Island facilities

Abstract

Gaming equipment can be easily installed. [Solution] The system comprises a gaming machine frame 40 capable of housing a gaming machine 20P, an installation section on which the gaming machine frame 40 is installed, and a fixing mechanism HK for fixing the gaming machine 20P to the gaming machine frame 40. The fixing mechanism HK has a first movable frame plate 432 that is movable along a predetermined direction and configured to press the gaming machine 20P against a predetermined part within the gaming machine frame 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to island equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines such as gaming machines and management units are installed in island equipment. For example, as gaming machines, pachinko machines and spinning reel gaming machines are known. The gaming machines have different installation heights, shapes, and sizes (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in conventional island equipment, for example, it is necessary to change the position of the installation members of the gaming machines in the island equipment according to the required installation height and the like of the gaming machines, and the work is complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The island equipment according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a housing frame capable of housing a gaming machine, an installation part on which the housing frame is installed, and a fixing mechanism for fixing the gaming machine to the housing frame. The fixing mechanism is movable along a predetermined direction and has a pressing part configured to press the gaming machine against a predetermined part in the housing frame.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to this disclosure, the gaming machine can be easily installed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the island facility. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view assuming the section was cut along the 2-2 section guide line shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] In Figure 3, (a) is a front view of the game machine frame with the pachinko game machine housed inside, (b) is a right side view thereof, (c) is a top view thereof, and (d) is an enlarged view of the part indicated by the symbol A1 in (b). [Figure 4] In Figure 4, (a) is a front view of the gaming machine frame with the rotating gaming machine housed inside, (b) is a right side view thereof, (c) is a top view thereof, and (d) is an enlarged view of the part indicated by the symbol A2 in (b). [Figure 5] In Figure 5, (a) is a front view of the unit frame with the management unit housed inside, (b) is a right side view thereof, and (c) is a top view thereof. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a portion of the island facilities shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes one embodiment of the island equipment. (Overview of island facilities) As shown in Figure 1, the island equipment 10 is installed on the installation surface G of a gaming parlor or the like. The island equipment 10 can accommodate multiple gaming machines 20. The island equipment 10 can accommodate multiple types of gaming machines 20. One example of a gaming machine 20 is a pachinko gaming machine 20P (hereinafter simply referred to as gaming machine 20P), which is an example of a first gaming machine. Another example of a gaming machine 20 is a rotary gaming machine 20S (hereinafter simply referred to as gaming machine 20S), which is an example of a second gaming machine. The island equipment 10 can accommodate a mix of gaming machines 20P and 20S. The island equipment 10 can accommodate only gaming machines 20P. The island equipment 10 can accommodate only gaming machines 20S. In the following description, when gaming machines 20P and 20S are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as gaming machine 20. As will be described later, the island equipment 10 is configured to allow the installation of gaming machines 20P and 20S by swapping them. Gaming machines 20P and 20S are examples of gaming equipment.

[0009] In the island facility 10, multiple gaming machines 20 are installed so as to be aligned along the width direction Dw. The direction perpendicular to the height direction Dh and the width direction Dw is referred to as the depth direction Dd. For example, the width direction Dw and the depth direction Dd may coincide with the horizontal direction. For example, the height direction Dh is the up-and-down direction and may coincide with the vertical direction. In the following description, the dimensions (lengths) along the width direction Dw, the height direction Dh, and the depth direction Dd may be simply referred to as the width dimension, height dimension, and depth dimension, respectively.

[0010] In the island facility 10, each gaming machine 20 is equipped with a management unit 30. Each gaming machine 20 is connected to the management unit 30 so that they can communicate with each other. The management unit 30 is preferably connected to a hall computer installed in the office of the gaming parlor. The management unit 30 is preferably connected to a server device installed in a designated data center via an internet or other telecommunication line. The management unit 30 is an example of a gaming device.

[0011] Each island facility 10 comprises one or more gaming machine frames 40, each holding a gaming machine 20. A gaming machine frame 40 is an example of a housing frame that accommodates a gaming machine 20 as a gaming device. Each island facility 10 comprises one or more unit frames 50, each holding a management unit 30. A unit frame 50 is an example of a housing frame that accommodates a management unit 30 as a gaming device. Each island facility 10 comprises one or more installation sections 60 on which multiple gaming machine frames 40 and multiple unit frames 50 are installed. The following describes each configuration in detail.

[0012] (Pachinko gaming machine) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gaming machine 20P is preferably a sealed-type gaming machine. In the gaming machine 20P, game balls, which are an example of a game medium, are circulated inside the machine. The gaming machine 20P does not require a supply of game balls from the island equipment 10. The gaming machine 20P does not require the return (discharge) of game balls to the island equipment 10. However, the gaming machine 20P may be a non-sealed-type gaming machine that receives a supply of game balls from the island equipment 10 and also returns game balls to the island equipment 10.

[0013] The gaming machine 20P comprises a frame W, a game board YB, various operating devices, a display device DS, and a control device CU. The frame W includes an installation frame fixed to the island equipment and a mounting frame on which the game board YB is mounted. The installation frame is rectangular in shape with openings on both sides in the depth direction Dd. The mounting frame is pivotally supported on the left edge of the installation frame. The mounting frame can be opened and closed so as to rotate around its axis. The various operating devices may include a launch handle, operation buttons for effects, and a counting switch.

[0014] The game board YB has a game area through which game balls flow. Multiple prize entry points open in the game area. For example, the prize entry points include a starting prize entry point and a large prize entry point. The display device DS displays a variable game with a changing symbol display. The control device CU has a circuit board and a case. A processor and memory are mounted on the circuit board. The control device CU protrudes from the rear of the game board YB, beyond the rear end of the frame W. The height and width dimensions of the control device CU are smaller than the height dimension Ph and width dimension Pw of the frame W, respectively.

[0015] The processor in the control unit (CU) manages the number of game balls held by the player. When a game ball is launched in response to the operation of the launch handle, the processor deducts from the number of game balls. When a game ball enters the starting prize slot, the processor conducts a jackpot lottery. If the jackpot lottery is successful, the processor derives the jackpot symbols in the variable game and grants a jackpot game. During the jackpot game, the processor opens the large prize slots. When a game ball enters each prize slot, the processor adds the number of game balls specified for that slot to the number of game balls.

[0016] When the counting switch is operated, the processor subtracts the number of game media transferred from the total number of game media. The processor transmits counting information that allows for the identification of the number of transferred media to the management unit 30. The processor receives payout information that allows for the identification of the number of game balls dispensed. The processor adds the number of payouts that can be identified from the payout information to the total number of game media.

[0017] (Rotating game machine) As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the gaming machine 20S is a medal-less gaming machine that does not use gaming medals as gaming media. The gaming machine 20S can conduct games using electronically processed gaming media. The gaming machine 20S does not require replenishment of gaming medals from the island equipment 10 or the like. Incidentally, the gaming machine 20S may be a non-medal-less gaming machine that uses gaming medals as gaming media. The height dimension Sh of the gaming machine 20S is the same as or substantially the same as the height dimension Ph of the gaming machine 20P. The width dimension Sw of the gaming machine 20S is smaller than the width dimension Pw of the gaming machine 20P. That is, the gaming machine 20P is wider than the gaming machine 20S.

[0018] The gaming machine 20S includes a housing Bd, a front door, a plurality of reels, various operation devices, and a control device. The housing Bd is in the shape of a rectangular box having an opening on the front side. The rear side of the housing Bd is sealed. The front door is pivotally supported on the left edge of the opening in the housing Bd. The front door can open and close the opening of the housing Bd by unlocking a locking device (not shown). A plurality of symbols are arranged on the plurality of reels. As an example, the various operation devices may include a stop button, a start lever, a bet button, and a count switch. The control device includes a substrate and a case. A processor and a memory are mounted on the substrate. The plurality of reels and the control device are housed in the housing Bd.

[0019] The processor of the control device manages the number of gaming media, which are the player's credit. The processor of the control device increases the bet amount in response to an operation of the bet button. The processor subtracts the number of gaming media in response to an increase in the bet amount. The processor rotates the reels in response to an operation of the start lever. That is, a variable game is started. The processor stops the reels in response to an operation of the stop button. When all the reels stop and a specific symbol combination is displayed, the processor adds a number corresponding to the symbol combination to the number of gaming media.

[0020] When the counting switch is operated, the processor subtracts the number of transferred game media from the total number of game media. The processor transmits counting information that allows for the identification of the number of transferred media to the management unit 30. The processor receives payout information that allows for the identification of the number of game media dispensed. The processor adds the number of dispensed media that can be identified from the payout information to the total number of game media.

[0021] (Recommended height when installing gaming machines) In the island equipment 10, the recommended installation height (hereinafter referred to as the recommended height) for the gaming machine 20 varies depending on the type of gaming machine 20. The recommended height is set to a height that makes it easy for players to operate the various operating devices installed on the gaming machine 20 while seated in a chair. For example, the recommended height HS for gaming machine 20S is lower than the recommended height HP for gaming machine 20P. The recommended height HS for gaming machine 20S is preferably 450mm to 550mm, more preferably 490mm to 510mm, and even more preferably 500mm, from the installation surface G of the island equipment 10 to the bottom surface of gaming machine 20S. The recommended height HP for gaming machine 20P is preferably 600mm to 700mm, more preferably 640mm to 660mm, and even more preferably 651mm, from the installation surface G of the island equipment 10 to the bottom surface of gaming machine 20P.

[0022] (Management Unit) As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the management unit 30 includes a housing 30B. The housing 30B is a rectangular box formed by bending a steel plate or the like. The management unit 30 has an insertion slot into which a management medium can be inserted. For example, the management medium is an IC card or an IC coin. The management medium stores the remaining balance of the inserted money and the number of game mediums held by the player. The management unit 30 has a banknote slot. The management unit 30 has a built-in banknote identifier. The banknote identifier identifies the type and authenticity of banknotes inserted through the banknote slot. The banknote identifier may be an external device. If the banknote identifier determines that a banknote is counterfeit or cannot identify it, it returns the inserted banknote. The management unit 30 has a banknote storage section for storing banknotes that have passed through the banknote identifier. When a banknote is inserted, the management unit 30 adds it to the remaining balance stored in the management medium. The management unit 30 has a payout operation unit as an example of an operating device. When a payout operation for game media is performed using the payout operation unit, the management unit 30 transmits payout information to the game machine 20. When the management unit 30 receives the counting information, it adds the number of transfers that can be identified from the counting information to the number of game media stored in the management medium.

[0023] For example, the management unit 30 includes management unit 30N and management unit 30W. The height dimension Nh of management unit 30N and the height dimension Wh of management unit 30W are the same or approximately the same. The width dimension Ww of management unit 30W is larger than the width dimension Nw of management unit 30N. For example, the width dimension Nw of management unit 30N is 40 mm, and the width dimension Ww of management unit 30W is 100 mm. Management unit 30W should have a larger banknote capacity than management unit 30N. The height dimension Nh of management unit 30N is the same or approximately the same as the height dimension Ph of gaming machine 20P and the height dimension Sh of gaming machine 20S. The height dimension Wh of management unit 30W is the same or approximately the same as the height dimension Ph of gaming machine 20P and the height dimension Sh of gaming machine 20S.

[0024] (Installation height when installing the management unit) In the island equipment 10, the installation height HN of the management unit 30 is set to a height that makes it easy for players to operate the various operating devices installed on the management unit 30 while seated in a chair. The installation height HN is set to a height that makes it easy to insert banknotes into the banknote slot. For example, the installation height HN of management units 30N and 30W is the same as the recommended height HP of the gaming machine 20P. For example, the installation height HN of management units 30N and 30W may be the same as the recommended height HS of the gaming machine 20S. The installation height HN of management unit 30N may be the same as or different from the recommended height of management unit 30W.

[0025] (Gaming machine frame) Each of the multiple gaming machine frames 40 holds a predetermined number of gaming machines 20. For example, the predetermined number is 1. In other words, each gaming machine frame 40 holds one gaming machine 20. Each gaming machine frame 40 is configured to hold either a gaming machine 20P or a gaming machine 20S. That is, in the island equipment 10, each gaming machine frame 40 is installed holding either one gaming machine 20P or one gaming machine 20S. Since each gaming machine frame 40 has the same configuration, we will explain one of them in detail.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3(a) to 3(d), and 4(a) to 4(d), the gaming machine frame 40 is a rectangular frame-shaped member extending along the height direction Dh. The gaming machine frame 40 is installed in posture P1, which is an example of a first posture, or posture P2, which is an example of a second posture. Posture P1 is a posture in which the first end E1 of the gaming machine frame 40 in the height direction Dh is positioned on the upper side, and the second end E2 on the opposite side is positioned on the lower side. Posture P1 is a posture in which the first surface M1 of the gaming machine frame 40 in the depth direction Dd is positioned towards the player, and the second surface M2 on the opposite side is positioned inside the island equipment 10. Posture P2 is a posture in which the second end E2 of the gaming machine frame 40 is positioned on the upper side, and the first end E1 is positioned on the lower side. Position P2 is a position in which the second face M2 is positioned towards the player and the first face M1 is positioned inside the island equipment 10.

[0027] The gaming machine frame 40 is configured to accommodate gaming machines 20P and 20S interchangeably. Orientation P1 is suitable for installing gaming machine 20P. When gaming machine 20P is held in the island equipment 10 with the gaming machine frame 40 in orientation P1, gaming machine 20P is installed at the recommended height HP (see Figure 1). Orientation P2 is suitable for installing gaming machine 20S. When gaming machine 20S is held in the island equipment 10 with the gaming machine frame 40 in orientation P2, gaming machine 20S is installed at the recommended height HS (see Figure 1). Thus, there are two installation modes for the gaming machine frame 40: a first mode (orientation P1) in which the first end E1 of the gaming machine frame 40 is positioned upwards, and a second mode (orientation P2) in which the second end E2, opposite to the first end E1, is positioned upwards.

[0028] The gaming machine frame 40 comprises a first side wall 41 and a second side wall 42 as parts that constitute the side walls of the gaming machine frame 40. The side walls 41 and 42 are flat, plate-like parts that extend along the height direction Dh. The side walls 41 and 42 extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The side walls 41 and 42 face each other across a space S from the width direction Dw. The inner surface 41b of the first side wall 41 faces the inner surface 42b of the second side wall 42 across the space S.

[0029] The gaming machine frame 40 comprises a first base portion 43 and a second base portion 44 as parts that constitute the ceiling or bottom of the gaming machine frame 40. The base portions 43 and 44 are flat, plate-like portions that extend along the width direction Dw. The base portions 43 and 44 extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The base portions 43 and 44 face each other across a space S from the height direction Dh.

[0030] The first base portion 43 includes a first fixed frame plate 431 connected to the first end E1 of the gaming machine frame 40 so as to connect the ends of the side walls 41 and 42, and a first movable frame plate 432 arranged in space S along the first fixed frame plate 431. The first fixed frame plate 431 can also be said to constitute the first end E1 of the gaming machine frame 40.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the first fixed frame plate 431 has two through holes N1. The first movable frame plate 432 has two screw holes N2. With fixing bolts B inserted into each through hole N1, the first movable frame plate 432 is supported by the first fixed frame plate 431 when fixing bolts B are screwed into each screw hole N2. Each fixing bolt B is fixed by a fixing plate N3 so as not to protrude from the outer surface 43a of the first base 43 (first fixed frame plate 431). By rotating each fixing bolt B, the first movable frame plate 432 can be moved vertically relative to the first fixed frame plate 431.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the second base portion 44 has a second fixed frame plate 441 connected to the second end E2 of the gaming machine frame 40 so as to connect the ends of the side walls 41 and 42, and a second movable frame plate 442 arranged in the space S along the second fixed frame plate 441. The second fixed frame plate 441 can also be said to constitute the second end E2 of the gaming machine frame 40.

[0033] The second fixed frame plate 441 has two through holes N1. The second movable frame plate 442 has two screw holes N2. Each fixing bolt B is fixed by a fixing plate N3 so as not to protrude from the outer surface 44a of the second base 44 (second fixed frame plate 441). With the fixing bolt B inserted into each through hole N1, the second movable frame plate 442 is supported by the second fixed frame plate 441 when the fixing bolt B is screwed into each screw hole N2. By rotating each fixing bolt B, the second movable frame plate 442 can be moved vertically relative to the second fixed frame plate 441.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the gaming machine frame 40 includes a third base portion 45 positioned between the base portions 43 and 44, so as to be in contact with the side walls 41 and 42, respectively. The third base portion 45 is a flat, plate-like portion extending along the width direction Dw. The ends of the first base portion 43 and the third base portion 45 in the width direction Dw are connected by the side walls 41 and 42, respectively. In other words, the side walls 41 and 42, the first base portion 43 (first movable frame plate 432), and the third base portion 45 form a rectangular frame-shaped first frame portion W1. On the other hand, the ends of the third base portion 45 and the second movable frame plate 442 are connected by inner wall plates 45c, respectively, extending along the height direction Dh. In other words, the second movable frame plate 442, the two inner wall plates 45c, and the third base portion 45 together form a rectangular frame-shaped second frame portion W2. The third base 45 moves vertically as the second movable frame plate 442 moves vertically.

[0035] The third base portion 45 extends parallel or approximately parallel to the base portions 43 and 44. The directions in which the base portions 43 to 45 extend and the directions in which the side walls 41 and 42 extend intersect, and more preferably are perpendicular to each other. The third base portion 45 can also be said to divide the space S enclosed by the side walls 41 and 42 and the base portions 43 and 44 in the height direction Dh, forming the first space S1 of the first frame portion W1 and the second space S2 of the second frame portion W2. As will be described later, the first space S1 is a space for housing the gaming machines 20P and 20S. The second space S2 connects the inside and outside of the island equipment 10 and is a space for maintenance and inspection of the inside of the island equipment 10. The inner surface 43b of the first base portion 43 (first movable frame plate 432) and the surface 45b of the third base portion 45 face each other across space S1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, when the gaming machine frame 40 is in position P1, with the gaming machine 20 placed on the third base 45, the first movable frame plate 432 can be moved downward by rotating each fixing bolt B of the first base 43 in a predetermined direction, thereby fixing the gaming machine 20 with the first movable frame plate 432. In this case, the gaming machine 20 is pressed against the third base 45. By rotating each fixing bolt B of the first base 43 in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the first movable frame plate 432 can be moved upward, and the fixing can be released.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, when the gaming machine frame 40 is in position P2, with the gaming machine 20 placed on the first base 43, the second movable frame plate 442 (second frame W2) can be moved downward by rotating each fixing bolt B of the second base 44 in a predetermined direction, and the gaming machine 20 can be fixed by the second movable frame plate 442. In this case, the gaming machine 20 is pressed against the first base 43. By rotating each fixing bolt B of the second base 44 in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the second movable frame plate 442 can be moved upward, and the fixing can be released.

[0038] The first base portion 43, including the fixing bolt B, and the second frame portion W2, also including the fixing bolt B, constitute a fixing mechanism HK that secures the gaming machine 20 to the gaming machine frame 40. The first movable frame plate 432 and the second movable frame plate 442 (second frame portion W2) are examples of pressing portions that are movable along a predetermined direction and are configured to press the gaming machine 20 against a predetermined part within the gaming machine frame 40. The height direction Dh is an example of a predetermined direction. The first base portion 43 and the third base portion 45 are examples of predetermined parts within the gaming machine frame 40.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the gaming machine frame 40 includes a first projection 46 that protrudes into space S from the inner surface 41b of the first side wall 41. The gaming machine frame 40 also includes a second projection 47 that protrudes into space S from the inner surface 42b of the second side wall 42. The projections 46 and 47 are provided on the edges of the side walls 41 and 42 on the second surface M2 side, respectively. The projections 46 and 47 are each prismatic portions that extend along the height direction Dh. In a front view, the projections 46 and 47 are provided from the inner surface 43b of the first base 43 to the surface 45b of the third base 45. In other words, the projections 46 and 47 extend from the upper end to the lower end of space S1. The projections 46 and 47 face each other across space S1 from the width direction Dw. The inner surface 46b of the first protrusion 46 and the inner surface 47b of the second protrusion 47 face each other across space S1. The portion of space S1 sandwiched between the inner surface 46b of the first protrusion 46 and the inner surface 47b of the second protrusion 47 is space S1a. The portion of space S1 excluding space S1a is space S1b.

[0040] The gaming machine frame 40 is provided with an inspection door Dr configured to seal off the entire or substantially entire second space S2 when viewed from the front. The inspection door Dr is a plate-shaped member. The inspection door Dr is configured to open and close so as to rotate around an axis provided on one of the walls surrounding the space S2. The inspection door Dr may be equipped with a locking mechanism so as to prevent it from being opened or closed without a key. The inspection door Dr may be formed by combining multiple door members.

[0041] The height dimension H1 of the gaming machine frame 40 is greater than the width dimension H2 of the gaming machine frame 40. The distance between the inner surface 41b of the first side wall 41 and the inner surface 42b of the second side wall 42 along the width direction Dw is the width dimension Hwb of space S1b. The width dimension Hwb of space S1b is slightly greater than the width dimension Pw of the gaming machine 20P. The distance between the inner surface 46b of the first protrusion 46 and the inner surface 47b of the second protrusion 47 along the width direction Dw is the width dimension Hwa of space S1a. The width dimension Hwa of space S1a is smaller than the width dimension Pw of the gaming machine 20P and smaller than the width dimension Hwb of space S1b. However, the width dimension Hwa is larger than the width dimension of the part of the gaming machine 20P that protrudes to the rear (control device CU). The distance between the inner surface 43b of the first base 43 and the surface 45b of the third base 45 along the height direction Dh is the height dimension Hh of space S1. The height dimension Hh of space S1 is slightly larger than the height dimension Ph of the gaming machine 20P. Therefore, space S1b has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the gaming machine 20P and is large enough to accommodate the gaming machine 20P. Space S1a is large enough to accommodate the control device CU, but is not large enough to accommodate the entire gaming machine 20P.

[0042] The width dimension Hwb of space S1b is greater than the width dimension Sw of the gaming machine 20S. The width dimension Hwa of space S1a is slightly greater than the width dimension Sw of the gaming machine 20S, but smaller than the width dimension Pw of the gaming machine 20P. The height dimension Hh of space S1 is slightly greater than the height dimension Sh of the gaming machine 20S. Therefore, spaces S1a and S1b have a shape that corresponds to the external shape of the gaming machine 20S and are large enough to accommodate the gaming machine 20S. The inner surface 46b of the first protrusion 46 and the inner surface 47b of the second protrusion 47 are closer to the side wall surface of the housing Bd than the inner surface 41b of the first side wall 41 and the inner surface 42b of the second side wall 42.

[0043] The first surface M1 is composed of one of the end faces of the side walls 41, 42 and the base 43-45 in the depth direction Dd. The first surface M1 is composed of one of the two faces of the inspection door Dr in the depth direction Dd. The second surface M2 is composed of the other end face of the side walls 41, 42 and the base 43-45 in the depth direction Dd. The second surface M2 is composed of the other face of the two faces of the inspection door Dr in the depth direction Dd. The first surface M1 and the second surface M2 are each decorated. The first surface M1 and the second surface M2 are decorated differently from each other. For example, the decoration may be characters, landscapes, patterns, and letters drawn on each surface M1 and M2 using paint or the like. The decoration may be characters, landscapes, patterns, and letters drawn on sheets attached to each surface M1 and M2.

[0044] The gaming machine frame 40 has cylindrical support protrusions 71 that project along the width direction Dw from the outer surface 41a of the first side wall 41 and the outer surface 42a of the second side wall 42. As an example, each support protrusion 71 is positioned on the center line CL of the gaming machine frame 40 in the height direction Dh and in the center of the gaming machine frame 40 in the depth direction Dd on each of the outer surfaces 41a and 42a. Each support protrusion 71 is an example of a shaft.

[0045] The gaming machine frame 40 has flat cylindrical connecting protrusions 72 that project along the width direction Dw from the outer surface 41a of the first side wall 41 and the outer surface 42a of the second side wall 42. The gaming machine frame 40 also has flat cylindrical connecting protrusions 73 that project along the width direction Dw from the outer surface 41a of the first side wall 41 and the outer surface 42a of the second side wall 42. In other words, each outer surface 41a and 42a is provided with connecting protrusions 72 and 73, respectively. Each connecting protrusion 72 is positioned on the first end E1 side of the center line CL of the gaming machine frame 40 in the height direction Dh. Each connecting protrusion 73 is positioned on the second end E2 side of the center line CL of the gaming machine frame 40 in the height direction Dh. As an example, on each of the outer surfaces 41a and 42a, the connecting protrusions 72 and 73 are arranged to sandwich the support protrusion 71 in the vertical direction and are formed symmetrically in the vertical direction with respect to the center line CL of the gaming machine frame 40 in the height direction Dh.

[0046] (Unit slot) Each of the multiple unit frames 50 holds a specified number of management units 30. For example, the specified number is 1. In other words, each unit frame 50 holds one management unit 30. Each unit frame 50 is configured to hold either a management unit 30N or a management unit 30W. That is, in the island equipment 10, each unit frame 50 is installed holding either one management unit 30N or one management unit 30W. Since each unit frame 50 has the same configuration, we will explain one of them in detail.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5(a) to 5(c), the unit frame 50 is a rectangular frame-shaped member extending along the height direction Dh. The unit frame 50 is installed in a predetermined installation position p1. Installation position p1 is a position in which the first end e1 of the unit frame 50 in the height direction Dh is positioned upwards, and the opposite second end e2 is positioned downwards. Installation position p1 is a position in which the first surface m1 of the unit frame 50 in the depth direction Dd is positioned towards the player, and the opposite second surface m2 is positioned inside the island equipment 10.

[0048] The unit frame 50 is an example of a housing frame (housing member) that can accommodate the management unit 30N and the management unit 30W interchangeably. In the island equipment 10, when the unit frame 50 is in the installation position p1 and the management units 30N and 30W are held, each management unit 30N and 30W is installed at an installation height HN.

[0049] The unit frame 50 comprises a first side wall 51 and a second side wall 52 as parts that constitute the side walls of the unit frame 50. The side walls 51 and 52 are flat, plate-like parts that extend along the height direction Dh. The side walls 51 and 52 extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The side walls 51 and 52 face each other across a space s from the width direction Dw. The inner surface 51b of the first side wall 51 and the inner surface 52b of the second side wall 52 face each other across a space s.

[0050] The unit frame 50 comprises a first base portion 53 and a second base portion 54 as parts that constitute the ceiling or bottom of the unit frame 50. The base portions 53 and 54 are flat, plate-like portions that extend along the width direction Dw. The base portions 53 and 54 extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The first base portion 53 is connected to the ends of the side walls 51 and 52 at the first end e1 of the unit frame 50. It can also be said that the first base portion 53 constitutes the first end e1 of the unit frame 50. The second base portion 54 is connected to the ends of the side walls 51 and 52 at the second end e2 of the unit frame 50. It can also be said that the second base portion 54 constitutes the second end e2 of the unit frame 50. The base portions 53 and 54 face each other across a space s from the height direction Dh.

[0051] The unit frame 50 includes a third base 55 connected between the bases 53 and 54, connecting the side walls 51 and 52. The third base 55 is a flat, plate-like portion extending along the width direction Dw. The third base 55 extends parallel or approximately parallel to the bases 53 and 54. The directions in which the bases 53 to 55 extend and the directions in which the side walls 51 and 52 extend intersect, and more preferably are perpendicular to each other. The third base 55 divides the space s enclosed by the side walls 51 and 52 and the bases 53 and 54 in the height direction Dh, forming a first space s1 and a second space s2. As will be described later, the first space s1 is a space for housing the management units 30N and 30W. The second space s2 connects the inside and outside of the island equipment 10 and is a space for maintenance and inspection of the inside of the island equipment 10. The inner surface 53b of the first base 53 and the surface 55b of the third base 55 face each other across a space s1.

[0052] The unit frame 50 includes an inspection door dr configured to seal off the entire or substantially entire second space s2 in a front view. The inspection door dr is a plate-shaped member. The inspection door dr is configured to open and close so as to rotate around an axis provided on one of the wall surfaces surrounding the space s2. The inspection door dr may be equipped with a locking mechanism so that it cannot be opened or closed without a key. The inspection door dr may be formed by combining multiple door members.

[0053] The height dimension UH of the unit frame 50 is greater than the width dimension UW of the unit frame 50. The distance between the inner surface 51b of the first side wall 51 and the inner surface 52b of the second side wall 52 along the width direction Dw is the width dimension Uw of space s1. The width dimension Uw of space s1 is slightly greater than the width dimension Ww of the management unit 30W. The width dimension Uw of space s1 is greater than the width dimension Nw of the management unit 30N. The distance between the inner surface 53b of the first base 53 and the surface 55b of the third base 55 along the height direction Dh is the height dimension Uh of space s1. The height dimension Uh of space s1 is slightly greater than the height dimension Wh of the management unit 30W. Therefore, space s1 has a shape corresponding to the external shape of the management unit 30W and is large enough to accommodate the management unit 30W. Space s1 has a shape corresponding to the external shape of the management unit 30N and is large enough to accommodate the management unit 30N.

[0054] The first surface m1 is formed by one of the end faces of the side walls 51, 52 and the base portions 53-55 in the depth direction Dd. The first surface m1 is formed by including one of the two surfaces of the inspection door Dr in the depth direction Dd. The second surface m2 is formed by the other end face of the side walls 51, 52 and the base portions 53-55 in the depth direction Dd. The second surface m2 is formed by including the other surface of the two surfaces of the inspection door Dr in the depth direction Dd.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the unit frame 50 has connecting recesses 82 formed by cutting out from the first surface m1 of the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52 toward the depth direction Dd. The unit frame 50 also has connecting recesses 83 formed by cutting out from the first surface m1 of the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52 toward the depth direction Dd. In other words, connecting recesses 82 and 83 are formed in each of the side walls 51 and 52, respectively. The rear ends of each connecting recess 82 and 83 are formed in an arc shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical connecting protrusions 72 and 73, respectively.

[0056] Each connecting recess 82 is positioned on the side of the first end e1 relative to the center of the gaming machine frame 40 in the height direction Dh. Each connecting recess 83 is positioned on the side of the second end e2 relative to the center of the gaming machine frame 40 in the height direction Dh. As an example, in each of the side walls 51 and 52, the connecting recesses 82 and 83 are formed symmetrically above and below the center line Cl of the gaming machine frame 40 in the height direction Dh.

[0057] Here, let's assume that the gaming machine frame 40 is in position P1. In this case, the connecting projection 72 of the gaming machine frame 40, which is positioned adjacent to the unit frame 50, is detachably engaged or fitted into the connecting recess 82 of the unit frame 50. The connecting projection 73 of the gaming machine frame 40, which is positioned adjacent to the unit frame 50, is detachably engaged or fitted into the connecting recess 83 of the unit frame 50. In other words, when in position P1, the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed by the engagement or fitting of the connecting projections 72 into each connecting recess 82 formed on the left and right adjacent unit frames 50, and by the engagement or fitting of the connecting projections 73 into each connecting recess 83. Similarly, when the orientation is P2, the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed by the fact that the connecting protrusions 73 engage with or fit into each connecting recess 82 formed in the adjacent unit frames 50 on the left and right, and the connecting protrusions 72 engage with or fit into each connecting recess 83.

[0058] Thus, the connecting recesses 82 and 83 of the unit frame 50 are an example of a connecting part configured to enable connection to and disconnection from the gaming machine frame 40. The connecting recesses 82 and 83 of the unit frame 50 are configured to enable connection regardless of whether the gaming machine frame 40 is in position P1 or P2. The connecting recesses 82 and 83 of the unit frame 50 are connected to the gaming machine frame 40 by engagement or fitting with connecting protrusions 72 and 73, which are an example of shaft parts provided on the gaming machine frame 40. The connecting protrusions 72 and 73 of the gaming machine frame 40 and the connecting recesses 82 and 83 of the unit frame 50 constitute a holding mechanism 70 that holds the gaming machine frame 40 in the installation part 60 (see Figure 6). In the following description, when it is stated that "the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed to the installation section 60," it means that the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed to the installation section 60 by the engagement or fitting of the connecting recesses 82, 83 of the unit frame 50 with the connecting protrusions 72, 73 of the gaming machine frame 40. The position of the gaming machine frame 40 when it is fixed to the installation section 60 is an example of the reference position B1.

[0059] The unit frame 50 has support mechanisms 85 on the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52, respectively, which support the gaming machine frame 40. For example, the support mechanism 85 is a link mechanism. The support mechanism 85 of the first side wall 51 is housed in a recess 88 formed on the outer surface 51a of the first side wall 51. The support mechanism 85 of the second side wall 52 is housed in a recess 88 formed on the outer surface 52a of the second side wall 52. Since the support mechanisms 85 provided on each side wall 51 and 52 are symmetrical with respect to the center line of the unit frame 50 in the width direction Dw, the support mechanism 85 of the first side wall 51 will be described in detail, and the support mechanism 85 of the second side wall 52 will be given the same reference numerals and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0060] The support mechanism 85 includes a first link member 86 and a second link member 87. The shaft portion provided at the base end of the first link member 86 is supported on the outer surface 51a of the first side wall on the side of the second end e2, so that the first link member 86 can rotate about the shaft portion. A slide hole 86a is formed at the tip end of the first link member 86, extending from the tip end toward the base end. The support projection 71 of the gaming machine frame 40 is engaged with the slide hole 86a so that it can slide along the slide hole 86a. In other words, the gaming machine frame 40 is supported by the support mechanisms 85 provided on two unit frames 50 adjacent to the left and right of the gaming machine frame 40. Furthermore, the support projections 71 of the gaming machine frames 40 adjacent to the left and right of the unit frame 50 are engaged with the slide holes 86a of each support mechanism 85.

[0061] A link hole 87a extending along the height direction Dh is formed in the portion of the first side wall 51 on the first end e1 side. The shaft portion provided at the base end of the second link member 87 is slidably locked along the link hole 87a. The shaft portion provided at the tip of the second link member 87 is connected to the base end side of the first link member 86, beyond the slide hole 86a, so that the second link member 87 can rotate about its shaft portion.

[0062] Here, we assume that the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed to the installation section 60 in the installation position P1 using two unit frames 50 in the installation position P1. In this case, the support mechanism 85 provided on the unit frame 50 on the left side of the gaming machine frame 40 is housed in a recess 88 of the second side wall 52 so as to be folded. On the other hand, the support mechanism 85 provided on the unit frame 50 on the right side of the gaming machine frame 40 is housed in a recess 88 of the first side wall 51 so as to be folded.

[0063] When the gaming machine frame 40 is pulled forward, the engagement or fitting between the connecting recesses 82 and 83 provided on the left and right unit frames 50 and the connecting protrusions 72 and 73 on the gaming machine frame 40 is released. When the gaming machine frame 40 is pulled further forward, in each support mechanism 85, with the tip of the second link member 87 pivotally supported on the first link member 86, the shaft provided at the base end of the second link member 87 slides through the link hole 87a. As a result, the gaming machine frame 40 is pulled further forward while being supported by the support mechanisms 85 provided on the left and right unit frames 50.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, with each support projection 71 positioned at the base end of the slide hole 86a, the position of the game machine frame 40 when it is pulled out to its maximum extent forward from the reference position B1 is the forward position B2, which is in front of the reference position B1. Furthermore, when the game machine frame 40 is pulled out even further forward from the reference position B1, and each support projection 71 is positioned at the tip of the slide hole 86a, the position of the game machine frame 40 is the rotational position B3, which is in front of the forward position B2. In this way, the support mechanism 85 supports the game machine frame 40 so that it can move between the reference position B1 and the forward position B2, which is in front of the reference position B1.

[0065] The gaming machine frame 40 can be rotated in the front-rear direction around each support projection 71 when the gaming machine frame 40 is extended to the rotation position B3, thereby changing between posture P1 and posture P2. Each support mechanism 85 is configured to support the gaming machine frame 40 so that it can be changed between posture P1 and posture P2.

[0066] The unit frame 50 has two front covers 58 that cover the front of each side wall 51, 52. Each front cover 58 has a rectangular decorative plate 58a that extends along the height direction Dh. The front of the decorative plate 58a is decorated with a predetermined decoration. For example, the decoration may be a character, landscape, pattern, or letter drawn on the front of the decorative plate 58a using paint or the like. Alternatively, the decoration may be a character, landscape, pattern, or letter drawn on a sheet attached to the front of the decorative plate 58a.

[0067] Each front cover 58 has two plate-shaped insertion portions 58b that extend from the rear surface of the decorative plate 58a along the depth direction Dd. Each insertion portion 58b is inserted into a connecting recess 82, 83. The tip of each insertion portion 58b is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting protrusions 72, 73 that engage with the connecting recesses 82, 83, respectively. The front cover 58 covers the first surface m1 of the first side wall 51 and the support mechanism 85 (recess 88) by inserting each insertion portion 58b into the connecting recesses 82, 83 of the first side wall 51. The front cover 58 covers the first surface m1 of the second side wall 52 and the support mechanism 85 (recess 88) by inserting each insertion portion 58b into the connecting recesses 82, 83 of the second side wall 52.

[0068] (Installation part) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the island equipment 10 includes an installation section 60 on which the gaming machine frame 40 is installed. The installation section 60 has an upper support section 61 disposed above the gaming machine frame 40 and a lower support section 62 disposed below the gaming machine frame 40. The upper support section 61 is a plate-shaped portion extending along the width direction Dw. The upper support section 61 is a so-called "coping" or "coping board". The lower support section 62 is a plate-shaped portion extending along the width direction Dw. The lower support section 62 is a so-called "table board". The lower surface 61a of the upper support section 61 faces the upper surface 62a of the lower support section 62 in the height direction Dh, with space S3 in between. The island equipment 10 includes a plurality of island columns (not shown) arranged at predetermined intervals along the width direction Dw. The support sections 61 and 62 are supported so as to span across the plurality of island columns. The upper support section 61 is an example of a first support section. The lower support section 62 is an example of a second support section. The gaming machine frame 40 is installed between the upper support section 61 and the lower support section 62. The unit frame 50 is also installed in the installation section 60.

[0069] The distance between the lower surface 61a and the upper surface 62a along the height direction Dh is the height dimension Lh of the space S3. The height dimension Lh of the space S3 is slightly greater than the height dimension H1 of the gaming machine frame 40. The gaming machine frame 40 is housed in space S3 with the gaming machine 20P or gaming machine 20S inside. The gaming machine frame 40 is positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface 62a of the lower support portion 62, or slightly floating above it. As described above, the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed to the installation portion 60 by the engagement of connecting protrusions 72 and 73 with connecting recesses 82 and 83 formed on the left and right adjacent unit frames 50 of the gaming machine frame 40, respectively. The unit frames 50 are fixed to the upper support portion 61 and the lower support portion 62 using fixing members. The fixing members may be bolts and nuts. The fixing members may also be clamps, screws, or nails.

[0070] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the distance between the installation surface G and the upper surface 62a of the lower support part 62 along the height direction Dh is the support surface height 60h. The distance between the outer surface 44a of the second base part 44 and the surface 45b of the third base part 45 along the height direction Dh is the first adjustment height Hp. The recommended height HP of the gaming machine 20P, the support surface height 60h, and the adjustment height Hp are all determined to satisfy the relationship "HP = 60h + Hp" (see Figure 3), and the dimensions of each part of the island equipment 10 are set accordingly. The distance between the outer surface 43a of the first base part 43 and the inner surface 43b of the first base part 43 along the height direction Dh is the thickness of the first base part 43, and is the second adjustment height Hs. In the gaming machine 20S, the recommended height HS, the support surface height 60h, and the adjustment height Hs are such that the dimensions of each part of the island equipment 10 are determined to satisfy the relationship "HS = 60h + Hs" (see Figure 4).

[0071] (How to install gaming machines) This section describes the method for installing the gaming machines 20 in the island equipment 10. Here, it is assumed that in the island equipment 10, the gaming machine frame 40 to be worked on is fixed in position P1, and that the gaming machine 20P is attached to the gaming machine frame 40. It is also assumed that each unit frame 50 is attached to the installation section 60 in the installation position p1.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, we will describe a scenario in which the gaming machine frame 40 is replaced with another gaming machine 20P without changing its orientation. First, the front covers 58 attached to the front of the two unit frames 50 adjacent to the gaming machine frame 40 to be worked on are removed. Each front cover 58 can be removed by pulling it forward.

[0073] Next, the game machine frame 40, which is in the reference position B1, is pulled forward to move it to the forward position B2. This releases the engagement or fitting between the connecting protrusions 72, 73 of the game machine frame 40 and the connecting recesses 82, 83 provided on the left and right unit frames 50. The game machine frame 40 is also supported by support mechanisms 85 provided on the left and right unit frames 50. Next, the first movable frame plate 432 is moved upward by rotating each fixing bolt B of the first base 43, releasing the fixing of the game machine 20P by the first movable frame plate 432, and the game machine 20P is removed from the game machine frame 40.

[0074] The first step is to place a different gaming machine 20P on the third base 45, distinct from the one that was removed. Next, the first movable frame plate 432 is moved downward by rotating each fixing bolt B of the first base 43, and the gaming machine 20P is fixed in place by the first movable frame plate 432. Then, the gaming machine frame 40, which is in the forward position B2, is pushed into the installation section 60 and moved to the reference position B1. At this time, the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed to the installation section 60 by the connecting protrusions 72 and 73 engaging or fitting into the connecting recesses 82 and 83 formed on the two adjacent unit frames 50 to the left and right of the gaming machine frame 40, respectively.

[0075] Next, the step of attaching each front cover 58 to the front of each unit frame 50 is performed. This completes the replacement of one gaming machine 20P with another gaming machine 20P. Note that when replacing one gaming machine 20S with another gaming machine 20S, the installation work can be carried out in the same manner as described above, although the gaming machine frame 40 is in orientation P2.

[0076] This section describes the process of changing the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 and replacing it with gaming machine 20S. The steps up to removing gaming machine 20P are the same as when the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 is not changed, so that explanation will be omitted.

[0077] The first step is to pull out the gaming machine frame 40, from which the gaming machine 20P has been removed, until each support projection 71 contacts the inner wall surface at the tip of the slide hole 86a. In other words, this step moves the gaming machine frame 40 to rotational position B3. In this state, the second step is to change the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 by rotating it 180° in the front-rear direction around each support projection 71. Here, as an example, the orientation is changed from P1 to P2. When the operator stops supporting the gaming machine frame 40, the gaming machine frame 40 moves to the forward position B2 due to its own weight.

[0078] Next, the step of placing the gaming machine 20S on the second base 44 is performed (see Figure 4). Subsequently, the second movable frame plate 442 (second frame W2) is moved downward by rotating each fixing bolt B of the second base 44, and the step of fixing the gaming machine 20S with the second movable frame plate 442 is performed. Next, the step of pushing the gaming machine frame 40, which is in the forward position B2, into the installation section 60 and moving it to the reference position B1 is performed. At this time, the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed to the installation section 60 by the connecting protrusions 72 and 73 engaging with the connecting recesses 82 and 83 formed on the left and right adjacent unit frames 50 of the gaming machine frame 40, respectively. Next, the step of attaching each front cover 58 to the front of each unit frame 50 is performed. This completes the installation work from the gaming machine 20P to the gaming machine 20S.

[0079] In a scenario where the gaming machine frame 40 is fixed in position P2 and the gaming machine 20S is attached to the gaming machine frame 40, the replacement process for the gaming machine 20S with the gaming machine 20P can be carried out in the same manner as the steps described above, although it differs in that the gaming machine frame 40 is changed from position P2 to position P1. The installation method described here can also be understood as a replacement method.

[0080] (How to install the management unit) The method for installing the control unit 30 in the island equipment 10 will be described below. Here, it is assumed that in the island equipment 10, the unit frame 50 to be worked on is fixed in installation position p1, and the control unit 30N is attached to the unit frame 50.

[0081] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the scenario of replacing the control unit 30N with another control unit 30N will be described. In this case, the control unit 30N is removed from the first space s1 of the unit frame 50 while the unit frame 50 is still attached to the installation section 60.

[0082] Next, a different management unit 30N from the removed management unit 30N is placed in the first space s1 and attached to the first base 53 and the third base 55 using fixing members (not shown). When installing the management unit 30N, the top plate of the housing 30B is fixed to the first base 53 of the unit frame 50. The bottom plate of the housing 30B is fixed to the third base 55 of the unit frame 50. This completes the replacement of one management unit 30N with another management unit 30N. The same procedure can be used to replace a management unit 30N with a management unit 30W, or to replace a management unit 30W with a management unit 30N or a management unit 30W. The installation method described here can also be understood as a replacement method.

[0083] The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) By releasing the connection between the gaming machine frame 40 (connecting protrusions 72, 73) and the connecting recesses 82, 83 of the unit frame 50, the gaming machine frame 40 can be left unfixed. The gaming machine frame 40 can then be connected to the connecting recesses 82, 83 regardless of whether it is in orientation P1 or orientation P2. This allows the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 to be easily changed according to the type of gaming machine 20, which is an example of gaming equipment. Thus, the gaming equipment can be easily installed.

[0084] (2) The connecting recesses 82 and 83 are connected to the gaming machine frame 40 by engagement or fitting with the connecting protrusions 72 and 73 provided on the gaming machine frame 40, thus enabling reliable connection with a simple configuration. (3) The gaming machine frame 40 can be easily pulled out from the reference position B1 to the forward position B2, thereby improving the workability of various operations on the gaming machine frame 40.

[0085] (4) The worker can change the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 while maintaining a supported position, even without the worker having to support the gaming machine frame 40 themselves. Therefore, the work efficiency when changing the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 can be improved.

[0086] (5) Regardless of whether the gaming machine frame 40 is in position P1 or P2, the gaming machine frame 40 can be easily fixed by pressing the gaming machine 20 against a predetermined part inside the gaming machine frame 40 using the first movable frame plate 432 or the second movable frame plate 442 (second frame part W2). Thus, the gaming equipment can be easily installed.

[0087] (6) Since the direction of movement (pressing direction) and the height direction Dh of the first movable frame plate 432 and the second movable frame plate 442 (second frame part W2) coincide, they can be stably fixed using gravity. (7) While forming the second space S2, the second frame W2 forming the second space S2 can also function as a pressing part. The second space S2 can be used to store the player's belongings or as a space for inspecting the inside of the island equipment 10. Therefore, the storage frame can be simplified compared to a configuration in which a dedicated part is provided as a pressing part.

[0088] (8) The orientation can be changed to orientation P1 or orientation P2 simply by pulling out and rotating the gaming machine frame 40 to match the gaming machine 20 to be installed. Therefore, it is easy to install the desired gaming machine 20 from among gaming machines 20P and gaming machines 20S.

[0089] (9) The recommended height for installing the gaming machine 20 varies depending on the type of gaming machine 20. For example, Patent Document (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-228981) discloses an island equipment that allows adjustment of the height when installing the gaming machine 20. However, it is desirable to be able to adjust the installation height of the gaming machine 20 more easily. The island equipment 10 of this embodiment allows the height of the mounting surface (surfaces 43b, 45) of the gaming machine 20 on the gaming machine frame 40 to be adjusted to the recommended height simply by inverting the gaming machine frame 40 upside down. Therefore, the type of gaming machine 20 can be easily changed.

[0090] (10) The gaming machine 20S has a smaller width than the gaming machine 20P. The gaming machine frame 40 is equipped with protrusions 46 and 47 that project into the space S1. Therefore, even when the gaming machine 20S is installed with the gaming machine frame 40 in position P2, gaps are less likely to occur on the left and right sides of the gaming machine 20S. Thus, the gaming machine can be installed in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0091] (11) When the gaming machine frame 40 is in position P2, the protruding parts 46 and 47 are arranged along the edge on the player side (second surface M2 side) in the depth direction Dd. Therefore, the unevenness of the second surface M2 of the gaming machine frame 40 can be reduced and the aesthetic appearance can be improved.

[0092] (12) Generally, island equipment is decorated to improve the aesthetics of the amusement arcade. For example, sheets with printed patterns are attached to the island equipment. For example, patterns are painted on the island equipment using paint. However, changing the decoration of conventional island equipment requires high technical skill. For this reason, it has been difficult to change the decoration of conventional island equipment. In contrast, in island equipment 10, each surface M1 and M2 in the depth direction Dd of the amusement machine frame 40 is decorated with different decorations. Therefore, the decoration of island equipment 10 can be easily changed by changing the orientation of the amusement machine frame 40.

[0093] (13) By opening the inspection door Dr of the gaming machine frame 40, the inside of the island equipment 10 can be inspected and maintenance performed through the space S2. (14) By opening the inspection door dr of the unit frame 50, the inside of the island equipment 10 can be inspected and maintenance performed through the space s2.

[0094] The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically. In this embodiment, the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 is configured to be changeable, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the orientation of the unit frame 50 may be configured to be changeable. In this case, the gaming machine frame 40 may be provided with connecting recesses 82, 83 and a support mechanism 85, while the unit frame 50 may be provided with a support projection 71 and connecting projections 72, 73. With this configuration, the unit frame 50 is supported by the support mechanism 85, and the unit frame 50 can be fixed to the installation part 60 by engaging or fitting the connecting projections 72, 73 of the unit frame 50 into the connecting recesses 82, 83.

[0095] In this case, the unit frame 50 may be equipped with a fixing mechanism HK. For example, the unit frame 50 may be configured to fix the management unit 30 by providing a fixed member and a movable member that can be displaced by fixing bolts B, similar to the gaming machine frame 40. The unit frame 50 may also be provided with protrusions 46 and 47, similar to the gaming machine frame 40, to fill any gaps that may occur when the management unit 30N is installed. Furthermore, the first surface m1 and the second surface m2 of the unit frame 50 may be decorated differently.

[0096] The installation section 60 may also be provided with a pair of support members, each having connecting recesses 82, 83 and a support mechanism 85, separate from the gaming machine frame 40 and the unit frame 50. In this case, the pair of support members are positioned to sandwich each gaming machine frame 40 or each unit frame 50 from the left and right in the width direction Dw. The pair of support members may be integrated. Even with this configuration, the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 and the unit frame 50 can be easily changed.

[0097] The support mechanism 85 may be configured to support the gaming machine frame 40 when the gaming machine frame 40 is in the rotation position B3. For example, the first link member 86 may have a rotation support portion at its tip, such as a support hole, which is connected to the tip of the slide hole 86a and extends horizontally forward or slightly downward. With this configuration, the operator does not need to support the gaming machine frame 40 themselves, and the orientation of the gaming machine frame 40 can be easily rotated. In this modified example, the rotation position B3 can be understood as one of the forward positions B2 that are in front of the reference position B1.

[0098] The island equipment 10 may be equipped with an angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the tilt angle of the gaming machine frame 40. For example, the positions of the connecting protrusions 72 and 73 provided on the gaming machine frame 40 may be configured to slide and fix in the front-rear direction. For example, by fixing the connecting protrusion 72 in front of the connecting protrusion 73, the gaming machine frame 40 can be tilted so that the first end E1 side protrudes forward when the connecting protrusions 72 and 73 are connected to the connecting recesses 82 and 83, respectively. For example, by fixing the connecting protrusion 72 in rearward compared to the connecting protrusion 73, the gaming machine frame 40 can be tilted so that the second end E2 side protrudes forward when the connecting protrusions 72 and 73 are connected to the connecting recesses 82 and 83, respectively. Similarly, in the case where the orientation of the unit frame 50 can be changed as in the above modification example, an angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the tilt angle of the unit frame 50 may be provided. This makes it easy to change the tilt angle of the gaming machine together with the housing frame. Therefore, the installation of gaming equipment, including adjusting its angle, can be easily carried out.

[0099] The gaming machine frame 40 may be provided with connecting recesses 82, 83, and the unit frame 50 may be provided with connecting protrusions 72, 73. The gaming machine frame 40 may also be provided with a support mechanism 85. The fixing mechanism HK is not limited to a configuration using fixing bolts B. The fixing mechanism HK may be configured to move each movable frame plate 432, 442 by a biasing force such as a spring. The fixing mechanism HK may also be a clamping mechanism that moves each movable frame plate 432, 442 by lever operation.

[0100] The gaming machine frame 40 may be equipped with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of the gaming machine 20. For example, fixing bolts B may be provided at the four corners in the front-rear and left-right directions of the first base 43 and the second base 44. By rotating each fixing bolt B, the tilt angle of the first movable frame plate 432 and the second movable frame plate 442 (second frame part W2) can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of the gaming machine 20. Also, as in the above modified example, if a fixing mechanism HK is provided in the unit frame 50, the unit frame 50 may be equipped with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of the management unit 30.

[0101] The surfaces M1 and M2 of the gaming machine frame 40 may be covered with a lenticular sheet. The lenticular sheet has a lenticular lens having multiple convex lenses extending parallel to each other along the height direction Dh, and a composite pattern layer in which multiple types (for example, two types) of patterns are combined for the lenticular lens. With this configuration, even when looking at the same position in the height direction Dh, the pattern that can be seen will differ depending on the angle of the line of sight from the width direction Dw to that same position. Furthermore, if the lenticular sheet is arranged so that the lenticular lens extends along the width direction Dw, different patterns can be made visible depending on the angle of the line of sight in the height direction Dh.

[0102] The decoration on the gaming machine frame 40 may be applied to only one of the first surface M1 and the second surface M2. The decoration on the first surface M1 and the second surface M2 is not limited to being applied to their entire surfaces, but may be applied to a part of one or both of the surfaces which can be arbitrarily selected. In the above modified example, the decoration on the unit frame 50 may be applied to only one of the first surface m1 and the second surface m2, or to a part of it.

[0103] The protrusions 46 and 47 of the gaming machine frame 40 are not limited to being provided along one edge in the depth direction Dd. For example, the protrusions 46 and 47 may be provided in the central part in the depth direction Dd. The unit frame 50 can be modified in the same way.

[0104] The protruding portions 46 and 47 of the gaming machine frame 40 may be configured to include a movable portion supported so as to be displaceable along the width direction Dw, and a biasing portion that biases the movable portion toward the gaming machine 20. This allows the gaming machine 20 and the movable portion to be in close contact and the gap to be further reduced, even if the width dimension or installation position of the gaming machine 20 changes. The unit frame 50 can be modified in the same way.

[0105] The order of each step constituting the installation method of the gaming machine 20 and the installation method of the management unit 30 may be changed as appropriate. The gaming machine frame 40 may be capable of holding multiple gaming machines 20. The unit frame 50 may be capable of holding multiple management units 30.

[0106] Next, we will describe the technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples. [1] Island equipment comprising a housing frame capable of housing gaming equipment, an installation section on which the housing frame is installed, and a holding mechanism for holding the housing frame in the installation section, wherein the holding mechanism has a connecting section configured to enable connection to and disconnection from the housing frame, and the connecting section is configured to enable connection whether the housing frame is in a first position or a second position.

[0107] [2] The island equipment according to [1], wherein the connecting portion is connected to the housing frame by engagement or fitting with a shaft portion provided on the housing frame. [3] The island facility according to [1] or [2], further comprising a support mechanism for supporting the housing frame, wherein the support mechanism supports the housing frame so as to be movable between a reference position and a forward position located in front of the reference position.

[0108] [4] The island facility according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the support mechanism supports the orientation of the housing frame so that it can be changed between the first orientation and the second orientation. [5] An island facility according to any one of [1] to [4], comprising an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the inclination angle of the housing frame.

[0109] [6] An island gaming setup comprising a housing frame capable of housing gaming equipment, an installation section on which the housing frame is installed, and a fixing mechanism for fixing the gaming equipment to the housing frame, wherein the fixing mechanism is movable along a predetermined direction and has a pressing section configured to press the gaming equipment against a predetermined part within the housing frame.

[0110] [7] The island equipment described in [6], wherein the predetermined direction is the vertical direction. [8] The island equipment according to [6] or [7], wherein the housing frame has a first frame portion that forms a first space capable of housing gaming equipment and a second frame portion that forms a second space different from the first space, and the pressing portion is the second frame portion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 10...Island equipment 20...Gaming machine 30...Management unit 40...Gaming machine frame 432...First movable frame plate 442...Second movable frame plate 50...Unit frame 60...Installation section 70...Holding mechanism 82,83...Connecting recess 85...Support mechanism B1...Reference position B2...Forward position B3...Rotation position HK...Fixing mechanism S1,s1...First space S2,s2...Second space W1...First frame section W2...Second frame section.

Claims

[Claim 1] A storage frame capable of accommodating gaming equipment, The installation section where the aforementioned housing frame is installed, It includes a fixing mechanism for fixing the gaming equipment to the housing frame, The aforementioned fixing mechanism is characterized by having a pressing portion that is movable along a predetermined direction and configured to press the gaming equipment against a predetermined part within the housing frame.

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