Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of appropriately guiding game balls shot by shooting means to a game area.SOLUTION: An outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 has a guide face 27A for guiding game balls. The guide face 27 has a first area R1, and a second area R2 positioned in an upper side of the first area R1. The first area R1 is more planar than the second area R2. A shooting device (shooting means) 16 can shoot game balls at a shooting speed C (first shooting strength) at which the game balls can reach a win-rich position (leftward shooting reference position) BP of a game area 108a. When a position of the outer guide rail 27 in a guide passage 29 with which game balls shot at the shooting strength C first comes into contact is set to a first contact position, the first contact position is within a range of the first area (first outer rail surface) R1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 30

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine (so-called pachinko machine) in which a gaming ball, which is a gaming medium, is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and when the gaming ball enters a winning area such as a winning slot provided in the gaming area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, and when the display result of the variable display of identification information becomes a specific display result, the gaming state is changed.

[0003] In addition, a gaming machine (so-called slot machine) is known in which, after a predetermined number of bets is set for one game, the player operates a start lever to start the varying display of the identification information, and the player operates a stop switch to stop the varying display of the identification information within a predetermined maximum delay time from the timing of the operation, a win occurs according to the display result derived when all the varying displays have been stopped, a predetermined gaming medium is paid out in accordance with the win, and the gaming state is changed when a specific win occurs.

[0004] As such a gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine provided with a gaming board having a play area, a launching device (launching means) capable of launching game balls, and an outer guide rail (outer rail) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching device to the play area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of gaming machine, the game balls launched by the launching device collide with the base end side of the outer guide rail, and then rise along the outer guide rail to be guided to the play area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-95010 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the gaming ball launched by the launching device may be reflected in various directions depending on the position where it first contacts the outer guide rail. In this case, the gaming ball cannot be properly guided to the playing area, and an improvement in this regard was desired.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a gaming machine that can properly guide a gaming ball launched by a launching means into a gaming area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a game board having a guide area and a play area, a launching means capable of launching a game ball, an outer rail and an inner rail capable of guiding the game ball launched by the launching means from the guide area to the play area, and a ball return prevention mechanism that prevents the game ball from returning from the play area to the guide area, the ball return prevention mechanism having a case and a displacement member that is displaceable between a first state and a second state when placed in the case, the displacement member having a side portion facing the play area and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion. When the distance from the tip to the outer rail is a specific distance, the first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the second state, and the second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than the first state. In the first state, the game ball may come into contact with a protrusion formed on the side portion and the upper end of the case. In the first state, when the distance from the contact point between the game ball and the protrusion to the contact point between the game ball and the upper end is a first distance, and the distance from the lowest point of the game ball to the leftmost point is a second distance, the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

[0009] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration, the present invention provides that the launching means is capable of launching the game ball at a second launching intensity that allows the game ball to reach the game area but not the left-hit reference position, and if the position of the outer rail in the guide area where the game ball launched at the second launching intensity first comes into contact is defined as a second contact position, the second contact position is within the range of the first outer rail surface.

[0010] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration, the present invention provides that the launching means is capable of launching the game ball at a third launch intensity that allows the game ball to reach the guide area but not the game area itself, and if the position of the outer rail in the guide area where the game ball launched at the third launch intensity first comes into contact is defined as a third contact position, the third contact position is within the range of the first outer rail surface.

[0011] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration, the present invention provides that the launching means is capable of launching the game ball at a fourth launching intensity, which is the maximum of the launching intensities at which the game ball can reach the right hitting area of ​​the game area, and if the position of the outer rail in the guide area where the game ball launched at the fourth launching intensity first comes into contact is defined as a fourth contact position, the fourth contact position is within the range of the second outer rail surface. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately guiding a gaming ball launched by a launching means to a gaming area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. [Diagram 2] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine with the front frame open. [Diagram 3] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine with the inner frame open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the application area of ​​adhesive applied to the design sheet of the light-emitting unit. FIG. [Figure 9] 11(a) to 11(c) are explanatory diagrams showing a procedure for attaching a design sheet for a light-emitting unit. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the areas where adhesive is applied to a design sheet that is affixed to the resin cover of a normal prize opening. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application areas to be applied to the design sheet to be affixed to the resin cover of the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an application area of ​​adhesive applied to a design sheet of a light-emitting unit in Modification 1. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​adhesive applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the normal winning opening in the second modified example. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application areas applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable winning device in the third modified example. [Figure 15] 13(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​adhesive applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable winning device in the fourth modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an application portion of adhesive applied to a design sheet attached to a resin cover of a movable body in Modification 5. [Figure 17] (a) is a front view of the design sheet, (b) is a back view of the design sheet, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of (a). [Figure 18] FIG. 10A is a front view of a design sheet according to a modified example, and FIGS. 10B and 10C are back views of the same design sheet. [Figure 19] 6 is a perspective view of an inner guide rail attached to the game board shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 20]20 is a front perspective view of a ball return prevention mechanism provided in the inner guide rail shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism. [Figure 23] A front view of the ball return prevention member provided in the ball return prevention mechanism when it is in a closed state. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a front view of the ball return prevention member in an open state. [Diagram 25] This figure shows a game ball that has entered the game area attempting to return to the boundary area when the ball return prevention member is in the middle of changing from a closed state to an open state. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dotted line shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dotted line shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 28] A figure showing a state in which a game ball that has returned from the game area to the boundary area collides with a ball return prevention member. [Figure 29] FIG. [Diagram 30] 1A to 1C are front views showing the first landing of a game ball launched by a launching device with different launch strengths. [Diagram 31] 1A is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the gaming ball before and after it collides with the first seat in the first area, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the gaming ball before and after it collides with the first seat in the second area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [Overall configuration] The overall configuration of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine with the front frame open, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine with the inner frame open.

[0016] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the pachinko machine, which is a gaming machine 100, includes an outer frame 102 in which an enclosed space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, an inner frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a front frame 106 attached to the inner frame 104 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front frame 106 is attached to the outer frame 102 via the inner frame 104 so as to be freely opened and closed. The outer frame 102, the inner frame 104, and the front frame 106 are pivotally supported by an upper hinge mechanism 400 and a lower hinge mechanism 401. The outer frame 102 and the inner frame 104 form a main body (gaming machine frame), and this main body can hold a gaming board unit 600 (see Fig. 5). The gaming board unit 600 has, for example, a gaming board, a resin member provided on the front surface of the gaming board, and an LED (light emitting means) that irradiates light onto the resin member.

[0017] The inner frame 104, like the outer frame 102, has four sides arranged in a substantially rectangular shape to form an enclosed space, and a game board 108 is held in the enclosed space. The game board 108 can be attached to the inner frame 104 when the front frame 106 is in an open state (open state). A game area 108a (see FIG. 5) is formed on the front side of the game board 108, and the game area can be seen through the transparent window 106a when the front frame 106 is in a closed state (closed state). Note that FIG. 2 does not show the game board 108.

[0018] Here, an island facility is provided in an amusement facility (such as a pachinko parlor) where gaming machines are installed. In the island facility, a plurality of vertically long rectangular frame-shaped island facilities for installing a plurality of gaming machines side by side are provided. The island facility is generally made of wood. For example, the gaming machine 100 is attached to the island facility by fastening the upper and lower parts of the outer frame 102 to the island facility at four points each from the inside (the inner circumferential side where the inner frame 104 is attached) with nails.

[0019] An operating handle 117 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 106. The operating handle 117 is provided so as to be rotatable by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 117 to perform a firing operation, the firing device 16 fires game balls toward the playing area of ​​the gaming board 108 with a firing strength according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 117. This firing device 16 is disposed below the gaming board within the inner frame 104. The firing strength of the firing device 16 includes firing strengths A to D, which will be described later.

[0020] The gaming machine 100 is also provided with a liquid crystal display (not shown), lamps 114 that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, a speaker 116, and a performance operation device 118 that accepts operations by the player, as performance devices that perform performances while the game is in progress.

[0021] The effect operation device 118 is equipped with a push button 118a that accepts a push operation by the player, and an operation dial 118b that accepts a dial operation by the player. The effect operation device 118 is enabled according to an image displayed on the liquid crystal display, and when the effect operation device 118 accepts an operation by the player within the operation valid period, various effects are executed according to the operation.

[0022] An upper tray 120 is provided at the back side (the gaming board 108 side) of the performance operation device 118 to which prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and gaming balls lent out from the gaming ball lending device are guided. When the upper tray 120 is full of gaming balls, the gaming balls are guided to the lower tray 122. A ball ejection hole (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 122 to eject the gaming balls from the lower tray 122. This ball ejection hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but by pressing a ball ejection button 124, the opening / closing plate slides together with the ball ejection button 124, making it possible to eject the gaming balls from the ball ejection hole to below the lower tray 122.

[0023] [Configuration of the rear of the gaming machine] Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.

[0024] 4, on the rear side of the gaming machine 100, there are installed a main control board case that houses a main control board that controls the game, a rear cover 200 that covers a sub-control board case that houses a sub-control board that controls the presentation, a game information output terminal board 203, a prize ball storage tank 204, a prize ball payout flow path 206, a payout ball counting switch 208, a payout control board case 210, an inner frame opening switch 212, etc. In addition, on the rear side of the gaming machine 100, there are installed various electronic devices (including a control computer, not shown) that constitute the power supply system and control system of the gaming machine 100, a power cord with a power plug, connection wiring, etc. (none of which are shown).

[0025] The game information output terminal board 203 is connected to external electronic devices (such as a data display device, hall computer, etc.) of the gaming machine 100. Various external information signals (such as winning ball information, error information, big win information, starting hole information, etc.) indicating the game progress status and maintenance status of the gaming machine 100 are output from the game information output terminal board 203 to the external electronic devices.

[0026] The prize ball storage tank 204 is attached to a mounting base attached to the top plate of the inner frame 104. As a result, the prize ball storage tank 204 is provided at the upper part of the rear side of the inner frame 104. The prize ball storage tank 204 can store game balls supplied from a supply path (not shown). When prize balls are paid out, the game balls stored in the prize ball storage tank 204 are guided through a prize ball payout flow path 206 to the upper tray 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front side of the gaming machine 100. A payout ball counting switch 208 detects the number of game balls paid out through the prize ball payout flow path 206.

[0027] An inner frame opening switch 212 is provided in the lower left area of ​​the payout control board case 210. In addition, a power cord (not shown) is connected to a power supply device (e.g., AC 24 V) installed in, for example, an island facility of an amusement arcade. This ensures that the power supply (electricity) required for the operation of the gaming machine 100 is provided.

[0028] [Game board configuration] Next, the configuration of the game board 108 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a front view of the game board 108. In order to prevent the figure from becoming too complicated, parts that are not relevant to the description are omitted from the illustration.

[0029] The game board 108 is provided on the front surface of the game board unit 600 described above, and is disposed so as to face the transparent window 106a of the front door 3.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the game board 108 has a substantially rectangular acrylic plate (board plate) 5a, a rail base 26, an outer guide rail (outer rail) 27, and an inner guide rail (inner rail) 28. The rail base 26 is fixed to the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a, and has an inner peripheral surface 42a that is arc-shaped when viewed from the front. The outer guide rail 27 is attached along the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26, and is arranged in an arc shape from a left side position away from the lower center of the game board 108 to the left end, upper end, and upper right end vicinity. In addition, a base end support part 420a that supports the base end of the outer guide rail 27 is provided at the base end of the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26, and a tip end support part 420b that supports the tip end of the outer guide rail 27 is provided at the tip end.

[0031] The inner guide rail 28 is attached to the inner side of the outer guide rail 27 on the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a, and is arranged in an arc shape from a position slightly to the left of the lower center of the game board 108 to the vicinity of the left end and the vicinity of the upper left end of the game board 108. The curved area between the outer guide rail 27 and the inner guide rail 28 is the guide passage 29. The guide passage 29 guides the game balls launched by the launching device 16 (see FIG. 2) to the game area 108a. A boundary area 700 is provided between the guide passage 29 and the game area 108a. The exit of the boundary area 700 is connected to the game area 108a, and the entrance of the boundary area 700 is connected to the guide passage 29. Although details will be described later, a ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided at the tip of the inner guide rail 28, and this ball return prevention mechanism 50 is arranged in the boundary area 700.

[0032] Translucent resin members 5b and 5c are provided on the front of the acrylic plate 5a at positions visible to the player. The resin member 5b is provided at the center left of the acrylic plate 5a, and the resin member 5c is provided at the lower right of the acrylic plate 5a. A design sheet 70 (see FIG. 17(a)) is attached to the front of the resin member 5b, and a design sheet 80 (see FIG. 18(a)) is attached to the front of the resin member 5c. Details of the design sheets 70 and 80 will be described later.

[0033] In the game area 108a, a normal winning hole 92, a start winning hole 93, a variable winning device 94, etc. are distributed and installed, and a game nail capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball is provided. Then, the game ball shot into the game area 108a enters the normal winning hole 92 or the start winning hole 93 during the flow down, or enters the variable winning device 94 when it is activated.

[0034] When the game board 108 is an acrylic plate, which is a transparent resin plate, as in this embodiment, decorativeness can be added by placing various decorative objects (including movable objects and light-emitting objects) not only on the front side but also on the back side of the game board 108.

[0035] Here, the game area 108a includes a left hitting area 108a1 and a right hitting area 108a2. The left hitting area 108a1 is an area where the player lets the game ball flow down in a normal game state. The left hitting operation refers to hitting the game ball aiming at the left hitting area 108a1. The left hitting area 108a1 is provided with a throw-in position BP (left hitting reference position). In this embodiment, the throw-in position BP is a reference position when the player performs a left hitting operation, and is located at the upper left of the game area 108a. Specifically, the throw-in position BP is a position near the middle between the exit of the guide passage 29 and the upper end of the game area 108a, and multiple nails (five in this example) are arranged near this position (see FIG. 5). The collision of the game ball with these nails makes it easier to guide the game ball to the start winning hole 93, and the probability of the ball entering the start winning hole 93 can be increased. The act of aiming at the throw-in position BP and shooting out a game ball is called a throw-in aim. On the other hand, the right-hand hitting area 108a2 is an area where the player makes the game ball flow down in a jackpot game state or a time-saving game state. The act of aiming at the right-hand hitting area 108a2 and shooting out a game ball is called a right-hand hitting operation.

[0036] In the gaming machine 100, in the normal game state, the player performs a firing operation (so-called left-hitting operation) by aiming at the left-hitting area 108a1 of the gaming area 108a. The left-hitting operation is performed by the player rotating the operation handle 117 provided on the gaming machine 100, and when the fired gaming ball flows down the left-hitting area 108a1 and enters the start winning hole 93, the variable display of the special symbols begins. If a jackpot symbol is displayed as a static display in the variable display of the special symbols, it is a "jackpot", and if a losing symbol is displayed as a static display, it is a "loss". In addition, if a gaming ball enters the normal winning hole 92 or the start winning hole 93, a predetermined number of prize balls can be obtained.

[0037] In the big win game state, the big win opening formed by the variable winning device 94 is opened in a predetermined manner. In the big win game state, the player performs a right hit operation, and the launched game ball flows down the right hit area 108a2 and enters the big win opening, thereby obtaining a prize ball. Therefore, the big win game state is an advantageous state for the player.

[0038] In this embodiment, the normal winning opening 92 is covered by a transparent resin cover 96 attached to the front of the game board 108. A design sheet 97 is attached with an adhesive to an attachment area on the front of the resin cover 96. The attachment area on the front of the resin cover 96 is a place that is difficult for a player or a game ball to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.

[0039] The variable winning device 94 is covered with a transparent resin cover 98 attached to the front of the game board 108. A design sheet 99 is attached with an adhesive to an attachment area on the front of the resin cover 98. The attachment area on the front of the resin cover 98 is a place that is difficult for a player or a game ball to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.

[0040] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the game board 108 has a movable body on its back side that can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. The movable body is formed in a plate shape extending in the left-right direction, and its front side is covered with a resin cover. A design sheet 500 is attached to an attachment area on the front side of the resin cover with an adhesive. The attachment area on the front side of the resin cover is a place that is difficult for a player or a game ball to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.

[0041] Next, the decorative plate will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a front view of the decorative plate.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, a decorative plate 107 is attached to the back of the game board 108. As described above, since the game board 108 is formed of a transparent resin plate, the decorative plate 107 can be seen from the front side of the game board 108. In addition, the decorative plate 107 is provided with a decorative member 109 and a light-emitting unit 110 arranged so as to surround the game area 108a. The light-emitting unit 110 can be seen from the front side of the game board 108. Although not shown in the figure, the above-mentioned movable body is arranged on the back side of the upper part of the game board 108 in the normal state, and the player cannot see the movable body. Note that the movable body may be arranged in a position where it can be seen by the player in the normal state.

[0043] [Light emitter unit] Next, the light emitter unit 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the light emitter unit.

[0044] 7, the light-emitting unit 110 includes a design sheet 111 on which a pattern is printed, a base plate 112 to which the design sheet 111 is attached, and a light-guiding lens 113 that guides light from an LED (not shown). The attachment area on the front of the base plate 112 is a place that is difficult for a player or a game ball to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.

[0045] An attachment portion 109a of a base plate 112 is formed on the front side of the decorative member 109. The attachment portion 109a has a shape corresponding to the shape of the base plate 112. The base plate 112 is attached to the attachment portion 109a of the decorative member 109 with screws (not shown). An adhesive surface 112a is formed on the front side of the base plate 112, and a design sheet 111 is attached to the adhesive surface 112a. A light guiding lens 113 is attached to the back side of the decorative member 109.

[0046] The decorative member 109, design sheet 111, and base plate 112 are made of a translucent resin. Light from the light guide lens 113 passes through the decorative member 109, and then passes through the base plate 112 and design sheet 111. This increases the visibility of the pattern on the design sheet 111, enhancing the presentation effect.

[0047] Furthermore, a vertically extending rib 112b is formed on the left end of the base plate 112. As will be described later, the design sheet 111 is positioned relative to the base plate 112 by abutting the design sheet 111 against the rib 112b.

[0048] Furthermore, a convex portion 112c that protrudes toward the design sheet 111 (i.e., the right side) is formed on the rib 112b of the base plate 112. A concave portion 111a into which the convex portion 112c can be inserted is formed on the design sheet 111. Specifically, the convex portion 112c is a protrusion that protrudes toward the design sheet 111. The concave portion 111a is a cutout that has approximately the same shape as the convex portion 112c and is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the convex portion 112c. When the convex portion 112c is inserted into the concave portion 111a, the design sheet 111 is positioned in the up-down direction.

[0049] Base plate 112 has air bubble prevention holes 112d formed in three places to prevent air bubbles from being generated between design sheet 111 and base plate 112 when design sheet 111 is attached.

[0050] [Luminous unit design sheet] Next, the adhesive applied to design sheet 111 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the adhesive application portion applied to the design sheet of the light-emitting unit. Note that Fig. 8 shows the back side of design sheet 111.

[0051] 8, adhesive 130 is applied to design sheet 111 (the shaded area in the figure). Adhesive 130 is disposed at a position spaced about 3 mm inward from the outer periphery of design sheet 111. Also, adhesive 130 is disposed along the outer periphery of design sheet 111 in a ring shape with a width of about 5 mm all around. That is, in this embodiment, adhesive 130 is disposed at a distance of 3 mm or more from the outer periphery of design sheet 111, and is not disposed at a distance less than 3 mm.

[0052] The air bubble prevention holes 112d of the base plate 112 are arranged in a position where the adhesive 130 will not adhere when the design sheet 111 is attached to the base plate 112.

[0053] [How to attach the design sheet] Next, the operation of attaching the design sheet 111 to the base plate 112 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Figs. 9(a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for attaching the design sheet of the light emitting unit.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 9(a), first, the design sheet 111 with adhesive 130 attached to the backside is butted against the adhesive surface 112a while being tilted relative to the base plate 112. At this time, the end of the design sheet 111 on the recess 111a side faces the rib 112b of the base plate 112. Also, the design sheet 111 is tilted so that the adhesive 130 of the design sheet 111 does not adhere to the adhesive surface 112a, and the end of the design sheet 111 is butted against the base plate 112. Then, while still tilted, the design sheet 111 is slid toward the rib 112b of the base plate 112.

[0055] 9(b), the edge of the design sheet 111 is abutted against the rib 112b of the base plate 112, and the recess 111a of the design sheet 111 is inserted into the protrusion 112c of the base plate 112. This positions the design sheet 111 relative to the base plate 112.

[0056] 9(c), the design sheet 111 is rotated around the side of the base plate 112 that abuts against the rib 112b so that the design sheet 111 approaches the base plate 112, and the design sheet 111 is attached to the adhesive surface 112a of the base plate 112. At this time, air escapes through the air bubble prevention holes 112d of the base plate 112, preventing the formation of air bubbles.

[0057] Through the above operations, the design sheet 111 can be attached to the base plate 112.

[0058] For example, when applying the adhesive 130 to the outer periphery of the design sheet 111 and positioning the design sheet 111 from above the base plate 112 and attaching the design sheet 111, it is necessary to perform positioning and attachment at the same time, which makes it easy for mistakes to occur in the work. However, in this embodiment, the adhesive 130 is applied to a portion of the design sheet 111 that is a predetermined distance away from the outer periphery, so the design sheet 111 can be attached while sliding. Therefore, the design sheet 111 can be positioned and then attached, so that the positioning and attachment of the design sheet 111 can be made into separate tasks and can be easily performed. This makes it possible to prevent mistakes in the work of attaching the design sheet 111 and to increase the efficiency of the work of attaching the sheet. In addition, when the configuration is as in this embodiment, the adhesive strength of the design sheet 111 is reduced. However, when the front frame 106 is closed, the light emitting unit 110 is located in a place where it is extremely unlikely to be contacted by a player or a game ball. In such a place, it is more important to prevent a decrease in work efficiency and appearance even if it means reducing the adhesive strength.

[0059] Also, for example, if a positioning boss is formed on the base plate 112 and a positioning hole into which the boss is inserted is formed on the design sheet 111, it is necessary to position and attach the design sheet 111 at the same time. However, in this embodiment, the positioning of the design sheet 111 is performed by sliding the design sheet 111 and inserting the recessed portion 111a of the design sheet 111 into the protruding portion 112c of the base plate 112. This allows the design sheet 111 to be positioned before being attached, making it easier to position and attach the design sheet 111 as separate operations. This prevents mistakes when attaching the design sheet 111 and improves the efficiency of the work when attaching the sheet.

[0060] Furthermore, if air bubbles are generated when design sheet 111 is attached to base plate 112, the air bubbles will become noticeable due to the light emitted toward design sheet 111. However, in this embodiment, air bubble prevention holes 112d are formed in base plate 112, which eliminates the need to release the air between base plate 112 and design sheet 111 to the outside, thereby improving the efficiency of the work when attaching design sheet 111.

[0061] Furthermore, because the adhesive 130 is applied at a position a specified distance from the outer periphery of the design sheet 111, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 130 from spilling out.

[0062] The air bubble prevention holes 112d of the base plate 112 are arranged in a position where the adhesive 130 will not adhere when the design sheet 111 is attached to the base plate 112.

[0063] In addition, the position of the adhesive 130 on the design sheet 111, the shape of the design sheet 111, and the arrangement of the air bubble prevention holes 112d may also be applied to design sheets that are affixed to parts other than the light-emitting unit 110 (a prize opening or a variable prize-winning device (such as an attacca or electric chute)).

[0064] [Design sheet for resin cover of regular prize slot] Next, the adhesive 97a of the design sheet 97 affixed to the resin cover 96 of the normal winning opening 92 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Figs. 10(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet affixed to the resin cover of the normal winning opening. Fig. 10 shows the back side of the design sheet 97.

[0065] As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), adhesive 97a is applied to design sheet 97 (hatched area in the figure). Design sheet 97 includes transparent area 97b and opaque area 97c (in this example, they are divided by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 97 also includes transparent area 97b and opaque area 97c. Note that transparent area 97b is not completely transparent, and it is sufficient that transparent area 97b has a higher transparency than opaque area 97c. In other words, transparent area 97b is configured so that the adhesive can be seen through, but opaque area 97c is configured so that the adhesive cannot be seen through.

[0066] The adhesive 97a is disposed at a position spaced about 1 mm inward from the outer peripheral edge of the design sheet 97 (part indicated by a in the figure), at a position spaced about 3 mm inward from the outer peripheral edge of the design sheet 97 (part indicated by b in the figure), or at a position spaced about 5 mm inward from the outer peripheral edge of the design sheet 97 (part indicated by c in the figure). That is, in this embodiment, the adhesive 97a is disposed at a distance of 1 mm or more from the outer peripheral edge of the design sheet 97, and is not disposed at a distance less than 1 mm.

[0067] The adhesive 97a is arranged in a ring shape with a width of about 5 mm around the entire circumference along the outer periphery of the design sheet 97. A through hole 96a is formed in the resin cover 96, and when the design sheet 97 is attached, the through hole 96a is located inside the annularly arranged adhesive 97a.

[0068] By adopting such a configuration, as with the design sheet 111, mistakes in the application of the design sheet 97 can be prevented, and the efficiency of the application of the sheet can be improved. In addition, since the adhesive 97a is applied at a position at a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the design sheet 97, the adhesive 97a can be prevented from spilling out. In addition, when the configuration of this embodiment is adopted, the adhesive strength of the design sheet 97 is reduced. However, when the front frame 106 is closed, the resin cover 96 is located in a place where it is extremely unlikely to be touched by a player or a game ball. In such a place, it is more important to prevent a decrease in the efficiency of the application and the appearance, even if it means reducing the adhesive strength.

[0069] In addition, the position of the adhesive 97a of the design sheet 97 affixed to the resin cover 96 of the normal winning opening 92 and the shape of the design sheet 97 may also be applied to a design sheet affixed to a part other than the normal winning opening 92 (a winning opening or a variable winning device (such as an attacka or electric chute)).

[0070] [Design sheet for the resin cover of the starting entry port] The start winning hole 93 is covered with a transparent resin cover 93a attached to the front of the game board 108. A design sheet 93b is attached to the attachment area on the front of the resin cover 93a with an adhesive. The position of the adhesive on the design sheet 93b is configured in the same manner as the position of the adhesive on the design sheet 97 attached to the resin cover 96 of the normal winning hole 92.

[0071] [Design sheet for the resin cover of the variable prize device] Next, the adhesive 99a of the design sheet 99 affixed to the resin cover 98 of the variable winning device 94 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Figs. 11(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application portion applied to the design sheet affixed to the resin cover of the variable winning device. Fig. 11 shows the back side of the design sheet 99.

[0072] 11(a) and (b), adhesive 99a is applied to design sheet 99 (shaded area in the figure). Design sheet 99 includes transparent area 99b and opaque area 99c (in this example, they are divided by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 99 also includes transparent area 99b and opaque area 99c. Note that transparent area 99b is not completely transparent, and it is sufficient that transparent area 99b has a higher transparency than opaque area 99c.

[0073] The adhesive 99a is disposed at a position spaced about 1 mm inward from the outer periphery of the design sheet 99. That is, in this embodiment, the adhesive 99a is disposed at a distance of 1 mm or more from the outer periphery of the design sheet 97, and is not disposed at a distance less than 1 mm.

[0074] The adhesive 99a is arranged in a ring shape with a width of about 5 mm around the entire circumference along the outer edge of the design sheet 99. Specifically, a first adhesive 99d, a second adhesive 99e, a third adhesive 99f, and a fourth adhesive 99g are arranged in a ring shape.

[0075] Between the end of the first adhesive 99d and the end of the second adhesive 99e, there is an air escape gap 99h of about 2.5 mm for allowing air between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99 to escape to the outside.

[0076] Similarly, there is an air escape gap 99h of about 2.5 mm between the end of the second adhesive 99e and the end of the third adhesive 99f. Similarly, there is an air escape gap 99h of about 2.5 mm between the end of the third adhesive 99f and the end of the fourth adhesive 99g. Similarly, there is an air escape gap 99h of about 2.5 mm between the end of the fourth adhesive 99g and the end of the first adhesive 99d.

[0077] The air escape gap 99h is not limited to 2.5 mm, and may be different for each gap.

[0078] The air escape gaps 99h are arranged in the transparent areas 99b on the outer periphery of the design sheet 99, and are also arranged in the opaque areas 99c on the outer periphery of the design sheet 99.

[0079] With this configuration, air escape gaps 99h are also arranged in the opaque area of ​​the outer periphery of the design sheet 99, so that the area where air escapes between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99 can be visually observed.

[0080] In addition, by adopting such a configuration, as with the design sheet 111, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the work of attaching the design sheet 99, and to improve the efficiency of the work of attaching the sheet. In addition, since the time required to release the air between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99 to the outside can be eliminated, the efficiency of the work of attaching the design sheet 99 can be improved. In addition, since the adhesive 99a is applied at a position at a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the design sheet 99, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 99a from spilling out. In addition, when the configuration of this embodiment is adopted, the adhesive strength of the design sheet 99 is reduced. However, when the front frame 106 is closed, the resin cover 98 is located in a place where it is extremely unlikely to be contacted by a player or a game ball. In such a place, it is more important to prevent a decrease in work efficiency and appearance even if it reduces the adhesive strength.

[0081] In addition, the position of the adhesive 99a of the design sheet 99 affixed to the resin cover 98 of the variable winning device 94 and the shape of the design sheet 99 may also be applied to a design sheet affixed to a resin cover that covers parts other than the variable winning device 94 (the winning port and the variable winning device (so-called electric chute, etc.)).

[0082] [Variation 1] Next, a first modified example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an application portion of adhesive applied to a design sheet of a light-emitting unit in the first modified example.

[0083] In Modification 1, the area where adhesive 130 is applied to design sheet 111 is different. It is also possible to implement the above embodiment by applying adhesive 130 to design sheet 111 as in Modification 1. Note that Fig. 12 shows the back side of design sheet 111. Also, detailed explanations of the same parts as in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, adhesive 130 is applied to design sheet 111 (hatched area in the figure). Adhesive 130 is disposed at a position spaced about 3 mm inward from the outer periphery of design sheet 111. Adhesive 130 is also disposed in a ring shape with a width of about 5 mm along the outer periphery of design sheet 111. In Modification 1, adhesive 130 is not disposed along the entire outer periphery of design sheet 111, but is disposed partially (i.e., composed of first adhesive 130a to fourth adhesive 130d). Gaps are formed between the ends of first adhesive 130a to fourth adhesive 130d, forming four air escape gaps 131 that allow air between base plate 112 and design sheet 111 to escape to the outside.

[0085] As a result, in the first modification, the effort required for releasing the air between base plate 112 and design sheet 111 to the outside can be eliminated, and the efficiency of the work required for attaching design sheet 111 can be improved.

[0086] In particular, by forming them together with the air bubble prevention holes 112d of the above embodiment, it is possible to more effectively prevent the generation of air bubbles.

[0087] The position of adhesive 130 on design sheet 111 and the shape of design sheet 111 in variant example 1 may also be applied to a design sheet to be affixed to a resin cover that covers parts other than the light-emitting unit 110 (such as the prize opening and variable prize-winning device (such as the so-called electric chute)).

[0088] [Variation 2] Next, a second modification of the adhesive 97a of the design sheet 97 affixed to the resin cover 96 of the normal winning opening 92 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Figs. 13(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet affixed to the resin cover of the normal winning opening in the second modification.

[0089] In the second modification, the adhesive 97a is applied to a different portion of the design sheet 97. Note that Fig. 13 shows the back side of the design sheet 97. Also, detailed explanations of the same portions as in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0090] 13(a) and (b), adhesive 97a is applied to design sheet 97 (hatched area in the figure). Design sheet 97 includes transparent area 97b and opaque area 97c (in this example, the area is divided by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 97 also includes transparent area 97b and opaque area 97c. Note that transparent area 97b is not completely transparent, and it is sufficient that transparent area 97b has a higher transparency than opaque area 97c.

[0091] The adhesive 97a is placed at a position spaced about 1 mm inward from the outer periphery of the design sheet 97.

[0092] The adhesive 97a is arranged so as to form two rings with a width of approximately 5 mm around the entire circumference along the outer edge of the design sheet 97. In the second modification, two through holes 96a are formed in the resin cover 96, and when the design sheet 97 is attached, the two through holes 96a are each located inside the annularly arranged adhesive 97a.

[0093] This configuration makes it possible to prevent mistakes when attaching design sheet 97 and to increase the efficiency of the work when attaching the sheet, just like with design sheet 111. Also, because adhesive 97a is applied at a position a specified distance from the outer periphery of design sheet 97, it is possible to prevent adhesive 97a from spilling out.

[0094] The position of adhesive 97a of design sheet 97 and the shape of design sheet 97 in variant example 2 may also be applied to a design sheet to be affixed to a resin cover that covers parts other than normal winning opening 92 (winning openings and variable winning devices (such as so-called attaccas and electric chutes)).

[0095] [Variation 3] Next, a third modification will be described with reference to FIG. 14, in which a design sheet 160 having a different opaque area from that of the design sheet 99 is attached to a resin cover 98, and the position of the adhesive 160a of the design sheet 160 is different from the position of the adhesive 99a of the design sheet 99. FIGS. 14(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application portion applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable prize-winning device in the fifth modification. Note that FIG. 14 shows the back side of the design sheet 160. Detailed explanations of the same parts as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0096] 14(a) and (b), adhesive 160a is applied to design sheet 160 (hatched area in the figure). Design sheet 160 includes transparent area 160b and opaque area 160c (in this example, the area other than the outer periphery is defined by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 160 also includes transparent area 160b and opaque area 160c. Note that transparent area 160b is not completely transparent, and transparent area 160b only needs to be more transparent than opaque area 160c.

[0097] The outer periphery of the design sheet 160 includes a transparent region 160b and an opaque region 160c, with the opaque region 160c being larger than the transparent region 160b.

[0098] Moreover, the adhesive 160a is placed at a position spaced about 1 mm inward from the outer periphery of the design sheet 160.

[0099] Moreover, adhesive 160a is disposed so as to form a ring with a width of about 3 mm all around the outer periphery of design sheet 160. Furthermore, adhesive 160a is disposed so as to form a ring with a width of about 3 mm along opaque region 160c in the portion other than the outer periphery of design sheet 160.

[0100] Additionally, multiple air escape gaps 160h of approximately 2 mm are formed in the portion where adhesive 160a is disposed to allow air to escape to the outside. Air escape gaps 160h are disposed in both transparent region 160b on the outer periphery of design sheet 160 and opaque region 160c of the opaque portion, and furthermore are disposed in opaque region 160c other than the outer periphery of design sheet 160, so that there is no portion where resin cover 98 and design sheet 160 are sealed.

[0101] In the third modification, a through hole 98a for fitting a gaming machine component is formed in the attachment area of ​​the design sheet 160 of the resin cover 98. In this example, a display 150 capable of illuminating the design sheet 160 is taken as an example of a gaming machine component. The display 150 includes a display body 150a and a plurality of red lamps 150b (three in this example). The lamps 150b are disposed in positions facing the transparent area 160b of the design sheet 160, and the display body 150a is disposed in a position facing the opaque area 160c of the design sheet 160. The adhesive 160a is disposed in a position corresponding to the surface portion of the display body 150a, but is not disposed in a position corresponding to the lamps 150b.

[0102] With this configuration, as with design sheet 111, mistakes can be prevented when attaching design sheet 160, and the efficiency of the work when attaching the sheet can be improved. Also, the effort of releasing the air between resin cover 98 and design sheet 160 to the outside can be eliminated, and the efficiency of the work when attaching design sheet 160 can be improved. Also, because adhesive 160a is applied at a position a specified distance from the outer periphery of design sheet 160, it is possible to prevent adhesive 160a from spilling out.

[0103] The position of adhesive 160a of design sheet 160 and the shape of design sheet 160 in variant example 3 may also be applied to a design sheet to be affixed to a resin cover that covers parts other than variable winning device 94 (the winning opening and variable winning device (so-called electric chute, etc.)).

[0104] [Variation 4] Next, a sixth modification in which a design sheet 170 having a different opaque area from the design sheet 99 is attached to a resin cover 98 and the position of the adhesive 170a of the design sheet 170 is different from the position of the adhesive 99a of the design sheet 99 is described with reference to FIG. 15. FIGS. 15(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application portion applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable prize-winning device in the fourth modification. FIG. 15 shows the back side of the design sheet 170. Detailed explanations of the same parts as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0105] 15(a) and (b), adhesive 170a is applied to design sheet 170 (hatched area in the figure). Design sheet 170 includes transparent area 170b and opaque area 170c (in this example, the area other than the outer periphery is defined by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 160 also includes transparent area 160b and opaque area 160c. Note that transparent area 170b is not completely transparent, and transparent area 170b only needs to be more transparent than opaque area 160c.

[0106] In addition, in the fourth modification, a through hole 98a for fitting a gaming machine component is formed in the attachment area of ​​the design sheet 170 of the resin cover 98. In this example, a display 150 capable of illuminating the design sheet 170 is taken as an example of the gaming machine component. The display 150 includes a display body 150a and a plurality of red lamps 150b (three in this example). The plurality of lamps 150b are disposed in positions facing the transparent area 170b of the design sheet 170, and the display body 150a is disposed in a position facing the opaque area 170c of the design sheet 170.

[0107] The adhesive 170a is not disposed at a distance from the outer periphery of the design sheet 170. In other words, it is disposed along the outer periphery of the design sheet 170 without leaving any blank spaces. The adhesive 170a is disposed along the outer periphery of the design sheet 170 in a ring shape with a width of about 10 mm all around. On the other hand, when the design sheet 170 is attached to the resin cover 98, the distance from the outer periphery of the design sheet 170 to the end of the display body 150a is less than 10 mm. The adhesive 170a is not disposed at a position corresponding to the surface portion of the display body 150a and the lamps 150b.

[0108] This configuration makes it possible to prevent mistakes when attaching design sheet 99 and to increase the efficiency of the work when attaching the sheet, just like with design sheet 111. Also, because adhesive 99a is applied at a position a specified distance from the outer periphery of design sheet 170, it is possible to prevent adhesive 99a from spilling out.

[0109] The position of adhesive 170a of design sheet 170 and the shape of design sheet 170 in variant example 4 may also be applied to a design sheet to be affixed to a resin cover that covers parts other than variable winning device 94 (the winning opening and variable winning device (such as the so-called electric chute)).

[0110] [Variation 5] Next, the adhesive of the design sheet affixed to the resin cover of the movable body described above will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an application portion of adhesive 501 applied to design sheet 500 to be affixed to the resin cover of the movable body. Note that Fig. 16 shows the back side of design sheet 500. In the following description, the up, down, left and right directions are defined as shown in the lower right of the figure.

[0111] 16, design sheet 500 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape to correspond to the shape of the resin cover of the movable body. Adhesive 501 is applied to the back surface of design sheet 500. Adhesive 501 has an outer adhesive (first adhesive portion) 502 arranged along the outer periphery of the design sheet, and an inner adhesive (second adhesive portion) 503 arranged at a predetermined position inside outer adhesive 502.

[0112] The outer adhesive 502 includes a first outer adhesive 502a, a second outer adhesive 502b, a third outer adhesive 502c, and a fourth outer adhesive 502d.

[0113] The first outer adhesive 502a is formed along the upper part on the rear surface of the design sheet 500. The width W1 of the first outer adhesive 502a is, for example, 4.0 mm.

[0114] The second outer adhesive 502b is formed along the lower part on the rear surface of the design sheet 500. The width W2 of the second outer adhesive 502b is larger than the width W1 of the first outer adhesive 502a, and is, for example, 5.4 mm.

[0115] The third outer adhesive 502c is formed along the right side on the rear surface of the design sheet 500. The width W3 of the narrowest portion of the third outer adhesive 502c is, for example, 3.0 mm.

[0116] The fourth outer adhesive 502d is formed along the left side on the rear surface of the design sheet 500. The width W4 of the narrowest portion of the fourth outer adhesive 502d is, for example, 3.0 mm, similar to the third outer adhesive 502c.

[0117] The widths of the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the fourth outer adhesive 502d are not limited to the above values, and can be set appropriately.

[0118] The outer adhesive 502 thus formed is provided so as to form a plurality of (six in this example) communication holes (gaps, first gaps). Specifically, a first communication hole 504a is formed between the right end of the first outer adhesive 502a and the upper end of the third outer adhesive 502c. A second communication hole 504b is formed between the left end of the first outer adhesive 502a and the upper end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W5 of the first communication hole 504a and the width W6 of the second communication hole 504b are each, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0119] Furthermore, a third communication hole 504c is formed between the right end of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end of the third outer adhesive 500c. A fourth communication hole 504d is formed between the left end of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W7 of the third communication hole 504c and the width W8 of the fourth communication hole 504d are each, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0120] Furthermore, a fifth communication hole 504e is formed in the approximate center of the third outer adhesive 502c. A sixth communication hole 504f is formed in the approximate center of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W9 of the fifth communication hole 504e and the width W10 of the sixth communication hole 504f are each, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0121] The widths of the first through-hole 504a to the sixth through-hole 504f are not limited to the above values ​​and can be set appropriately.

[0122] In this manner, outer adhesives 502 (first outer adhesive 502a, second outer adhesive 502b, third outer adhesive 502c, fourth outer adhesive 502d) are applied along the outer periphery of the back surface of design sheet 500. Then, this outer adhesive 502 is applied so as to form first through-hole 504a to sixth through-hole 504f.

[0123] On the other hand, the inner adhesive 503 is formed into a predetermined shape according to the pattern printed on the surface of the design sheet 500, and has multiple (seven in this example) first inner adhesives 503a and multiple second inner adhesives 503b.

[0124] Each of the seven first inner adhesives 503a is formed mainly along the outline of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500. In particular, each of the first inner adhesives 503a is formed along the outside of the outline of the predetermined character and does not overlap the head, face, or other parts of the character.

[0125] Although not shown in the figure, multiple characters (e.g., five people) are printed on the surface of the design sheet 500, and corresponding to this, seven first inner adhesives 503a are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the design sheet 500.

[0126] For ease of explanation, the seven first inner adhesives 503a arranged from right to left in the longitudinal direction of the design sheet 500 will be referred to as 503a1, 503a2, . . . , 503a6, and 503a7 in this order below.

[0127] The first inner adhesive 503a1 is disposed on the rightmost side of the seven first inner adhesives 503a. The first inner adhesive 503a1 is disposed away from the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, and the third outer adhesive 502c.

[0128] The first inner adhesive 503a1 is provided so as to form a plurality of (four in this example) communication holes (second gaps). Specifically, a seventh communication hole 504g is formed between the upper end of the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the right end of the first outer adhesive 502a. An eighth communication hole 504h is formed between the lower end of the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the lower end of the third outer adhesive 502c. The width of the seventh communication hole 504g and the width of the eighth communication hole 504h are, for example, 1.5 mm, similar to the first to sixth communication holes 504a to 504f.

[0129] A ninth communication hole 504i is formed between the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the third outer adhesive 502c. A tenth communication hole 504j is formed in the approximate center of the first inner adhesive 503a1 (that is, the first inner adhesive 503a1 is divided into upper and lower parts by the tenth communication hole 504j). The widths of the ninth communication hole 504i and the tenth communication hole 504j are, for example, 1.5 mm, similar to the first to sixth communication holes 504a to 504f.

[0130] The widths of the seventh through-hole 504g to the tenth through-hole 504j are not limited to the values ​​mentioned above, and can be set appropriately.

[0131] The first inner adhesive 503a7 is disposed on the leftmost side of the seven first inner adhesives 503a. The first inner adhesive 503a7 is disposed away from the first outer adhesive 502a and the portion of the fourth outer adhesive 502d excluding the lower end portion. Meanwhile, the first inner adhesive 503a7 is connected to the left end portion of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end portion of the fourth outer adhesive 502d.

[0132] The first inner adhesive 503a7 is provided so as to form a plurality of (two in this example) communication holes (second gaps). Specifically, an eleventh communication hole 504k is formed between the first inner adhesive 503a7 and the left end of the first outer adhesive 502a. A twelfth communication hole 504l is formed in the approximate center of the first inner adhesive 503a7 (that is, the first inner adhesive 503a7 is divided into upper and lower parts by the twelfth communication hole 504l). The width of the eleventh communication hole 504k and the width of the twelfth communication hole 504l are, for example, 1.5 mm, respectively, similar to the first to sixth communication holes 504a to f.

[0133] The widths of the eleventh and twelfth communication holes 504k, 504l are not limited to the above values ​​and can be set appropriately.

[0134] Although detailed description is omitted, the first inner adhesives 503a2-503a6 are disposed between the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the first inner adhesive 503a7 as described above. Moreover, all of the first inner adhesives 503a2-503a6 are disposed away from the outer adhesive 502 (the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the fourth outer adhesive 502d). In other words, none of the first inner adhesives 503a2-503a6 are connected to the outer adhesive 502. The first inner adhesives 503a2-503a6 are provided so that a thirteenth communication hole (second gap) 504m is formed between the outer adhesive 502 and the first inner adhesives 503a2-503a6.

[0135] The multiple second inner adhesives 503b are formed in a predetermined shape, such as a strip, and are arranged in the lower half of the design sheet 500 so as to overlap with the body part of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500. The multiple second inner adhesives 503b are arranged away from the outer adhesive 502 and the first inner adhesives 503a1, 503a2.

[0136] The second inner adhesives 503b are provided such that a fourteenth communication hole (second gap) 504n is formed between some of them and the first outer adhesive 502a or the second outer adhesive 502b. The second inner adhesives 503b are mainly disposed apart from the first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6, and some of them are connected to the first inner adhesive 503a4, etc.

[0137] In this way, a first inner adhesive 503a1 having a tenth communication hole 504j is applied to the rightmost side of the back surface of the design sheet 500. The first inner adhesive 503a1 is applied so as to form a seventh communication hole 504g, an eighth communication hole 504h, and a ninth communication hole 504i between the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, and the third outer adhesive 502c.

[0138] A first inner adhesive 503a7 having a twelfth through-hole 504l is applied to the leftmost side of the design sheet 500. The first inner adhesive 503a7 is applied so as to form an eleventh through-hole 504k between the first inner adhesive 503a7 and the first outer adhesive 502a. Furthermore, first inner adhesives 503a2-503a6 and a second inner adhesive 503b are applied between the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the first inner adhesive 503a7.

[0139] In this way, the back surface of design sheet 500 is divided into multiple regions by outer adhesive 502 applied along the outer periphery and inner adhesive 503 applied inside outer adhesive 502. None of the multiple regions are coated with adhesive, and include first region R1 to seventh region R7, as described below. Third region R3 and fifth region R5 to seventh region R7 are located closer to the center of design sheet 500 than first region R1, second region R2, and fourth region R4. These first region R1 to seventh region R7 communicate with adjacent regions by communicating holes, which will be described later, and correspond to the "non-adhesive portion" that constitutes the present invention.

[0140] Specifically, the first region (first non-adhesive portion) R1 is an area surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the upper first inner adhesive 503a1 at the right end of the design sheet 500. The first region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R1 includes a first through hole 504a. The second region (first non-adhesive portion) R2 is an area surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the lower first inner adhesive 503a1 at the right end of the design sheet 500. The second region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R2 includes a fifth through hole 504e. The first region R1 and the second region R2 include a ninth through hole 504i.

[0141] Furthermore, the third region (first non-adhesive portion) R3 is a region located to the left of the right end of the design sheet 500, and is a region generally surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a1, the first inner adhesive 503a2, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The third region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R3 includes the third communication hole 504c, the seventh communication hole 504g, the eighth communication hole 504h, and the tenth communication hole 504j. The seventh communication hole 504g may be included in the first region R1, the eighth communication hole 504h may be included in the second region R2, and the tenth communication hole 504j may be included in the first region R1 or the second region R2.

[0142] The third region R3 communicates with the first region R1 through the seventh communication hole 504g. The third region R3 also communicates with the first region R1 through the tenth communication hole 504j and the ninth communication hole 504i. The first region R1 communicates with the external space through the first communication hole 504a. Therefore, even if air bubbles (air) enter the third region R3 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the first region R1 through the seventh communication hole 504g or the tenth communication hole 504j and the ninth communication hole 504i, and can be discharged from the first region R1 to the external space through the first communication hole 504a.

[0143] The third region R3 is connected to the second region R2 through the eighth communication hole 504h. The third region R3 is connected to the second region R2 through the tenth communication hole 504j and the ninth communication hole 504i. The second region R2 is connected to the outside space through the fifth communication hole 504e. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the third region R3 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the second region R2 through the eighth communication hole 504h or the tenth communication hole 504j and the ninth communication hole 504i, and can be discharged from the second region R2 to the outside space through the fifth communication hole 504e.

[0144] Furthermore, the third region R3 communicates with the outside space via the third communication hole 504c. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the third region R3 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be directly discharged to the outside space via the third communication hole 504c.

[0145] The first region R1 and the second region R2 are in communication with each other via the ninth communication hole 504i. Therefore, even if the first communication hole 504a is blocked by dust or the like, air bubbles that have entered the first region R1 can be moved to the second region R2 via the ninth communication hole 504i and then discharged from the second region R2 to the external space via the fifth communication hole 504e.

[0146] Next, the fourth region (first non-adhesive portion) R4 is a region surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the fourth outer adhesive 502d, and the first inner adhesive 503a7 at the left end portion of the design sheet 500. The fourth region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R4 includes the second communication hole 504b and the sixth communication hole 504f.

[0147] The fifth region (second non-adhesive portion) R5 is a region located to the right of the left end of the design sheet 500, and is generally surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a7, the first inner adhesive 503a5, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The fifth region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R5 includes the eleventh communication hole 504k and the twelfth communication hole 504l. The eleventh communication hole 504k and the twelfth communication hole 504l may be included in the fourth region R4.

[0148] The fifth region R5 communicates with the fourth region R4 through the eleventh communication hole 504k, and also communicates with the fourth region R4 through the twelfth communication hole 504l. The fourth region R4 communicates with the external space through the second communication hole 504b, and also communicates with the external space through the sixth communication hole 504f. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the fifth region R5 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the fourth region R4 through the eleventh communication hole 504k or the twelfth communication hole 504l, and can be discharged from the fourth region R4 to the external space through the second communication hole 504b or the sixth communication hole 504f.

[0149] Finally, the sixth region (second non-adhesive portion) R6 is a region located to the left of the third region R3 and is generally surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a2, the first inner adhesive 503a4, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The seventh region (second non-adhesive portion) R7 is a region located to the right of the fifth region R5 and is generally surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a5, the first inner adhesive 503a4, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The sixth region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R6 and the seventh region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R7 include a plurality of thirteenth through holes 504m and fourteenth through holes 504n. The thirteenth communication hole 504m and the fourteenth communication hole 504n located on the far right may be included in the third region R3, and the thirteenth communication hole 504m and the fourteenth communication hole 504n located on the far left may be included in the seventh region R7.

[0150] The sixth region R6 is in communication with the third region R3 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the sixth region R6 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the third region R3 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n and then discharged to the external space in the same manner as described above.

[0151] Additionally, the seventh region R7 communicates with the fifth region R5 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the seventh region R7 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the fifth region R5 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n and then discharged to the external space in the same manner as described above.

[0152] The sixth region R6 and the seventh region R7 also communicate with each other via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 all communicate with the adjacent regions. Therefore, even if air bubbles get into any of the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved toward a region where they can be easily discharged to the outside space.

[0153] In this way, first region R1 to sixth region R6 are formed on the back surface of design sheet 500, and these regions communicate with adjacent regions, so that air bubbles that enter these regions can be discharged to the external space from first region R1, second region R2, and third region R3. The proportion of the back surface of design sheet 500 occupied by first region R1 to seventh region R7 is greater than the proportion of the back surface of design sheet 500 occupied by outer adhesive 502 and inner adhesive 503. In other words, the proportion of the back surface of design sheet 500 occupied by outer adhesive 502 and inner adhesive 503 is smaller than the proportion of the back surface of design sheet 500 occupied by first region R1 to seventh region R7.

[0154] A circular first positioning hole 505 is formed in the lower right part on the back surface of the design sheet 500. A first positioning pin (not shown) provided on the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted into the first positioning hole 505.

[0155] Further, a horizontally long rectangular second positioning hole 506 is formed in the lower left part on the back surface of the design sheet 500. A second positioning pin (not shown) provided on the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted into the second positioning hole 506.

[0156] As described above, the gaming machine 100 is a gaming machine (pachinko machine) equipped with a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108), a sheet (in this example, the design sheet 500) is provided on the front side of the gaming board, and an adhesive part (in this example, the outer adhesive 502) formed along the outer periphery and a non-adhesive part (in this example, the first region R1 to the seventh region R7) where the adhesive part is not formed are provided on the back side of the sheet, and the adhesive part is provided so as to form gaps (in this example, the first communication hole 504a to the sixth communication hole 504f) included in a part of the non-adhesive part, and the gaps are characterized in that air that has entered the non-adhesive part can be discharged to the outside space. Therefore, even if air enters the non-adhesive part when the sheet is attached to the gaming board, the air can be discharged to the outside space through the gaps. Therefore, the sheet can be made difficult to peel off from the gaming board.

[0157] The gaming machine 100 is a gaming machine (pachinko machine) equipped with a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 108), a sheet (in this example, design sheet 500) is provided on the front surface of the gaming board, and a first adhesive portion (in this example, outer adhesive 502) formed along the outer periphery, a second adhesive portion (in this example, inner adhesive 503) different from the first adhesive portion, and a non-adhesive portion (in this example, first region R1 to seventh region R7) in which the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion are not formed are provided on the back surface of the sheet, the first adhesive portion is provided so as to form a first gap (in this example, first communication hole 504a to sixth communication hole 504f), and the second adhesive portion is provided so as to form a first gap (in this example, first communication hole 504a to sixth communication hole 504f). The portion is provided so that a second gap (in this example, the seventh through hole 504g to the fourteenth through hole 504n) is formed, the first gap and the second gap are included in a part of the non-adhesive portion, the non-adhesive portion has a first non-adhesive portion (in this example, the first region R1, the second region R2, and the fourth region R4) and a second non-adhesive portion (in this example, the third region R3, the fifth region R5 to the seventh region R7) located closer to the center of the sheet than the first non-adhesive portion, the second gap allows air that has entered the second non-adhesive portion to be discharged to the first non-adhesive portion, and the first gap allows air that has entered the first non-adhesive portion to be discharged to the outside space. Therefore, even if air enters the second non-adhesive portion when the sheet is attached to the game board, the air can be discharged to the first non-adhesive portion through the second gap, and then the air that has entered the first non-adhesive portion can be discharged to the outside space through the first gap. Therefore, the sheet is less likely to peel off from the game board.

[0158] Furthermore, among the inner adhesives 503, the first inner adhesives 503a are each formed along the outside of the outline of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500 so as to mainly follow the outline of the character, and do not overlap the head or face of the character. Therefore, even when the design sheet 500 attached to the resin cover of the movable body is viewed from the front side, it is possible to prevent the appearance from being impaired due to discoloration of the head or face of the predetermined character.

[0159] Furthermore, among the inner adhesives 503, the multiple second inner adhesives 503b are each formed into a predetermined shape, such as a strip, and are arranged in the lower half of the design sheet 500 so as to overlap with the torso of a predetermined character printed on the front surface of the design sheet 500. This makes it possible to increase the adhesive area between the back surface of the design sheet 500 and the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, and to maintain sufficient adhesive strength.

[0160] Also, on the back surface of the design sheet 500, the proportion of the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 is larger than the proportion of the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503. In other words, the proportion of the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503 is smaller than the proportion of the first region R1 to the seventh region R7. For example, the proportion of the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503 and the proportion of the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 may be set to about 30% and 70%. In this way, when attaching the design sheet 500 to the game board 108, the possibility of air entering the outer adhesive 502 or the inner adhesive 503 itself can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the design sheet 500 from being easily peeled off from the game board 108 due to such air intrusion. In other words, it is possible to make the design sheet 500 even more difficult to peel off from the game board 108.

[0161] In addition, a circular first positioning hole 505 is formed in the lower right corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500, into which a first positioning pin (not shown) of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted, and a horizontally elongated rectangular second positioning hole 506 is formed in the lower left corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500, into which a second positioning pin (not shown) of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted.

[0162] Therefore, when attaching design sheet 500 to the resin cover of the movable body, first, the first positioning pin of the resin cover is inserted into the first positioning hole 505 of design sheet 500, and then the second positioning pin of the resin cover is inserted into the second positioning hole 506 of design sheet 500, thereby easily positioning design sheet 500. In this case, since second positioning hole 506 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape, even if the position of design sheet 500 is slightly shifted with the first positioning pin inserted into first positioning hole 505 of design sheet 500, the second positioning pin can be sufficiently inserted into second positioning hole 506, and the attachment work of design sheet 500 can be easily performed.

[0163] In addition, in the above-mentioned variant example 5, the first positioning hole 505 is formed at a position slightly overlapping with the right end portion of the second outer adhesive 502b, and the second positioning hole 506 is formed at a position slightly overlapping with the left end portion of the second outer adhesive 502b, the lower end portion of the fourth outer adhesive 502d, and the lower end portion of the first inner adhesive 503a7, but this configuration is not limited to this.

[0164] For example, the first positioning hole 505 and the second positioning hole 506 may be formed in a position that does not overlap any of the adhesives (the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503). In this way, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the adhesive area between the back surface of the design sheet 500 and the front surface of the resin cover by the amount that the first positioning hole 505 and the second positioning hole 506 overlap with the adhesives (the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503), and it is possible to maintain sufficient adhesive strength.

[0165] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned variant example 5, the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 are described as “non-adhesive portions”, but the number of specified regions is not limited to seven, and can be determined appropriately depending on the pattern printed on the surface of the design sheet 500.

[0166] In addition, in the above-mentioned fifth modification, the first communication hole 504a to the sixth communication hole 504f are given as examples of "gaps" in the description, but the number of gaps is not limited to six, and may be one or more.

[0167] In the above-mentioned modified example 5, the third outer adhesive 502c has the fifth through hole 504e, the fourth outer adhesive 502d has the sixth through hole 504f, and the first outer adhesive 502a and the second outer adhesive 502b have no through holes, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. At least one of the first outer adhesive 502a and the second outer adhesive 502b may have a through hole.

[0168] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned modification example 5, a circular first positioning hole 505 is formed in the lower right part of the back surface of design sheet 500, and a horizontally long rectangular second positioning hole 506 is formed in the lower left part of the back surface of design sheet 500, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the second positioning hole 506 may be formed in the lower right part of the back surface of design sheet 500, and the first positioning hole 505 may be formed in the lower left part of the back surface of design sheet 500.

[0169] Next, the above-mentioned design sheet 70 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17(a) is a front view of the design sheet 70, (b) is a rear view of the design sheet 70, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a). Fig. 17(c) shows a portion of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 17(c), and also shows a schematic diagram of the resin member 5b to which the design sheet 70 is attached, and an LED (light-emitting means) 74 arranged on the rear (back) side of the resin member 5b, etc.

[0170] As shown in Figures 17(a) to (c), the design sheet 70 has a light-transmitting base material 71, a printed layer 72 formed on the back surface of the base material 71, and an adhesive portion 73 formed on the back surface of the printed layer 72.

[0171] The base material 71 is made of a resin material such as PET (PolyEthyleneTerephthalate) and is formed in a rectangular sheet shape. A positioning hole 71a is formed in the lower right part of the base material 71 for positioning when attaching the design sheet 70 to the front surface of the resin member 5b. A protruding part (not shown), for example, in the shape of a rectangular prism protruding from the front surface of the resin member 5b, can be inserted into the positioning hole 71a. The shape of the base material 71 is not limited to the rectangular sheet shape described above, and can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the resin member 5b as long as it is a sheet shape.

[0172] The printed layer 72 includes a first printed layer 72a, a second printed layer 72b, a third printed layer 72c, and a fourth printed layer 72d. The first printed layer 72a is formed on the back surface of the base material 71, and the second printed layer 72b is formed on the back surface of the first printed layer 72a. The third printed layer 72c is formed on the back surface of the second printed layer 72b, and the fourth printed layer 72d is formed on the back surface of the third printed layer 72c.

[0173] The first printed layer 72a is printed on the back surface of the base material 71 by offset printing using CMYK color inks. In this embodiment, by printing the first printed layer 72a, a female character (predetermined design) CH is printed from approximately the center to the left side on the back surface of the base material 71 (see FIG. 17(b)). The CMYK color inks contain four ink components: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the content of each ink component varies depending on the part of the character CH. Note that the first printed layer 72a is not printed on the part of the back surface of the design sheet 70 where the character CH is not printed.

[0174] The second printed layer 72b is printed by silk screen printing using white ink on the rear surface of the first printed layer 72a and the rear surface of the base material 71. The second printed layer 72b is provided to prevent light from passing through the first printed layer 72a. If light passes through the first printed layer 72a, the appearance of the character CH may be impaired.

[0175] The third printed layer 72c is printed on the back surface of the second printed layer 72b by silk screen printing using high-density white ink. The third printed layer 72c is provided to further suppress light transmission through the first printed layer 72a.

[0176] The fourth printed layer 72d is printed on the back surface of the third printed layer 72c by silk screen printing using black ink. That is, the fourth printed layer 72d is a light-shielding layer that blocks light. In this embodiment, as described above, the design sheet 70 is attached to the front surface of the resin member 5b, and a plurality of (in this example, 11) LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 74 are arranged on the back surface side of the resin member 5b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the 11 LEDs 74 are arranged along the right side of the design sheet 70. Note that each LED 74 is mounted on a wiring circuit board 75 on which a wiring circuit (not shown) of a predetermined pattern is formed (see FIG. 17(c)). In the above, the number of LEDs 74 is 11, but is not limited to this number and can be changed appropriately according to the size of the design sheet 70.

[0177] 17(c), the LEDs 74 are disposed near the resin member 5b, and the light emission surface from which the LEDs 74 emit light is close to the rear surface of the resin member 5b. Therefore, when the LEDs 74 emit light, the strong light emitted by the LEDs 74 is irradiated onto the design sheet 70. Therefore, there is a risk that the second printed layer (white ink) 72b and the third printed layer (high-density white ink) 72c alone may not be able to prevent the light from passing through the first printed layer 72a.

[0178] Therefore, in this embodiment, the fourth printed layer 72d is printed in a rectangular area R surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 17(b). This rectangular area R is an area in front of the eleven LEDs 74 and along the left side of the back surface of the design sheet 70. Therefore, a portion R' along the right side of the character CH in FIG. 17(a) is located on this area R, and this portion R' is the opposing portion constituting the present invention. This allows the fourth printed layer 72d to block strong light emitted by the LEDs 74. Even if this strong light passes through the fourth printed layer 72, the presence of the second printed layer (white ink) 72b and the third printed layer (high-density white ink) 72c prevents the light from passing through the first printed layer 72a.

[0179] The adhesive portion 73 is formed along the outer edge of the back surface of the design sheet 70 by silk screen printing using glue. Therefore, the adhesive portion 73 is also formed on the back surface of the fourth printed layer (light-shielding layer) 72d formed in the rectangular region R described above. Here, when strong light emitted by the LED 74 is irradiated onto the adhesive portion 73, the shape of the adhesive portion 73 is visible from the front surface of the design sheet 70, which may damage the appearance of the game board 108. However, in this embodiment, since the adhesive portion 73 is formed on the back surface of the fourth printed layer 72d, the strong light transmitted through the adhesive portion 73 is blocked by the fourth printed layer 72d. Therefore, the shape of the adhesive portion 73 is not visible from the front surface of the design sheet 70.

[0180] A part of the adhesive portion 73 is formed at a position on the back surface of the design sheet 70 where the first printed layer 72a is not printed (i.e., where the characters CH are not printed), but this position is relatively far from the LED 74. The second printed layer 72b and the third printed layer 72c are printed at this position. Therefore, the strong light emitted by the LED 74 is irradiated to a part of the adhesive portion 73 in a weakened state so as to be blocked by the second printed layer 72b and the third printed layer 72c. Therefore, the shape of the part of the adhesive portion 73 is not visible from the front surface of the design sheet 70.

[0181] Furthermore, adhesive portion 73 is formed so as to surround the outer edge of positioning hole 71a at the lower part of the back surface of design sheet 70. This allows positioning of design sheet 70 and attachment of the lower part of design sheet 70 to be performed simultaneously when attaching design sheet 70 to the front surface of resin member 5b, improving work efficiency.

[0182] In the above embodiment, the adhesive portion 73 is formed by applying glue along the outer edge of the back surface of the design sheet 70, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, an adhesive sticker having adhesiveness may be applied along the outer edge of the back surface of the design sheet 70.

[0183] Furthermore, adhesive portion 73 does not necessarily have to be formed so as to surround the outer edge of positioning hole 71a. If a configuration is adopted in which adhesive portion 73 is not formed on the outer edge of positioning hole 71a, then when attaching design sheet 70 to the front surface of resin member 5b, design sheet 70 can first be positioned reliably, and then design sheet 70 can be attached to the accurate position on the front surface of resin member 5b.

[0184] The gaming machine 100 configured as above can provide the following effects.

[0185] The present invention relates to a gaming machine (in this example, gaming machine 100) equipped with a gaming board unit (in this example, gaming board unit 600), the gaming board unit having a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 108), a translucent resin member (in this example, resin member 5b) provided at a position visible to a player, and a light-emitting means (in this example, a plurality of LEDs 74) provided at a position capable of illuminating the resin member, the resin member having a translucent decorative sheet (in this example, design sheet 70) with a predetermined pattern applied thereto, the decorative sheet having an adhesive portion (in this example, adhesive portion 73) for adhering to the resin member, the predetermined pattern (in this example, a predetermined character CH in FIG. 17(a)) of the decorative sheet having an opposing portion (in this example, portion R' along the right side of character CH) that faces the light-emitting means via the resin member, the opposing portion having a lower translucency than other portions of the predetermined pattern, and the opposing portion having the adhesive portion formed thereon. Therefore, even if the light emitted by the light emitting means passes through the adhesive portion, it is difficult for it to pass through the opposing portion. Therefore, the shape of the adhesive portion cannot be seen from the front surface of the decorative sheet. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the game board from being damaged. In particular, since the opposing portion with low light transmittance is positioned to face the front of the light emitting means, even if the light emitting means emits light, the decorative sheet does not shine locally, and it is possible to further prevent the appearance of the game board from being damaged.

[0186] Next, the details of the design sheet in the modified example will be described.

[0187] Referring to Fig. 18, the design sheet 80 according to the modified example differs from the above embodiment in the position where the adhesive portion is formed. Fig. 18(a) is a front view of the design sheet 80 according to the modified example, and (b) and (c) are rear views of the design sheet 80. This design sheet 80 is attached to, for example, the resin member 5c (see Fig. 5) that constitutes the front surface of the variable winning device 94.

[0188] A design sheet 80 according to a modified example has a rectangular sheet-like base material 81, a printed layer 82 formed on the back surface of the base material 81, and an adhesive portion 83 formed on the back surface of the printed layer 82.

[0189] The printing layer 72 includes a first printing layer 82a, a second printing layer 82b, and a third printing layer 82c. The first printing layer 82a is printed on the back surface of the substrate 81 by offset printing using CMYK color inks. In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the first printing layer 82a is printed, so that a predetermined character is printed on the lower part of the back surface of the substrate 81. The predetermined character is "super hot" 84, and this "super hot" 84 has a certain thickness. The inner part of "super hot" 84 is, for example, a red color having high translucency. In addition, by printing the first printing layer 82a, a "☆" 85 is also printed above "super hot" 83 on the substrate 71.

[0190] The second printed layer 82b is printed on the back surface of the substrate 81 by silk screen printing using high-density white ink. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18(b), the second printed layer 82b is formed on the lower side of the back surface of the substrate 81 so as to exclude the back surface of "Super Hot" 84 of the first printed layer 82a and the vicinity of the outer edge of "Super Hot" 84. The second printed layer 82b is also formed on the upper side of the back surface of the substrate 81 so as to overlap with the "☆" 85 of the first printed layer 82a.

[0191] The third printed layer 82c is a light-shielding layer that blocks light, and is printed on the back surface of the substrate 81 by silk screen printing using black ink. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18(c), the third printed layer 82c is formed on the back surface of the substrate 81 so as to follow the outer edge of the "super hot" 84 of the first printed layer 82a. That is, the third printed layer 82c is formed in the vicinity of the outer edge of the "super hot" 84. As a result, a pattern (predetermined pattern) 87 (see FIG. 18(a)) consisting of a red "super hot" (first pattern portion) 84 having high light transmittance and a black outer peripheral portion (second pattern portion) 86 by the third printed layer 82c is applied to the surface of the substrate 71. The outer peripheral portion 86 has a lower light transmittance than the "super hot" 84. In this modified example, multiple LEDs (not shown) are arranged along the bottom of the base material 81, and when these LEDs emit light, the inner part of "Super Hot" 84 glows red, and the outer circumferential part 86 is black because the light is blocked by the third printed layer 82c.

[0192] In the above modification, the multiple LEDs (not shown) are arranged along the lower portion of the base material 81, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The multiple LEDs can be arranged at positions where they can illuminate the resin member 5c, and the positions at which these LEDs are arranged can be changed as appropriate.

[0193] The adhesive portion 83 is printed on the back surface of the design sheet 80 by silk screen printing using glue. Specifically, the adhesive portion 83 is formed so as to follow the third printed layer (black ink) 82c. As described above, the third printed layer 82c is formed so as to follow the outer edge of "super hot" 84 of the first printed layer 82a (i.e., it is not formed on the inner portion of "super hot" 84), so the adhesive portion 83 is not formed on the inner portion of "super hot" 84. Therefore, when the multiple LEDs are illuminated, the outer peripheral portion 86 of "super hot" 84 is blackened by the third printed layer 83c, so that the shape of the adhesive portion 83 cannot be seen from the front surface of the design sheet 80.

[0194] The adhesive portion 83 is also formed on the back surface of the "☆" 85 of the first printed layer 82a. This allows the adhesive portion 83 to adhere to the resin member 5c not only on the lower side of the back surface of the base material 81 but also on the upper side of the back surface of the base material 81, ensuring sufficient adhesion between the design sheet 80 and the resin member 5c.

[0195] In the above modification, the adhesive portion 83 is formed so as to follow the third printed layer (black ink) 82c and is formed on the back surface of the "☆" 85 of the first printed layer 82a, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, in addition to the above positions, the adhesive portion 83 may be formed on the back surface of the second printed layer 82b formed on the lower part of the base material 71. In this way, the adhesion between the design sheet 80 and the resin member 5c is more sufficiently ensured.

[0196] For example, when the design sheet constructed in this way is attached to the front of the variable winning device 94 (resin member), the LED is illuminated while the player is playing a big win game, allowing the player to clearly see the "super heat" of the first printed layer. Therefore, the player can accurately grasp the position of the variable winning device 94.

[0197] According to the gaming machine 100 equipped with the design sheet 80 according to the modified example, the following effects can be achieved.

[0198] A gaming machine (in this example, gaming machine 100) equipped with a gaming board unit (in this example, gaming board unit 600), the gaming board unit having a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 108), a translucent resin member (in this example, resin member 5c) provided at a position where the player can see, and a light emitting means (in this example, LED) provided at a position where the resin member can be illuminated, the resin member being covered with a translucent decorative sheet having a predetermined pattern (in this example, pattern 87 in FIG. 18(a)). The decorative sheet has an adhesive portion (in this example, a design sheet 80) that is attached to the resin member, and the decorative sheet has an adhesive portion (in this example, an adhesive portion 83) that is attached to the resin member. The predetermined pattern of the decorative sheet has a first pattern portion (in this example, "Super Hot" 84 in FIG. 81(a)) and a second pattern portion (in this example, an outer peripheral portion 86 in FIG. 18(a)) that has a lower translucency than the first pattern portion, and the adhesive portion is not formed in the first pattern portion, and the adhesive portion is formed in the second pattern portion. Therefore, the light emitted by the light emitting means can pass through the first pattern portion, but is difficult to pass through the second pattern portion. Therefore, the outline of the predetermined pattern can be made clear to improve the appearance of the decorative sheet, and the appearance of the game board can be prevented from being impaired.

[0199] Note that, similar to the above embodiment, positioning holes may also be provided in the base material 81 of the design sheet 80 according to the modified example. When positioning holes are provided, the adhesive portion 83 may be formed so as to surround the outer edge of the positioning hole, similar to the above embodiment, or the adhesive portion 83 may not be formed so as to surround the outer edge of the positioning hole. Even in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0200] Next, a general configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 provided at the tip of the inner guide rail 28 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the inner guide rail 28.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 19, a ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided at the tip of the inner guide rail 28 to prevent a game ball that has entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29. The ball return prevention mechanism 50 includes a main body case 52, a cover 53, and a ball return prevention member (displacement member) 54. The main body case 52, the cover 53, and the ball return prevention member 54 are all molded products made of synthetic resin material. The main body case 52, the cover 53, and the ball return prevention member 54 are combined to form the ball return prevention mechanism 50. As described above, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is disposed in the boundary area 700 when the inner guide rail 28 is attached to the acrylic plate 5a.

[0202] Next, a detailed configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 20 to Fig. 22. Fig. 20 is a front perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50, Fig. 21 is a rear perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50, and Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50.

[0203] As shown in Figs. 20 to 22, the main body case 52 is integrally formed at the upper end of the inner guide rail 28, and has a bottom surface portion 52a and a side surface portion 52b erected from one end of the bottom surface portion 52a. The space surrounded by the bottom surface portion 52a and the side surface portion 52b is the cutout portion S. The cutout portion S is open on the front side facing the transparent plate 11 and on the upper side facing the boundary area 700 (see Fig. 22). The upper opening end of the cutout portion S is the stopper wall 52c. The stopper wall 52c is formed at the upper end of the side surface portion 52b located near the play area 108a, and is a cylindrical wall surface that crosses the upper end in the width direction.

[0204] A first bearing portion 52d and a guide groove 52e are formed on the bottom surface portion 52a of the main body case 52. The guide groove 52e extends in a substantially arc shape along a virtual circle centered on the first bearing portion 52d. A first screw hole 52f and a first positioning pin 52g are also formed on the bottom surface portion 52a (see FIG. 22). A second positioning pin 52h is provided on the rear side of the bottom surface portion 52a (see FIG. 21), and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is positioned on the acrylic plate 5a by inserting the second positioning pin 52h into a hole (not shown) in the acrylic plate 5a.

[0205] The cover 53 is formed in a plate shape and has a second screw hole 53a and a positioning hole 53b. A second bearing portion 53c is formed on the back side of the cover 53. The cover 53 is attached to the main body case 52 with the front side of the cutout portion S closed by inserting the first positioning pin 52g of the bottom surface portion 52a into the positioning hole 53b and inserting the screw 55 into the second screw hole 53a and the first screw hole 52f of the bottom surface portion 52a.

[0206] The ball return prevention member 54 has an axial hole 54a, an on-off valve 54b, and a weight 54c. The on-off valve 54b and the weight 54c are formed so as to be bent in an L-shape with the axial hole 54a as the boundary. A support shaft 56 is inserted through the axial hole 54a, and one end of the support shaft 56 is engaged with a first bearing portion 52d of the bottom surface portion 52a, and the other end is engaged with a second bearing portion 53c of the cover 53. In this way, the ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53.

[0207] The opening / closing valve 54b is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and its longitudinal (vertical) length is long enough for a game ball returning from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700 to collide with it. The opening / closing valve 54b has a first side portion 540b facing the guide passage 29, and a second side portion 541b on the opposite side of the first side portion 540b and facing the game area 108a (left hitting area) (see FIG. 22). The first side portion 540b is a portion that collides with a game ball that has been launched from the launching device 16 and passed through the guide passage 29. The second side portion 541b is a portion that collides with a game ball that is returning from the game area 108a to the guide passage 29.

[0208] The tip of the opening / closing valve 54b is tapered. Specifically, the vertical length of the first side surface portion 540b is longer than the vertical length of the second side surface portion 541b, and is inclined downward from the tip of the first side surface portion 540b to the tip of the second side surface portion 541b. In addition, a protrusion 541c protruding toward the play area 108a is formed in the center of the second side surface portion 541b.

[0209] The weight portion 54c is thicker and heavier than the opening / closing valve 54b. An engagement pin 54d is protruding from the back side of the weight portion 54c, and this engagement pin 54d is inserted into the guide groove 52e of the bottom surface portion 52a (see FIG. 22). As described above, the ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53, and can be displaced between the open state and the closed state. In the normal state, the ball return prevention member 54 is biased by the weight of the weight portion 54c to rotate in one direction (counterclockwise) around the support shaft 56, and the engagement pin 54d abuts against one end of the guide groove 52e. As a result, the ball return prevention member 54 cannot rotate any further and maintains the closed state. On the other hand, when the ball return prevention member 54 comes into contact with the game ball launched from the launching device 16, the contact force causes it to rotate in the other direction (clockwise) around the support shaft 56, and it abuts against the above-mentioned stopper wall 52c, thereby entering the open state.

[0210] Next, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state (first state) and when it is in the open state (second state) will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, and Figure 24 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 23, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state (first state), the opening / closing valve 54b protrudes in a substantially vertical position from the upper opening of the cutout portion S toward the outlet of the boundary area 700. In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the diameter of the game ball B and is the shortest. Note that this distance means the shortest distance from the tip of the opening / closing valve 54b (first side surface portion 540b) of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, even if a game ball that has once entered the game area 108a collides with a game nail 36 or the like and is bounced back toward the boundary area 700, it will collide with the ball return prevention member 54. In addition, the ball return prevention member 54 maintains the closed state even when it is collided with a game ball, and does not rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, it prevents the game ball that has entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29.

[0212] When the game ball B launched from the launching device 16 toward the game area 108a in the state shown in FIG. 23 rises in the guide passage 29, enters the boundary area 700, and contacts the opening / closing valve 54b, the contact force can displace the ball return prevention member 54 from the closed state to the open state. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the ball return prevention member 54 rotates in a direction to open the exit of the boundary area 700, and when it collides with the stopper wall 52c, further rotation is restricted and it becomes the open state (second state). In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the opening / closing valve 54b (first side surface portion 540b) to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than the diameter of the game ball B and is the longest. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state, it allows the game ball launched by the launching device 16 to enter the game area 108a from the boundary area 700. After being displaced to the open state, the ball return prevention member 54 receives the biasing force of the weight portion 54c and instantly rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to be displaced again to the closed state shown in FIG.

[0213] As described above, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is configured to prevent a game ball that has entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state. In this embodiment, however, it is further configured to prevent the game ball from returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29 even when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the middle of changing from the closed state to the open state (third state).

[0214] Figure 25 shows a state in which a game ball that has entered the game area 108a (left hitting area) is attempting to return to the boundary area 700 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from a closed state to an open state, and Figures 26 and 27 are enlarged views of the area surrounded by dotted lines shown in Figure 25.

[0215] In Fig. 25, one game ball (first game ball) B1 launched from the launching device 16 toward the game area 108a enters the boundary area 700 from the guide passage 29 and comes into contact with the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b), the outer guide rail 27, and another game ball (second game ball) B2. In Fig. 26, the contact point between the one game ball B1 and the first side surface portion 540b of the open / close valve 54b is indicated by symbol P1, the contact point with the outer guide rail 27 is indicated by symbol P2, and the contact point with the other game ball B2 is indicated by symbol P3.

[0216] Also, another game ball B2 enters the boundary area 700 from the game area 108a and contacts the tip of the ball return prevention member 54, the outer guide rail 27, and the one game ball B1. In Fig. 26, the contact point between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the opening / closing valve 54b is indicated by symbol P4, the contact point with the outer guide rail 27 is indicated by symbol P5, and the lowest point of the other game ball B2 is indicated by symbol P6.

[0217] In the state shown in FIG. 26, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than that in the closed state (see FIG. 23) and shorter than that in the open state (see FIG. 24). In other words, it is the distance between the closed state and the open state. Moreover, the distance H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. In other words, the distance H1 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. In other words, the length H1 of the perpendicular line L1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the length H2 of the perpendicular line L2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27.

[0218] 27, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the distance H3 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) to the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and the one game ball B1 is shorter than the distance H4 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball to the contact point P3. In other words, the length of the line segment L3 connecting the contact point P4 and the contact point P3 is shorter than the length of the line segment L4 connecting the lowest point P6 and the contact point P3.

[0219] 26 and 27, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the ball return prevention member 54 has not rotated so that its tip reaches the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2. Specifically, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located higher than the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 in the vertical direction, and is located to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 (the guide passage 29 side) in the horizontal direction. In other words, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located to the upper left of the lowest point P6.

[0220] After the collision between the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 as described above, even if the game ball B2 tries to return to the guide passage 29, it will come into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) from the game area 108a side. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 is likely to rotate counterclockwise by being given a contact force from the game area 108a side toward the guide passage 29 side. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 blocks the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 collide, making it difficult for the game ball B2 to return to the guide passage 29. As a result, even when the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 collide as shown in FIG. 25, the game ball B2 can be prevented from returning to the guide passage 29. In other words, it is possible to prevent two game balls from returning to the guide passage 29 in succession.

[0221] In addition, when the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 collide as shown in FIG. 25, if the distance (specific distance) H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27, the game ball B2 can enter between the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 and the outer guide rail 27 after the collision. Then, the game ball B2 can contact the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 from above, so that the ball return prevention member 54 is likely to rotate clockwise. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 opens the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 collide, and the game ball B2 cannot be prevented from returning to the guide passage 29.

[0222] Thus, the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment is sufficiently improved in preventing the gaming ball that has entered the gaming area 108a from returning to the guide passage (guiding area) 29 compared to conventional pachinko machines, but as described below, further improvement in return prevention is achieved by preventing the gaming ball from getting caught in the ball return prevention mechanism 50. Therefore, with reference to FIG. 28, prevention of the ball from getting caught in the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be described. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a state in which the gaming ball B that has returned from the gaming area 108a to the boundary area 700 collides with the ball return prevention member 54.

[0223] As shown in Fig. 28, the game ball B has returned from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700 and is in contact with the opening / closing valve 54b of the ball return prevention member 54 and the main body case 52. Specifically, the game ball B is in contact with the protruding portion 541c of the opening / closing valve 54b in the closed state, and is in contact with the upper end portion (stopper wall 52c) of the main body case 52. In Fig. 28, the contact point between the game ball B and the protruding portion 541c of the opening / closing valve 54b is indicated by symbol P7, the contact point with the upper end portion of the main body case 52 is indicated by symbol P8, and the leftmost point of the game ball B is indicated by symbol P9.

[0224] In this state, the contact point P7 between the game ball B and the protruding portion 541c of the opening / closing valve 54b is located lower than the leftmost point P9 of the game ball B in the vertical direction. Also, the contact point P8 between the game ball B and the upper end of the main body case 52 is located to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B in the horizontal direction, and is located higher than the lowest point P6 of the game ball B in the vertical direction. That is, the contact point P8 is located to the upper left of the lowest point P6. And the distance (first distance) H5 from the contact point P7 to the contact point P8 is shorter than the distance (second distance) H6 from the leftmost point P9 to the lowest point P6 of the game ball B. Therefore, the game ball B cannot enter the gap area SP between the opening on the upper surface side facing the boundary area 700 in the main body case 52 (see FIG. 21, etc.) and the part of the second side surface portion 541b of the opening / closing valve 54b that is closer to the base end than the protruding portion 541c. Moreover, as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 28, when the game ball B collides with the ball return prevention member 54, a force is applied to the right from the protruding portion 541c of the opening / closing valve 54b, and a force is applied to the upper right diagonally from the upper end of the main body case 52, so that the game ball B bounces back to the game area 108a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball B from entering the gap area SP and getting caught between the opening / closing valve 54b of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 and the main body case 52. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 caused by such a catch of the game ball B is not impaired. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 can be stably ensured, and the return prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 108a to the guide passage (guide area) 29 can be further improved.

[0225] According to the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment configured as above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0226] The gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a guide passage (guide area) 29 which is an area between an outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 and an inner guide rail (inner rail) 28 and which guides a launched gaming ball to a gaming area 30, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 which prevents the gaming ball from returning from the gaming area 30 to the guide passage 29, and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an opening / closing valve (displacement member) 54b which is displaceable between a closed state (first state), an open state (second state), and a state (third state) which is in the middle of displacing from the closed state to the open state, and the opening / closing valve 54b has a side portion which faces the outer guide rail 27 and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion, and the distance from the tip portion to the outer guide rail 27 is set to a specific distance. Let the distance H1 be H1, the game ball guided from the guide passage 29 to the game area 30 be one game ball B1, and the game ball returning from the game area 30 to the guide passage 29 be another game ball B2. The closed state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the open state, and the open state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than the closed state. The state in the middle of changing from the closed state to the open state is characterized in that the one game ball B1 is in contact with the side portion, the outer guide rail 27, and the other game ball B2, and the other game ball B2 is in contact with the tip portion, the outer guide rail 27, and the one game ball B1, so that the specific distance H1 is longer than the open state and shorter than the closed state, and is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 not only prevents the game ball that has entered the play area 30 from returning when the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) is in the closed state, but also suppresses the game ball that has entered the play area 30 from returning to the guide passage 29 even while the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, it is possible to improve the prevention of the game ball that has entered the play area 30 returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.

[0227] The gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a guide passage (guide area) 29 that guides the launched gaming ball to the gaming area 108a in an area between the outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 and the inner guide rail (inner rail) 28, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents the gaming ball from returning to the guide passage 29 from the gaming area 108a. The ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an opening / closing valve (displacement member) 54b that can be displaced between a closed state (first state) and an open state (second state), and a main body case (support member) 52 that can support the opening / closing valve 54b. The opening / closing valve 54b has a second side portion (side portion) 541b that faces the gaming area 108a and a tip portion on the tip side of the second side portion 541b, and extends from the tip portion to the outer guide rail 27. If the distance to the stopper wall 52c is a specific distance, the closed state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the open state, and the open state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than the closed state, the main body case 52 has a stopper wall (contact portion) 52c that abuts against the second side surface portion 541b of the opening and closing valve 54b in the open state, the game ball may contact the stopper wall 52c and the second side surface portion 541b (the protrusion 541c) in the closed state, the distance from the contact point P8 of the game ball and the stopper wall 52c to the contact point P7 of the game ball and the second side surface portion 541b (the protrusion 541c) in the closed state is the first distance H5, and the distance from the lowest point P6 of the game ball to the leftmost point P9 is the second distance H6, the first distance H5 is shorter than the second distance H6. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 108a returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.

[0228] Next, the detailed configuration of the outer guide rail 27 will be described with reference to Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the outer guide rail 27.

[0229] As shown in Fig. 29, the outer guide rail 27 is made of a band-shaped metal plate (e.g., a stainless steel plate) having elasticity and flexibility, and is attached along the inner peripheral surface 42a (see Fig. 5) of the rail base 26. The base end 27a of the outer guide rail 27 is bent into an L-shape, and is fitted into and supported by a base end support portion 420a (see Fig. 5) of the rail base 26. On the other hand, the tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27 is bent into a U-shape, and is fitted into and supported by a tip end support portion 420b (see Fig. 5) of the rail base 26.

[0230] A plurality of (e.g., five) holes 27c each having a substantially horizontally elongated elliptical shape are formed between the base end 27a and the tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27. Each hole 27c can be inserted into a boss (not shown) formed at a predetermined interval on the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26.

[0231] The outer guide rail 27 has a guide surface 27A that guides the game ball to the game area 108a. This guide surface 27A is the surface opposite to the surface that contacts the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26. A flat first area (first outer rail surface) R1 and a curved (curved) second area (second outer rail surface) R2 are provided on the base end side (downstream side, lower side, base end support part 420a side, launching device 16 side) of the guide surface 27A. That is, the first area R1 is flatter than the second area R2. In other words, the second area R2 is more curved than the first area R1. Also, the first area R1 is located closer to the base end side of the outer guide rail 27 than the second area R2. In other words, the second region R2 is located closer to the tip end of the outer guide rail 27 (upstream side, upper side, tip support portion 420b side) than the first region R1.

[0232] In this embodiment, the first region R1 is a region within 50 mm from the base end 27a toward the tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27. The second region R2 is a region beyond 50 mm from the base end 27a of the outer guide rail 27.

[0233] The first region R1 or the second region R2 includes a first seat, which is a position where a game ball launched by the launching device 16 first comes into contact (collides). In other words, a launched game ball first comes into contact with the first region R1 or the second region R2 of the guide surface 27A of the outer guide rail 27, and which of the two the game ball comes into contact with depends on the launch strength of the launching device 16. The relationship between the first seat and the launch strength of the launching device 16 will be described later.

[0234] The first area R1 is a straight line that slopes upward to the left when viewed from the front of the game board 108. When the game ball launched by the launching device 16 first comes into contact with the first area R1 (i.e., when the first seat is in the first area R1), the angle of incidence of the game ball to the first seat is set to, for example, about 8 degrees. The angle of reflection of the game ball that enters (collides with) the first seat is set to, for example, about 7 degrees. Note that the angle of incidence or reflection of the game ball can be, for example, the angle that the game ball's direction of incidence and direction of reflection make with respect to the surface of the first area R1.

[0235] The second region R2 is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the front of the game board 108. When the game ball launched by the launching device 16 first comes into contact with the second region R2 (i.e., when the first seat is in the second region R2), the angle of incidence of the game ball to the first seat is set to be larger than when the first seat is in the first region R1. The angle of reflection of the game ball that has entered the first seat is also set to be larger than when the first seat is in the first region R1. Note that, as the angle of incidence or reflection of the game ball when the first seat is in the second region R2, for example, the angle that the game ball's incident direction and reflection direction make with respect to the tangent line passing through the first seat can be adopted.

[0236] When the outer guide rail 27 configured in this manner is attached to the rail base 26 of the game board 14, first, the tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27 is fitted and supported in the tip support portion 420b of the rail base 26. Next, after the boss of the rail base 26 is inserted into the hole portion 27c of the outer guide rail 27, the base end portion 27a of the outer guide rail 27 is fitted and supported in the base end support portion 420a of the rail base 26.

[0237] At this time, the outer guide rail 27 is disposed in an arc shape along the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26, and is therefore in a state of being deformed inward in the circumferential direction. In this state, the outer guide rail 27 generates an elastic force that returns it to its original shape outward in the circumferential direction, and therefore the surface of the outer guide rail 27 opposite the guide surface 27A can be brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26. This allows the outer guide rail 27 to be attached to the game board 14.

[0238] Next, the relationship between the first seat and the shot strength of the launching device 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 30. Fig. 30 is a front view showing the first seat of game balls shot by the launching device 16 with different shot strengths.

[0239] 30 shows four game balls P1 to P4 that are shot at four different levels of shot intensity A to D. The relationship of the magnitude of the shot intensities A to D is shot intensity A<shot intensity B<shot intensity C<shot intensity D.

[0240] In this embodiment, the firing intensity A (third firing intensity) is the minimum firing intensity at which the game ball cannot reach the game area 108a (left hitting area 108a1). Note that the firing intensity A does not have to be the minimum if it is a firing intensity that cannot reach the game area 108a. Also, the firing intensity B (second firing intensity) is the minimum firing intensity at which the game ball can reach the game area 108a (left hitting area 108a1). Note that the firing intensity B does not have to be the minimum if it is a firing intensity that cannot reach the throwing position (left hitting reference position) BP.

[0241] Furthermore, the firing intensity C (first firing intensity) is a firing intensity that allows the game ball to reach the throwing position (left-hand hitting reference position) BP of the game area 108a (left-hand hitting area 108a1). Note that the firing intensity C may be a firing intensity that does not allow the game ball to reach the right-hand hitting area 108a2. Furthermore, the firing intensity D (fourth firing intensity) is the maximum firing intensity among the firing intensities that allows the game ball to reach the right-hand hitting area 108a2. Note that the firing intensity D does not have to be the maximum as long as it can reach the right-hand hitting area 108a2.

[0242] Regarding the launch strength D, "the game ball can reach the right hitting area 108a2" means that the game ball is near the tip 27b of the outer guide rail 27 and can reach the rubber 26b, which serves as a receiving member, provided in the upper right part of the rail base 26.

[0243] In Fig. 30, game ball P1 is a game ball shot with a shooting strength A, game ball P2 is a game ball shot with a shooting strength B, game ball P3 is a game ball shot with a shooting strength C, and game ball P4 is a game ball shot with a shooting strength D. Below, the first seating of these game balls P1 to P4 will be explained in order.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 30, the first seat (third contact position) of the game ball P1 is the position of the guide surface 27A of the outer guide rail 27 where the game ball P1 first comes into contact, and is within the range of the first region R1 of the guide surface 27A. Specifically, this first seat is in the vicinity of the base end portion 27a of the outer guide rail 27, and is within the above-mentioned region of 50 mm or less (see FIG. 29). This first seat is lower than the first seat (second contact position) of the game ball P2 described later. Therefore, the game ball P1 shot with the shot intensity A reaches the first region R1, but does not reach the second region R2. Note that the game ball P1 is reflected after entering (colliding) the first seat in the first region R1 and rises to a position of about 20 mm to 30 mm below the exit of the guide passage (guide region) 29, but does not reach the game region 108a, and flows back through the guide passage 29 and is collected as a foul ball.

[0245] The first seating (second contact position) of the game ball P2 is the position of the guide surface 27A of the outer guide rail 27 with which the game ball P2 first comes into contact, and is within the range of the first region R1 of the guide surface 27A. Specifically, this first seating is approximately 22 mm from the base end portion 27a of the outer guide rail 27, and is within the above-mentioned region of 50 mm or less. This first seating is above the first seating (third contact position) of the game ball P1 described above, and below the first seating (first contact position) of the game ball P3 described later. Therefore, the game ball P2 launched with the launch strength B reaches the first region R1, but does not reach the second region R2. After entering the first seating in the first region R1, the game ball P2 is reflected and rises up the guide passage 29, and flows down the left hitting region 108a1 from the vicinity of the exit of the guide passage 29. This way of hitting a game ball is called "chorouchi."

[0246] The first seat (first contact position) of the game ball P3 is the position of the guide surface 27A of the outer guide rail 27 that the game ball P3 first comes into contact with, and is within the range of the first region R1 of the guide surface 27A. Specifically, this first seat is approximately 44 mm from the base end portion 27a of the outer guide rail 27, and is therefore within the above-mentioned range of 50 mm. Therefore, the game ball P3 launched with the launch strength C reaches the first region R1, but does not reach the second region R2. The game ball P3 is reflected after entering the first seat in the first region R1 and rises up the guide passage 29. After reaching the left hitting region 108a1, the game ball P3 moves along the outer guide rail 27 for a while, and then reaches the throw-in position BP.

[0247] The first seating position (fourth contact position) of the game ball P4 is the position of the guide surface 27A of the outer guide rail 27 that the game ball P4 first comes into contact with, and is not within the range of the first region R1 of the guide surface 27A, but within the range of the second region R2. Specifically, this first seating position is approximately 75 mm from the base end portion 27a of the outer guide rail 27, and is therefore within the region beyond the above-mentioned region of within 50 mm. Therefore, the game ball P4 launched with the launch strength D is configured to reach the second region R2 beyond the first region R1.

[0248] After the game ball P4 enters the first seat in the second area R2, it is reflected and moves up the guide passage 29. After reaching the game area 108a, the game ball P4 moves along the outer guide rail 27 and reaches the rubber 26b provided in the right hitting area 108a2.

[0249] As described above, for the first seating, the game balls P1 to P3 shot at the shooting intensities A, B, and C reach the first region R1 of the guide surface 27A, but do not reach the second region R2. In contrast, the game ball P4 shot at the shooting intensity D reaches the second region R2 of the guide surface 27A.

[0250] Next, the positional relationship between the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the guide surface 27A of the outer guide rail 27 and the main display 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0251] 30, the first region R1 is located at the lower right of the main display 40, and the second region R2 is located at the right side of the main display 40. In addition, the region R3 (hereinafter referred to as the "specific region") covering the right side of the main display 40 in the second region R2 is a region that does not include the first landing of the game ball P4 launched with the above-mentioned launch strength D.

[0252] Specifically, the first landing of the game ball P4 is closer to the base end of the outer guide rail 27 than the specific area R3 in the second area R2. Therefore, even if the game ball is shot with a shooting strength D that can reach the right shot area 108a2, it will not first come into contact with (collide with) the specific area R3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the main display 40 from being damaged by the impact caused by this collision.

[0253] Next, the design of the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the guide surface 27A will be described with reference to FIG.

[0254] As shown in FIG. 30, the first region R1 is located below the diagonal line L connecting the upper right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 108, while the second region R2 intersects with the diagonal line L. The boundary line L' on the base end side of the specific region R3 in the second region R2 is close to the diagonal line L. Also, when the guide surface 27A of the outer guide rail 27 moves from the position where it intersects with the diagonal line L toward the base end side by the same amount as the length of the specific region R3, the boundary position between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is approximately present. In this way, the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be easily designed by using the diagonal line L.

[0255] Next, the relationship between the first region R1 of the guide surface 27A and the fixing position of the rail base 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0256] As shown in FIG. 30, the rail base 26 is fixed by the screw 26a at a portion located below the first region R1 of the guide surface 27A. As described above, the first region R1 is the region that the game ball launched at the launch strengths B and C first impacts. A large impact is applied to the first region R1 due to the impact of the game ball, and this impact is transmitted to the portion of the rail base 26 located below the first region R1. However, since the rail base 26 is fixed by the screw 26a at the above-mentioned position, it is possible to prevent the rail base 26 from being displaced relative to the acrylic plate 5a.

[0257] In particular, the firing intensities B and C are the firing intensities when performing a left-handed shot, and the time required for performing a left-handed shot is usually longer than the time required for performing a right-handed shot. Therefore, impacts are applied to the first region R1 many times over a long period of time, which makes it easy for the rail base 26 to shift out of position, and therefore it is extremely effective to fix the rail base 26 as described above.

[0258] Next, the width of the guide passage 29 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0259] As shown in FIG. 30, the width of the guide passage 29 is determined by the length of a line segment perpendicular to both the outer guide rail 27 and the inner guide rail 28, and gradually becomes smaller from the entrance side of the guide passage 29 toward the exit side.

[0260] Specifically, the width L1 of the guide passage 29 is the width in the vicinity of the entrance, and is set to approximately 29.6 mm. The width L2 of the guide passage 29 is the width at the boundary position between the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the outer guide rail 27 in the guide passage 29, and is set to approximately 26.6 mm. The width L3 of the guide passage 29 is the width at the leftmost position of the guide passage 29, and is set to approximately 13.9 mm. The width L4 of the guide passage 29 is the width in the vicinity of the exit, and is set to approximately 13.0 mm.

[0261] Comparing the widths L1 to L4, the width L1 is more than twice the width L3, and the width L2 is approximately twice the width L3. This prevents the game ball launched by the launching device 16 from colliding with the inner guide rail 28 first. In other words, it is possible to ensure that the launched game ball first comes into contact with the first region R1 or the second region R2 of the guide surface 27A of the outer guide rail 27. In addition, when the launched game ball first comes into contact with the vicinity of the base end portion 27a of the first region R1, for example, even if it collides with a foul ball that has flowed back from the guide passage 29, these game balls will not close the exit of the guide passage 29.

[0262] Moreover, the width L3 is approximately half the width L2, and the width L4 is less than half the width L2. Considering that the diameter of the game ball is 11 mm, the widths L3 and L4 of the guide passage 29 result in a gap of approximately 2.0 mm to 2.9 mm between the game ball and the outer guide rail 27 and the inner guide rail 28. By making the gap extremely small in this way, the game ball can easily move along the guide passage 29. This makes it possible to suppress the loss of kinetic energy of the game ball due to collision with the outer guide rail 27 or the inner guide rail 28. Therefore, it is difficult to dissipate the energy of the launched game ball, and it can be smoothly guided to the game area 108a.

[0263] Next, with reference to Figures 31(a) and (b), we will explain the movement of the game ball before and after it collides with the first seat on the outer guide rail 27. Figure 31(a) is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the game ball before and after it collides with the first seat in the first region R1, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the game ball before and after it collides with the first seat in the second region R2.

[0264] As shown in FIG. 31(a), when the game ball P5 comes into contact (collides) with the first position X1 of the first region R1, the game ball P5 enters at a relatively small incident angle θ1 (e.g., about 8 degrees) and is then reflected at a reflection angle θ2 (e.g., about 7 degrees) that is approximately equal to the incident angle θ1. The same is true when the game ball P6 comes into contact with the second position X2 of the first region R1. In this way, when the game ball collides with a predetermined position in the first region R1, the incident angle θ1 and the reflection angle θ2 are approximately equal and both are relatively small, so the game ball moves along the first region R1.

[0265] Therefore, the game ball that collides with the first area R1 can be smoothly raised up the guide passage 29, so that the game ball launched by the launching device 16 can be appropriately guided to the game area 108a. In addition, by containing the first landing of the game ball launched with the launch strengths A to C within the first area R1, the trajectory of the game ball after colliding with the first landing can be stabilized.

[0266] As shown in FIG. 31(b), when the game ball P7 comes into contact with (collides with) the third position X3 of the second region R2, the game ball P7 enters at a relatively large incident angle θ3 (for example, 20 degrees), and is then reflected at a reflection angle θ3' (for example, 18 degrees) that is approximately equal to the incident angle θ3. When the game ball P8 comes into contact with (collides with) the fourth position X4 of the second region R2, the game ball P8 enters at a relatively large incident angle θ4 (for example, 30 degrees), and is then reflected at a reflection angle θ4' (for example, 28 degrees) that is approximately equal to the incident angle θ4. Here, the second region is curved in a front view of the game board 108, and the inclination of the tangent L1 passing through the third position X3 is significantly different from the inclination of the tangent L2 passing through the fourth position X4. Therefore, the reflection direction of the game ball P7 and the reflection direction of the game ball P8 are also significantly different. Therefore, the gaming ball that collides with a predetermined position in the second region R2 will be reflected in various directions, unlike the case of FIG. 31(a).

[0267] However, in this embodiment, the second region R2 is an area that cannot be reached in the case of the firing intensities A to C, but is an area that can be reached in the case of the firing intensity D, and the firing intensity D is a firing intensity that is sufficiently greater than the firing intensities A to C. And, even if the gaming ball reflected in the second region R2 collides with the inner guide rail 28 and is weakened, the gaming ball can still reach the right hitting region 108a2.

[0268] The gaming machine 100 configured in this manner can provide the following effects.

[0269] The present invention is provided with a game board (in this example, game board 108) having a guide area (in this example, guide passage 29) and a play area (in this example, play area 108a), launching means (in this example, launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, an outer rail (in this example, outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game ball launched by the launching means from the guide area to the play area, and a ball return prevention mechanism (in this example, ball return prevention mechanism 50) that prevents the game ball from returning from the play area to the guide area, and the ball return prevention mechanism is in a first state. The first state is a state in which the play area is a first state (in this example, a closed state) and the second state is a state in which the play area is a second state (in this example, an open state), and a support member (in this example, a main body case 52, a cover 53, or a support shaft 56) is capable of supporting the displacement member. The displacement member has a side portion (in this example, a second side portion 541b) that faces the play area and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion. If the distance from the tip portion to the outer rail is a specific distance (in this example, a specific distance H1), the first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the second state, and the second state is , the specific distance is longer than the first state, the support member has a contact portion (in this example, the abutting stopper wall 52c) that contacts the side portion in the second state, the game ball may contact the contact portion and the side portion in the first state, and in the first state, the distance from the contact point between the game ball and the contact portion (in this example, contact point P8) to the contact point between the game ball and the side portion is the first distance (in this example, distance H5), and the distance from the lowest point of the game ball (in this example, lowest point P6) to the leftmost point (in this example, leftmost point P9) is the second distance (in this example, distance H6). In this case, the first distance is shorter than the second distance in a gaming machine (in this example, gaming machine 100), the outer rail in the guide area has a first outer rail surface (in this example, first area R1) and a second outer rail surface located above the first outer rail surface, the first outer rail surface is flatter than the second outer rail surface, the launching means is capable of launching a gaming ball at a first launching intensity (in this example, launching intensity C) that enables the gaming ball to reach a left-hand hit reference position (in this example, throw-in position BP) in the gaming area, and the gaming ball launched at the first launching intensity (in this example,If the position of the outer rail in the guiding area where the game ball P3) first comes into contact is defined as a first contact position, the first contact position is within the range of the first outer rail surface. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately guide the game ball launched by the launching means to the game area.

[0270] In the above configuration, the launching means can launch the game ball at a second launching intensity (in this example, launching intensity B) that allows the game ball to reach the game area but cannot reach the left-hand hit reference position, and if the position of the outer rail in the guide area where the game ball launched at the second launching intensity (in this example, game ball P2) first comes into contact is the second contact position, the second contact position is within the range of the first outer rail surface. Therefore, a game machine can be provided that can more appropriately guide the game ball launched by the launching means to the game area. Here, "making it impossible to reach the left-hand hit reference position" generally means the assumption that the game ball does not reach the left-hand hit reference position. In other words, it does not include the case where the game ball unintentionally reaches the left-hand hit reference position due to some irregularity. An example of such an irregularity is a game ball launched by a quick shot that collides with a nail near the exit of the guide area and reaches the left-hand hit reference position.

[0271] In the above configuration, the launching means can launch the game ball at a third launching intensity (in this example, launching intensity A) that allows the game ball to reach the guide area but cannot reach the game area, and if the position of the outer rail in the guide area where the game ball launched at the third launching intensity (in this example, game ball P1) first comes into contact is defined as a third contact position, the third contact position is within the range of the first outer rail surface. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine that can guide the game ball launched by the launching means to the game area sufficiently and appropriately. In addition, by keeping the first seat of the game ball launched at the first launching intensity, the second launching intensity, and the third launching intensity within the first area, the trajectory of the game ball after colliding with the first seat can be stabilized. Here, "making it impossible to reach the game area" generally means the assumption that the game ball does not reach the game area. In other words, it does not include the case where the game ball unintentionally reaches the game area due to some irregularity. An example of such an irregularity is when a game ball attempting to flow backwards through the guide area collides with a following game ball and reaches the game area.

[0272] In the above configuration, the launching means can launch the game ball at a fourth launching intensity (in this example, launching intensity D) that is the maximum of the launching intensities at which the game ball can reach the right hit area (in this example, right hit area 108a2) of the game area, and if the position of the outer rail in the guide area where the game ball launched at the fourth launching intensity (in this example, game ball P4) first comes into contact is defined as a fourth contact position, the fourth contact position is within the range of the second outer rail surface. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine that can more sufficiently and appropriately guide the game ball launched by the launching means to the game area.

[0273] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention, and all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above-mentioned embodiment shows a preferred example, but a person skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the attached claims.

[0274] In the above embodiment, the second region R2 of the outer guide rail 27 has a curved shape when viewed from the front of the game board 108, but is not limited to this configuration. The second region R2 may have the same shape as the first region R1. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0275] In the above embodiment, the pounding position BP is the upper left position of the play area 108a shown in Fig. 5 or Fig. 30, but is not limited to this. Usually, the arrangement of nails often differs depending on the model of the pachinko machine, and the pounding position according to each model can be adopted.

[0276] In the above embodiment, the ribs 301 are provided on the upper surface (in other words, the outer surface) of the top plate of the inner frame 104, but the ribs 301 may be provided on the lower surface (in other words, the inner surface) of the top plate of the inner frame 104.

[0277] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the outer frame was fixed to the island equipment of the amusement park by driving nails into the outer frame, but fixing members other than nails, such as screws, may also be used.

[0278] In the above embodiment, the island fixing holes 300a to 300d are through holes, but they may be holes that serve as guides when driving nails, instead of through holes.

[0279] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the hinge cover 406 and the front panel 414 were made of resin of the same color, but they may be made of materials of different colors.

[0280] In the above embodiment, the base plate 112 is provided with the convex portion 112c, and the design sheet 111 is provided with the concave portion 111a. However, for example, the design sheet 111 may be provided with the convex portion, and the base plate 112 may be provided with the concave portion.

[0281] In the above embodiment, the design sheet 111 having a printed pattern is used as the sheet, but the sheet may be plain and may be either colored or colorless.

[0282] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine in which the number of bets is set using medals and credits as gaming value.

[0283] When applying the present invention to a slot machine, the present invention can be applied when attaching a design sheet to a front door attached to the slot machine cabinet, for example, when attaching a design sheet to the panel around the reel display window, the panel above the display window, or the lower panel below the operating unit.

[0284] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, Figure 25 shows the state when the ball return prevention member 54 is displaced to a state that is approximately halfway between the closed state and the open state, but this is not limited to this state, and the present invention is also applicable when the ball return prevention member 54 is displaced to any state between the closed state and the open state.

[0285] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 25, the ball return prevention member 54 can prevent the game ball B2 from returning to the guide passage 29. However, even if another game ball C returns to the boundary area 700 immediately after the game ball B2 that has returned from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700, the ball return prevention member 54 can of course prevent the two game balls (game ball B2 and game ball C) from returning to the guide passage 29.

[0286] In addition, in the above embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 was integrally formed at the upper end of the inner guide rail 28, but is not limited to this configuration and may be formed separately from the inner guide rail 28.

[0287] In addition, in the above embodiment, the boundary area 700 is provided between the guide passage 29 and the play area 108a. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the boundary area 700 may be included in the guide passage 29.

[0288] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a protrusion 541c was formed on the second side portion 541b of the opening / closing valve 54b, but this configuration is not limited to this, and the surface of the second side portion 541b may be flat without forming the protrusion 541c.

[0289] In the above embodiment, the stopper wall (contact portion) 52c is configured to contact the second side surface portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b in the open state, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the stopper wall 52c may be configured to be in pressure contact with the second side surface portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b in the open state, or may be configured to be in close proximity to the second side surface portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b.

[0290] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, but can also be applied to controlled pachinko machines that are designed so that players can play without touching the game balls. [Explanation of symbols]

[0291] 16 Launcher 27 Outer guide rail (outer rail) 28 Inner guide rail (inner rail) 29 Guidance passage (guidance area) 100 Gaming Machines 50 Ball return prevention mechanism 52 Main body case (support member) 53 Cover (support member) 56 Support shaft (support member) 54b Opening and closing valve (displacement member) 541b Second side part (side part) 54c Stopper wall (contact part) 108 Game Board 108a Gaming area B. Game ball H1: Specific distance from the tip of the ball return prevention member to the outer guide rail H5 Distance from the contact point between the ball and the stopper wall to the contact point between the ball and the second side surface H6 Distance from the lowest point of the ball to the leftmost point P6 The lowest point of the ball P7 Contact point between the game ball and the second side part P8 Contact point between ball and stopper wall P9 Leftmost point of the ball R1 First area (first outer rail surface) R2 Second area (second outer rail surface) BP throwing position (left-handed standard position) P3 Game ball launched at launch strength C (first launch strength) P2: Ball shot at launch strength B (second launch strength) P1 Game ball shot at shooting strength A (third shooting strength) P4: A ball shot at launch strength D (fourth launch strength)

Claims

[Claim 1] The present invention comprises a game board having a guide area and a play area, a launching means capable of launching a game ball, an outer rail and an inner rail capable of guiding the game ball launched by the launching means from the guide area to the play area, and a ball return prevention mechanism that prevents the game ball from returning from the play area to the guide area, the ball return prevention mechanism includes a case and a displacement member that is displaceable between a first state and a second state when disposed in the case, The displacement member has a side portion facing the play area and a tip portion on a tip side of the side portion, If the distance from the tip end to the outer rail is a specific distance, the first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than that in the second state, the second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than that in the first state, In the first state, the game ball may come into contact with the protrusion formed on the side surface and the upper end of the case, In the first state, the distance from the contact point between the game ball and the protrusion to the contact point between the game ball and the upper end is defined as a first distance, and the distance from the lowest point of the game ball to the leftmost point is defined as a second distance. A gaming machine, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

Images