Game device

Abstract

To provide a game device that allows various kinds of game devices having different installation heights to be mixed and changed easily, allows a bill conveyance route to be shared among various kinds of game machines, and can be disposed in a position in which a player can easily supply a bill.SOLUTION: In a game device 1 that comprises various kinds of game machines 2 having different installation heights, a bill conveyance route 41 that is installed in a back side of the various kinds of game machines 2 and conveys bills that are used for a game of the various kinds of game machines 2 and are discharged, and bill discharging means 3A2 for discharging bills to the bill conveyance route 41, and can install the various kinds of game machines 2 and the bill discharging means 3A2 in a front side, a separate game machine spacer 20 and an inter-machine spacer 30A are detachably installed in accordance with each of a Pachinko machine 2A having a large installation height and a lower part of the bill discharging means 3A2, the bill conveyance route 41 is installed in the back of the Pachinko machine 2A, and only a slot machine 2B having a small installation height is installed while removing the game machine spacer 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming device equipped with various gaming machines that are installed at different heights. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming machine islands where various gaming machines such as pachinko machines are lined up, a machine-to-machine interface is installed adjacent to each gaming machine, which lends gaming media for playing games by inserting gaming value such as banknotes. In addition, a banknote transport device is arranged on the back side of each gaming machine to collect and transport the banknotes inserted into the machine-to-machine interface.

[0003] Among various gaming machines, there are gaming machines that are generally installed high, such as pachinko machines, and gaming machines that are generally installed low, such as slot machines, depending on the position where the player performs the game operation. Furthermore, inter-machine machines have a bill insertion slot on the front side, and are configured to transfer bills through a bill discharge means at the same height, which communicates with the bill transport path of the bill transport device. Here, the bill discharge means and the bill transport path had to be aligned at the same height.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a gaming machine island A on which a slot machine 1 is installed, and a gaming machine island B on which a pachinko machine 51 is installed. In gaming machine island A shown in Fig. 1, the slot machine 1 and the spacer 3 are installed on a tray 6a, and in gaming machine island B shown in Fig. 6, the pachinko machine 51 and the spacer 3 are installed on a tray 53.

[0005] In both gaming machine islands A and B, the height position at which the banknote transport device 11 is installed within the island is the same, but the tray 53 on which the pachinko machine 51 is installed is installed at a higher position than the tray 6a on which the slot machine 1 is installed. In the case of gaming machine island A, the machine spacing device 3 attached to the slot machine 1 is installed on the tray 6a via a spacer 35 in order to make the height of its banknote insertion slot 31 the same as that of the machine spacing device 3 installed next to the pachinko machine 51.

[0006] Patent Document 2 also describes a gaming machine island 1 in which pachinko machines 14 and slot machines 15 are installed together. As shown in Figures 2(A) and 5, the pachinko machines 14 and the inter-machine coin dispensers 14A are installed on a tray 18 elevated by a coin box shelf 17, and as shown in Figures 2(B) and 5, the slot machines 15 and the inter-machine token dispensers 15A are installed on the tray 18 without the coin box shelf 17. In this type of gaming machine island 1, the banknote transport device 40 is disposed above both of the gaming machines 14 and 15, taking into consideration ease of maintenance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-107347 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-224826 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the prior art described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, for example, when installing a pachinko gaming machine 51 on gaming machine island A, the pachinko gaming machine 51 needs to be installed higher than the slot machine 1, but this cannot be achieved with just the spacer 35 for raising the height of the inter-machine unit 3. Therefore, in one gaming machine island A, B, mixing or replacing various gaming machines 1, 51 with different installation heights requires large-scale construction work such as changing the installation height of the trays 6a, 53, which is difficult.

[0009] Furthermore, in the prior art described in Patent Document 2, by installing the coin box shelf 17 below the pachinko machine 14, it is possible to easily make the installation height higher than that of the slot machine 15, but there is the following problem. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the banknote transport mechanism 40 is located even higher than the pachinko machine 14, which is installed at a high height, so it is much higher than the installation height of the slot machine 15. Therefore, when a player is seated normally, he or she cannot reach the banknote insertion port 42 of the inter-machine medal dispenser 15A, making it difficult and inconvenient to insert banknotes.

[0010] Here, if the inter-machine ball dispensing machine 14A and the inter-machine medal dispensing machine 15A each have an integrated banknote insertion section 42, and the transport conveyor 41 of the banknote transport mechanism 40 is installed behind the pachinko machine 14, the transport conveyor 41 will be installed above the adjacent slot machine 15, but this will create the problem that the transport conveyor 41 cannot be installed at the height of the banknote insertion section 42 of the inter-machine medal dispensing machine 15A.

[0011] The present invention has been made in response to the problems inherent in the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a gaming device that allows various gaming machines with different installation heights to be easily mixed and interchanged within a single device, that allows a banknote transport device including a banknote transport path to be shared between various gaming machines, and that can be positioned so that players can easily insert banknotes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: A gaming device comprising various gaming machines installed at different heights, a bill transport path installed on the rear side of the various gaming machines for transporting bills used in games and discharged from the various gaming machines, and a bill discharge means for discharging the bills onto the bill transport path, wherein the various gaming machines and the bill discharge means can be installed on the front side, Separate spacers are detachably installed in correspondence with the gaming machines with a high installation height and below the bill discharge means, and the bill transport path is installed behind the gaming machines with a high installation height, and only the gaming machines with a low installation height are installed with the spacers removed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a standard specification unit of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing a first modified example of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a second modified example of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a third modified example of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the internal configuration of a second modified example of a unit with standard specifications in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a banknote transport device and a machine spacing device in a standard specification unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a front view showing the arrangement of a banknote transport device and a machine spacing device in a standard specification unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing a standard specification unit (installed in a pachinko machine) of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a front view showing a standard specification unit (installed in a pachinko machine) of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a right side view showing a standard specification unit (installed in a pachinko machine) of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a plan view showing a standard specification unit (installed in a pachinko machine) of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view showing a standard specification unit (installed in a slot machine) of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a front view showing a standard specification unit (installed in a slot machine) of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a right side view showing a standard specification unit (installed in a slot machine) of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a plan view showing a standard specification unit (installed in a slot machine) of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view showing a first modified example (slot machine specifications) of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a front view showing a first modified example (slot machine specifications) of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a right side view showing a first modified example (slot machine specifications) of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is a plan view showing a first modified example (slot machine specifications) of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a second modified example of a standard specification unit in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing a second modified example of the standard specification unit of the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second modified example of a unit with standard specifications in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 21. [Figure 25] 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 21. [Figure 26]1 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 27] 1 is a front view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 28] 2 is a rear view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 29] 1 is a right side view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 30] 1 is a plan view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 31] 2 is a bottom view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 32] 2 is a perspective view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 33] 1 is a front view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 35] 2 is a right side view showing the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 36] 2 is a plan view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 37] 3 is a bottom view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 42]10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a front view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 55] 52 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 51. [Figure 56] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 51. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the front of the gaming device according to the second embodiment (where a pachinko machine is installed). [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the front of the gaming device according to the second embodiment (where the slot machines are installed). [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 61] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door of the gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment has been removed. FIG. [Figure 62] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 63] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 64] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 65] 10 is a plan view showing a gaming machine spacer in a gaming device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 66] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 67] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 68] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 69] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 70] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 72] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 73] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 74] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 75] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 76] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the structure of the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 77] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a gaming machine spacer in a gaming device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 78] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a gaming machine spacer in a gaming device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 79] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing a gaming machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 80] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an adjustment spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 81] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an adjustment spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 82] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing an adjustment spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 83] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the upper adjustment frame in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 84] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the upper adjustment frame in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 85] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing the upper adjustment frame in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 86] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 87] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 88] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 89] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 90] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 91] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing a modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 92]FIG. 11 is a front view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 93] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 94] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing another modified example of the inter-machine spacer in the gaming device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Various embodiments representative of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 49 are drawings relating to a gaming device 1 according to a first embodiment. Also, FIGS. 50 to 72 are drawings relating to a gaming device 100A according to a second embodiment. Furthermore, FIGS. 73 to 94 are drawings relating to a gaming device 100B according to a third embodiment.

[0015] The gaming devices 1, 100A, 100B according to various embodiments each comprise a gaming machine 2 having a different installation height, a banknote transport path 41 that is installed on the rear side of the gaming machine 2 and transports banknotes used in play on the gaming machine 2 and discharged, and a banknote discharge means 3A2 that discharges the banknotes onto the banknote transport path 41, and the gaming machine 2 and the banknote discharge means 3A2 can be installed on the front side.

[0016] In each of Figures 1 to 94, the relative dimensional relationships and shapes of the components are subject to appropriate design changes and may differ from the actual ones. The scale ratios in each figure are not necessarily the same. In cross-sectional views, hatching is partially omitted. The components, shapes, numerical values, etc. shown in each embodiment are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0017] Note that terms indicating directions such as "up" and "down," "front" and "rear," "left" and "right" used in the following description are defined for the sake of convenience in explaining the relative positions of the components, and do not limit the actual installation state of the devices. For example, the right side of the gaming device 1 and various gaming machines 2 does not refer to the right side of the gaming device itself, but rather to the right side as viewed from the gaming device. The same applies to the left side of the gaming device 1 and various gaming machines 2.

[0018] [Gaming device 1 according to the first embodiment] The gaming device 1 according to the first embodiment is not limited to the category of a conventional general gaming machine island, but can be widely recognized as a new device equipped with gaming machines 2. The gaming device 1 includes a plurality of units 10A, 10A', 10B, 10B', 10C, and 10D (hereinafter collectively referred to as "units 10") shown in Figures 1 to 4, and is configured such that the units 10, each having a different gaming machine 2 installed at a different installation height, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the floor surface.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view showing units 10A and 10A' that constitute the gaming device 1. FIG. 2 is a front view showing units 10B and 10B' that also constitute the gaming device 1. FIG. 3 is a front view showing unit 10C that also constitutes the gaming device 1. FIG. 4 is a front view showing unit 10D that also constitutes the gaming device 1. Also, FIGS. 8 to 15 are drawings relating to unit 10A. FIGS. 16 to 19 are drawings relating to unit 10B'. FIGS. 20 to 25 are drawings relating to unit 10C.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, the units 10A and 10A' are of standard specifications, and various gaming machines 2 are installed to the right within the frame, with an inter-machine spacer 30A, and an inter-machine machine 3A, a partition board 4, and a partition 5 disposed on the inter-machine spacer 30A to the left of the various gaming machines 2. In addition, in the unit 10A shown in Fig. 1(a), a pachinko machine 2A is installed on a gaming machine spacer 20 as the various gaming machines 2 installed at a high height. On the other hand, in the unit 10A' shown in Fig. 1(b), a slot machine 2B is installed as the various gaming machines 2 installed at a low height, and a gaming machine spacer 20 is disposed on the slot machine 2B.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, units 10B and 10B' are modified versions of the standard specifications described above, with the various gaming machines 2 installed to the left within the frame, and to the right of the various gaming machines 2, there is no inter-machine spacer 30A, but a partition 6 and an inter-machine spacer 3B are arranged. In addition, in unit 10B shown in Fig. 2(a), a pachinko machine 2A is installed on a gaming machine spacer 20 as the various gaming machines 2 installed at a high height. On the other hand, in unit 10B' shown in Fig. 2(b), a slot machine 2B is installed as the various gaming machines 2 installed at a low height, and a gaming machine spacer 20 is arranged on slot machine 2B.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, unit 10C is a second modified example different from the standard specifications described above, and within the frame, to the left of the various gaming machines 2, an inter-machine spacer 30C is arranged, and an inter-machine machine 3A and a partition board 4 are arranged on inter-machine spacer 30C, and to the right of the various gaming machines 2, a stud 5 is arranged on gaming machine spacer 20. In unit 10C, a pachinko machine 2A' is arranged as the various gaming machines 2 that are installed at a high height, and pachinko machine 2A' is arranged on gaming machine spacer 20 together with stud 5.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, in a third modified example of unit 10A, unit 10D may have only the partition board 4 located on the right side of the frame instead of the left side. The same is true for units 10A' and 10C, but units 10B and 10B' do not originally have a partition board 4. Note that the partition board 4 and studs 5 are not necessarily required for the gaming device 1, and are disposed as appropriate according to the gaps on both sides of the various gaming machines 2 within the frame of unit 10.

[0024] Each unit 10 is configured to close the gaps on both sides of the various gaming machines 2 within the frame by varying the presence or absence of partition boards 4 and studs 5, and in particular the width dimensions of the studs 5. It is also possible to arrange other studs 5 in place of the partition boards 4. In short, the arrangement and width dimensions of the studs 5, etc., as well as the specific dimensions within the frame of the unit 10, are design matters that can be changed as appropriate depending on the specific width dimensions of the various gaming machines 2, the spacers 3, etc.

[0025] The lower ends of both side panels 11 of the unit 10, which will be described later, are fixed to the floor of an amusement facility or the like. In Figures 1 and 2, the units 10 are spaced apart from each other on the left and right, but in actual installation, they are connected so that the side panels 11 butt against each other. Furthermore, the units 10 can be arranged not only side by side in the left-right direction, but also back-to-back in front and back rows to form a single gaming device 1 in which various gaming machines 2 are arranged in two rows, front and back. In such a gaming device 1, the front of each row of units 10 arranged back to back constitutes the front side of the gaming device 1.

[0026] In the gaming device 1, a bill transport device 40 is disposed on the rear side of the various gaming machines 2 in the front and rear units 10, which are combined back to back, to transport bills used in games and discharged from the various gaming machines 2. Here, a bill transport path 41, which is the main part of the bill transport device 40, will be described in detail later, and is installed behind the pachinko machine 2A, which is installed at a higher height among the various gaming machines 2, but above the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a lower height.

[0027] Furthermore, chairs (not shown) for players to sit and play are also installed in front of the floor where each unit 10 is installed. It is also important that the axis of the chairs is aligned with the center of the width (left and right) of the various gaming machines 2 for each unit 10 when viewed from the front. For example, as shown in Figure 4, if only the partition board 4 is placed on the right side of the pachinko machine 2A instead of the left side, the axis of the chairs will almost coincide with the center of the width of the pachinko machine 2A.

[0028] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, if the partition boards 4 and the like are concentrated on the left side of the pachinko machine 2A, the axis of the chairs that are normally placed at the center of the unit will be shifted from the center of the width of the pachinko machine 2A. Therefore, by adopting the invention already proposed by the present applicant and described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-149979, it is possible to configure the axis position of the chairs installed for each unit 10 to be adjustable.

[0029] <Various gaming machines 2> In the gaming device 1, the various gaming machines 2 installed in each unit 10 are of multiple types, such as pachinko machines and slot machines. Here, pachinko machines generally correspond to gaming machines that are installed at a high height, and slot machines generally correspond to gaming machines that are installed at a low height. For example, as described above, a pachinko machine 2A is installed as an example of the various gaming machines 2 in the unit 10A shown in FIG. 1(a), and a slot machine 2B is installed as an example of the various gaming machines 2 in the unit 10A' shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0030] The pachinko machine 2A is a machine in which games are played using game balls as game media, and is generally equipped with a handle for shooting game balls, a tray for storing game balls, etc. on a game board surface surrounded by a glass door. The pachinko machine 2A of this embodiment is preferably a type in which game balls are circulated within the machine and the game value of the game balls won is managed as electronic data (a so-called sealed-type pachinko machine (for example, Sumapachi (registered trademark))).

[0031] With this type of pachinko machine 2A, there is no need for ball circulation equipment such as tanks for storing balls, gutter members for collecting or replenishing balls, or equipment for polishing and transporting balls, as is the case with conventional general gaming machines. However, the pachinko machine 2A' in unit 10C shown in Figure 3 is a conventional general type in which balls are dispensed outside the machine and circulated within unit 10C. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, related equipment such as a storage tank 50 and a polishing and transporting device 60, which will be described later, are arranged within the frame of unit 10C.

[0032] Conventionally, slot machines 2B generally use tangible medals as the gaming medium to play games, but the slot machine 2B of this embodiment does not use tangible medals, but uses electronic medals counted as electronic data as the gaming medium (a so-called medal-less slot machine (e.g., Smartro (registered trademark))).

[0033] With this type of slot machine 2B, like the game ball circulation equipment for the pachinko machine 2A described above, there is no need for tanks or circulation equipment for storing medals inside the gaming device 1. Like conventional general slot machines, this slot machine 2B also has operation units such as rotating reels (including screen displays) and buttons for starting and stopping the rotation of each reel, as well as a screen that can display electronic medals.

[0034] Furthermore, the specific types of the various gaming machines 2 equipped in the gaming device 1, i.e., the various gaming machines 2 installed in each unit 10, are not limited to the pachinko machines 2A, 2A' and slot machines 2B described above. When the pachinko machines 2A, 2A' and slot machines 2B are collectively referred to, they will be referred to as the various gaming machines 2.

[0035] <Interstand machine 3> As shown in Fig. 1, in units 10A and 10A', an inter-machine machine 3A is disposed to the left of the various gaming machines 2. The inter-machine machine 3A is a type that includes a so-called bill validator (banknote validator) and is related equipment that accepts the insertion of banknotes or cashless payment media (credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, smartphones (contactless IC payment, two-dimensional barcode payment), etc.) and dispenses gaming media (gaming balls or virtual medals).

[0036] This type of inter-machine device 3A is typically relatively narrow, with a width of, for example, 40 mm, and was originally designed for use in conventional pachinko machines. However, in this embodiment, it is shared by a pachinko machine 2A and a slot machine 2B, which manage the number of gaming media as electronic data. That is, the inter-machine device 3A corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A is designed to dispense gaming balls in response to the insertion of banknotes or the like, while the inter-machine device 3A corresponding to the slot machine 2B is designed to dispense virtual medals in response to the insertion of banknotes or the like. By standardizing the inter-machine device 3A for each type of gaming machine 2 in this way, it is also possible to standardize the configuration specifications of the banknote discharge means 3A2 for the banknote transport path 41, which will be described later.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2, in units 10B, 10B', an inter-machine machine 3B is disposed to the right of the various gaming machines 2. This inter-machine machine 3B is a type that has a separate bill validator (banknote validator 3C), and like the inter-machine machine 3A, is an associated facility that accepts banknotes or cashless payment media and dispenses gaming media (gaming balls or virtual medals).

[0038] This type of inter-machine device 3B (and banknote validator 3C) is relatively large in width, for example 100 mm, compared to the inter-machine device 3A, and was originally designed for use in conventional general slot machines, but in this embodiment it is shared by the pachinko machine 2A and slot machine 2B, which manage the number of gaming media as electronic data. In this way, even in units 10B, 10B', by standardizing the inter-machine device 3B (and banknote validator 3C) for each type of gaming machine 2, it is possible to standardize the configuration specifications of the banknote discharge means 3A2 for the banknote transport path 41, which will be described later.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, in unit 10C, an inter-machine machine 3A is disposed on the left side of pachinko machine 2A'. Here, inter-machine machine 3A is a type that includes a so-called bill validator (banknote validator) as an integral part, similar to units 10A and 10A' shown in Fig. 1. In this way, the inter-machine machine 3A used in pachinko machine 2A' can also be shared with the ones used in pachinko machine 2A and slot machine 2B described above.

[0040] Regardless of the type described above, the inter-machine devices 3A, 3B have bill receiving openings 3A1, 3C1 in the form of vertical slits at the top of the front side of their narrow housings. In addition to the bill receiving openings 3A1, 3C1, various indicator lamps and button switches are also provided on the front side of the inter-machine devices 3A, 3B, and, instead of the bill receiving openings 3A1, 3C1, an opening for cashless payment media may also be provided as needed.

[0041] Furthermore, at the upper rear side of the inter-machine unit 3A, at a position equivalent in height to the banknote receiving opening 3A1, there is provided banknote discharge means 3A2 that discharges banknotes received in the banknote receiving opening 3A1 via a bill validator inside the housing and into a banknote transport path 41 (described later). As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the banknote discharge means 3A2 is made up of, for example, a member that communicates with a location along the banknote transport path 41, and is configured to be able to discharge banknotes in an upright position from a location along the banknote transport path 41 in the banknote transport direction. Note that although the banknote discharge means 3A2 is located on the rear side of the inter-machine unit 3A, since the inter-machine unit 3A is located in front of the entire gaming apparatus 1, it is arranged on the front side when viewed from the entire gaming apparatus 1.

[0042] Although not shown, banknote discharge means equivalent to the banknote discharge means 3A2 is also provided at the upper back side of the banknote validator 3C of the inter-machine unit 3B at the same height as the banknote receiving opening 3C1. Note that the banknote discharge means 3A2 is not necessarily part of the configuration of the inter-machine unit 3A, but may be a separate member disposed between the inter-machine unit 3A and the banknote transport path 41, or may be part of the configuration of the banknote transport device 40. Note that, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a door element 42 that can be opened and closed for maintenance or a removable door element 43 is provided at an appropriate position along the banknote transport path 41 as needed.

[0043] <Unit 10A, 10A'> 8 to 11 are drawings relating to the unit 10A. FIGS. 12 to 15 are drawings relating to the unit 10A'. The units 10A and 10A' are configured so that various gaming machines 2 with different installation heights can be installed individually. In the unit 10A, as described above, a pachinko machine 2A is installed on a gaming machine spacer 20 within a frame (FIG. 1(a)), and in the unit 10A', as described above, a slot machine 2B is installed within a frame, and a gaming machine spacer 20 is disposed above it (FIG. 1(b)).

[0044] Taking unit 10A as an example, it is configured like a case frame with vertically long rectangular openings on the front and back, and its basic structure includes a pair of left and right side panels 11, 11. At the lower end of each side panel 11, an opening 110 is provided that forms part of the mounting structure for anchors 12 that are fixed to the floor surface so that the level can be adjusted. Also, a handle hole 111 is provided above opening 110. The presence of this handle hole 111 makes it easy to carry unit 10A, etc., when installing it.

[0045] The upper half of each side panel 11 has a notch 112 cut out from the rear edge. When the units 10A are assembled back to back, these notches 112 join together to form a single opening. This opening provides space for the banknote transport device 40, which is disposed in the center of the front-to-back width (depth) of the gaming device 1 as a whole. Metal frame members 113 are attached along the front edge of each side panel 11 as needed, but may be omitted to reduce weight during transportation.

[0046] The interior of the unit 10A is designed to be able to accommodate various gaming machines 2 with different external dimensions. In other words, the unit 10A is configured to be able to accommodate, for example, a pachinko machine 2A and a slot machine 2B, each with a different layout. The interior of the lower section of the unit 10A is divided by a partition board (not shown) as necessary, and at the boundary between the lower and middle sections of the unit 10A, seat boards 13 on which gaming machines 2 are installed directly or via gaming machine spacers 20 are arranged horizontally between the side panels 11. The gaming machine spacers 20 will be described in detail later.

[0047] 1 to 4, the height position of the seat plate 13 in each unit 10 is determined in advance based on the position at which the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a low height among the various gaming machines 2, is installed at an optimal height. Therefore, as in the unit 10A' shown in FIG. 1(b), the operation buttons of the slot machine 2B mounted on the seat plate 13 are located at a height position that is easy for the player to operate. More specifically, a horizontal adjustment plate 13a for adjusting the height is superimposed on the seat plate 13, and the various gaming machines 2 are installed on this adjustment plate 13a.

[0048] On the other hand, when a pachinko machine 2A, which is one of the various gaming machines 2 and has a high installation height, is installed on a seat plate 13 (adjustable plate 13a) as in the unit 10A shown in FIG. 1(a), a gaming machine spacer 20 is disposed on the seat plate 13 (adjustable plate 13a), and the pachinko machine 2A is installed on the gaming machine spacer 20. This positions the handle of the pachinko machine 2A at a height that is easy for a player to operate. Note that, when a slot machine 2B is directly attached to the seat plate 13 (adjustable plate 13a) as shown in FIG. 1(b), the gaming machine spacer 20 is disposed on the ceiling surface of the slot machine 2B and is housed within the frame of the unit 10A.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, in the lower level of unit 10A, the lower front of seat panel 13 is covered, from top to bottom, by wainscot 14, lower decorative panel 15, and baseboard 16. The height positions of these wainscot 14 and other components are predetermined to match the height position of seat panel 13. Wainscot 14 is usually configured as a door that can be opened and closed, and the interior of the lower level can be used as storage space for related equipment. Alternatively, lower decorative panel 15 and especially baseboard 16 may not be attached from the beginning, creating a space on the lowest level of unit 10A where players can put their toes.

[0050] In the upper section of unit 10A, a front upper end member 18a and a rear upper end member 18b are arranged in a front-to-back configuration between the upper ends of the side panels 11. The front of the upper section of unit 10A is covered with a thin panel-like back panel 17. Here, back panel 17 is normally configured to be openable and closable, and on its front side are disposed a display device that displays game information related to the various gaming machines 2, a call lamp for calling a gaming store attendant, and the like. Note that back panel 17 is not limited to being a single piece, and may be configured as two separate panels, upper and lower.

[0051] With such units 10A, 10A', it becomes possible to easily change the type of gaming machine 2 for each unit 10A, 10A'. In particular, whether changing from a pachinko machine 2A to a slot machine 2B (Fig. 1(a) → (b)), or conversely, changing from a slot machine 2B to a pachinko machine 2A (Fig. 1(b) → (a)), by changing the arrangement of the gaming machine spacer 20 only within the frame of the same unit 10A, 10A', it is sufficient for all necessary components to be included in one unit 10A.

[0052] Furthermore, on the seat plate 13 (adjustment plate 13a) of the units 10A, 10A', a machine spacer 30A, which will be described in detail later, is arranged on the left side of the various gaming machines 2, and in addition to the machine spacer 30A, a partition board 4 and a stud 5 are arranged in parallel on the machine spacer 30A in addition to the machine spacer 3A. The partition board 4 separates adjacent machines and is preferably made of a transparent resin with the required strength and elasticity, and is attached to a member equivalent to the stud 5 so that it can be detached or stored so that it can be projected and retracted. Note that a stud 5 may be arranged instead of the partition board 4.

[0053] The studs 5 are long, narrow plates that seal the gaps between the spacers 3A beside the gaming machines 2 and the inner surfaces of the side panels 11 within the frames of the units 10A and 10A'. As mentioned above, the widths of the gaming machines 2 and the spacers 3A vary depending on their type. Therefore, when changing the types of gaming machines 2 and the spacers 3A, these differences in width can cause gaps in the front opening within the frame of the unit 10A. Therefore, several studs 5 with different widths are prepared to seal the gaps.

[0054] <Unit 10B'> Figures 16 to 19 are drawings relating to unit 10B'. Unit 10B' is basically similar in configuration to the aforementioned units 10A and 10A', but differs in the presence or absence of a partition 6 for the compartment housing inter-machine machines 3B, inter-machine spacers 30A, partition boards 4, and partition studs 5. Unit 10B' will be described below, but parts similar to those of units 10A and 10A' will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. Note that unit 10B differs from the aforementioned unit 10B' only in the arrangement of the gaming machine spacers 20 and the types of gaming machines 2, and detailed explanations of the drawings will be omitted, and unit 10B' will be described as a representative.

[0055] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, within the frame of the unit 10B', a partition 6 is provided to the right of the slot machine 2B (see Figure 2(b)), more specifically, on the adjustment plate 13a along the inner surface of the right side panel 11, to define a space for accommodating the inter-machine unit 3B (and the banknote validator 3C). At the top of the space defined by the partition 6 and the right side panel 11, a shelf plate 7 is provided to define the space between the inter-machine unit 3B and the banknote validator 3C and to place the banknote validator 3C on. Also provided below this space is a shelf top plate 9 that extends forward in a rectangular shape from the adjustment plate 13a.

[0056] Within the frame of unit 10B', there is no partition board 4 or stud 5 on the left side of slot machine 2B (see FIG. 2(b)), and the left side of slot machine 2B abuts against the inner surface of left side panel 11. However, as a modified example of units 10B, 10B' shown in FIG. 2, although not shown, if the width dimension within the frame is relatively large, a partition board 4 or stud 5 may be arranged on the left side of various gaming machines 2 as needed.

[0057] <Unit 10C> 20 to 25 are drawings relating to unit 10C. Unit 10C is basically configured in the same manner as unit 10A described above. As shown in FIG. 3, to the left of pachinko machine 2A' arranged on gaming machine spacer 20, inter-machine spacer 30C is arranged, and inter-machine machine 3A and partition board 4 are arranged on inter-machine spacer 30C. In addition, to the right of pachinko machine 2A', partition 5 is arranged on gaming machine spacer 20.

[0058] The gaming machine spacer 20 on which the pachinko machine 2A' is placed is slightly different from the gaming machine spacer 20 in the unit 10A, and its width is set to a size that exceeds the width of the pachinko machine 2A' and includes the width of the partition 5. Also, as will be described in detail later, a receiving portion 26 for supporting the ball intake portion 8 of each counter from below is attached to the upper front of the gaming machine spacer 20 so that it protrudes forward, but it may also be attached to a tray (not shown) that extends horizontally in the left-right direction and has a width sufficient for placement as in the past.

[0059] More specifically, the inter-machine spacer 30C located on the left side of the pachinko machine 2A' is slightly different from the inter-machine spacer 30 in the unit 10A, and its width is set to the combined size of the inter-machine spacer 3A and the partition board 4, excluding the stud 5. The height of the inter-machine spacer 30C is lower than the inter-machine spacer 30 in the unit 10A, which is one step higher than the gaming machine spacer 20, and is set to the same height as the gaming machine spacer 20 in this unit 10C, and a gap material 90A for adjusting the height is placed on top of the inter-machine spacer 3A and the partition board 4 to close the gap.

[0060] Within the frame of each unit 10, including unit 10C, gaps that occur above the various gaming machines 2 or gaming machine spacers 20 are appropriately filled with gap members such as an adjustment spacer 80 and an adjustment upper frame 90, which will be described later. For example, in unit 10C shown in FIG. 3, the right side of the gap member 90A is filled by an adjustment upper frame 90 arranged on a pachinko machine 2A'. Also, in unit 10A shown in FIG. 1(a), the adjustment upper frame 90 is arranged on a pachinko machine 2A installed on a gaming machine spacer 20, and in unit 10A' shown in FIG. 1(b), the adjustment upper frame 90 is arranged on a gaming machine spacer 20 arranged on a slot machine 2B.

[0061] As mentioned above, the pachinko machine 2A' housed in the unit 10C is a conventional type in which game balls are dispensed outside the machine and circulated within the unit 10C. Therefore, as shown in Figures 23 to 25 and 5, the frame of the unit 10C houses related equipment for a supply system that circulates game balls used in the pachinko machine 2A'. Specifically, a storage tank 50 is disposed within the game machine spacer 20 on which the pachinko machine 2A' is mounted. A pumping and grinding device 60 is disposed in the lower part of the frame of the unit 10C. Furthermore, a supply trough 70 is disposed in the upper part of the frame of the unit 10C. A ball intake unit 8 (see Figure 3) for each machine counter is disposed at the top front of the game machine spacer 20.

[0062] Each machine counter counts game balls introduced into each pachinko machine 2A' via a ball tray using a sensor while aligning them in each alignment lane on the bottom. The storage tank 50 collects and stores the game balls used in the pachinko machine 2A' and counted by the each machine counter, and is combined integrally with the upper part of the main body 61 of the pumping and polishing device 60. The pumping and polishing device 60 pumps the game balls supplied from the storage tank 50 while polishing them, and is equipped with the main body 61 including a polishing mechanism and a game ball pumping path 62. The supply gutter 70 receives the game balls pumped through the pumping path 62 and supplies them to the pachinko machine 2A'.

[0063] The counters for each machine, storage tank 50, pumping and polishing device 60, supply gutter 70, and other related equipment are each unitized and configured to be detachable within the frame of unit 10C. Note that pumping and polishing device 60 and supply gutter 70 are used in pachinko machine 2A', which circulates game balls outside the machine, but even if the machine is replaced with a so-called sealed-type pachinko machine 2A, they can be left in place in the lower section within the frame of unit 10C.

[0064] In unit 10C, a wainscot 14 is disposed to cover the main body 61 of the sanding / elevating device 60 housed in the lower section of the frame. Because the wainscot 14 must be opened for maintenance and inspection of the sanding / elevating device 60, it is attached so that its upper edge can be opened forward, for example, around its lower edge. A top panel 17 is disposed to cover the supply trough 70 housed in the upper section of the frame of unit 10C. Because the top panel 17 must also be opened for maintenance and inspection of the supply trough 70, it is also attached so that it can be opened and closed. Furthermore, in unit 10C, the discharge path 62 is located at the right end of the frame, so a gusset for installing the discharge path is required at the right end of the frame. The front side of this gusset is blocked by the stud 5 described above.

[0065] <Amusement Machine Spacer 20> 26 to 31 are drawings relating to the gaming machine spacer 20 provided in each unit 10. The gaming machine spacer 20 is disposed on the seat plate 13 (adjustment plate 13a) to accommodate a pachinko machine 2A that is installed at a high height. As shown in FIG. 1(a), by installing the pachinko machine 2A on the gaming machine spacer 20, the installation height is raised by the height of the gaming machine spacer 20. Also, as shown in FIG. 1(b), when a slot machine 2B that is installed at a low height is installed directly on the seat plate 13 (adjustment plate 13a), the gaming machine spacer 20 can be disposed on the slot machine 2B and stored within the frame of each unit 10.

[0066] The gaming machine spacer 20 is configured as a frame that is long horizontally and has a width that matches the width of one of the various gaming machines 2, and a front-to-back width that matches the depth of one of the various gaming machines 2. More specifically, the gaming machine spacer 20 is basically configured as a horizontally long frame that is open at the front and back, and is made up of a horizontal bottom panel 21 of a predetermined thickness that has a length equivalent to the width of one of the various gaming machines 2 and a width equivalent to the depth of one of the various gaming machines 2, a pair of left and right side panels 22, 22 that are erected vertically on both ends of the bottom panel 21, and a top panel 23 that is supported horizontally between the upper ends of the side panels 22 and has the same shape as the bottom panel 21. In addition, a panel-shaped front door 24, known as an inspection frame, is detachably attached to the front opening of the gaming machine spacer 20.

[0067] The front door 24 is made of a horizontally long, rectangular metal plate, and along its lower and upper edges, a lower mounting piece 24a and an upper mounting piece 24b are provided, each bent rearward at a right angle by a predetermined width. A horizontally long, stepped mounting portion 21a is provided below the front end of the lower panel 21, where the lower mounting piece 24a of the front door 24 overlaps. A horizontally long, stepped mounting portion 23a is provided above the front end of the upper panel 23, where the upper mounting piece 24b of the front door 24 overlaps. A recessed groove 21b is also provided below and in front of the front end of the lower panel 21, extending in the left-right direction and parallel to the mounting portion 21a. The recessed groove 21b fits into the leading edge of the lower mounting piece 24a when it is folded back further upward at a right angle.

[0068] As shown in Figure 27, a cylinder lock 25 is provided at the upper front part of the front door 24 to secure the front door 24 to the front opening of the gaming machine spacer 20. The cylinder lock 25 is of a general cam lock type. That is, when a dedicated key is inserted into a keyhole (not shown) on the front of the cylinder of the cylinder lock 25 and rotated, the tip of a lock piece 25a, the base end of which is supported inside the cylinder, can be rotated from an unlocking angle of 0 degrees sideways to a locking angle of 90 degrees upward, for example.

[0069] In this embodiment, a locking groove 23b into which the locking piece 25a fits along the rotation trajectory of the locking piece 25a is provided below the front end side of the upper plate 23 of the gaming machine spacer 20. That is, when the locking piece 25a rotates upward to a locking angle of 90 degrees, the locking piece 25a fits into the locking groove 23b and the front door 24 is fixed, whereas when the locking piece 25a rotates sideways to an unlocking angle of 0 degrees, the locking piece 25a comes out of the locking groove 23b and the front door 24 is released from its fixation.

[0070] By unlocking the cylinder lock 25, the front door 24 is removed from the front opening of the gaming machine spacer 20 from its upper end side, and it is preferable to attach magnets to the front end surfaces of the side panels 22 and the lower panel 21 that form the front opening, which attract and hold the periphery of the front door 24 except for the upper end side where the cylinder lock 25 is located. Here, since the front door 24 is removed from its upper end side, it is easier to remove the both end sides than the lower end side, so it is preferable to arrange the magnets so that there are more magnets on the front end surfaces of the side panels 22 than on the front end surface of the lower panel 21, for example.

[0071] Although not shown, parallel keys cut into vertical planes are formed on both sides of the cylinder of the cylinder lock 25. This allows the entire cylinder lock 25 to be fixed so that it does not rotate around the axis of the cylinder when the cylinder lock 25 is attached by passing it through a key-compatible mounting hole opened in the front door 24. The front door 24 may also be fixed in a state that blocks the front opening of the gaming machine spacer 20, making it impossible to attach or remove the front door 24. In such a case, the cylinder lock 25 is unnecessary. Alternatively, the front door 24 may be omitted, and the gaming machine spacer 20 may be configured as a frame with its front side left open.

[0072] In addition, in the unit 10C shown in FIG. 3, as described above, each pachinko machine 2A' is provided with a ball intake unit 8 for each counter, and a receiving portion 26 that supports the ball intake unit 8 from below is attached to the upper front surface of the front door 24. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the receiving portion 26 is made of, for example, a metal piece, and the portion that supports the ball intake unit 8 from below is bent forward at a right angle in a tongue-like manner relative to the portion attached to the front of the front door 24. Here, it is preferable to provide a notch where the receiving portion 26 is attached to the front of the front door 24 and overlaps with the cylinder lock 25 to avoid this. Note that the cylinder lock 25 may be omitted, and the front door 24 may be fixed so that it cannot be removed, as described above.

[0073] <Inter-unit spacers 30A, 30B, 30C> Figures 32 to 49 are drawings relating to inter-base spacers 30A, 30B, and 30C provided in each unit 10. The inter-base spacer 30A shown in Figures 32 to 37 is provided, for example, in units 10A and 10A' shown in Figure 1. The inter-base spacer 30B shown in Figures 38 to 43 is a modified version similar to inter-base spacer 30A. The inter-base spacer 30C shown in Figures 44 to 49 is a modified version of inter-base spacer 30A and is provided, for example, in unit 10C shown in Figure 3. When referring to inter-base spacers 30A, 30B, and 30C collectively, they will be simply referred to as inter-base spacer 30.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 1, the inter-machine spacers 30A are arranged within the frame of each unit 10 as a base for installing adjacent inter-machine devices 3A, etc. on the seat board 13 to the side of any of the various gaming machines 2 having different installation heights. However, as shown in Fig. 2, if the height of the inter-machine device 3B (including the bill validator 3C) is the same as the height of the various gaming machines 2, the inter-machine spacers 30 are not necessary. In addition, in the entire gaming device 1 in which the units 10 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the inter-machine spacers 30 are arranged between the various gaming machines 2 adjacent to each other on a unit-by-unit basis, i.e., between the machines.

[0075] The inter-machine spacer 30 is configured as a framework with a smaller width than the gaming machine spacer 20. As shown in Figures 32 to 37, the inter-machine spacer 30A is basically configured as a roughly cubic framework with openings on the front and back, consisting of a horizontal bottom panel 31 of a predetermined thickness that is the combined width of the inter-machine machine 3A, the partition board 4, and the studs 5, a pair of left and right side panels 32, 32 that are erected vertically on the rear half of both ends of the bottom panel 31, and a top panel 33 that is supported horizontally between the upper ends of each side panel 32 and has the same shape as the rear half of the bottom panel 31.

[0076] The front half of the bottom panel 31 is configured as a shelf top panel 31a that extends forward in a rectangular shape from the front edge of the seat panel 13. The space above this shelf top panel 31a provides space for placing bottled water and the like, while the rear half of the bottom panel 31, located behind the shelf top panel 31a, is surrounded by walls and provides space for placing small items such as wallets and mobile devices. The shelf top panel 31a does not necessarily have to be integral with the bottom panel 31, but may be attached to the bottom panel 31 as a separate member. For example, a frame material may be attached to the front of the bottom panel 31, and a metal plate may be attached to this frame. Furthermore, the shelf top panel 31a, which is a separate member from the bottom panel 31, may be attached to the bottom panel 31 so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction.

[0077] Furthermore, while the shelf top plate 31a of the inter-base spacer 30 is rectangular in plan view, as a modification, the leading edge of the shelf top plate 31b may be semicircular in plan view, as in the inter-base spacer 30B shown in Figures 38 to 43. As such, the specific shapes of the shelf top plates 31a and 31b are a design matter that can be determined as appropriate. Note that, like the shelf top plate 31a described above, the shelf top plate 31b of the inter-base spacer 30B may also be attached as a separate member from the bottom panel 31, or may be configured to slide forward and backward.

[0078] Furthermore, the inter-machine spacer 30B not only differs in the shape of the shelf top 31b, but also has a slightly lower overall height than the inter-machine spacer 30A. That is, the height of the inter-machine spacer 30A is slightly higher than the gaming machine spacer 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, but the inter-machine spacer 30B is set to the same height as the gaming machine spacer 20. The reason for aligning the inter-machine spacer 30B and the gaming machine spacer 20 to the same height is the same as for the inter-machine spacer 30C shown in FIG. 3. That is, each machine counter takes in gaming balls through the ball intake section 8, so the inter-machine unit 3A is operated at the same height as the pachinko machine 2A'. Thus, the height of each inter-machine spacer 30 does not necessarily have to be the same; it is a design factor that can be determined appropriately for each unit 10.

[0079] For example, in the unit 10A shown in Figures 1 and 8, the height dimension of the inter-machine spacer 30A is set slightly higher than the gaming machine spacer 20, but in the unit 10C shown in Figures 3 and 20, as well as the inter-machine spacer 30B, the height dimension of the inter-machine spacer 30C (described below) is set to the same height as the gaming machine spacer 20. In other words, the installation heights of the various gaming machines 2 and inter-machine units 3A, etc., for each unit 10, i.e., the height dimensions of the gaming machine spacer 20 and inter-machine spacer 30, do not necessarily need to be the same and are design factors that can be determined appropriately. The width of the inter-machine spacers 30A and 30B is set to the combined dimension of the inter-machine unit 3A, the partition board 4, and the partition stud 5, and the depth may be set to approximately the same dimension as the gaming machine spacer 20, corresponding to the depth of the inter-machine units 3A, etc.

[0080] The height dimension of the inter-machine spacer 30A may not be set higher than the gaming machine spacer 20, but may be the same height as the gaming machine spacer 20. In this case, it is sufficient that the ceiling of the slot machine 2B does not interfere with the banknote transport path 41. By doing so, the height of the inter-machine spacer 30A and the inter-machine spacer 30C of the unit 10C for each machine counter can be made the same. However, if the height of the inter-machine spacer 30A is used as the standard, the height of the gaming machine spacer 20 will be higher and the height of the inter-machine spacer 30C will have to be adjusted to match the inter-machine spacer 30A. This means that the installation positions of each gaming machine 2 installed in the units 10A and 10C will be higher by that amount, and the player's seating position will also be slightly higher.

[0081] 3, the width of the inter-unit spacer 30C in the unit 10C is relatively narrow because it is sufficient to accommodate only the inter-unit unit 3A and the partition board 4, and the internal space is not opened as a shelf, with the front opening being blocked by the front panel 34. As shown in Figures 44 to 49, the inter-unit spacer 30C is basically a roughly cubic framework with openings on the front and back, made up of a horizontal bottom panel 31 of a predetermined thickness that is the combined width of the inter-unit unit 3A and the partition board 4, a pair of left and right side panels 32, 32, and a top panel 33 of the same shape as the bottom panel 31, but is configured in a box shape with the front opening blocked by the panel-like front panel 34.

[0082] The front panel 34 is made of a vertically long rectangular metal plate, and is provided with a lower mounting piece 34a and an upper mounting piece 34b bent rearward at a right angle by a predetermined width along the lower and upper edges, respectively, in the same manner as the front door 24. A horizontally long, stepped recessed mounting portion 31a is provided below the front end side of the lower panel 31, onto which the lower mounting piece 34a of the front panel 34 overlaps, and a horizontally long, stepped recessed mounting portion 33a is provided above the front end side of the upper panel 33, onto which the upper mounting piece 34b of the front panel 34 overlaps.

[0083] 3 and 20, the height of the inter-machine spacer 30C is the same as that of the gaming machine spacer 20, but as mentioned above, the height can be made different and the width and depth dimensions can also be determined as appropriate as design factors. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the height of the inter-machine spacer 30H is set slightly higher than that of the gaming machine spacer 20. As described above, there are various variations in the inter-machine spacer 30, such as the presence or absence of a front panel 34 that covers the front opening, the shape of the shelf top panels 31a and 31b, and the dimensions.

[0084] <Banknote transport device 40> 1, 6 or 7, the banknote transport device 40 is disposed on the rear side of the gaming machines 2 in each unit 10 as described above. The banknote transport device 40 transports banknotes used in games on the gaming machines 2 and dispensed to one end of the gaming device 1. Although not shown, a safe is provided at one end of the gaming device 1 for collecting and storing the banknotes transported by the banknote transport device 40.

[0085] The banknote transport path 41, which is a main part of the banknote transport device 40, is installed on the rear side of the gaming machine 2, extending horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine 1. The banknote transport path 41 is basically adjusted to be at the same height as the banknote receiving opening 3A1 (3C1) and the banknote discharging means 3A2 of the inter-machine unit 3A (banknote validator 3C), but may be at any height that allows banknotes to smoothly reach the banknote transport path 41 from the banknote receiving opening 3A1 (3C1). As a result, the banknote transport path 41 and the banknote discharging means 3A2 are installed behind the top of the pachinko machine 2A, which is installed at a higher height among the gaming machines 2, and above the top of the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a lower height. The height of the banknote receiving opening 3A1 (3C1) of the inter-machine unit 3A (banknote validator 3C) is such that a player can easily reach it even when seated in a chair.

[0086] The banknote transport path 41 is configured as, for example, a housing through which banknotes stand vertically and pass horizontally, and a transport mechanism such as a belt or rollers for transporting banknotes (not shown) is attached along the longitudinal direction of the housing. The banknote transport path 41 is arranged in a horizontal straight line from one end of the structure 101A to the safe at the other end. Since this type of configuration of the banknote transport device 40 is common, a detailed description will be omitted. As mentioned above, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a door element 42 that can be opened and closed for maintenance or a removable door element 43 is provided at an appropriate position along the banknote transport path 41 as needed.

[0087] Furthermore, as described above, the banknote transport device 40 is not limited to a type that directly transports banknotes by a transport mechanism such as a belt or rollers along a housing that forms the banknote transport path 41; it is sufficient that the device has a banknote transport path for transporting banknotes. Other banknote transport devices may also be used that transport banknotes directly or indirectly together with some kind of transport means to recover banknotes inserted into the inter-unit units 3A and 3B. Specifically, for example, a banknote transport device that uses airflow may be used, such as a type that transports banknotes by directly applying an airflow to the banknotes within a tubular housing, or a type that transports banknotes by airflow using transport means such as a transport auxiliary body or a cart. Banknotes and transport means are sometimes collectively referred to as "paper sheets."

[0088] <Action of Gaming Device 1> First, according to each unit 10 constituting the gaming device 1, it is possible to easily change the type of gaming machine 2 for each unit 10. In particular, in any reassembly work, such as changing a pachinko machine 2A to a slot machine 2B, or vice versa, changing a slot machine 2B to a pachinko machine 2A, it is sufficient to change the arrangement of the gaming machine spacers 20 only within the frame of each unit 10.

[0089] For example, as shown in Figure 1, a pachinko machine 2A that is installed at a high height can be installed on a gaming machine spacer 20, and a slot machine 2B that is installed at a low height can have the gaming machine spacer 20 moved upward. In this way, the layout within the frame of each unit 10 can be easily changed depending on the installation height of the various gaming machines 2. Furthermore, if the aforementioned enclosed pachinko machines or medal-less slot machines are used as the various gaming machines 2, the gaming device 1 will not require the storage tanks and distribution gutter members for gaming media that are conventionally found in gaming machine islands.

[0090] The units 10 are connected to each other on the floor of an amusement facility or the like so that their side panels 11 butt against each other. The units 10 can be arranged not only side by side in the left-right direction, but also back-to-back in front and back rows to form a single gaming device 1 in which various gaming machines 2 are arranged in two rows, front and back. When the units 10 are combined back to back, the cutouts 112 of the units 10 join together to form a single opening. This opening provides space for the placement of the banknote transport device 40, which passes through the center of the depth of the gaming device 1 as a whole.

[0091] As shown in Figure 1(a), within the frame of the unit 10A, the gaming machine spacer 20 arranged on the seat plate 13 (adjustment plate 13a) ensures that the installation height of the pachinko machine 2A is higher than that of the slot machine 2B (see Figure 1(b)). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the width of the gaming machine spacer 20 basically matches the width of the various gaming machines 2, but as shown in Figure 3, the width of the gaming machine spacer 20 may be set larger than the width of the corresponding various gaming machines 2 so that adjacent partition walls 5 can also be placed thereon.

[0092] 4, the width of the gaming machine spacer 20 may be adjusted to the width of the gaming machine 2, and a thin spacer 28 may be separately placed below the adjacent partition board 4, or the height of the adjacent partition board 4 may be increased to the combined height of the gaming machine 2 and gaming machine spacer 20. Note that the front door 24 of the gaming machine spacer 20 is exposed in a relatively conspicuous position within the frame of each unit 10A, and therefore may be decorated with a decorative sheet or the like.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(a), within the frame of the unit 10A, the machine spacer 30A arranged on the seat plate 13 (adjustment plate 13a) ensures that the installation height of the machine spacer 3A, partition board 4, and stud 5 adjacent to the pachinko machine 2A are higher than the pachinko machine 2A. In the unit 10C shown in Figure 3, the machine spacer 30C is set to the same height as the gaming machine spacer 20.

[0094] As described above, according to the gaming device 1 of the first embodiment, when various gaming machines 2 with different installation heights and a machine-to-machine unit 3A including a banknote discharging means 3A2 are installed on the front side of the gaming device 1, separate spacers 20, 30A, etc. are installed in a detachable manner corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A with a higher installation height and below the adjacent machine-to-machine unit 3A (banknote discharging means 3A2).

[0095] That is, a gaming machine spacer 20 is installed below the pachinko machine 2A, and an inter-machine spacer 30A is installed below the inter-machine machine 3A, and each can be attached and detached. On the other hand, no gaming machine spacer 20 is installed below the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a lower height. This makes it possible to easily mix and replace various gaming machines 2 installed at different heights within one device.

[0096] Furthermore, in the gaming device 1, the height position of the banknote transport device 40 (banknote transport path 41) is made as low as possible by installing the banknote transport device 40 (banknote transport path 41) behind the pachinko machine 2A, rather than above the pachinko machine 2A, which is installed at a higher height. This makes it easier for a player, even while seated in a normal chair, to insert banknotes into the banknote receiving opening 3A1 (3C1), which is normally located at the same height as the banknote discharge means 3A2, which is located at the same height as the banknote transport path 41.

[0097] Here, because the banknote transport path 41 is located above the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a low height, even if it is difficult to access the back of the slot machine 2B from the front side of the device, maintenance and inspection can be performed by accessing the banknote transport path 41 from above the slot machine 2B. On the other hand, in the case of the pachinko machine 2A, which is installed at a high height, the structure allows only the main body to be opened while the outer frame part is fixed, making it relatively easy to access the banknote transport path 41 behind.

[0098] Moreover, by removing the gaming machine spacer 20 and installing only the slot machine 2B with a low installation height on the seat plate 13, the banknote transport device 40 (banknote transport path 41) can be adjusted to correspond to the installation height of the inter-machine devices 3A, 3B corresponding to the slot machine 2B. That is, the height positions of the inter-machine device 3A (banknote discharge means 3A2) corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A with a high installation height and the inter-machine device 3B (banknote discharge means 3A2) corresponding to the slot machine 2B with a low installation height can be adjusted to the height of the common banknote transport path 41. Therefore, the banknote transport device 40 including the banknote transport path 41 can be shared among various gaming machines 2. Furthermore, unlike conventional gaming machine islands, there is no need to reconfigure the layout of the banknote transport path 41 depending on the installation height of each gaming machine 2.

[0099] 3, 20, and 21, the gaming machine spacers 20 and inter-machine spacers 30C mounted on the unit 10C are formed so that their side shapes match when they are placed adjacent to each other. This configuration creates a sense of unity by making the boundaries between the spacers 20, 30C less noticeable when viewed from the front of the gaming device 1. This reduces the need to change the decoration of the gaming device 1 every time the installation of the spacers 20, 30C is changed, thereby reducing construction costs.

[0100] 8 and 16, the inter-machine spacer 30A etc. may be configured to have an internal space that is open on the front side and shelf tops 31a, 31b that extend forward from the lower end of the internal space. This allows the inter-machine spacer 30A etc. to be used as a personal space for players to store small items such as mobile terminals and bottled drinks, rather than increasing the installation height of the inter-machine devices 3A, 3B (banknote discharge means 3A2).

[0101] [Gaming device 100A according to the second embodiment] The gaming device 100A according to the second embodiment is similar to a conventional general gaming machine island, and is not composed of the units 10, but is constructed by installing various gaming machines 2 with different installation heights inside a structure 101A that forms the frame of the entire device, as well as a banknote transport path 41 and the like as related equipment for the various gaming machines 2. Note that parts similar to those in the first embodiment described above are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0102] Figs. 50 to 72 are drawings relating to a gaming device 100A according to the second embodiment. Figs. 50 to 56 are drawings relating to a structure 101A of the gaming device 100A. Figs. 57 and 58 are front views showing a portion of the front side of the gaming device 100A. Fig. 59 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the gaming device 100A. Figs. 60 to 66 are drawings relating to a gaming machine spacer 20A equipped in the gaming device 100A. Figs. 67 to 72 are drawings relating to an inter-machine spacer 30D equipped in the gaming device 100A.

[0103] <Structure 101A> 50 to 56, the structure 101A is basically configured in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending in the longitudinal direction, with various frame materials such as beams, girders, and plates attached to support members 102 arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the entire device. Similar to the above-mentioned units 10, a plurality of such structures 101A are usually constructed on the floor of an amusement parlor, for example. In addition, although not shown, chairs are arranged in front of the structure 101A for each of the various gaming machines 2 on which players sit to play games.

[0104] 50, the support members 102 are arranged in a pair, front and rear, facing each other in the front and rear of the structure 101A in the depth direction, and are fixed to the floor surface via level-adjustable anchors 12. Furthermore, an upper end member 102a is installed between the upper ends of the front and rear support members 102 as needed, and reinforcing members 102b and 102c are also installed in between as needed.

[0105] The spacing between the pair of front and rear support members 102 in the longitudinal direction of the structure 101A is, for example, the combined dimension of the width of two gaming machines 2 and the width of the inter-machine spacer 30A (inter-machine spacer 3A, etc.) provided for each gaming machine 2. However, the spacing and number of the support members 102 are design matters that can be determined as appropriate. Note that the support members 102 located at both ends of the structure 101A may have slightly different structures from those located in the middle of the structure 101A.

[0106] In the structure 101A, a seat plate 13 is attached to the lower end of the middle section 101a where the various gaming machines 2 are arranged in the left-right direction, and extends horizontally between the support members 102 arranged on the left and right. The seat plate 13 has a front-to-back width that allows the various gaming machines 2 to be placed thereon. The seat plate 13 is positioned based on the height position at which the slot machine 2B, which is the lowest of the various gaming machines 2, is installed. In the structure 101A, the area below the middle section 101a where the various gaming machines 2 are lined up is configured as a lower section 101b, and the area above is configured as an upper section 101c.

[0107] In the middle section 101a of the structure 101A, a plurality of various gaming machines 2 are installed back-to-back in two rows, one at the front and one at the back. Although only one of the pair of front and rear seat plates 13 at the bottom of the middle section 101a is shown in Figures 50 to 56, in reality, the various gaming machines 2 are installed on the pair of front and rear seat plates 13, as shown in Figure 59. In addition, adjacent to each gaming machine 2, an inter-machine spacer 30A is installed, and an inter-machine spacer 3A and the like are installed on top of that. Here, the various gaming machines 2 and the inter-machine spacers 30A and the like are not limited to being installed in two rows at the front and back of the structure 101A, but may also be installed in a single row on one side of the structure 101A, constructed against a wall.

[0108] In the middle section 101a, a banknote transport device 40 similar to that in the first embodiment is disposed on the back side of the various gaming machines 2 that are back-to-back. In the gaming device 100A, too, a banknote transport path 41 that forms the main part of the banknote transport device 40 is installed behind the top of the pachinko machine 2A that is installed at a high height among the various gaming machines 2, but is installed above the top end of the slot machine 2B that is installed at a low height. Note that both the front and back surfaces of the structure 101A are the front sides of the gaming device 100A.

[0109] In the lower portion 101b of the structure 101A, a wainscot 103 is assembled between the left and right support members 102, covering the area below the seat plate 13. The upper end of the wainscot 103 is preferably fixed in place so as to align with the front end of the seat plate 13. In this way, the lower portion 101b is covered by the wainscot 103, but it may also be possible to provide a foot space by removing the wainscot 103 for a predetermined height near the floor. The wainscot 103 is openable and closable, and inside the lower portion 101b, for example, a collection trough for collecting game balls discharged from a pachinko machine 2A' among the various game machines 2, a lower tank for storing game balls, and the like are arranged as needed.

[0110] In the upper stage 101c of the structure 101A, an upper end member 104 is assembled between the upper ends of the left and right support members 102. In addition, below the upper end member 104, a spacer member 105 extending parallel to the upper end member 104 is assembled between the left and right support members 102. Reinforcement columns 106 are also installed between the upper end member 104 and the spacer member 105 at predetermined intervals (for example, the combined width of one gaming machine 2 and the inter-machine spacer 30A).

[0111] A thin-plate-like header panel 17 is provided between the upper end member 104 and the intermediate plate member 105 to cover the front side of the upper section 101c. As shown in Fig. 57, the header panel 17 is provided with a game information display device 17a and other devices that have the function of calling a gaming store attendant. The header panel 17 is openable and closable, and the interior of the upper section 101c is provided with, for example, an upper tank for storing polished gaming balls, a distribution trough for supplying gaming balls to various gaming machines 2, and the like, as needed.

[0112] <Various gaming machines 2> The various gaming machines 2 installed in the gaming device 100A are of multiple types, such as pachinko machines and slot machines, as in the gaming device 1 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, pachinko machines generally correspond to gaming machines that are installed at a high height, and slot machines generally correspond to gaming machines that are installed at a low height. For example, in FIG. 57, a pachinko machine 2A is installed as an example of the various gaming machines 2, and in FIG. 58, a slot machine 2B is installed as an example of the various gaming machines 2.

[0113] As mentioned above, the pachinko machine 2A is a type in which game balls are circulated within the machine and the game value of the game balls awarded is managed as electronic data. Therefore, if all the pachinko machines equipped in the gaming device 100A are of this type, there is no need to install related equipment inside the structure 101A for circulating game balls throughout the gaming device 100A for repeated use.

[0114] On the other hand, if the various gaming machines 2 installed in the gaming device 100A include the above-mentioned conventional general pachinko machine 2A', related equipment is required to circulate the gaming balls within the device for repeated use. Specifically, for example, although not shown, a lower tank is disposed in the lower stage portion 101b for collecting and storing the gaming balls used in the pachinko machine 2A', and next to it is installed a polishing and conveying device (a large version of the conveying and polishing device 60) that lifts the gaming balls in the lower tank up to the upper stage portion 101c while polishing them.

[0115] Although not shown, the upper section 101c is provided with an upper tank for storing polished gaming balls to be supplied to the pachinko machine 2A', and a supply gutter for delivering the gaming balls in this upper tank to the pachinko machine 2A'. Furthermore, although not shown, the gaming device 100A is equipped in appropriate locations with various related equipment, such as a counter for counting the gaming balls won by the player, a machine information collector for collecting gaming information from the various gaming machines 2, and a control device for controlling various devices.

[0116] <Gaming Machine Spacer 20A> 60 to 66, the gaming machine spacer 20A in the second embodiment has a configuration basically similar to that of the gaming machine spacer 20 in the first embodiment described above, and like parts are designated by like reference numerals and duplicated explanations are omitted. However, in the gaming machine spacer 20A, the depth of the upper panel 23 and the pair of left and right side panels 22, 22 is smaller than that of the lower panel 21 having a predetermined front-to-rear width (depth), and the rear end 21c of the lower panel 21 is configured to extend rearward beyond the entire framework.

[0117] The rear end 21c of the lower plate 21 is a portion for positioning the gaming-machine spacer 20A in the front-to-rear direction on the seat plate 13 (adjustment plate 13a) by engaging it with the engaging portion 32a of the inter-machine spacer 30D (described later) when installing the gaming-machine spacer 20A on the seat plate 13 (see Figure 50). The lower plate 21 including the rear end 21c has screw holes 21d at appropriate locations such as the four corners for screwing the gaming-machine spacer 20A to the seat plate 13. Furthermore, the upper surface portion 23 has screw introduction holes 23c corresponding to the screw introduction holes 21d for introducing screws from above the upper surface portion 23 into the lower plate 21 within the frame.

[0118] The installation height of the various gaming machines 2 on the seat plate 13 of the structure 101A is determined by such gaming machine spacers 20A. That is, as shown in FIG. 57, by installing a pachinko machine 2A on the gaming machine spacer 20A, the installation height is raised by the height of the gaming machine spacer 20A. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 58, the installation height of the slot machine 2B is lowered because it is installed directly on the seat plate 13. In this case, the gaming machine spacer 20A can be disposed on the slot machine 2B and incorporated into the structure 101A.

[0119] <30D spacer between units> As shown in Figures 67 to 72, the inter-machine spacer 30D in the second embodiment has a configuration basically similar to the inter-machine spacer 30A in the first embodiment described above, and similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. However, in the inter-machine spacer 30D, engagement portions 32a are provided below the rear ends of the pair of left and right side panels 32, 32, each of which serves as a stopper with which the rear end portion 21c of the lower panel 21 in the gaming machine spacer 20A engages. As described above, the role of the engagement portions 32a is to position the gaming machine spacer 20A.

[0120] As shown in Figure 50, the inter-machine spacer 30D is disposed between the gaming machine spacers 20A lined up on the left and right sides on the seat plate 13 of the structure 101A. Here, the inter-machine spacer 30D is fixed to the seat plate 13 by screws or the like. Although not shown, on the inter-machine spacer 30D, in addition to the inter-machine device 3A including the banknote discharge means 3A2 provided for each gaming machine 2, a partition board 4 and a stud 5 are also installed. However, in the gaming device 100A, the stud 5 and the partition board 4 are not necessarily required, and are disposed as appropriate as needed.

[0121] As shown in Figures 57 and 58, the adjustment plate 13a is not placed where the inter-machine spacer 30D is installed on the seat plate 13. Here, the bottom panel 31 or shelf top plate 31a of the inter-machine spacer 30D is connected to a horizontal plane at the same height as the adjustment plate 13a that overlaps below the gaming machine spacer 20A. Note that instead of the inter-machine spacer 30D, the inter-machine spacers 30B and 30C may be provided with an engagement portion 32a, and as mentioned above, there are various variations of the inter-machine spacer 30.

[0122] <Banknote transport device 40> 57 to 59, in the structure 101A, the banknote transport device 40 is disposed on the rear side of the various gaming machines 2, as described above. The banknote transport device 40 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a duplicated description will be omitted, but the banknote transport path 41 and the banknote discharge means 3A2 are respectively installed behind the upper part of the pachinko machine 2A, which is installed at a high height among the various gaming machines 2, and are installed above the upper end of the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a low height. Although not shown, a safe is installed at one end of the gaming device 100A for collecting and storing banknotes transported by the banknote transport device 40.

[0123] <Function of Gaming Device 100A> 50, to construct the structure 101A that forms the frame of the gaming device 100A, first, each support member 102 is erected at a predetermined interval along the length of the device on the floor of a construction site such as an amusement parlor. Next, various frame materials such as beams, girders, and plates are assembled between each support member 102 to form a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that basically extends in the lengthwise direction.

[0124] In the middle section 101a of the structure 101A, various gaming machines 2 are installed in two rows, back to back, on a pair of front and rear seat plates 13. Here, the pachinko machines 2A, which are installed at a high installation height, are installed on the seat plates 13 via gaming machine spacers 20A, while the slot machines 2B, which are installed at a low installation height, are installed directly on the seat plates 13, with the gaming machine spacers 20A disposed above the slot machines 2B. In addition, inter-machine spacers 30D are disposed between the gaming machine spacers 20A, and inter-machine spacers 3A corresponding to each of the various gaming machines 2 are disposed on top of these. In addition, in the upper section 101c of the structure 101A, the banknote transport device 40 is disposed behind the top of the pachinko machines 2A, which are installed at a high installation height, and above the slot machines 2B.

[0125] In this way, even in the gaming device 100A, when various gaming machines 2 with different installation heights and a machine-to-machine unit 3A including a bill discharging means 3A2 are installed on the front side of the gaming device 100A, separate spacers 20A, 30D are installed in a detachable manner corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A with a higher installation height and below the adjacent machine-to-machine unit 3A (bill discharging means 3A2).

[0126] That is, a gaming machine spacer 20A is installed below the pachinko machine 2A, and an inter-machine spacer 30D is installed below the inter-machine machine 3A, both of which can be attached and detached. On the other hand, no gaming machine spacer 20A is installed below the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a lower height. This makes it possible to easily mix and match various gaming machines 2 installed at different heights within a single device.

[0127] Also, in the gaming device 100A, as with the gaming device 1, the bill transport device 40 is installed behind the pachinko machine 2A, and the height of the bill transport device 40 is lowered, making it easier for a player to insert bills into the inter-machine unit 3A even while seated. Furthermore, by removing the gaming machine spacer 20A and installing only the slot machine 2B, which has a low installation height, the bill transport device 40 can be used in accordance with the installation height of the inter-machine units 3A, 3B for the slot machine 2B.

[0128] 50 and 67, the inter-machine spacer 30D may be configured to have an internal space that is open to the front and shelf tops 31a, 31b that extend forward from the lower end of the internal space, similar to the inter-machine spacer 30A of the first embodiment. This allows the inter-machine spacer 30D to be used as a personal space for players to store small items such as mobile terminals and bottled drinks, rather than increasing the installation height of the inter-machine devices 3A, 3B (banknote discharge means 3A2).

[0129] [Gaming device 100B according to the third embodiment] The gaming device 100B according to the third embodiment, like the gaming device 100A according to the second embodiment described above, is similar to a conventional general gaming machine island, and is not composed of the units 10, but is constructed by installing various gaming machines 2 with different installation heights, as well as related equipment such as a banknote transport path 41, inside a structure 101B that forms the frame of the entire device. Note that parts similar to those in the first and second embodiments described above are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0130] Figs. 73 to 94 are drawings relating to the gaming device 100B according to the third embodiment. Figs. 73 to 76 are drawings relating to the structure 101B of the gaming device 100B. Figs. 77 to 79 are drawings relating to the gaming machine spacer 20B equipped in the gaming device 100B. Figs. 80 to 82 are drawings relating to the adjustment spacer 80 equipped in the gaming device 100B. Figs. 83 to 85 are drawings relating to the gaming machine upper frame 90 equipped in the gaming device 100B. Figs. 86 to 94 are drawings relating to the inter-machine spacers 30E, F, and G equipped in the gaming device 100B.

[0131] <Structure 101B> 73 to 76, structure 101B is basically configured as a roughly rectangular parallelepiped extending in the longitudinal direction, with frame materials such as various beams, girders, and plates attached to support members 102 that are arranged in an upright position along the longitudinal direction of the entire device. Structure 101B has a configuration basically similar to structure 101A in the second embodiment described above, and similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0132] In the structure 101B, the support members 102 are also arranged in pairs, one at the front and one at the back, facing each other in the depth direction of the structure 101B, and are erected at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the structure 101B. The spacing between the support members 102 is, for example, the combined dimension of the width of two gaming machines 2 and the width of the inter-machine spacers 30E and the like provided for each gaming machine 2, but is a design factor that can be determined as appropriate. In the structure 101B, the area below the middle section 101a where the various gaming machines 2 are lined up is configured as a lower section 101b, and the area above is configured as an upper section 101c.

[0133] 73 and 76, in the middle section 101a of the structure 101B, a gaming machine spacer 20B is installed on one of the pair of front and rear seat panels 13 at the lower end (the front side of the paper in FIG. 73, the left side of the paper in FIG. 76) to raise the height of the pachinko machine 2A' that is installed at a higher height among the various gaming machines 2, and adjacent to it are inter-machine spacers 30E, F, and G. Here, the upper ends of the gaming machine spacer 20B and the inter-machine spacer 30E, etc. are aligned at the same height, and a top plate 108 is provided that extends a predetermined width forward of each.

[0134] On the other hand, on the other of the pair of front and rear seat panels 13 (the back side of the page in FIG. 73, the right side of the page in FIG. 76), a top panel 108 on which the slot machine 2B is placed together with the seat panel 13 is provided at the front end side of the seat panel 13 in order to install a slot machine 2B which has a low installation height among the various gaming machines 2. Here, an adjustment spacer 80 for adjusting the installation height of the slot machine 2B may be superimposed on the seat panel 13, and the top panel 108 may be provided along the front end of this adjustment spacer 80, and the slot machine 2B may be placed on top of these.

[0135] The adjustment spacer 80 corresponds to the adjustment plate 13a described above, and is configured to have a greater overall height than the adjustment plate 13a, as will be described later. When the slot machine 2B is installed on the seat plate 13 (adjustment spacer 80) and the top plate 108, the gaming machine spacer 20B can be disposed on the slot machine 2B, as in the second embodiment. If a gap occurs between the top end of the gaming machine 2 and the upper section 101c, it can be blocked by the adjustment spacer 80, or, if the gap is small, by the adjustment upper frame 90 described later.

[0136] As shown in Fig. 76, in the middle section 101a, a banknote transport device 40 similar to that in the first embodiment is disposed on the rear side of the various gaming machines 2 that are back-to-back. In the gaming device 100B, too, the banknote transport path 41 that forms the main part of the banknote transport device 40 is installed behind the upper part of the pachinko machine 2A that is installed at a higher height among the various gaming machines 2, but is installed above the upper end of the slot machine 2B that is installed at a lower height. Note that, as shown in Fig. 73, a vertical middle partition plate 109 of a predetermined height that extends in the longitudinal direction of the structure 101B is erected between the two rows of the middle section 101a.

[0137] Although not shown in the third embodiment, the various gaming machines 2 installed in the middle section 101a are pachinko machines 2A, 2A' and slot machines 2B similar to those in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, when a conventional pachinko machine 2A' is included, the gaming device 100B also requires related equipment for circulating gaming balls within the structure 101B for repeated use. The lower section 101b of the structure 101B is configured in substantially the same manner as the structure 101A in the second embodiment.

[0138] In the upper section 101c of the structure 101B, a cross beam member 105a extending parallel to the upper end member 104 is assembled between the left and right support members 102 below the upper end member 104. A vertically-planar spacer member 105b is also assembled directly above the cross beam member 105a. The spacer member 105b may be provided with a compartment 105c in which the bill validator (banknote validator 3C) described above is located. Note that a spacer panel (not shown) having a vertical width narrower than the spacer panel 17 of the second embodiment is provided above the spacer member 105b.

[0139] <Gaming Machine Spacer 20B> As shown in Figures 77 to 79, the gaming machine spacer 20B in the third embodiment has a fundamentally similar configuration to the gaming machine spacer 20A in the second embodiment described above, and like parts are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The gaming machine spacer 20B differs slightly from the gaming machine spacer 20A in terms of the ratio of width to height, and the locking piece 25a of the cylinder lock 25 on the front door 24 is fixed to a different location. The gaming machine spacer 20B does not have a screw hole 21d or a screw guide hole 23c, but these may be provided separately.

[0140] Like the gaming machine spacers 20 and 20A described above, the front door 24 is made of a horizontally long rectangular metal plate, and along its lower and upper edges there are provided lower and upper mounting pieces 24a and 24b, respectively, which are bent rearward at right angles by a predetermined width. Although not shown in Figures 77 to 79, a mounting base 21a onto which the lower mounting piece 24a is to be overlapped is provided below the front end of the lower panel 21, and a mounting base 23a onto which the upper mounting piece 24b is to be overlapped is provided above the front end of the upper panel 23. A recessed groove 21b is also provided below the front end of the lower panel 21.

[0141] In the gaming machine spacer 20B, there is no locking groove 23b below the front end of the top plate 23 to which the locking piece 25a of the cylinder lock 25 is fixed. Instead, a rectangular pillar-shaped stopper 23d is fixed along the lower front end of the top plate 23. The depth of the stopper 23d is set so that the locking piece 25a abuts against its back surface. That is, in the cylinder lock 25 of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 79, by abutting the locking piece 25a against the back surface of the stopper 23d, the stopper 23d is clamped from the front and rear, and is locked.

[0142] Furthermore, it is preferable to attach magnets 27 to the front end surfaces of the side panels 22 that form the front opening of the gaming machine spacer 20B and to the front end surface of the bottom panel 21, which attract and hold the periphery except for the upper end side where the cylinder lock 25 of the front door 24 is located. The gaming machine spacer 20A of the second embodiment described above may also be provided with a magnet 27 similar to that of the third embodiment. In addition, the gaming machine spacer 20B is also provided with a rear end portion 21c at the rear end side of the bottom panel 21 that engages with and is positioned by the engaging portion 32a of the inter-machine spacers 30E, F, and G described below.

[0143] Such gaming machine spacers 20B determine the installation height of various gaming machines 2 on the seat plate 13 (adjustment plate 13a) of the structure 101B. That is, although not shown, a pachinko machine 2A is installed on the gaming machine spacer 20B on the left side of the structure 101B shown in FIG. 76, and the installation height is raised by the height of the gaming machine spacer 20B. On the other hand, although not shown, a slot machine 2B is installed on the seat plate 13 (adjustment plate 13a) on the right side of the structure 101B shown in FIG. 76, and therefore the installation height is lower. In this case, the gaming machine spacer 20B can be disposed on the slot machine 2B and incorporated into the structure 101B.

[0144] <Adjustment spacer 80> As shown in Figures 80 to 82, the adjustment spacer 80 corresponds to the adjustment plate 13a described above, but is configured to have a greater overall height than the adjustment plate 13a. The adjustment spacer 80 is a member for raising the height of the gaming machine spacer 20B installed on the seat plate 13 when the height is insufficient. On the right side of the structure 101B shown in Figure 76, the seat plate 13 or the top plate 108 is disposed on the adjustment spacer 80 disposed on the upper end side of the waist plate 103.

[0145] In detail, the adjustment spacer 80 is basically configured as a long, horizontal plate of a predetermined thickness, consisting of a horizontal bottom panel 81 of a predetermined thickness with a length equivalent to the width of one of the various gaming machines 2 and a width equivalent to the depth of one of the various gaming machines 2, a pair of left and right side portions 82, 82 stacked on both ends of the bottom panel 81, and a top panel 83 of the same shape as the bottom panel 81, which is supported horizontally between the upper ends of each side portion 82.

[0146] The thickness of each side portion 82 is approximately the same as that of the lower panel 81 and the upper panel 83, and the height of the entire adjusting spacer 80 is limited to approximately three times the thickness of these plates. The upper panel 83 is provided with screw guide holes 83a through which screws for fastening the lower panel 81 to the seat panel 13 or the like can be passed. A decorative metal panel 84 is attached to the front opening of the adjusting spacer 80. The panel 84 may be attached in the same manner as the attachment structure of the upper and lower edges of the front door 24 of the gaming machine spacer 20B described above. The adjusting spacer 80 may also be used in the gaming device 1 of the first embodiment described above or the gaming device 100A of the second embodiment described above.

[0147] <Adjustment upper frame 90> The adjustable upper frame 90 also corresponds to the above-mentioned adjusting plate 13a, but is mainly applied to the upper end side of the various gaming machines 2. The adjustable upper frame 90 is a member for closing any gap that may occur between the lower end of the upper section 101c and the upper end of the various gaming machines 2. More specifically, the adjustable upper frame 90 is made up of a horizontal single plate 91 of a predetermined thickness, with a length equivalent to the width of one of the various gaming machines 2 and a width equivalent to the depth of one of the various gaming machines 2.

[0148] The thickness of the plate 91 is about the same as that of the lower plate 81 and upper plate 83 of the aforementioned adjustable spacer 80, and the overall height of the adjustable upper frame 90 is kept low, about the same as that of the seat plate 13 and the adjusting plate 13a. In addition, a thin metal cover 92 is attached to the front end surface of the plate 91 for decorative purposes. The cover 92 should be attached in the same manner as the attachment structure of the upper and lower edges of the front door 24 of the aforementioned gaming machine spacer 20B.

[0149] The adjustable upper frame 90 has a thinner height dimension (thickness), compared to the adjustable spacer 80, but it is possible to use it to achieve the desired thickness by appropriately stacking multiple frames. Of course, instead of the adjustable upper frame 90, the adjustable spacer 80 may be applied to the upper end side of various gaming machines 2. The adjustable upper frame 90 may also be used in the gaming device 1 of the first embodiment described above and the gaming device 100A of the second embodiment described above.

[0150] <Inter-unit spacers 30E, 30F, 30G> Figures 86 to 94 are drawings relating to inter-base spacers 30E, 30F, and 30G in the third embodiment. The inter-base spacer 30E shown in Figures 86 to 88 is a standard one installed midway along the longitudinal direction of the structure 101B shown in Figure 73. The inter-base spacer 30F shown in Figures 89 to 91 is installed midway along the structure 101B at a position where it overlaps with the support member 102. Furthermore, the inter-base spacer 30G shown in Figures 92 to 94 is a modified example installed at both ends of the structure 101B in the longitudinal direction.

[0151] As shown in Figures 86 to 88, the inter-base spacer 30E has a configuration basically similar to that of the inter-base spacer 30C in the first embodiment described above, and similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. However, in the inter-base spacer 30E, the front opening is closed by a front base plate 35 made of a wooden board of the same thickness as the lower panel 31 and upper panel 33, and the surface of this front base plate 35 is covered by a front panel 34 made of a thin metal plate. The back of the inter-base spacer 30E is open.

[0152] Further, below the rear ends of the pair of left and right side panels 32, 32, there are provided engagement portions 32a that serve as stoppers with which the rear end portion 21c of the bottom panel 21 of the gaming machine spacer 20B engages. As in the case of the inter-machine spacer 30D of the second embodiment described above, when the gaming machine spacer 20B is installed, the rear end portion 21c of the bottom panel 21 is engaged with the engagement portion 32a of the inter-machine spacer 30E, thereby positioning the gaming machine spacer 20B in the front-to-rear direction.

[0153] 88, the inter-base spacer 30E has a cutout in the front half of the pair of left and right side panels 32, 32. In other words, the depth of the side panels 22 is smaller than the bottom panel 31 and the top panel 33, and openings 36 are provided in the front half of the pair of left and right side panels 32, 32. These openings 36 are used to insert screws for fastening the bottom panel 21 when installing the inter-base spacer 30E on the seat panel 13 (or the adjustment spacer 80).

[0154] As shown in Figure 73, the inter-machine spacer 30E is disposed between the gaming machine spacers 20B lined up on the left and right sides on the seat plate 13 (or adjustable spacer 80) of the structure 101B. Here, the inter-machine spacer 30E is disposed in a position where it does not interfere with the support member 102, and although not shown, a partition board 4 and a stud 5 are disposed on top of it. However, in the gaming device 100B, the stud 5 and the partition board 4 are not necessarily required and are disposed as needed, and the width of the inter-machine spacer 30E, like the other inter-machine spacers 30, is a design item that can be changed as needed.

[0155] 89 to 91, the inter-base spacer 30F has a configuration basically similar to the inter-base spacer 30E described above, and similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. However, the inter-base spacer 30F is provided with an avoidance groove 37 that fits into the middle of the support member 102 to avoid interference. That is, since the inter-base spacer 30F is to be installed at a position where the support member 102 is erected in the structure 101B, the inter-base spacer 30F is provided with a narrow avoidance groove 37 that extends forward from the rear end edges of the lower panel 21 and the upper panel 33 at a position where they overlap in a plan view, and that fits into the middle of the support member 102 from the front.

[0156] In the illustrated example, the avoidance groove 37 in the inter-base spacer 30F is located slightly toward one end from the center of the width of the inter-base spacer 30F, but the position of the avoidance groove 37 can be changed appropriately depending on the position at which the inter-base spacer 30F interferes with the support member 102. For example, if the inter-base spacer 30F interferes with the support member 102 exactly in the center of the width of the inter-base spacer 30F, the avoidance groove 37 is located at that position, and if the inter-base spacer 30F interferes with the support member 102 at one end of the width of the inter-base spacer 30F, the avoidance groove 37 is located at a position more offset toward one end of the width of the inter-base spacer 30F.

[0157] 92 to 94, the inter-base spacer 30G has a configuration basically similar to the inter-base spacer 30F described above, and similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. However, because the inter-base spacer 30G is installed at both longitudinal ends of the structure 101B, it is provided with avoidance notches 38 to avoid interference with the support members 102 erected at those positions. That is, because the inter-base spacer 30F is installed at the end of the structure 101B where the support members 102 are erected, it is provided with rectangular avoidance notches 38, with one side end cut out forward from the rear edge of each of the lower panel 21 and the upper panel 33, at positions where they overlap in a plan view.

[0158] The specific position and shape of the avoidance notches 38 in the inter-machine spacers 30G are also design factors that can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the inter-machine spacers 30G, the avoidance notches 38 are positioned toward the outside of one end of the structure 101B, but on the opposite side, i.e., on the side panel 22 facing the inside of the structure 101B, the engagement portion 32a is provided for positioning the gaming machine spacer 20B that is positioned adjacent to it. The inter-machine spacers 30G positioned at one longitudinal end of the structure 101B and those positioned at the other end are slightly different in structure to achieve optimal shapes, such as left-right symmetry.

[0159] <Banknote transport device 40> 76, in the structure 101B, the banknote transport device 40 described above is also disposed on the rear side of the various gaming machines 2. The banknote transport device 40 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a duplicated description will be omitted, but the banknote transport path 41 and the banknote discharge means 3A2 are respectively installed behind the upper part of the pachinko machine 2A, which is installed at a high height among the various gaming machines 2, and installed above the upper end of the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a low height. Also at one end of the gaming device 100B, although not shown, a safe is installed to collect and store the banknotes transported by the banknote transport device 40.

[0160] <Function of Gaming Device 100B> As shown in FIG. 73, the structure 101B forming the frame of the gaming device 100B is constructed on the floor of a construction site such as an amusement parlor, similar to the structure 101B of the second embodiment described above. In particular, the structure 101B allows the inter-machine spacer 30F to be placed without any design changes to avoid interference with the support member 102. The inter-machine spacer 30F can be firmly held in place by the engagement relationship with the support member 102. Note that for the inter-machine machine 3A and the like to be installed on the inter-machine spacer 30F, it is necessary to consider interference with the support member 102.

[0161] Even in such a gaming device 100B, when various gaming machines 2 having different installation heights and a machine-to-machine unit 3A including a bill discharge means 3A2 are installed on the front side of the gaming device 100B, separate spacers 20B, 30E, etc. will be installed in a detachable manner corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A having a higher installation height and below the adjacent machine-to-machine unit 3A (bill discharge means 3A2).

[0162] That is, a gaming machine spacer 20B is installed below the pachinko machine 2A, and an inter-machine spacer 30E, etc. are installed below the inter-machine unit 3A, both of which can be attached and detached. On the other hand, the gaming machine spacer 20B and the inter-machine spacer 30E, etc. are not installed below the slot machine 2B, which is installed at a low height, and the inter-machine unit 3A (banknote dispensing means 3A2) adjacent to it. This makes it possible to easily mix and replace various gaming machines 2 installed at different heights within one device.

[0163] Also, in the gaming device 100B, as with the gaming device 1, the bill transport device 40 is installed behind the pachinko machine 2A, and the height of the bill transport device 40 is lowered, so that a player can easily insert bills into the inter-machine unit 3A even while seated. Furthermore, by removing the gaming machine spacer 20B and installing only the slot machine 2B, which has a low installation height, the bill transport device 40 can be used in accordance with the installation height of the inter-machine units 3A, 3B for the slot machine 2B.

[0164] 73 and 74, in the gaming device 100B, the gaming machine spacer 20B and the inter-machine spacers 30E, 30F, and 30G are configured so that when they are placed adjacent to each other, the shapes of at least the front half of their sides match. This configuration creates a sense of unity by making the boundaries between the spacers 20B, 30E, etc. less noticeable when viewed from the front of the gaming device 100B. This reduces the likelihood of having to change the decoration of the gaming device 100B every time the installation of the spacers 20B, 30E, etc. is changed, thereby reducing construction costs.

[0165] <About the present invention> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention derived from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0166] First, the present invention provides gaming devices 1, 100A, and 100B that include various gaming machines 2 installed at different heights, a banknote transport path 41 that is installed on the rear side of the various gaming machines 2 and transports banknotes used in games on the various gaming machines 2 and discharged, and a banknote discharge means 3A2 that discharges the banknotes onto the banknote transport path 41, and in which the various gaming machines 2 and the banknote discharge means 3A2 can be installed on the front side, Separate spacers 20, 30A, etc. are detachably installed in correspondence with the gaming machine 2A having a high installation height and below the banknote discharge means 3A2, and the banknote transport path 41 is installed behind the gaming machine 2A having a high installation height, and only the gaming machine 2B having a low installation height is installed with the spacer 20, etc. removed.

[0167] According to such gaming devices 1, 100A, 100B, when various gaming machines 2 with different installation heights and bill dispensing means 3A2 are installed on the front side of the gaming devices 1, 100A, 100B, separate spacers 20, 30A, etc. are detachably installed in correspondence with the gaming machine 2A with a higher installation height and below the corresponding bill dispensing means 3A2. On the other hand, separate spacers 20, 30A, etc. are not installed in correspondence with the gaming machine 2B with a lower installation height and below the corresponding bill dispensing means 3A2. This makes it possible to easily mix and replace various gaming machines 2 with different installation heights within a single device.

[0168] In addition, by installing the bill transport path 41 behind the gaming machine 2A, rather than above the gaming machine 2A which is installed at a higher height, the height position of the bill transport path 41 is made as low as possible. This makes it easier for a player, even while seated, to insert bills into the bill receiving opening 3A1 (3C1), which is normally located at the same height as the bill discharge means 3A2 which is located at the same height as the bill transport path 41.

[0169] Moreover, by installing only the gaming machine 2B with a low installation height after removing the spacer 20, etc., the banknote transport path 41 can be adjusted to correspond to the installation height of the banknote discharge means 3A2 corresponding to the gaming machine 2B with a low installation height. In other words, the height positions of the banknote discharge means 3A2 corresponding to the gaming machine 2A with a high installation height and the banknote discharge means 3A2 corresponding to the gaming machine 2B with a low installation height can be adjusted to the height of the common banknote transport path 41. Therefore, the banknote transport device 40 including the banknote transport path 41 can be shared among various gaming machines 2. Furthermore, unlike conventional gaming machine islands, there is no need to reconfigure the layout of the banknote transport path 41 depending on the differences in the installation height of each gaming machine 2.

[0170] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the separate spacers 20, 30A, etc. are formed so that the shapes of the side surfaces thereof match when they are placed adjacent to each other. With this configuration, when the gaming devices 1, 100A, 100B are viewed from the front, the boundaries between the spacers 20, 30A, etc. are inconspicuous, creating a sense of unity. This reduces the possibility that the decoration of the gaming devices 1, 100A, 100B will need to be changed every time the installation of the spacers 20, 30A, etc. is changed, and makes it possible to reduce construction costs.

[0171] In addition, in the present invention, the gaming machine 2A having a high installation height is a pachinko machine, The gaming machine 2B installed at a low height is characterized by being a slot machine that uses electronic data instead of gaming media. This configuration allows differentiation from conventional gaming machine islands that only include general slot machines.

[0172] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the spacer 20 etc. corresponding to the gaming machine 2A installed at a high height can be arranged above the gaming machine 2B installed at a low height. With this configuration, the spacer 20 and the like can not only fill the gap generated above the gaming machine 2B that is installed at a low height, but also be stored and kept inside the device.

[0173] Furthermore, in the present invention, the spacer 30A etc. corresponding to the banknote discharge means 3A2 is characterized in that it has an internal space that is open on the front side and shelf tops 31a, 31b that extend forward from the lower end of the internal space. With this configuration, the spacer 30A etc. can be used as a personal space for the player to store small items such as a mobile terminal or a bottled drink, instead of increasing the installation height of the bill dispensing means 3A2.

[0174] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and changes and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. For example, the types, numbers, and specific allocation (layout) of the gaming machines 2 in the gaming devices 1, 100A, and 100B are not limited to the aspects of the above-described embodiments, and may be determined appropriately depending on the situation of the installation location. [Industrial Applicability]

[0175] The gaming device according to the present invention can be widely applied to various gaming machines, such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines, which are installed at different heights. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 1...Amusement device 2...Amusement machines 2A...Pachinko machine 2B...Slot machine 3A,3B…Inter-stand machine 3A1…Banknote acceptance slot 3A2…Banknote ejection means 10A, 10A'...unit 10B, 10B'... Unit 10C...Unit 10D...Unit 20, 20A, 20B...Amusement machine spacer 30A~30H...Inter-unit spacer 40...Banknote transport device 41...Banknote transport route

Claims

1. A gaming device comprising various gaming machines installed at different heights, a bill transport path installed on the rear side of the various gaming machines for transporting bills used in games and discharged from the various gaming machines, and a bill discharge means for discharging the bills onto the bill transport path, wherein the various gaming machines and the bill discharge means can be installed on the front side, A gaming device characterized in that separate spacers are detachably installed in correspondence with the gaming machines with a high installation height and below the bill discharge means, and the bill transport path is installed behind the gaming machines with a high installation height, and only the gaming machines with a low installation height are installed with the spacers removed.

2. 2. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the separate spacers are formed so that the shapes of their side surfaces match when they are placed adjacent to each other.

3. 2. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer adapted to the gaming machine installed at a high height can be arranged above the gaming machine installed at a low height.

4. 2. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer corresponding to the bill discharge means has an internal space that is open on the front side and a shelf top plate that extends forward from the lower end of the internal space.

Images