Structure of game machine island

Abstract

To provide a structure of a game machine island whose construction is simplified and in which replacement work of a game machine can be simplified.SOLUTION: A structure of a game machine island includes a front and rear pair of island columns 20 erected and arrayed in parallel in an island longitudinal direction. The pair of island columns 20, 20 are not arrayed on a linear line in an island depth direction and are arranged so as to be shifted in the island longitudinal direction by a predetermined distance. A beam 27 is installed over the front and rear pair of island columns 20, 20 in a crank shape of bending at different levels.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for constructing a gaming machine island and for installing gaming machines and related equipment within the island. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a conventional gaming machine island structure is that described in Patent Document 1. That is, the island pillar unit is formed in a ladder shape by two parallel support pillars and connecting arms that connect the support pillars, and is erected between opposing lower units to connect the lower units.

[0003] Here, an L-shaped guide piece was provided on the underside of the support pillar, and this guide piece was abutted against the horizontal support plate of the lower unit and fixed with a screw. Also, a stop piece was provided midway along the support pillar, and this stop piece was abutted against the inner end face of the top plate of the lower unit and fixed with a screw. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-68991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 above assumes that the horizontal support plate and the tray plate are attached to the support posts using screws. This not only increases the number of parts and the assembly time, but also makes the screw-fastening work in narrow places on the island difficult to check by hand or eye, making the work difficult and laborious.

[0006] The present invention has been made in response to the problems inherent in the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a gaming machine island structure that simplifies assembly work and can be easily disassembled when replacing gaming machines, thereby simplifying the replacement work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is to A structure for constructing an island for gaming machines and installing gaming machines and related equipment therein, The island has island pillars that are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the island, The island pillars are formed as a pair of front and rear island pillars, which are not aligned in a straight line in the island depth direction but are arranged offset from each other by a predetermined distance in the island longitudinal direction, and a crank-shaped beam bent in steps is installed between the pair of front and rear island pillars. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a structure of a gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an oblique view showing an island pillar of a structure of an amusement machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] This is an oblique view showing an enlarged view of the island pillars and main parts of the frame of the structure of the gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is an oblique view showing a modified example of the arrangement of island pillars of the structure of the gaming machine island according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view of an example of the layout of gaming machines in a gaming machine island structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the gaming machine island according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view, respectively, showing the underside of the island pillar of the structure of the gaming machine island according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a representative embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The structure 10 of the gaming machine island 1 according to this embodiment constitutes the framework of the entire gaming machine island 1, and is used to install gaming machines and related equipment within the island. Note that in each drawing, the relative dimensions and shapes of the components are subject to appropriate design changes and may differ from the actual ones. Also, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] <Overview of Gaming Machine Island 1> As shown in Figure 1, the structure 10 has island pillars 20 that are arranged in a row in the island's longitudinal direction and frames attached to the island pillars 20. In the structure 10, various frames are attached to the underside of the island pillars 20 to form a lower unit 11 (see Figure 6) that forms the lower part of the gaming machine island 1. Also, various frames (not shown) are attached to the upper side of the island pillars 20 to form an upper unit 12 (see Figure 6) that forms the upper part of the gaming machine island 1.

[0011] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the structure 10, a plurality of gaming machines are installed back-to-back on both the front and back sides (two rows) in the space between each island pillar 20 between the lower unit 11 and the upper unit 12. The gaming machines here include pachinko machines 2A that use gaming balls as gaming media and slot machines 2B that use medals as gaming media. In the gaming machine island 1 of this embodiment, the pachinko machines 2A and the slot machines 2B are installed together. When the pachinko machines 2A and the slot machines 2B are referred to collectively, they will be referred to as gaming machines 2.

[0012] Pachinko machines 2A are typically played by shooting game balls onto a board. Adjacent to each pachinko machine 2A on the left side as viewed from the front, there is an inter-machine ball dispensing machine 3A that dispenses game balls in response to the insertion of a card or bill. On the other hand, slot machines 2B are typically played by inserting medals to stop the rotation of each reel. Adjacent to each slot machine 2B on the right side as viewed from the front, there is an inter-machine medal dispensing machine 3B that dispenses medals in response to the insertion of a card or bill. When referring to the inter-machine ball dispensing machine 3A and the inter-machine medal dispensing machine 3B collectively, they are referred to as inter-machine medal dispensing machine 3.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 6, various related devices are installed on the gaming machine island 1, such as a device for circulating gaming media used in each gaming machine 2 within the island for repeated use. For example, if a lower tank (not shown) and a polishing and transporting device 4 are installed, the gaming media used in each gaming machine 2 are collected and stored in a lower tongue, and the polishing and transporting device 4 pumps the gaming media delivered from the lower tank to the upper unit 12 while polishing them. If a lower tank is not installed, the gaming media used in each gaming machine 2 are collected by a collection gutter 4a and delivered to the polishing and transporting device 4, and the polishing and transporting device 4 pumps the gaming media to the upper unit 12 while polishing them.

[0014] The upper unit 12 is provided with an upper tank 5 that stores polished gaming media to be supplied to each gaming machine 2. The upper unit 12 also has a distribution gutter 6 that slopes downward from the upper tank 5 toward the end of the island. The distribution gutter 6 supplies gaming media to each gaming machine 2 and the machine lending machine 3. In addition, a banknote transport device (not shown) is provided inside the structure 10 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the island. The banknote transport device transports banknotes inserted into the machine lending machine 3 to the end of the island.

[0015] <About Structure 10> As shown in FIG. 1, the structure 10 comprises island pillars 20 arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the island, and various frames attached to the island pillars 20. The island pillars 20 are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the island, for example, at intervals corresponding to two gaming machines 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the island pillars 20 are basically arranged in pairs, one front and one back, and are fixed so as to stand vertically on the floor via bases 23 that can be adjusted to the level. The bases 23 need only be adjustable in terms of their base height and inclination on the floor, and any known configuration may be used, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The intervals at which the island pillars 20 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the island are not limited to two gaming machines 2, and they may also be arranged at intervals corresponding to, for example, one or three gaming machines.

[0016] The pair of front and rear island pillars 20, 20 face each other in the island depth direction, which is perpendicular to the island longitudinal direction, and are assembled together by multiple beams 26a, 26b, 26c arranged vertically between each island pillar 20. Each of the beams 26a, 26b, 26c extends linearly in the island depth direction. The multiple beams 26a, 26b, 26c are collectively referred to as beam 26.

[0017] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a pair of front and rear island pillars 20, 20 may not be aligned in a straight line in the island depth direction, but may be offset from each other by a predetermined distance in the island longitudinal direction. In this case, multiple beams 27a, 27b, 27c are also installed vertically between each island pillar 20. Here, each beam 27a, 27b, 27c does not extend in a straight line, but is formed in a crank shape that is bent in staggered steps from the middle. Note that the multiple beams 27a, 27b, 27c are collectively referred to as beam 27.

[0018] A variation of the arrangement of the pair of front and rear island pillars 20, 20 shown in Figure 4 may be necessary depending on the arrangement of the rear side of the gaming machine 2 itself or other related equipment within the island. For example, as shown in the right half of Figure 5, when slot machines 2B are installed on both the front and rear sides of the gaming machine island 1, this is suitable for arranging inter-machine medal dispensers 3B, which are larger and bulkier than the inter-machine ball dispensers 3A. Another variation of the island pillars 20, although not shown, may be configured so that only one of the pair of front and rear pillars is partially cut depending on the construction needs.

[0019] <<Details of Island Pillar 20>> As shown in Figure 2, each island pillar 20 has a base that extends in the vertical direction and an engaging portion that protrudes along the base and also extends in the vertical direction, and is formed, for example, by processing sheet metal. More specifically, the island pillar 20 is formed into a U-shaped cross section with side plates 22, 22 that are connected at approximately right angles to both sides of the narrow base plate 21 that serves as the base, and serve as engaging portions. Here, the island pillar 20 is positioned so that the open side of the U-shaped cross section faces the front of the gaming machine 2.

[0020] The two side plates 22, 22 protruding toward the opening side of the island post 20 are engaged with engaged portions on a frame, which will be described later, to become parts that can attach the frame to the island post 20. Note that in this embodiment, the island post 20 is exemplified as having a U-shaped cross section, but is not limited to this shape, and may be formed as, for example, a T-shaped cross section (T-shaped steel) in which one side plate is connected at a substantially right angle along the center of a narrow base plate, or an H-shaped cross section (H-shaped steel) in which two U-shaped cross sections are back-to-back.

[0021] Furthermore, rectangular steps 24, 25 that protrude toward the opening are formed on the lower and upper sides of both side plates 22, 22 of the island post 20. Each step 24, 25 is used, for example, to auxiliary fasten the ends of various frames (described below) with screws. Furthermore, the lower step 24 and the upper step 25 can also be attached with various frames placed on top of them.

[0022] <<Frame of lower unit 11>> As shown in Figure 1, various frames constituting the lower unit 11 are attached to the underside of the island pillars 20 in the structure 10. That is, various frames, such as a substantially horizontal, narrow bottom plate 31 extending in the longitudinal direction of the island and a substantially horizontal, narrow top plate 32 extending parallel to it with a predetermined height space therebetween, are attached to the underside of each island pillar 20 on both the front and rear sides of the structure 10. Note that a plurality of center pillars 39 are provided between the bottom plate 31 and the top plate 32, lined up at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the island.

[0023] Furthermore, a top plate 33 is provided on top of the upper plate 32, for example, with a separate member interposed as necessary, in order to support the pachinko machines 2A or slot machines 2B at different optimum height positions. The top plate 33 is also a type of frame attached to each island pillar 20, and is a substantially horizontal plate material with a greater depth and width than the top plate 32, and is attached so as to protrude by a predetermined width in the front direction of the gaming machines 2. A reinforcing plate material may be attached to the upper surface (and lower surface) of the edge side of the top plate 33 facing the inside of the island, and this portion forms a mounting section 34 on which the gaming machines 2 are placed in a line in the island longitudinal direction.

[0024] The mounting portion 34 of the top plate 33 is attached substantially horizontally to the island post 20 from the front direction of the gaming machine 2. As shown in Fig. 3, a slit 35 is provided on the edge of the mounting portion 34 facing the inside of the island, as the engaged portion, into which the side plate 22 of the island post 20 is fitted. Here, when one top plate 33 is attached so as to intersect with the island post 20, a pair of slits 35, 35 into which the both side plates 22, 22 of the island post 20 are fitted is provided in one top plate 33. On the other hand, when two top plates 33, one on the left and one on the right, are connected in the island longitudinal direction with the island post 20 between them, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, one slit 35 into which one of the both side plates 22, 22 of the island post 20 is fitted is provided in each of the opposing ends of each top plate 33.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, positioning grooves 36 that match the island longitudinal direction may be formed in the ends of the opposing top plates 33. The positioning grooves 36 are formed, for example, to be aligned in a straight line. When attaching the ends of each top plate 33 (ends of the mounting portions 34) to the island pillars 20, the positioning grooves 36 are aligned so that they are connected in the island longitudinal direction, and then a fastener 37 is inserted into the positioning grooves 36, thereby fixing the ends of each top plate 33 together. Here, the fastener 37 is made of, for example, a single flat plate material that matches the left and right positioning grooves 36.

[0026] Although not shown, the bottom plate 31 and the top plate 32 may also be formed with a pair of slits as engaged portions that fit into the side plates 22, 22 of the island post 20. Furthermore, the top plate 32 that overlaps the underside of the top plate 33 may also be formed with a positioning groove (not shown) that passes through vertically in a plan view and overlaps with the positioning groove 36. By inserting a fastener 37 into this positioning groove, the top plate 33 and the top plate 32 can also be fixed to each other. Note that wood, for example, is suitable as a material for the top plate 33 and various frames because it is easy to process.

[0027] 3, the outer surface of the side plate 22 of the island post 20 and the upper surface of the mounting portion 34 of the top plate 33, which is approximately perpendicular to the outer surface, may each be fixed with a reinforcing member 38. Specifically, for example, an L-shaped metal fitting made by bending a narrow metal plate at an approximately right angle is suitable as the reinforcing member 38. The reinforcing member 38 may be fixed with screws or the like at the portions where it abuts the island post 20 and the top plate 33.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a partition plate 40 extending in the longitudinal direction of the island may be installed approximately in the center of the beam 27 between a pair of front and rear island posts 20, 20, capable of dividing the front and rear of the beam 27 vertically. The partition plate 40 is, for example, a rectangular flat plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the island, and can divide the interior of the lower unit 11 into two sections, front and back, along the longitudinal direction of the island. As with the various frames described above, wood is a suitable material for the partition plate 40 because it is easy to process.

[0029] Specifically, a configuration in which the partition plate 40 can be installed may include, for example, a support member 41 provided at approximately the center of the lower beam 27c, against which the upper edge of the partition plate 40 abuts from the island depth direction, and a receiving member 42 provided at approximately the center of the lowest beam 27d included in the base 23, which receives the lower edge of the partition plate 40. Here, the support member 41 may be a simple flat bracket to which the upper edge of the partition plate 40 can be screwed. Also, the receiving member 42 may be a generally U-shaped bracket into which the lower edge of the partition plate 40 can be fitted from above.

[0030] 2, a contact member 41 may be provided at approximately the center of the lower beam 26c, and a support member 42 may be provided on the base 23 side (such as the lowest beam not shown). This makes it possible to install a partition plate 40 extending in the island longitudinal direction that can vertically separate the front and rear of the beam 26 between the front and rear pair of island pillars 20.

[0031] <<Upper unit 12 frame>> In the structure 10 shown in Figure 1, various frames that actually constitute the upper unit 12 are also attached to the upper side of the island pillars 20. That is, on both the front and rear surfaces of the structure 10, above the island pillars 20, various frames (not shown) are attached in the form of multiple, vertically aligned, substantially horizontal, narrow plates extending in the longitudinal direction of the island, similar to the aforementioned lower unit 11. Note that multiple center pillars are also provided between the upper and lower plates, aligned at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the island.

[0032] If the vertical width of the basic framework of the upper unit 12 is set to a common fixed standard, for example, the height of the gap from the bottom end of the framework to the top end of the gaming machine 2 will differ between the pachinko machine 2A and the slot machine 2B. Therefore, it is advisable to interpose a separate member of a height appropriate to the type of gaming machine 2 in the gap between the framework and the gaming machine 2. Furthermore, although not shown, it is advisable to also provide a pair of slits in the frame (plate) attached to the top of the island pillar 20 as the engaged portion, which are fitted into the side plates 22, 22 of the island pillar 20.

[0033] <Action of the gaming machine island 1 and its structure 10> Next, the operation of the gaming machine island 1 and its structure 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The basic framework of the entire gaming machine island 1 is constructed by a structure 10. The structure 10 is assembled at a construction site within the gaming parlor. That is, the island pillars 20 are first erected at the installation location on the floor while adjusting the level using bases 23. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the island pillars 20 are usually assembled in pairs, one front and one back, using beams 26, and are placed at predetermined intervals (for example, the equivalent of two gaming machines 2) along the length of the island.

[0034] When erecting each island pillar 20, if it is necessary to avoid interference with the gaming machines 2 and related equipment installed on the island, the pair of front and rear island pillars 20, 20 are not aligned in a straight line in the island depth direction, but are positioned offset from each other by a predetermined distance in the island length direction, as shown in Figure 4. In such cases, the island pillars 20 are assembled via crank-shaped beams 27. This arrangement of island pillars 20 is suitable for arranging inter-machine medal dispensers 3B when slot machines 2B are installed on both the front and rear sides of the right half of the gaming machine island 1, as shown in Figure 5.

[0035] Once each island pillar 20 has been erected on the floor, as shown in Figure 1, the various frames that make up the lower unit 11 are attached in order to the underside of each island pillar 20 lined up in the longitudinal direction of the island on both the front and rear sides of the structure 10. That is, for example, from the bottom up, a bottom plate 31, a top plate 32, a top plate 33, etc. are attached between each island pillar 20. In particular, the top plate 33 has slits 35 on the edge of its mounting portion 34 that faces the inside of the island, into which the side plates 22 of the island pillar 20 are fitted, and the side plates 22 can be easily attached by fitting them into the slits 35.

[0036] 3, when two top plates 33 on the left and right are connected in the longitudinal direction of the island with the island post 20 in between, the ends of the top plates 33 are brought into contact with each other, and the side plates 22 of the island post 20 are fitted into the slits 35 at each end. Although not shown, if a pair of slits is also formed in the bottom plate 31 and the top plate 32, respectively, into which the side plates 22, 22 of the island post 20 are fitted, then they can be easily attached to the island post 20.

[0037] Furthermore, if positioning grooves 36 are formed at the ends of the top plates 33 so that they coincide with the longitudinal direction of the islands when they are brought into contact with each other, then by inserting fasteners 37 with each positioning groove 36 aligned in a straight line, it becomes possible to accurately position and securely fasten the ends of each top plate 33. Here, if a positioning groove is also formed in the upper plate 32 that overlaps below the top plate 33, passing through it vertically and overlapping with the positioning groove 36 in a plan view, then by inserting fasteners 37 up to this positioning groove, it becomes possible to accurately position and securely fasten the top plate 33 and upper plate 32 to each other.

[0038] 3, if the outer surfaces of the side plates 22 of the island post 20 and the upper surface of the mounting portion 34 of the top plate 33, which is approximately perpendicular to the outer surfaces, are fixed with reinforcing members 38, it becomes possible to prevent the top plate 33 from bending relative to the island post 20. In addition, there is no risk of the island post being displaced vertically relative to the top plate 33, and it becomes possible to prevent the island post 20 itself from floating, coming off the floor surface, or coming off the top plate 33.

[0039] 4, if a partition plate 40 can be installed approximately in the center of the beam 27 between a pair of front and rear island pillars 20, 20, the lower part of the structure 10 can be easily partitioned vertically in front of and behind the beam 27 by the partition plate 40. Here, for example, if a backing member 41 is provided approximately in the center of the lower beam 27c and a receiving member 42 is provided approximately in the center of the lowest beam 27d included in the base 23, the partition plate 40 can be easily installed with a simple configuration.

[0040] Furthermore, the installation of the partition plate 40 is not limited to the case where it is installed on island pillars 20 connected by crank-shaped beams 27. That is, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, even if the beams 26 each extend linearly in the island depth direction, the partition plate 40 may be installed by providing a backing member 41 and a receiving member 42.

[0041] As described above, various frames can be easily attached to the underside of each island pillar 20, making it easy to construct the structure 10. In addition, various frames that make up the upper unit 12 are also attached in order to the upper side of each island pillar 20. During the assembly of the structure 10, related equipment such as the lower tank, polishing and lifting device 4, and upper tank 5 are also installed as appropriate. Both the front and rear of the structure 10 are covered with wainscoting, and both the front and rear of the structure 10 are covered with top boards.

[0042] On both the front and rear sides of the structure 10, a space for installing the gaming machines 2 is secured between the lower unit 11 and the upper unit 12. A plurality of gaming machines 2 and inter-machine lending machines 3 are installed in a line on the mounting portion 34 of the top plate 33 in this space. The height position of the top plate 33 here differs depending on the type of gaming machine 2 to be installed. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the pachinko machine 2A is placed on the top plate 33 attached at a higher position than the top plate 33 on which the slot machine 2B is placed.

[0043] In such a gaming machine island 1, when replacing the gaming machines 2 later, for example, by exchanging a pachinko machine 2A for a slot machine 2B, the height positions of the machines are different, so it is necessary to remove at least the top plate 33 from the island pillar 20, adjust the top plate 33 to a different height, and then reattach it to the island pillar 20. Even in such a case, the top plate 33 can be easily removed and disassembled from the island pillar 20 by pulling out the slits 35 in the top plate 33 from the side plates 22 of the island pillar 20, and can be easily reattached, which simplifies the work of replacing the gaming machines 2.

[0044] <Another embodiment> 7(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the lower side of the island pillar 20 of the structure 10 of the gaming machine island 1 according to another embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view. Note that duplicated explanations of parts similar to those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted.

[0045] 7(a) and (b), in another embodiment, the base plate 28 is placed on the floor surface, and the base 23 (of the island pillar 20) is fitted into the base installation portion 29 on the base plate 28. Here, the base plate 28 is, for example, a rectangular flat plate extending in the island depth direction, and a pair of base installation portions 29, 29 are formed in the shape of grooves at the front and rear ends thereof.

[0046] A receiving member 43 extending in the longitudinal direction is erected on the base plate 28, approximately in the center between the pair of base installation portions 29, 29. The receiving member 43 can be a flat bracket that laterally contacts the lower edge of the partition plate 40. As described above, the receiving member 43 has a different shape from the receiving member 42 and is similar to the contact member 41, but the shape is not particularly limited.

[0047] The receiving member 43 may be secured by fixing its lower end surface to the base plate 28 with, for example, adhesive or double-sided tape, and then screwing it into place from the bottom surface of the base plate 28. The partition plate 40 may be placed laterally against the receiving member 43 between the pair of bases 23, 23, and screwed to the receiving member 43 or to the end surface of the base 23. As with the partition plate 40, wood may be a suitable material for the base plate 28 and receiving member 43, as it is easy to process.

[0048] <Configuration and effects of the present invention> Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment and other embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and other embodiments. The present invention derived from the above-described embodiment and other embodiments will be described below.

[0049] [1] First, the present invention provides: A structure 10 for configuring a gaming machine island 1 and installing gaming machines 2 and related equipment therein, The island has island pillars 20 arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the island, and a frame 33 attached to the island pillars 20. The island pillar 20 comprises a base 21 extending in the vertical direction and an engagement portion 22 protruding along the base 21, and is arranged so that the engagement portion 22 faces the front direction of the gaming machine 2, The frame 33 is characterized in that it is provided with an engaged portion 35 that can be attached by engaging with the engaging portion 22 of the island pillar 20.

[0050] In this way, by engaging the engaging portion 22 of the island pillar 20 with the engaged portion 35 of the frame 33, it is possible to easily attach the frame 33 to the island pillar 20. This simplifies the construction work when assembling the structure 10 or the entire gaming machine island 1. Furthermore, when replacing the gaming machine 2, the frame 33 can be easily disassembled from the island pillar 20, which also simplifies the replacement work.

[0051] [2] Also, in the present invention, The island pillar 20 is formed in a U-shaped cross section with side plates 22, 22 connected at approximately right angles as the engaging portion on both sides of the narrow base plate 21 which is the base, and is arranged so that the opening side of the U-shaped cross section faces the front direction of the gaming machine 2, The frame 33 is provided with slits 35 as the engaged portions into which the side plates 22, 22 of the island pillar 20 are fitted.

[0052] Such an island pillar 20 can ensure the necessary rigidity and strength with a simple configuration, and can prevent bending or distortion of the island pillar 20 itself. Moreover, the both side plates 22, 22 in the U-shaped cross section of the island pillar 20 can be used as they are as engaging parts. On the other hand, the engaged parts of the frame 33 are also sufficient as slits 35 into which the both side plates 22, 22 are fitted, which makes it possible to reduce costs with a simpler configuration.

[0053] [3] Also, in the present invention, The frame 33 constitutes a lower unit 11 that forms the lower part of the gaming machine island 1, and includes a mounting portion 34 on which the gaming machine 2 is mounted. The placing portion 34 is attached to the island pillar 20 substantially horizontally from the front direction of the gaming machine 2, and the slit 35 is provided on the edge of the placing portion 34 facing the inside of the island.

[0054] In this way, by making the frame 33 a top plate equipped with the mounting portion 34 on which the gaming machine 2 is placed, it is possible to easily disassemble and reattach the frame 33 when replacing the gaming machine 2. Therefore, it is possible to simplify not only the construction work when assembling the entire gaming machine island 1, but also the work of replacing the gaming machine 2 later.

[0055] [4] Also, in the present invention, The frame 33 is characterized in that multiple frames are connected in the longitudinal direction of the island with the island pillars 20 between them, and each of the opposing ends is provided with a slit 35 into which one of the side plates 22, 22 of the island pillar 20 is fitted.

[0056] This allows the frames 33 to be attached in units that are easy to work with, separated by the intervals between the island pillars 20 lined up in the longitudinal direction of the island. In addition to making construction easier, butting the ends of each frame 33 together with the island pillars 20 also increases the attachment strength of each frame 33.

[0057] [5] Also, in the present invention, Positioning grooves 36 that match the longitudinal direction of the island are formed at the ends of the frames 33 that abut each other, and when attaching the ends of each frame 33 to the island pillar 20, the ends of each frame 33 are fixed together by inserting one fastener 37 with each positioning groove 36 aligned with the longitudinal direction of the island.

[0058] Such a simple configuration of the positioning grooves 36 makes it easy to position the ends of the frames 33 when they are butted together. Moreover, simply inserting one fastener 37 into each positioning groove 36 reliably prevents the ends of the frames 33 from shifting positions relative to each other.

[0059] [6] Also, in the present invention, The outer surface of the side plate 22 of the island pillar 20 and the upper surface of the mounting portion 34, which is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface, are fixed by reinforcing members 38, respectively.

[0060] In this way, the reinforcing member 38 can more firmly connect the island pillar 20 and the mounting portion 34 of the frame 33. The reinforcing member 38 also reinforces the island pillar 20 and the frame 33 themselves, further increasing the attachment strength.

[0061] [7] Furthermore, in the present invention, The island pillars 20 form a pair of front and rear pillars, and a plurality of beams 27 are installed vertically between the front and rear island pillars 20. A partition plate 40 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the island and can separate the front and rear of the beams 27 vertically can be installed approximately in the center of the beams 27.

[0062] This allows the partition plate 40 to be easily installed so as to divide the interior of the structure 10 into two, a front and a back, and therefore one structure 10 can be easily constructed as an interchangeable island suitable for switching between, for example, a pachinko machine 2A and a slot machine 2B.

[0063] <Configuration and effects of another aspect of the present invention> Furthermore, the following other present invention can be derived from the above-described embodiment and other embodiments.

[0064] [8] In another invention, The lower unit 11 includes one or more separate frames 32 attached to the island pillars 20 below the mounting portion 34, separate from the frame 33. The other frame 32 also has another positioning groove formed therein that penetrates vertically and overlaps with the positioning groove 36 in a plan view, and the frame 33 and the other frame 32 are also fixed to each other by inserting the fastener 37 into the positioning groove 36 and the other positioning groove.

[0065] This makes it possible to reliably fix not only the two frames 33 butted together, but also the separate frame 32 located below them, in a state where they do not shift in position relative to the island pillar 20. Note that the upper plate 32 is an example of a "separate frame."

[0066] [9] In yet another invention, A step 24 is provided midway along the island pillar 20, on which either the frame 33 or the separate frame 32 can be placed.

[0067] In this way, the step portion 24 can be used to additionally screw the ends of the various frames 33, 34. It is also possible to mount the various frames 33, 34 in a state where they are placed on the upper side of the step portion 24.

[0068] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. For example, the arrangement and number of gaming machines 2 on the gaming machine island 1 are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments.

[0069] In addition, in the gaming machine island 1, the gaming machines 2 are installed side by side on both the front and back sides, but if the gaming machine island is configured along a wall, for example, the gaming machines 2 may be configured to be lined up in a row on only one side. In this case, the front-to-back width of the gaming machine island (so-called wall island) is set narrower than that of the gaming machine island 1 (so-called double island), and the distance between the pair of island pillars 20, 20 is also narrower.

[0070] Furthermore, in the gaming machine island 1, pachinko machines 2A and slot machines 2B are mixed on one of the front and rear sides (see FIG. 6), but the entire island may be equipped with only pachinko machines 2A or only slot machines 2B. Also, the arrangement of the gaming machines 2 is not particularly limited, and it may be possible to line up pachinko machines 2A on one of the front and rear sides of the gaming machine island 1 and line up slot machines 2B on the other side, or to line up pachinko machines 2A and slot machines 2B alternately. [Industrial Applicability]

[0071] The present invention can be widely applied to gaming machine islands where various types of gaming machines are installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...Amusement Machine Island 2A... Pachinko machine (amusement machine) 2B...Slot machine (amusement machine) 3A…Inter-table ball rental machine 3B...Medal lending machine between machines 10...Structure 11...Lower unit 12...Upper unit 20…Island Pillar 21... Circuit board 22...Side plate (engagement portion) 23...Bass 24...Double part 25...Double part 26...Beam 27...Beam 31...Bottom plate (frame) 32...Top plate (frame) 33...Top plate (frame) 34...Placement section 35...Slit (engaged portion) 36... Positioning groove 37...fastener 38...Reinforcing member 40...Partition board 41...Backing member 42...Receiving member

Claims

[Claim 1] A structure for constructing an island for gaming machines and installing gaming machines and related equipment therein, The island has island pillars that are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the island, The island pillars form a pair of front and rear pillars, which are not aligned in a straight line in the island depth direction but are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the island longitudinal direction, and a beam formed in a crank shape that bends in steps is installed between the pair of front and rear island pillars.

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