suggestion of the lottery result for the normal pattern has ended. Also, the number of reserved lottery results for the normal pattern is limited to four, and any more than this are discarded rather than reserved even if game ball B is received in normal winning port 2002. This prevents the burden on the game hall from increasing due to the accumulation of reserved results.

Game ball B that is not accepted by the normal winning port 2002 and flows down will flow down to either the upper shelf 2421, the first shelf 2422, or to the right of the first shelf 2422 in the attacca unit 2400. Game ball B that flows down to the upper shelf 2421 is guided to the left and released to the left of the large winning port 2005. Therefore, game ball B that flows down onto the upper shelf 2421 will not be accepted by the second starting port 2004 or the large winning port 2005.

The game ball B that flows down to the first shelf 2422 of the attacca unit 2400 rolls to the left due to its inclination, and after rolling over the second starting opening door 2411 closing the second starting opening 2004, the second shelf 2423, the large winning opening door 2413 closing the large winning opening 2005, and the fourth shelf 2425, it is released to the left. The game ball B released from the fourth shelf 2425 is received and discharged by the outlet 2020. Therefore, when the game ball B flows down to the first shelf 2422, there is a possibility that it will be received by the second starting opening 2004 or the large winning opening 2005.

A game ball B that flows down to the right of the first shelf 2422 of the attacca unit 2400 is received by the sub-out port 2021 and discharged. Although this is rare, if a game ball B that flows down to the first shelf 2422 enters the gap between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424, it is received by the sub-out port 2021 and discharged.

When a game ball B is received in the second starting hole 2004 of the attacca unit 2400, a predetermined number (e.g., 1) of game balls B are added to the number of balls held in the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310, and the main control board 1310 draws a lottery for a second special symbol (e.g., "miss," "small hit," "hit with special feature," "2R jackpot," "5R jackpot," "15R jackpot," "probability change (changed probability) hit," "time reduction (time reduction) hit," "probability change time reduction hit," "probability change without time reduction hit," "second jackpot," etc.). If the result of the lottery for the drawn second special symbol is anything other than "miss," a favorable game state in which the player is at an advantage is created. The result of the lottery for the selected second special symbol is then suggested to the player over a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.1 to 360 seconds, also referred to as the special fluctuation time) that is longer than the special fluctuation time of the result of the lottery for the first special symbol.

In this embodiment, if a game ball B is received by the second starting port 2004 during the period from the start of the special lottery due to the reception of a game ball B by the second starting port 2004 until the lottery result of the drawn second special symbol is suggested (special fluctuation time), the suggestion of the lottery result of the second special symbol cannot start, so the start of the suggestion of the lottery result of the second special symbol is suspended until the suggestion of the lottery result of the previously drawn second special symbol is completed. The number of reserved lottery results of the second special symbol is limited to four for each second starting port 2004, and for any more than this, the lottery result of the second special symbol is not reserved but discarded even if a game ball B is received by the second starting port 2004. This prevents the burden on the game hall from increasing due to the accumulation of reserved results.

The special variation time of the lottery result of the second special pattern drawn by the reception of the game ball B into the second starting hole 2004 is set longer than the special variation time of the lottery result of the first special pattern drawn by the reception of the game ball B into the first starting hole 2003. As a result, since it takes longer to consume the reserved number of the lottery result of the second special pattern, even if the number of game balls B received per unit time for the first starting hole 2003 and the second starting hole 2004 is the same, the number of lottery results of the second special pattern executed by the second starting hole 2004 is smaller. Therefore, even if the game ball B is shot into the right side of the center role 2500 in a normal state, there is a possibility that only the second starting hole 2004 will be accepted, and the frequency of the lottery result of the second special pattern being executed is low, so that the player can be actively made to perform a shooting operation that causes the game ball B to circulate on the left side of the center role 2500.

As described above, depending on the result of the drawing for the first special pattern or the result of the drawing for the second special pattern, which is drawn when game ball B is received in first start opening 2003 or second start opening 2004, big prize opening 2005 or special prize opening 2006 opens or closes in a predetermined opening/closing pattern, making it possible to receive game ball B.

In the attacca unit 2400, when a game ball B flows down at a timing when the large prize opening 2005 is available for reception according to the result of the lottery for the first special symbol or the result of the lottery for the second special symbol, or due to reception of a game ball B in the first V prize opening 2007 or the second V prize opening 2008, the game ball B is received in the large prize opening 2005. When the game ball B is received in the large prize opening 2005, a predetermined number (for example, 10 or 13) of game balls B are added to the number of balls held in the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310.

After the large prize opening 2005 is in an open state where it can receive game ball B, if one of the following conditions is met: a predetermined time (e.g., 20 to 40 seconds) has elapsed, or a predetermined number of game balls B (e.g., 10) have been received by the large prize opening 2005, the opening and closing pattern (one opening and closing pattern is called one round) that closes the state so that game ball B cannot be received is repeated a predetermined number of times (predetermined number of rounds). For example, this is repeated two rounds for a "2R jackpot", five rounds for a "5R jackpot", and 15 rounds for a "15R jackpot", creating an advantageous game state that is advantageous to the player.

In addition, after the jackpot game ends, there are "wins" that change the probability of drawing the first special symbol or the second special symbol of the "jackpot" ("probability win"), or change the display time of the presentation image suggesting the result of the drawing of the first special symbol or the second special symbol ("time-saving win").

If the result of the drawing for the first special symbol or the result of the drawing for the second special symbol (for example, the result of the drawing for the second special symbol) is a "second jackpot," the big prize winning port 2005 or the accessory prize winning port 2006 becomes capable of receiving the game ball B in a predetermined pattern, and then ST (Special Time) is generated as an advantageous game state. This ST maintains the state of the special bonus or time-saving mode for a specific number of predetermined fluctuations.

In this way, when the large prize winning port 2005 or the special prize winning port 2006 is able to accept game ball B, the large prize winning port 2005 or the special prize winning port 2006 can accept game ball B, allowing the player to hold many game balls B and add them to the ball count, thereby entertaining the player and preventing a decline in interest in the game.

In this embodiment, the lottery results for the first special symbol and the second special symbol are suggested by the function display unit 1400 and the performance display device 1600. The function display unit 1400 is directly controlled by the main control board 1310 to suggest the lottery results for the special symbols (the lottery results for the first special symbol and the lottery results for the second special symbol). The lottery results for the special symbols are suggested by the function display unit 1400 by repeatedly turning on and off multiple LEDs and flashing them for a predetermined period of time, and then the combination of lit LEDs suggests the lottery results for the special symbols.

On the other hand, the performance display device 1600 is indirectly controlled by the peripheral control board 1510 based on a control signal from the main control board 1310, and the lottery result of the special symbol is suggested as a performance image. The performance image suggesting the lottery result of the special symbol on the performance display device 1600 displays three picture rows consisting of multiple pictures lined up in the left-right direction, and changes each picture row, stops the displayed picture rows in sequence, and stops and displays each of the three picture rows so that the pictures of the stopped and displayed picture rows form a combination corresponding to the lottery result of the special symbol. If the lottery result of the special symbol is other than "miss", after the three picture rows stop and each picture is stopped and displayed, a confirmation image suggesting the lottery result of the special symbol is displayed on the performance display device 1600, and an advantageous game state (for example, "small win" game, "big win" game, etc.) according to the lottery result of the special symbol is generated.

The time indicating the result of the special pattern lottery on the function display unit 1400 (LED blinking time (special change time)) is different from the time indicating the result of the special pattern lottery on the performance display device 1600 (the time until the pattern row changes and the final image is displayed), and is set to a longer time on the function display unit 1400.

In addition to displaying a performance image to suggest the result of the lottery for the special symbol by the performance display device 1600, the peripheral control board 1510 can also perform a player participation type performance in which the first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252 on the performance operation unit 250 in the door frame 3 are operated according to the result of the lottery for the special symbol. In the player participation type performance, the first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252 can be made to pop up and stand out, and the player can enjoy the player participation type performance by operating the first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252.

In addition, the peripheral control board 1510 can appropriately use the various decorative boards provided on the door frame 3, the various decorative boards provided on the game board 5, the performance display device 1600, the starting gate display unit 2110, the performance count display unit 3005, the back decoration unit 3200, the back front performance unit 3300, the back rear performance unit 3400, etc. to perform light-emitting performances, display performances, movable performances, etc., and the player can be entertained by various types of performances, preventing a decline in the player's interest in the game.

Furthermore, in a player-participation type presentation in which the first presentation button 251 or the second presentation button 252 is operated, if the player makes a mistake or fails to perform the operation that should be performed, the peripheral control board 1510 notifies the player so that the player can perform the correct operation.

According to this embodiment, a game ball B is shot into the game area 5a by a player, and as a result of fulfilling a predetermined condition, the reel winning opening 2006 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern based on the lottery result of a special pattern drawn by the acceptance of the game ball B into the first starting opening 2003 or the second starting opening 2004, and the game ball B accepted into the reel winning opening 2006 passes through the first sorting device 2530 and the second sorting device 2540 and is supplied to the guide path 2551 of the lottery reel 2550 in the center reel 2500, and the game ball B circulates toward the downstream sorting section 2552. In this distribution section 2552, when the losing port 2009 opening to the guideway 2551 is closed by the distribution bridge 2557, the game ball B is distributed to the striking section 2553 as the first side, and when the distribution bridge 2557 is rotated by the lottery loop solenoid 2558 to open the losing port 2009, the game ball B is distributed to the losing port 2009 (second side), and the distribution state of the game ball B is displayed by the distribution display section 2557a of the distribution bridge 2557. Then, when the game ball B is distributed to the first side in the distribution section 2552, it is supplied to the striking section 2553. On the other hand, when the game ball B is distributed to the second side (losing port 2009) in the distribution section 2552, it is not supplied to the striking section 2553 and is discharged from the lottery device 2550.

The game ball B supplied from the distribution section 2552 to the striking section 2553 is struck backward by the rotating striking piece 2560 of the striking section 2553, and circulates (rolls) so as to climb the ascending slope 2559 that becomes higher toward the rear. In this striking section 2553, depending on the timing at which the game ball B is supplied and the timing at which the striking piece 2560 strikes the game ball B, the game ball B may be struck hard or barely struck, and the momentum of the game ball B struck backward varies. Therefore, if the momentum of the struck game ball B is weak, the game ball B cannot climb the ascending slope 2559 and returns to the striking section 2553, and the game ball B moves back and forth on the ascending slope 2559. Then, when the game ball B is hit hard by the hitting section 2553 and overcomes the uphill section 2559, it is supplied to the oscillating gutter 2554 located in the center in the left-right direction at the rear end of the table 2555, and is released from the oscillating gutter 2554 onto the table 2555. At this time, since the oscillating gutter 2554 rotates back and forth so as to oscillate around an axis in the up-down direction, the game ball B is released from the gutter section 2554a of the oscillating gutter 2554 into the table 2555 in various directions depending on the timing at which the game ball B is supplied and the timing of the rotation position of the oscillating gutter 2554.

The game ball B released from the oscillating gutter 2554 to the table 2555 rolls forward according to the inclination, and is released from the front end of the table 2555 to the guideway 2551. At this time, the game ball B may be received by the second V winning hole 2008 provided on the central axis in the front-to-rear direction passing through the center of the oscillating gutter 2554 near the front end of the table 2555, and the game ball B may come into contact with the oscillating piece 2556 provided symmetrically on the left and right sides of the central axis between the oscillating gutter 2554 and the second V winning hole 2008, causing the flow direction of the game ball B to move toward the second V winning hole 2008 or away from the second V winning hole 2008. When the game ball B is received by the second V winning hole 2008 of the table 2555, a favorable game state (for example, a big win game) occurs. On the other hand, when game ball B is not accepted by the second V winning opening 2008 and is released from the front end of the table 2555 into the guide path 2551, and then is sorted to one side by the sorting unit 2552, the game ball B is supplied to the oscillating gutter 2554 by the hitting unit 2553. Therefore, as long as game ball B is sorted to one side (striking unit 2553) by the sorting unit 2552, the game ball B loops in the order of the guide path 2551, sorting unit 2552, hitting unit 2553, oscillating gutter 2554, and table 2555 until it is accepted by the second V winning opening 2008.

For this reason, when the accessory winning port 2006 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern to enable supply of the game ball B to the lottery accessory 2550, the player can check whether the game ball B is in a state to be distributed to the first side (striking section 2553) in the distribution section 2552 by looking at the distribution display section 2557a of the distribution section 2552. As a result, when the distribution section 2552 is in a state to distribute to the first side (striking section 2553, and therefore the second V winning port 2008) by looking at the distribution display section 2557a, the player can be excited by whether the game ball B received in the accessory winning port 2006 (here, the game ball B accommodated in the accommodation section 2533a of the distribution rotor 2533 in the first distribution device 2530) is supplied to the lottery accessory 2550 (guideway 2551). Thereafter, when the game ball B received in the accessory winning port 2006 is supplied to the lottery accessory 2550 (guideway 2551), the player can be made to feel anxious and excited depending on whether or not it is sorted to the first side (the striking section 2553 side) in the sorting section 2552. Then, when the game ball B is sorted to the first side and supplied to the striking section 2553, the game ball B goes back and forth on the uphill section 2559 depending on the timing at which the game ball B is struck, so the player can be entertained depending on whether or not the game ball B is struck with enough strength to overcome the uphill section 2559. In addition, the game ball B that has gone over the uphill section 2559 is supplied to the oscillating gutter 2554 that rotates back and forth, so that the game ball B is supplied to the oscillating gutter 2554 at the timing when the oscillating gutter 2554 can release the game ball B toward the second V winning opening 2008. Depending on whether or not the game ball B is hit with enough strength to go over the uphill section 2559, the player can have a thrilling and exciting time.

When the game ball B struck by the striking portion 2553 climbs over the slope 2559 and is supplied to the oscillating gutter 2554, the player can be excited and thrilled depending on whether the game ball B is released from the oscillating gutter 2554, which is rotating back and forth, toward the second V winning opening 2008. Even if the game ball B is released from the oscillating gutter 2554 in a direction away from the central axis (second V winning opening 2008), depending on the swinging state of the pair of swinging pieces 2556, which are provided symmetrically on the left and right sides of the central axis, the game ball B that abuts against the swinging pieces 2556 may be pulled toward the central axis and head toward the second V winning opening 2008, so the player will not be disappointed and will be entertained, preventing a decline in interest. The player can be kept on edge depending on whether or not game ball B is received by second V winning opening 2008, which is located near the downstream end of table 2555. If game ball B is received by second V winning opening 2008, a favorable game state (a big win game in which big winning opening 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern) occurs, providing great entertainment for the player.

On the other hand, even if game ball B is not accepted by the second V winning port 2008, it is released into the guide path 2551 from the downstream end of the table 2555, so the player's expectations can be heightened depending on whether game ball B is again allocated to the first side (striking section 2553) by the distribution section 2552 provided downstream of the guide path 2551, and if game ball B is again allocated to the first side by the distribution section 2552, it is supplied to the oscillating gutter 2554 upstream of the table 2555 via the striking section 2553 and the climbing section 2559, so that there is another chance for it to be accepted by the second V winning port 2008 and the player will not be disappointed. At this time, when the distribution display section 2557a of the distribution bridge 2557 is in a state where the distribution section 2552 is distributing to the first side (striking section 2553), the player can be excited by whether or not the game ball B will be released from the front end of the table 2555 into the guideway 2551. Therefore, since the player can be made to feel anxious and excited in various scenes in the lottery device 2550, the player is less likely to become bored, the player can be entertained and a decline in interest can be suppressed, and a pachinko machine equipped with a lottery device 2550 that can entertain the player can be provided.

The lottery device 2550 of the center device 2500 has a large planar table 2555 that is wide from front to back and left to right, and has a guideway 2551 in front of the front end of the table 2555, so that the lottery device 2550 is large. This lottery device 2550 can make the pachinko machine 1 stand out, strongly attracting the player's attention and increasing the player's expectations for the game using the lottery device 2550. This makes it easier for the player to select this pachinko machine as the pachinko machine to play, and provides a pachinko machine 1 that is highly appealing to players.

Furthermore, since the second V winning opening 2008 is provided on the central axis in the left-right direction of the table 2555, which is inclined so that the rear end is higher, the second V winning opening 2008 can be made to stand out, making it easier for the player to direct his or her gaze toward the second V winning opening 2008 and to create a sense of anticipation about the game ball B being received by the second V winning opening 2008, making it easier for the player to select this pachinko machine 1 as the pachinko machine to play.

In addition, the oscillating gutter 2554 is provided near the rear end on the central axis of the table 2555, which has a raised rear end, and a pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are provided symmetrically on the left and right sides of the central axis, so that the visibility of the oscillating gutter 2554 at the rear is not obstructed by the oscillating pieces 2556, and the player can clearly see the second V winning hole 2008, the pair of oscillating pieces 2556, and the oscillating gutter 2554 provided on the table 2555. As a result, the rotation and oscillating conditions of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 and the oscillating gutter 2554 are easy to recognize, making it easier to predict the rolling path of the game ball B due to these movements, and the player can enjoy the movement of the game ball B depending on whether or not it rolls as predicted.

In addition, in the distribution section 2552, a losing port 2009 communicating with the second side is provided in the guide path 2551. Therefore, when the distribution bridge 2557 is rotated by the lottery loop solenoid 2558 to open the losing port 2009 from a closed state by the distribution bridge 2557, the losing port 2009 opens upward in the guide path 2551. This makes the losing port 2009 stand out to the player, making it easier for the player to recognize that the game ball B circulating in the guide path 2551 is being distributed to the second side (losing port 2009), that is, is not being distributed to the first side (striking section 2553, and therefore the second V winning port 2008). Therefore, when the conspicuous losing port 2009 is closed by the sorting bridge 2557, it is easy to recognize that the ball is being sorted to the first side (striking section 2553), and it is easy to tell which way the ball is being sorted just by looking at the guideway 2551.

Furthermore, depending on the timing of striking the game ball B with the striking section 2553, the game ball B can go back and forth on the ascending slope 2559, which can increase (lengthen) the time the game ball B stays on the lottery device 2550. This can avoid disappointing the player by ending the game on the lottery device 2550 in a short time, and the time gained by the ascending slope 2559 can be used to fully show the player the effects such as the effect images on the effect display device 1600, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that is more entertaining to the player.

In addition, since an uphill section 2559 is provided between the striking section 2553 and the oscillating gutter 2554 (oscillating passage 2562), even if the game ball B is struck hard at the striking section 2553, its momentum can be attenuated by climbing the uphill section 2559, and the momentum can be further attenuated by oscillating it left and right in the oscillating passage 2562. This prevents the game ball B from being supplied to the oscillating gutter 2554 with force, causing it to be released from the oscillating gutter 2554 in a direction different from the release direction of the oscillating gutter 2554 due to its momentum, even though the oscillating gutter 2554 rotates back and forth to change the release direction, causing discomfort to the player, or the game ball B being released from the oscillating gutter 2554 with force onto the table 2555, shortening the residence time (rolling time) of the game ball B on the table 2555. Therefore, the player can enjoy the release of the game ball B from the oscillating gutter 2554 without feeling uncomfortable, and can easily enjoy the movement of the game ball B rolling on the table 2555.

In addition, in the case where the player can select the timing at which game ball B is supplied to the lottery device 2550 by the operation of shooting game ball B, the shooting operation can be performed so that game ball B is supplied at the timing when the distribution display unit 2557a displays that game ball B is in a state to be distributed to the first side. This allows the player to enjoy not only the movement of game ball B within the lottery device 2550, but also the operation of shooting game ball B, and provides a pachinko machine 1 that can suppress a decrease in the player's interest in the game.

Furthermore, when the losing port 2009 is opened, the sorting bridge 2557 is positioned so that its tip is higher than its base end and stands upright from the guideway 2551. Therefore, even if game ball B flows forcefully through the guideway 2551 and attempts to jump over the losing port 2009, the upright sorting bridge 2557 prevents the game ball B from jumping over and entering the first side (striking section 2553), and the game ball B can be reliably sorted into the losing port 2009 (second side).

In addition, when the losing hole 2009 is opened, the sorting bridge 2557 is positioned so that its tip is higher than its base end and stands upright from the guideway 2551, so that the sorting bridge 2557 is prominently visible to the player, and the sorting display unit 2557a provided on the sorting bridge 2557 is visible, so that the sorting bridge 2557 (sorting display unit 2557a) also enables the player to determine that the game ball B is being sorted to the second side.

[11. Details of the center role on the game board]
Next, the center gimmick 2500 provided on the game board 5 will be described in detail.

[11-1. Center feature of the first embodiment]
The center role 2500 of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 66 to 69. Figure 66 is an explanatory diagram showing the center role of the first embodiment, cut in the middle in the vertical direction with the center role attached to the game panel, together with the front component. Figure 67 (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative body of the center role from the front decorative part and the rear decorative part in a disassembled state, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative body consisting of the front decorative part and the rear decorative part from the front. Figure 68 is an explanatory diagram showing the center role of Figure 66 in a state where the center frame is placed on a stand with the rear end facing down. Figure 69 is an explanatory diagram showing a center role with a center frame to which a decorative body different from that of Figure 66 is attached, in a partial cross section.

The center device 2500 of the first embodiment is provided on the game board 5 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 50 to 55. This center device 2500 is equipped with a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the front of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), warp passages 2512 capable of guiding game balls B from the outside of the center frame 2511 to the inside of the frame, and a stage 2513 provided on the lower side within the frame of the center frame 2511, which rolls the game balls B that have flowed through the warp passage 2512 in the left-right direction and then releases them into the game area 5a.

The center feature 2500 also includes a decorative body 2570 that is attached to the center frame 2511 and has a predetermined decoration applied to it.

The center frame 2511 has a frame-shaped insertion portion 2511a that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and is arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112 and extends in the front-to-rear direction, a flat flange portion 2511b that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a and abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, an inflow restriction portion 2511c that extends forward from the flange portion 2511b and restricts the game ball B flowing down the game area 5a from flowing into the inside of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and a flat support portion 2511d that protrudes from the inner periphery of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a.

The rear end of the center frame 2511 (insertion portion 2511a) is positioned forward of the rear end (rear surface) of the gaming panel 1100 (panel holder 1120). Note that the rear end of the center frame 2511 may not protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the gaming panel 1100, or may protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the gaming panel 1100.

As shown in FIG. 66, the decorative body 2570 has a flat transparent front plate 2571 attached to the front end of the center frame 2511, a front decorative part 2572 attached to the front surface of the front plate, and a rear decorative part 2573 provided forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511 (insertion part 2511a). In other words, the decorative body 2570 is provided so as to extend within the frame of the center frame 2511, and has a rear decorative part 2573 provided forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511, and a front decorative part 2572 provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative part 2573. The front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 are decorated in a coordinated manner.

The front plate 2571 is arranged so that its rear surface abuts against the front end surface of the inflow restriction portion 2511c. This front plate 2571 forms a ball passage 2517 between itself and the support portion 2511d, through which the game ball B can flow.

The front decorative part 2572 of the decorative body 2570 is decorated with a specific pattern (here, a pattern of a cloud-like design arranged around the face of an ogre) as shown in Figure 67. The front decorative part 2572 has a transparent translucent part 2572a provided in front of the spherical passage 2517, and a number of opaque dot parts 2572b provided in the translucent part 2572a that form part of the decorative pattern (see Figure 67 (a)).

The transparent portion 2572a of the front decorative portion 2572 is formed to be colorless transparent or colored transparent. The colored transparent portion 2572a is colored the same color as the pattern so as to form part of the pattern. In this embodiment, the transparent portion 2572a in the demon's face portion is colored transparent, and the transparent portion 2572a in the cloud design portion is colorless transparent.

Each dot 2572b of the front decorative part 2572 is colored the same color as the design. As shown enlarged in Figure 67 (a), each of the multiple dots 2572b is formed in a circle and is provided at an angle of 45 degrees above and below the horizontal at intervals equal to the diameter of the circle.

The rear decorative part 2573 is attached to the rear side of the transparent support part 2511d in the center frame 2511. The rear decorative part 2573 is arranged to extend within the frame of the frame-shaped insertion part 2511a in the center frame 2511. The decoration of the rear decorative part 2573 is an opaque design with the same pattern as the front decorative part 2572 arranged in front. Note that if the gaming panel 1100 is made of a transparent material, the rear decorative part 2573 may be on the back surface of the gaming panel 1100. In this case, there is an effect of allowing the area of the decoration to be made larger.

The front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 are made by printing decorative patterns on transparent resin film. In this embodiment, the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 are formed in a film shape.

As shown in Figure 67 (b), when this decorative body 2570 is viewed from the front (front), the decoration (pattern) of the rear decorative part 2573 located at the rear can be seen through the transparent translucent part 2572a in the decoration (pattern) of the front decorative part 2572, and the pattern of the rear decorative part 2573 complements the translucent part 2572a, so that the original pattern can be seen as if the translucent part 2572a did not exist.

On the other hand, when game ball B flows through the ball passage 2517 provided between the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573, game ball B becomes visible through the transparent transmission part 2572a in the front decorative part 2572. This makes it possible to avoid causing distrust or anxiety to the player by making game ball B invisible, even if only temporarily, and allows the player to enjoy playing with game ball B and prevents a decline in interest.

In this embodiment, the decorative body 2570 is attached to the center frame 2511 at a position forward of the rear end of the insertion portion 2511a. In other words, when the decorative body 2570 is attached to the center frame 2511, no part of the decorative body 2570 protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame 2511. As a result, as shown in Figure 68, when the decorative body 2570 is attached to the center frame 2511 and the center frame 2511 is placed with its rear end facing down on a stand TA, only the rear end surface of the insertion portion 2511a abuts (touches) the stand TA.

In this embodiment, the center role 2500 is not described in detail, but in addition to the decorative body 2570, a pattern display 2518, a first distribution device 2530, a second distribution device 2540, a lottery role 2550, etc. are attached to the center frame 2511. The pattern display 2518 displays the special pattern and the fourth pattern, etc., that are drawn by receiving the game ball B into the first start hole 2003 or the second start hole 2004.

Although detailed illustration is omitted, solenoids such as the first distribution solenoid 2534 of the first distribution device 2530 and the second distribution solenoid 2544 of the second distribution device 2540, which are attached to the center frame 2511, are attached so that their metal cases are located at the rear end. This means that when the center frame 2511 (center role 2500) is placed with its rear end facing down on the stand TA, the sturdy metal case of the solenoid comes into contact with the stand TA, making it less likely to be damaged during assembly work, etc. At this time, a resin cover may be provided to cover the metal case of the solenoid.

Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the center role 2500 is provided with wiring connected to the LED board, relay board, solenoid, etc. The wiring is provided so as to follow the insertion part 2511a of the center frame 2511 of the center role 2500, and is provided so as to be hidden by the decoration of the decorative body 2570. This prevents the wiring from being visible to the player, which would result in a poor appearance. The insertion part 2511a of the center frame 2511 may be formed into a double wall shape, and the wiring may be passed between the walls. In this case, it is preferable to use a flexible flat cable (FFC) as the wiring.

In the above embodiment, the transparent portion 2572a and the dot portion 2572b may be reversed. In more detail, the transparent portion 2572a may be an opaque portion with a pattern, and the dot portion 2572b may be a transparent portion.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the transmissive portion 2572a is shown as a transparent portion, but this is not limited thereto, and the transmissive portion may be a portion that penetrates from front to back.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the decorative body 2570 consisting of the front decorative part 2572 having a transparent part 2572a and a dot part 2572b in the applied decoration (pattern) and the rear decorative part 2573 having a decoration (pattern) that complements the transparent part 2572a is provided on the center frame 2511 of the center role 2500, but this is not limited to this, and the decorative body 2570 may be provided on the starting opening unit 2100, the side unit 2200, the attacca unit 2400, the back unit 3000, etc.

In the above embodiment, the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 constituting the decorative body 2570 is shown as a transparent film with a printed pattern, but this is not limited to this, and the decorative body 2570A may be a center gimmick 2500 equipped with a center frame 2511 to which the decorative body 2570A is attached as shown in FIG. 69. This decorative body 2570A is equipped with a flat front decorative part 2572 attached to the front end of the inflow restriction part 2511c in the center frame 2511, and a three-dimensionally formed rear decorative part 2573 attached within the frame of the frame-shaped insertion part 2511a behind the front decorative part 2572.

The front decorative portion 2572 and the rear decorative portion 2573 of the decorative body 2570A are each decorated with a three-dimensionally shaped ornament, though detailed illustrations are omitted. The front decorative portion 2572 and the rear decorative portion 2573 are each decorated with ornaments that coordinate with each other. Furthermore, the front decorative portion 2572 and the rear decorative portion 2573 are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the front.

The decorative body 2570A (rear decorative portion 2573) is located forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511. Therefore, when the decorative body 2570A is attached to the center frame 2511, no part of the decorative body 2570A protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame 2511.

This decorative body 2570A may be made by molding a pre-colored resin, or it may be painted or have a sticker attached after molding. Metallic pigments or plating may also be used to decorate the decorative body 2570A, and the glittering decoration can strongly attract the player's attention, providing a pachinko machine 1 that is highly appealing to players.

In addition, the decorative body 2570A may have a portion of the rear decorative part 2573 protruding forward to the same position as the front decorative part 2572. This makes it easier to create a sense of depth in the decorative body 2570A, further enhancing the decorative effect.

According to this embodiment, a decorative body 2570 consisting of a rear decorative part 2573 arranged forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511 and a front decorative part 2572 arranged to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative part 2573 is provided on a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the gaming panel 1100 of the gaming board 5. Therefore, since the center frame 2511 is transparent, it is possible to make the decorative body 2570 stand out relatively by making it less noticeable, and since a portion of the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 of the decorative body 2570 overlap, it is possible to make the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 and the decoration of the rear decorative part 2573 difficult to distinguish, and the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 can be shown to the player in good condition. This allows the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 to form a decorative body 2570 with a high decorative effect, which strongly attracts the player's attention and makes it difficult for the player to become bored, making it possible to provide a pachinko machine 1 that can prevent the player's interest from declining.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the decoration of a part (the area in front of the ball passage 2517) of the front decorative part 2572 constituting the decorative body 2570 is composed of a transparent part 2572a and a number of dot parts 2572b, and a rear decorative part 2573 with a decoration (decoration with the same pattern) that coordinates with the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 is provided behind that part. Therefore, the rear decorative part 2573, which can be seen through the transparent transparent part 2572a, complements the part of the transparent part 2572a, and a single good decoration (pattern) can be shown as if the transparent part 2572a did not exist, and the good decoration has a high decorative effect, allowing players to enjoy it.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 in the front part of the ball passage 2517 is composed of the transparent part 2572a and multiple dot parts 2572b, so that the game ball B flowing through the ball passage 2517 can be seen from the front through the transparent part 2572a. As a result, when the game ball B is not flowing through the ball passage 2517, the decoration of the rear decorative part 2573 at the rear can be seen through the transparent part 2572a, allowing the player to enjoy the excellent decoration by the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573, while when the game ball B is flowing through the ball passage 2517, the game ball B can be seen through the transparent part 2572a, which avoids the player feeling distrustful or anxious because the game ball B becomes invisible, and the player can enjoy playing with the game ball B and suppress a decrease in interest.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative portion 2573 of the decorative body 2570 is provided forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511, so when the decorative body 2570 is attached to the center frame 2511 and the center frame 2511 is placed on the stand TA with its rear end facing down, only the rear end surface of the insertion portion 2511a abuts against the stand TA. Therefore, when the center frame 2511 is placed on the stand TA with its rear end facing down for assembly or disassembly work, the center frame 2511 does not wobble, and a pachinko machine 1 that is easy to assemble and disassemble can be provided.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative portion 2573 of the decorative body 2570 is provided forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511, so that the decorative body 2570 does not protrude rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame 2511, making it easier to secure space behind the center frame 2511 (game panel 1100). Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a large decorative body, a movable decorative body, etc. behind the center frame 2511, making it easier to construct a pachinko machine 1 that can provide more entertainment to players.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the pattern display 2518 for displaying special patterns is attached to the center frame 2511, so that the pattern display 2518 can be attached to the game panel 1100 together with the center frame 2511, and the labor required for assembling the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced compared to when the pattern display 2518 is attached separately.

The decoration of the center frame 2511 (decorative body 2570, decorative body 2570A) may be coordinated with the decoration applied to the game panel 1100.

[11-2. Center feature of the second embodiment]
The center role 2500 of the second embodiment will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figure 70. Figure 70(a) is an explanatory diagram of the main part of the center role of the second embodiment seen from inside the frame, (b) is a cross-sectional view cut along line A-A in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the center role of (a) with the rear end facing down and the center frame placed on a stand.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the center device 2500 of the second embodiment, like the center device 2500 of the first embodiment, is equipped with a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the front of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), warp passages 2512 capable of guiding game balls B from the outside of the center frame 2511 to the inside of the frame, and a stage 2513 provided at the lower edge within the frame of the center frame 2511, which rolls the game balls B that have flowed through the warp passages 2512 in the left-right direction and then releases them into the game area 5a.

The center feature 2500 also includes a decorative body 2580 that is attached to the center frame 2511 and has a predetermined decoration applied to it.

The center frame 2511 has a frame-shaped insertion portion 2511a that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and is arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112 and extends in the front-to-rear direction, a flat flange portion 2511b that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a and abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, an inflow restriction portion 2511c that extends forward from the flange portion 2511b and restricts the game ball B flowing down the game area 5a from flowing into the inside of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and a flat support portion 2511d that protrudes from the inner periphery of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a.

The rear end of the center frame 2511 (insertion portion 2511a) is positioned forward of the rear end (rear surface) of the gaming panel 1100 (panel holder 1120). Note that the rear end of the center frame 2511 may not protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the gaming panel 1100, or may protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the gaming panel 1100.

The decorative body 2580 has a front decorative part 2581, a rear decorative part 2582, a transparent front cover 2583 covering the front side of the rear decorative part 2582, a flat diffusion lens 2584 provided on the rear side of the rear decorative part 2582 and capable of irradiating light incident from the side forward, a transparent rear cover 2585 attached to the rear side of the front cover 2583 so as to cover the diffusion lens 2584 from the rear, and an LED board 2586 on which an LED 2586a is mounted that irradiates light onto the side of the diffusion lens 2584.

The front decorative part 2581 is located forward of the rear decorative part 2582. The front decorative part 2581 is attached to the rear side of the transparent support part 2511d of the center frame 2511.

The rear decorative portion 2582 extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, and a portion of it protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame 2511 (insertion portion 2511a).

The front decorative portion 2581 and the rear decorative portion 2582 are decorated in a coordinated manner and are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the front. Although not shown in the figures, the decoration of the front decorative portion 2581 and the decoration of the rear decorative portion 2582 are each decorated with a pattern of the corresponding portion of a single design, separated by the portion where they overlap when viewed from the front.

The front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 are entirely opaque. In other words, the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 are composed of opaque parts. In addition, the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 are translucent. Note that the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 may be provided with a transparent part (transparent part) as part of the decoration.

The front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 are made by printing decorative patterns on transparent resin film. In this embodiment, the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 are formed in a film shape.

The LED board 2586 is provided behind the front decorative part 2581. As a result, the LED board 2586 and the wiring connected to the LED board 2586 are hidden by the front decorative part 2581 so that they cannot be seen from the front. The LED board 2586 can illuminate and decorate the rear decorative part 2582 by illuminating the multiple LEDs 2586a mounted thereon.

When the decorative body 2580 of this embodiment is attached to the center frame 2511, a portion of it protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame 2511. As a result, as shown in FIG. 70(c), when the decorative body 2580 is attached to the center frame 2511 and the center frame 2511 is placed with its rear end facing down on the stand TA, the rear end of the decorative body 2580 (rear decorative part 2582) abuts (touches) the stand TA, and a portion of the rear end of the center frame 2511 abuts the stand TA.

In this embodiment, the center role 2500 is not described in detail, but in addition to the decorative body 2580, a pattern display 2518, a first distribution device 2530, a second distribution device 2540, a lottery role 2550, etc. are attached to the center frame 2511. The pattern display 2518 displays the special pattern and the fourth pattern, etc., that are drawn by receiving the game ball B into the first start hole 2003 or the second start hole 2004.

Although detailed illustration is omitted, solenoids such as the first distribution solenoid 2534 of the first distribution device 2530 and the second distribution solenoid 2544 of the second distribution device 2540, which are attached to the center frame 2511, are attached so that their metal cases are located at the rear end. This means that when the center frame 2511 (center role 2500) is placed with its rear end facing down on the stand TA, the sturdy metal case of the solenoid comes into contact with the stand TA, making it less likely to be damaged during assembly work, etc. At this time, a resin cover may be provided to cover the metal case of the solenoid.

In the above embodiment, the insertion portion 2511a of the center frame 2511 may be formed into a double wall shape, and the wiring of the LED board 2586 may be passed between the walls. In this case, it is preferable to use a flexible flat cable (FFC) as the wiring.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the decoration of the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 is shown as a transparent film with a pattern printed thereon, but this is not limited to this, and the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 may also be three-dimensionally shaped. Alternatively, the configuration of the decorative body 2570 shown in FIG. 67 may be applied to this embodiment.

According to this embodiment, a decorative body 2580 consisting of a rear decorative portion 2582, a part of which protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame 2511, and a front decorative portion 2581, which is provided forward of the rear decorative portion 2582, is provided on a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the gaming panel 1100 of the gaming board 5. Since the center frame 2511 is transparent, it is less noticeable and the decorative body 2580 stands out in comparison, and the front decorative portion 2581 and rear decorative portion 2582 of the decorative body 2580 allow the player to see a decoration with depth. In this case, the rear decorative part 2582 and the front decorative part 2581 are decorated in a coordinated manner, and are arranged so that a part of each overlaps when viewed from the front, so that the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part 2581 and the decoration of the rear decorative part 2582 is difficult to distinguish when viewed from the front (front), and the large decoration of the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 can be shown to the player in a good condition, and the rear decorative part 2582 and the front decorative part 2581 can form a large, deep decorative body 2580 with a high decorative effect. Therefore, since the decorative body 2580 with a high decorative effect can be provided on the center frame 2511, the decorative body 2580 can strongly attract the interest of the player and make it difficult for the player to get bored, and a pachinko machine 1 that can suppress a decline in the player's interest can be provided.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative portion 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, so that the rear decorative portion 2582 does not narrow the game area 5a on the front of the game panel 1100 or make it difficult to see the game ball B flowing down the game area 5a, allowing the player to enjoy playing with the game ball B in the game area 5a in good conditions.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative portion 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 is extended within the frame of the center frame 2511, so that it is possible to decorate the periphery of the performance display device 1600 (display screen) for the performance display device 1600, the back front performance unit 3300, the back rear performance unit 3400, etc., which are provided behind the game panel 1100, and to show decorations (performances) with a higher decorative effect in cooperation with the decorative bodies (movable decorative bodies) of the back front performance unit 3300 and the back rear performance unit 3400, making it possible to provide a highly appealing pachinko machine 1 that can strongly attract the interest of players.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the opaque parts of the decorative body 2580 make it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components such as the LED board 2586 from the front, and the wiring can be hidden by the opaque parts, which prevents the wiring from being visible and thus reduces the appearance, making it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative body 2580.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the decorative body 2580 (front decorative portion 2581) is provided in front of the LED board 2586, so that the LED board 2586 can be hidden by the decorative body 2580 (decoration), which can avoid the poor appearance caused by the LED board 2586 being visible, and makes it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative body 2580.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the pattern display 2518 for displaying special patterns is attached to the center frame 2511, so that the pattern display 2518 can be attached to the game panel 1100 together with the center frame 2511, and the labor required for assembling the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced compared to when the pattern display 2518 is attached separately.

The decoration of the center frame 2511 (decorative body 2580) may be coordinated with the decoration applied to the game panel 1100.

[11-3. Center feature of the third embodiment]
Next, the center role 2500A of the third embodiment will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 71 to 74. Figure 71 is a front view of a game board on which the center role of the third embodiment is provided, with the rear side of the game panel omitted. Figure 72 is an exploded perspective view of the center role and the game panel of Figure 71 in a disassembled state, as seen from the front. Figure 73 is an exploded perspective view of the center role of Figure 71 in a disassembled state, as seen from the front. Figures 74(a) to (g) are explanatory diagrams showing various joining patterns between the first frame and the second frame in the center role. In the following, the same components as those of the center role 2500 described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 71, the center device 2500A of the third embodiment is located in the play area 5a, above the starting unit 2100, and slightly above the center when viewed from the front, and is attached to the front of the play panel 1100. Note that the play panel 1100 of this embodiment is made of a single plate material, as shown in FIG. 72.

The center gimmick 2500A includes a transparent center frame 2700 formed in a frame shape, a warp passage 2512 capable of guiding the game ball B from the outside of the center frame 2700 to the inside of the frame, and a stage 2513 provided at the lower edge of the center frame 2700, which rolls the game ball B that has flowed through the warp passage 2512 in the left-right direction and then releases it into the game area 5a. As will be described in detail later, the frame-shaped center frame 2700 is divided into multiple frames in the circumferential direction of the frame. In addition, the decorative body 2570 shown in FIG. 67 or the decorative body 2580 shown in FIG. 70 may be provided in this embodiment. In addition, the decoration of the center frame 2700 (decorative body 2570, decorative body 2570A, decorative body 2580) may be linked to the decoration applied to the game panel 1100.

In addition, the center role piece 2500A has a connecting retainer 2710 that connects adjacent frames to each other among the multiple frames that make up the center frame 2700.

Furthermore, the center device 2500A has a pattern display 2518 that displays the lottery result of the special pattern drawn by receiving the game ball B into the first starting hole 2003 or the second starting hole 2004, a second starting hole unit 2720 that has a gate 2010 and the second starting hole 2004, an attacca unit 2730 that has a big winning hole 2005, and a device winning hole unit 2740 that has a device winning hole 2006.

[11-3a. Center frame]
The center frame 2700 in the center device 2500A of the third embodiment is provided to correspond to the edge of the opening 1112 formed in the game panel 1100, and has an inflow restriction portion 2700a that restricts the game ball B flowing down the game area 5a from flowing into the inside of the opening 1112, and a flange portion 2700b extending from the rear end of the inflow restriction portion 2700a in a direction parallel to the front surface of the game panel 1100.

The inflow restriction portion 2700a of the center frame 2700 protrudes forward from the front surface of the gaming panel 1100 when the center frame 2700 is attached to the gaming panel 1100.

The flange portion 2700b extends flatly to the outside or inside of the frame depending on the circumferential location on the center frame 2700. When the center frame 2700 is attached to the front surface of the gaming panel 1100, a portion of the rear surface of the flange portion 2700b abuts against the front surface of the gaming panel 1100.

The center frame 2700 also has a non-flange portion 2700c where the flange portion 2700b does not extend from the rear end of the inflow restriction portion 2700a on at least one of the outer and inner sides of the frame, and an insertion portion (not shown) that extends rearward beyond the flange portion 2700b and is inserted into the opening 1112 of the gaming panel 1100. At the location of this non-flange portion 2700c, the rear surface of the inflow restriction portion 2700a coincides with the rear surface of the flange portion 2700b. The insertion portion is provided on a portion of the entire circumference of the center frame 2700.

The frame-shaped center frame 2700 of this embodiment is divided into multiple parts in the circumferential direction. More specifically, the center frame 2700 is divided into five parts: a first frame 2701, a second frame 2702, a third frame 2703, a fourth frame 2704, and a fifth frame 2705, each of which is formed with the same configuration. This center role 2500A has a connecting retaining portion 2710 that connects adjacent frames.

The first frame 2701 constitutes the upper part of the top and left sides of the center frame 2700 from the vertical center. The second frame 2702 constitutes the lower part and bottom side of the left side of the center frame 2700 from the vertical center to the vertical center, so as to be continuous with the lower end of the left side of the first frame 2701. The third frame 2703 constitutes the upper part of the right side of the center frame 2700, so as to be continuous with the right end of the first frame 2701. The fourth frame 2704 constitutes the middle part of the right side of the center frame 2700, so as to be continuous with the lower end of the third frame 2703. The fifth frame 2705 constitutes the lower part of the center frame 2700, so as to be continuous with the lower end of the fourth frame 2704 and the right end of the second frame 2702.

The warp passage 2512 and stage 2513 are attached to the second frame 2702. The role winning port unit 2740 is attached to the third frame 2703. The second starting port unit 2720 is attached to the fourth frame 2704. The attacca unit 2730 is attached to the fifth frame 2705.

Below, we will provide a detailed explanation of the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 as representative of the multiple frames that make up the center frame 2700.

First, the first frame 2701 of the center frame 2700 is formed to be transparent. This first frame 2701 is formed to constitute the upper side portion and the upper portion of the left side in the vertical direction of the center frame 2700 (center role piece 2500A).

The first frame 2701 is provided to correspond to the edge of the opening 1112 formed in the gaming panel 1100, and has a first inflow restriction portion 2701a that restricts the game ball B flowing down the gaming area 5a from flowing into the inside of the opening 1112, a flat first flange portion 2701b that is connected to the rear end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and extends along the front surface of the gaming panel 1100, and a first non-flange portion 2701c at the rear end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a where the first flange portion 2701b is not provided on at least one of the outside and inside of the frame.

The first inflow restriction section 2701a of the first frame 2701 slopes linearly from near the center of the top edge in the left-right direction so that the right side becomes lower to the right, and then the left side of that section bends in multiple stages to become lower as it moves to the left, and the bottom end of the left side extends vertically downward.

One end of the connecting retainer 2710 is removably attached to the inner portion of the frame near the right end of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a and to the inner portion of the frame at the portion extending vertically downward from the lower left end.

The first flange portion 2701b is provided so as to extend both outside and inside the frame in the portion of the upper edge of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a that is inclined linearly so as to become lower to the right. Also, the first flange portion 2701b is provided so as to extend outside the frame except near the left end in the portion of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a that is bent in multiple stages so as to become lower toward the left, and is provided so as to extend inside the frame near the left end (the portion above the portion that extends vertically downward from the lower left end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a).

The first flange portion 2701b has mounting holes at appropriate positions for mounting to the game panel 1100.

The first non-flange portion 2701c is provided only on the inside of the frame at the right end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a, and is provided on both the outside and inside of the frame at the portion that extends vertically downward from the lower left end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a.

Next, the second frame 2702 of the center frame 2700 is formed to be transparent. This second frame 2702 is formed to constitute the lower portion in the vertical direction on the left side and the lower side portion of the center frame 2700 (center role 2500A). The warp passage 2512 and stage 2513 are attached to the second frame 2702.

The second frame 2702 of the center frame 2700 is provided to correspond to the edge of the opening 1112 formed in the gaming panel 1100, and has a second inflow restriction portion 2702a that restricts the game ball B flowing down the gaming area 5a from flowing into the inside of the opening 1112, a flat second flange portion 2702b that is connected to the rear end of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a and extends along the front surface of the gaming panel 1100, and a second non-flange portion 2702c at the rear end of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a where the second flange portion 2702b is not provided on at least one of the outside and inside of the frame.

The second inflow restriction portion 2702a of the second frame 2702 is provided separately on the left side at a portion of the left side extending up and down, and on a portion of the right end of the bottom side, and is not provided between these portions. In detail, the second inflow restriction portion 2702a on the left side extends downward from the upper end of the left side along the left side, then transitions to the bottom side, and extends a short distance to the right (bottom right) along the bottom side so that the right end is lower. The second inflow restriction portion 2702a on the right side extends up and down along the right end of the bottom side.

One end of the connecting retainer 2710 is removably attached to the inner portion of the frame at the upper end of the left second inflow restriction portion 2702a and to the right side (right side surface) of the right second inflow restriction portion 2702a.

The left second inflow restriction section 2702a has an entrance to the warp passage 2512, and a stage 2513 is provided between the left and right second inflow restriction sections 2702a.

The second flange portion 2702b is provided so as to extend inwardly of the frame at the portion (left side portion) of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a on the left side that extends up and down, and is provided so as to extend both outwardly and inwardly of the frame at the portion extending to the lower right along the bottom side of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a on the left side. This second flange portion 2702b is provided so as to extend significantly outwardly of the frame at the bottom side, connecting the two second inflow restriction portions 2702a that are separated to the left and right by this portion.

The second flange portion 2702b has mounting holes at appropriate positions for mounting to the game panel 1100.

The second non-flange portion 2702c is provided on the outside of the frame in the portion that extends vertically along the left side of the left second inflow restriction portion 2702a, and is provided on the right side (right side surface) of the right second inflow restriction portion 2702a.

This second frame 2702 extends rearward beyond the second flange portion 2702b and further has a second insertion portion (not shown) that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the gaming panel 1100. The second insertion portion protrudes rearward from the second flange portion 2702b so as to connect the two second inflow restriction portions 2702a that are separated to the left and right. The stage 2513 is attached to this second insertion portion.

Next, the attachment of the center frame 2700 to the gaming panel 1100 will be described using the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 as examples. The first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 are attached to the gaming panel 1100 with mounting screws through mounting holes provided in the first flange portion 2701b and the second flange portion 2702b.

For example, between the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, as shown in Figures 71 and 74 (a), the first inflow restriction portion 2701a of the first frame 2701 and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a of the second frame 2702 are attached to the gaming panel 1100 so that they are adjacent to each other.

In more detail, the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 are attached to the front of the gaming panel 1100 with the second inflow restriction portion 2702a of the second frame 2702 positioned to the right of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a of the first frame 2701 so that their vertical positions slightly overlap. In other words, the right side of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a on which the first non-flange portion 2701c is provided and the left side of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a on which the second non-flange portion 2702c is provided are attached so as to face each other. This makes it possible for the first non-flange portion 2701c and the second non-flange portion 2702c to bring the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a as close together as possible.

However, in the case of a center device 2500 of the first embodiment that uses a center frame 2511 that is not divided in the circumferential direction of a frame, if it is desired to change the size of the play area 5a on the front side of the play panel 1100 due to a design change or the like, it is necessary to remake the center frame 2511, which may increase costs.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the center frame 2700 is divided into multiple frames (here, five frames: a first frame 2701 to a fifth frame 2705) in the circumferential direction of the frame, so the size of the play area 5a can be freely changed by changing the mounting position of each frame.

Specifically, for example, when enlarging the area below the second frame 2702 in the play area 5a, the second frame 2702 is moved upward from the state shown in FIG. 74(a) and attached as shown in FIG. 74(b). This makes it possible to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the play area 5a (the opening 1112 of the play panel 1100) in the vertical direction.

Alternatively, when making the area of the play area 5a to the left of the second frame 2702 smaller, as shown in FIG. 74(c), the second frame 2702 is moved leftward from the state shown in FIG. 74(a) so that the second inflow restriction portion 2702a of the second frame 2702 is positioned to the left of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a of the first frame 2701. This makes it possible to accommodate expansion and contraction of the play area 5a (opening 1112 of the play panel 1100) in the left-right direction.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 74(d), the lower end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a of the first frame 2701 and the upper end of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a of the second frame 2702 may be opposed to each other and butted together to be attached to the gaming panel 1100. This makes it possible to make the area to the left and below the second frame 2702 in the gaming area 5a smaller than in the state shown in FIG. 74(a). In this case, the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a are butted together, making it possible to make the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 appear to be one unit.

Also, as shown in FIG. 74(e), a gap C may be formed between the first inflow restriction portion 2701a of the first frame 2701 and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a of the second frame 2702. In this case, it is desirable to make the gap C smaller than the diameter of the game ball B. Note that, if the gap C is larger than the diameter of the game ball B, an obstacle nail may be planted to prevent the game ball B from passing through the gap C.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 74(f), a second non-flange portion 2702c where the second flange portion 2702b is not formed may be provided on both the left and right sides of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a side of the second frame 2702. As a result, the first non-flange portion 2701c is provided on both the left and right sides of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a, and the second non-flange portion 2702c is provided on both the left and right sides of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a, so that the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a can be brought as close as possible in the left-right direction. Therefore, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the second frame 2702 relative to the first frame 2701 can be increased, and it is possible to accommodate various sizes of the play area 5a due to design changes, etc. In other words, it is possible to easily accommodate the expansion and contraction of the play area 5a (the opening 1112 of the play panel 1100) in the vertical and horizontal directions.

Also, as shown in FIG. 74(g), a first flange portion 2701b may be provided up to the lower end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a in the first frame 2701. This increases the rigidity of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a due to the presence of the first flange portion 2701b, making it less likely to be damaged even if the game ball B comes into contact with the first inflow restriction portion 2701a.

In this center frame 2700, a clearance is provided between adjacent frames. Although no particular reference numeral is given to the clearance, as shown in FIG. 74, it is a portion (a portion around the end of the frame) that allows relative movement with respect to the ends of adjacent frames. If the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100 can expand and contract in the left-right direction, at least two clearances are required to allow movement in the left-right direction. Similarly, if the opening 1112 can expand and contract in the up-down direction, at least two clearances are required to allow movement in the up-down direction. Furthermore, if the opening 1112 can expand and contract in the up-down, left-right, and up-down directions, at least two clearances are required to allow movement in the up-down direction and at least two clearances are required to allow movement in the left-right direction.

Specifically, there is a clearance in the vertical direction at two locations on both ends of the second frame 2702, that is, between the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, and between the second frame 2702 and the fifth frame 2705 (see Figures 71 to 73). In addition, there is a clearance in the horizontal direction at two locations on both ends of the third frame 2703, that is, between the first frame 2701 and the third frame 2703, and between the third frame 2703 and the fourth frame 2704. Note that although the clearance in the vertical direction is shown in Figure 74, the same applies to the clearance in the horizontal direction.

However, in the area between the first frame 2701 and the third frame 2703, for example, where there is a clearance in the left-right direction, the game ball B rolls on the upper surface of the part of the first inflow restriction part 2701a of the first frame 2701 that extends left-right. Therefore, if the first frame 2701 is moved to the left and attached, a gap will be formed between the first frame 2701 and the third frame 2703, and the flow of the game ball B may be obstructed by the gap. In such a case, spacers or rows of obstacle nails are provided in the clearance area so as not to obstruct the flow of the game ball B. For this reason, it is more difficult to expand the game area 5a (the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100) left-right than to expand it up-down, due to the flow of the game ball B, etc.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the frame-shaped center frame 2700 in the center role 2500A is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701, the second frame 2702, etc. in the circumferential direction of the frame. Therefore, when it is necessary to change the size of the play area 5a due to design changes or the like, it is possible to easily respond by changing the mounting positions of the divided frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 without having to redesign the entire center frame 2700, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 with a high degree of design freedom.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the center frame 2700 in the center role 2500A is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702. Therefore, when partially changing the design of the center role 2500A, the center role 2500A can be easily changed to the desired design by changing only the frame corresponding to the part to be changed. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of changing models and provide a pachinko machine 1 that can easily accommodate model changes.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the frame-shaped center frame 2700 is divided into multiple frames, such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, in the circumferential direction of the frame. By changing the mounting position of each frame relative to the game panel, the size of the game area 5a can be easily changed without having to remake the entire center frame 2700, thereby reducing the cost of the pachinko machine 1.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the frame-shaped center frame 2700 in the center role 2500A is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 in the circumferential direction of the frame. Therefore, when a malfunction occurs in the pattern display 2518, the second starting unit 2720, the attacca unit 2730, etc., provided in the center role 2500A, it is not necessary to remove the entire center frame 2700 from the game panel 1100. Instead, it is sufficient to remove only the frame in which the malfunctioning unit is provided, which simplifies the labor required for maintenance work.

[11-3b. Connection holding part]
The connecting and holding portion 2710 connects adjacent frames of a center frame 2700, which is divided into a plurality of frames such as a first frame 2701 and a second frame 2702 in the circumferential direction of the frame. It is something.

As described above, the center frame 2700 of this embodiment is divided into multiple frames in the circumferential direction of the frame, and therefore there is a risk that some of the frames may fall and be damaged during installation and removal work during assembly, maintenance, and the like. In response to this, in this embodiment, a connecting retaining portion 2710 is provided to connect adjacent frames. As shown in Figures 71 to 73, the connecting retaining portion 2710 is formed of a flexible linear (string-like) member. From the perspective of fall protection, it is desirable for the length of this connecting retaining portion 2710 to be such that, for example, when the center frame 2700 is removed with the game board 5 upright, it does not reach the bottom end of the game board 5.

In this embodiment, the connecting and holding part 2710 uses a decorative ball chain. This allows the connecting and holding part 2710 to be visible, but because it is decorative, it can also serve as a decoration, so the overall appearance of the game board 5 is not marred.

For example, between the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, one end of the connecting and holding portion 2710 is detachably attached to the first inflow restriction portion 2701a of the first frame 2701, and the other end is detachably attached to the second inflow restriction portion 2702a of the second frame 2702. The attachment of this connecting and holding portion 2710 is similar between the other frames.

In Figures 71 to 73, the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, the first frame 2701 and the third frame 2703, and the second frame 2702 and the fifth frame 2705 are shown connected by connecting and holding parts 2710, but the third frame 2703 and the fourth frame 2704, and the fourth frame 2704 and the fifth frame 2705 are also connected by similar connecting and holding parts 2710.

This connecting and retaining portion 2710 connects adjacent frames together among multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 that make up the center frame 2700. Therefore, even if one frame is removed during installation or removal, the removed frame will not fall onto a workbench or floor, preventing damage to the frame due to falling.

In the above embodiment, the connecting and holding portion 2710 is shown to be decorative, but this is not limiting and it may be non-decorative. In this case, it is desirable to provide the connecting and holding portion 2710 in a location that is hidden by the center frame 2700 or decorative body and is difficult to see from the front.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the connecting and holding portion 2710 is shown to be visible to the player, but this is not limited to the above, and it may be completely invisible to the player under normal conditions. In other words, if the connecting and holding portion 2710 is provided in a portion of the center frame 2700 that is not visible to the player, it will not be seen by the player under normal conditions, such as during play.

In the above embodiment, all adjacent frames are connected to each other by the connecting and retaining parts 2710, but this is not limiting. Frames that do not need to be removed from the gaming panel 1100 for maintenance or the like may not be connected to adjacent frames by the connecting and retaining parts 2710. For example, the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 do not have any movable objects, so they do not need maintenance, and are light in weight, so there is no risk of damage even if they are dropped, so they do not need to be connected. On the other hand, the third frame 2703 to the fifth frame 2705 have movable objects and are heavy, so the need for connection increases. Therefore, it is preferable to simplify the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 by not connecting them, and to detachably connect the third frame 2703 to the fifth frame 2705 to other sturdy members on the back of the gaming board 5 (gaming panel 1100) rather than to other frames.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, multiple (pieces) of connecting and retaining parts 2710 may be provided. In this case, it is desirable to bundle multiple connecting and retaining parts 2710 together to prevent the connecting and retaining parts 2710 from becoming entangled with the obstructing nails and bending the obstructing nails during manufacturing or maintenance, etc.

In addition, if multiple connection holders 2710 are provided and connected to multiple locations on the back of the game board 5 (game panel 1100), it becomes possible to maintain the position of the center frame 2700 (each frame) even when the mounting screws that attach the center frame 2700 to the game panel 1100 are removed. This eliminates the need to support the center frame 2700 during manufacturing and maintenance, improving workability.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the center frame 2700 is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701, the second frame 2702, etc. in the circumferential direction of the frame, and adjacent frames are connected to each other by the connecting and retaining parts 2710. Therefore, even if some of the frames come off the game panel 1100 and attempt to fall by removing the mounting screws attached to the game panel 1100 during installation and removal work during assembly or maintenance, the frames are connected to the other frames by the flexible string-like connecting and retaining parts 2710, which act like a lifeline and keep the detached frames hanging down. This prevents the detached frames from falling onto a workbench, floor, etc., and prevents them from being damaged.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the connecting and holding part 2710 is detachably attached to the first inflow restriction part 2701a, the second inflow restriction part 2702a, etc., so that the first frame 2701, etc. can be removed separately from the gaming panel 1100 by removing the attachment part of the connecting and holding part 2710 from the first inflow restriction part 2701a, etc.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, adjacent frames are connected to each other by a flexible string-like connecting and holding portion 2710. Therefore, even if the position of the second frame 2702 is changed relative to the first frame 2701 due to a design change or the like, the connecting and holding portion 2710 can deform and follow the change in position, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 with a high degree of design freedom.

For example, as shown in FIG. 74(a), when the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 are attached to the gaming panel 1100 so that a gap C is formed between the first inflow restriction portion 2701a of the first frame 2701 and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a of the second frame 2702, the connecting and retaining portion 2710 that connects (connects) the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a may be made to function as a restriction portion that prevents the game ball B from passing through the gap C.

[12. Details of the side unit on the game board]
Next, details of the side unit 2200 provided on the game board 5 will be described. The side unit 2200 extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting port unit 2100 in the game area 5a, and is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front. The side unit 2200 includes three general winning ports 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B, and one sub-out port 2021 that is always open to receive the game ball B.

Although not shown in detail, the side unit 2200 has a number of ball receiving sections that are arranged in a row in the left-right direction, have a U-shaped cross section that forms the general winning opening 2001 and the sub-out opening 2021, extend in the front-to-rear direction, are open upward and rearward, and are U-shaped in cross section; a shelf section 2201 that is the same length as the ball receiving sections and extends in the front-to-rear direction in a frame-like manner and is located to the right of the rightmost ball receiving section when viewed from the front; a flat front plate that connects the front ends of the multiple ball receiving sections and shelf sections; flange sections that extend outward in the left-to-right direction in a flat shape from the rear ends of the leftmost ball receiving section and shelf section 2201 when viewed from the front; and a gutter section that extends rearward in a gutter-like shape from the rear ends of each ball receiving section.

The side unit 2200 also has two positioning projections protruding rearward from the flange portion and two mounting holes penetrating the flange portion. The positioning projections are inserted into positioning holes 1113 (see FIG. 76) of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 to position the side unit 2200 relative to the panel plate 1110. The mounting holes are used to mount the side unit 2200 to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by inserting mounting screws from the front and screwing them into mounting holes 1114 (see FIG. 76) of the panel plate 1110 and tightening them while the flange portion is in contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110.

When the side unit 2200 is assembled to the game board 5, the ball receiving sections, i.e., the three general winning ports 2001 and one sub-out port 2021, protrude forward from the front surface of the game panel 1100. In addition, the rear end of the gutter section extending rearward from the ball receiving sections is located within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and does not protrude rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110.

This side unit 2200 guides the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving section) to the rear of the game panel 1100 using the gutter section, and passes it to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. The game ball B passed to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 is then detected by the general winning port sensor 3001 and discharged downward. On the other hand, the game ball B received in the sub-out port 2021 is passed to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 in the same manner as above, and is discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulating ball path unit 500 below.

This side unit 2200 has a flat front plate connecting the front ends of the ball receiving parts, each of which has a U-shaped cross section, to the front end of the shelf part 2201, which has a frame-shaped cross section, and therefore has higher rigidity than conventional side units in which multiple ball receiving parts protrude forward from a flat base plate. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, the side unit 2200 will not bend when the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2200 to the panel plate 1110 are removed and the side unit 2200 is pulled forward, due to the increased rigidity of the side unit 2200. As a result, the positioning protrusions of the side unit 2200 will not tilt relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2200 can be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), making it possible to provide a pachinko machine 1 that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting.

In addition, because part of the front panel of the side unit 2200 at the front end of the shelf portion 2201 protrudes above the shelf portion 2201, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1, the worker can easily pull the side unit 2200 forward by hooking their fingers on the part protruding from the shelf portion, improving the workability of the disassembly work.

In addition, when the side unit 2200 is assembled to the game board 5, the flat base plate blocks the opening 1112 from the front, preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel board 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel board 1110.

[12-1. Side unit of the second embodiment]
Next, the side unit 2800 of the second embodiment will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 75 to 77. Figure 75(a) is a front view showing the main part of the game board on which the side unit of the second embodiment is provided, and (b) is a perspective view of (a) seen from the front. Figure 76(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the side unit disassembled from the game panel in the game board of Figure 75, (b) is an exploded perspective view showing the side unit of (a) disassembled from the front, (c) is an exploded perspective view of the side unit seen from the back of (b), and (d) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the game panel and the side unit in a vertical section. Figure 77 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the side unit of Figure 76 and the game panel in a horizontal section.

In the game board 5 on which the side unit 2800 of this embodiment is provided, parts having the same configuration as the game board 5 shown in FIG. 50 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

The side unit 2800 of the second embodiment extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting hole unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is shot in by the player operating the handle 160, and is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front. The side unit 2800 has three general winning holes 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B.

As shown in FIG. 76 etc., the side unit 2800 is composed of a first component 2811 attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, and a second component 2812 attached from the rear to the first component 2811. In the side unit 2800 of this embodiment, the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811.

The first component 2811 of the side unit 2800 has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a number of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a and are open at the top and rear, forming the general winning opening 2001.

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000. The three ball receiving portions 2811b are spaced apart from each other on the left and right, and are positioned further downward than the rightmost ball receiving portion 2811b. The leftmost ball receiving portion 2811b has a front end surface parallel to the base plate 2811a all the way to the bottom end. The remaining (center and rightmost) ball receiving portions 2811b are inclined so that their front end surfaces move further rearward as they approach the bottom end.

The first component 2811 also has two positioning projections 2811c protruding rearward from the base plate 2811a, multiple (three in this case) mounting holes 2811d penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting to the gaming panel 1100, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear end surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b (base plate 2811a) for mounting the second component 2812.

The two positioning protrusions 2811c are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. In this embodiment, the two positioning protrusions 2811c are the same length.

The three mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the top near the center in the left-right direction of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have a countersunk recess on the front side, and a countersunk head mounting screw (not shown) that is screwed into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 is inserted from the front. When attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the head of the mounting screw does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

The mounting hole is where the mounting screw inserted into the mounting hole (not shown) of the second component 2812 described below is screwed into.

The second component 2812 is formed in a container shape that is open to the front, and has a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), a passage outlet 2812b that opens toward the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2812a, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) for mounting to the first component 2811.

As shown in Figures 76(d) and 77, the second component 2812 of this embodiment is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth fits within the thickness of the panel board 1110. Note that Figure 76(d) shows a cut at the ball receiving portion 2811b in the center in the left-right direction.

The spherical passage 2812a of the second component 2812 is formed so as to follow the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000 and to become lower toward the right along the surface of the panel plate 1110. The passage outlet 2812b opens toward the rear at the right end of the second component 2812, which is the downstream end of the spherical passage 2812a.

The mounting holes of the second component 2812 are provided at locations corresponding to the mounting holes of the first component 2811. The second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear by inserting mounting screws from the rear into the mounting holes of the second component 2812 and screwing them into the mounting holes of the first component 2811.

As shown in FIG. 77, the side unit 2800 of this embodiment has a branch portion 2801 (a portion shown with light shading in FIG. 77) that communicates with the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b), and a main portion 2802 (a portion shown with dark shading in FIG. 77) that merges with the branch portion 2801 and extends along the surface (plate surface) of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. The ball passage 2812a is made up of multiple branch portions 2801 and the main portion 2802.

The branch portion 2801 extends rearward from a position forward of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 to a position (within the thickness of the panel plate 1110) rearward of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 and above the main portion 2802.

The main flow section 2802 extends along the surface of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 from near the left end to near the right end of the base plate 2811a so as to lower to the right. The length of the main flow section 2802 is at least twice the diameter of the gaming ball B (8 to 10 times in this embodiment).

The side unit 2800 of this embodiment is assembled by positioning the second component 2812 behind the first component 2811 and screwing mounting screws from the rear of the second component 2812 through mounting holes in the second component 2812 into mounting holes in the first component 2811. This completes the construction of the side unit 2800 in which the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

The ball passage 2812a of the second component 2812 is open to the front as shown in the figure, but when the first component 2811 is attached to the front side to construct the side unit 2800, the front end side of the ball passage 2812a is closed by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811, and the game ball B does not spill forward from the ball passage 2812a. In other words, the ball passage 2812a is formed by the first component 2811 and the second component 2812. In other words, the ball passage 2812a is provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812.

This side unit 2800 abuts the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 from the front of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is aligned with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, the side unit 2800 is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by screwing and tightening a mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 from the front into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110. At this time, since the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c, by screwing the mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 in the gaming panel 1100, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 side and reliably inserted into the positioning hole 1113, and floating up due to incomplete insertion of the positioning protrusion 2811c can be prevented.

When the side unit 2800 is attached to the front of the panel plate 1110 (when the game board 5 is assembled), the second component 2812 is located within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, and is located forward of the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. In other words, when assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2800 does not protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, making it possible to secure a large space behind the panel plate 1110.

In this embodiment, the side unit 2800 and the panel board 1110 are made of transparent synthetic resin, and the decoration of the performance unit provided behind the panel board 1110 can be seen from the front through the side unit 2800, etc. Here, a back-bottom performance unit 3500 having a back-bottom movable decoration 3510 that can rise and fall according to the progress of the game is provided behind the side unit 2800. This back-bottom movable decoration 3510 is provided so that it can rise and fall between a standby position where most of the entirety is located below the frame of the center role 2500, and an application position where it rises from the standby position and is located within the frame of the center role 2500. And, when the back-bottom movable decoration 3510 is in the standby position where it is lowered, it can be seen from the front through the transparent side unit 2800 and the panel board 1110.

In the side unit 2800, when a game ball B is received in the general winning opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving portion 2811b forming the general winning opening 2001 to the ball passage 2812a behind the front surface of the panel board 1110, and after flowing down along the surface of the panel board 1110 by the ball passage 2812a, it is handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 located at the rear from the passage exit 2812b. The game ball B handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 is detected by the general winning opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downward.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustration is omitted, the passage exit 2812b of the second component 2812 is provided below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general winning opening sensor 3001 that detects the game ball B received in the general winning opening 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) is provided below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800, the general winning opening sensor 3001, etc. do not get in the way of the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510.

In addition, in this embodiment, the general winning hole sensor 3001 is not provided in the side unit 2800, but is provided in the back unit 3000 (back ball guide unit 3100). In other words, the side unit 2800 has a non-wired structure. In this way, by providing electronic components such as ball sensors and magnetic sensors with wiring to the back unit 3000 for various units attached from the front side of the panel board 1110 in the game panel 1100, when the mounting screws attached to the panel board 1110 are removed and the unit is pulled forward, the unit is connected by wiring through the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110, so there is no need to cut the wiring or unplug it from the connector, and the unit can be removed forward from the panel board 1110 without worrying about the wiring, allowing for efficient disassembly.

According to the side unit 2800 of this embodiment, a flat base plate 2811a is provided on the first component member 2811, and by screwing a mounting screw into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 in the gaming panel 1100 via the mounting hole 2811d penetrating the base plate 2811a to attach the first component member 2811 to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 can be blocked from the front side by the base plate 2811a, and it is possible to hide the rear of the panel plate 1110 (gaming panel 1100) from the front side (player side) through the opening 1112, thereby improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 (gaming board 5). On the other hand, the second component 2812 is provided with a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel board 1110, and the cross section of the ball passage 2812a is U-shaped, so the presence of the ball passage 2812a can increase the rigidity of the second component 2812. Since the base plate 2811a is flat, the rigidity of the first component 2811 may be reduced, but the second component 2812, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage 2812a, is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811 with mounting screws through its mounting hole to form the side unit 2800, so the rigidity of the side unit 2800 can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when the mounting screw screwed into the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 through the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is removed and the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the side unit 2800 does not bend due to the increased rigidity of the side unit 2800, and the positioning protrusion 2811c of the side unit 2800 (first component 2811) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2800 can be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting.

However, since the two positioning protrusions 2811c on the first component 2811 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component 2811, when the first component 2811 is pulled forward during disassembly, the first component 2811 is bent in a curved shape so that the centre of the first component 2811 moves forward. This bending creates a force that tilts each of the positioning protrusions 2811c so that the tips of the positioning protrusions 2811c, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, move closer to each other, which may prevent the positioning protrusions 2811c from coming out of the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110 in the gaming panel 1100. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the side unit 2800 is formed by attaching the second component 2812 to the rear side of the first component 2811, and the rigidity of the side unit 2800 is increased, so that even if the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the side unit 2800 does not bend and the positioning protrusions 2811c that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction do not tilt, and the side unit 2800 can be easily removed from the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that can reduce the disassembly work required for separation.

Furthermore, since the multiple ball receiving portions 2811b protrude forward from the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, when the side unit 2800 is pulled forward to remove it from the panel plate 1110 during disassembly of the pachinko machine 1, the ball receiving portions 2811b can be grasped and pulled, making it easier to remove the side unit 2800.

In addition, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 blocks the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the gaming panel 1100 from the front, preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the gaming area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

In addition, because the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811 with mounting screws through mounting holes (not shown), the mounting screws attaching the second component 2812 can be made less visible from the front, improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5).

In addition, a ball passage 2812a is provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812 to allow the game ball B that has entered the ball receiving portion 2811b (general winning opening 2001) to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, protruding into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the thickness of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) and to easily secure the empty space behind the panel plate 1110, compared to the conventional side unit in which the game ball B that has entered the general winning opening 2001 is guided behind the rear surface of the game panel 1100 and a ball passage is provided behind the rear surface of the game panel 1100 to allow it to flow downward. Therefore, it is possible to provide a performance device such as a back-under performance unit 3500 (back-under movable decoration 3510) in the empty space, and a pachinko machine 1 with a higher appeal to players can be provided.

Furthermore, the two positioning protrusions 2811c on the first component 2811 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component 2811, so that when the side unit 2800 is attached to the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the side unit 2800 does not rotate along the surface of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2800 can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the gaming panel 1100.

In the above embodiment, the gaming panel 1100 is shown to have a panel board 1110 made of transparent resin, but this is not limited to this, and the gaming panel 1100 may be made of wood. As a result, by making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood, the board thickness is thicker than that of a resin panel, making it easier to make more effective use of the board thickness of the gaming panel 1100.

In addition, the above side unit 2800 has a ball passage 2812a composed of multiple branch sections 2801 that are connected to each ball receiving section 2812c, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 join, but this is not limited to this, and the ball passage 2812a may be independent for each ball receiving section 2811b.

Furthermore, the above side unit 2800 is shown as not being provided with a ball sensor to detect the game ball B received in the ball receiving portion 2811b, but this is not limited thereto, and the ball sensor may be provided. If the side unit 2800 is provided with a ball sensor, it is preferable to provide the ball sensor within the thickness of the panel board 1110, or to provide the ball sensor below the rear performance device (the rear-bottom performance unit 3500).

In addition, while the above side unit 2800 does not have an LED board on the rear side, this is not limiting and LEDs for illumination and decoration may be provided. When the side unit 2800 is provided with an LED board, it is desirable to provide a unit cover that covers the LED board from the rear and whose front end face abuts the rear face of the side unit 2800 (second component 2812), and to provide a non-contact surface portion where the unit cover and the side unit are not in contact with each other at the contact surface portion where they are in contact with each other. This allows the side unit 2800 to be illuminated and decorated by the LEDs on the LED board, and allows heat from the LEDs to be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion.

[12-2. Modifications of the side unit]
Next, various modifications of the side unit 2800 of the above embodiment will be described in detail.

[12-2a. Modification 1 of the side unit]
Next, a side unit 2800A having a different configuration from the side unit 2800 shown in Fig. 75 etc. above will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 78 etc. Fig. 78 is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical cross section of a side unit having a different configuration from the side unit in Fig. 75 together with a game panel. Here, the same components as those of the side unit 2800 above will be described with the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800A extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting hole unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is shot in by the player operating the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (2 to 4) general winning holes 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B.

The side unit 2800A is composed of a first component 2811 that is attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, and a second component 2813 that is provided on the rear side of the first component 2811.

The first component 2811 of the side unit 2800A has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a number of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a and are open at the top and rear, forming the general winning opening 2001. The first component 2811 also has a number of positioning projections 2811c that protrude rearward from the base plate 2811a, and a number of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a and are used for mounting to the gaming panel 1100 (see FIG. 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000. A plurality of positioning projections 2811c are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning projections 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning projection 2811c has the same length. A plurality of mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning projections 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the upper part near the center in the left-right direction of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have a countersunk recess formed on the front side, and a countersunk mounting screw (not shown) that is screwed into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 is inserted from the front. When attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the head of the mounting screw does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the base plate 2811a and the front surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811.

The second component 2813 of the side unit 2800A has a ball passage 2813a through which a game ball B that has entered the ball receiving portion 2811b (general winning port 2001) of the first component 2811 can flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 within an opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110 so that the game ball B is within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100, and a ball sensor 2813b that detects the game ball B flowing through the ball passage 2813a.

The second component 2813 may be made up of a single component, or may be made up of a combination of multiple components.

As shown in the figure, this spherical passage 2813a is placed near the lower end of the opening 1112 and bent backwards, then bent downwards to follow the rear surface of the panel board 1110, with its downstream end extending below the opening 1112. In other words, the spherical passage 2813a bends backwards at a location below the rear-bottom performance unit 3500 (rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510) located at the rear. This allows sufficient space to be secured for the placement of the rear-bottom performance unit 3500, and allows the movable range (lifting and lowering range) of the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 to be widened or the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 to be made larger.

The ball sensor 2813b is provided at a portion extending along the rear surface of the panel board 1110 in the ball passage 2813a. In other words, the ball sensor 2813b is provided at a portion lower than the back-under performance unit 3500 (back-under movable decorative body 3510) provided at the rear of the ball passage 2813a, and does not interfere with the back-under movable decorative body 3510.

The first component 2811 of the side unit 2800A is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 by abutting the base plate 2811a against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the corresponding opening 1112 in the panel plate 1110 from the front of the panel plate 1110, and by screwing and tightening mounting screws into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 via the mounting holes 2811d while inserting the multiple positioning protrusions 2811c protruding rearward from the base plate 2811a into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110.

On the other hand, the second component 2813 of the side unit 2800A is attached to the rear box 3010 of the rear unit 3000. When the second component 2813 is attached to the rear unit 3000, a part of the ball passage 2813a (the part housed in the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110) protrudes forward from the rear box 3010, although this is not shown in the figure.

When the rear unit 3000 is attached to the rear of the gaming panel 1100, the portion of the second component 2813 that protrudes forward from the rear box 3010 is inserted from the rear into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, and this portion is positioned behind the first component 2811 to form the side unit 2800A.

When this side unit 2800A is assembled to the game board 5, the rear surface of the portion of the ball passage 2813a of the second component 2813 that is within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. The amount of protrusion TL is set to 1/2 or less of the diameter D of the game ball B.

Incidentally, when the gaming panel 1100 is formed by injection molding, the thickness of the portion of the gaming area 5a where the obstacle nails are planted tends to be thinner than when the gaming panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is made of wooden plywood or cut from a resin board, so there is a risk that the portion of the second component 2813 in the ball passage 2813a that is aligned with the surface of the panel board 1110 will not be able to fit within the thickness of the panel board 1110 and will protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110. And if the second component 2813 protrudes rearward by a large amount beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110, it will be impossible to secure sufficient space behind. In contrast, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion TL from the rear surface of the panel board 1110 at the ball passage 2813a portion of the second component 2813 is less than half the diameter D of the game ball B, so that sufficient space can be secured at the rear, allowing a desired size of back-bottom performance unit 3500 (back-bottom movable decorative body 3510) to be provided.

In the side unit 2800A, when a game ball B is received in the general winning opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811 forming the general winning opening 2001 to the ball passage 2813a behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110, and is delivered to the ball passage 2813a of the second component 2813. The game ball B delivered to the ball passage 2813a of the second component 2813 first flows down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 so as to be within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, and flows rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 near the lower end of the opening 1112, and then flows downward along the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. After that, the game ball B is detected by the ball sensor 2813b and discharged downward from an outlet not shown.

The side unit 2800A of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800 described above.

In addition, according to the side unit 2800A, the second component 2813 on which the ball sensor 2813b is provided is attached to the back unit 3000 provided behind the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), so the ball sensor 2813b is not provided on the first component 2811 attached to the panel plate 1110. Therefore, electronic components such as the ball sensor 2813b are gathered together in the back unit 3000, and the wiring from the ball sensor 2813b is not extended from the game panel 1100 side, so that in the manufacture of the game board 5, when assembling the game panel 1100 and the back unit 3000, the wiring from the ball sensor 2813b will not get caught on obstacle nails, etc., and it is possible to avoid cutting of the wiring due to getting caught, and to improve the workability of the assembly work.

In addition, when the side unit 2800A is assembled to the game board 5, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 blocks the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front, preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

The side unit 2800A may be provided with an independent ball passage 2813a for each ball receiving section 2811b, or, similar to the ball passage 2812a of the side unit 2800, a single ball passage 2813a may be provided downstream of the ball receiving section 2811b to allow the game balls B that enter each ball receiving section 2811b to merge.

In addition, in the above side unit 2800A, the second component 2813 is attached to the rear unit 3000, but this is not limited to the above, and the second component 2813 may be attached to the rear side of the first component 2811.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the gaming panel 1100 is shown to have a panel board 1110 made of transparent resin, but this is not limited to this, and the gaming panel 1100 may be made of wood. As a result, by making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood, the board thickness is thicker than that of a resin panel, making it easier to make more effective use of the board thickness of the gaming panel 1100.

[12-2b. Modification 2 of the side unit]
Next, a side unit 2800B having a different configuration from the side unit 2800 and side unit 2800A described above will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 79. Fig. 79(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical section of a side unit having a different configuration from the side unit shown in Fig. 77 together with a game panel, and Fig. 79(b) is an explanatory diagram showing a perspective view of the main parts of the LED board and board cover of the side unit in Fig. 79(a). Here, the same components as those of the side unit 2800 described above will be described with the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800B extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting port unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is shot in by the player operating the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (2 to 4) general winning ports 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B.

The side unit 2800B comprises a unit body 2810 attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear side of the unit body 2810, and an LED board 2825 mounted with a plurality of LEDs 2825a and disposed between the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820. The unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800B are formed from a transparent synthetic resin.

The side unit 2800B also has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is provided as part of the contact surface portion 2830 and is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800B has a first component 2811 attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a second component 2812 attached from the rear to the first component 2811, and a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and whose rear end surface abuts against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the second component member 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component member 2811. Also, in this embodiment, the support frame portion 2814 protrudes from the rear surface of the second component member 2812.

The first component 2811 of the unit body 2810 has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a plurality of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a and are open at the top and rear to form the general winning opening 2001. The first component 2811 also has a plurality of positioning projections 2811c that protrude rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a and are used for mounting to the game panel 1100, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) that are provided on the rear end surface of the base plate 2811a and are used for mounting the second component 2812 (see FIG. 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000. A plurality of positioning projections 2811c are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning projections 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning projection 2811c has the same length. A plurality of mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning projections 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the upper part near the center in the left-right direction of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have a countersunk recess formed on the front side, and a countersunk mounting screw (not shown) that is screwed into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 is inserted from the front. When attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the head of the mounting screw does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the base plate 2811a and the front surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811.

The second component 2812 is formed in a container shape that is open to the front, and has a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), a passage outlet (not shown) that opens toward the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2812a, multiple mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811, and a mounting hole (not shown) provided on the rear surface for attaching the unit cover 2820.

The second component 2812 has a support frame 2814 on the rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the second component 2812 has a support frame 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and the rear end surface of which abuts against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. When assembled to the side unit 2800B, the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 abuts against the front end surface of a peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b form the contact surface 2830.

The support frame portion 2814 (contact surface portion 2830) of the second component member 2812 is provided above the passage outlet (not shown) which is the outlet of the ball passage 2812a. In other words, the passage outlet of the second component member 2812 is provided below the support frame portion 2814 (contact surface portion 2830).

The unit body 2810 is assembled by positioning the second component 2812 behind the first component 2811 and screwing mounting screws from the rear of the second component 2812 through mounting holes in the second component 2812 into mounting holes in the first component 2811. This results in the construction of the unit body 2810 in which the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

As shown in FIG. 79, the second component 2812 of this embodiment is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth is within the thickness of the panel board 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800B is formed in the shape of a shallow container that opens to the front, and houses an LED board 2825 inside. As shown in FIG. 79, this unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b that protrudes forward from the outer periphery of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c that is recessed from the front end of a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Note that the cover portion 2820a may be provided with multiple slits for ventilation.

The unit cover 2820 also has multiple bosses 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a and are shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED board 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a and through which mounting screws for mounting to the unit body 2810 are inserted.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is formed to a size that covers the LED board 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has an outer shape that is the same as the outer shape of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit body 2810. The front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b abuts against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit body 2810 when assembled to the side unit 2800B. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b form the contact surface portion 2830.

The notch 2820c is provided on the upper side and the lower side of the peripheral wall 2820b. By assembling the notch 2820c to the side unit 2800B, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame 2814 in the unit body 2810. In other words, the notch 2820c forms a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is not in contact with each other in a part of the contact surface portion 2830 composed of the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b. This notch 2820c allows ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, and allows heat from the LED board 2825 attached inside to be dissipated to the outside, so that heat does not build up in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800B is attached to the inside of the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface abutting against the front end of the boss portion 2820d of the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800B, the side unit 2800B can be decorated with illumination in a variety of colors.

This side unit 2800B can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, abutting (contacting) the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810, and screwing and tightening mounting screws from the rear of the unit cover 2820 through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 into the mounting holes of the second component member 2812 of the unit body 2810.

To attach the side unit 2800B to the gaming panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 is abutted against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is aligned with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, the side unit 2800B is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by screwing a mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 from the front into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening it. At this time, since the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c, by screwing the mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 side and reliably inserted into the positioning hole 1113, and floating due to incomplete insertion of the positioning protrusion 2811c can be prevented.

In the side unit 2800B, the second component 2812 of the unit body 2810 is provided with a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel board 1110. The cross section of the ball passage 2812a in the second component 2812 is U-shaped, so the presence of the ball passage 2812a can increase the rigidity of the second component 2812. The side unit 2800B is formed by attaching the second component 2812, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage 2812a, to the first component 2811, which may have a low rigidity due to having a flat base plate 2811a, from the rear side of the first component 2811, so that the rigidity of the side unit 2800B can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, in disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2800B to the panel plate 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800B is pulled forward, the side unit 2800B does not bend because the rigidity of the side unit 2800B is increased. This prevents the positioning protrusions 2811c of the side unit 2800B (first component 2811) from tilting relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, allowing the side unit 2800B to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800B is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 (when the game board 5 is assembled), the second component 2812 of the unit body 2810 is located within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, and is located forward of the rear surface of the panel plate 1110.

In addition, in the side unit 2800B of this embodiment, when assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel board 1110, and a part of the cutout portion 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) of the unit cover 2820 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel board 1110. At this time, since the cutout portion 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided on the top and bottom, the upper cutout portion 2820c can discharge heat from the LED board 2825 upward, while the lower cutout portion 2820c can take in outside air. In addition, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the portion of the unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800B inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110, that is, the outer periphery of the second component member 2812, and the inner periphery of the opening 1112. This makes it easier for heat from the LED board 2825 to be released to the outside through the cutout 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

In addition, in the side unit 2800B of this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is located behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831). In other words, the LED board 2825 is arranged so as not to overlap the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) in a plan view. This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to get on the LED board 2825 even if dust and dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, and the effects of dust and dirt can be prevented as much as possible. In addition, since the notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters from the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downward from the lower notch 2820c.

In addition, by assembling the side unit 2800B of this embodiment to the game board 5, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 blocks the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front, preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800B is assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820 attached to the rear side of the second component member 2813 of the unit body 2810 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel board 1110. The amount of this protrusion is less than 1/2 the diameter D of the game ball B, similar to the side unit 2800A in FIG. 78.

When the gaming panel 1100 is formed by injection molding, the thickness of the portion of the gaming area 5a where the obstacle nails are planted tends to be thinner than when the gaming panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is made of wooden plywood or cut from a resin board, so there is a risk that the portion of the ball passage 2812a of the unit body 2810 that is aligned with the surface of the panel board 1110 and the unit cover 2820 attached to the rear side of the unit body 2810 will not fit within the thickness of the panel board 1110 and will protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110. If the side unit 2800B protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110 by a large amount, it will be impossible to secure sufficient space behind. In contrast, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 of the portion of the side unit 2800B that is within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 at the ball passage 2813a and extends along the surface of the panel plate 1110 is less than 1/2 the diameter D of the game ball B, so that sufficient space can be secured at the rear, and a back-bottom performance unit 3500 (back-bottom movable decorative body 3510) of the desired size can be provided.

In the side unit 2800B, when a game ball B is received in the general winning opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving portion 2811b forming the general winning opening 2001 to the ball passage 2812a behind the front surface of the panel board 1110, and after flowing down along the surface of the panel board 1110 by the ball passage 2812a, it is handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 located at the rear from a passage exit not shown. The game ball B handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 is detected by the general winning opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downward.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted for the side unit 2800B of this embodiment, the passage outlet (not shown) of the second component 2812 in the unit body 2810 is located below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general winning port sensor 3001 that detects the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) is located below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800B, the general winning port sensor 3001, etc. do not get in the way of the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted for the side unit 2800B of this embodiment, the unit body 2810 is the same as the side unit 2800 in FIG. 76, and has a branch portion 2801 that communicates with the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b), and a main stream portion 2802 that merges with the branch portion 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. The ball passage 2812a is composed of multiple branch portions 2801 and the main stream portion 2802.

The side unit 2800B of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above-mentioned side unit 2800B, the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 is provided with a notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), but this is not limited thereto. Instead of providing a notch 2820c in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, a notch (non-contact surface portion 2831) cut from the rear end to the front may be provided in the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810. Alternatively, a notch (non-contact surface portion) may be provided in both the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810.

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800B, the unit body 2810 is provided with a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward, and the rear end surface is the contact surface portion 2830. However, this is not limited to this, and the unit body 2810 may not be provided with the support frame portion 2814, and the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) may be made to abut against the rear surface of the unit body 2810, and the abutting portion may be made the contact surface portion 2830. As a result, since the support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward is not provided, the amount of protrusion rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800B can be reduced, and a larger empty space can be secured behind the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, in the above side unit 2800B, the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, but this is not limited thereto, and the LED board 2825 may be attached to the rear side of the unit body 2810 (second component 2812).

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800B, a diffusion lens section consisting of multiple projections and recesses that diffuse the light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED board 2825. This diffusion lens section may be provided on the rear surface of the unit main body 2810 (second component member 2812), or may be provided on a member separate from the unit main body 2810.

Furthermore, the above side unit 2800B has a ball passage 2812a composed of multiple branch sections 2801 that are connected to each ball receiving section 2811b, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 join, but this is not limited to this, and the ball passage 2812a may be independent for each ball receiving section 2811b.

In the above embodiment, the gaming panel 1100 is shown to have a panel plate 1110 made of transparent resin, but this is not limited thereto, and the gaming panel 1100 may be made of wood. By making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood, the thickness of the panel becomes thicker than that of a resin panel, so that the thickness of the gaming panel 1100 can be more effectively utilized. However, if the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED board 2825 enters the panel plate 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 and diffuses into the panel plate 1110, and the amount of light irradiated forward decreases, which may weaken the performance effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED board 2825 does not enter the gaming panel 1100 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, but can be reflected by the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, which prevents a decrease in the amount of light irradiated forward and makes it easier to fully utilize the dramatic effects of the light emission.

[12-2c. Modification 3 of side unit]
Next, a side unit 2800C having a different form from the above will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 80. Fig. 80 is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical cross section of a side unit having a different form from the side unit shown in Fig. 79 together with a game panel. Here, the same components as those of the above side unit 2800B will be described with the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800C extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting port unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is shot in by the player operating the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (2 to 4) general winning ports 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B.

The side unit 2800C includes a unit body 2810 attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear side of the unit body 2810, and an LED board 2825 on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted, which is provided between the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820. The unit body 2810 and unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800B are formed from a transparent synthetic resin.

The side unit 2800C also has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is provided as part of the contact surface portion 2830 and is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800B has a first component 2811 attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a second component 2812 attached from the rear to the first component 2811, a support frame part 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and whose rear end face abuts against the front end face of the unit cover 2820, and a ball sensor 2815 (general winning port sensor 3001) that is provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812 and detects the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001. In this embodiment, the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811. Also, in this embodiment, the support frame part 2814 protrudes from the rear face of the second component 2812.

The first component 2811 of the unit body 2810 has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a plurality of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a and are open at the top and rear to form the general winning opening 2001. The first component 2811 also has a plurality of positioning projections 2811c that protrude rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a and are used for mounting to the game panel 1100, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) that are provided on the rear end surface of the base plate 2811a and are used for mounting the second component 2812 (see FIG. 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000. A plurality of positioning projections 2811c are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning projections 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning projection 2811c has the same length. A plurality of mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning projections 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the upper part near the center in the left-right direction of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have a countersunk recess formed on the front side, and a countersunk mounting screw (not shown) that is screwed into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 is inserted from the front. When attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the head of the mounting screw does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the base plate 2811a and the front surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811.

The second component 2812 is formed in a container shape that is open to the front, and has a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), a passage outlet 2812b that opens toward the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2812a, multiple mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811, and a mounting hole (not shown) provided on the rear surface for attaching the unit cover 2820.

The second component 2812 has a support frame 2814 on the rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the second component 2812 has a support frame 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and the rear end surface of which abuts against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. When assembled to the side unit 2800C, the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 abuts against the front end surface of a peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b form the contact surface 2830.

The support frame portion 2814 (contact surface portion 2830) of the second component member 2812 is provided above the passage exit 2812b of the spherical passage 2812a and the spherical sensor 2815. In other words, the passage exit 2812b and the spherical sensor 2815 of the second component member 2812 are provided below the support frame portion 2814 (contact surface portion 2830). This makes it less likely that the spherical sensor 2815 will interfere with the illumination decoration provided by the LEDs 2825a of the LED board 2825.

The unit body 2810 is assembled by positioning the second component 2812 behind the first component 2811 and screwing a mounting screw from the rear of the second component 2812 through a mounting hole in the second component 2812 into a mounting hole in the first component 2811. At this time, the ball sensor 2815 is placed and assembled at a predetermined position in the ball passage 2812a so that it is sandwiched between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812. This completes the unit body 2810 in which the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

As shown in FIG. 80, the second component 2812 of this embodiment is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth is within the thickness of the panel board 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800C is formed in the shape of a shallow container that opens to the front, and houses an LED board 2825 inside. This unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b that protrudes forward from the outer periphery of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c that is recessed from the front end of a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Note that the cover portion 2820a may be provided with multiple slit holes for ventilation.

The unit cover 2820 also has multiple bosses 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a and are shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED board 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a and through which mounting screws for mounting to the unit body 2810 are inserted.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is formed to a size that covers the LED board 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has an outer shape that is the same as the outer shape of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit body 2810. The front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b abuts against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit body 2810 when assembled to the side unit 2800C. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b form the contact surface portion 2830.

The notch 2820c is provided on the upper side and the lower side of the peripheral wall 2820b. By assembling the notch 2820c to the side unit 2800C, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame 2814 in the unit body 2810. In other words, the notch 2820c forms a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is not in contact with each other in a part of the contact surface portion 2830 composed of the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b. This notch 2820c allows ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, and allows heat from the LED board 2825 attached inside to be dissipated to the outside, so that heat does not build up in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800C is attached to the inside of the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface abutting against the front end of the boss portion 2820d of the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800C, the side unit 2800C can be decorated with illumination in a variety of colors.

This side unit 2800C can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, abutting (contacting) the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810, and screwing and tightening mounting screws from the rear of the unit cover 2820 through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 into the mounting holes of the second component member 2812 of the unit body 2810.

To attach the side unit 2800C to the gaming panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 is abutted against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is aligned with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, the side unit 2800C is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by screwing a mounting screw from the front through the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 and tightening it into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110. At this time, since the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c, by screwing the mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 side and reliably inserted into the positioning hole 1113, and floating due to incomplete insertion of the positioning protrusion 2811c can be prevented.

In the side unit 2800C, the second component 2812 of the unit body 2810 is provided with a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel board 1110. The cross section of the ball passage 2812a in the second component 2812 is U-shaped, so the presence of the ball passage 2812a can increase the rigidity of the second component 2812. The side unit 2800C is formed by attaching the second component 2812, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage 2812a, from the rear side of the first component 2811 to the first component 2811, which may have a low rigidity due to having a flat base plate 2811a, so that the rigidity of the side unit 2800C can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2800C to the panel plate 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800C is pulled forward, the side unit 2800C does not bend because the rigidity of the side unit 2800C is increased. This prevents the positioning protrusions 2811c of the side unit 2800C (first component 2811) from tilting relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, allowing the side unit 2800C to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800C is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 (when the game board 5 is assembled), the second component 2812 and ball sensor 2815 of the unit body 2810 are located within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, and are located forward of the rear surface of the panel plate 1110.

In addition, in the side unit 2800C of this embodiment, when assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel board 1110, and a part of the cutout portion 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) of the unit cover 2820 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel board 1110. At this time, since the cutout portion 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided on the top and bottom, the upper cutout portion 2820c can discharge heat from the LED board 2825 upward, while the lower cutout portion 2820c can take in outside air. In addition, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the portion of the unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800C inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110, that is, the outer periphery of the second component member 2812, and the inner periphery of the opening 1112. This makes it easier for heat from the LED board 2825 to be released to the outside through the cutout 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

In addition, in the side unit 2800C of this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is located behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831). In other words, the LED board 2825 is arranged so as not to overlap the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) in a plan view. This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to get on the LED board 2825 even if dust and dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, and prevents the effects of dust and dirt as much as possible. In addition, since the notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters from the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downward from the lower notch 2820c.

In addition, by assembling the side unit 2800C of this embodiment to the game board 5, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 blocks the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front, preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800C is assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820 attached to the rear side of the second component member 2813 of the unit body 2810 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel board 1110. The amount of this protrusion is less than 1/2 the diameter D of the game ball B, similar to the side unit 2800A in FIG. 78.

When the game panel 1100 is formed by injection molding, the thickness of the part of the game area 5a where the obstacle nails are planted tends to be thinner than when the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is made of wooden plywood or cut from a resin board, so there is a risk that the part of the ball passage 2812a of the unit body 2810 that is aligned with the surface of the panel board 1110 and the unit cover 2820 attached to the rear side of the unit body 2810 will not fit within the thickness of the panel board 1110 and will protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110. If the side unit 2800C protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110 by a large amount, it will be impossible to secure sufficient space behind. In contrast, in this embodiment, in the side unit 2800C, the amount of protrusion from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 of the portion of the ball passage 2813a that is within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 and extends along the surface of the panel plate 1110 is less than 1/2 the diameter D of the game ball B, so that sufficient space can be secured at the rear, and a back-bottom performance unit 3500 (back-bottom movable decorative body 3510) of the desired size can be provided.

In the side unit 2800C, when a game ball B is received in the general winning opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving portion 2811b forming the general winning opening 2001 to the ball passage 2812a behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110, and the ball passage 2812a causes the ball to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, and after being detected by the ball sensor 2815, it is discharged from the passage exit 2812b which opens toward the rear.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the side unit 2800C of this embodiment has a passage outlet 2812b of the second component 2812 in the unit body 2810 located below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In addition, a ball sensor 2815 (general winning port sensor 3001) that detects the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) is located within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 in the game panel 1100 and within the plate thickness of the panel board 1110. Therefore, the side unit 2800C, the ball sensor 2815, etc. do not get in the way of the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted for the side unit 2800C of this embodiment, the unit body 2810 is the same as the side unit 2800 in FIG. 76, and has a branch portion 2801 that communicates with the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b), and a main stream portion 2802 that merges with the branch portion 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. The ball passage 2812a is composed of multiple branch portions 2801 and the main stream portion 2802.

The side unit 2800C of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above-mentioned side unit 2800C, the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 is provided with a notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), but this is not limited thereto. Instead of providing a notch 2820c in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, a notch (non-contact surface portion 2831) cut from the rear end to the front may be provided in the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810. Alternatively, a notch (non-contact surface portion) may be provided in both the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810.

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800C, the unit body 2810 is provided with a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward, and the rear end surface is the contact surface portion 2830. However, this is not limited to this, and the unit body 2810 may not be provided with the support frame portion 2814, and the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) may be made to abut against the rear surface of the unit body 2810, and the abutting portion may be made the contact surface portion 2830. As a result, since the support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward is not provided, the amount of protrusion rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800C can be reduced, and a larger empty space can be secured behind the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, in the above side unit 2800C, the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, but this is not limited to the above, and the LED board 2825 may be attached to the rear side of the unit body 2810 (second component 2812).

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800C, a diffusion lens section consisting of multiple projections and recesses that diffuse the light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED board 2825. This diffusion lens section may be provided on the rear surface of the unit main body 2810 (second component member 2812), or may be provided on a member separate from the unit main body 2810.

Furthermore, the above side unit 2800C has a ball passage 2812a composed of multiple branch sections 2801 that are connected to each ball receiving section 2811b, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 join, but this is not limited to this, and the ball passage 2812a may be independent for each ball receiving section 2811b.

In the above embodiment, the gaming panel 1100 is shown to have a panel plate 1110 made of transparent resin, but this is not limited thereto, and the gaming panel 1100 may be made of wood. By making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood, the thickness of the panel becomes thicker than that of a resin panel, so that the thickness of the gaming panel 1100 can be more effectively utilized. However, if the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED board 2825 enters the panel plate 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 and diffuses into the panel plate 1110, and the amount of light irradiated forward decreases, which may weaken the performance effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED board 2825 does not enter the gaming panel 1100 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, but can be reflected by the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, which prevents a decrease in the amount of light irradiated forward and makes it easier to fully utilize the dramatic effects of the light emission.

[12-2d. Modification 4 of the side unit]
Next, a side unit 2800D having a different configuration from the above will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 81. Fig. 81 is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical cross section of a side unit having a different configuration together with a game panel. Here, the same components as those of the above side unit 2800, side unit 2800B, and side unit 2800C will be described with the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800D extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting port unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is shot in by the player operating the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (2 to 4) general winning ports 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B.

The side unit 2800D comprises a unit body 2810A attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear side of the unit body 2810A, and an LED board 2825 on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted, which is provided between the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820. The unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800D are formed from a transparent synthetic resin.

In addition, the side unit 2800D has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is provided as part of the contact surface portion 2830 and is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800D has a first component 2811A attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a second component 2812A attached from the rear to the first component 2811A, and a support frame 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and whose rear end surface abuts against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the second component 2812A is attached to the front side of the first component 2811A. In addition, the support frame 2814 protrudes from the rear surface of the first component 2811A.

The first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a ball passage 2811e that penetrates the base plate 2811a and through which the game ball B can flow. The upstream end of the ball passage 2811e of the first component 2811A is located behind the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A described later.

The first component 2811A also has a number of positioning projections 2811c protruding rearward from the base plate 2811a, a number of mounting holes 2811d penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting to the gaming panel 1100, a number of mounting holes (not shown) penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting the second component 2812A, and a number of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear surface for mounting the unit cover 2820 (see FIG. 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000. A plurality of positioning projections 2811c are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning projections 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning projection 2811c has the same length. A plurality of mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning projections 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the upper part near the center in the left-right direction of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have a countersunk recess formed on the front side, and a countersunk mounting screw (not shown) that is screwed into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 is inserted from the front. When attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the head of the mounting screw does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

The first component 2811A has a support frame 2814 on the rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the first component 2811A has a support frame 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and the rear end surface abuts against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. The support frame 2814 is provided at a location below the ball passage 2811e on the rear surface of the base plate 2811a. The rear end surface of the support frame 2814 abuts against the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b (described later) of the unit cover 2820 when assembled to the side unit 2800D. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b form the contact surface portion 2830.

The second component 2812A has a number of ball receiving sections 2812c that extend slightly in the front-to-rear direction and are open at the top and rear, forming the general winning opening 2001, a flat front plate 2812d that connects the front ends of the ball receiving sections 2812c, and a number of mounting holes (not shown) for mounting to the first component 2811A. The ball receiving sections 2812c are located in front of the ball passage 2811e of the first component 2811A.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the front plate 2812d of the second component 2812A.

The unit body 2810A is assembled by positioning the second component 2812A in front of the first component 2811A and screwing a mounting screw through the mounting hole of the first component 2811A from the rear into the mounting hole of the second component 2812A. This creates the unit body 2810A in which the second component 2812A is attached to the first component 2811A from the rear. In this unit body 2810A, the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A protrudes forward in front of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A.

As shown in FIG. 81, the first component 2811A of this embodiment is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth fits within the thickness of the panel board 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800D is formed in the shape of a shallow container that opens to the front, and houses an LED board 2825 inside. This unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b that protrudes forward from the outer periphery of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c that is recessed from the front end of a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Note that the cover portion 2820a may be provided with multiple slit holes for ventilation.

The unit cover 2820 also has multiple bosses 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a and are shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED board 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a and through which mounting screws are inserted for mounting to the unit body 2810A.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is formed to a size that covers the LED board 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has an outer shape that is the same as the outer shape of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit main body 2810A. When assembled to the side unit 2800D, the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b abuts against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit main body 2810A. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b form the contact surface portion 2830.

The notch 2820c is provided on the upper side and the lower side of the peripheral wall 2820b. By assembling the notch 2820c to the side unit 2800D, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame 2814 in the unit body 2810A. In other words, the notch 2820c forms a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is not in contact with each other in a part of the contact surface portion 2830 composed of the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b. This notch 2820c allows ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, and allows heat from the LED board 2825 attached inside to be dissipated to the outside, so that heat does not build up in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800D is attached to the inside of the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface abutting against the front end of the boss portion 2820d of the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800D, the side unit 2800D can be decorated with illumination in a variety of colors.

This side unit 2800D can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, abutting (contacting) the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, and screwing and tightening mounting screws from the rear of the unit cover 2820 through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 into the mounting holes of the first component member 2811A of the unit body 2810A.

To attach the side unit 2800D to the gaming panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A is abutted against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811A are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A is aligned with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, the side unit 2800D is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by screwing a mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A from the front into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening it. At this time, since the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c, by screwing the mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 side and reliably inserted into the positioning hole 1113, and floating due to incomplete insertion of the positioning protrusion 2811c can be prevented.

In the side unit 2800D, by assembling it to the unit body 2810A, the front and rear ends of the multiple ball receiving portions 2812c in the second component member 2812A are sandwiched between the front plate 2812d of the second component member 2812A and the base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811A, so that the rigidity can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, when the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2800D to the panel plate 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800D is pulled forward during disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, the rigidity of the side unit 2800D is increased so that the side unit 2800D does not bend. This prevents the positioning protrusions 2811c of the side unit 2800D (first component 2811A) from tilting relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, and allows the side unit 2800D to be easily removed from the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), providing a pachinko machine 1 that can reduce the amount of disassembly required for separation.

When the side unit 2800D is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 (when the game board 5 is assembled), the ball passage 2811e of the first component 2811A in the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 (LED board 2825) are located within the thickness of the panel board 1110 in the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110, and are located forward of the rear surface of the panel board 1110. As a result, since the LED board 2825 is provided within the thickness of the panel board 1110 in the game panel 1100, the thickness of the panel board 1110 is effectively utilized, making it easier to secure empty space behind the LED board 2825 (unit cover 2820). Therefore, it is possible to provide part of the performance device in the empty space, and a pachinko machine 1 with a higher appeal to players can be provided.

In addition, in the side unit 2800D of this embodiment, the unit cover 2820 has cutouts 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) on the top and bottom, so that the upper cutout 2820c allows heat from the LED board 2825 to be discharged upward, while the lower cutout 2820c allows outside air to be taken in. In addition, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the portion of the unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800D that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and the inner periphery of the opening 1112. This makes it easier for heat from the LED board 2825 to be released to the outside through the cutouts 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

In addition, in the side unit 2800D of this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is located behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831). In other words, the LED board 2825 is arranged so as not to overlap the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) in a plan view. This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to get on the LED board 2825 even if dust and dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, and the effects of dust and dirt can be prevented as much as possible. In addition, since the notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters from the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downward from the lower notch 2820c.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800D of this embodiment is assembled to the gaming board 5, the notch 2820c of the unit cover 2820 is located within the opening 1112 in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, so dust and dirt are unlikely to enter the unit cover 2820 from above through the notch 2820c.

In addition, when the side unit 2800D of this embodiment is assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100, and the opening 1112 is blocked from the front by the base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811. This allows heat from the LED board 2825 in the unit cover 2820 to be dissipated toward the rear of the panel plate 1110 through the gap between the notch portion 2820c and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112, and prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

In the side unit 2800D, when a game ball B is received in the general winning port 2001, it is guided to the ball passage 2811e of the rear first component member 2811A by the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component member 2812A forming the general winning port 2001, and after flowing rearward through the thickness of the panel plate 1110 by the ball passage 2811e, it is handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000 provided behind the panel plate 1110 (game panel 1100). The game ball B handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 is detected by the general winning port sensor 3001 and then discharged downward.

The side unit 2800D of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above side unit 2800D, the peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 is provided with a notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831), but this is not limited thereto. The peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 may not have a notch 2820c, and the support frame 2814 of the unit body 2810A may have a notch (non-contact surface 2831) cut forward from the rear end. Alternatively, the notch (non-contact surface) may be provided in both the peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame 2814 of the unit body 2810A.

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800D, the unit body 2810A is provided with a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward, and the rear end surface is the contact surface portion 2830, but this is not limited to the above. The unit body 2810A may not be provided with a support frame portion 2814, and the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) may be made to abut against the rear surface of the unit body 2810A, with the abutting portion being the contact surface portion 2830. As a result, since there is no support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward, the LED board 2825 can be positioned further forward, and a brighter light-emitting decoration (light-emitting performance) can be shown to the player.

Furthermore, in the above side unit 2800D, the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, but this is not limited thereto, and the LED board 2825 may be attached to the rear side of the unit main body 2810A (first component 2811A).

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800D, a diffusion lens section consisting of multiple projections and recesses that diffuse the light from the LEDs 2825a may be provided in front of the LED board 2825. This diffusion lens section may be provided on the rear surface of the unit main body 2810A (base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A) or may be provided on a member separate from the unit main body 2810A.

In the above embodiment, the gaming panel 1100 is shown to have a panel plate 1110 made of transparent resin, but this is not limited thereto, and the gaming panel 1100 may be made of wood. By making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood, the thickness of the panel becomes thicker than that of a resin panel, so that the thickness of the gaming panel 1100 can be more effectively utilized. However, if the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED board 2825 enters the panel plate 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 and diffuses into the panel plate 1110, and the amount of light irradiated forward decreases, which may weaken the performance effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED board 2825 does not enter the gaming panel 1100 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, but can be reflected by the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, which prevents a decrease in the amount of light irradiated forward and makes it easier to fully utilize the dramatic effects of the light emission.

[12-2e. Modification 5 of the side unit]
Next, a side unit 2800E having a different configuration from the above will be described with reference to Fig. 82. Fig. 82 is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical cross section of a side unit having a different configuration together with a game panel. Here, the same components as those of the above side unit 2800D will be described with the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800E extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting port unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is shot in by the player operating the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (2 to 4) general winning ports 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B.

The side unit 2800E comprises a unit body 2810A attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear side of the unit body 2810A, and an LED board 2825 on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted, which is provided between the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820. The unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800E are formed from a transparent synthetic resin.

In addition, the side unit 2800E has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is provided as part of the contact surface portion 2830 and is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800E has a first component 2811A attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a second component 2812A attached from the rear to the first component 2811A, and a support frame 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and whose rear end surface abuts against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the second component 2812A is attached to the front side of the first component 2811A. In addition, the support frame 2814 protrudes from the rear surface of the first component 2811A.

The first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a ball passage 2811e that penetrates the base plate 2811a and opens forward, allowing the game ball B received in the general winning opening 2001 (ball receiving portion 2812c) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a passage outlet (not shown) that opens toward the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2811e.

The first component 2811A also has a number of positioning projections 2811c protruding rearward from the base plate 2811a, a number of mounting holes 2811d penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting to the gaming panel 1100, a number of mounting holes (not shown) penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting the second component 2812A, and a number of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear surface for mounting the unit cover 2820 (see FIG. 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000. A plurality of positioning projections 2811c are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning projections 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning projection 2811c has the same length. A plurality of mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning projections 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the upper part near the center in the left-right direction of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have a countersunk recess formed on the front side, and a countersunk mounting screw (not shown) that is screwed into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 is inserted from the front. When attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the head of the mounting screw does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

The first component 2811A has a support frame 2814 on the rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the first component 2811A has a support frame 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and the rear end surface abuts against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. The support frame 2814 is provided on the rear surface of the base plate 2811a. The rear end surface of the support frame 2814 abuts against the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later, when assembled to the side unit 2800E. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b form the contact surface portion 2830.

The second component 2812A has a number of ball receiving sections 2812c that extend slightly in the front-to-rear direction and are open at the top and rear, forming the general winning opening 2001, a flat rear plate 2812e that connects the rear ends of the ball receiving sections 2812c, and a number of mounting holes (not shown) for mounting to the first component 2811A.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A and the front surface of the rear plate 2812e.

The unit body 2810A is assembled by positioning the second component 2812A in front of the first component 2811A and screwing a mounting screw through the mounting hole of the first component 2811A from the rear into the mounting hole of the second component 2812A. This creates the unit body 2810A in which the second component 2812A is attached to the first component 2811A from the rear. In this unit body 2810A, the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A protrudes forward in front of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800E has a branch section 2801 that communicates with the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c), and a main section 2802 that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (plate surface) of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. The ball passage 2811e is composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and the main section 2802.

The branch portion 2801 extends rearward from a position forward of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 to a position (within the thickness of the panel plate 1110) rearward of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 and above the main portion 2802.

The main flow section 2802 extends along the surface of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 from near the left end to near the right end of the base plate 2811a so as to lower to the right. The length of the main flow section 2802 is at least twice the diameter of the gaming ball B (8 to 10 times in this embodiment).

In addition, when assembled to the unit main body 2810A, the ball passage 2811e, which is open forward in the first component member 2811A, is closed by the rear plate 2812e of the second component member 2812A except for the rear of the ball receiving portion 2812c, so that the game ball B does not spill forward from the ball passage 2811e. In other words, the ball passage 2811e is formed by the first component member 2811A and the second component member 2812A. In other words, the ball passage 2811e is provided between the first component member 2811A and the second component member 2812A.

As shown in FIG. 82, the first component 2811A of this embodiment, except for the base plate 2811a, is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth is within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800E is formed in the shape of a shallow container that opens to the front, and houses an LED board 2825 inside. This unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b that protrudes forward from the outer periphery of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c that is recessed from the front end of a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Note that the cover portion 2820a may be provided with multiple slit holes for ventilation.

The unit cover 2820 also has multiple bosses 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a and are shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED board 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a and through which mounting screws are inserted for mounting to the unit body 2810A.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is formed to a size that covers the LED board 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has an outer shape that is the same as the outer shape of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit main body 2810A. When assembled to the side unit 2800E, the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b abuts against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit main body 2810A. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b form the contact surface portion 2830.

The notch 2820c is provided on the upper side and the lower side of the peripheral wall 2820b. By assembling the notch 2820c to the side unit 2800D, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame 2814 in the unit body 2810A. In other words, the notch 2820c forms a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is not in contact with each other in a part of the contact surface portion 2830 composed of the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b. This notch 2820c allows ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, and allows heat from the LED board 2825 attached inside to be dissipated to the outside, so that heat does not build up in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800E is attached to the inside of the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface abutting against the front end of the boss portion 2820d of the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800E, the side unit 2800E can be decorated with illumination in a variety of colors.

This side unit 2800E can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, abutting (contacting) the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, and screwing and tightening mounting screws from the rear of the unit cover 2820 through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 into the mounting holes of the first component member 2811A of the unit body 2810A.

To attach the side unit 2800E to the gaming panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A is abutted against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811A are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A is aligned with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, the side unit 2800E is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by screwing a mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A from the front into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening it. At this time, since the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c, by screwing the mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 side and reliably inserted into the positioning hole 1113, and floating due to incomplete insertion of the positioning protrusion 2811c can be prevented.

In the side unit 2800E, the first component 2811A is provided with a ball passage 2811e that allows the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel board 1110, and the cross section of the ball passage 2811e is U-shaped, so the presence of the ball passage 2811e increases the rigidity of the first component 2811A. On the other hand, the second component 2812A has a shape in which multiple ball receiving portions 2812c protrude forward from the flat rear plate 2812e, so it is similar to a conventional side unit and has low rigidity, but by assembling it to the unit main body 2810A, the first component 2811A, which has increased rigidity, can increase the rigidity more than that of a conventional side unit. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2800E to the panel plate 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800E is pulled forward, the side unit 2800E does not bend because the rigidity of the side unit 2800E is increased. This prevents the positioning protrusions 2811c of the side unit 2800E (first component 2811A) from tilting relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, allowing the side unit 2800E to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800E is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 (when the game board 5 is assembled), the first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A is located within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, and is located forward of the rear surface of the panel plate 1110.

In addition, in the side unit 2800E of this embodiment, when assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel board 1110. At this time, since the cutouts 2820c (non-contact surface portions 2831) are provided on the top and bottom, the upper cutouts 2820c allow heat from the LED board 2825 to be discharged upward, while the lower cutouts 2820c allow outside air to be taken in. In addition, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the portion of the unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800E inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110, that is, the outer periphery of the ball passage 2811e in the first component member 2811A, and the inner periphery of the opening 1112. This makes it easier for heat from the LED board 2825 to be released to the outside through the cutout 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

In addition, in the side unit 2800E of this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is located behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831). In other words, the LED board 2825 is arranged so as not to overlap the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) in a plan view. This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to get on the LED board 2825 even if dust and dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, and prevents the effects of dust and dirt as much as possible. In addition, since the notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters from the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downward from the lower notch 2820c.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800E of this embodiment is assembled to the gaming board 5, the notch 2820c of the unit cover 2820 is located within the opening 1112 in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, so dust and dirt are unlikely to enter the unit cover 2820 from above through the notch 2820c.

In addition, when the side unit 2800E of this embodiment is assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100, and the opening 1112 is blocked from the front by the base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811. This allows heat from the LED board 2825 in the unit cover 2820 to be dissipated toward the rear of the panel plate 1110 through the gap between the notch portion 2820c and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112, and prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800E is assembled to the game board 5, as shown in FIG. 82, a portion (front end side) of the ball passage 2811e provided in the unit main body 2810A protrudes forward from the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. Here, the ball passage 2811e protrudes forward by the thickness of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of protrusion of the unit cover 2820 (LED board 2825) protruding rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, thereby ensuring sufficient space behind the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and allowing a desired size of back-under performance unit 3500 (back-under movable decorative body 3510) to be provided.

The amount of rearward protrusion from the panel plate 1110 is set to less than 1/2 the diameter D of the game ball B, similar to the side unit 2800A in FIG. 78.

When the game panel 1100 is formed by injection molding, the thickness of the part of the game area 5a where the obstacle nails are planted tends to be thinner than when the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is made of wooden plywood or cut from a resin board, so there is a risk that the part of the ball passage 2811e of the unit body 2810A that is aligned with the surface of the panel board 1110 and the unit cover 2820 attached to the rear side of the unit body 2810A will not fit within the thickness of the panel board 1110 and will protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110. If the side unit 2800E protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110 by a large amount, it will be impossible to secure sufficient space behind. In contrast, in this embodiment, the side unit 2800E protrudes from the rear surface of the panel board 1110 by less than half the diameter D of the game ball B, so that sufficient space can be secured at the rear, allowing a desired size of back-bottom performance unit 3500 (back-bottom movable decorative body 3510) to be installed.

In the side unit 2800E, when a game ball B is received in the general winning port 2001, it is guided to the rear ball passage 2811e by the ball receiving portion 2812c forming the general winning port 2001, and after flowing down along the surface of the panel board 1110 while being caught within the thickness of the panel board 1110 by the ball passage 2811e, it is handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000 provided at the rear from the passage exit not shown. The game ball B handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 is detected by the general winning port sensor 3001 and then discharged downward.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted for the side unit 2800E of this embodiment, the passage outlet (not shown) of the first component 2811A in the unit body 2810A is located below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general winning opening sensor 3001 that detects the game ball B received in the general winning opening 2001 (ball receiving portion 2812c) is located below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800E, the general winning opening sensor 3001, etc. do not get in the way of the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510.

The side unit 2800E of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above side unit 2800E, the peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 is provided with a notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831), but this is not limited thereto. The peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 may not have a notch 2820c, and the support frame 2814 of the unit body 2810A may have a notch (non-contact surface 2831) cut forward from the rear end. Alternatively, the notch (non-contact surface) may be provided in both the peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame 2814 of the unit body 2810A.

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800E, the unit body 2810A is provided with a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward, and the rear end surface is the contact surface portion 2830. However, this is not limited to this, and the unit body 2810A may not be provided with the support frame portion 2814, and the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) may be made to abut against the rear surface of the unit body 2810A, and the abutting portion may be made the contact surface portion 2830. As a result, since the support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward is not provided, the amount of protrusion rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800E can be reduced, and it is possible to secure a larger empty space behind the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, in the above side unit 2800E, the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, but this is not limited thereto, and the LED board 2825 may be attached to the rear side of the unit main body 2810A (first component 2811A).

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800E, a diffusion lens section consisting of multiple projections and recesses that diffuse the light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED board 2825. This diffusion lens section may be provided on the rear surface of the unit main body 2810A (first component member 2811A) or may be provided on a member separate from the unit main body 2810A.

Furthermore, the above side unit 2800E has a ball passage 2811e that is composed of multiple branch sections 2801 that are connected to each ball receiving section 2812c, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 join, but this is not limited to this, and the ball passage 2811e may be independent for each ball receiving section 2812c.

In the above embodiment, the gaming panel 1100 is shown to have a panel plate 1110 made of transparent resin, but this is not limited thereto, and the gaming panel 1100 may be made of wood. By making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood, the thickness of the panel becomes thicker than that of a resin panel, so that the thickness of the gaming panel 1100 can be more effectively utilized. However, if the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED board 2825 enters the panel plate 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 and diffuses into the panel plate 1110, and the amount of light irradiated forward decreases, which may weaken the performance effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED board 2825 does not enter the gaming panel 1100 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, but can be reflected by the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, which prevents a decrease in the amount of light irradiated forward and makes it easier to fully utilize the dramatic effects of the light emission.

[12-2f. Modification 6 of the side unit]
Next, a side unit 2800F having a different form from the above will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 83. Fig. 83(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit having a different form together with a game panel in cross section, and Fig. 83(b) is an explanatory diagram showing Fig. 83(a) in vertical section. Here, the same components as those of the above side unit 2800D will be described with the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800F extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting hole unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is shot in by the player operating the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (2 to 4) general winning holes 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B.

The side unit 2800F includes a unit body 2810A attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear side of the unit body 2810A, and an LED board 2825 on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted, which is provided between the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820. The unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800F are formed from a transparent synthetic resin.

In addition, the side unit 2800F has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is provided as part of the contact surface portion 2830 and is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800F has a first component 2811A attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a second component 2812A attached from the rear to the first component 2811A, and a support frame 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and whose rear end face abuts against the front end face of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the second component 2812A is attached to the front side of the first component 2811A. In addition, the support frame 2814 protrudes from the rear face of the first component 2811A.

The first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a ball passage 2811e that penetrates the base plate 2811a and opens forward, allowing the game ball B received in the general winning opening 2001 (ball receiving portion 2812c) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a passage outlet (not shown) that opens toward the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2811e.

The first component 2811A also has a number of positioning projections 2811c protruding rearward from the base plate 2811a, a number of mounting holes 2811d penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting to the gaming panel 1100, a number of mounting holes (not shown) penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting the second component 2812A, and a number of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear surface for mounting the unit cover 2820 (see FIG. 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. In addition, in the side unit 2800F, the ball passage 2811e of the first component 2811A is provided below the vertical center of the base plate 2811a.

The positioning projections 2811c are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning projections 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning projection 2811c has the same length. The mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning projections 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the upper part near the center in the left-right direction of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have a countersunk recess formed on the front side, and a countersunk mounting screw (not shown) that is screwed into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 is inserted from the front. When attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the head of the mounting screw does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

The first component 2811A has a support frame 2814 on the rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the first component 2811A has a support frame 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the unit cover 2820 and the rear end surface abuts against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. The support frame 2814 is provided on the rear surface of the base plate 2811a above the ball passage 2811e. The rear end surface of the support frame 2814 abuts against the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later, when assembled to the side unit 2800F. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The second component 2812A has a number of ball receiving sections 2812c that extend slightly in the front-to-rear direction and are open at the top and bottom, forming the general winning opening 2001, a flat front plate 2812d that connects the front ends of the number of ball receiving sections 2812c, a ball passage 2812f that is located behind the front plate 2812d and below the ball receiving sections 2812c and is open to the rear, through which the game balls B received in the ball receiving sections 2812c flow, and a number of mounting holes (not shown) for mounting to the first component 2811A.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the front plate 2812d of the second component 2812A.

The unit body 2810A is assembled by positioning the second component 2812A in front of the first component 2811A and screwing a mounting screw through the mounting hole of the first component 2811A from the rear into the mounting hole of the second component 2812A. This creates the unit body 2810A in which the second component 2812A is attached to the first component 2811A from the rear. In this unit body 2810A, the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A protrudes forward in front of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800F has a branch section 2801 (a portion shown with light shading in FIG. 83) that is connected to the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c), and a main section 2802 (a portion shown with dark shading in FIG. 83) that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. The ball passage 2811e and the ball passage 2812f are composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and a main section 2802.

When viewed from the front, the tributary portion 2801 extends downward in front of the panel plate 1110 at the ball receiving portion 2812c in the left-right center and at the ball receiving portion 2812c on the left end, and at the ball receiving portion 2812c on the right end, it extends rearward from a position in front of the panel plate 1110 to a position within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The main flow section 2802 extends along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 in front of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 from the lower part of the ball receiving portion 2812c on the left end to the lower part of the ball receiving portion 2812c in the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, bends backward at the lower part of the ball receiving portion 2812c in the center in the left-right direction, extends into the thickness of the panel plate 1110, and then extends along the surface of the panel plate 1110 within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 to the rear part of the ball receiving portion 2812c on the right end. The length of the main flow section 2802 is at least twice the diameter of the gaming ball B (8 to 15 times in this embodiment).

When assembled to the unit body 2810A, the ball passage 2811e that is open to the front in the first component member 2811A is closed by the ball passage 2812f and rear surface of the second component member 2812A. Also, the ball passage 2812f that is open to the rear in the second component member 2812A is closed by the base plate 2811a and ball passage 2811e of the first component member 2811A. This prevents the game ball B from spilling out of the ball passage 2811e and ball passage 2812f. In other words, the ball passage 2811e and ball passage 2812f are formed by the first component member 2811A and the second component member 2812A. In other words, the ball passage 2811e and ball passage 2812f are provided between the first component member 2811A and the second component member 2812A.

As shown in FIG. 83, the first component 2811A of this embodiment, except for the base plate 2811a, is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth is within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800F is formed in the shape of a shallow container that opens to the front, and houses an LED board 2825 inside. This unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b that protrudes forward from the outer periphery of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c that is recessed from the front end of a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Note that the cover portion 2820a may be provided with multiple slit holes for ventilation.

The unit cover 2820 also has multiple bosses 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a and are shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED board 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a and through which mounting screws are inserted for mounting to the unit body 2810A.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is formed to a size that covers the LED board 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has an outer shape that is the same as the outer shape of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit main body 2810A. When assembled to the side unit 2800F, the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b abuts against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit main body 2810A. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b form the contact surface portion 2830.

The notch 2820c is provided on the upper side and the lower side of the peripheral wall 2820b. By assembling the notch 2820c to the side unit 2800D, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame 2814 in the unit body 2810A. In other words, the notch 2820c forms a non-contact surface portion 2831 that is not in contact with each other in a part of the contact surface portion 2830 composed of the rear end surface of the support frame 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall 2820b. This notch 2820c allows ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, and allows heat from the LED board 2825 attached inside to be dissipated to the outside, so that heat does not build up in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800F is attached to the inside of the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface abutting against the front end of the boss portion 2820d of the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800F, the side unit 2800F can be decorated with illumination in a variety of colors.

This side unit 2800F can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, abutting (contacting) the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 against the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, and screwing and tightening mounting screws from the rear of the unit cover 2820 through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 into the mounting holes of the first component member 2811A of the unit body 2810A.

To attach the side unit 2800F to the gaming panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A is abutted against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811A are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A is aligned with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, the side unit 2800F is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by screwing a mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A from the front into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening it. At this time, since the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c, by screwing the mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 side and reliably inserted into the positioning hole 1113, and floating due to incomplete insertion of the positioning protrusion 2811c can be prevented.

In the side unit 2800F, the first component 2811A is provided with a ball passage 2811e that allows the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel board 1110, and the cross section of the ball passage 2811e is U-shaped, so the rigidity of the first component 2811A is increased by the presence of the ball passage 2811e. On the other hand, the second component 2812A is also provided with a ball passage 2812f that allows the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel board 1110, and the cross section of the ball passage 2812f is U-shaped, so the rigidity of the second component 2812A is increased by the presence of the ball passage 2812f. As a result, the side unit 2800F is constructed by combining the first component 2811A and the second component 2812A, which have increased rigidity, so that the rigidity can be increased more than that of conventional side units. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2800F to the panel plate 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800F is pulled forward, the side unit 2800F does not bend because the rigidity of the side unit 2800F is increased. Because of this, the positioning protrusions 2811c of the side unit 2800F (first component 2811A) do not tilt relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2800F can be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), making it possible to provide a pachinko machine 1 that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800F is attached to the front of the panel plate 1110 (when the game board 5 is assembled), the ball passage 2811e and unit cover 2820 (LED board 2825) of the first component 2811A in the unit body 2810A are located within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, and are located forward of the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. In other words, when assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2800 does not protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, making it possible to secure a large space behind the panel plate 1110.

In addition, in the side unit 2800F of this embodiment, the cutouts 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) of the unit cover 2820 are provided on the top and bottom, so that the upper cutout 2820c allows heat from the LED board 2825 to be discharged upward, while the lower cutout 2820c allows outside air to be taken in. In addition, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the part of the unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800F that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110, that is, between the outer periphery of the support frame portion 2814 of the first component member 2811A and the inner periphery of the opening 1112. As a result, heat from the LED board 2825 can be easily released to the outside through the cutouts 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), allowing efficient heat dissipation.

In addition, in the side unit 2800F of this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is located behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831). In other words, the LED board 2825 is arranged so as not to overlap the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) in a plan view. This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to get on the LED board 2825 even if dust and dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, and prevents the effects of dust and dirt as much as possible. In addition, since the notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters from the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downward from the lower notch 2820c.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800F of this embodiment is assembled to the gaming board 5, the notch 2820c of the unit cover 2820 is located within the opening 1112 in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, so dust and dirt are unlikely to enter the unit cover 2820 from above through the notch 2820c.

In addition, when the side unit 2800F of this embodiment is assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100, and the opening 1112 is blocked from the front by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811. This allows heat from the LED board 2825 in the unit cover 2820 to be dissipated toward the rear of the panel plate 1110 through the gap between the notch portion 2820c and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 1112, and prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800F is assembled to the game board 5, as shown in FIG. 83, the ball passage 2812f through which the game ball B received in the ball receiving portion 2812c flows down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 is provided forward of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. This allows the unit cover 2820 (LED board 2825) provided on the rear side of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A to be contained within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, and to be prevented from protruding rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. Therefore, it is possible to secure sufficient space behind the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) in the side unit 2800F, and a desired size of the back-under performance unit 3500 (back-under movable decorative body 3510) can be provided.

In the side unit 2800F, when a game ball B is received in the general winning opening 2001, it flows down to the ball passage 2812f below by the ball receiving portion 2812c that forms the general winning opening 2001, and flows down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 forward of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by the ball passage 2812f, and then bends backward in a crank shape and flows down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, and is then handed over to the back ball guide unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 provided at the rear from a passage exit not shown. The game ball B handed over to the back ball guide unit 3100 is detected by the general winning opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downward. On the other hand, if a game ball B flowing down toward the side unit 2800F is not received by the general winning opening 2001 (ball receiving portion 2812c) of the side unit 2800F, the game ball B flows down through the space between the base plate 2811a and the front plate 2812d to the outlet 1008, and is discharged through the outlet 1008 to the rear and below of the game panel 1100.

As shown in FIG. 83(b), in the side unit 2800F of this embodiment, the passage outlet (not shown) of the first component 2811A in the unit body 2810A is located below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general winning opening sensor 3001 that detects the game ball B received in the general winning opening 2001 (ball receiving portion 2812c) is located below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800F, the general winning opening sensor 3001, etc. do not get in the way of the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510.

The side unit 2800F of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above side unit 2800F, the peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 is provided with a notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831), but this is not limited thereto. The peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 may not have a notch 2820c, and the support frame 2814 of the unit body 2810A may have a notch (non-contact surface 2831) cut forward from the rear end. Alternatively, the notch (non-contact surface) may be provided in both the peripheral wall 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame 2814 of the unit body 2810A.

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800F, the unit main body 2810A is provided with a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward, and the rear end surface is the contact surface portion 2830. However, this is not limited to this, and the unit main body 2810A may not be provided with the support frame portion 2814, and the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) may be made to abut against the rear surface of the unit main body 2810A, and the abutting portion may be made the contact surface portion 2830. As a result, since the support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward is not provided, the amount of rearward protrusion in the side unit 2800F can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the above side unit 2800F, the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, but this is not limited thereto, and the LED board 2825 may be attached to the rear side of the unit main body 2810A (first component 2811A).

In addition, in the above-mentioned side unit 2800F, a diffusion lens section consisting of multiple projections and recesses that diffuse the light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED board 2825. This diffusion lens section may be provided on the rear surface of the unit main body 2810A (first component member 2811A) or may be provided on a member separate from the unit main body 2810A.

Furthermore, the above side unit 2800F has a ball passage 2811e composed of multiple branch sections 2801 that are connected to each ball receiving section 2812c, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 join, but this is not limited to this, and the ball passage 2811e may be independent for each ball receiving section 2812c.

In the above embodiment, the gaming panel 1100 is shown to have a panel plate 1110 made of transparent resin, but this is not limited thereto, and the gaming panel 1100 may be made of wood. By making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood, the thickness of the panel becomes thicker than that of a resin panel, so that the thickness of the gaming panel 1100 can be more effectively utilized. However, if the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED board 2825 enters the panel plate 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 and diffuses into the panel plate 1110, and the amount of light irradiated forward decreases, which may weaken the performance effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED board 2825 does not enter the gaming panel 1100 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, but can be reflected by the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, which prevents a decrease in the amount of light irradiated forward and makes it easier to fully utilize the dramatic effects of the light emission.

[12-3. Side unit etc. of the third embodiment]
Next, the side unit 2800G of the third embodiment will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 84 and Fig. 86. Fig. 84(a) is a front view showing the main part of the game board on which the side unit of the third embodiment is provided, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the outlet in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical section of (b). Fig. 85(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the outlet of the game board on which the side unit having a finger hook part of a different form from that in Fig. 84 is provided, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a vertical section of (a). Fig. 86 is an explanatory diagram showing a panel plate of a game panel in which the opening to which the side unit is attached and the outlet are continuously connected. Here, the same configuration as above will be described with the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800G of the third embodiment extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starting hole unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is shot in by the player operating the handle 160, and is attached to the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) from the front. The side unit 2800G has three general winning holes 2001 that are always open to receive the game ball B.

In this embodiment, the game panel 1100 has an opening area 1101 penetrating the panel plate 1110 through which game balls B can pass from the front side to the rear side of the panel plate 1110. This opening area 1101 is composed of a normal opening area 1102 through which game balls B accepted by the general winning opening 2001 of the side unit 2800G can pass, and a specific opening area 1103 through which game balls B that are not accepted by the general winning opening 2001 can pass. The normal opening area 1102 is an opening 1112 at the location where the side unit 2800G is attached, and the specific opening area 1103 is an outlet 1008. This outlet 1008 is formed in the shape of a notch that opens downward in the panel plate 1110.

In the embodiment of FIG. 84 and FIG. 85 described later, the normal opening area 1102 and the specific opening area 1103 constituting the opening area 1101 are independent and not connected to each other. In other words, the specific opening area 1103 is formed in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 separately from the normal opening area 1102. In other words, the outlet 1008 is formed by the specific opening area 1103 formed in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 separately from the normal opening area 1102 in which the side unit 2800G is fitted. This makes it possible to reduce the area of the area of the panel plate 1110 that is open outwardly from the outer peripheral surface in a notched shape, thereby suppressing a decrease in the strength of the panel plate 1110 caused by forming the opening area 1101.

This side unit 2800G has a finger hook 2816 whose outer edge overlaps part of the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103) that penetrates the panel board 1110 when it is attached to the panel board 1110. In other words, the side unit 2800G is attached to the panel board 1110 so that part of its outer edge overlaps the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103).

Since the side unit 2800G is provided with a finger hook 2816, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, by inserting a finger or a tool into the outlet 1008 with the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2800G to the panel board 1110 removed, the finger can be hooked on the finger hook 2816 and the side unit 2800G can be pulled forward. This allows the side unit 2800G to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), reducing the amount of disassembly work required for sorting.

To further explain the side unit 2800G of this embodiment, the side unit 2800G, like the side unit 2800 shown in FIG. 76 etc., is composed of a first component 2811 attached from the front to the flat panel board 1110 in which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, and a second component 2812 attached from the rear to the first component 2811. In the side unit 2800 of this embodiment, the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811.

The first component 2811 of the side unit 2800G has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a number of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a and are open at the top and rear, forming the general winning opening 2001.

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000. As shown in FIG. 84, the right end of the base plate 2811a in this embodiment extends further to the right than the ball receiving portion 2811b at the right end so as to approach the starting port unit 2100. The base plate 2811a is provided so that a part of its outer edge overlaps the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103). In other words, when attached to the panel plate 1110, a part of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a is formed so as to protrude forward of the outlet 1008 so as to overlap the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103) in a front view. In this embodiment, the part of the base plate 2811a that protrudes forward of the outlet 1008 is the finger hook portion 2816.

The outer edge of the base plate 2811a is inclined so that the front surface moves rearward as it approaches the outer edge. Therefore, the portion of the outlet 1008 on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a, i.e., the front end surface of the finger hook portion 2816, is inclined toward the outlet 1008.

The three ball receiving portions 2811b are spaced apart from each other on the left and right, and are positioned so that the rightmost ball receiving portion 2811b is located further downward. The leftmost ball receiving portion 2811b has a front end surface parallel to the base plate 2811a up to the bottom end. The remaining ball receiving portions 2811b (center and right end) are inclined so that their front end surfaces move further rearward as they approach the bottom end.

The first component 2811 also has two positioning projections 2811c protruding rearward from the base plate 2811a, multiple (three in this case) mounting holes 2811d penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting to the gaming panel 1100, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear end surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b (base plate 2811a) for mounting the second component 2812.

The two positioning protrusions 2811c are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. Here, the two positioning protrusions 2811c are provided at a portion close to the outlet 1008 and a portion far from the outlet 1008. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. In this embodiment, the two positioning protrusions 2811c are the same length.

The three mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the top near the center in the left-right direction of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have a countersunk recess on the front side, and a countersunk head mounting screw (not shown) that is screwed into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 is inserted from the front. When attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the head of the mounting screw does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

The mounting hole is where the mounting screw inserted into the mounting hole (not shown) of the second component 2812 described below is screwed into.

The second component 2812 is formed in a container shape that is open to the front, and has a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B received in the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), a passage outlet 2812b that opens toward the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2812a, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) for mounting to the first component 2811.

The second component 2812 in this embodiment is inserted (fitted) into the opening 1112 (normal opening area 1102) of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth fits within the plate thickness of the panel board 1110.

The spherical passage 2812a of the second component 2812 is formed so as to follow the inner rail 1002 of the previous component 1000 and to become lower toward the right along the surface of the panel plate 1110. The passage outlet 2812b opens toward the rear at the right end of the second component 2812, which is the downstream end of the spherical passage 2812a.

The mounting holes of the second component 2812 are provided at locations corresponding to the mounting holes of the first component 2811. The second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear by inserting mounting screws from the rear into the mounting holes of the second component 2812 and screwing them into the mounting holes of the first component 2811.

The side unit 2800G of this embodiment has a branch section 2801 that is connected to the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), and a main stream section 2802 that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. The ball passage 2812a is composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and the main stream section 2802.

The branch portion 2801 extends rearward from a position forward of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 to a position (within the thickness of the panel plate 1110) rearward of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 and above the main portion 2802.

The main flow section 2802 extends along the surface of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 from near the left end to near the right end of the base plate 2811a so as to lower to the right. The length of the main flow section 2802 is at least twice the diameter of the gaming ball B (8 to 10 times in this embodiment).

The side unit 2800G of this embodiment is assembled by positioning the second component 2812 behind the first component 2811 and screwing mounting screws from the rear of the second component 2812 through mounting holes in the second component 2812 into mounting holes in the first component 2811. This creates a side unit 2800G in which the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

The ball passage 2812a of the second component member 2812 is open to the front, but when the first component member 2811 is attached to the front side, the front end side of the ball passage 2812a is closed by the base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811, and the game ball B does not spill forward from the ball passage 2812a. In other words, the ball passage 2812a is formed by the first component member 2811 and the second component member 2812. In other words, the ball passage 2812a is provided between the first component member 2811 and the second component member 2812.

This side unit 2800G abuts the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 (the normal opening area 1102 of the opening area 1101) that penetrates the panel plate 1110. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is aligned with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

The side unit 2800G is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by screwing a mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 from the front into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening it. At this time, since the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c, by screwing the mounting screw through the mounting hole 2811d into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 side and reliably inserted into the positioning hole 1113, and floating due to incomplete insertion of the positioning protrusion 2811c can be prevented.

When the side unit 2800G of this embodiment is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 (when the gaming board 5 is assembled), the finger hook portion 2816 of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 protrudes forward of the outlet 1008 (the specific opening area 1103 of the opening area 1101).

In addition, when the side unit 2800G is attached to the front of the panel plate 1110 (when the game board 5 is assembled), the second component 2812 is located within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, and is located forward of the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. In other words, when assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2800G does not protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, making it possible to secure a large space behind the panel plate 1110.

In the side unit 2800G, when a game ball B is received in the general winning opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving portion 2811b forming the general winning opening 2001 to the ball passage 2812a behind the front surface of the panel board 1110, and after flowing down along the surface of the panel board 1110 by the ball passage 2812a, it is handed over from the passage exit 2812b to the back ball guiding unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 located at the rear. The game ball B handed over to the back ball guiding unit 3100 is detected by the general winning opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downward.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustration is omitted, the passage exit 2812b of the second component 2812 is provided below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general winning opening sensor 3001 that detects the game ball B received in the general winning opening 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) is provided below the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800G, the general winning opening sensor 3001, etc. do not get in the way of the rear-bottom movable decorative body 3510.

The side unit 2800G of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800 described above.

According to the side unit 2800G of this embodiment, the second component 2812 is provided with a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel board 1110, and the cross section of the ball passage 2812a is U-shaped, so the presence of the ball passage 2812a can increase the rigidity of the second component 2812. The second component 2812, which has increased rigidity, is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811 to form the side unit 2800G, so the rigidity of the side unit 2800 can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, in disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2800G to the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100 are removed and the side unit 2800G is pulled forward, the side unit 2800 does not bend due to the increased rigidity of the side unit 2800. This prevents the positioning protrusions 2811c of the side unit 2800G (first component 2811) from tilting relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, allowing the side unit 2800G to be easily removed from the gaming panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), providing a pachinko machine 1 that can reduce the amount of disassembly required for separation.

In addition, according to the side unit 2800G of this embodiment, a finger hook 2816 that overlaps with the outlet 1008 of the panel board 1110 is provided on part of the outer edge, so that when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, by inserting a finger or a tool into the outlet 1008 with the mounting screws that attach the side unit 2800G to the panel board 1110 removed, the finger can be hooked on the finger hook 2816 and the side unit 2800G can be pulled forward. This allows the side unit 2800G to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

In addition, in the side unit 2800G of this embodiment, the finger hook portion 2816 is provided so as to overlap with the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103), and since the outlet 1008 is large enough for two or more game balls B, the operator's fingers can be easily inserted into the outlet 1008, and the fingers can be easily hooked on the finger hook portion 2816.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800G, the finger hook 2816 of the base plate 2811a is protruded forward of the outlet 1008 so as to overlap the outlet 1008, so that when the game ball B that has flowed down the game area 5a is discharged through the outlet 1008, it is possible to prevent the game ball B that has flowed down from above the outlet 1008 along the surface of the panel board 1110 from licking the corner of the front end of the outlet 1008 and entering the outlet 1008, or the game ball B that has bounced upward at the out guide section 1003 in front of the outlet 1008 from hitting the corner of the front end of the outlet 1008. In other words, the finger hook 2816 can protect the game ball B from hitting the corner of the front end of the outlet 1008 in the panel board 1110. This can prevent the front end of the outlet 1008 from being chipped.

In the side unit 2800G, the front surface of the finger hook 2816 on the base plate 2811a is inclined toward the outlet 1008, so that the corners of the outer edge are obtuse angles. Therefore, when the worker hooks his/her fingers on the finger hook 2816 (finger hook 2817) that overlaps with the outlet 1008 on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G in order to remove the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 during disassembly of the pachinko machine 1, even if the fingers come into contact with the corners of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a, the obtuse angle makes it difficult to injure the fingers, compared to when the corners are right angles, and the side unit 2800G can be safely removed with the fingers.

In addition, in the side unit 2800G, the front surface of the finger hook portion 2816 on the base plate 2811a is inclined toward the outlet 1008, so that the game ball B flowing down along the front surface of the base plate 2811a to the outlet 1008 can be smoothly guided to the outlet 1008, and the game ball B can be prevented from stagnating near the outlet 1008. In addition, because the front surface of the finger hook portion 2816 is inclined, the corner of the front end of the finger hook portion 2816 is an obtuse angle, making it difficult for the corner of the front end to chip.

In addition, when the side unit 2800G is assembled to the game board 5, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 blocks the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front, preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

However, since the side unit 2800G is provided with two positioning protrusions 2811c, each of which is inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 during disassembly, if one attempts to pull out both positioning protrusions 2811c from the positioning holes 1113 at the same time, it is necessary to pull the side unit 2800G forward with a strong force, which may increase the burden on the worker. In contrast, in this embodiment, the positioning protrusions 2811c are provided at locations close to and far from the outlet 1008. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, the worker can hook his or her finger or the like onto the finger hook portion 2816, which overlaps with the outlet 1008 at the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800, and pull forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning protrusion 2811c close to the outlet 1008. As a result, during disassembly, of the two positioning protrusions 2811c, the one closest to the outlet 1008 can be removed from the positioning hole 1113 first, and then the remaining positioning protrusion 2811c farthest from the outlet 1008 can be removed from the positioning hole 1113. This means that it is possible to pull out the two positioning protrusions 2811c with less force than if two were to be pulled out at the same time, reducing the burden on the worker.

In the above-mentioned side unit 2800G, the finger hook 2816 is shown as a flat plate that fits along the front surface of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, but this is not limited to this, and the finger hook 2817 may be in the form shown in FIG. 85.

When the side unit 2800G is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the finger hook 2817 overlaps with the outlet 1008 that penetrates the panel plate 1110 in a front view, and extends from the front surface of the panel plate 1110 rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 along the inner surface of the outlet 1008. The finger hook 2817 is provided on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 of the side unit 2800G. The front surface of the finger hook 2817 is inclined toward the outlet 1008.

In the example of FIG. 85, the depth of the finger hook 2817 that overlaps with the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103) at the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G is long, and the portion inserted into the outlet 1008 has a certain degree of thickness. Therefore, the size of the outlet 1008 is reduced due to the thickness of the finger hook 2817 (reducing the passage volume for discharging game ball B), but in this embodiment, the size of the outlet 1008 is made wider (increasing the passage volume for discharging game ball B) in anticipation of the thickness of the finger hook 2817. This allows game ball B to be discharged smoothly at the outlet 1008.

This finger hook 2817 can provide the same effect as the finger hook 2816 described above. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, by inserting a finger or a tool into the outlet 1008 with the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800G to the panel board 1110 removed, the finger can be hooked on the finger hook 2817 to pull the side unit 2800G forward. This allows the side unit 2800G to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

In addition, since the finger hook 2817 protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 along the inner surface of the outlet 1008, the finger hook 2817 can protect the inner surface of the outlet 1008. In addition, when a wooden game panel 1100 is used, the finger hook 2817 can hide the inner surface of the outlet 1008 where the wood is exposed, improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the side unit 2800G is provided with the finger hook portion 2816 and the finger hook portion 2817, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 84 and 85, the start hole unit 2100 and the attacca unit 2400 attached to the front surface of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100 may be provided with the finger hook portion 2816 and the finger hook portion 2817, the outer edge of which overlaps part of the outlet 1008.

In more detail, the starting hole unit 2100 has a flat base plate 2103 that abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and finger hooks 2816 and 2817 are provided at the portion of the base plate 2103 that overlaps with the outlet 1008. Although not shown in the figure, the starting hole unit 2100 has a number of positioning protrusions that protrude rearward from the base plate 2103 and are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110.

The attacca unit 2400 also has a flat base plate 2431 that abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, and finger hooks 2816 and 2817 are provided at the portion of the base plate 2431 that overlaps with the outlet 1008. Although not shown in the figure, the attacca unit 2400 has multiple positioning protrusions that protrude rearward from the base plate 2431 and are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110.

The starting port unit 2100 and the attacker unit 2400 can achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800G described above.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the opening 1112 blocked by the side unit 2800G and the outlet 1008 are not connected and are provided separately in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, but this is not limited thereto, and the opening 1112 and the outlet 1008 may be connected so as to be continuous, as shown in FIG. 86. In other words, the panel plate 1110 may have an opening area 1101 in which the normal opening area 1102 blocked by the side unit 2800G and the specific opening area 1103 constituting the outlet 1008 are connected. In other words, the outlet 1008 may be formed in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 so as to be continuous from the normal opening area 1102 in which the side unit 2800G is fitted, but may be constituted by the specific opening area 1103 in which the side unit 2800G is not fitted.

In the embodiment of FIG. 86, the side unit 2800G has a finger hook 2816 so that a portion of the base plate 2811a overlaps with the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103), and in addition to providing the same effect as above, the specific opening area 1103 is formed in the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 so as to be continuous with the normal opening area 1102. Therefore, when the normal opening area 1102 and the specific opening area 1103 are formed on the panel plate 1110 using a cutting tool such as an end mill, the normal opening area 1102 and the specific opening area 1103 can be cut continuously, and the cost of the panel plate 1110 can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the finger hook portion 2816 (finger hook portion 2817) that overlaps with the outlet 1008 is provided on the base plate 2811a (base plate 2103, base plate 2431) that abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 in the gaming panel 1100, but this is not limited to this, and the finger hook portion 2816 (finger hook portion 2817) may be provided on a portion that is separated in the front-rear direction from the plate surface of the panel plate 1110 (for example, the front plate 2812d that is separated forward from the panel plate 1110).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the gaming panel 1100 is shown to have a panel board 1110 made of transparent resin, but this is not limited to this, and the gaming panel 1100 may be made of wood. As a result, by making the gaming panel 1100 out of wood, the board thickness is thicker than that of a resin panel, making it easier to make more effective use of the board thickness of the gaming panel 1100.

In addition, the above side unit 2800G has a ball passage 2812a composed of multiple branch sections 2801 that are connected to each ball receiving section 2812c, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 join, but this is not limited to this, and the ball passage 2812a may be independent for each ball receiving section 2811b.

Furthermore, the above side unit 2800G is shown as not being provided with a ball sensor to detect the game ball B received in the ball receiving portion 2811b, but this is not limited thereto, and the ball sensor may be provided. If the side unit 2800G is provided with a ball sensor, it is preferable to provide the ball sensor within the thickness of the panel board 1110, or to provide the ball sensor below the rear performance device (the rear-bottom performance unit 3500).

In addition, while the above side unit 2800G does not have an LED board on the rear side, this is not limited to the above, and LEDs for illumination and decoration may be provided. When the side unit 2800G is provided with an LED board, it is desirable to provide a unit cover that covers the LED board from the rear and whose front end face abuts the rear face of the side unit 2800G (second component 2812), and to provide a non-contact surface portion where the unit cover and the side unit are not in contact with each other on the contact surface portion where they are in contact with each other. This allows the side unit 2800G to be illuminated and decorated by the LEDs on the LED board, and allows heat from the LEDs to be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion.

In the above embodiment, the side units 2800 (side unit 2800A, side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, side unit 2800D, side unit 2800E, side unit 2800F, side unit 2800G) are shown as units that effectively utilize the inner thickness of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, but this is not limited to this, and the inner thickness of the panel board 1110 may also be effectively utilized in the start opening unit 2100, the attacca unit 2400 (attacca unit 2730), the normal winning opening unit 2600, the second start opening unit 2720, the special winning opening unit 2740, etc.

[12-4. Relationship between the LED board and the non-contact surface in the side unit]
Next, the relationship between the LED board 2825 and the non-contact surface portion 2831 in the side units 2800B to 2800F in which the LED board 2825 is provided will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 87 and the like. FIG. 87(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided behind the LED board, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided behind the LED board in a form different from (a), (c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided so as to hang over the LED board, and (d) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided around the entire circumference of the unit cover. In FIG. 87(a) and (c), the side unit 2800B in FIG. 79 is shown as an example, and in FIG. 87(c) and (d), the side unit 2800D in FIG. 81 is shown as an example. Here, the same configuration as above will be described with the same reference numerals.

The LED board 2825 shown in Figures 79 to 83 has a resistor mounted on a separate board to limit the current that drives the mounted LED 2825a. Therefore, in this LED board 2825, the LED 2825a generates the most heat. In other words, in the LED board 2825, a lot of heat is released from the front side where the LED 2825a is mounted. In the embodiment shown in Figures 79 to 83, a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is provided near the front side of the LED board 2825 where the amount of heat generated is large. This allows heat from the LED board 2825 to be quickly released to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c), and heat does not build up inside the unit cover 2820.

In the above embodiment, the resistor (current limiting resistor) is mounted on a separate board for the LED board 2825, but this is not limited thereto, and the resistor may be mounted on the LED board 2825. For example, the resistor may be mounted on the same surface of the LED board 2825 on which the LEDs 2825a are mounted. In this case, similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 79 to 83, a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) may be provided on the side of the LED board 2825 close to the surface on which the LEDs 2825a and resistors are mounted (here, the front surface).

When mounting the LED 2825a and the resistor on the same surface of the LED board 2825, it is desirable to ensure that the LED 2825a and the resistor do not overlap in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to prevent the heat emitted by the LED 2825a and the resistor from affecting each other.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 87, the LED 2825a and the resistor 2825b for limiting the current supplied to the LED 2825a may be mounted on different surfaces of the LED board 2825. In other words, the resistor 2825b is mounted on the surface of the LED board 2825 opposite to the surface on which the LED 2825a is mounted. In this case, since the resistor 2825b has a larger heat capacity than the LED 2825a, as shown in FIG. 87, a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch 2820c) may be provided on the side of the LED board 2825 closer to the surface on which the resistor 2825b is mounted (here, the rear surface).

In more detail, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(a), the boss portion 2820d of the unit cover 2820 protrudes forward so that the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is located closer to the resistor 2825b mounted on the rear surface of the LED 2825a, and the LED board 2825 is located within the frame of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810. This allows heat from the LED board 2825 to be quickly dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c), and heat does not build up inside the unit cover 2820.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(a), the LED board 2825 is arranged so as not to overlap the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) in plan view, so that even if dust or dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, it is difficult for the dust or dirt to get on the LED board 2825, and the effects of the dust or dirt can be prevented as much as possible. In addition, because the notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust or dirt that enters through the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downward from the lower notch 2820c.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(a), the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is provided on the unit cover 2820 side, but this is not limited thereto, and it may be provided on the unit main body 2810 (support frame portion 2814) side, or on both the unit main body 2810 and the unit cover 2820.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(b), the unit body 2810 has a plurality of bosses 2814a that protrude rearward from within the support frame 2814 on the rear surface thereof and to which the LED board 2825 is attached, and notches 2814b that are cut forward from the rear end surface of the frame-shaped support frame 2814. In this embodiment, the unit cover 2820 has only a flat cover portion 2820a, but may have a peripheral wall portion 2820b as described above.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(b), the LED 2825a is mounted on the front surface of the LED board 2825, and the resistor 2825b is mounted on the rear surface. When the LED board 2825 is attached to the boss portion 2814a, the notch 2814b is located behind the rear surface of the LED board 2825. In other words, the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch 2814b) is provided on the side of the LED board 2825 closer to the surface (here, the rear surface) on which the resistor 2825b is mounted. This allows heat from the LED board 2825 to be quickly dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch 2814b), and heat does not build up inside the unit cover 2820.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(b), the LED board 2825 is arranged so as not to overlap the cutout 2814b (non-contact surface portion 2831) in plan view, so that even if dust or dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the cutout 2814b, it is difficult for the dust or dirt to get on the LED board 2825, and the effects of the dust or dirt can be prevented as much as possible. In addition, because the cutout 2814b is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust or dirt that enters through the upper cutout 2814b can be discharged downward from the lower cutout 2814b.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(b), the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2814b) is provided on the unit body 2810 (support frame portion 2814) side, but this is not limited thereto, and it may be provided on the unit cover 2820 side, or on both the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the LED board 2825 is not overlapped with the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2814b, notch portion 2820c) in a plan view, but this is not limited thereto, and as shown in FIG. 87(c), the LED board 2825 may overlap with the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c). In more detail, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(c), the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 attached to the support frame portion 2814 are provided so as to be located within the plate thickness of the panel board 1110 in the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 in the game panel 1100. In other words, the space formed by the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 and in which the LED board 2825 is accommodated is provided within the plate thickness of the panel board 1110. As a result, even if the LED board 2825 and the non-contact surface portion 2831 (cutout portion 2820c) are arranged to overlap, the cutout portion 2820c is located within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and within its plate thickness, so it is possible to minimize the possibility that foreign matter such as dust and dirt from the outside of the panel board 1110 will enter the opening 1112 and then enter the unit cover 2820 through the cutout portion 2820c, making it difficult for foreign matter such as dust and dirt to get on the LED board 2825 and preventing the effects of dust and dirt as much as possible.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(c), a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is provided so that it is applied to the LED board 2825. This allows both heat from the LED 2825a mounted on the front surface of the LED board 2825 and heat from the resistor 2825b mounted on the rear surface to be efficiently dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831, and prevents heat from building up inside the unit cover 2820.

Note that, although FIG. 87(c) shows the LED 2825a and the resistor 2825b mounted on different sides of the LED board 2825, this is not limiting, and the LED 2825a and the resistor 2825b may be provided on the same side of the LED board 2825.

In addition, in FIG. 87(c), a cutout portion 2820c is provided on the unit cover 2820 as the non-contact surface portion 2831, but this is not limited to this. The non-contact surface portion 2831 may be provided on the unit main body 2810A (support frame portion 2814) side, or may be provided on both the unit main body 2810A and the unit cover 2820.

In the embodiment of FIG. 87(c), a part of the LED board 2825 may be inserted into the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) between the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820, or may protrude to the outside as long as it does not block the opening of the non-contact surface portion 2831. By inserting the LED board 2825 into the non-contact surface portion 2831 or protruding to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831, the LED board 2825 comes into contact with the outside air, thereby further enhancing the heat dissipation effect.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is provided on a part of the contact surface portion 2830 between the unit body 2810A (support frame portion 2814) and the unit cover 2820, but this is not limited thereto, and as shown in FIG. 87(d), the non-contact surface portion 2831 may be provided around the entire circumference of the unit cover 2820. In other words, a gap is provided around the entire circumference between the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 in the unit body 2810A and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b in the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the unit cover 2820 is attached to the boss portion 2814a protruding rearward from the rear surface of the unit body 2810A.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 87(d), a part of the LED board 2825 is inserted into or protrudes out of the non-contact surface portion 2831 (gap) between the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A and the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820. Even in this case, the LED board 2825 does not block the opening of the non-contact surface portion 2831. According to this embodiment, the LED board 2825 can be more easily exposed to the outside air, and the heat dissipation effect can be further improved. Also, in terms of preventing the intrusion of foreign matter such as dirt and dust, the usefulness of using the opening of the non-contact surface portion 2831 is increased.

Although not shown in the figures, the LED board 2825 uses a light-colored (e.g., white) solder resist on at least the board surface on which the LEDs 2825a are mounted, as a solder resist applied to prevent solder from adhering to unnecessary areas when mounting electronic components and to protect the circuit pattern from oxidation and insulation. This allows the light from the LEDs 2825a, etc. to be reflected by the light-colored solder resist, thereby improving the light-emitting efficiency. Alternatively, when a full-color LED is used as the LED 2825a, the white solder resist allows the various colors of emitted light to be in tune with the viewer's sense of color, creating a natural luminous decoration.

In this LED board 2825, information (letters and symbols) such as the part numbers and mounting positions of the electronic components to be mounted, the name, mounting position and mounting direction of the LED board 2825, etc., are printed (e.g., silk screen printed) in a similar color (e.g., yellow) so that they can be read when desired.

However, electronic components such as resistors and LED drivers mounted on LED boards often have their packages molded in black resin, so if the LED board is placed close to the player, the electronic components will be noticeable even when the LEDs are off, which may affect the appearance of the gaming machine. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 87, the resistor 2825b is mounted on the rear surface of the LED board 2825, so it is possible to hide the resistor 2825b from the player and improve the appearance of the gaming machine.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 79 to 83, when the resistor 2825b is mounted on the front surface of the LED board 2825, it is desirable to make the resistor 2825b inconspicuous to the player. In this embodiment, a decorative sticker 2803 with a predetermined decoration and translucency is provided in front of the LED board 2825, so that the decorative sticker 2803 can make the resistor 2825b less noticeable.

Alternatively, when the resistor 2825b is mounted on the front surface of the LED board 2825, a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped diffusion lens that diffuses light may be provided in front of the LED board 2825 to make the resistor 2825b less noticeable. Also, a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped decorative body with a partially opaque design may be provided in front of the LED board 2825, so that the resistor 2825b is hidden by the design of the decorative body and is not noticeable. Also, the resistor 2825b mounted on the front surface of the LED board 2825 may be colored with a bright paint or ink. The decorative sticker 2803, diffusion lens, decorative body, etc. described above may be used in appropriate combinations.

The gaming panel 1100 can be made of wood, which does not have translucency, or resin, which has translucency. In the case of wood, the opening 1112 is a dark tunnel shape, so a certain amount of outside light is blocked. However, in the case of transparent resin, even though the opening 1112 is the same tunnel shape, you can see through to the outside. Therefore, by using the above-mentioned structure to improve appearance, the above-mentioned effect can be achieved when utilizing the thickness of the gaming panel 1100 (panel board 1110).

[13. Relationship between the present invention and the embodiment]
The panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 in the game board 5 of this embodiment corresponds to the game panel of the present invention, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the present invention, the positioning hole 1113 in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning hole of the present invention, the general winning port 2001 in this embodiment, the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component member 2811, and the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component member 2812 correspond to the ball entry port of the present invention, and the side unit 2800, side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, side unit 2800D, side unit 2800E, side unit 2800F, and side unit 2800G in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry units of the present invention.

In addition, the first component 2811 and the first component 2811A in this embodiment correspond to the first component of the present invention, the base plate 2811a in this embodiment corresponds to the base plate of the present invention, the positioning protrusion 2811c in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning protrusion of the present invention, the mounting hole 2811d in this embodiment corresponds to the first mounting hole of the present invention, the second component 2812 and the second component 2812A in this embodiment correspond to the second component of the present invention, the ball passage 2812a and the ball passage 2812f in this embodiment correspond to the ball passage of the present invention, the front plate 2812d in this embodiment corresponds to the front plate of the present invention, and the mounting hole of the second component 2812 in this embodiment corresponds to the second mounting hole of the present invention.

[14. Characteristic Effects of the Present Embodiment]
Here, side unit 2800 will be described as a representative of the features of side unit 2800, side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, side unit 2800D, side unit 2800E, side unit 2800F, and side unit 2800G in this embodiment. According to this embodiment, in the side unit 2800 which is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, a flat base plate 2811a is provided on the first component member 2811, and by screwing mounting screws into the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 through mounting holes 2811d which penetrate the base plate 2811a to attach the first component member 2811 to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 can be blocked from the front side by the base plate 2811a, and the rear components of the gaming panel 1100 can be hidden by the base plate 2811a through the opening 1112 from the front side (player side), thereby improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1. On the other hand, the second component 2812 is provided with a ball passage 2812a for causing the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and the cross section of the ball passage 2812a is U-shaped, so that the presence of the ball passage 2812a can increase the rigidity of the second component 2812. Since the base plate 2811a is flat, the rigidity of the first component 2811 may be reduced, but since the second component 2812, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage 2812a, is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811 by means of mounting screws through its mounting hole to form the side unit 2800, the rigidity of the side unit 2800 can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, in disassembling the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5) for recycling or the like, when the mounting screws screwed into the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 via the mounting holes 2811d are removed and the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the side unit 2800 does not bend due to the increased rigidity of the side unit 2800, and the positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 in the side unit 2800 do not tilt relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, so that the side unit 2800 can be easily removed from the panel plate 1110, and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting.

However, in the side unit 2800, the multiple positioning protrusions 2811c on the first component member 2811 are arranged so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component member 2811. Therefore, when the first component member 2811 is pulled forward during disassembly, the center of the first component member 2811 bends in a curved shape so as to move forward. This bending creates a force that tilts each of the positioning protrusions 2811c so that the tips of the positioning protrusions 2811c that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction approach each other, which may result in the positioning protrusions 2811c becoming unable to come out of the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110 in the gaming panel 1100. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the side unit 2800 is formed by attaching the second component 2812 to the rear side of the first component 2811, and the rigidity of the side unit 2800 is increased, so that even if the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the side unit 2800 does not bend and the positioning protrusions 2811c that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction do not tilt, and the side unit 2800 can be easily removed from the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that can reduce the disassembly work required for separation.

Furthermore, according to the side unit 2800, the multiple ball receiving portions 2811b (general winning openings 2001) protrude forward from the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. Therefore, when the side unit 2800 is pulled forward to remove it from the panel plate 1110 during disassembly of the pachinko machine 1, the ball receiving portions 2811b can be grasped and pulled, making it easier to remove the side unit 2800.

In addition, with the side unit 2800, the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811 with mounting screws through the mounting holes, making it difficult to see the mounting screws that attach the second component 2812 from the front, improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1.

In addition, according to the side unit 2800, a ball passage 2812a is provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812, which allows the game ball B that has entered the ball receiving portion 2811b (general winning port 2001) to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, protruding into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110. Therefore, compared to a conventional side unit in which the game ball B that has entered the general winning port 2001 is guided rearward of the rear surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) and a ball passage is provided rearward of the rear surface of the game panel 1100 to allow it to flow downward, the thickness of the panel plate 1110 can be effectively utilized, making it easier to secure empty space behind the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110). Therefore, it is possible to install presentation devices such as decorations, LED boards, and movable parts (underside presentation unit 3500) in the empty space, providing a pachinko machine 1 that is more appealing to players.

Furthermore, according to the side unit 2800, the multiple positioning protrusions 2811c on the first component 2811 are arranged so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component 2811. Therefore, when the side unit 2800 is attached to the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the side unit 2800 does not rotate along the surface of the panel board 1110, and the side unit 2800 can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the panel board 1110.

In addition, according to the side unit 2800, the mounting hole 2811d for mounting the first component 2811 to the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c. Therefore, by screwing a mounting screw into the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 through the mounting hole 2811d and tightening it, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 and securely inserted into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, preventing the positioning protrusion 2811c from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

[15. Other features included in this embodiment]
[15-1. First technical feature]
This specification has the following technical features different from those described above.

[15-1a. Background of the first technical feature]
In recent years, the effective use of resources has become more important in light of environmental issues. From this perspective, development is being carried out to make more parts of gaming machines out of recyclable materials. On the other hand, the replacement cycle of gaming machines at game halls (game parlors) where gaming machines are installed is becoming shorter, and the number of gaming machines that are discarded and dismantled is on the rise. Therefore, the burden of dismantling and separating gaming machines is growing, and there is a demand to reduce this work even as much as possible.

For example, in a conventional gaming machine such as that shown in Patent Document A (JP Patent Publication No. 2017-018185), when attempting to disassemble the side unit (ball entry unit), which has multiple general winning ports as ball entry ports, by pulling it forward to remove it from the gaming panel, the positioning protrusion of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming panel, and the resistance to the inner surface of the positioning hole makes it difficult to remove the positioning protrusion, resulting in a problem of time-consuming disassembly work.

In view of the above situation, the following means aims to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the amount of disassembly work required when separating the machines for recycling, etc.

[15-1b. Solution of the first technical feature]
Means 1: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry ports through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down,
The gaming panel includes:
It has an opening area through which game balls can flow from the front side to the rear side,
The ball entry unit includes:
The ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and an attachment hole for attachment to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel so as to block from the front a normal opening area of the opening area through which game balls that have entered the ball entry port can pass, and is attached to the game panel so that a part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit overlaps with a specific opening area of the opening area through which game balls that have not entered the ball entry port can pass.
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, examples of "ball entry ports" include "a prize entry port that confers a specified bonus when a game ball enters the port (e.g., a general prize entry port, a normal prize entry port, a start prize entry port (start prize entry port), a big prize entry port, a special feature prize entry port, a V prize entry port, etc.)" and "an outlet port that does not award a bonus when a game ball enters the port and expels the game ball from the gaming machine without returning it to the player", etc.

Examples of "game panels" include "those made of wooden plywood such as plywood," "those made of a panel plate machined from a transparent resin plate and a panel holder that holds the outer periphery of the panel plate," and "those made by injection molding transparent resin."

Furthermore, examples of the "opening area" include "a hole-like structure that penetrates the game panel and whose inner circumferential surface is connected all around", "a notch-like structure that penetrates the game panel and has a portion that is open to the side of the game panel", etc. Furthermore, the "opening area" includes a normal opening area through which game balls that enter the ball entry opening can pass, and a specific opening area (out opening) through which game balls that do not enter the ball entry opening can pass, and the specific opening area may be connected to the normal opening area, or the specific opening area may be independent and not connected to the normal opening area.

Examples of "ball entry units" include "ones that are at least comprised of a first component attached to the front of the game panel so as to block the normal opening area penetrating the game panel from the front, and a second component attached from the rear side of the first component, with a ball entry port provided in the first component or the second component", "ones that are at least comprised of a flat base plate attached to the front of the game panel so as to block the normal opening area penetrating the game panel from the front, and a ball receiving part that protrudes forward from the base plate and is open upward and backward to form a ball entry port", and "ones that are at least comprised of a flat base plate attached to the front of the game panel so as to block the normal opening area penetrating the game panel from the front, and a ball entry port penetrating the base plate", etc.

Furthermore, the "part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit that overlaps with the ball outlet" means that the part overlaps with the ball outlet when viewed from the front, and the outer edge constituting the part may be in contact with the front surface of the game panel, or the outer edge may be separated from the surface of the game panel.

According to the configuration of Means 1, in a gaming machine having a ball entry unit attached to the front of a gaming panel that has a plurality of ball entry ports through which game balls can enter and through which game balls can flow down, the gaming panel has an opening area through which game balls can flow from the front side to the rear side, and the ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the gaming panel and an attachment hole for attachment to the gaming panel, and is attached to the gaming panel so as to block from the front side a normal opening area through which game balls that have entered the ball entry ports can flow, and is attached to the gaming panel so that a part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit overlaps with a specific opening area through which game balls that have not entered the ball entry ports can flow (see the description of Chapter 12-3. Side Units, etc. of the Third Embodiment in [Form for Carrying Out the Invention], Figures 84 and 86, etc.).

By inserting the positioning protrusion of the ball entry unit from the front into the positioning hole of the game panel and then screwing and tightening the mounting screw into the game panel through the mounting hole, the ball entry unit can be attached to the front of the game panel, and the game ball that entered the ball entry port of the ball entry unit can be guided to the rear of the game panel through the normal opening area of the opening area of the game panel. At this time, since the normal opening area of the game panel is blocked from the front by the ball entry unit, the rear of the game panel can be hidden and made difficult to see through the normal opening area, improving the appearance of the game machine. When this ball entry unit is attached to the front of the game panel, a part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit is attached so that it overlaps with the specific opening area of the opening area (when viewed from the front, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projection range of the specific opening area), and therefore a part of the outer edge protrudes toward the center of the specific opening area. Furthermore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, when removing the ball-scoring unit from the gaming panel, the worker can hook his/her finger or tool on the part of the outer edge of the ball-scoring unit that overlaps with the specific opening area, and by hooking the finger, the ball-scoring unit can be pulled forward with great force. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily remove the ball-scoring unit from the gaming panel against the resistance between the positioning hole and the positioning protrusion, thereby reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

It is desirable to provide a mounting hole for mounting the ball entry unit to the gaming panel near the positioning protrusion. This allows the mounting screw to be screwed into the gaming panel through the mounting hole and tightened, which presses the positioning protrusion firmly against the gaming panel and ensures that it is inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming panel, preventing the positioning protrusion from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

The front surface of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit may also be inclined toward the rear. Since the front surface of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit is inclined toward the rear, the corner of the outer edge is an obtuse angle. Therefore, when a worker hooks his/her finger or the like on the part of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit that overlaps with the specific opening area in order to remove the ball-entering unit from the game panel during disassembly of the gaming machine, even if the finger or the like comes into contact with the corner of the outer edge, since the angle is an obtuse angle, the finger or the like is less likely to be injured compared to when the corner is a right angle, and the ball-entering unit can be safely removed with the finger or the like.

In addition, when the front surface of the outer edge is inclined as described above, the corner of the outer edge of the ball entry unit becomes an obtuse angle, so even if the game ball rolls so as to lick the outer edge to enter the specific opening area, the corner of the outer edge will not chip, compared to when the corner is a right angle, and the durability of the ball entry unit can be improved.

In addition, as described above, by tilting the outer edge of the ball entry unit backward, the game ball can be smoothly guided into the specific opening area, preventing the game ball from becoming stuck in the specific opening area.

Furthermore, it is desirable to make the outer edge of the entrance unit transparent. In this way, even if part of the outer edge overlaps with the specific opening area, it is possible to avoid the specific opening area appearing smaller in size, since the outer edge of the entrance unit is made transparent.

It is also desirable to provide the positioning protrusions at a location close to the specific opening area and at a location far from the specific opening area. In this way, since the two positioning protrusions are provided at a distance from each other, when the ball-entering unit is attached to the gaming panel, the ball-entering unit does not rotate along the surface of the gaming panel, and the ball-entering unit can be reliably positioned at the desired location on the gaming panel.

Now, when two positioning protrusions are provided on the ball-entering unit and each is inserted into a positioning hole on the gaming panel, if the two positioning protrusions are simultaneously pulled out of the positioning holes when removing the ball-entering unit from the gaming panel during disassembly, the ball-entering unit must be pulled forward with a strong force, which may increase the burden on the worker. In contrast, when positioning protrusions are provided at a portion close to the specific opening area and a portion far from it as described above, one positioning protrusion is provided near the specific opening area, so when removing the ball-entering unit from the gaming panel during disassembly of the gaming machine for recycling, etc., the worker can hook his/her finger or the like on the portion of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit that overlaps with the specific opening area and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning protrusion close to the specific opening area. As a result, during disassembly, the positioning protrusion closest to the specific opening region can be first removed from the positioning hole, and then the remaining positioning protrusion farthest from the specific opening region can be removed from the positioning hole. This means that it is possible to pull out the positioning protrusions with less force than if two positioning protrusions were pulled out at the same time, reducing the burden on the worker.

Also, the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area may be made to protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the gaming panel, penetrating the specific opening area. However, when disassembling a gaming machine, if an operator hooks the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area and pulls it forward to remove the ball-entering unit from the gaming panel, if the strength of that portion is weak, the outer edge may crack and the ball-entering unit may remain on the gaming panel. In contrast, as described above, the depth of the portion of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit that overlaps with the specific opening area is increased, so compared to the method of overlapping part of the outer edge (extension portion) on the front of the game panel, the size of the specific opening area (ball outlet) is smaller (the passage volume for discharging game balls is smaller), or the size of the specific opening area (ball outlet) is expanded in advance (the passage volume for discharging game balls is increased), but because the strength of the area can be increased, even if an operator hooks their finger or the like on the area and pulls it forward, it will not break (be damaged), and the ball-entering unit can be reliably removed from the game panel.

In addition, as described above, if the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area is made to penetrate the specific opening area and protrude rearward beyond the rear surface of the gaming panel, this portion can cover the inner surface of the specific opening area, making it difficult for players to see, thereby improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, the ball-entering unit may have a flat base plate that forms an outer edge and has a positioning projection protruding therefrom and a mounting hole penetrating therethrough, which can abut against the front surface of the gaming panel. As a result, since the ball-entering unit has a flat base plate, by mounting the ball-entering unit to the front surface of the gaming panel through the mounting hole, the base plate can block the normal opening area of the gaming panel from the front side, making it possible to use the base plate to hide the rear of the gaming panel through the normal opening area from the front side (player side), improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

Means 2: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming panel through which gaming balls can flow,
a ball entry unit having a ball entry port through which a game ball can enter;
A ball outlet into which game balls that have not entered the ball inlet can enter,
The ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion to be inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and an attachment hole for attaching the ball entry unit to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel so as to be fitted into a normal opening area formed in the game panel;
The ball discharge port is configured by a specific opening area formed in the game panel separately from the normal opening area into which the ball entry unit is fitted,
An extension portion is formed on the outer edge of the ball entry unit,
The extension portion is formed so that at least a portion of the extension portion overlaps with the edge of the specific opening area when the positioning protrusion of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the game panel.
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, examples of "normal opening areas" and "specific opening areas" include "hole-like openings that penetrate the gaming panel and have a continuous inner surface all around" and "notch-like openings that penetrate the gaming panel and have a portion that is open to the side of the gaming panel."

According to the configuration of the second means, in a gaming machine equipped with a gaming panel through which gaming balls can flow down, the gaming machine is equipped with a ball entry unit having a ball entry port through which gaming balls can enter, and a ball discharge port through which gaming balls that do not enter the ball entry port can enter. The ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the gaming panel and a mounting hole for mounting to the gaming panel, and is attached to the gaming panel so as to fit into a normal opening area formed in the gaming panel. The ball discharge port is composed of a specific opening area formed in the gaming panel separately from the normal opening area into which the ball entry unit is fitted. An extension part is formed on the outer edge of the ball entry unit, and the extension part is formed so that at least a part of it overlaps with the edge of the specific opening area when the positioning protrusion of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming panel (see the description of the embodiment shown in Figures 84 and 85 in [Form for carrying out the invention]).

By inserting the positioning protrusion of the ball entry unit from the front into the positioning hole of the game panel and then screwing and tightening the mounting screw into the game panel through the mounting hole, the ball entry unit can be attached to the front of the game panel, and the game ball that has entered the ball entry port of the ball entry unit can be guided to the rear of the game panel through the normal opening area of the game panel. At this time, since the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel so as to fit into the normal opening area of the game panel, the rear of the game panel can be hidden and made difficult to see through the normal opening area, improving the appearance of the game machine. When this ball entry unit is attached to the front of the game panel, the extension part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit is formed so that a part of it overlaps with the edge of the specific opening area (when viewed from the front, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projection range of the specific opening area), so that a part of the extension part protrudes toward the center of the specific opening area. Furthermore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, when removing the ball-scoring unit from the gaming panel, the worker can hook his/her finger or tool on the portion (extension portion) of the outer edge of the ball-scoring unit that overlaps with the edge of the specific opening area, and by hooking the finger, the ball-scoring unit can be pulled forward with great force. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily remove the ball-scoring unit from the gaming panel against the resistance between the positioning hole and the positioning protrusion, thereby reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

In addition, because the ball discharge port (specific opening area) is formed separately from the normal opening area in the gaming panel, the deterioration of the strength of the gaming panel can be suppressed compared to when the normal opening area and the specific opening area are connected.

Means 3: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming panel through which gaming balls can flow,
a ball entry unit having a ball entry port through which a game ball can enter;
A ball outlet into which game balls that have not entered the ball inlet can enter,
The ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion to be inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and an attachment hole for attaching the ball entry unit to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel so as to be inserted into a normal opening area formed in the game panel;
The ball discharge port is formed in the game panel so as to be continuous with the normal opening area in which the ball entry unit is fitted, but is composed of a specific opening area in which the ball entry unit is not fitted,
An extension portion is formed on the outer edge of the ball entry unit,
The extension portion is formed so that at least a portion of the extension portion overlaps with the edge of the specific opening area when the positioning protrusion of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the game panel.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of the third means, in a gaming machine equipped with a gaming panel through which gaming balls can flow down, the gaming machine is equipped with a ball entry unit having a ball entry port through which the gaming balls can enter, and a ball discharge port through which the gaming balls that did not enter the ball entry port can enter. The ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the gaming panel and a mounting hole for mounting to the gaming panel, and is attached to the gaming panel so as to be inserted into a normal opening area formed in the gaming panel. The ball discharge port is formed in the gaming panel so as to be continuous with the normal opening area into which the ball entry unit is fitted, but is composed of a specific opening area into which the ball entry unit is not fitted, and an extension part is formed on the outer edge of the ball entry unit, and the extension part is formed so that at least a part of it overlaps with the edge of the specific opening area when the positioning protrusion of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming panel (see the description of the embodiment shown in FIG. 86 in [Form for carrying out the invention]).

By inserting the positioning protrusion of the ball entry unit from the front into the positioning hole of the game panel and then screwing and tightening the mounting screw into the game panel through the mounting hole, the ball entry unit can be attached to the front of the game panel, and the game ball that has entered the ball entry port of the ball entry unit can be guided to the rear of the game panel through the normal opening area of the game panel. At this time, since the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel so as to fit into the normal opening area of the game panel, the rear of the game panel can be hidden and made difficult to see through the normal opening area, improving the appearance of the game machine. When this ball entry unit is attached to the front of the game panel, the extension part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit is formed so that a part of it overlaps with the edge of the specific opening area (when viewed from the front, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projection range of the specific opening area), so that a part of the extension part protrudes toward the center of the specific opening area. Furthermore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, when removing the ball-scoring unit from the gaming panel, the worker can hook his/her finger or tool on the portion (extension portion) of the outer edge of the ball-scoring unit that overlaps with the edge of the specific opening area, and by hooking the finger, the ball-scoring unit can be pulled forward with great force. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily remove the ball-scoring unit from the gaming panel against the resistance between the positioning hole and the positioning protrusion, thereby reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

In addition, since the ball outlet (specific opening area) is formed in the gaming panel so as to be continuous with the normal opening area, when a cutting tool such as an end mill is used to form the normal opening area and the specific opening area on the gaming panel, the normal opening area and the specific opening area can be cut continuously, which reduces the cost of the gaming panel.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 3,
"The ball-entering unit is inclined so that the front surface of the outer edge faces rearward."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 4, the ball-entering unit has a front surface of the outer edge that is inclined toward the rear (see the description of the base plate 2811a, finger hook portion 2816, and finger hook portion 2817 of the first component 2811 in the [Form for implementing the invention]).

As a result, the front surface of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit is inclined toward the rear, and the corner of the outer edge is an obtuse angle. Therefore, when a worker hooks his/her finger or the like on the part of the outer edge (extended portion) of the ball-entering unit that overlaps with the specific opening area in order to remove the ball-entering unit from the game panel during disassembly of the gaming machine, even if the finger or the like comes into contact with the corner of the outer edge, the obtuse angle makes it less likely that the finger or the like will be injured compared to when the corner is a right angle, and the ball-entering unit can be safely removed with the finger or the like.

In addition, as mentioned above, the corners of the outer edge of the ball entry unit are obtuse angles, so that, compared to when the corners are right angles, even if the game ball rolls so as to lick the outer edge in order to enter the specific opening area, the corners of the outer edge will not chip, improving the durability of the ball entry unit.

In addition, the outer edge of the ball entry unit is inclined backwards, so that the game ball can be smoothly guided to the specific opening area, preventing the game ball from getting stuck in the specific opening area.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 4,
"The outer edge of the ball-entering unit is transparent."
It is characterized by:

According to the configuration of Means 5, the ball entry unit is characterized by having a transparent outer edge (see the description of the base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811 in the [Form for implementing the invention]).

As a result, because the outer edge of the ball-entering unit is made transparent, even if part of the outer edge overlaps with the specific opening area, it is possible to avoid the specific opening area appearing smaller in size.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 5,
"The positioning protrusions are provided at a portion close to the specific opening region and at a portion far from the specific opening region."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 6, the positioning protrusions are provided at a portion close to the specific opening area and at a portion far from the specific opening area (see the description of the positioning protrusion 2811c of the first component 2811 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, the two positioning protrusions are spaced apart from each other, so when the ball-scoring unit is attached to the gaming panel, it does not rotate along the surface of the gaming panel, and the ball-scoring unit can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the gaming panel.

However, if two positioning protrusions are provided on the ball-entering unit and each is inserted into a positioning hole on the gaming panel, when removing the ball-entering unit from the gaming panel during disassembly, if the two positioning protrusions are to be pulled out of the positioning holes at the same time, the ball-entering unit must be pulled forward with great force, which may increase the burden on the worker. In contrast, in this configuration, one positioning protrusion is provided near the specific opening area, so that when removing the ball-entering unit from the gaming panel during disassembly of the gaming machine for recycling, etc., the worker can hook his/her finger or the like on the part of the outer edge (extension portion) of the ball-entering unit that overlaps with the specific opening area and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning protrusion close to the specific opening area. As a result, during disassembly, the positioning protrusion closest to the specific opening region can be first removed from the positioning hole, and then the remaining positioning protrusion farthest from the specific opening region can be removed from the positioning hole. This means that it is possible to pull out the positioning protrusions with less force than if two positioning protrusions were pulled out at the same time, reducing the burden on the worker.

Means 7: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 6,
"The portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area penetrates the specific opening area and protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the game panel."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 7, the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area penetrates the specific opening area and protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the gaming panel (see the description of finger hook portion 2817 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

When disassembling a gaming machine, if the worker hooks his/her fingers or the like on the part of the outer edge (extension part) that overlaps with the specific opening area and pulls it forward to remove the ball-entering unit from the gaming panel, if the strength of that part is weak, the outer edge may break and the ball-entering unit may remain on the gaming panel. In contrast, in this configuration, the depth of the part of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit that overlaps with the specific opening area is increased, so compared to the method of overlapping a part of the outer edge (extension part) on the front of the gaming panel, the size of the specific opening area (ball outlet) is smaller (the passage volume for discharging the game balls is smaller), or the size of the specific opening area (ball outlet) is expanded in advance (the passage volume for discharging the game balls is increased), but since the strength of that part can be increased, the ball-entering unit can be reliably removed from the gaming panel even if the worker hooks his/her fingers or the like on that part and pulls it forward without breaking (breaking).

In addition, the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area penetrates the specific opening area and protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the gaming panel, so that the portion covers the inner surface of the specific opening area, making it difficult for players to see, improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

Means 8: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 7,
The ball-entering unit is characterized by having a flat base plate that forms the outer edge, with the positioning protrusion protruding and the mounting hole passing through, and that can abut against the front surface of the game panel.

According to the configuration of means 8, the ball-scoring unit has a flat base plate that forms an outer edge and has a positioning protrusion protruding therefrom and a mounting hole penetrating therethrough, and that can abut against the front surface of the game panel (see the description of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 in [Form for implementing the invention]).

As a result, since the ball-entry unit is provided with a flat base plate, by attaching the ball-entry unit to the front of the gaming panel through the mounting hole, the base plate can block the normal opening area of the gaming panel from the front side, making it possible to hide the rear of the gaming panel from the front side (player side) through the normal opening area with the base plate, improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

Means 9: In any one of the configurations of means 1 and means 4 to 8,
"The specific opening area is provided so as to penetrate the game panel independently of the normal opening area without being connected to the normal opening area."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 9, the specific opening area is provided so as to penetrate the game panel independently and not connected to the normal opening area (see the description of the embodiment shown in Figures 84 and 85 in [Form for implementing the invention]).

In addition to achieving the same effect as above, the specific opening area is provided independently of the normal opening area on the gaming panel and is not connected to the normal opening area, which helps prevent a decrease in the strength of the gaming panel compared to when the normal opening area and the specific opening area are connected.

Means 10: In any one of the configurations of means 1 and means 4 to 8,
"The specific opening area is provided so as to be connected to the normal opening area."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 10, the specific opening area is provided so as to be connected to the normal opening area (see the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 86 in [Form for implementing the invention]).

In addition to providing the same effects as above, this structure connects the specific opening area and the normal opening area, so when a cutting tool such as an end mill is used to form the opening areas (normal opening area and specific opening area) on the gaming panel, the normal opening area and the specific opening area can be cut continuously, reducing the cost of the gaming panel.

Means 11: In a gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry ports through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down,
The gaming panel includes:
The game panel has an opening area in which game balls can flow from the front side to the rear side, the opening area being made up of a normal opening area through which game balls that have entered the ball entrance can flow, and a specific opening area through which game balls that have not entered the ball entrance can flow, the specific opening area being not connected to the normal opening area but penetrating the game panel independently, or the specific opening area being connected to the normal opening area;
The ball entry unit includes:
a flat base plate capable of contacting the front surface of the game panel, a positioning protrusion protruding from the base plate and inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole penetrating the base plate for mounting to the game panel; the base plate is attached to the game panel so as to cover the normal opening region of the opening region from the front side, and is attached to the game panel so that a part of the transparent outer edge of the base plate overlaps the specific opening region of the opening region;
Furthermore, the front surface of the outer edge of the base plate is inclined toward the rear, and the positioning projections are provided at a portion close to the ball discharge port and a portion far from the ball discharge port.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 11, in a gaming machine having a plurality of ball entry ports through which game balls can enter and a ball entry unit attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down, the gaming panel is configured so that game balls can flow from the front side to the rear side, and is made up of a normal opening area through which game balls that have entered the ball entry port can flow, and a specific opening area through which game balls that have not entered the ball entry port can flow, and the specific opening area has an opening area that is not connected to the normal opening area and penetrates the gaming panel independently, or the specific opening area is connected to the normal opening area, and the ball entry unit is attached to the front of the gaming panel. It has a flat base plate that can abut against the front surface of the panel, a positioning protrusion that protrudes from the base plate and is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole that penetrates the base plate and is used for mounting to the game panel. It is attached to the game panel so as to cover the normal opening area of the opening area from the front, and is attached to the game panel so that a part of the transparent outer edge of the base plate overlaps with the specific opening area of the opening area. Furthermore, the front surface of the outer edge of the base plate is inclined toward the rear, and the positioning protrusions are provided at a portion close to the ball discharge opening and a portion far from the ball discharge opening.

With this arrangement, the ball entry unit can be attached to the front of the game panel by inserting the positioning protrusions protruding from the base plate of the ball entry unit into the positioning holes of the game panel from the front and abutting the base plate against the front surface of the game panel, and then screwing and fastening the mounting screws into the game panel through the mounting holes penetrating the base plate. The ball that has entered the ball entry port of the ball entry unit can be guided to the rear of the game panel through the normal opening area of the opening area of the game panel. At this time, the normal opening area of the game panel is blocked from the front by the base plate of the ball entry unit, so that the rear of the game panel can be hidden and made difficult to see through the normal opening area, improving the appearance of the game machine. When the ball entry unit is attached to the front surface of the game panel, a part of the transparent outer edge of the base plate of the ball entry unit overlaps with the specific opening area of the opening area (when viewed from the front, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projection range of the specific opening area), so that a part of the outer edge protrudes toward the center of the specific opening area. Furthermore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, the worker can hook his/her fingers or tools on the part of the outer edge of the base plate that overlaps with the specific opening area when removing the ball-scoring unit from the gaming panel, and by hooking the fingers, the ball-scoring unit can be pulled forward with great force together with the base plate. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily remove the ball-scoring unit from the gaming panel against the resistance between the positioning hole and the positioning protrusion, reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

However, if two positioning protrusions are provided on the ball-entering unit and each is inserted into a positioning hole on the gaming panel, when removing the ball-entering unit from the gaming panel during disassembly, if the two positioning protrusions are to be pulled out of the positioning holes at the same time, the ball-entering unit must be pulled forward with great force, which may increase the burden on the worker. In contrast, in this configuration, the positioning protrusions are provided at a portion close to the specific opening area and a portion far from it, so that when removing the ball-entering unit from the gaming panel during disassembly of the gaming machine for recycling or the like, the worker can hook the finger or the like on the portion of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit that overlaps with the specific opening area and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning protrusion close to the specific opening area. As a result, during disassembly, the positioning protrusion closest to the specific opening region can be first removed from the positioning hole, and then the remaining positioning protrusion farthest from the specific opening region can be removed from the positioning hole. This means that it is possible to pull out the positioning protrusions with less force than if two positioning protrusions were pulled out at the same time, reducing the burden on the worker.

In addition, because the front surface of the outer edge of the base plate of the ball-entering unit is inclined toward the rear, the corner of the outer edge is an obtuse angle. Therefore, when a worker hooks his/her finger or the like on the part of the outer edge of the ball-entering unit that overlaps with the specific opening area in order to remove the ball-entering unit from the game panel during disassembly of the gaming machine, even if the finger or the like comes into contact with the corner of the outer edge, the obtuse angle makes it less likely that the finger or the like will be injured compared to when the corner is a right angle, and the ball-entering unit can be safely removed with the finger or the like.

In addition, as mentioned above, the corners of the outer edge of the ball entry unit are obtuse angles, so that, compared to when the corners are right angles, even if the game ball rolls so as to lick the outer edge in order to enter the specific opening area, the corners of the outer edge will not chip, improving the durability of the ball entry unit.

In addition, the front surface of the outer edge of the base plate of the ball entry unit is inclined toward the rear, so the corners of the outer edge are obtuse. Therefore, even if the game ball rolls so as to lick the outer edge in order to enter the specific opening area, the outer edge will not chip because the corners of the outer edge are obtuse, and the durability of the ball entry unit can be improved.

In addition, the outer edge of the base plate in the ball entry unit is inclined backwards, so that the game ball can be smoothly guided to the specific opening area, preventing the game ball from becoming stuck in the specific opening area.

Furthermore, because the outer edge of the base plate in the ball entry unit is made transparent, even if part of the outer edge overlaps with the specific opening area, it is possible to avoid the specific opening area appearing smaller in size.

In addition, because the two positioning protrusions are spaced apart from each other, when the ball-scoring unit is attached to the game panel, it does not rotate along the surface of the game panel, and the ball-scoring unit can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the game panel.

It is desirable to provide a mounting hole for mounting the ball entry unit to the gaming panel near the positioning protrusion. This allows the mounting screw to be screwed into the gaming panel through the mounting hole and tightened, which presses the positioning protrusion firmly against the gaming panel and ensures that it is inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming panel, preventing the positioning protrusion from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

In this way, the above solution makes it possible to provide an amusement machine that can reduce the amount of disassembly work required when separating the parts for recycling, etc.

[15-1c. Relationship between the solution of the first technical feature and the embodiment]
The outlet 1008 in the game board 5 of this embodiment corresponds to the ball outlet of the above-mentioned solution means, the outlet 1008 and the specific opening area 1103 in the game board 5 of this embodiment correspond to the ball outlet (specific opening area) of the above-mentioned solution means, the opening area 1101 of the game panel 1100 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening area of the above-mentioned solution means, the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100 in this embodiment corresponds to the game panel of the above-mentioned solution means, the opening 1112 and the normal opening area 1102 of the panel board 1110 in this embodiment correspond to the normal opening area of the above-mentioned solution means, the positioning hole 1113 in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning hole of the above-mentioned solution means, the general winning port 2001 in this embodiment and the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component member 2811 in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry port of the above-mentioned solution means, and the side unit 2800G in this embodiment corresponds to the ball entry unit of the above-mentioned solution means.

In addition, the base plate 2811a in this embodiment corresponds to the base plate (extension) of the above-mentioned solution means, the positioning protrusion 2811c in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning protrusion of the above-mentioned solution means, and the mounting hole 2811d in this embodiment corresponds to the mounting hole of the above-mentioned solution means. Furthermore, the finger hook portion 2816 and the finger hook portion 2817 in this embodiment correspond to the portion where a part of the outer edge (base plate, extension portion) of the ball entrance unit (side unit 2800G) overlaps with the ball discharge port (out port 1008, specific opening area 1103) in the above-mentioned solution means.

[15-1d. Characteristic effect of the first technical feature]
According to this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 2811c protruding from the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G on the game board 5 is inserted from the front into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and the base plate 2811a is abutted against the front surface of the panel plate 1110. Then, a mounting screw is screwed into the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 through the mounting hole 2811d penetrating the base plate 2811a and tightened, thereby enabling the side unit 2800G to be attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and the game ball B that has entered the general winning port 2001 (ball receiving portion 2811b) of the side unit 2800G to be guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 through the opening 1112 (normal opening area 1102 of the opening area 1101) of the panel plate 1110. At this time, the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100 is closed from the front by the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G, so that the rear of the game panel 1100 can be hidden and made difficult to see through the opening 1112, improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5). When the side unit 2800G is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, a part of the transparent outer edge (finger hook part 2816 and finger hook part 2817) of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G is attached so as to overlap with the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103 of the opening area 1101) (when viewed from the front, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projection range of the outlet 1008), so that the finger hook part 2816 (finger hook part 2817) protrudes toward the center of the outlet 1008. In disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the finger hook 2816 (finger hook 2817) overlapping with the outlet 1008 at the outer edge of the base plate 2811a can be hooked by the worker's finger or tool, etc., so that the side unit 2800G can be pulled forward with a strong force together with the base plate 2811a by hooking the finger, etc. Thus, the side unit 2800G can be easily removed from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 against the resistance between the positioning hole 1113 and the positioning protrusion 2811c, and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting.

However, since the side unit 2800G is provided with two positioning protrusions 2811c, each of which is inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 during disassembly, if one attempts to pull out both positioning protrusions 2811c from the positioning holes 1113 at the same time, it is necessary to pull the side unit 2800G forward with a strong force, which may increase the burden on the worker. In contrast, in this embodiment, the positioning protrusions 2811c are provided at locations close to and far from the outlet 1008. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the worker can hook his or her finger or the like onto the finger hook portion 2816 (finger hook portion 2817) that overlaps with the outlet 1008 at the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800 and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning protrusion 2811c close to the outlet 1008. As a result, during disassembly, of the two positioning protrusions 2811c, the one closest to the outlet 1008 can be removed from the positioning hole 1113 first, and then the remaining positioning protrusion 2811c farthest from the outlet 1008 can be removed from the positioning hole 1113. This means that it is possible to pull out the two positioning protrusions 2811c with less force than if two were to be pulled out at the same time, reducing the burden on the worker.

In addition, the front surface of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G is inclined toward the rear, so that the corners of the outer edge are obtuse angles. Therefore, when the worker hooks his/her fingers on the finger hook portion 2816 (finger hook portion 2817) that overlaps with the outlet 1008 on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G in order to remove the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 during the disassembly work of the pachinko machine 1, even if the fingers come into contact with the corners of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a, the obtuse angle makes it difficult to injure the fingers, compared to when the corners are right angles, and the side unit 2800G can be safely removed with the fingers.

In addition, as described above, the corners of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G are obtuse angles, so that, compared to when the corners are right angles, even if the game ball B rolls along the outer edge of the base plate 2811a to enter the outlet 1008, the outer edge will not chip, thereby improving the durability of the side unit 2800G.

In addition, the outer edge of the base plate 2811a in the side unit 2800G is inclined backward, so that the game ball B can be smoothly guided to the outlet 1008, and it is possible to prevent the game ball B from becoming stuck at the outlet 1008.

Furthermore, because the outer edge of the base plate 2811a in the side unit 2800G is made transparent, even if part of the outer edge overlaps with the outlet 1008, such as the finger hook portion 2816 (finger hook portion 2817), it is possible to avoid the outlet 1008 appearing smaller in size.

In addition, because the two positioning protrusions 2811c are spaced apart from each other, when the side unit 2800G is attached to the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, the side unit 2800G does not rotate along the surface of the panel board 1110, and the side unit 2800G can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the panel board 1110.

In addition, the mounting hole 2811d for mounting the side unit 2800G to the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c. By screwing a mounting screw into the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110 through the mounting hole 2811d and tightening it, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 and securely inserted into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, preventing the positioning protrusion 2811c from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

Incidentally, when dismantling the pachinko machine 1, in order to remove the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, when an operator hooks his or her fingers or the like on the part of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a that overlaps with the outlet 1008 and pulls it forward, if the strength of that part is weak, there is a risk that the outer edge will crack and the side unit 2800G will remain on the gaming panel 1100 side. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 85, the depth of the finger hook 2817 that overlaps with the outlet 1008 at the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G is increased, so compared to the method of overlapping a part of the outer edge (extension) of the base plate 2811a on the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the size of the specific opening area 1103 (outlet 1008) is smaller (the passage volume for discharging the game ball B is smaller), or the size of the specific opening area 1103 (outlet 1008) is expanded in advance (the passage volume for discharging the game ball B is increased), but since the strength of the finger hook 2817 can be increased, even if the operator hooks the finger of the operator on the finger hook 2817 and pulls it forward, it will not crack (be damaged), and the side unit 2800G can be reliably removed from the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100.

In addition, the finger hook portion 2817 that overlaps with the outlet 1008 at the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G penetrates the outlet 1008 and protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110 of the gaming panel 1100. This allows the finger hook portion 2817 to cover the inner surface of the outlet 1008, making it difficult for the player to see, improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1.

[15-2. Second technical feature]
This specification has the following technical features different from those described above.

[15-2a. Background of the second technical feature]
In recent years, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines, in order to create effects that can attract the attention of players, the presentation devices have been made larger, the movable area of the presentation devices has been widened, and the presentation devices have been made more flashy with illumination.

In conventional gaming machines such as those described in Patent Document A (JP Patent Publication No. 2017-018185), a ball entry unit with multiple ball entry ports (e.g., general winning ports) is attached to the front of a gaming panel along which gaming balls flow. A gaming ball that enters the ball entry port of this ball entry unit is guided to the rear of the gaming panel, and is detected by a ball sensor in a ball guidance unit provided behind the gaming panel, and then discharged downward. In order to illuminate and decorate such a ball entry unit, it is necessary to provide an LED with an LED mounted on it behind the ball guidance unit provided behind the ball entry unit, but providing an LED board narrows the space behind the ball entry unit, making it difficult to secure a larger space for providing a performance device.

Therefore, in consideration of the above situation, the following means aims to provide a gaming machine that can present a more impactful presentation by making it easier to secure space behind the ball-entering unit.

[15-2b. Solution of the second technical feature]
Means 1: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry ports through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down,
The ball entry unit includes:
a first component having a positioning protrusion to be inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel and a first mounting hole for mounting to the game panel, the first component being attached to the game panel so as to close an opening provided to penetrate the game panel from the front side;
a second component part having a second mounting hole for mounting to the first component part, the second component part being mounted from the rear side of the first component part so as to form a predetermined space within the opening together with the first component part;
An LED substrate on which an LED is mounted is provided in the space formed by the first component and the second component.
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, examples of "ball entry ports" include "a prize entry port that confers a specified bonus when a game ball enters the port (e.g., a general prize entry port, a normal prize entry port, a start prize entry port (start prize entry port), a big prize entry port, a special feature prize entry port, a V prize entry port, etc.)" and "an outlet port that does not award a bonus when a game ball enters the port and expels the game ball from the gaming machine without returning it to the player", etc.

Examples of "game panels" include "those made of wooden plywood such as plywood," "those made of a panel plate machined from a transparent resin plate and a panel holder that holds the outer periphery of the panel plate," and "those made by injection molding transparent resin."

Furthermore, the "LED board" may be attached to the first component part or to the second component part. The "non-contact surface portion" may be provided on the first component part or on the second component part, or on both the first component part and the second component part.

According to the configuration of the first aspect, in a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry openings through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down, the ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the gaming panel and a first mounting hole for mounting to the gaming panel, and is attached to the gaming panel so as to close the opening that penetrates the gaming panel from the front side, and a second component part that has a second mounting hole for mounting to the first component part and is attached from the rear side of the first component part so as to form a predetermined space in the opening together with the first component part, and an LED board on which LEDs are mounted is provided in the space formed by the first component part and the second component part (see the description in Chapter [12-2b. Variation 2 of the side unit], Figure 79, etc. in [Mode for carrying out the invention]).

With this arrangement, the ball-entering unit can be attached to the front of the gaming panel by attaching the second component part from the rear side of the first component part with a mounting screw through the second mounting hole, inserting the positioning protrusion of the first component part from the front into the positioning hole of the gaming panel, and screwing and tightening the mounting screw through the first mounting hole into the gaming panel. The first component part can block the opening that penetrates the gaming panel, making it difficult to see the rear of the gaming panel through the opening, improving the appearance of the gaming machine, and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front side of the gaming panel through the opening from the rear side of the gaming panel. The first component part and the second component part that is attached from the rear side of the first component part with a mounting screw through the second mounting hole form a space in the opening of the gaming panel, and an LED board is provided in the space, so that the ball-entering unit can be illuminated and decorated with LEDs on the LED board. In this case, because a space in which the LED board is installed is formed within the opening of the gaming panel, the space and the LED board can be contained within the thickness of the gaming panel, and the amount of rearward protrusion from the rear surface of the gaming panel can be minimized, allowing a larger space to be secured behind the ball-entering unit. As a result, it is possible to provide a large presentation device or a presentation device with a wide movable area behind the ball-entering unit, making it possible to present a more impactful presentation to the player, and providing a gaming machine that is highly appealing to players.

It is desirable to provide a first mounting hole for mounting the ball entry unit to the gaming panel near the positioning protrusion. This allows the mounting screw to be screwed into the gaming panel through the first mounting hole and tightened, which presses the positioning protrusion firmly against the gaming panel and ensures that it is inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming panel, preventing the positioning protrusion from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

It is also desirable to provide the ball entry unit with a non-contact surface portion on a portion of the contact surface portion where the first component and the second component are in contact with each other. This allows the LED board to be provided in the space between the first component and the second component, and also provides a non-contact surface portion on a portion of the contact surface portion where the first component and the second component are in contact with each other, so that heat from the LED board can be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion, thereby avoiding the effects of heat.

Furthermore, when a non-contact surface portion is provided as described above, the front end side of the opening of the gaming panel is blocked by the first component, so heat released to the outside from the non-contact surface portion does not flow to the front side of the gaming panel, but can be dissipated to the rear side of the gaming panel.

In addition, when providing a non-contact surface portion as described above, it is desirable to form the ball entry unit so that there is a gap between it and the inner circumference of the opening of the gaming panel, and to provide the non-contact surface portion at least on the upper contact surface portion. In this way, the non-contact surface portion capable of dissipating heat from the LED board provided in the space formed by the first component and the second component to the outside is provided at least in the upper part of the contact surface portion, so that the non-contact surface portion can reliably dissipate heat from the LED board to the outside and heat is not trapped in the space. At this time, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the part of the ball entry unit inserted into the opening of the gaming panel and the inner periphery of the opening. In other words, because a gap is provided between the non-contact surface portion and the inner circumference of the opening, heat from the LED board can be reliably dissipated from the non-contact surface portion to the gap, and heat can be exhausted from inside the opening through the gap.

When providing a non-contact surface portion as described above, it is desirable to provide the LED board so that it does not overlap the non-contact surface portion in a plan view. This makes it difficult for foreign matter such as dust or dirt to get on the LED board even if it enters the space in which the LED board is provided through the non-contact surface portion, and prevents the effects of foreign matter as much as possible.

Furthermore, it is desirable to make the gaming panel opaque. In this way, since the light from the LEDs on the LED board does not enter the inside of the gaming panel through the inner periphery of the opening of the gaming panel, but can be reflected by the inner periphery of the opening, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of light irradiated forward, and it is easier to fully utilize the dramatic effect of the LED light emission.

When a non-contact surface portion is provided as described above, the non-contact surface portion may be provided behind the rear surface of the gaming panel. This allows heat from the LED board provided in the space between the first component and the second component to be reliably dissipated behind the rear surface of the gaming panel through the non-contact surface portion, thereby avoiding the effects of heat.

The first component may also have a flat base plate with a positioning projection protruding therefrom and a mounting hole penetrating therethrough, which can abut against the front surface of the gaming panel. As a result, since the ball-entering unit is provided with a flat base plate, by attaching the ball-entering unit to the front surface of the gaming panel through the mounting hole, the opening of the gaming panel can be blocked from the front side by the base plate, and the rear of the gaming panel can be hidden from the front side (player side) through the opening by the base plate, improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, as described above, by providing the first component with a base plate, the opening of the game panel can be blocked from the front by the base plate of the ball entry unit, so that heat from the LED board provided in the space between the first component and the second component can be dissipated to the rear side of the game panel through the non-contact surface portion, and foreign matter such as dust and dirt can be prevented from entering the front side of the game panel from the rear side through the opening of the game panel.

Means 2: In the configuration of Means 1,
"The entry unit is
A non-contact surface portion is provided on a part of a contact surface portion where the first component portion and the second component portion are in contact with each other, and the non-contact surface portion is not in contact with each other.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 2, the ball entry unit is provided with a non-contact surface portion on a part of the contact surface portion where the first component and the second component are in contact with each other, where the first component and the second component are not in contact with each other (see the description of the side unit 2800B, the contact surface portion 2830, and the non-contact surface portion 2831 in [Form for implementing the invention]).

As a result, an LED board is provided in the space between the first component and the second component, and a non-contact surface portion is provided in a portion of the contact surface portion where the first component and the second component are in contact with each other, so that heat from the LED board can be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion, thereby avoiding the effects of heat.

In addition, because the front end side of the opening of the gaming panel is blocked by the first component, heat released to the outside from the non-contact surface portion does not flow to the front side of the gaming panel, but can be dissipated to the rear side of the gaming panel.

Means 3: In the configuration of Means 2,
"The ball entry unit is formed so as to have a gap between the ball entry unit and the inner periphery of the opening of the game panel,
The non-contact surface portion is provided on at least the upper contact surface portion.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 3, the ball entry unit is formed so that there is a gap between it and the inner circumference of the opening of the game panel, and the non-contact surface portion is provided on at least the upper contact surface portion (see the description of the side unit 2800B and the non-contact surface portion 2831 in [Form for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, a non-contact surface portion capable of dissipating heat from the LED board provided in the space formed by the first component and the second component to the outside is provided at least in the upper portion of the contact surface portion, so that the non-contact surface portion can reliably dissipate heat from the LED board to the outside and heat does not become trapped in the space. At this time, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the portion of the ball entry unit that is inserted into the opening of the gaming panel and the inner periphery of the opening. In other words, because a gap is provided between the non-contact surface portion and the inner periphery of the opening, heat from the LED board can be reliably dissipated from the non-contact surface portion to the gap, and heat can be exhausted from inside the opening through the gap.

Means 4: In the configuration of means 2 or 3,
"The LED substrate is provided so as not to overlap the non-contact surface portion in a plan view."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 4, the LED substrate is provided so as not to overlap the non-contact surface portion in a plan view (see the description of the LED substrate 2825 and the non-contact surface portion 2831 in the [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, even if foreign matter such as dust or dirt enters the space in which the LED board is installed through the non-contact surface portion, it is difficult for the foreign matter to get on the LED board, and the effects of the foreign matter can be prevented as much as possible.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 4,
"The gaming panel is opaque."
It is characterized by:

However, if the gaming panel is made transparent, the light from the LED board will enter the gaming panel from the inner surface of the opening and diffuse into the interior of the gaming panel, reducing the amount of light radiated forward, which could weaken the dramatic effect of the LED light emission.

According to the configuration of means 5, the gaming panel is made opaque (see the description of the gaming panel 1100 in [Form for implementing the invention]).

As a result, because the gaming panel is made opaque, the light from the LEDs on the LED board does not enter the interior of the gaming panel through the inner periphery of the opening of the gaming panel, but can be reflected by the inner periphery of the opening, which prevents a decrease in the amount of light radiated forward and makes it easier to fully utilize the dramatic effects produced by the LEDs' light emission.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations of means 2 to 5,
"The non-contact surface portion is provided rearward of the rear surface of the game panel."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 6, the non-contact surface portion is provided behind the rear surface of the game panel (see the description of side unit 2800B in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

This allows the heat from the LED board located in the space between the first component and the second component to be reliably dissipated behind the rear surface of the gaming panel through the non-contact surface portion, thereby avoiding the effects of heat.

Means 7: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 6,
"The first component has a flat base plate from which the positioning projection protrudes and through which the mounting hole penetrates, and which can abut against the front surface of the game panel."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 7, the first component has a flat base plate with a protruding positioning protrusion and a mounting hole penetrating therethrough, which can abut against the front surface of the game panel (see the description of the unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800B in [Form for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, since the ball-entry unit is provided with a flat base plate, by attaching the ball-entry unit to the front of the game panel through the mounting hole, the opening of the game panel can be blocked from the front with the base plate, making it possible to hide the rear of the game panel from the front (player side) through the opening with the base plate, improving the appearance of the game machine.

In addition, because the opening of the gaming panel can be blocked from the front by the base plate of the ball entry unit, heat from the LED board located in the space between the first component and the second component can be dissipated to the rear side of the gaming panel through the non-contact surface portion, and foreign matter such as dust and dirt can be prevented from entering the front side of the gaming panel from the rear side through the opening of the gaming panel.

Means 8: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry ports through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down,
The ball entry unit includes:
a first component having a positioning protrusion to be inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel and a first mounting hole for mounting to the game panel, the first component being attached to the game panel so as to close an opening provided to penetrate the game panel from the front side;
a second component part having a second mounting hole for mounting to the first component part, the second component part being mounted from a rear side of the first component part so as to form a predetermined space within the opening together with the first component part;
and a gap is provided between the opening of the game panel and the inner periphery of the opening,
a non-contact surface portion that is not in contact with the first component portion and the second component portion is provided at least in an upper portion of a contact surface portion where the first component portion and the second component portion are in contact with each other,
An LED substrate on which an LED is mounted is provided in the space defined by the first component portion and the second component portion so as not to overlap the non-contact surface portion in a plan view.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 8, in a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry openings through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which game balls can flow down, the ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the gaming panel and a first mounting hole for mounting to the gaming panel, and is attached to the gaming panel so as to close the opening that is provided to penetrate the gaming panel from the front side, and a second component part that has a second mounting hole for mounting to the first component part and is attached from the rear side of the first component part so as to form a predetermined space in the opening together with the first component part, and is formed so as to provide a gap between the inner periphery of the opening of the gaming panel, and a non-contact surface part that is not in contact with each other is provided at least in the upper part of the contact surface part where the first component part and the second component part are in contact with each other, and an LED board on which LEDs are mounted is provided in the space formed by the first component part and the second component part so as not to overlap the non-contact surface part in a plan view.

With this arrangement, the ball-entering unit can be attached to the front of the gaming panel by attaching the second component part from the rear side of the first component part with a mounting screw through the second mounting hole, inserting the positioning protrusion protruding from the flat base plate of the first component part into the positioning hole of the gaming panel from the front, and then screwing and tightening the mounting screw through the first mounting hole into the gaming panel so that the base plate abuts against the front side of the gaming panel. At the same time, the base plate of the first component part can block the opening penetrating the gaming panel, making it difficult to see the rear of the gaming panel through the opening, improving the appearance of the gaming machine, and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front side of the gaming panel through the opening from the rear side of the gaming panel. The first component part and the second component part attached from the rear side of the first component part with a mounting screw through the second mounting hole form a space in the opening of the gaming panel, and an LED board is provided in the space, so that the ball-entering unit can be illuminated and decorated with LEDs on the LED board. In this case, because a space in which the LED board is installed is formed within the opening of the gaming panel, the space and the LED board can be contained within the thickness of the gaming panel, and the amount of rearward protrusion from the rear surface of the gaming panel can be minimized, allowing a larger space to be secured behind the ball-entering unit. As a result, it is possible to provide a large presentation device or a presentation device with a wide movable area behind the ball-entering unit, making it possible to present a more impactful presentation to the player, and providing a gaming machine that is highly appealing to players.

In addition, an LED board is provided in the space between the first component and the second component, and a non-contact surface portion that is not in contact with the first component and the second component is provided at least in the upper portion of the contact surface portion where the first component and the second component are in contact with each other, so that heat from the LED board can be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion, and the effects of heat can be avoided. At this time, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the portion of the ball entry unit that is inserted into the opening of the gaming panel and the inner periphery of the opening. In other words, since a gap is provided between the non-contact surface portion and the inner periphery of the opening, heat from the LED board can be reliably dissipated from the non-contact surface portion to the gap. And, since the front end side of the opening of the gaming panel is blocked by the base plate of the first component, heat released from the non-contact surface portion to the gap can be guided to the rear side of the gaming panel without flowing through the gap to the front side of the gaming panel, and heat from the LED board can be reliably dissipated.

In addition, because the LED board is positioned so that it does not overlap the non-contact surface in a plan view, even if foreign matter such as dust or dirt enters the space in which the LED board is located through the non-contact surface, it is difficult for the foreign matter to get on the LED board, and the effects of the foreign matter can be prevented as much as possible.

Furthermore, because the game panel is opaque, the light from the LEDs on the LED board does not enter the inside of the game panel through the inner periphery of the opening of the game panel, but can be reflected by the inner periphery of the opening, which prevents a decrease in the amount of light irradiated forward and makes it easier to fully utilize the dramatic effects of the LED light emission.

In addition, because the opening of the game panel is blocked from the front by the base plate of the ball entry unit, heat from the LED board located in the space between the first component and the second component can be dissipated to the rear side of the game panel through the non-contact surface portion, and foreign matter such as dust and dirt can be prevented from entering the front side of the game panel from the rear side through the opening of the game panel.

In addition, in the first component of the ball entry unit, it is desirable to provide a first mounting hole penetrating the base plate for mounting to the game panel near the positioning protrusion. This allows the positioning protrusion to be firmly pressed against the game panel and securely inserted into the positioning hole of the game panel by screwing the mounting screw into the game panel through the first mounting hole and tightening it, preventing the positioning protrusion from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

In this way, the above solution makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can present a more impactful presentation by making it easier to secure space behind the ball-entering unit.

[15-2c. Relationship between the solution of the second technical feature and the embodiment]
The panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 in the game board 5 of this embodiment corresponds to the game panel of the above-mentioned solving means, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the above-mentioned solving means, the positioning hole 1113 in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning hole of the above-mentioned solving means, the general winning port 2001 in this embodiment and the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component member 2811 correspond to the ball entry port of the above-mentioned solving means, and the side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, side unit 2800D, side unit 2800E, and side unit 2800F in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry units of the above-mentioned solving means.

In addition, the unit body 2810 and the unit body 2810A in this embodiment correspond to the first component of the above-mentioned solution, the base plate 2811a in this embodiment corresponds to the base plate of the above-mentioned solution, the positioning protrusion 2811c in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning protrusion of the above-mentioned solution, the mounting hole 2811d in this embodiment corresponds to the mounting hole of the above-mentioned solution, the unit cover 2820 in this embodiment corresponds to the second component of the above-mentioned solution, and the LED board 2825 in this embodiment corresponds to the LED board of the above-mentioned solution. In addition, the contact surface portion 2830 in this embodiment (the portion where the support frame portion 2814 and the unit cover 2820 are in contact) corresponds to the contact surface portion of the above-mentioned solution, and the non-contact surface portion 2831 in this embodiment (the notch portion 2814b of the support frame portion 2814 and the notch portion 2820c of the unit cover 2820) corresponds to the non-contact surface portion of the above-mentioned solution.

[15-2d. Characteristic effect of the second technical feature]
Here, the side unit 2800B will be described as a representative of the features of the side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, side unit 2800D, side unit 2800E, and side unit 2800F in this embodiment. According to this embodiment, in the side unit 2800B attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, the unit cover 2820 is attached from the rear side of the unit body 2810 by means of attachment screws through attachment holes, and then the positioning protrusions 2811c protruding from the flat base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811 of the unit body 2810 are inserted from the front into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, and the attachment screws are inserted into the panel through the attachment holes 2811d so that the base plate 2811a abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110. The side unit 2800B can be attached to the front of the panel plate 1110 by screwing it into the base plate 1110 and fastening it, and the opening 1112 penetrating the panel plate 1110 can be blocked by the base plate 2811a, so that the rear of the game panel 1100 is difficult to see through the opening 1112, improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1, and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front side (game area 5a) of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100. The unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 attached from the rear side of the unit body 2810 by mounting screws through mounting holes form a space in the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, and the LED board 2825 is provided in the space, so that the side unit 2800B can be illuminated and decorated by the LEDs 2825a of the LED board 2825. In this case, since a space in which the LED board 2825 is provided is formed within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 in the game panel 1100, the space and the LED board 2825 can be contained within the thickness of the panel board 1110, and the amount of rearward protrusion from the rear surface of the panel board 1110 can be minimized, and a larger space can be secured behind the side unit 2800B. Therefore, since a large presentation device or a presentation device with a wide movable area can be provided behind the side unit 2800B, a more impactful presentation can be presented to the player, and a pachinko machine 1 with high appeal to the player can be provided.

In addition, the LED board 2825 is provided in the space between the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 in the side unit 2800B, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) that is not in contact with the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 is provided at least in the upper portion of the contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, so that heat from the LED board 2825 can be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831, and the influence of heat can be avoided. At this time, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the portion inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800B and the inner periphery of the opening 1112. In other words, since a gap is provided between the non-contact surface portion 2831 and the inner periphery of the opening 1112, heat from the LED board 2825 can be reliably dissipated from the non-contact surface portion 2831 to the gap. Furthermore, because the front end side of the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 in the gaming panel 1100 is blocked by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 in the unit body 2810, the heat released from the non-contact surface portion 2831 into the gap can be guided to the rear side of the panel board 1110 without flowing through the gap to the front side of the panel board 1110, and the heat from the LED board 2825 can be reliably dissipated.

In addition, since the LED board 2825 is arranged so as not to overlap the non-contact surface portion 2831 in a plan view, even if foreign matter such as dust or dirt enters the space in which the LED board 2825 is arranged through the non-contact surface portion 2831, it is difficult for the foreign matter to get on the LED board 2825, and the effects of the foreign matter can be prevented as much as possible.

Furthermore, by making the gaming panel 1100 opaque, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED board 2825 does not enter the interior of the gaming panel 1100 through the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the gaming panel 1100, and can be reflected by the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of light irradiated forward, and makes it easier to fully utilize the dramatic effect produced by the light emitted by the LED 2825a.

In addition, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 in the side unit 2800B blocks the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 from the front side, so that heat from the LED board 2825 provided in the space between the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 can be dissipated to the rear side of the panel plate 1110 through the non-contact surface portion 2831, and foreign matter such as dust and dirt can be prevented from entering the front side of the panel plate 1110 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110.

In addition, in the side unit 2800B, the first component 2811 of the unit body 2810 has a mounting hole 2811d penetrating the base plate 2811a for mounting to the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100, which is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c. By screwing a mounting screw into the panel plate 1110 of the gaming panel 1100 through the mounting hole 2811d and tightening it, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 and securely inserted into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, preventing the positioning protrusion 2811c from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

[15-3. Third technical feature]
This specification has the following technical features different from those described above.

[15-3a. Background of the third technical feature]
In recent years, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines, in order to create effects that can attract the attention of players, the presentation devices have been made larger, their range of motion has been widened, and the presentation devices have been made more flashy and decorated with lights.

As an example of this type of gaming machine, a conventional gaming machine such as that described in Patent Document A (JP Patent Publication No. 2017-018185) is known that is equipped with a ball entry unit having multiple ball entry ports (e.g., general winning ports) on the front of a gaming panel along which gaming balls flow, and a ball guidance unit that detects gaming balls that have entered the ball entry port of the ball entry unit at the rear of the gaming panel and ejects them downward.

However, in the technology of Patent Document A, a ball guiding unit is provided behind the game panel, and the presence of the ball guiding unit narrows the space behind the ball entry unit, making it impossible to secure a larger space for installing the presentation device.

Therefore, in consideration of the above situation, the following means aims to provide a gaming machine that can present a more impactful presentation by making it easier to secure space behind the ball-entering unit.

[15-3b. Solution of the third technical feature]
Means 1: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry openings through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a game board through which game balls can flow down,
The ball entry unit includes:
a first component having a positioning protrusion inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game board and an attachment hole for attachment to the game board, the first component being attached to the game board so as to close an opening provided to penetrate the game board from the front side;
A second component is provided behind the first component, and has a ball passage through which a game ball that has entered the ball entrance can flow down along the surface of the game board within the opening so that the ball falls within the thickness of the game board.
The present invention is characterized by comprising:

Here, examples of "ball entry ports" include "a prize entry port that confers a specified bonus when a game ball enters the port (e.g., a general prize entry port, a normal prize entry port, a start prize entry port (start prize entry port), a big prize entry port, a special feature prize entry port, a V prize entry port, etc.)" and "an outlet port that does not award a bonus when a game ball enters the port and expels the game ball from the gaming machine without returning it to the player", etc.

In addition, "game boards" are boards on which obstacle nails are planted in a specified gauge arrangement, and examples include "boards made of wooden plywood such as plywood," "boards made of panel boards machined from transparent resin boards," and "boards made by injection molding transparent resin."

Furthermore, the "ball passage" may extend entirely within the thickness of the game board, or may extend only partially within the thickness of the game board.

According to the configuration of the first aspect, in a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has multiple ball entry openings through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a game board through which game balls can flow, the ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided on the game board and an attachment hole for attaching to the game board, and is attached to the game board so as to block the opening that penetrates the game board from the front side, and a second component that is provided behind the first component and has a ball passage that allows game balls that enter the ball entry openings to flow down along the game board surface within the opening so as to be within the thickness of the game board (see the description of Figures 75 to 80, etc. in Chapter [12-1. Side unit of the second embodiment] in [Form for carrying out the invention]).

By inserting the positioning protrusion of the first component into the positioning hole of the gaming panel from the front, and then screwing and tightening the mounting screw into the gaming board through the mounting hole, the first component (ball entry unit) can be attached to the front of the gaming board, and the opening penetrating the gaming board can be blocked by the first component, making it difficult to see the rear of the gaming board through the opening, improving the appearance of the gaming machine, and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front side of the gaming board through the opening from the rear side of the gaming board. And, since the second component provided on the rear side of the first component is provided with a ball passage extending along the board surface of the gaming board in the opening so as to be within the board thickness of the gaming board, the ball passage allows the gaming ball that has entered the ball entry port to flow down so as to be within the board thickness of the gaming board, so that the thickness of the gaming board can be used to minimize the amount of rearward protrusion of the ball entry unit from the rear surface of the gaming board, and a larger space can be secured behind the ball entry unit. This makes it possible to provide a large presentation device or a presentation device with a wide range of movement (movable props) behind the ball-entering unit, allowing for a more impactful presentation to be presented to players, providing a gaming machine that is highly appealing to players.

It is desirable to provide a mounting hole for mounting the first component of the ball entry unit to the game board near the positioning protrusion. This allows the positioning protrusion to be firmly pressed against the game board by screwing a mounting screw into the game board through the mounting hole and securely inserted into the positioning hole of the game board, preventing the positioning protrusion from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

In addition, at least the forward portion of the movable role in the ball passage may be arranged to be within the thickness of the game board. This allows the forward portion of the movable role as a performance device in the ball passage to be within the thickness of the game board, so that sufficient space can be secured in the front-to-rear direction of the portion where the movable role is provided, and the movable role can be moved in a wider range, providing a gaming machine that can present a more impactful performance to the player.

Furthermore, as described above, when the portion in front of the movable part in the ball passage is arranged so as to overlap within the thickness of the game board, it is possible to secure sufficient space in the front-to-rear direction of the portion on the rear side of the game board where the movable part is arranged, so that, for example, a decorative body can be arranged between the ball entry unit and the movable part, and the decorative body can be used to hide the movable part in the lowered position so that it is difficult for the player to see. This allows the player to see an effect in which the movable part appears when it is raised from the lowered position, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can make a strong impact on the player and entertain them.

Furthermore, a ball sensor that detects game balls flowing down the ball passage may be provided at a position lower than the movable device located at the rear of the ball passage. In this way, since the ball sensor that detects game balls that enter the ball entrance is provided at a position lower than the movable device located at the rear, the ball sensor does not get in the way of the movable device, and the desired presentation effect of the movable device can be fully achieved.

The ball passage may also have a branch section that is connected to the ball entrance and extends rearward, and a main section that merges with the branch section and extends downward along the surface of the game board. This allows each branch section that is connected to each ball entrance to merge with the main section and flow down, eliminating the need to provide a ball passage for each of the multiple ball entrances, allowing the balls to be discharged together through a single ball passage and making it easier to secure space behind the ball entrance unit.

The second component may also be attached to the rear of the first component. As a result, since the second component is attached to the rear of the first component, the rigidity of the first component can be increased by the second component. In more detail, for example, in disassembling a gaming machine for recycling or the like, when the first component is pulled forward to remove it from the gaming board, if the rigidity of the first component is low, the first component may bend, and the positioning protrusion inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming board may tilt due to the bending, making it difficult to remove from the positioning hole, which may make the disassembly work more difficult. In contrast, if the second component is attached to the rear of the first component, the second component is provided with a ball passage, and since the cross section of the ball passage is U-shaped, the rigidity of the second component is increased by the presence of the ball passage, and therefore the rigidity of the first component (ball entry unit) can be increased by attaching this second component. Therefore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, when the ball-entering unit is pulled forward, the first component from which the positioning protrusion protrudes does not bend due to the increased rigidity of the ball-entering unit, so the positioning protrusion does not tilt relative to the positioning hole in the gaming board, and the ball-entering unit can be easily removed from the gaming board, providing a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

Furthermore, the second component may be attached to a back member provided at the rear of the game board. As a result, since the second component of the ball entry unit is attached to the back member at the rear of the game board, it is possible to extend the ball passage downward from the opening penetrating the game board at the rear side of the game board. In detail, if the second component is attached to the first component, the first component blocks the opening of the game board from the front side, so the second component in which the ball passage is provided must be smaller than the opening, making it difficult to extend a part of the ball passage downward from the opening at the rear side of the game board. In contrast, if the second component is attached to a back member provided at the rear of the game board, it is possible to extend a part of the ball passage downward from the opening at the rear side of the game board. Therefore, since it is possible to extend the ball passage to the lower end of the game board, the falling height of the game ball discharged downward can be lowered, and the impact of the discharged game ball can be reduced. In addition, because a portion of the ball passage can be extended downward beyond the opening on the rear side of the game board, there is no need to extend the opening that penetrates the game board downward to the bottom end of the game board, and the strength of the game board is not reduced.

Furthermore, as described above, by attaching the second component of the ball entry unit to the rear member behind the game board, when a ball sensor is provided in the ball passage, electronic components such as the ball sensor are provided on the rear member side behind the game board, and the electronic components can be gathered together on the rear member side, eliminating the need to provide electronic components such as the ball sensor on the game board side. Therefore, during the assembly and disassembly of the game machine, since the wiring of the electronic components does not extend from the game board side, the wiring will not get caught on components such as obstacle nails, impeding the work or causing the wiring to be cut.

Means 2: In the configuration of Means 1,
"The second component is provided so that at least the portion in front of the movable part in the ball passage is within the thickness of the game board."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 2, the second component is arranged so that at least the portion of the ball passage that is in front of the movable part is within the thickness of the game board (see the description of the ball passage 2812a of the second component 2812 in [Form for implementing the invention]).

As a result, the front part of the movable prop acting as a presentation device in the ball passage is placed within the thickness of the game board, so that sufficient space can be secured in the front-to-rear direction of the part where the movable prop is installed, and the movable range of the movable prop can be made wider, providing a gaming machine that can present a more impactful presentation to the player.

In addition, as mentioned above, it is possible to secure sufficient space in the front-to-rear direction of the area where the movable parts are located on the rear side of the game board, so that, for example, a decorative body can be placed between the ball-entering unit and the movable parts, and the decorative body can be used to hide the movable parts in the lowered position so that they are difficult for the player to see. This allows the player to see an effect in which the movable parts appear when they are raised from the lowered position, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can make a strong impact on the player and entertain them.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 or means 2,
"The second component is provided with a ball sensor that detects the game ball flowing down the ball passage at a position below the movable device provided at the rear of the ball passage."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 3, the second component is a ball sensor that detects game balls flowing down the ball passage, located below the movable device located at the rear of the ball passage (see the description of ball sensor 2813b in [Form for implementing the invention]).

As a result, the ball sensor that detects the game ball that enters the ball entrance is located below the movable parts located at the rear, so the ball sensor does not get in the way of the movable parts, allowing the movable parts to fully exert the desired presentation effect.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 3,
"The ball passage has a branch portion that is connected to the ball entrance and extends rearward, and a main stream portion that merges with the branch portion and extends downward along the surface of the game board."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 4, the ball passage has a branch portion that is connected to the ball entrance and extends rearward, and a main portion that merges with the branch portion and extends downward along the surface of the game board (see the description of the branch portion 2801 and main portion 2802 in the ball passage 2812a in [Form for implementing the invention]).

As a result, each branch section that is connected to each ball inlet is made to merge with the main stream section and flow down, eliminating the need to provide a ball passage for each of the multiple ball inlets. The balls can be discharged together through a single ball passage, and it is also easier to secure space behind the ball inlet unit.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 4,
"The second component is attached to the rear side of the first component."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 5, the second component is attached to the rear side of the first component (see the description of the second component 2812 of the side unit 2800 in the [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, since the second component is attached to the rear side of the first component, the rigidity of the first component can be increased by the second component. In more detail, for example, in disassembling a gaming machine for recycling or the like, when the first component is pulled forward to remove it from the gaming board, if the rigidity of the first component is low, the first component will bend, and the positioning protrusion inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming board will tilt due to the bending, making it difficult to remove from the positioning hole, which may make the disassembly work more difficult. In contrast, in this means, a ball passage is provided in the second component, and since the cross section of the ball passage is U-shaped, the rigidity of the second component is increased by the presence of the ball passage, and therefore the rigidity of the first component (ball entry unit) can be increased by attaching this second component. Therefore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, when the ball-entering unit is pulled forward, the first component from which the positioning protrusion protrudes does not bend due to the increased rigidity of the ball-entering unit, so the positioning protrusion does not tilt relative to the positioning hole in the gaming board, and the ball-entering unit can be easily removed from the gaming board, providing a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 4,
"The second component is attached to a back member provided at the rear of the play board."
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, examples of "back components" include "back decorations," "back units," "back boxes," etc.

According to the configuration of means 6, the second component is attached to a rear member provided at the rear of the play board (see the description of the second component member 2813 of the side unit 2800A in the [Embodiment for carrying out the invention]).

As a result, since the second component of the ball entry unit is attached to the rear member at the rear of the game board, it is possible to extend the ball passage downward beyond the opening penetrating the game board at the rear of the game board. In detail, if the second component is attached to the first component, the first component blocks the opening of the game board from the front, so the second component in which the ball passage is provided must be smaller than the opening, making it difficult to extend a part of the ball passage downward beyond the opening at the rear of the game board. In contrast, in this means, since the second component is attached to the rear member at the rear of the game board, it is possible to extend a part of the ball passage downward beyond the opening at the rear of the game board. Therefore, since it is possible to extend the ball passage to the lower end of the game board, the falling height of the game balls discharged downward can be reduced, and the impact of the discharged game balls can be reduced. In addition, because a portion of the ball passage can be extended downward beyond the opening on the rear side of the game board, there is no need to extend the opening that penetrates the game board downward to the bottom end of the game board, and the strength of the game board is not reduced.

In addition, because the second component of the ball entry unit is attached to the rear member behind the game board, when a ball sensor is provided in the ball passage, electronic components such as the ball sensor are provided on the rear member side behind the game board, and the electronic components can be gathered together on the rear member side, eliminating the need to provide electronic components such as the ball sensor on the game board side. Therefore, during the assembly and disassembly of the game machine, since the wiring of the electronic components does not extend from the game board side, the wiring will not get caught on components such as obstacle nails, impeding the work or causing the wiring to be cut.

Means 7: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry openings through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a game board through which game balls can flow down,
The ball entry unit includes:
a first component having a positioning protrusion inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game board and an attachment hole for attachment to the game board, the first component being attached to the game board so as to close an opening provided to penetrate the game board from the front side;
A second component is provided behind the first component, and has a ball passage through which a game ball that has entered the ball entrance can flow down along the surface of the game board within the opening so that the game ball falls within the thickness of the game board;
Equipped with
The second component is attached to the rear side of the first component or to a back member provided at the rear of the game board, and a ball sensor is provided at a position below the movable role to detect game balls flowing down the ball passage,
The ball passage has a branch section that is connected to the ball entrance and extends rearward, and a main section that merges with the branch section and extends downward along the surface of the game board, and is arranged so that at least the portion in front of the movable role is within the thickness of the game board.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 7, in an amusement machine having a ball entry unit that has a plurality of ball entry openings through which game balls can enter and is attached to the front of a game board through which game balls can flow down, the ball entry unit has a positioning protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game board and an attachment hole for attachment to the game board, and is provided on the rear side of the first component part, and the ball that enters the ball entry opening is moved along the surface of the game board within the opening so as to be within the thickness of the game board. and a second component having a ball passage through which balls can flow down, the second component being attached to the rear side of the first component or to a back member provided at the rear of the game board, and a ball sensor is provided at a portion below the movable device to detect game balls flowing down the ball passage, the ball passage having a branch portion that is connected to the ball entrance and extends rearward, and a main portion that merges with the branch portion and extends downward along the surface of the game board, and is provided so that at least the portion in front of the movable device is within the thickness of the game board.

By inserting the positioning protrusion of the first component into the positioning hole of the gaming panel from the front, and then screwing and tightening the mounting screw into the gaming board through the mounting hole, the first component (ball entry unit) can be attached to the front of the gaming board, and the opening penetrating the gaming board can be blocked by the first component, making it difficult to see the rear of the gaming board through the opening, improving the appearance of the gaming machine, and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front side of the gaming board through the opening from the rear side of the gaming board. And, since the second component provided on the rear side of the first component is provided with a ball passage extending along the board surface of the gaming board in the opening so as to be within the board thickness of the gaming board, the ball passage allows the gaming ball that has entered the ball entry port to flow down so as to be within the board thickness of the gaming board, so that the thickness of the gaming board can be used to minimize the amount of rearward protrusion of the ball entry unit from the rear surface of the gaming board, and a larger space can be secured behind the ball entry unit. This makes it possible to provide a large presentation device or a presentation device with a wide range of movement (movable props) behind the ball-entering unit, allowing for a more impactful presentation to be presented to players, providing a gaming machine that is highly appealing to players.

In addition, the front part of the movable props acting as a presentation device in the ball passage is designed to be within the thickness of the game board, so that sufficient space can be secured in the front-to-rear direction of the part where the movable props are installed, and the movable range of the movable props can be made wider, providing a gaming machine that can present a more impactful presentation to the player.

In addition, as mentioned above, it is possible to secure sufficient space in the front-to-rear direction of the area where the movable parts are located on the rear side of the game board, so that, for example, a decorative body can be placed between the ball-entering unit and the movable parts, and the decorative body can be used to hide the movable parts in the lowered position so that they are difficult for the player to see. This allows the player to see an effect in which the movable parts appear when they are raised from the lowered position, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can make a strong impact on the player and entertain them.

In addition, the ball sensor that detects the game ball that enters the ball entrance is located below the movable parts located at the rear, so the ball sensor does not get in the way of the movable parts, allowing the movable parts to fully exert the desired presentation effect.

In addition, each branch section that is connected to each ball inlet is made to merge with the main stream section and flow down, so there is no need to provide a ball passage for each of the multiple ball inlets. The balls can be discharged together through a single ball passage, and it is also easier to secure space behind the ball inlet unit.

In addition, if the second component is attached to the rear side of the first component, the rigidity of the first component can be increased by the second component. In more detail, for example, in disassembling a gaming machine for recycling or the like, when the first component is pulled forward to remove it from the gaming board, if the rigidity of the first component is low, the first component will bend, and the positioning protrusion inserted into the positioning hole of the gaming board will tilt due to the bending, making it difficult to remove from the positioning hole, which may make the disassembly work more difficult. In contrast, if the second component is attached to the rear side of the first component, the second component is provided with a ball passage, and since the cross section of the ball passage is U-shaped, the rigidity of the second component is increased by the presence of the ball passage, and therefore the rigidity of the first component (ball entry unit) can be increased by attaching this second component. Therefore, when disassembling the gaming machine for recycling or the like, when the ball-entering unit is pulled forward, the first component from which the positioning protrusion protrudes does not bend due to the increased rigidity of the ball-entering unit, so the positioning protrusion does not tilt relative to the positioning hole in the gaming board, and the ball-entering unit can be easily removed from the gaming board, providing a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

Furthermore, if the second component of the ball entry unit is attached to the back member at the rear of the game board, it becomes possible to extend the ball passage downward beyond the opening penetrating the game board at the rear of the game board. In detail, if the second component is attached to the first component, the first component blocks the opening of the game board from the front, so the second component in which the ball passage is provided must be smaller than the opening, making it difficult to extend a part of the ball passage downward beyond the opening at the rear of the game board. In contrast, if the second component is attached to the back member provided at the rear of the game board, it becomes possible to extend a part of the ball passage downward beyond the opening at the rear of the game board. Therefore, since it becomes possible to extend the ball passage to the bottom end of the game board, the falling height of the game balls discharged downward can be lowered, and the impact of the discharged game balls can be reduced. In addition, because a portion of the ball passage can be extended downward beyond the opening on the rear side of the game board, there is no need to extend the opening that penetrates the game board downward to the bottom end of the game board, and the strength of the game board is not reduced.

In addition, by attaching the second component of the ball entry unit to the rear member behind the game board, electronic components such as the ball sensor installed in the ball passage are installed on the rear member side behind the game board, so that the electronic components can be gathered on the rear member side, and there is no need to install electronic components such as the ball sensor on the game board side. Therefore, during the assembly and disassembly of the game machine, since the wiring of the electronic components does not extend from the game board side, the wiring will not get caught on components such as obstacle nails, interfere with the work, or be cut.

It is desirable to provide a mounting hole for mounting the first component of the ball entry unit to the game board near the positioning protrusion. This allows the positioning protrusion to be firmly pressed against the game board by screwing a mounting screw into the game board through the mounting hole and securely inserted into the positioning hole of the game board, preventing the positioning protrusion from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

In this way, the above solution makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can present a more impactful presentation by making it easier to secure space behind the ball-entering unit.

[15-3c. Relationship between the solution of the third technical feature and the embodiment]
The panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 in the game board 5 of this embodiment corresponds to the game board of the above-mentioned solving means, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the above-mentioned solving means, the positioning hole 1113 in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning hole of the above-mentioned solving means, the general winning port 2001 and the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component member 2811 in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry port of the above-mentioned solving means, and the side unit 2800, side unit 2800A, side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, and side unit 2800G in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry units of the above-mentioned solving means.

In addition, the first component member 2811 of the unit main body 2810 in this embodiment corresponds to the first component part of the above-mentioned solving means, the positioning protrusion 2811c in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning protrusion of the above-mentioned solving means, the mounting hole 2811d in this embodiment corresponds to the mounting hole of the above-mentioned solving means, the second component member 2812 and the second component member 2813 in this embodiment correspond to the second component part of the above-mentioned solving means, the ball passage 2812a and the ball passage 2813a in this embodiment correspond to the ball passage of the above-mentioned solving means, the ball sensor 2813b and the ball sensor 2815 in this embodiment correspond to the ball sensor of the above-mentioned solving means, the back unit 3000 (back box 3010) in this embodiment corresponds to the back member of the above-mentioned solving means, and the back-bottom performance unit 3500 in this embodiment corresponds to the movable role of the above-mentioned solving means.

[15-3d. Characteristic effect of the third technical feature]
Here, side unit 2800 will be described as a representative of the features of side unit 2800, side unit 2800A, side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, and side unit 2800G in this embodiment. According to this embodiment, in the game board 5, the positioning protrusion 2811c of the first component member 2811 in the side unit 2800 is inserted from the front into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100, and then a mounting screw is screwed into the panel plate 1110 through the mounting hole 2811d and tightened, thereby enabling the first component member 2811 (side unit 2800) to be attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. In addition, the first component member 2811 can block the opening 1112 penetrating the panel plate 1110, making it difficult to see behind the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112, improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front surface (game area 5a) of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110. In addition, the second component 2812 provided on the rear side of the first component 2811 is provided with a ball passage 2812a extending along the plate surface of the panel plate 1110 in the opening 1112 so as to be within the plate thickness of the panel plate 1110, so that the game ball B that has entered the ball receiving portion 2811b (general winning port 2001) can be made to flow down so as to be within the plate thickness of the panel plate 1110 by the ball passage 2812a, and by utilizing the plate thickness of the panel plate 1110, the amount of rearward protrusion from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800 can be made as small as possible, and a larger space can be secured behind the side unit 2800. Therefore, it is possible to provide a large performance device such as the back-under performance unit 3500 or a performance device with a wide movable area behind the side unit 2800, so that a more impactful performance can be presented to the player, and a pachinko machine 1 with high appeal to the player can be provided.

In addition, the portion of the ball passage 2812a in front of the back-bottom performance unit 3500 is designed to be within the thickness of the panel board 1110, so that sufficient space can be secured in the front-to-rear direction of the portion where the back-bottom performance unit 3500 is installed, and the movable range of the back-bottom performance unit 3500 can be made wider, providing a pachinko machine 1 that can show players more impactful performances.

In addition, as described above, it is possible to secure sufficient space in the front-to-rear direction at the rear of the panel board 1110 where the back-bottom performance unit 3500 is installed, so that, for example, a decorative body can be placed between the side unit 2800 and the back-bottom performance unit 3500, and the decorative body can be used to hide the back-bottom movable decorative body 3510 in the lowered position so that it is difficult for the player to see. As a result, when the back-bottom movable decorative body 3510 is raised from the lowered position, the player can be shown an effect in which the back-bottom movable decorative body 3510 appears, and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that can make a strong impact on the player and entertain them.

In addition, in the side unit 2800, the tributary sections 2801 that are connected to each ball receiving section 2811b are merged into the main flow section 2802 and allowed to flow down, so there is no need to provide a ball passage 2812a for each of the multiple ball receiving sections 2811b, and the water can be discharged together through a single ball passage 2812a, making it easier to secure space behind the side unit 2800.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800A, the ball sensor 2813b that detects the game ball B that enters the ball receiving portion 2811b (general winning port 2001) is located at a lower position than the rear-bottom performance unit 3500 located at the rear, so that the ball sensor 2813b does not interfere with the rear-bottom performance unit 3500, and the desired performance effect can be fully achieved by the rear-bottom performance unit 3500.

In addition, when the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811, as in the side unit 2800, the rigidity of the first component 2811 can be increased by the second component 2812. In more detail, for example, in disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when the first component 2811 is pulled forward to be removed from the panel plate 1110, if the rigidity of the first component 2811 is low, the first component 2811 will bend, and the bending will tilt the positioning protrusion 2811c inserted into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, making it difficult to remove from the positioning hole 1113, which may make the disassembly work more difficult. On the other hand, if the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811, the second component 2812 is provided with a ball passage 2812a, and the ball passage 2812a has a U-shaped cross section, so that the rigidity of the second component 2812 is increased by the presence of the ball passage 2812a. Therefore, by attaching the second component 2812, the rigidity of the first component 2811 (side unit 2800) can be increased. Therefore, when the side unit 2800 is pulled forward during disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, the first component 2811 with the protruding positioning protrusion 2811c does not bend due to the increased rigidity of the side unit 2800. Therefore, the positioning protrusion 2811c does not tilt with respect to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2800 can be easily removed from the panel plate 1110, and a pachinko machine 1 that can reduce the disassembly work required for sorting can be provided.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800A, the second component 2813 is attached to a rear member such as the rear unit 3000 behind the panel plate 1110, so that the ball passage 2813a can be extended downward from the opening 1112 penetrating the panel plate 1110 on the rear side of the panel plate 1110. In detail, when the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811, the first component 2811 blocks the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 from the front side, so that the second component 2812 in which the ball passage 2812a is provided must be smaller than the opening 1112, and it becomes difficult to extend a part of the ball passage 2812a downward from the opening 1112 on the rear side of the panel plate 1110. In contrast, in the side unit 2800A, the second component 2813 is attached to a rear member such as the rear unit 3000 provided behind the panel plate 1110, so that a part of the ball passage 2813a can be extended downward from the opening 1112 on the rear side of the panel plate 1110. Therefore, since it is possible to extend the ball passage 2813a to the lower end of the panel plate 1110, the falling height of the game ball B discharged downward can be reduced, and the impact of the discharged game ball B can be reduced. In addition, since a part of the ball passage 2813a can be extended downward from the opening 1112 on the rear side of the panel plate 1110, there is no need to extend the opening 1112 penetrating the panel plate 1110 downward to the lower end of the panel plate 1110, and the strength of the panel plate 1110 is not reduced.

In addition, in the side unit 2800A, the second component 2813 is attached to a rear member such as the rear unit 3000 behind the panel plate 1110, so that electronic components such as the ball sensor 2813b provided in the ball passage 2813a are provided on the rear member side behind the panel plate 1110, and the electronic components can be gathered together on the rear member side, eliminating the need to provide electronic components such as the ball sensor 2813b on the panel plate 1110 side. Therefore, during the assembly and disassembly of the pachinko machine 1, the wiring of the electronic components does not extend from the panel plate 1110 side, so the wiring will not get caught on components such as obstacle nails, impeding the work or causing the wiring to be cut.

In addition, in the side unit 2800, the mounting hole 2811d for mounting the first component 2811 to the panel plate 1110 is provided near the positioning protrusion 2811c. By screwing a mounting screw into the panel plate 1110 through the mounting hole 2811d and tightening it, the positioning protrusion 2811c can be firmly pressed against the panel plate 1110 and securely inserted into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, preventing the positioning protrusion 2811c from floating up due to incomplete insertion.

[15-4. Fourth technical feature]
This specification has the following technical features different from those described above.

[15-4a. Background of the fourth technical feature]
There is known a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that is equipped with a center role that is attached from the front to an opening of a gaming panel that forms a gaming area into which gaming balls can flow, and has a decorative body that is decorated with a predetermined ornament (for example, Patent Document B: JP 2017-074434 A). In the technology of this Patent Document B, the decorative body provided on the center role improves the appearance of the gaming machine.

However, in the technology of Patent Document B, a flat decorative body is placed near the front end of the center role, so even if the decorative body is decorated with a relief-like decoration, it lacks a sense of depth, and some players may quickly tire of looking at it, which could reduce the player's interest.

In view of the above situation, the following means aims to provide a gaming machine that can prevent players from losing interest by providing decorative elements with a more decorative effect.

[15-4b. Solution of the fourth technical feature]
Means 1: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming panel in which a gaming area in which gaming balls can flow down is formed,
The game board is
A center frame is attached from the front to an opening formed in the game panel;
a decorative body attached to the center frame and having a predetermined decoration;
Equipped with
The decorative body is
A rear decorative portion extends within the frame of the center frame and a portion of the rear decorative portion protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative portion is provided forward of the rear decorative portion,
The rear decorative portion and the front decorative portion are decorated in a coordinated manner.
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, examples of "game panel" include "opaque panels such as plywood," "panel boards made of transparent resin," and "those composed of a panel board made of transparent resin and a frame-shaped panel holder that holds the outer edge of the panel board."

Examples of "center frames" include "those having a flat flange portion capable of contacting the front surface of the gaming panel, and an inflow restriction portion extending forward from the flange portion to restrict gaming balls flowing down the gaming area from flowing into the opening of the gaming panel," and "those having an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening of the gaming panel and is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the opening, a flat flange portion that extends from the front end of the insertion portion in a direction along the surface of the gaming panel and is capable of contacting the front surface of the gaming panel, and an inflow restriction portion that extends forward beyond the flange portion to restrict gaming balls flowing down the gaming area from flowing into the opening of the gaming panel."

Examples of "decorative objects" include "objects decorated with patterns printed or painted on," "objects decorated with three-dimensionally shaped decorations," "objects decorated with a metallic luster such as plating," etc.

Further examples of "decorative objects" include "those that are illuminated by the light emitted by LEDs mounted on an LED board", "those that have opaque sections to make the wiring of the electronic components (e.g., LED board, relay board, ball sensor, magnetic sensor, display (display with special design), solenoid, etc.) located at the rear difficult to see from the front", and "those that have electronic components (e.g., LED board, relay board, ball sensor, magnetic sensor, display (display with special design), solenoid, etc.) that protrude rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame".

Examples of "decorations that harmonize with each other" include "decorations in which the decoration of the front decorative part and the decoration of the back decorative part form a single decoration (pattern)", "decorations in which the decoration of the front decorative part and the decoration of the back decorative part are continuous with each other in a pattern (figure)", "decorations in which the decoration of the front decorative part or the decoration of the back decorative part enhances (emphasizes) the decoration of the back decorative part or the decoration of the front decorative part", etc.

According to the configuration of the first means, in a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming panel in which a gaming area is formed in which gaming balls can flow down, the gaming board is equipped with a frame-shaped center frame that is attached from the front to an opening formed in the gaming panel, and a decorative body that is attached to the center frame and is decorated with a predetermined decoration, and the decorative body has a rear decorative part that extends within the frame of the center frame and a part of which protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative part that is provided forward of the rear decorative part, and the rear decorative part and the front decorative part are decorated in a coordinated manner. (See the description of the chapter [11-2. Center gimmick of the second embodiment] and Figure 70, etc. in [Form for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, a decorative body consisting of a rear decorative part, part of which protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative part, which is provided forward of the rear decorative part, is provided on the center frame attached to the game panel of the game board, so that the front decorative part and the rear decorative part of the decorative body can create a decorative body with depth for the player. In this case, because the rear decorative part and the front decorative part are decorated in a coordinated manner, a large decoration can be presented to the player, and the rear decorative part and the front decorative part can form a decorative body that is large, deep, and highly decorative. Therefore, because a decorative body with a high decorative effect can be provided on the center frame, the decorative body can strongly attract the player's attention, making it difficult for the player to become bored, and a gaming machine can be provided that can suppress a decline in the player's interest.

In addition, because the rear decorative part that constitutes the decorative body extends within the framework of the center frame, the rear decorative part does not narrow the playing area on the front of the playing panel or make it difficult to see the playing balls flowing down the playing area, allowing players to enjoy playing with the playing balls in the playing area in good conditions.

Furthermore, since the rear decorative part that constitutes the decorative body extends within the framework of the center frame, if a performance display device, movable decorative body, decorative body, etc. are provided behind the gaming panel, the rear decorative part can decorate the area around the performance display device (display screen) or work together with the decorative body (movable decorative body) to present a decoration (performance) with a more decorative effect, making it possible to provide a highly appealing gaming machine that can strongly attract the interest of players.

It is desirable to arrange the front decorative portion and the rear decorative portion so that they at least partially overlap when viewed from the front. This makes it possible to make it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative portion and the decoration of the rear decorative portion when viewed from the front (front), allowing the player to see the large decoration made up of the front decorative portion and the rear decorative portion in a better condition, and further enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative body.

It is also desirable to form the center frame transparent. This makes it difficult for players to see the center frame and makes it less noticeable, while making the decorative body (front decorative portion and rear decorative portion) stand out in comparison, further enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative body.

Furthermore, the decorative body may have an opaque section that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front. In this way, the opaque section of the decorative body makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components from the front, and the opaque section can hide the wiring, preventing the wiring from being visible and thus preventing the appearance from being impaired, making it easier to bring out the decorative effect of the decorative body.

The decorative body may also be provided in front of the LED board on which the LEDs are mounted. This allows the decorative body (decoration) to hide the LED board, which avoids the poor appearance caused by the LED board being visible, making it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative body.

A display device capable of displaying the results of a lottery for a special symbol drawn by the starting ball entry of a gaming ball in the gaming area may also be attached to the center frame. In this way, since the display device for displaying the special symbol is attached to the center frame, the display device can be attached to the gaming panel together with the center frame, and the effort required for assembling the gaming machine can be reduced compared to when the display device is attached separately.

Means 2: In the configuration of Means 1,
"The front decorative portion and the rear decorative portion are arranged so as to overlap at least partially when viewed from the front."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 2, the front decorative part and the rear decorative part are arranged so that they at least partially overlap when viewed from the front. (See the description of the decorative body 2580 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, the front and rear decorative parts, which are decorated in a coordinated way, are arranged so that they overlap partially when viewed from the front, making it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part and the decoration of the rear decorative part when viewed from the front (front), allowing the player to see the large decoration made up of the front and rear decorative parts in a better condition and further enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative body.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 and means 2,
The center frame is characterized by being transparent.

According to the configuration of the third aspect, the center frame is made transparent. In other words, the center frame is made of a transparent material. (See the description of the center frame 2511 in the [Description of the Invention].)

As a result, because the center frame is transparent, it is difficult for players to see the center frame and it is difficult to stand out, which makes the decorative body (front decorative part and rear decorative part) stand out in comparison, further enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative body.

In addition, because the center frame is transparent, if the game panel is also made transparent and a decoration or performance display device is provided behind the game panel, the center frame becomes less noticeable, making the decoration or performance image visible through the transparent game panel more noticeable, and providing a gaming machine that provides more enjoyment to players.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 3,
"The decorative body is
It has an opaque section that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front.
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, "electronic components" include "LED boards," "relay boards," "ball sensors that detect game balls," "magnetic sensors," "displays for displaying special patterns," "solenoids for opening and closing the variable winning openings," and "solenoids or drive motors for moving the movable decorative bodies," etc.

According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the decorative body has an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front. (See the description of the decorative body 2580 in the [Form for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, the opaque parts of the decorative body make it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components from the front, and the opaque parts allow the wiring to be hidden, preventing the wiring from being visible and spoiling the appearance, making it easier to bring out the decorative effect of the decorative body.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 4,
"The decorative body is
It is provided in front of the LED board on which the LEDs are mounted.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 5, the decorative body is provided in front of the LED board on which the LEDs are mounted. (See the description of the LED board 2586 of the decorative body 2580 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, the decorative body is placed in front of the LED board, and the LED board can be hidden by the decorative body (decoration), which prevents the LED board from being visible and makes it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative body.

In addition, if the light from the LEDs mounted on the LED board is irradiated onto the decorative object, the LED board can cause the decorative object to emit light, making the decorative object look bright and beautiful, entertaining the player and preventing a decline in interest.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 5,
"The center frame has
A display capable of displaying the results of a special pattern drawn by a starting ball entry by a gaming ball in the gaming area is attached.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 6, a display capable of displaying the results of a special pattern drawn by the starting ball in the play area is attached to the center frame. (See the description of the pattern display 2518 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, the display for displaying the special symbols is attached to the center frame, so the display can be attached to the gaming panel together with the center frame, reducing the effort required for assembling the gaming machine compared to when the display is attached separately.

Means 7: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming panel in which a gaming area in which gaming balls can flow down is formed,
The game board is
A display device capable of displaying the result of a lottery for a special pattern drawn by a starting ball entry by a game ball in the game area is attached, and a frame-shaped transparent center frame is attached from the front to an opening formed in the game panel;
a decorative body attached to the center frame, having a predetermined decoration and having an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see wiring of electronic components attached to the center frame from the front, and provided in front of an LED board on which an LED is mounted;
Equipped with
The decorative body is
A rear decorative portion extends within the frame of the center frame and a portion of the rear decorative portion protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative portion is provided forward of the rear decorative portion,
The rear decorative portion and the front decorative portion are decorated in a coordinated manner and are arranged so as to overlap at least partially when viewed from the front.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 7, the gaming machine is provided with a gaming board having a gaming panel in which a gaming area is formed in which gaming balls can flow down, the gaming board is provided with a display capable of displaying the result of a lottery for a special pattern drawn by a starting ball entry by a gaming ball in the gaming area, a frame-shaped transparent center frame attached from the front to an opening formed in the gaming panel, and a decorative body attached to the center frame and provided with a predetermined decoration, having an opaque part that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front, and provided in front of the LED board on which the LED is mounted, the decorative body having a rear decorative part that extends within the frame of the center frame and a part of which protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative part provided forward of the rear decorative part, the rear decorative part and the front decorative part are provided with decorations that coordinate with each other, and are provided so that at least a part of them overlap when viewed from the front.

As a result, a decorative body consisting of a rear decorative part, part of which protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative part, which is provided forward of the rear decorative part, is provided on a transparent center frame attached to the game panel of the game board, so that the transparent center frame makes the decorative body less noticeable and makes it stand out in comparison, and the front decorative part and rear decorative part of the decorative body can show a decoration with depth to the player. In this case, the rear decorative part and the front decorative part are decorated in a coordinated manner, and are provided so that they partially overlap when viewed from the front, so that it is possible to make it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part and the decoration of the rear decorative part when viewed from the front (front), allowing the player to see the large decoration made by the front decorative part and the rear decorative part in a good condition, and the rear decorative part and the front decorative part can form a decorative body that is large, deep, and has a high decorative effect. Therefore, since the center frame can be provided with a highly decorative ornament, the ornament strongly attracts the player's attention and prevents the player from becoming bored, providing a gaming machine that can prevent the player's interest from declining.

In addition, because the rear decorative part that constitutes the decorative body extends within the framework of the center frame, the rear decorative part does not narrow the playing area on the front of the playing panel or make it difficult to see the playing balls flowing down the playing area, allowing players to enjoy playing with the playing balls in the playing area in good conditions.

Furthermore, since the rear decorative part that constitutes the decorative body extends within the framework of the center frame, if a performance display device, movable decorative body, decorative body, etc. are provided behind the gaming panel, the rear decorative part can decorate the area around the performance display device (display screen) or work together with the decorative body (movable decorative body) to present a decoration (performance) with a more decorative effect, making it possible to provide a highly appealing gaming machine that can strongly attract the interest of players.

In addition, the opaque parts of the decorative body make it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components from the front, and the opaque parts allow the wiring to be hidden, preventing the wiring from being visible and spoiling the appearance, making it easier to bring out the decorative effect of the decorative body.

Furthermore, since the decorative body is provided in front of the LED board, the LED board can be hidden by the decorative body (decoration), which avoids the poor appearance caused by the LED board being visible, and makes it easier to bring out the decorative effect of the decorative body.

In addition, because the display for displaying the special symbols is attached to the center frame, the display can be attached to the gaming panel together with the center frame, reducing the effort required for assembling the gaming machine compared to when the display is attached separately.

In this way, the above solution makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent players from losing interest by providing decorative objects with a more decorative effect.

[15-4c. Relationship between the solution of the fourth technical feature and the embodiment]
The game panel 1100 consisting of the panel board 1110 and the panel holder 1120 in the game board 5 of this embodiment corresponds to the game panel of the above-mentioned solution means, the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the game panel of the above-mentioned solution means, the center frame 2511 of the center gimmick 2500 in this embodiment corresponds to the center frame of the above-mentioned solution means, the pattern display 2518 in this embodiment corresponds to the display of the above-mentioned solution means, the decorative body 2580 in this embodiment corresponds to the decorative body of the above-mentioned solution means, the front decorative portion 2581 in this embodiment corresponds to the front decorative portion of the above-mentioned solution means, the rear decorative portion 2582 in this embodiment corresponds to the rear decorative portion of the above-mentioned solution means, and the LED board 2586 in this embodiment corresponds to the LED board of the above-mentioned solution means.

[15-4d. Characteristic effects of the fourth technical feature]
According to this embodiment, a decorative body 2580 consisting of a rear decorative portion 2582, a part of which protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame 2511, and a front decorative portion 2581, which is provided forward of the rear decorative portion 2582, is provided on a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the game panel 1100 of the game board 5.Since the center frame 2511 is transparent, it is less noticeable, making the decorative body 2580 stand out in comparison, and the front decorative portion 2581 and rear decorative portion 2582 of the decorative body 2580 allow the player to see a decoration with depth. In this case, the rear decorative part 2582 and the front decorative part 2581 are decorated in a coordinated manner, and are arranged so that a part of each overlaps when viewed from the front, so that the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part 2581 and the decoration of the rear decorative part 2582 is difficult to distinguish when viewed from the front (front), and the large decoration of the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 can be shown to the player in a good condition, and the rear decorative part 2582 and the front decorative part 2581 can form a large, deep decorative body 2580 with a high decorative effect. Therefore, since the decorative body 2580 with a high decorative effect can be provided on the center frame 2511, the decorative body 2580 can strongly attract the interest of the player and make it difficult for the player to get bored, and a pachinko machine 1 that can suppress a decline in the player's interest can be provided.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative portion 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, so that the rear decorative portion 2582 does not narrow the game area 5a on the front of the game panel 1100 or make it difficult to see the game ball B flowing down the game area 5a, allowing the player to enjoy playing with the game ball B in the game area 5a in good conditions.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative portion 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 is extended within the frame of the center frame 2511, so that it is possible to decorate the periphery of the performance display device 1600 (display screen) for the performance display device 1600, the back front performance unit 3300, the back rear performance unit 3400, etc., which are provided behind the game panel 1100, and to show decorations (performances) with a higher decorative effect in cooperation with the decorative bodies (movable decorative bodies) of the back front performance unit 3300 and the back rear performance unit 3400, making it possible to provide a highly appealing pachinko machine 1 that can strongly attract the interest of players.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the opaque parts of the decorative body 2580 make it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components such as the LED board 2586 from the front, and the wiring can be hidden by the opaque parts, which prevents the wiring from being visible and thus reduces the appearance, making it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative body 2580.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the decorative body 2580 (front decorative portion 2581) is provided in front of the LED board 2586, so that the LED board 2586 can be hidden by the decorative body 2580 (decoration), which can avoid the poor appearance caused by the LED board 2586 being visible, and makes it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative body 2580.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the pattern display 2518 for displaying special patterns is attached to the center frame 2511, so that the pattern display 2518 can be attached to the game panel 1100 together with the center frame 2511, and the labor required for assembling the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced compared to when the pattern display 2518 is attached separately.

[15-5. Fifth technical feature]
This specification has the following technical features different from those described above.

[15-5a. Background of the fifth technical feature]
There is known a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that is equipped with a center role that is attached from the front to an opening of a gaming panel that forms a gaming area into which gaming balls can flow, and has a decorative body that is decorated with a predetermined ornament (for example, Patent Document B: JP 2017-074434 A). In the technology of this Patent Document B, the decorative body provided on the center role improves the appearance of the gaming machine.

However, in the technology of Patent Document B, a flat decorative body is placed near the front end of the center role, so even if the decorative body is decorated with a relief-like decoration, it lacks a sense of depth, and some players may quickly tire of looking at it, which could reduce the player's interest.

To address this issue, it is possible to enhance the decorativeness of the center role by providing a decorative body that is three-dimensionally formed in the front-to-rear direction on the center role, but if the rear end of the decorative body protrudes rearward beyond the center role (center frame), the protruding part can easily get in the way when manufacturing the gaming machine, making it difficult to handle, and there is a risk that manufacturing costs will increase.

In view of the above situation, the following means aims to provide a gaming machine that can improve handling during manufacturing while maintaining decorativeness.

[15-5b. Solution of the fifth technical feature]
Means 1: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming panel in which a gaming area in which gaming balls can flow down is formed,
The game board is
A center frame is attached from the front to an opening formed in the game panel;
a decorative body attached to the center frame and having a predetermined decoration;
Equipped with
The decorative body is
A rear decorative portion extending within the frame of the center frame and provided forward of a rear end of the center frame;
and a front decorative portion arranged to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative portion.

Here, examples of "game panel" include "opaque panels such as plywood," "panel boards made of transparent resin," and "those composed of a panel board made of transparent resin and a frame-shaped panel holder that holds the outer edge of the panel board."

Examples of "center frames" include "those having a flat flange portion capable of contacting the front surface of the gaming panel, and an inflow restriction portion extending forward from the flange portion to restrict gaming balls flowing down the gaming area from flowing into the opening of the gaming panel," and "those having an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening of the gaming panel and is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the opening, a flat flange portion that extends from the front end of the insertion portion in a direction along the surface of the gaming panel and is capable of contacting the front surface of the gaming panel, and an inflow restriction portion that extends forward beyond the flange portion to restrict gaming balls flowing down the gaming area from flowing into the opening of the gaming panel."

Examples of "decorative objects" include "objects decorated with patterns printed or painted on," "objects decorated with three-dimensionally shaped decorations," "objects decorated with a metallic luster such as plating," etc.

Further examples of "decorative objects" include "those that are illuminated by the light emitted by LEDs mounted on an LED board", "those that have opaque sections to make the wiring of the electronic components (e.g., LED board, relay board, ball sensor, magnetic sensor, display (display with special design), solenoid, etc.) located at the rear difficult to see from the front", and "those that have electronic components (e.g., LED board, relay board, ball sensor, magnetic sensor, display (display with special design), solenoid, etc.) that protrude rearward beyond the rear end of the center frame".

In addition, the relationship between the rear decorative part and the front decorative part that make up the decorative body can be exemplified by "a rear decorative part that is decorated in a way that coordinates with the decoration of the front decorative part", "a rear decorative part that is decorated in the same way as the decoration of the front decorative part so as to coordinate with it", "a rear decorative part that is decorated in a way that differs from the decoration of the front decorative part", "a front decorative part decoration (front decoration) has a transparent part through which the decoration of the rear decorative part to the rear (rear decoration) is visible", "a front decorative part decoration (front decoration) has a transparent part through which the decoration of the rear decorative part to the rear (rear decoration) is visible, and a plurality of dots that are provided in the transparent part and decorated as part of the front decoration", etc.

According to the configuration of the first means, in a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming panel in which a gaming area in which gaming balls can flow down is formed, the gaming board is equipped with a frame-shaped center frame that is attached from the front to an opening formed in the gaming panel, and a decorative body that is attached to the center frame and is decorated with a predetermined decoration, and the decorative body extends within the frame of the center frame and has a rear decorative part that is provided forward of the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative part that is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the front of the rear decorative part. (In [Form for carrying out the invention], see the chapter [11-1. Center gimmick of the first embodiment] and the description of Figures 66 to 69, etc.)

As a result, a decorative body consisting of a rear decorative part provided forward of the rear end of the center frame and a front decorative part provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative part is provided on the center frame attached to the game panel of the game board, so that the front decorative part and the rear decorative part of the decorative body can show a player a decoration with depth. In this case, since a portion of the rear decorative part overlaps with the front decorative part, it is possible to make it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part and the decoration of the rear decorative part when viewed from the front (front), and a large decoration made by the front decorative part and the rear decorative part can be shown to the player, and the rear decorative part and the front decorative part can form a large decorative body with depth and high decorative effect. Therefore, since a decorative body with high decorative effect can be provided on the center frame, the decorative body can strongly attract the interest of the player and make it difficult for the player to get bored, and a gaming machine that can suppress a decline in the player's interest can be provided.

In addition, since the rear decorative portion is located forward of the rear end of the center frame, and there are no parts that would get in the way during the manufacture of the gaming machine by protruding rearward from the center frame, the machine can be easily handled during manufacture, and the increased workability can suppress increases in manufacturing costs. Specifically, for example, when the center frame is placed with the rear end side facing down on a workbench, the center frame does not wobble. Also, when the center frame is handled during assembly work, transportation work, etc., since no part of the decorative body protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame, there is no risk of the protruding part from the center frame coming into contact with other parts, etc., and being scratched or damaged. For this reason, there is no need to work with the utmost caution, and workability can be improved.

Furthermore, because the rear decorative part that constitutes the decorative body extends within the framework of the center frame, the rear decorative part does not narrow the playing area on the front of the playing panel or make it difficult to see the playing balls flowing down the playing area, allowing players to enjoy playing with the playing balls in the playing area in good conditions.

In addition, since the rear decorative part that constitutes the decorative body extends within the framework of the center frame, if a performance display device, movable decorative body, decorative body, etc. are provided behind the gaming panel, the rear decorative part can decorate the area around the performance display device (display screen) or work together with the decorative body (movable decorative body) to create a more decorative (performance) effect, providing a highly appealing gaming machine that can strongly attract the interest of players.

It is desirable to apply a decoration to the rear decorative portion that coordinates with the decoration of the front decorative portion. This allows the player to see one large decoration made up of the decorations of the rear decorative portion and the front decorative portion, thereby further enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative body.

It is also desirable to make the center frame transparent. This makes it difficult for players to see the center frame and makes it less noticeable, while making the decorative body (front decorative part and rear decorative part) stand out in comparison, further enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative body.

The decorative body may also have an opaque section that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front. This makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components from the front due to the opaque section of the decorative body, and the wiring can be hidden by the opaque section, preventing the wiring from being visible and causing a poor appearance, making it easier to bring out the decorative effect of the decorative body.

Furthermore, the rear decorative part is provided with a rear decoration that is the same as the part of the front decoration of the front decorative part that overlaps in front of it when viewed from the front, and the front decorative part may have a transparent part that allows the rear decoration and the game balls flowing through the ball passage to be visible from the front, in a part in front of the ball passage through which the game balls flow, which is provided at least in a part of the front decorative part between the front decorative part and the rear decorative part. As a result, when game balls are not flowing through the ball passage provided between the front decorative part and the rear decorative part, the rear decoration of the rear decorative part provided at the rear can be seen through the transparent part provided in the part in front of the ball passage in the front decoration of the front decorative part. At this time, since the rear decoration of the rear decorative part is the same as the front decoration of the front decorative part, the rear decoration of the rear decorative part complements the transparent part in the front decoration of the front decorative part, so that the original decoration can be shown to the player as if there was no transparent part in the front decoration of the front decorative part, and the decorative effect of the decorative body can be reliably exerted. On the other hand, when game balls are flowing through the ball passage provided between the front and rear decorative parts, the game balls can be seen through the transparent part in the front decoration of the front decorative part, so it is possible to avoid causing distrust or anxiety to the player by making the game balls invisible, even if only temporarily, and it is possible to enjoy playing with game balls and prevent a decline in interest.

In addition, as described above, when a transparent portion is provided in the front decoration of the front decoration part in a portion in front of the ball passage, and the same rear decoration as the front decoration is provided on the rear decoration part behind the transparent portion, the front decoration part may have a plurality of dot portions provided in the transparent portion and decorated with decorations that are smaller than the game ball and form part of the front decoration. In this way, even if the decoration of the rear decoration part visible through the transparent portion of the front decoration of the front decoration part is blocked by the game ball flowing through the ball passage provided between the front decoration part and the rear decoration part and becomes invisible, the decoration of the plurality of dot portions provided in the transparent portion in front of the game ball can be seen, allowing the player to see the game ball in the ball passage while avoiding the appearance of the decoration body being impaired, and allowing the decorative effect of the decoration body to be fully exerted.

The decorative body may also be provided in front of the LED board on which the LEDs are mounted. This allows the decorative body (decoration) to hide the LED board, which avoids the poor appearance caused by the LED board being visible, making it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative body.

A display device capable of displaying the results of a lottery for a special symbol drawn by the starting ball entry of a gaming ball in the gaming area may also be attached to the center frame. In this way, since the display device for displaying the special symbol is attached to the center frame, the display device can be attached to the gaming panel together with the center frame, and the effort required for assembling the gaming machine can be reduced compared to when the display device is attached separately.

Means 2: In the configuration of Means 1,
"The rear decorative portion is decorated in a manner that is in harmony with the decoration of the front decorative portion."
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, examples of "coordinating decoration" include "decorations in which the decoration of the front decorative part and the decoration of the back decorative part form a single decoration (pattern)", "decorations in which the decoration of the front decorative part and the decoration of the back decorative part are continuous with each other in a pattern (figure)", "decorations in which the decoration of the front decorative part or the decoration of the back decorative part complement (emphasize) the decoration of the back decorative part or the decoration of the front decorative part", etc.

According to the configuration of means 2, the rear decorative part is decorated in a way that coordinates with the decoration of the front decorative part. (See the description of decorative body 2570 and decorative body 2570A in [Form for carrying out the invention].)

This allows the rear decorative part to be decorated in a way that coordinates with the decoration of the front decorative part, so that the decoration of the rear decorative part and the decoration of the front decorative part combine to create one large decoration for the player, further enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative body.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 or means 2,
"The center frame is formed to be transparent."
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of the third aspect, the center frame is made transparent. In other words, the center frame is made of a transparent material. (See the description of the center frame 2511 in the [Description of the Invention].)

As a result, because the center frame is transparent, it is difficult for players to see the center frame and it is difficult to stand out, which makes the decorative body (front decorative part and rear decorative part) stand out in comparison, further enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative body.

In addition, because the center frame is transparent, if the game panel is also made transparent and a decoration or performance display device is provided behind the game panel, the center frame becomes less noticeable, making the decoration or performance image visible through the transparent game panel more noticeable, and providing a gaming machine that provides more enjoyment to players.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 3,
"The decorative body is
It has an opaque section that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front.
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, "electronic components" include "LED boards," "relay boards," "ball sensors that detect game balls," "magnetic sensors," "displays for displaying special patterns," "solenoids for opening and closing the variable winning openings," and "solenoids or drive motors for moving the movable decorative bodies," etc.

According to the configuration of means 4, the decorative body has an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front. (See the description of decorative body 2570 and decorative body 2570A in [Form for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, the opaque parts of the decorative body make it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components from the front, and the opaque parts allow the wiring to be hidden, preventing the wiring from being visible and spoiling the appearance, making it easier to bring out the decorative effect of the decorative body.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations of means 1 to 4,
"The rear decorative part is provided with a rear decoration having the same decoration as the part of the front decorative part that overlaps the front decoration of the front decorative part in a front view,
The front decoration has a transparent portion in a portion in front of the ball passage through which the game balls flow, which is provided in at least a portion between the front decoration and the rear decoration, through which the game balls flow. The transparent portion allows the game balls flowing through the rear decoration and the ball passage to be seen from the front.
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, examples of "transparent parts" include "colorless transparent parts", "colored transparent parts", "through-hole parts", etc.

According to the configuration of means 5, the rear decoration is decorated with the same decoration as the part of the front decoration that overlaps the front of the front decoration when viewed from the front, and the front decoration has a transparent part that allows the rear decoration and the game balls flowing through the ball passage to be visible from the front, in the part in front of the ball passage through which the game balls flow, which is provided in at least a part of the front decoration between the front decoration and the rear decoration. (See the description of the decoration 2570 in [Form for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, when game balls are not flowing through the ball passage provided between the front decorative portion and the rear decorative portion, the rear decoration of the rear decorative portion provided at the rear can be seen through the transparent portion provided in the front portion of the ball passage in the front decoration of the front decorative portion. At this time, since the rear decoration of the rear decorative portion is the same decoration as the front decoration of the front decorative portion, the rear decoration of the rear decorative portion complements the transparent portion in the front decoration of the front decorative portion, allowing the player to see the original decoration as if there was no transparent portion in the front decoration of the front decorative portion, and the decorative effect of the decorative body can be reliably exerted.

On the other hand, when game balls are flowing through the ball passage provided between the front decorative part and the rear decorative part, the game balls can be seen through the transparent part in the front decoration of the front decorative part, so it is possible to avoid causing distrust or anxiety to the player due to the game balls becoming invisible even temporarily, and it is possible to enjoy playing with game balls and prevent a decline in interest.

Means 6: In the configuration of Means 5,
"The front decorative part is
The transparent portion has a plurality of dots that are smaller than the game ball and are decorated to form part of the front decoration.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of means 6, the front decoration part has a plurality of dots that are provided in the transparent part and are smaller than the game balls and are decorated to form part of the front decoration. (See the description of the decoration 2570 in [Form for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, even if the decoration of the rear decorative part, which is visible through the transparent part of the front decoration of the front decorative part, is blocked by a game ball flowing through the ball passage provided between the front decorative part and the rear decorative part and becomes invisible, the decoration of the multiple dot parts provided in the transparent part in front of the game ball can be seen, allowing the player to see the game ball in the ball passage while avoiding the appearance of the decorative body being impaired, and allowing the decorative effect of the decorative body to be fully exerted.

Means 7: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming panel in which a gaming area in which gaming balls can flow down is formed,
The game board is
A transparent center frame is attached from the front to an opening formed in the game panel;
a decorative body attached to the center frame, having a predetermined decoration and having an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see wiring of electronic components attached to the center frame from the front;
Equipped with
The decorative body is
A rear decorative portion extending within the frame of the center frame and provided forward of a rear end of the center frame;
A front decorative part is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the front of the rear decorative part,
The rear decorative part is provided with a rear decoration that is the same as the front decoration of the front decorative part and overlaps the front decoration of the front decorative part in a front view in coordination with the front decoration of the front decorative part,
The front decoration has a transparent portion that allows the rear decoration and the game balls passing through the ball passage to be seen from the front, the transparent portion being located at least in a portion between the front decoration and the rear decoration, and a plurality of dot portions that are smaller than the game balls and that form part of the front decoration.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 7, in a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming panel in which a gaming area is formed in which gaming balls can flow down, the gaming board is equipped with a frame-shaped transparent center frame that is attached from the front to an opening formed in the gaming panel, and a decorative body that is attached to the center frame and has a predetermined decoration and has an opaque part that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front, and the decorative body extends within the frame of the center frame and has a rear decorative part that is provided forward of the rear end of the center frame, and at least a part of the rear decorative part The front decoration has a front decoration that is arranged to overlap the front of the front decoration, and the rear decoration is decorated with a rear decoration that is the same as the part of the front decoration that overlaps the front of the front decoration in a front view in coordination with the front decoration of the front decoration, and the front decoration has a transparent part in the front part of the ball passage through which the game balls flow, which is arranged in at least a part of the front decoration between the front decoration and the rear decoration, through which the rear decoration and the game balls flowing through the ball passage can be seen from the front, and a plurality of dot parts that are arranged in the transparent part and decorated with a size smaller than the game balls and that form part of the front decoration.

In this way, a decorative body consisting of a rear decorative part provided forward of the rear end of the center frame and a front decorative part provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative part is provided on a transparent center frame attached to the game panel of the game board, so that the transparent center frame makes the decorative body less noticeable and makes it stand out in comparison, and the front decorative part and the rear decorative part of the decorative body can show a decoration with depth to the player. In this case, the rear decorative part and the front decorative part are decorated in a coordinated manner, and are provided so that they partially overlap when viewed from the front, so that it is possible to make it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part and the decoration of the rear decorative part when viewed from the front (front), and the large decoration made by the front decorative part and the rear decorative part can be shown to the player in a good condition, and the rear decorative part and the front decorative part can form a decorative body with a large, deep and highly decorative effect. Therefore, since the center frame can be provided with a highly decorative ornament, the ornament strongly attracts the player's attention and prevents the player from becoming bored, providing a gaming machine that can prevent the player's interest from declining.

In addition, the rear decoration is decorated with the same decoration as the part of the front decoration overlapping the front of the front decoration when viewed from the front, and the front decoration has a transparent part in the front part of the ball passage through which the game ball flows, which is provided at least in a part of the front decoration between the front decoration and the rear decoration, where the rear decoration and the game balls flowing through the ball passage can be seen from the front, and a plurality of dot parts are provided in the transparent part and decorated with decorations that are smaller than the game balls and form part of the front decoration, so that when the game balls are not flowing through the ball passage provided between the front decoration and the rear decoration, the rear decoration of the rear decoration provided at the rear can be seen through the transparent part provided in the front part of the ball passage in the front decoration of the front decoration. At this time, since the rear decoration of the rear decoration is the same as the front decoration of the front decoration, the rear decoration of the rear decoration complements the transparent part in the front decoration of the front decoration, so that the original decoration can be shown to the player as if there was no transparent part in the front decoration of the front decoration, and the decorative effect of the decorative body can be reliably exerted.

On the other hand, when a game ball is flowing through the ball passage provided between the front and rear decorative parts, the game ball can be seen through the transparent part in the front decoration of the front decorative part, so that it is possible to avoid the player feeling distrustful or anxious due to the game ball becoming invisible even if only temporarily, and to prevent a decline in interest by allowing the player to enjoy playing with the game ball. In this case, since a plurality of dot parts constituting part of the front decoration are provided in the transparent part, even if the decoration of the rear decoration part visible through the transparent part in the front decoration of the front decorative part is blocked and becomes invisible by the game ball flowing through the ball passage provided between the front and rear decorative parts, the decoration of the plurality of dot parts provided in the transparent part in front of the game ball can be seen, so that it is possible to prevent the appearance of the decorative body from being impaired while allowing the player to see the game ball in the ball passage, and the decorative effect of the decorative body can be fully exerted.

In addition, since the rear decorative portion is located forward of the rear end of the center frame, and there are no parts that would get in the way during the manufacture of the gaming machine by protruding rearward from the center frame, the machine can be easily handled during manufacture, and the increased workability can suppress increases in manufacturing costs. Specifically, for example, when the center frame is placed with the rear end side facing down on a workbench, the center frame does not wobble. Also, when the center frame is handled during assembly work, transportation work, etc., since no part of the decorative body protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame, there is no risk of the protruding part from the center frame coming into contact with other parts, etc., and being scratched or damaged. For this reason, there is no need to work with the utmost caution, and workability can be improved.

In addition, because the rear decorative part that constitutes the decorative body extends within the framework of the center frame, the rear decorative part does not narrow the playing area on the front of the playing panel or make it difficult to see the playing balls flowing down the playing area, allowing players to enjoy playing with the playing balls in the playing area in good conditions.

Furthermore, since the rear decorative part that constitutes the decorative body extends within the framework of the center frame, if a performance display device, movable decorative body, decorative body, etc. are provided behind the gaming panel, the rear decorative part can decorate the area around the performance display device (display screen) or work together with the decorative body (movable decorative body) to present a decoration (performance) with a more decorative effect, making it possible to provide a highly appealing gaming machine that can strongly attract the interest of players.

In addition, the opaque parts of the decorative body make it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components from the front, and the opaque parts allow the wiring to be hidden, preventing the wiring from being visible and spoiling the appearance, making it easier to bring out the decorative effect of the decorative body.

In this way, the above solution makes it possible to provide an amusement machine that can improve ease of handling during manufacturing while maintaining decorativeness.

[15-5c. Relationship between the solution of the fifth technical feature and the embodiment]
In this embodiment, the game panel 1100 consisting of the panel board 1110 and the panel holder 1120 in the game board 5 corresponds to the game panel of the above-mentioned solution means, the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the game panel of the above-mentioned solution means, the center frame 2511 of the center gimmick 2500 in this embodiment corresponds to the center frame of the above-mentioned solution means, the ball passage 2517 in this embodiment corresponds to the ball passage of the above-mentioned solution means, the decorative body 2570 and the decorative body 2570A in this embodiment correspond to the decorative body of the above-mentioned solution means, the front decorative portion 2572 in this embodiment corresponds to the front decorative portion of the above-mentioned solution means, the transparent portion 2572a in this embodiment corresponds to the transparent portion of the above-mentioned solution means, the dot portion 2572b in this embodiment corresponds to the dot portion of the above-mentioned solution means, and the rear decorative portion 2573 in this embodiment corresponds to the rear decorative portion of the above-mentioned solution means.

[15-5d. Characteristic effects of the fifth technical feature]
According to this embodiment, a decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) consisting of a rear decorative portion 2573 that is provided forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511 and a front decorative portion 2572 that is provided so as to overlap with at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative portion 2573 is provided on a transparent center frame 2511 that is attached to the game panel 1100 of the game board 5.Since the center frame 2511 is transparent, it is less noticeable and the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) can be made to stand out in comparison, and the front decorative portion 2572 and rear decorative portion 2573 of the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) can give the player a decoration with depth. In this case, the rear decorative part 2573 and the front decorative part 2572 are decorated in a coordinated manner, and are arranged so that a part of each overlaps when viewed from the front, so that the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 and the decoration of the rear decorative part 2573 is difficult to distinguish when viewed from the front (front), and the large decoration of the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 can be shown to the player in a good condition, and the rear decorative part 2573 and the front decorative part 2572 can form a large, deep decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) with a high decorative effect. Therefore, since the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) with a high decorative effect can be provided on the center frame 2511, the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) can strongly attract the interest of the player and make it difficult for the player to get bored, and a pachinko machine 1 that can suppress a decline in the player's interest can be provided.

In addition, according to this embodiment, in the decorative body 2570, the rear decorative part 2573 is provided with a decoration (rear decoration) that is the same as the part of the decoration (front decoration) of the front decorative part 2572 that overlaps in front of it when viewed from the front, and the front decorative part 2572 is provided with a transparent part 2573 that allows the decoration of the rear decorative part 2573 and the game ball B flowing through the ball passage 2517 to be visible from the front in a part in front of the ball passage 2517 through which the game ball B flows, which is provided in at least a part between the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 in the decoration of the front decorative part 2572. 572a, and a plurality of dots 2572b that are smaller than the game ball B and are provided in the transparent portion 2572a and are decorated to form part of the decoration of the front decorative portion 2572. Therefore, when the game ball B is not flowing through the ball passage 2517 provided between the front decorative portion 2572 and the rear decorative portion 2573, the decoration of the rear decorative portion 2573 provided at the rear can be seen through the transparent portion 2572a provided in the front part of the ball passage 2517 in the decoration of the front decorative portion 2572. At this time, since the decoration of the rear decorative portion 2573 is the same as that of the front decorative portion 2572, the decoration of the rear decorative portion 2573 complements the transparent portion 2572a in the decoration of the front decorative portion 2572, so that the original decoration can be shown to the player as if the transparent portion 2572a did not exist in the decoration of the front decorative portion 2572, and the decorative effect of the decorative body 2570 can be reliably exerted.

On the other hand, when game ball B is flowing through the ball passage 2517 provided between the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573, game ball B can be seen through the transparent part 2572a in the decoration of the front decorative part 2572, so it is possible to avoid the player feeling distrustful or anxious due to the game ball B becoming invisible, even if only temporarily, and it is possible to enjoy playing with game ball B and prevent a decline in interest. In this case, since the transparent portion 2572a is provided with a plurality of dot portions 2572b that constitute part of the decoration of the front decorative portion 2572, even if the decoration of the rear decorative portion 2573 that can be seen through the transparent portion 2572a in the decoration of the front decorative portion 2572 is blocked and becomes invisible by the game ball B flowing through the ball passage 2517 provided between the front decorative portion 2572 and the rear decorative portion 2573, the decoration of the plurality of dot portions 2572b provided in the transparent portion 2572a in front of the game ball B can be seen, allowing the player to see the game ball B in the ball passage 2517 while avoiding the appearance of the decorative body 2570 being impaired, and the decorative effect of the decorative body 2570 can be fully demonstrated.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative part 2573 of the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) is provided forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511, and there is no part that would get in the way during the manufacture of the pachinko machine 1 by protruding backward from the center frame 2511, so that the handling (manufacturing ease) during manufacturing can be improved, and the increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed by improving workability. Specifically, for example, when the rear end side of the center frame 2511 is placed on a workbench TA or the like with the rear end side facing down, the center frame 2511 does not rattle. Alternatively, when the center frame 2511 is handled during assembly work, transportation work, etc., a part of the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) does not protrude backward from the rear end of the center frame 2511, so there is no risk of the part protruding from the center frame 2511 coming into contact with other members or the like and being scratched or damaged. For this reason, there is no need to work with extreme caution, and workability can be improved.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative part 2573 constituting the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, so that the rear decorative part 2573 does not narrow the game area 5a on the front of the game panel 1100 or make it difficult to see the game ball B flowing down the game area 5a, allowing the player to enjoy playing with the game ball B in the game area 5a in good conditions.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rear decorative portion 2573 constituting the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) is extended within the frame of the center frame 2511, so that it is possible to decorate the periphery of the performance display device 1600 (display screen) for the performance display device 1600, the back front performance unit 3300, the back rear performance unit 3400, etc., which are provided behind the game panel 1100, and to show decorations (performances) with a higher decorative effect in cooperation with the decorative bodies (movable decorative bodies) of the back front performance unit 3300 and the back rear performance unit 3400, making it possible to provide a highly appealing pachinko machine 1 that can strongly attract the interest of players.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the opaque parts of decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) make it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components such as an LED board from the front, and the wiring can be hidden by the opaque parts, which prevents the wiring from being visible and thus prevents the appearance from being deteriorated, making it easier to achieve the decorative effect of decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A).

[15-6. Sixth technical feature]
This specification has the following technical features different from those described above.

[15-6a. Background of the sixth technical feature]
There is known a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that is equipped with a center role as an inflow restriction part that is attached from the front to an opening of a gaming panel that forms a gaming area through which gaming balls can flow, and that restricts gaming balls flowing down the gaming area from flowing into the opening of the gaming panel (for example, Patent Document B: JP 2017-074434 A). According to the technology of Patent Document B, the center role can divide the gaming area into a desired size.

However, with the technology of Patent Document B, if the size of the opening of the gaming panel differs depending on the model of gaming machine, it is necessary to manufacture a center device (inflow restriction part) separately, making it difficult to reuse the inflow restriction part.

In view of the above situation, the following means aims to provide a gaming machine that can reuse the inflow restriction section even if the opening of the gaming panel differs depending on the model.

[15-6b. Solution of the sixth technical feature]
Means 1: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a playing area through which gaming balls can flow,
The game board is
A game panel on the front side of which the game area is formed;
An inflow restriction portion that is provided corresponding to an edge portion of an opening formed in the game panel and restricts game balls flowing down the game area from flowing into the inside of the opening;
Equipped with
The inflow regulating portion has at least a first inflow regulating portion and a second inflow regulating portion,
The first inflow restriction portion and the second inflow restriction portion each have a flange portion formed along the front surface of the gaming panel, and at least one of their ends has a non-flange portion where the flange portion is not formed, and the end of the first inflow restriction portion and the end of the second inflow restriction portion are attached to the front surface of the gaming panel by an attachment portion provided on the flange portion so that the end of the first inflow restriction portion and the end of the second inflow restriction portion are adjacent to each other.
The present invention is characterized in that

Here, examples of "game panel" include "opaque panels such as plywood," "panel boards made of transparent resin," and "those composed of a panel board made of transparent resin and a frame-shaped panel holder that holds the outer edge of the panel board."

Examples of "flange portion" include "one that extends toward the outside of the opening in the gaming panel, with the inflow restriction portion as the boundary," "one that extends toward the inside of the opening in the gaming panel, with the inflow restriction portion as the boundary," and "one that extends toward both the outside and inside of the opening in the gaming panel, with the inflow restriction portion as the boundary."

The "non-flange portion" may be provided on the side of the inflow restriction portion facing the center of the gaming panel, or on the side of the inflow restriction portion facing outward away from the center of the gaming panel, or on both sides of the inflow restriction portion.

Furthermore, examples of the configuration in which "the end of the first inflow regulating part and the end of the second inflow regulating part are attached so as to be adjacent to each other" include "the end face of the end of the first inflow regulating part and the end face of the end of the second inflow regulating part are attached so as to face each other", "the inner side of the end of the first inflow regulating part and the outer side of the end of the second inflow regulating part are attached so as to face each other", "the outer side of the end of the first inflow regulating part and the inner side of the end of the second inflow regulating part are attached so as to face each other", and the like. In addition, the end of the first inflow regulating part and the end of the second inflow regulating part may be in contact with each other or may be separated from each other.

According to the configuration of the first means, in a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming area through which gaming balls can flow, the gaming board is equipped with a gaming panel on which the gaming area is formed on the front side, and an inflow restriction part that is provided corresponding to the edge of the opening formed in the gaming panel and restricts the gaming balls flowing down the gaming area from flowing into the inside of the opening, and the inflow restriction part has at least a first inflow restriction part and a second inflow restriction part, and the first inflow restriction part and the second inflow restriction part each have a flange part formed along the front side of the gaming panel, and at least one of the ends of each has a non-flange part that does not have a flange part formed thereon, and the end of the first inflow restriction part and the end of the second inflow restriction part are attached to the front side of the gaming panel by the attachment part provided on the flange part so that the end of the first inflow restriction part and the end of the second inflow restriction part are adjacent to each other. (See the description of [11-3. Center role of the third embodiment] and Figures 71 to 74 in [Form for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, the inflow restriction section, which is provided corresponding to the edge of the opening of the game panel on the front side where the game area is formed and restricts the inflow of game balls into the opening, is composed of at least a first inflow restriction section and a second inflow restriction section, and is attached so that the end of the first inflow restriction section and the end of the second inflow restriction section are adjacent to each other on the front side of the game panel via the mounting section of the flange section provided on each section. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the relationship of the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction section and the second inflow restriction section relative to the game panel, the inflow restriction section can be attached to game panels having openings of various sizes and shapes without having to be newly manufactured, and the inflow restriction section can be reused even if the model is different.

In more detail, for example, by attaching the end of the first inflow restriction part and the end of the second inflow restriction part so that they are spaced apart from each other, it is possible to accommodate gaming panels with large openings. In this case, it is desirable that the gap between the end of the first inflow restriction part and the end of the second inflow restriction part is large enough that gaming balls cannot pass through, but if the gap is large enough that gaming balls can pass through, obstacle nails may be planted in to prevent the gaming balls from passing through.

Alternatively, the end of the first inflow regulating part and the end of the second inflow regulating part can be attached so that their respective side surfaces face each other, making it possible to accommodate gaming panels with small openings. In this case, since a non-flange portion is provided at least on one end of the first inflow regulating part and the second inflow regulating part, it is possible to bring the side of the end of the first inflow regulating part and the side of the end of the second inflow regulating part as close as possible, which increases the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first inflow regulating part and the second inflow regulating part, making it easier to accommodate gaming panels with openings of various sizes.

In addition, as described above, since it is possible to accommodate game panels with openings of various sizes, if it is desired to change the size of the game area due to design changes, etc., the size of the game area can be easily changed by changing the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction unit and the second inflow restriction unit, thereby increasing the design freedom of the gaming machine. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture a new inflow restriction unit to match the size of the game area to be changed, and increases in the costs of the gaming machine can be suppressed.

The game board may further include a plurality of frames from the first frame on which the first inflow restriction portion is provided to the nth frame on which the nth inflow restriction portion (n is an integer of 2 or more) is provided, and a connecting and retaining portion that prevents at least one of the frames from falling off the game panel. As a result, since the inflow restriction portion is made up of a plurality of frames, the same effect as above can be achieved by appropriately setting the mounting position of each frame relative to the game panel. Also, since the inflow restriction portion is made up of a plurality of frames, if a malfunction occurs in one of the frames, only that frame needs to be replaced, and the maintenance costs can be reduced. Furthermore, since the connecting and retaining portion is provided, it is possible to prevent the frames from falling off the game panel and being scratched or damaged during the assembly or maintenance of the game machine.

Furthermore, as described above, when providing a connecting and retaining portion, it is desirable that the connecting and retaining portion be formed in a flexible string-like shape. As a result, since the connecting and retaining portion is made in a flexible string-like shape, even if the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction portion (first frame) and the second inflow restriction portion (second frame) is changed, the connecting and retaining portion can follow by flexibly deforming, and can accommodate the size and shape of the opening of the gaming panel while preventing the frame from falling off the gaming panel.

Furthermore, as described above, by providing a flexible string-like connecting and retaining part, when the frame tries to come off the gaming panel, the connecting and retaining part tries to flexibly deform, providing resistance and preventing the frame from immediately coming off the gaming panel. Furthermore, if the frame comes off the gaming panel, the connecting and retaining part flexibly deforms, making it possible to reduce the falling speed and absorb the impact, thereby preventing damage to the frame.

Furthermore, as described above, when providing a connecting retaining portion, it is desirable to connect adjacent frames together with the connecting retaining portion. This makes it easier to handle multiple frames as a single unit compared to when one end of the connecting retaining portion is connected to a gaming panel or other member, and improves workability during the manufacture of gaming machines, etc.

In addition, when providing a connecting and retaining part as described above, it is desirable to provide the connecting and retaining part so that it can be attached and detached from the frame. This allows, for example, when attaching multiple frames to the game panel in sequence, or when removing some of the frames from the game panel for maintenance, etc., to improve the handling and maneuverability of the frames by removing and attaching the connecting and retaining part, thereby improving workability.

In addition, as described above, by making the connecting and retaining parts detachable, it becomes possible to connect the frame to the gaming panel using the connecting and retaining parts until the frame is attached to the gaming panel, and then to remove the connecting and retaining parts once the frame is attached to the gaming panel, thereby preventing the connecting and retaining parts from spoiling the appearance.

Furthermore, when multiple frames are provided as described above, the gaming board may further include electronic components attached to at least one of the frames. This allows electronic components to be attached to at least one of the frames, and since the weight of the frame to which the electronic components are attached becomes heavy, if the frame comes off the gaming panel and falls during assembly work of the gaming machine, the weight of the frame makes the frame more susceptible to damage. However, since a connecting retaining portion that prevents the frame from falling is provided, the frame will not fall onto a workbench, floor, etc. and be damaged. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reliably exert the effects of the electronic components attached to the frame.

Means 2: In the configuration of Means 1,
"The game board is,
A plurality of frames from a first frame in which the first inflow regulation portion is provided to an nth frame in which an nth inflow regulation portion (n is an integer of 2 or more) is provided;
and a connecting and retaining portion that prevents at least one of the frames from falling off the game panel.

The number of multiple frames, "n," is preferably in the range of 2 to 6. If the number of frames is greater than this range, it may be more time-consuming to attach the frames during the manufacture of the gaming machine, which could increase costs. Electronic components such as LED boards may be attached to some of the multiple frames.

Examples of the "connecting and holding part" include "flexible string-like parts" and "flexible band-like parts". Examples of the "connecting and holding part" include "parts that connect adjacent frames together", "parts that connect a frame to another component", and "parts that connect a frame to a game panel". Furthermore, the "connecting and holding part" may or may not be decorative. It is desirable for the "connecting and holding part" to be long enough that when the frame comes off the game panel and falls while the game board is upright, the frame does not come into contact with the base, floor, etc.

According to the configuration of the second means, the game board further comprises a plurality of frames, from the first frame on which the first inflow restriction portion is provided to the nth frame on which the nth inflow restriction portion is provided (n is an integer of 2 or more), and a connecting and retaining portion that prevents at least one of the frames from falling off the game panel. (See the description of the center frame 2700 and the connecting and retaining portion 2710 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, since the inflow restriction section is made up of multiple frames, the same effect as above can be achieved by appropriately setting the mounting position of each frame relative to the gaming panel. Also, since the inflow restriction section is made up of multiple frames, if a malfunction occurs in one of the frames, only that frame needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, since a connecting retaining section is provided, it is possible to prevent the frames from falling off the gaming panel and being scratched or broken during assembly or maintenance of the gaming machine.

Means 3: In the configuration of Means 2,
"The connecting and holding portion is
It is characterized by being "formed in a flexible string shape."

According to the configuration of means 3, the connection holding part is formed in a flexible string shape. (See the description of the connection holding part 2710 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, because the connecting and retaining part is made flexible and string-like, even if the mounting position relationship between the first inflow restriction part (first frame) and the second inflow restriction part (second frame) is changed, the connecting and retaining part can flexibly deform to follow, and can accommodate the size and shape of the opening in the gaming panel while preventing the frame from falling off the gaming panel.

In addition, because the connecting and retaining parts are made in the form of flexible strings, when the frame tries to come off the gaming panel, the connecting and retaining parts try to flexibly deform, providing resistance and preventing the frame from immediately coming off the gaming panel. And, if the frame does come off the gaming panel, the connecting and retaining parts flexibly deform, making it possible to reduce the falling speed and absorb the impact, thereby preventing damage to the frame.

Means 4: In the configuration of means 2 or 3,
"The connecting and holding portion is
The frame is characterized in that it connects adjacent frames together.

According to the configuration of means 4, the connecting and holding part connects adjacent frames. (See the description of the connecting and holding part 2710 in [Embodiment of the invention].)

This makes it easier to handle multiple frames as a single unit compared to connecting one end of the connecting retainer to a gaming panel or other component, improving workability during the manufacture of gaming machines, etc.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations of means 2 to 4,
"The connecting and holding portion is
The present invention is characterized in that the device is "detachably attached to the frame."

According to the configuration of means 5, the connection and holding part is detachably attached to the frame. (See the description of the connection and holding part 2710 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention].)

This allows, for example, when multiple frames are attached to a gaming panel in sequence, or when some of the frames are removed from the gaming panel for maintenance, etc., to easily move and handle the frames by removing and attaching the connecting retaining parts, improving workability.

In addition, because the connecting and retaining parts are detachable, the frame can be connected by the connecting and retaining parts until it is attached to the game panel, and then the connecting and retaining parts can be removed once the frame is attached to the game panel, preventing the connecting and retaining parts from spoiling the appearance.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations of means 2 to 5,
"The game board is,
At least one electronic component attached to the frame,
The present invention is characterized in that it further comprises:

Here, "electronic components" include "LED boards," "relay boards," "ball sensors," "magnetic sensors," "displays (displays with special designs)," "solenoids," "motors," etc.

According to the configuration of means 6, the game board further includes electronic components attached to at least one frame. (See the description of the symbol display 2518 and center frame 2700 in [Embodiment for carrying out the invention].)

As a result, electronic components can be attached to at least one of the frames, and since the weight of the frame to which the electronic components are attached becomes heavy, if the frame comes off the gaming panel and falls during assembly work of the gaming machine, the weight of the frame makes it more susceptible to damage. However, since a connecting retaining section is provided to prevent the frame from falling, the frame will not fall onto a workbench, floor, etc. and be damaged. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reliably exert the effects of the electronic components attached to the frame.

Means 7: In the gaming machine,
"In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a playing area through which gaming balls can flow,
The game board is
A game panel on the front side of which the game area is formed;
an inflow restriction portion provided in correspondence with an edge portion of an opening formed in the game panel, restricting game balls flowing down the game area from flowing into the inside of the opening, the inflow restriction portion having a first inflow restriction portion to an n-th inflow restriction portion (n is an integer of 2 or more);
A plurality of frames from a first frame in which the first inflow regulation portion is provided to an nth frame in which an nth inflow regulation portion (n is an integer of 2 or more) is provided;
At least one connecting and retaining portion for preventing the frame from falling off the game panel;
At least one electronic component attached to the frame;
Equipped with
The inflow regulation portion is
The m inflow regulation portion (m is an integer between 1 and n-1) and the (m+1) inflow regulation portion each have a flange portion formed along the front surface of the gaming panel, and at least one of their ends is formed with a non-flange portion where the flange portion is not formed, and the m inflow regulation portion and the (m+1) inflow regulation portion are attached to the front surface of the gaming panel by an attachment portion provided on the flange portion so that the end of the m inflow regulation portion and the end of the (m+1) inflow regulation portion are adjacent to each other;
The connection holding portion is
It is formed in a flexible string shape, connects adjacent frames together, and is detachably attached to the frames.
The present invention is characterized in that

According to the configuration of Means 7, in a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board having a gaming area through which gaming balls can flow down, the gaming board comprises a gaming panel on the front side of which the gaming area is formed, an inflow restriction portion provided in correspondence with the edge of an opening formed in the gaming panel and restricting gaming balls flowing down the gaming area from flowing into the opening and having a first inflow restriction portion to an nth inflow restriction portion (n is an integer of two or more), a plurality of frames from a first frame on which the first inflow restriction portion is provided to an nth frame on which the nth inflow restriction portion (n is an integer of two or more) is provided, a connecting retaining portion that prevents at least one frame from falling from the gaming panel, and at least one frame. and electronic components attached to the m-th inflow restriction section (m is an integer between 1 and n-1) and the (m+1)-th inflow restriction section, each of which has a flange section formed along the front surface of the game panel, and at least one of the ends of each of which has a non-flange section where no flange section is formed, the end of the m-th inflow restriction section and the end of the (m+1)-th inflow restriction section are attached to the front surface of the game panel so that they are adjacent to each other by the attachment section provided on the flange section, and the connecting and holding section is formed in a flexible string shape, connects adjacent frames together, and is provided detachably to the frames.

As a result, the inflow restriction section, which is provided corresponding to the edge of the opening of the game panel on the front side where the game area is formed and restricts the inflow of game balls into the opening, is composed of at least a first inflow restriction section to an nth inflow restriction section (n is an integer of 2 or more), and is attached to the front side of the game panel so that the end of the mth inflow restriction section (m is an integer between 1 and n-1) and the end of the (m+1)th inflow restriction section are adjacent to each other via the mounting section of the flange section provided on each section. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the relationship of the mounting positions of the mth inflow restriction section and the (m+1)th inflow restriction section relative to the game panel, the inflow restriction section can be attached to game panels having openings of various sizes and shapes without having to be newly manufactured, and the inflow restriction section can be reused even if the model is different.

In the following detailed explanation, assuming m is 1, for example, by attaching the end of the first inflow restriction part and the end of the second inflow restriction part so that they are spaced apart from each other, it is possible to accommodate gaming panels with large openings. In this case, it is desirable that the gap between the end of the first inflow restriction part and the end of the second inflow restriction part is large enough that gaming balls cannot pass through, but if the gap is large enough that gaming balls can pass through, obstacle nails may be planted to prevent the gaming balls from passing through.

Alternatively, the end of the first inflow regulating part and the end of the second inflow regulating part can be attached so that their respective side surfaces face each other, making it possible to accommodate gaming panels with small openings. In this case, since a non-flange portion is provided at least on one end of the first inflow regulating part and the second inflow regulating part, it is possible to bring the side of the end of the first inflow regulating part and the side of the end of the second inflow regulating part as close as possible, which increases the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first inflow regulating part and the second inflow regulating part, making it easier to accommodate gaming panels with openings of various sizes.

In addition, as described above, since it is possible to accommodate game panels with openings of various sizes, if it is desired to change the size of the game area due to design changes, etc., the size of the game area can be easily changed by changing the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction unit and the second inflow restriction unit, thereby increasing the design freedom of the gaming machine. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture a new inflow restriction unit to match the size of the game area to be changed, and increases in the costs of the gaming machine can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the inflow restriction section is made up of multiple frames, the same effect as above can be achieved by appropriately setting the mounting position of each frame relative to the gaming panel. Also, since the inflow restriction section is made up of multiple frames, if a malfunction occurs in one of the frames, only that frame needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, since a connecting and retaining section is provided, it is possible to prevent the frames from falling off the gaming panel and being scratched or damaged during assembly or maintenance of the gaming machine.

In addition, because the connecting and retaining part is made flexible and string-like, even if the mounting position relationship between the first inflow restriction part (first frame) and the second inflow restriction part (second frame) is changed, the connecting and retaining part can flexibly deform to follow, and can accommodate the size and shape of the opening in the gaming panel while preventing the frame from falling off the gaming panel.

In addition, because a flexible string-like connecting and retaining part is provided, when the frame tries to come off the game panel, the connecting and retaining part tries to flexibly deform, providing resistance and preventing the frame from immediately coming off the game panel. And, if the frame comes off the game panel, the connecting and retaining part flexibly deforms, making it possible to reduce the falling speed and absorb the impact, thereby preventing damage to the frame.

Furthermore, because adjacent frames are connected together by the connecting and retaining parts, it is easier to handle multiple frames as a single unit compared to when one end of the connecting and retaining part is connected to a gaming panel or other component, improving workability during the manufacture of gaming machines, etc.

In addition, because the connecting and retaining parts are detachably attached to the frame, for example, when attaching multiple frames to the game panel in sequence or removing some of the frames from the game panel for maintenance, the connecting and retaining parts can be detached and attached to improve the handling and maneuverability of the frames, thereby improving workability.

In addition, because the connecting and retaining parts are removable, the frame can be connected by the connecting and retaining parts until it is attached to the game panel, and then the connecting and retaining parts can be removed once the frame is attached to the game panel, preventing the connecting and retaining parts from spoiling the appearance.

Furthermore, electronic components are attached to at least one of the frames, and since the weight of the frame to which the electronic components are attached becomes heavy, if the frame comes off the gaming panel and falls during assembly work of the gaming machine, the weight of the frame makes it more susceptible to damage. However, since a connecting retaining part is provided to prevent the frame from falling, the frame will not fall onto a workbench, floor, etc. and be damaged. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reliably exert the effects of the electronic components attached to the frame.

In this way, the above solution makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can reuse the inflow restriction section even if the opening of the gaming panel differs depending on the model.

[15-6c. Relationship between the solution of the sixth technical feature and the embodiment]
The game panel 1100 (see FIG. 72) in the game board 5 of this embodiment corresponds to the game panel of the above-mentioned solving means, the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the game panel of the above-mentioned solving means, the pattern display 2518, the second start opening unit 2720, the attacca unit 2730, and the role winning opening unit 2740 in this embodiment correspond to the electronic components of the above-mentioned solving means, and the inflow restriction portion 2700a of the center frame 2700 in the center role 2500A in this embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned solving means. The flange portion 2700b of the center frame 2700, the first flange portion 2701b of the first frame 2701, and the second flange portion 2702b of the second frame 2702 in this embodiment correspond to the flange portions of the above-mentioned solving means, and the non-flange portion 2700c of the center frame 2700, the first non-flange portion 2701c of the first frame 2701, and the second non-flange portion 2702c of the second frame 2702 in this embodiment correspond to the inflow regulating portion of the solving means, respectively.

In addition, the first frame 2701, the second frame 2702, the third frame 2703, the fourth frame 2704, and the fifth frame 2705 in this embodiment correspond to the frames of the above-mentioned solution means, the first inflow restriction portion 2701a in this embodiment corresponds to the first inflow restriction portion of the above-mentioned solution means, the second inflow restriction portion 2702a in this embodiment corresponds to the second inflow restriction portion of the above-mentioned solution means, the mounting holes provided in the flange portion 2700b such as the first flange portion 2701b and the second flange portion 2702b in this embodiment correspond to the mounting portion of the above-mentioned solution means, and the connecting and retaining portion 2710 in this embodiment corresponds to the connecting and retaining portion of the above-mentioned solution means.

[15-6d. Characteristic effect of the sixth technical feature]
According to this embodiment, in the center frame 2700 in the center gimmick 2500A of the game board 5, the inflow restriction portion 2700a is provided corresponding to the edge portion of the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100 in which the game area 5a is formed on the front side, and restricts the game ball B from flowing into the inside of the opening 1112. The inflow restriction portion 2700a is composed of at least a first inflow restriction portion 2701a and a second inflow restriction portion 2702a, and the inflow restriction portion 2700a is attached to the game panel 1100 via the mounting portion of the flange portion 2700b (the first flange portion 2701b and the second flange portion 2702b) provided on each of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a. Since the end of the first inflow regulating portion 2701a and the end of the second inflow regulating portion 2702a are attached adjacent to each other on the front surface, by appropriately selecting the relationship of the attachment positions of the first inflow regulating portion 2701a and the second inflow regulating portion 2702a relative to the gaming panel 1100, the inflow regulating portion 2700a (center frame 2700) can be attached to gaming panels 1100 having openings 1112 of various sizes and shapes without having to manufacture a new inflow regulating portion 2700a (center frame 2700), and the inflow regulating portion 2700a (center frame 2700) can be reused even if the model is different.

In more detail, for example, by attaching the end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the end of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a so that they are spaced apart from each other, it is possible to accommodate a gaming panel 1100 with a large opening 1112. In this case, it is desirable that the gap C between the end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the end of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a is large enough that gaming ball B cannot pass through, but if it is large enough that gaming ball B can pass through, it is also possible to prevent gaming ball B from passing through by planting obstacle nails.

Alternatively, the end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the end of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a can be attached so that their respective side surfaces face each other to accommodate a gaming panel 1100 with a small opening 1112. In this case, since a non-flange portion 2700c (first non-flange portion 2701c or second non-flange portion 2702c) is provided at least on one end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a, it is possible to bring the side of the end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a and the side of the end of the second inflow restriction portion 2702a as close as possible, so that the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a (first frame 2701) and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a (second frame 2702) can be increased, and it is possible to easily accommodate gaming panels 1100 with openings 1112 of various sizes.

In addition, as described above, since it is possible to accommodate game panels 1100 having openings 1112 of various sizes, if it is desired to change the size of the play area 5a due to design changes or the like, the size of the play area 5a can be easily changed by changing the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction part 2701a (first frame 2701) and the second inflow restriction part 2702a (second frame 2702), thereby increasing the design freedom of the pachinko machine 1. Therefore, there is no need to newly manufacture an inflow restriction part 2700a (center frame 2700) to match the play area 5a of a different size, and an increase in the cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the inflow restriction section 2700a (center frame 2700) is composed of multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 to the fifth frame 2705, the same effect as above can be achieved by appropriately setting the mounting position of each frame relative to the gaming panel 1100. Also, since the inflow restriction section 2700a is composed of multiple frames, if a malfunction occurs in one of the frames, only that frame needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, since the connecting and holding section 2710 is provided, it is possible to prevent the frames from falling off the gaming panel 1100 and being scratched or damaged during assembly or maintenance of the pachinko machine 1.

In addition, because the connecting and holding portion 2710 is made flexible and string-like, even if the mounting position relationship between the first inflow restriction portion 2701a (first frame 2701) and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a (second frame 2702) is changed, the connecting and holding portion 2710 can flexibly deform to follow, and can accommodate the size and shape of the opening 1112 of the gaming panel 1100 while preventing the frame from falling off the gaming panel 1100.

In addition, because a flexible string-like connecting and retaining portion 2710 is provided, when a frame such as the first frame 2701 attempts to come off from the gaming panel 1100, the connecting and retaining portion 2710 attempts to flexibly deform, providing resistance and preventing the frame from immediately coming off the gaming panel 1100. Furthermore, if the frame comes off the gaming panel 1100, the connecting and retaining portion 2710 flexibly deforms, making it possible to reduce the falling speed and absorb the impact, thereby preventing damage to the frame.

Furthermore, since adjacent frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 are connected to each other by the connecting and holding portion 2710, it is easier to handle multiple frames as a single unit compared to when one end of the connecting and holding portion 2710 is connected to the game panel 1100 or other components, and this improves workability during the manufacture of the pachinko machine 1, etc.

In addition, because the connecting and holding portion 2710 is detachably attached to the frame, for example, when attaching multiple frames to the gaming panel 1100 in sequence or removing some of the frames from the gaming panel for maintenance, the connecting and holding portion 2710 can be removed and attached to improve the handling and maneuverability of the frames, thereby improving workability.

In addition, because the connecting and holding part 2710 is removable, it is possible to connect the frame to the gaming panel 1100 using the connecting and holding part 2710 until the frame is attached to the gaming panel 1100, and then remove the connecting and holding part 2710 once the frame is attached to the gaming panel 1100, thereby preventing the presence of the connecting and holding part 2710 from spoiling the appearance.

Furthermore, at least one of the frames is designed to be able to mount electronic components such as a symbol display 2518, and since the weight of the frame to which the electronic components are mounted increases, if the frame comes off the game panel 1100 and falls during assembly work of the pachinko machine 1, the weight of the frame makes it more susceptible to damage. However, since a connecting retaining section 2710 is provided to prevent the frame from falling, the frame will not fall onto a workbench, floor, etc. and be damaged. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pachinko machine 1 that can reliably exert the effects of the electronic components mounted on the frame.

The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various improvements and design changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, as described below.

In other words, in the above embodiment, the invention is applied to a pachinko machine 1 or a slot machine as a gaming machine, but is not limited to this and may also be applied to a pachislot machine or a gaming machine that is a combination of a pachinko machine and a pachislot machine, and in this case too, the same effect as described above can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is applied to a so-called enclosed game machine or a controlled game machine in which the player does not touch the game ball B, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a game machine in which the player can touch the game ball B, and in this case, the same effects as those described above can be achieved. An example of this game machine is a pachinko machine in which game balls stored in a tray in a door frame are shot into a game area of a game board by the player's operation, and the shot game balls are received into a winning hole provided in the game area, and a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the winning hole are paid out to the tray in the door frame.

1 Pachinko machine 2 Outer frame 3 Door frame 4 Main body frame 5 Game board 5a Game area 1100 Game panel (game panel)
1110 Panel board (game panel)
1112 Opening (aperture)
1113 Positioning hole 1114 Mounting hole 1120 Panel holder (game panel)
2000 Front unit 2001 General entry gate (ball entry gate)
2800 Side unit (ball entry unit)
2800B Side unit (ball entry unit)
2800C Side unit (ball entry unit)
2800D Side unit (ball entry unit)
2800E Side unit (ball entry unit)
2800F Side unit (ball entry unit)
2800G Side unit (ball entry unit)
2801 Branch portion 2802 Main portion 2811 First component member (first component member)
2811A First Component (First Component)
2811a Base plate (base plate)
2811b Ball receiving part (ball entrance)
2811c Positioning protrusion (positioning protrusion)
2811d Mounting hole (first mounting hole)
2812 Second component member (second component member)
2812A Second component member (second component member)
2812a Ball passage (ball passage)
2812b Passage exit 2812c Ball receiving part (ball entrance)
2812d Front plate (front plate)
2812e Rear plate 2812f Ball passage (ball passage)
3500 Backstage production unit (production equipment)

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine having a ball entry unit attached to the front of a gaming panel having a plurality of winning holes through which game balls can enter and through which game balls can flow down,
The game panel has an opening area through which game balls can flow from the front side to the rear side,
The ball entry unit is attached from the front side of the game panel so that at least a portion of the ball entry unit overlaps, in a front view, with a winning opening area of the opening area through which game balls that have entered the winning opening can circulate, and at least a portion of the ball entry unit overlaps, in a front view, with an out opening area of the opening area through which game balls that have not entered the winning opening can circulate,
The ball entry unit has a plate-like portion having a surface parallel to the surface of the game panel, and a portion of the ball entry unit that overlaps with the out opening area in a front view is formed as a specific portion of the plate-like portion;
The identification unit is configured so that the ball-entering unit can be pulled forward by hooking a finger, a tool, or the like when removing the ball-entering unit from the game panel,
The plurality of winning openings in the winning unit are configured without including a variable winning opening,
The plate-shaped portion on which the specific portion is formed has a game ball contact surface with which the game ball comes into contact, and has an inclined portion provided between the game ball contact surface and an end surface of the plate-shaped portion, while no inclined portion is provided between the side opposite to the game ball contact surface in the specific portion and the end surface of the plate-shaped portion.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images