Supply trough

Abstract

To provide a supply gutter capable of smoothly flowing game balls down and reliably preventing game balls from jamming or overflowing even in the case of excessive game ball supply.SOLUTION: In a supply gutter 50 which is arranged above a game machine 2 and supplies game balls for the game machine 2, a plurality of rail-like routes 52 where game balls are aligned every column and flow down are provided in both directions, a route on both ends of the respective routes 52 form a supply route 52A supplying game balls for the game machine 2 or related equipment 8, and inner routes of both supply routes form a plurality of drop routes 52B dropping excessive game balls. A ball outlet 525 is provided for each downstream end of the plurality of drop routes 52B. One ball outlet 525 is bent so as to go away from the middle to another ball outlet 525.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 157

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply trough that is arranged above a gaming machine and supplies gaming balls to the gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in order to supply game balls to related equipment such as pachinko machines and ball dispensing machines in game machine islands, game balls are aligned and allowed to flow down to the pachinko machines, etc., through a supply trough arranged above the game machines. As such a technology, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a configuration is known in which the width of the bottom surface through which the received game balls flow down is gradually narrowed, and then the game balls are aligned in two rows and allowed to flow down through grooves arranged in two rows in the width direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-81634 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, the width of the bottom surface through which the game balls flow gradually narrows, so the game balls tend to press against each other as they flow down, and there was a problem that balls tend to jam due to the bridge phenomenon in which the balls overlap. Also, because the game balls are aligned in only two rows, when a large number of game balls are supplied, the flow is likely to become stagnant, and there was also a problem that measures against overflow are insufficient.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems associated with the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a supply gutter that allows game balls to flow smoothly without hindrance and can reliably prevent the game balls from clogging or overflowing even if there is an oversupply of game balls. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: A supply trough is disposed above the gaming machine and supplies gaming balls to the gaming machine, There are multiple rail-like paths along which the game balls flow in a line on both sides. Among the above-mentioned paths, the paths at both ends form supply paths for supplying game balls to the gaming machine or related equipment, and the paths inside the two supply paths form a plurality of drop paths for dropping surplus game balls; A discharge outlet is provided at a downstream end of each of the plurality of fall paths, and one of the discharge outlets is bent midway so as to move away from the other discharge outlets. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an amusement machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] 13 is another perspective view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a rear view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a side view showing a gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view showing an amusement machine island according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a bottom view showing the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment, seen from below. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is another perspective view of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inter-base member according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 11] 13 is a perspective view showing another state in which the inter-base member according to the embodiment is attached. FIG. [Figure 12]1A and 1B are a plan view and a partially enlarged view showing the mounting structure of the inter-base member according to the present embodiment; [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are a plan view and a partially enlarged view showing the mounting structure of the inter-base member according to the embodiment in a different state. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the mounting structure of the inter-base member according to the present embodiment in still another state. [Figure 15] 11A and 11B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the mounting structure of the inter-base member according to the embodiment in yet another state. [Figure 16] 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is another perspective view showing a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a rear view showing a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is a side view showing a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is a plan view showing a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] 13 is a bottom view showing a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 23] 13 is an oblique view of a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment, seen from below. FIG. [Figure 24] 13 is another perspective view of a modified example of the gaming machine island according to the present embodiment, seen from below. FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lower frame guide according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 26] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which a lower frame guide according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the connecting member according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the connecting member according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 29]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which an upper frame guide according to the embodiment is attached. [Diagram 30] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the upper frame guide according to the embodiment is attached. [Diagram 31] 4 is an enlarged plan view showing the mounting structure of the lower frame guide according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 32] 4 is an enlarged plan view showing the mounting structure of the connecting member according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 33] 1 is a front view showing an example of installation of a gaming machine relative to a unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 34] 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which an island attachment device is installed between units according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example in which an island attachment device is installed between units according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 36] 11 is a side view showing an example in which an island attachment device is installed between units according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 37] 11 is a plan view showing an example in which an island attachment device is installed between units according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the unit according to the embodiment, as viewed from below. [Diagram 40] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the unit according to the embodiment, seen from behind. [Diagram 41] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 43] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 47]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the unit according to the embodiment, as viewed from below. [Figure 48] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a unit and a frame member according to the embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view showing the unit and the frame member according to the embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a unit and a base member according to the embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the unit and the inter-base member according to the embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the unit and the inter-base member according to the embodiment. [Figure 53] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which a gaming machine and related devices are stored in a unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 54] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a front panel member is attached to a unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 55] 1 is a front view showing a state in which a header member is attached to the unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 56] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing a state in which each member is attached to the front of the opening of the unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 57] 1 is a front view showing a state in which each member is attached to the front of the opening of the unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 58] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a wainscot member according to the embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the wainscot member according to the embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the wainscot member according to the embodiment. [Figure 61] 11 is a perspective view showing an example of installation of a movable rear panel in the unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 62] 1 is a front view of a unit according to the present embodiment, a longitudinal sectional view thereof, and an enlarged partial sectional view thereof. [Figure 63] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing a state in which units according to the present embodiment are placed back to back; [Figure 64]FIG. 11 is another perspective view showing a state in which the units according to the embodiment are placed back to back. [Figure 65] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which units according to the embodiment are placed back to back. [Figure 66] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which units according to the embodiment are placed back to back. [Figure 67] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a state in which the units according to the embodiment are placed back to back. [Figure 68] 1 is a perspective view showing rail installation of a unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. [Figure 69] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rail installation of the unit according to the embodiment, viewed from below. [Figure 70] FIG. 2 is a front view showing rail installation of the unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 71] 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 70 and a partially enlarged view thereof. [Figure 72] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing rail installation of the unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 73] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rail installation of the unit according to the embodiment, viewed from below. [Figure 74] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rail member according to the embodiment. [Figure 75] FIG. 4 is another perspective view showing the rail member according to the embodiment. [Figure 76] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the rail member according to the embodiment. [Figure 77] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the rail member according to the embodiment. [Figure 78] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the rail member according to the embodiment. [Figure 79] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view showing the rail member according to the embodiment. [Figure 80] 2A and 2B are an exploded perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing a rail member and a base member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 81] FIG. 11 is another exploded perspective view showing the rail member and the base member according to the embodiment. [Figure 82]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rail members according to the embodiment are joined together. [Figure 83] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which rail members according to the embodiment are joined together, as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 84] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the rail members according to the embodiment are joined together. [Figure 85] 11 is a bottom view showing a state in which the rail members according to the embodiment are joined together. FIG. [Figure 86] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the rail members according to the embodiment are joined together. [Figure 87] 1 is an enlarged side view showing a state in which the rail members according to the embodiment are joined together. FIG. [Figure 88] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rail members according to the embodiment are joined together. [Figure 89] 1 is a perspective view of the rail members according to the embodiment, viewed from below, in a connected state. FIG. [Figure 90] 1A is a plan view showing a state in which rail members according to the embodiment are joined together, and FIG. [Figure 91] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a slider of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 92] FIG. 4 is another perspective view showing the slider of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 93] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a slider of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 94] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a slider of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 95] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a slider of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 96] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the slider of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 97] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a slider is fastened to the rail according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 98] This is an explanatory diagram following Figure 97. [Figure 99] This is an explanatory diagram following Figure 98. [Figure 100]1A and 1B are perspective and partially enlarged views showing a state in which a rail anchor according to the present embodiment is attached; [Figure 101] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing how to attach an anchor to the rail according to the embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 102] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the unit and the base member of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 103] FIG. 11 is another exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the unit and the base member of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 104] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing bracket of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 105] FIG. 4 is another perspective view showing the reinforcing bracket of the rail according to the embodiment. [Fig. 106] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a reinforcing bracket of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 107] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the reinforcing bracket of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 108] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a reinforcing bracket of the rail according to the embodiment. [Fig. 109] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the reinforcing bracket of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 110] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a reinforcing bracket of the rail according to the embodiment. [Figure 111] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the replenishing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 112] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the supply device according to the embodiment, as viewed from below. [Figure 113] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the replenishing device according to the embodiment. [Fig. 114] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the replenishing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 115] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the replenishing device according to the embodiment. [Fig. 116] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the replenishing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 117] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the replenishing device according to the embodiment. [Fig. 118]FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the replenishing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 119] 1 is a perspective view showing a lifting and polishing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 120] 1 is a perspective view of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 121] 1 is a front view showing a lifting and polishing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 122] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 123] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 124] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 125] 1 is a plan view showing a lifting and polishing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 126] 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the shutter of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the embodiment is closed. FIG. [Figure 127] 1 is a bottom view showing a state in which the shutter of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment is closed. FIG. [Figure 128] 2 is an enlarged front view showing a main part of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 129] 128 along line AA and its partially enlarged view. [Fig. 130] 2 is an enlarged front view showing a main part of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 131] 130 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Fig. 132] 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a main part of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 133] 133 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 132. [Fig. 134] 2 is an enlarged front view showing a main part of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 135] 135 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 134. [Fig. 136] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a gear for grinding according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 137]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gear for grinding according to the embodiment, seen from below. [Fig. 138] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gear for grinding according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 139] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the gear for grinding according to the embodiment. [Fig. 140] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the gear for grinding according to the embodiment. [Fig. 141] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cassette according to the embodiment. [Fig. 142] 2 is a perspective view of the cassette according to the embodiment, seen from below. FIG. [Fig. 143] FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the cassette according to the embodiment. [Fig. 144] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the cassette according to the embodiment, as seen from below. [Fig. 145] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a cassette according to the embodiment. [Fig. 146] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the cassette according to the embodiment. [Fig. 147] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the cassette according to the embodiment. [Fig. 148] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the cassette according to the embodiment. [Figure 149] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the cassette according to the embodiment. [Fig. 150] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the cassette according to the embodiment. [Fig. 151] 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of a lifting and polishing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 152] 2 is another perspective view showing the main body of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Fig. 153] 2 is a front view showing a main body of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 154] 2 is a left side view showing the main body of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 155] 2 is a plan view showing a main body of the lifting and polishing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. [Fig. 156] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a supply gutter according to the embodiment. [Fig. 157] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the supply gutter according to the embodiment, seen from below. [Fig. 158] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the supply gutter according to the embodiment. [Fig. 159] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the supply gutter according to the embodiment. [Fig. 160] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the supply gutter according to the embodiment. [Fig. 161] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the supply gutter according to the embodiment. [Fig. 162] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the supply gutter according to the embodiment. [Fig. 163] 2 is a front view and a longitudinal sectional view of the supply gutter according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 164] FIG. 2 is a left side view and a longitudinal sectional view of the supply gutter according to the embodiment. [Fig. 165] 2 is a left side view of the supply gutter according to the embodiment and a vertical cross-sectional view at a different position thereof. FIG. [Fig. 166] 2 is a left side view of the supply gutter according to the embodiment and a vertical cross-sectional view at a different position thereof. FIG. [Fig. 167] 2 is a left side view of the supply gutter according to the embodiment and a vertical cross-sectional view at a different position thereof. FIG. [Fig. 168] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the supply gutter according to the embodiment. [Fig. 169] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the supply gutter according to the embodiment, seen from below. [Fig. 170] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a supply gutter and a support bracket according to the embodiment. [Fig. 171] 2 is a perspective view of the supply gutter and the support bracket according to the embodiment, viewed from below. FIG. [Fig. 172] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the supply gutter and the support bracket according to the embodiment. [Fig. 173] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the supply gutter and the support bracket according to the embodiment. [Fig. 174] 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a support bracket of the supply gutter according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 175] A plan view showing the flow state of game balls in the supply path of the supply gutter in this embodiment. [Fig. 176] A plan view showing the flow state of game balls moving along the falling path of the supply trough in this embodiment. [Fig. 177] A vertical cross-sectional view showing the overlapping behavior of game balls in a supply trough in this embodiment. [Fig. 178] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a storage tank according to the embodiment. [Fig. 179] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the storage tank according to the embodiment, seen from below. [Fig. 180] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the storage tank according to the embodiment. [Fig. 181] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the storage tank according to the embodiment. [Fig. 182] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the storage tank according to the embodiment. [Fig. 183] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the storage tank according to the embodiment. [Fig. 184] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the storage tank according to the embodiment. [Fig. 185] 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a side view showing a shutter of the storage tank according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 186] 11 is a plan view showing the operation of the shutter of the storage tank according to the embodiment. FIG. [Fig. 187] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 186 and an enlarged portion thereof. [Fig. 188] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lower sieve member according to the embodiment. [Fig. 189] 2 is a perspective view of the lower sieve member according to the embodiment, seen from below. FIG. [Fig. 190] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the lower sieve member according to the embodiment. [Fig. 191] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a lower sieve member according to the embodiment. [Fig. 192] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the lower sieve member according to the embodiment. [Fig. 193] 1A to 1C are a perspective view, a front view, and a plan view showing a combination pattern of a stud member according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 194]11A to 11C are a perspective view, a front view, and a plan view showing another combination pattern of stud members according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 195] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a combination pattern of the stud bracket according to the embodiment. [Fig. 196] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another combination pattern of the stud bracket according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a representative embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 37 are drawings relating to the game machine island 1. Figs. 38 to 67 are drawings relating to the units 10 constituting the game machine island 1. Figs. 68 to 110 are drawings relating to the rails 20 on which the units 10 are installed. Figs. 111 to 118 are drawings relating to the supply device 100 housed in the unit 10. Figs. 119 to 155 are drawings relating to the pumping and polishing device 30. Figs. 156 to 177 are drawings relating to the supply trough 50. Figs. 178 to 192 are drawings relating to the storage tank 40. Figs. 193 to 196 are drawings relating to the stud member 106.

[0009] In each figure, the relative dimensional relationship and shape of the components are subject to appropriate design changes and may differ from the actual ones. The scale ratios in each figure are not necessarily the same. In addition, hatching is partially omitted in the cross-sectional views. Note that the components, shapes, values, etc. shown in this embodiment are all examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Each component will be described in order below.

[0010] <Overview of Gaming Machine Island 1> First, an overview of the gaming machine island 1 will be explained. 1 to 9, the gaming machine island 1 comprises one or more units 10 installed on the floor, and each unit 10 houses, in addition to the gaming machine 2, a pumping and grinding device 30, a storage tank 40, a supply trough 50, and other gaming-related equipment described below. Each unit 10 constituting the gaming machine island 1 corresponds to an independent single island, with each gaming machine 2 corresponding to an independent single island.

[0011] The unit 10 is configured to be able to install multiple types of gaming machines 2 one by one. Examples of multiple types of gaming machines 2 include pachinko machines 2A and pachislot machines 2B. In this embodiment, two types of gaming machines 2 are exemplified, a pachinko machine 2A and a pachislot machine 2B, but the types are not limited to these two. When the pachinko machine 2A and the pachislot machine 2B are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as gaming machines 2. Panel-shaped ceiling decorative panels 6 and side wall decorative panels 7 are attached to the ceiling and side walls of the entire gaming machine island 1 to which the units 10 are combined. Heavy-duty casters may be provided at the bottom of the unit 10 to enable it to be moved.

[0012] A pachinko machine 2A uses game balls (pachinko balls) as game media to play the game. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 2A is equipped with a handle 4 for shooting game balls onto a game board 3, a tray 5 for storing game balls, and the like. In addition, adjacent to the pachinko machine 2A, a machine-to-machine service machine (card unit) 8 is installed in parallel, which lends game balls by inserting bills or accepting cashless payment media (credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, smartphones (contactless IC payment, two-dimensional barcode payment), etc.). Such a pachinko machine 2A has different outer diameter dimensions from a pachislot machine 2B described below, and in particular, the handle 4 is located at a low position on the machine body.

[0013] The pachislot machine 2B uses medals as game media, but in this embodiment, it is a type (a medal-less machine) that does not use actual medals, but uses virtual medals that are counted as data. The pachislot machine 2B is equipped with an operation unit (not shown) such as buttons for rotating or stopping each reel on the screen, in addition to a screen that can display the rotating reels and virtual medals. The pachislot machine 2B has a different outer diameter dimension from the pachinko machine 2A described above, and in particular, the operation unit is located near the center of the overall height.

[0014] The gaming machine island 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 9 has two units 10 arranged side by side on both sides, with a spacer 60 attached between each unit 10. Furthermore, the two units 10 are arranged back to back in two rows, one in front and one in back. Thus, the gaming machine island 1 has a total of four units 10. Here, each of the two units 10 arranged in each row, front to back, houses the same type of gaming machine 2, but as shown in Fig. 33, the units 10 arranged on both sides may house different types of gaming machines 2 on the left and right.

[0015] <Unit 10> As shown in Figures 38 to 45, the unit 10 is formed in the shape of a case frame with vertically long rectangular openings on the front and back, and is basically provided with a pair of left and right side panels 11, 11. Here, the side panels 11 correspond to the "side portion" of the present invention. An opening 110 is provided at the lower end of each of the side panels 11, 11, which forms part of the mounting structure for the rail 20 described below.

[0016] Also, a handle hole 111 is provided above the opening 110. The handle hole 111 allows the unit 10 to be easily carried when it is installed. The handle hole 111 is provided at a position inside the unit 11 that is not affected by ball spillage, that is, at a position where there is no risk of balls spilling out to the outside. Specifically, for example, the handle hole 111 may be provided below the top plate member 13. Also, in the case of an enclosed type gaming machine, since balls will not spill out, the handle hole 111 may be provided above the top plate portion 13 and below the cutout portion 112.

[0017] The upper half of each side panel 11, 11 has a notch 112 cut out from the rear edge. When the units 11 are assembled back to back, the notch 112 join together to form an opening 112a (see FIG. 63(a)). Here, the opening 112a becomes a space for arranging gaming equipment (such as a carrier device) that penetrates the center of the island width of the entire gaming machine island 1.

[0018] In conventional single islands, the arrangement of related equipment between the single islands was not assumed, and therefore there was no opening in which a bill transport device could be arranged between the single islands. Here, the bill transport device is, for example, a device for transporting bills inserted into the inter-machine service machine 8 to a bill storage unit provided at the end of the gaming machine island. However, when the inter-machine service machine 8 lends game balls by cashless payment, the cutout portion 112 that serves as the arrangement space for the bill transport device does not need to be provided.

[0019] The inside of the unit 10 is set so that it can accommodate a plurality of types of gaming machines 2 with different external dimensions. The unit 10 of this embodiment is configured so that it can accommodate a pachinko machine 2A and a pachislot machine 2B after changing the layout of each machine separately. As shown in FIG. 52, the inside of the unit 10 is partitioned from the bottom into, for example, a storage section 101, an exchange arrangement section 102, and a gaming machine arrangement section 103 by approximately horizontal partition members 121 and 122 each forming a shelf, and a top board member 13.

[0020] 52 and 53, the lower partition member 121 has both side widths and a depth that cross the inside of the lower side of the unit 10, and has the strength to support the related equipment, the lifting and grinding device 30 described below, and is formed, for example, from wood in a flat plate shape. The upper partition member 122 has a narrower depth than the partition member 121, and the top plate member 13 is placed thereon directly or via the lower arrangement member 15.

[0021] The top plate member 13 is used to install the gaming machine 2, and is formed to have a greater depth than the partition members 121 and 122. As shown in Figs. 46 to 49, the top plate member 13 is basically made of wood and formed in a flat plate shape, but the front half of the upper surface is covered with a metal plate 130. The surface of this metal plate is knurled. That is, the surface of the metal plate 130 is provided with fine irregularities extending parallel to the depth direction of the unit 10, and it is possible to reduce sliding resistance, particularly when placing the slot machine 2B. It is not necessary for the metal plate 130 to be fixed to the surface of the top plate member 13, and it is also possible to press it down from above by a press bar 133 (see Fig. 46) installed between both side plates 11, 11.

[0022] 52, the storage section 101 in the unit 10 is an internal space extending from above the floor between both side panels 11, 11, or from a bottom panel (not shown) installed on the floor as necessary, through a partition member 121 arranged at a predetermined height between both side panels 11, 11, to a partition member 122 arranged further above. Within the storage section 101, the space from the floor (bottom panel) to the upper partition member 121 is used as a storage space for unused related devices.

[0023] In addition, the space in the storage section 101 from the partition member 121 to the partition member 122 above it is used as a storage space for the main body 31 of the lifting and polishing device 30. Here, the lifting and polishing device 30 is used only in the pachinko machine 2A, but even if it is replaced with the pachinko slot machine 2B, it is fixed so that it remains in the storage section 101 above the partition member 121. Therefore, the partition members 121 and 122 are fixed horizontally at the corresponding positions between the side panels 11, respectively.

[0024] In the storage section 101, in the space other than the polishing device 30, for example, the storage tank 40 and the supply gutter 50, which are not necessary for the pachinko slot machine 2B, as well as the upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15, which will be described later, can be appropriately stored. As a result, since it is not necessary to share the upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15, even if the height above the gaming machine 2 does not match the difference in height between the top plate member 13 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A and the top plate member 13 corresponding to the pachinko slot machine 2B, the pachinko machine 2A and the pachinko slot machine 2B can be converted and installed without any problems. In addition, a container-shaped member such as the storage tank 40 can be used as a small storage for relatively small related parts such as the counter 8a, thereby preventing small parts from being lost.

[0025] The exchange arrangement section 102 is an internal space between the both side panels 11, 11 from the partition member 122 to the top panel member 13 above it, and as shown in the unit 10 on the right side in Fig. 53, its height is maintained by the lower arrangement member 15 described later. The exchange arrangement section 102 houses a storage tank 40, which is an associated device of the pachinko machine 2A, but the storage tank 40 is not necessary for the pachislot machine 2B. Therefore, the exchange arrangement section 102 is not necessary when the pachislot machine 2B is installed in the unit 10, and is integrated into the game machine arrangement section 103 above.

[0026] That is, as shown in the unit 10 on the left side in Fig. 53, when the lower arrangement member 15 and the storage tank 40 are removed and the top plate member 13 is placed on the partition member 122, the gaming machine arrangement section 103 becomes an area including the exchange arrangement section 102, and the installation height of the gaming machine 2 can be changed to a lower position. Such a gaming machine arrangement section 103 including the exchange arrangement section 102 is suitable for accommodating a slot machine 2B.

[0027] As shown in Figures 46 and 47, the top plate member 13 is installed via a mounting bracket 131 installed between both side plates 11, 11, and its height position can be changed. That is, the mounting position of the mounting bracket 131 installed between both side plates 11, 11 can be changed between a position for the slot machine 2B on the partition member 122 and a position for the pachinko machine 2A on the lower arrangement member 15 arranged on the partition member 122. The mounting position of the mounting bracket 131 here can be changed by using the engagement parts 12a, 12b similar to those of the upper placement member 127 described later.

[0028] Also, both side ends of the mounting bracket 131 are exposed on the inner surfaces of both side panels 11, 11 of the top panel member 13, but the entire said portions are set to fit within a clearance K (see FIG. 12(c)) hidden behind the frame edges of the frame member 113 described below. In this way, the mounting bracket 131 for changing the position of the top panel member 13 when changing the gaming machine 2 within the unit 10 is housed inside the frame members 113 that form both ends of the front opening of the unit 10.

[0029] As a result, at the front opening of the unit 10, there are no other parts that protrude inward beyond the edge of the frame member 11 from the inner surface of the side panel 11 when viewed from the front. Therefore, when the gaming machine 2 itself or related devices are introduced through the front opening of the unit 10, there is no risk of interference with other parts, and efficient installation is possible. If other parts such as fixings were to protrude here, they would interfere with the gaming machine 2 itself or other related devices, so it would be necessary to use extra partition posts or the like (gap fillers) in the space available for installation.

[0030] This not only requires extra costs, but in some cases requires checking each time what can be installed, which makes it difficult to use. This configuration in which other members do not protrude inward beyond the edge of the frame member 11 from the inner surface of the side panel 11 is not limited to the attachment points of the top panel member 13, but also applies to the attachment points of all members, including the upper mounting member 127 described below and the partition members 121 and 122 described above, to the inner surfaces of the side panels 11, 11.

[0031] As shown in the unit 10 on the right side in Fig. 53, when the top plate member 13 is in the position for the pachinko machine 2A, the upper partition member 128 is overlapped on the rear half of the top plate member 13 to form a step. Here, the rear end side of the upper partition member 128 is also held down from above by a holding bracket 132 installed between both side plates 11, 11. Since the depth width of the main body of the pachinko machine 2A is relatively narrow, the main body of the pachinko machine 2A is placed on the upper partition member 128 on the rear half of the top plate member 13, and the front half of the top plate member 13 is used as a space for placing ball boxes or for personal use by the player. In the pachinko machine 2A on such a top plate member 13, the handle 4 is at a height position that is easy for the player to operate.

[0032] On the other hand, the Pachislot machine 2B cannot be contained by the top panel member 13 alone because the depth width of the main body is large. Therefore, as shown in the unit 10 on the right side in Figure 50, the movable back panel 190, which is part of the back panel 19 described later, is removed and is set to be placed horizontally so as to be connected to the rear edge of the top panel member 13. The Pachislot machine 2B is placed on the entire movable back panel 190 and top panel member 13. The Pachislot machine 2B on such top panel member 13 has an operating section at a height position that is easy for a player to operate.

[0033] As shown in Figure 38 etc., at the top of the unit 10, an upper front member 125 and an upper rear member 126 arranged side by side are installed between the upper ends of both side panels 11. Furthermore, an upper mounting member 127 having a predetermined depth is installed below the upper front member 125 between both side panels 11. The upper mounting member 127 serves as a portion for mounting related equipment such as a supply trough 50, which will be described later. The upper mounting member 127 is formed, for example, from wood in the shape of a narrow plate extending horizontally in both directions, and a metallic flange rising to a predetermined height is provided along the front edge of the member.

[0034] The height position of the upper mounting member 127 can be changed. That is, the inner surfaces of both side panels 11, 11 are provided with engagement parts 12a, 12b for positioning, for example, in two levels, upper and lower. Each engagement part 12a, 12b is made of a positioning material formed into a vertical plate shape having a thickness and depth width that allows the edge of the upper mounting member 127 to be placed thereon. With both ends of the upper mounting member 127 placed on the upper edges of the engagement parts 12a, 12b facing each other on the inside of both side panels 11, 11, it can be fixed with fixtures 12c such as brackets.

[0035] The upper mounting member 127 is provided with the supply gutter 50 used in the pachinko machine 2A, and in this case, as in the unit 10 on the left side in Fig. 52, it is fixed in a lower position (above the engagement portion 12a) by the height of the supply gutter 50. On the other hand, since the supply gutter 50 is not necessary in the pachinko slot machine 2B, it is preferable to attach the upper mounting member 127 to an upper position (above the engagement portion 12b) as in the unit 10 on the right side in Fig. 52.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 33, Fig. 57, etc., the unit 10 has a lower arrangement member 15 arranged below the pachinko machine 2A and an upper arrangement member 16 arranged above the pachislot machine 2B. The upper arrangement member 16 is formed in a panel shape from a metal such as aluminum, and is arranged vertically between the two side panels 11, 11 so as to cover the front opening on the upper partition member 128 of the unit 10. As shown in Fig. 53, the lower arrangement member 15 is a member with a substantially L-shaped cross section that has a bottom wall and both side walls that make the front wall self-supporting, and is formed by combining wooden boards, for example.

[0037] Moreover, the upper arrangement member 16 is provided with a bill insertion slot 16a, and a bill validator (not shown) is installed inside. Therefore, the height of the upper arrangement member 16 does not match the difference in height between the top plate member 13 of the pachinko machine 2A and the top plate member 13 of the pachislot machine 2B. However, as described above, by providing the storage section 101 capable of storing the upper arrangement member 16 or the lower arrangement member 15, it is not necessary to share the upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15, so that the pachinko machine 2A and the pachislot machine 2B can be converted and installed without any problem.

[0038] The upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15 are detachably attached without using any fastening means such as screws. When a pachinko machine 2A is installed in the unit 10, the storage tank 40 is housed in the exchange arrangement section 102 (see FIG. 52), and the front side of this exchange arrangement section 102 is covered by the lower arrangement member 15. On the other hand, when a pachinko machine 2B is installed in the unit 10, the storage tank 40 and the lower arrangement member 15 are removed from the exchange arrangement section 102 and housed in the storage section 101. At this time, the upper front side of the pachinko machine 2B is covered by the upper arrangement member 16 that was housed in the storage section 101. The specific mounting structure of the upper arrangement member 16 will be described later.

[0039] At the front side of unit 10, as shown in Figure 33 etc., a wainscot member 17 is provided below lower arrangement member 15. Wainscot member 17 is formed, for example, from wood in a flat plate shape. Wainscot member 17 is disposed between both side panels 11, 11 so as to cover lifting and polishing apparatus 30 housed on partition member 121 in the upper half of storage section 101 (see Figure 52). Wainscot member 17 needs to be opened during maintenance and inspection of lifting and polishing apparatus 30, and is therefore attached so that, for example, its lower edge can be rotated about and its upper edge can be opened forward.

[0040] As shown in Figures 58 to 60, when wainscot member 17 is made of wood and formed into a flat plate, both side edges and the bottom edge are reinforced with a metal frame, and a pair of rotating shafts 170, 170 protruding laterally are provided at both ends of the bottom edge. Rotating shaft 170 is rotatably fitted into a bearing hole (not shown) provided on the inside of the front ends of both side panels 11, 11 or in a frame member 113 described below, and serves as the center for opening and closing wainscot member 17. Note that wainscot member 17 is not limited to being made of wood, and may be formed into a flat plate of a predetermined thickness by extrusion molding of a metal such as aluminum.

[0041] As another mounting structure for wainscot member 17, for example, long grooves (not shown) may be formed along both side edges of wainscot member 17, and a rotation shaft that fits relatively slidably and rotatably into these long grooves may be provided on the inside of the front ends of both side panels 11, 11 or on frame member 113. With this configuration, wainscot member 17 can be slid while being opened, and can also be slid into unit 10 while in the open state and stored away.

[0042] On the front side of unit 10, as shown in Fig. 33 etc., bottommost arrangement members 171, 172 are provided, for example, above and below, on the lower side of waist board member 17. Bottommost arrangement members 171, 172 are formed, for example, from metal in the shape of a panel, and are arranged between both side boards 11, 11 so as to cover the space on the lower half side (below partition member 121) of storage section 101 (see Fig. 52). Note that, since bottommost arrangement members 171, 172 are opened less frequently than waist board member 17, an attachment structure that allows attachment and detachment will suffice even if they cannot be opened or closed.

[0043] In addition, in the unit 10, a front panel member 18 is provided on the upper end front side between both side panels 11, 11. The front panel member 18 is formed into a panel shape, for example, from metal, and covers the opening above the upper placement member 127. In the layout when a slot machine 2B is installed, as in the unit 10 on the right side in Fig. 33, the front panel member 18 is connected vertically to the upper placement member 16.

[0044] 62, the skirting board member 18 is in the form of a panel with a thin cross section, and is formed in a cross section with an attachment piece 181 that bends rearward at a right angle of a predetermined width along the upper edge, and a lower end piece 182 that bends rearward at a right angle of a shorter width along the lower edge. However, the skirting board member 18 may also be formed in a flat plate shape made of wood, for example, or, as described above with respect to the wainscoting member 17, may be formed in a flat plate shape of a predetermined thickness by extrusion molding of a metal such as aluminum.

[0045] The skirting board member 18 may also be attached so as to be openable and closable in the same manner as the waist board member 17 described above. That is, a pair of rotating shafts protruding laterally may be provided at both ends of, for example, the upper edge of the skirting board member 18, and the skirting board member 18 may be attached so as to be openable and closable via these rotating shafts to the inside of the front ends of both side panels 11, 11 or to a frame member 113 described below. Furthermore, as another mounting structure for the skirting board member 18, as in the case of the waist board member 17 described above, for example, long grooves (not shown) may be formed along both side edges of the skirting board member 18, and rotating shafts that fit relatively slidably and rotatably into these long grooves may be provided on the inside of the front ends of both side panels 11, 11 or to the frame member 113.

[0046] This allows the panel member 18 to be detached and reused, and since it is located on the front side of the gaming machine 2, it also makes it possible to reinforce the unit 10 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, by adopting such an attachment structure for the apron member 18, the horizontal strength of the unit 10 is improved, while the assembly and disassembly of the unit 10 can be performed more easily than in the case of conventional gaming machine islands.

[0047] The skirting board member 18 is located at a height that is easily visible to the player, and is therefore important in the design of the gaming machine island 1. Therefore, the surface of the skirting board member 18 may be the appearance of the material itself or simply painted, but if the surface side of the skirting board member 18 is configured so that a decorative plate, sheet, etc. can be easily attached, it becomes possible to easily change the design of the skirting board member 18. Here, a possible configuration for attaching a sheet, etc. is to provide slits or hooks, etc., at the upper and lower ends of the surface side of the skirting board member 18, facing each other, into which the upper and lower ends of the sheet, etc. can be inserted.

[0048] When a slot machine 2B is installed in the unit 10, as in the unit 10 on the right side in Fig. 52, an upper partition member 128 that partitions the upper end of the gaming machine placement section 103 is installed between both side panels 11, 11. The upper partition member 128, like the partition members 121, 122, is formed, for example, from wood in a flat plate shape, and is disposed between both side panels 11, 11 so as to be detachable. The mounting structure of the upper partition member 128 may also be configured so as to be detachable only by the engagement between the members, without using fastening means such as screws.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 62(c), the lower edge of the upper arrangement member 16 engages with the front end side of the upper partition member 128, and a groove 128a into which the lower edge of the upper arrangement member 16 detachably fits is formed along the front end side of the upper partition member 128. Meanwhile, the upper edge of the upper arrangement member 16 engages with a lower end piece 182 of the skirt board member 18, and a groove 183 into which the upper edge of the upper arrangement member 16 detachably fits is formed along this lower end piece 182. This allows the upper arrangement member 16 to be detachably attached between the skirt board member 18 and the upper partition member 128 without using any fastening means such as screws.

[0050] According to such a mounting structure of the upper arrangement member 16, the upper arrangement member 16 cannot be removed without lifting the front panel member 18. Here, the upper arrangement member 16 is important for preventing tampering because it conceals the supply gutter 50 described later, but the mounting structure described above makes it unnecessary to fix it with a key or simply fix it with a magnet or the like so that it cannot be opened. In addition, the mounting structure of the upper arrangement member 16 and the front panel member 18 may be configured so that a gap is intentionally provided between each of the two side edges and the inner surface of each side panel 11 to allow light to leak through, so that, for example, the light of an alarm lamp in the unit 10 to notify the occurrence of some kind of error is illuminated through the gap to notify the frame member 113.

[0051] This makes it possible to inform arcade staff of the occurrence of some kind of error (for example, a refill error, which will be described later) by indirect lighting, without providing an obvious alarm lamp on the outside of unit 10. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide, for example, optical fibers, instead of alarm lamps, between both side edges of upper arrangement member 16 or curtain board member 18 and the inner surface of each side panel 11, to emit light when an error occurs.

[0052] 40, in unit 10, the rear opening on the lower half side between both side panels 11, 11 is covered by rear panel 19. Rear panel 19 is made of wood, for example, in the shape of a flat plate, and is rectangular and matches the lower side of the height position of partition member 122 between both side panels 11, 11, and is attached standing upright. Directly above this rear panel 19, a movable rear panel 190 that is narrow in the vertical direction and extends in both directions is arranged so as to be connected to the rear panel as a single unit.

[0053] The movable back panel 190 can be removed from above the back panel 19, and can be arranged horizontally in a state where it is connected to the rear edge of the top panel member 13, as shown in the unit 10 on the right side in Fig. 56. The main body of the slot machine 2B, which has a large depth width, can be placed on the entire movable back panel 190 and top panel member 13. The surfaces of the movable back panel 190 and top panel member 13 are horizontally connected on the same plane, and at this time, the upper partition member 128 is arranged in an upper position of the slot machine 2B.

[0054] According to the above-described unit 10, it becomes possible to easily change the type of gaming machine 2 for each unit 10. In particular, in any conversion work, such as converting a pachinko machine 2A to a pachislot machine 2B, or vice versa, by changing the arrangement of each component only within the same unit 10, or by using components stored within the unit 10, all the necessary components are contained within one unit 10.

[0055] In particular, according to this unit 10, even when converting from a pachinko machine 2A to a pachislot machine 2B, it is not necessary to remove the lifting and polishing device 30, and the lifting and polishing device 30 can be left in the storage section 101 as it is when replacing the pachinko machine 2A with a pachislot machine 2B. This allows the time required for the replacement of the gaming machine 2 to be significantly shortened. Also, the storage tank 40 removed from the replacement section 102 in order to expand the gaming machine installation section 103 of the pachislot machine 2B can be stored in the empty space at the bottom of the storage section 101 without the need to prepare a separate storage space.

[0056] In addition, even if the pachinko machine is an enclosed type pachinko machine that uses balls that are shot onto the game board by circulating them, it can be handled in the same way as the above-mentioned conversion between the pachislot machine 2B and the pachinko machine 2A. In the case of an enclosed type pachinko machine, the lifting and polishing device 30 is not necessary, but even if the pachinko machine 2A is replaced with an enclosed type pachinko machine, the lifting and polishing device 30 and the storage tank 40 can be left installed in the unit 10 or removed.

[0057] Conventionally, there have been gaming machine islands that allow the types of gaming machines 2 to be rearranged, but the materials used only for the layout of the island according to the type of gaming machine 2 had to be procured separately or brought from a separate storage location each time. Therefore, in conventional gaming machine islands, when rearranging the types of gaming machines 2, it was ultimately troublesome to procure the necessary materials, resulting in problems of increased costs.

[0058] In particular, conventional gaming machine islands do not take into consideration how to handle the supply device 100 (see FIG. 111) including the lifting and grinding device 30. For example, in a normal gaming machine island that is not a standalone island, a space is always provided in a fixed position inside the island for installing the lifting and grinding device 30 and the storage tank 40, which are part of the supply device 100. However, when rearranging the gaming machines 2 on such a gaming machine island, it is difficult to handle the process, such as changing the installation space for the supply device 100. Furthermore, when rearranging the gaming machines 2, a separate place must be prepared for storing each unnecessary component.

[0059] <Frame member 113> As shown in Figures 46 to 49, the unit 10 has frame members 113 erected on both side ends. The frame members 113 are fixed so as to stand vertically along the front ends of both side panels 11, 11. The frame members 113 have grooves 113a that open outward in the up-down direction. As will be described later, both ends of the inter-base members 60 are detachably fitted into the grooves 113a of the frame members 113 that face each other between adjacent units 10.

[0060] This allows the inter-base member 60 to be detached and reused, and since it is located on the front side of the gaming machine 2, it also makes it possible to reinforce the unit 10 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, by adopting such an attachment structure for the inter-base member 60, the horizontal strength of the unit 10 is improved, while the assembly and disassembly of the unit 10 can be performed more easily than in the case of conventional gaming machine islands.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 12(c), the frame member 113 has a fixing part 114 with a substantially U-shaped cross section that engages with the dovetail grooves 11a, 11a on both sides of the front edge of the side panel 11 and covers the front edge as its base. A pair of dovetail grooves 11a, 11a that are recessed to the same depth on both sides are formed in the shape of slits along the entire length of the front edge of the side panel 11. The fixing part 114 has a substantially U-shaped cross section, and a pair of flanges that are bent inwardly and face each other are provided on both side edges.

[0062] One of a pair of flanges facing each other with the opening groove of the frame member 113 between them extends longer than the other. Therefore, one end side of the fixing part 114 on the side with the longer flange is located farther away from the reference planes (outer or inner) on both sides of the side panel 11 than the other end side of the fixing part 114 on the side with the shorter flange. This farther away one end side of the fixing part 114 is located on the inner side rather than the outer side of the side panel 11, and forms a frame edge that protrudes inward from the front opening of the unit 10. A clearance K is formed between this frame edge and the inner surface of the side panel 11, so that other components attached to the inner surface are hidden behind the frame edge in a front view.

[0063] 12(c), an angle portion 115 is provided integrally along the front end of the fixing portion 114 on the side opposite to the surface having the open groove, the angle portion 115 forming a groove 113a having a substantially U-shaped cross section together with the front end. The groove 113a opens outward over the entire length of the frame member 113. The opening of the groove 113a of the frame member 113 is perpendicular to the front opening of the unit 10, and the open end of the groove 113a overlaps with the outer surface of the side portion 11 in the depth direction of the unit 10.

[0064] Such a frame member 113 can be attached to the side panel 11 simply by sliding it from one end, without using any fastening means such as screws, and therefore the work of attaching the frame member 113 can be easily performed when constructing or assembling the unit 10. Furthermore, if the frame member 113 is damaged or when the design is changed, the frame member 113 can also be easily replaced.

[0065] In the game machine island 1, inter-stand members 60 are detachably attached between adjacent units 10. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the inter-stand members 60 are formed, for example, from wood in the shape of a panel. As shown in Fig. 12, both side edges of the inter-stand member 60 are directly fitted into the grooves 113a of the frame members 113 located on both sides. The plate thickness of the inter-stand member 60 is designed to be slightly smaller than the opening width of the grooves 113a. In this way, the inter-stand members 60 are detachably attached only by virtue of their engagement with the structure of the units 10 themselves.

[0066] 15 and 13, the inter-base member 60 is a vertically long rectangle in a front view, and its width is wider than the dimension between the edges of the frame members 113 on both sides of each unit 10, and is set so that it can be inserted between the recessed grooves 113a on both sides while being inclined obliquely about the vertical panel center line from the front side between the frame members 113. In other words, the inter-base member 60 can be inserted by shifting it obliquely from the front side with respect to the front opening of the unit 10, as shown in FIG. 11, without having to be inserted from above into each recessed groove 113a on both sides.

[0067] As shown in Figures 14 and 12, the inter-base member 60 is inserted between the grooves 113a on both sides, and then made parallel to the front between the frame members 113 (the front opening of the unit 10), so that both side edges of the inter-base member 60 are positioned in a position hidden in the grooves 113a on both sides when viewed from the front. At this time, both lower ends of the inter-base member 60 fit between stoppers 254 on the anchors 25, which will be described later, and the inter-base member 60 is positioned in this position. In other words, the inter-base member 60 can be moved left and right while being slightly lifted up, so that it is dropped into the step between the stoppers 254 on both sides, and placed in the center position where both side edges are hidden in the grooves 113a.

[0068] In this way, the inter-base member 60 can be detachably attached by the structure of the units 10 itself, i.e., by engaging with the frame member 113, etc., without using fastening means such as screws. Therefore, the inter-base member 60 can be attached and detached extremely easily, shortening the work time and reducing costs. In particular, the inter-base member 60 can be easily attached between the units 10 from the front side of the units 10 without having to lift the inter-base member 60 above the units 10.

[0069] Between each unit 10, it is possible to attach inter-unit members 60 through the top and bottom. Of course, the layout can be freely set depending on the connections between each unit 10. Even with conventional game machine islands, for example, there are some that allow the layout between each individual island to be freely set, but each individual member placed between each individual island is large and is combined with members of different shapes. On the other hand, the inter-unit member 60 is a plate-like member that is not very large, and not only allows the layout to be freely set, but can also be easily attached integrally between each unit 10, is easy to remove and replace, and can enhance the decorativeness as a unified design.

[0070] In addition, in the case of conventional game machine islands, for example, when connecting individual islands with panel-like members, it is assumed that a fastening means such as a screw is used, which leads to an increase in the number of parts and installation labor. Also, if the panel-like member is simply inserted from above, it is necessary to lift the plate material up to above the game machine island when attaching or detaching the member. Therefore, not only is it difficult to attach and detach the panel-like member, but there is also the problem that it cannot be attached or detached in installation locations with low ceilings.

[0071] The inter-base member 60 is not limited to wood, and may be formed into a flat plate of a predetermined thickness by extrusion molding of a metal such as aluminum. A desired design may be added to the surface of the inter-base member 60 by printing or the like, and the front and back may be made reversible with different designs. Of course, like the decorative panels 6 and 7 described above, multiple types of inter-base members 60 may be prepared in advance and replaced as needed. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper edge of the inter-base member 60 is covered with a thin cover member 601 that is long in both directions, and cap members 602 for fixing the cover member 601 are fitted into the upper ends of the frame members 113 located on both ends of the cover member 601.

[0072] <Connecting member 61> In the gaming machine island 1A shown in Figs. 16 to 24, three units 10 are installed side by side on both sides. Here, no inter-unit members 60 are attached between each unit 10, and each unit 10 is connected to each other by a connecting member 61. Furthermore, the three units 10 are combined back to back in two rows, front and rear. Thus, the gaming machine island 1A has a total of six units 10. Here, each of the three units 10 arranged in each row houses the same type of gaming machine 2, but each unit 10 may house a different type of gaming machine 2.

[0073] As shown in Figures 25 to 32, the connecting member 61 is a frame for connecting the side panels 11 of adjacent units 10 in a state in which they are close to each other in the bilateral direction. The connecting member 61 includes a lower frame guide 62 and an upper frame guide 63 for mounting between the front ends of the side panels 11. Like the inter-table member 60, the connecting member 61 corresponds to the "inter-table member" of the present invention that is attached between the units 10. Also, the lower frame guide 62 or the upper frame guide 63 alone corresponds to the "inter-table member" of the present invention that is attached between the units 10.

[0074] 32, the connecting member 61 is formed as a metal frame with a substantially U-shaped cross section so as to cover the lower frame guide 62 and the upper frame guide 63 which are formed by joining the front edges of the side panels 11 arranged close to each other. The connecting member 61 has a length set to cover the entire height of the unit 10, and is, for example, an extrusion molded product made of aluminum or the like. Here, the connecting member 61 can be attached so as to cover the front edges of each side panel 11 including the lower frame guide 62 and the upper frame guide 63.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 31, the lower frame guide 62 is formed as a metal frame with a substantially U-shaped cross section that engages with the outward dovetail grooves 11a on the front edges of the adjacent side panels 11 and covers the front edges. A partition wall 621 with a substantially T-shaped cross section that engages with the inward dovetail grooves 11a on the front edges is provided at the center of the inside of the opening groove of the lower frame guide 62. The front edges of the adjacent side panels 11 can be joined by this lower frame guide 62. The upper frame guide 63 is also basically formed as a frame with a substantially U-shaped cross section similar to the lower frame guide 62, but is provided with a stopper 631 (see Fig. 29) at its upper end.

[0076] As shown in Figures 25 and 26, when connecting adjacent side panels 11 of each unit 10, first the lower frame guide 62 is inserted from above the front edge of each side panel 11 into the dovetail grooves 11a, 11a (see Figure 31) on both sides and then slid downward. When the lower frame guide 62 moves to the lower end side of each unit 10, it is configured so that it can be positioned and fixed at that position with respect to a detachable structure in, for example, the base member 22 described below. The lower frame guide 62 is a relatively short member and can be easily handled even from above each side panel 11.

[0077] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, after attaching the lower frame guides 62 to the front edges of the side panels 11, the connecting members 61 are attached by inserting them from above the lower frame guides 62 into the gaps between the lower frame guides 62 and each side panel 11 (see Figure 32). The connecting members 61 are then slid downward as they are. When the connecting members 61 move to the lower end side of each unit 10, they are configured so that, like the lower frame guides 62, they can be positioned and fixed at that position to a detachable structure on, for example, the base member 22 described below.

[0078] The connecting member 61 is a long member that spans the entire height of the unit 10, but when attaching it between the front edges of the side panels 11 and to the lower frame guide 62, it is sufficient to attach it from above the lower frame guide 62 without lifting it all the way up to the top of the unit 10. That is, as shown in Fig. 32, the connecting member 61 can be easily attached directly from the front of the unit 10 to the front edges of the side panels 11 that are not covered by the lower frame guide 62. This makes it possible to attach and detach the connecting member 61 to and from the front edges of the side panels 11 without any hindrance, even in an installation location with a low ceiling.

[0079] As shown in Figures 29 and 30, after the connecting member 61 is attached between the front edges of the side panels 11, the upper frame guide 63 is inserted into the dovetail grooves 11a, 11a on both sides from above the front edges of the side panels 11, similar to the lower frame guide 62, and slid downward. A stopper 631 is provided at the upper end of the upper frame guide 63, and when the stopper 631 moves to a position where it covers the upper side of the front edges of the side panels 11, the attachment of the connecting member 61 is completed. The upper frame guide 63 is also a relatively short member, so it can be easily handled from above the side panels 11. The attachment of the connecting member 61 as described above can be performed only by the engagement relationship between the members, without using any fastening means such as screws.

[0080] This allows the connecting member 61 to be detached and reused, and since it is located on the front side of the gaming machine 2, it also makes it possible to reinforce the unit 10 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, by using such an attachment structure for the connecting member 61, the horizontal strength of the unit 10 is improved, while the assembly and disassembly of the unit 10 can be performed more easily than in the case of conventional gaming machine islands.

[0081] <Island Auxiliary Equipment 9> In the game machine island 1B shown in Figures 34 to 37, two units 10 are installed side by side on both sides at the front side of the back-to-back, and three units 10 are installed side by side on both sides at the rear side of the back-to-back, similar to the game machine island 1A (see Figure 16) described above. In this way, the number of units 10 differs between the front and back of the back-to-back, but at the front side where there are fewer units 10, island accessory devices 9 are arranged between each unit 10 to create personal space for players seated in front of each game machine 2.

[0082] The island-attached device 9 is equipped with an installation section that continues to the top plate member 13 that can be used by the player personally, a shelf above it where the player can store their belongings, and a panel-shaped partition 9a that separates the front between the units 10 is also provided as an option. Specifically, for example, the island-attached device 9 may utilize the invention described in Patent Application Publication No. 2021-210798 already proposed by the applicant. Therefore, although a detailed description of the island-attached device 9 is omitted here, the island-attached device 9 can also be interpreted as the "inter-table member" of the present invention.

[0083] <Fastening member 70> As shown in Figures 63 to 67, the units 10 can be assembled back-to-back. That is, the units 10 can be assembled by butting the rear end edges of the side panels 11, 11 together, and screwing the fastening members 70 from the inner surface of the lower portions of the notches 112 of the side panels 11. The fastening members 70 are made of metal, for example, and formed in the shape of a thin rectangular plate. The fastening members 70 have a number of screw holes formed in series along the upper and lower ends thereof in parallel with the depth direction of the units 10. This allows the positions at which the fastening members 70 are screwed to the side panels 11 that are butted back-to-back to each other to be appropriately adjusted.

[0084] When the units 11 are assembled back to back, the cutouts 112 of the units 11 join together to form a single opening 112a. This opening 112a becomes a space for arranging gaming equipment (such as a carrier device) that penetrates the center of the island width of the entire gaming machine island 1. However, the units 10 do not necessarily need to be butted together back to back, and may be assembled while being spaced apart from each other, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0085] Combining units 10 back to back not only allows games to be played on both sides of the island, but also increases the installation area on the floor, improving stability and increasing the rigidity of the island as a whole. In addition, the units 10 combined back to back are not limited to one each on the front and back, but may be combined back to back in rows of two (see Figure 1) or three (see Figure 16) units, as described above.

[0086] Moreover, the units 10 placed back to back are not necessarily of the same shape, and may be combined with units 10 of different heights. In this case, the step between the units 10 due to the difference in height may be made uniform by, for example, arranging another structure or the like. Furthermore, at least one of the front and rear units 10 placed back to back may be provided with another back plate so as to cover the back opening above the normally provided back plate 19 and the movable back plate 190 above it. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the unit 10 behind.

[0087] For the same purpose, it is advisable to provide a contamination prevention material on the rear side of the unit 10 to prevent foreign matter from flying in from the back-to-back units 10 or from the adjacent units 10. Here, the contamination prevention material is, for example, a flexible, planar material that can widely cover the rear opening of the unit 10, which is excellent because it can be easily opened like a curtain during maintenance. Therefore, specifically, for example, a sheet-like net material such as a net is suitable as the contamination prevention material.

[0088] <Rail 20> 68 to 71, the unit 10 of this embodiment is fixed onto the floor of an amusement arcade or the like via a rail 20. Here, the unit 10 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the rail 20 and can be fixed to any installation position on the rail 20. The rail 20 is fixed to the floor side and includes a rail member 21 that serves as a reference for the installation position of the unit 10, and a base member 22 that is fixed to the lower end side of the unit 10 and movably engages with the rail member 21.

[0089] Such rails 20 allow the units 10 to be easily adjusted in position along the rail members 21 on the floor. This can significantly reduce the workload at the construction site of the gaming machine island 1. In addition, even after the gaming machine island 1 is assembled, it is possible to adjust the position of each unit 10 or the entire gaming machine island 1. This allows the arrangement and layout of the gaming machine island 1 to be easily changed to rearrange the interior of the gaming facility.

[0090] <<Rail member 21>> The rail members 21 are fixed as a pair aligned front to back in the depth direction of the unit 10 so as to extend linearly parallel to each other in a substantially horizontal state on the floor. The unit 10 has its lower ends on both side panels 11, 11 slidably supported on a pair of front and rear rail members 21, 21 via base members 22, respectively, and can be fixed immovably at any position on each rail member 21.

[0091] As shown in Figures 82 to 87, the rail member 21 is made of a metal material and has a groove-like cross section with an open upper surface along the longitudinal direction. Here, the upper surface of the rail member 21 is formed into a pair of flanges bent inward from the upper edges of both side walls with a narrow open groove extending along the center between them. The rail member 21 is set to a predetermined length, for example, but can be cut to any length. In addition, a short rail member 21a is prepared in advance to adjust the length of the rail member 20 as an extension.

[0092] When one rail member 21 is not long enough, multiple rail members 21 or an extension rail member 21a are joined together in a straight line as shown in Figures 88 to 90. As shown in Figure 90(b), a fixing hole 211 is provided in the bottom surface 210 of the rail members 21, 21a to pass an anchor bolt 200 through which to fix the rail members to the floor.

[0093] Fixing holes 211 located at the ends of the rail members 21, 21a are provided in two semicircular portions on bottom surfaces 210 that butt against each other. This makes it possible to fasten the end edges of the two rail members 21, 21a together with one anchor bolt 200 when the rail member 21 is fastened to the floor with the anchor bolt 200, thereby reducing the number of anchor bolts 200 required.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 71(b), a reinforcing plate 212 can be inserted inside the rail member 21 so as to overlap the bottom surface portion 210. The reinforcing plate 212 is made of, for example, a metal plate extending with a narrow width slightly smaller than the width of the bottom surface portion 210 of the rail member 21. If the reinforcing plate 212 has the same length as the rail member 21, it is preferable to provide a semicircular fixing hole on the edge thereof, similar to the fixing hole 211 of the bottom surface portion 210 described above. The number of reinforcing plates is not limited to one, and the number can be appropriately adjusted according to the required strength.

[0095] As shown in Figure 68, by screwing and tightening a fastening bolt 220 that has been inserted through an engaging portion 221 (described later) of the base member 22 into the slider 23 (see Figure 71 (b)) on the inside of the rail member 21, the upper surface side of the rail member 21 can be firmly clamped between the engaging portion 221 and the slider 23. Here, the fastening bolt 220 is fixed in advance to the upper wall 231 of the slider 23 so as to protrude upward.

[0096] <<Slider 23>> The slider 23 is inserted from the end of the rail member 21 to the inside, and is formed as a clamp-like fastening metal fitting movable in the rail longitudinal direction. As shown in Figures 91 to 96, the top wall 231 of the slider 23, which abuts against the top surface side of the rail member 21 from the back side, is rectangular with two long sides parallel to the rail longitudinal direction in a plan view. The above-mentioned fastening bolt 220 is fixed to approximately the center of the top surface part 231.

[0097] The dimension of the long side of the top surface portion 231 is set to be smaller than the distance between both side walls on the inside of the rail member 21, and larger than the width of the opening groove on the top surface side of the rail member 21. Also, the dimension of the short side of the top surface portion 231 is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the opening groove on the top surface side of the rail member 21. This allows the slider 23 to pass through the opening groove on the top surface side of the rail member 21 only when its long side is parallel to the rail longitudinal direction.

[0098] The slider 23 has leg walls 232, 232 hanging down from both long sides of an upper surface portion 231, and each leg wall portion 232 is provided with a bolt avoidance recess 233 so that its lower edge does not interfere with the anchor bolt 200. In addition, a pair of protruding pieces 234, 234 are provided on extension lines of ends diagonally positioned between both long sides of the upper surface portion 231, protruding in directions perpendicular to the two short sides and abutting against the inner walls of both side walls (both inner walls) of the rail member 21. Each protruding piece 234 is provided such that one end of the leg wall portion 232 extends from a corner of the upper surface portion 231 in the long side direction.

[0099] 97 to 99, when the slider 23 rotates in the fastening direction of the fastening bolt 220 and the long side is perpendicular to the rail longitudinal direction, each protrusion 234 abuts against the inner walls of both side walls of the rail member 21 to prevent rotation. The fastening direction here is the direction in which the fastening bolt 220 is tightened against the nut 224 disposed on the engaging portion 221 of the base member 22 described below. Therefore, the fastening direction is defined as the direction in which the nut 224 is tightened against the fastening bolt 220 in a plan view (clockwise in FIG. 97), not the direction in which the fastening bolt 220 screws into the nut 224 in a bottom view.

[0100] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 99 to 98, when the slider 23 rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in Figure 99) to the fastening direction of the fastening bolt 220 and rotates at an angle where the long side intersects with the rail longitudinal direction, each protrusion 234 separates from the inner wall of both side walls of the rail member 21. As a result, a gap is generated between the inner wall of both side walls of the rail member 21 and each protrusion 234, so that the slider 23 can be easily moved in the rail longitudinal direction within the rail member 21. Also, when the nut 224 is tightened, the slider 23 with the fastening bolt 220 is prevented from rotating, so that the fastening bolt 220 and the nut 224 can be fastened.

[0101] <<Base member 22>> 80, the base member 22 is formed as a bracket-shaped sheet metal material having an engagement portion 221 that abuts on the upper surface side of the rail member 21 while spanning the open groove, and a vertical wall portion 222 that rises approximately perpendicular to the engagement portion 221. The engagement portion 221 is a narrow plate disposed approximately horizontally, and is set to a length that spans across the upper surfaces of the pair of rail members 21, 21. The engagement portion 221 is provided with a pair of insertion holes 221a, 221a through which the fastening bolts 220 pass at positions that match the fastening bolts 220 of the slider 23 seen through the open grooves of the pair of rail members 21, 21.

[0102] The vertical wall portion 222 is a portion that is fixed along the lower end side of the side panel 11 of the unit 10, and is formed in the shape of a plate that rises approximately vertically from one edge of the engagement portion 221. Reinforcing side walls 223 are also integrally formed between both ends of the engagement portion 221 and both end edges of the vertical wall portion 222. The vertical wall portion 222 is provided with a pair of adjustment holes 222a, 222a arranged side by side at the same height. Each adjustment hole 222a is a guide groove that extends vertically so that the fastening position of a mounting bolt 240, which will be described later, can be adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0103] Furthermore, in the vertical wall portion 222, one side wall portion 223 on the front opening side of the unit 10 is provided with a bracket 225 for receiving both lower ends of the inter-base member 60. This bracket 225 is made of metal and formed in a bracket shape, and is configured to ground on the floor side in front of one rail member 21 and to abut against the lower end of the inter-base member 60 when the inter-base member 60 is positioned in the center between the recessed grooves 113a of the frame member 113. Furthermore, one side wall portion 223 is provided with another bracket 226 that is paired with the bracket 225 and grounded on the floor side behind the other rail member 21.

[0104] <<Reinforcement bracket 24>> As shown in Figures 102 and 103, the base member 22 is fixed to the side panel 11 of the unit 10 via a reinforcing bracket 24 and anchors 25. The reinforcing bracket 24 is a metal sheet for fixing the vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22 to the lower end side of the wooden side panel 11 of the unit 10. As shown in Figures 104 to 110, the reinforcing bracket 24 includes an attachment surface portion 241 that covers the opening 110 in the side panel 11, and a fitting flange 242 of a predetermined height that is provided on one side of the attachment surface portion 241 and fits into the inner peripheral edge of the opening 110.

[0105] The opening 110 cut out in the side panel 11 of the unit 10 is a horizontally long, generally rectangular shape. The mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24 is also a horizontally long, generally rectangular shape, with a vertical width almost equal to that of the opening 110 and a horizontal width greater than that of the opening 110, and extending a predetermined width from both ends of the opening 110. The fitting flange 242 is provided on one side that covers the opening 110 with the mounting surface portion 241, so as to model the inner peripheral edge of the opening 110. The fitting flange 242 in this embodiment is a generally U-shaped shape that abuts against the lower edge and both side edges of the opening 110, is slightly larger than the opening 110, and is set so as to fit tightly when fitted.

[0106] 104 to 110, a pair of mounting holes 243, 243 are provided side by side on the inside of the fitting flange 242 in the mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24. Nuts 244 for tightening the mounting bolts 240 are fixed in advance around each mounting hole 243. In addition, the outside of the fitting flange 242 on the mounting surface portion 241, i.e., the portions extending from both sides of the opening 110, are to be separately screwed to both sides of the opening 110 in the side panel 11 as mounting pieces 241a.

[0107] As shown in Figures 102 and 103, the vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22 is secured to the mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24 by tightening the mounting bolts 240 that have been inserted through the adjustment holes 222a (see Figure 80(b)) and threadedly engaging them with the mounting holes 243 and nuts 244. In addition, the fastening position of the base member 22 relative to the side panel 11 can be adjusted in the vertical direction by moving the base member 22 up and down while the mounting bolts 240 are being tightened while the mounting bolts 240 are inserted through the adjustment holes 222a. Furthermore, the mounting bolts 240 are fastened not directly to the vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22, but by engaging a plate 227 that also serves as a reinforcing member.

[0108] According to this configuration, the fitting flanges 242 of the reinforcing bracket 24 contact the opening 110 in four directions, above and below, and therefore it is possible to prevent misalignment. In addition, the mounting pieces 241a are fastened with wood screws in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing bracket 24, so there is no risk of the reinforcing bracket 24 slipping out of the opening 110. Furthermore, the fitting flanges 242 fitted into the opening 110 play a role in reinforcement, and prevent deformation of the reinforcing bracket 24. In addition, by firmly fastening the reinforcing bracket 24 to the wooden side panel 11, it is possible to structure the sheet metal members such as the base member 22 below it to be firmly fastened to the side panel 11.

[0109] A metal anchor 25 is also interposed between the vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22 and the mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24. As shown in Fig. 100(b), the anchor 25 includes a support piece 251 that is sandwiched between the vertical wall portion 222 and the mounting surface portion 241, a horizontal bar 252 connected to the lower end of the support piece 251, and a pair of adjustment bolts 253, 253 provided on both ends of the horizontal bar 252.

[0110] The anchor 25 also makes it possible to adjust the level of the four corners of the unit 10 on the floor. Furthermore, the horizontal bar 252 of the anchor 25 is provided with a stopper 254 for positioning both ends of the lower end of the inter-base member 60 described above, above one end side that is closer to the front opening of the unit 10. This stopper 254 is made of metal like the anchor 25 and is formed as a block-shaped bracket. The shape of the stopper 254 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that can position both ends of the lower end of the inter-base member 60, and for example, it may be provided on the side of the base member 22 rather than on the anchor 25.

[0111] Conventionally, when fastening metal fittings to wood, it is common to fasten them to screw holes in the metal fittings with wood screws, but this method has the following problems. Since the diameter of the screw hole is larger than the diameter of the screw, the metal fittings may become misaligned if a large force is applied. Also, if the metal fittings are simply board materials, they will also become distorted when a large force is applied and the wood is deformed. Furthermore, in some cases, there is a risk that the wood screws will come loose and the fastening force will be completely lost.

[0112] The same problem occurs when fastening metal fittings with bolts and nuts, because there is a difference between the diameter of the bolt through hole and the bolt diameter. On the other hand, as described above, the unit 10 is configured to fix the base member 22, which is a metal fitting, to the wooden side panel 11 via the reinforcing bracket 24 and anchor 25. Therefore, even if an excessive load is applied to the unit 10 when a large earthquake occurs, not only can the base member 22 not be displaced from the side panel 11, but deformation and damage to both can be reliably prevented.

[0113] 23 and 24, as in the case of one of the units 10 back to back in the gaming machine island 1A, the units 10 may be installed directly on the floor of an amusement facility or the like without the use of rails 20. When the units 10 are fixed to the floor via the rails 20, the base member 22 is set to a size that allows it to be placed on the rail member 21. On the other hand, when the base member 22 is fixed directly to the floor, it is preferable to set the dimensions such as the height of the vertical wall portion 222 above the engagement portion 221 that contacts the floor side to a large size.

[0114] <Supply device> As shown in the unit 10 on the left side in Fig. 52, when a pachinko machine 2A is installed, a supply device for circulating game balls used in the pachinko machine 2A is housed inside the unit 10 as an associated device. As shown in Figs. 111 to 118, the supply device 100 is a collective term for each device that circulates game balls. When the game machine 2 in the unit 10 is replaced from the pachinko machine 2A to a pachislot machine 2B, the lifting and polishing device 30 described below is left as it is, but the other storage tank 40 and supply gutter 50 are removed and stored in the storage section 101.

[0115] The supply device 100 has a storage tank 40 that collects and stores game balls used in the pachinko machine 2A and counted by the counter 8a (see FIG. 52), a lifting and polishing device 30 that lifts the game balls supplied from the storage tank 40 while polishing them, and a supply gutter 50 that receives the game balls lifted by the lifting and polishing device 30 and supplies them to the pachinko machine 2A. The lifting and polishing device 30 is a polishing device with a lifting function added. The lifting and polishing device 30, the supply gutter 50, and the storage tank 40 will be described in order below.

[0116] <Lift polishing device 30> As shown in Figures 119 to 155, the lifting and polishing device 30 is a device that lifts and polishes game balls used and collected in the pachinko machine 2A. The lifting and polishing device 30 includes a main body 31, a polishing gear 32, a polishing means 33, a lifting path 34, a driving means 35, and a control means 36. Game balls are supplied to the lifting and polishing device 30 from a storage tank 40, and the polished game balls are lifted through the lifting path 34 to a supply gutter 50 located above the pachinko machine 2A.

[0117] <<Main body 31>> The main body 31 of the lifting and polishing device 30 is a metal housing formed in a rectangular, flat box shape. A polishing gear 32 is disposed on a horizontal upper surface 310 of the main body 31 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The polishing means 33 is disposed adjacent to the polishing gear 32 on the upper surface 310 of the main body 31. A driving means 35 and the like are also disposed on the upper surface 310 of the main body 31. A control means 36 and the like are also housed inside the main body 31.

[0118] <<Gear for grinding 32>> As shown in Fig. 119, the grinding gear 32 is disposed on the upper surface portion 310 of the main body 31 in a state where it is rotatably supported in a resin, approximately cylindrical casing 320. Here, the axis of the grinding gear 32 extends in the up-down direction (vertical direction). The grinding gear 32 is made of resin and formed in a approximately cylindrical shape. The grinding gear 32 is formed by combining two pieces vertically.

[0119] 136 to 140, the grinding gear 32 is generally cylindrical, with the upper half being a large diameter portion 32a, and the lower half being a reduced diameter portion 32b whose outer diameter gradually tapers down. Furthermore, the lower half of the reduced diameter portion 32b is a thin diameter portion 32c which extends to the same outer diameter as the minimum outer diameter of the lower end of the reduced diameter portion 32b.

[0120] A plurality of guide teeth 321 are provided on the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 32a in the circumferential direction along the generatrix of the cylindrical surface. The tooth grooves 322 between the guide teeth 321 are formed in an arc-shaped cross section so as to embrace more than half of the game ball. The opening width of the tooth grooves 322 is set narrower than the diameter of the game ball so that the game ball cannot escape from the tooth grooves 322 to the outside. In other words, the tooth grooves 322 are capable of guiding the game ball received from its upper end side to its lower end side, and are set so that a plurality of game balls are sequentially accommodated in the tooth grooves 322 in a state where they are stacked vertically.

[0121] In addition, on the outer periphery of the reduced diameter portion 32b, a plurality of locking teeth 323 are provided in the circumferential direction, which are continuous with the guide teeth 321 and extend along the generatrix of the column surface. The pitch of each locking tooth 323 is gradually narrower than the wider pitch of each guide tooth 321, and the tooth grooves 324 between each locking tooth 323 are set so that the game balls received from the tooth grooves 322 gradually approach each other and contact each other. Furthermore, on the outer periphery of the reduced diameter portion 32b, a plurality of locking teeth 325 are provided in the circumferential direction, which are continuous with the locking teeth 323 and extend along the generatrix of the column surface. The tooth grooves 326 between each locking tooth 325 are set so that the game balls guided from the tooth grooves 324 of the locking teeth 323 are kept in contact with each other.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 125, the upper part of the casing 320 is opened as a receiving port which receives game balls from a storage tank 40 described later and guides them to the upper end opening of the tooth grooves 322 of the grinding gear 32. Also, a grinding window 320a (see FIG. 128) is opened in the peripheral wall of the casing 320 at a portion facing a curved surface portion 332 of a cassette 331 described later. The grinding window 320a is formed so that a grinding member 330 described later can be arranged along the outer periphery of the guide teeth 321 of the grinding gear 32. Furthermore, a communication passage 328 (see FIG. 131) is also provided at the bottom of the casing 320, which aligns game balls pushed out from the lower end of the tooth grooves 324 by the rotation of the grinding gear 32 in a row and guides them to the lifting path 34.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 119, an electric motor 350 is attached to the side of the polishing gear 32 in the main body 31. The drive shaft of the electric motor 350 is connected to the polishing gear 32 via a transmission mechanism consisting of gears and the like (not shown) so as to be capable of transmitting a rotational force, and the polishing gear 32 is configured to be rotationally driven by the electric motor 350. The electric motor 350 constitutes the drive means 35 which is the power system of the lifting and polishing device 30. A bearing 327 (see Fig. 137) which is connected to the power transmission system of the drive means 35 is provided at the center of the lower end of the polishing gear 32.

[0124] <<Polishing means 33>> 129, the polishing means 33 includes a polishing member 330 disposed in the polishing window 320a of the casing 320, a cassette 331 that houses the polishing member 330 and is detachable at a position facing the polishing gear 32, and a sending mechanism that draws the polishing member 330 out of the cassette 331 and moves it along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32. Here, the sending mechanism includes a driving gear 351 journaled on the main body 31 side, and a driven gear 352 journaled on the cassette 331 side.

[0125] The driving gear 351 is supported by a vertical rotating shaft at a position near one end of the grinding window 320a of the casing 320 on the upper surface portion 310 of the main body 31. Here, the driving gear 351 is configured to be linked to the rotation of the grinding gear 32, for example, via a transmission mechanism consisting of gears and the like not shown. The driving gear 351 is set to pull out the grinding member 330 from the cassette 331 described below and move it along the outer periphery of the grinding gear 32 according to the moving speed of the game ball caused by the rotation of the grinding gear 32. However, the driving gear 351 may be controlled to rotate separately from the rotation of the grinding gear 32.

[0126] 151 to 155, a cassette base 311 for detachably mounting a cassette 331 is provided on an upper surface 310 of a main body 31 of the lifting and polishing apparatus 30. The cassette 331 is rectangular in plan view as described below, and its longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 31, is the attachment / detachment direction with respect to the cassette base 311. The specific attachment / detachment structure of the cassette 331 to the cassette base 311 will be described later.

[0127] As shown in Figs. 141 to 150, cassette 331 accommodates grinding member 330. Cassette 331 is formed in the shape of a flat box-like case with a curved surface portion 332 recessed in an arc shape at the front end side of a rectangular shape in a plan view. Grinding member 330 is made of a material capable of grinding game balls, and is, for example, a nonwoven fabric processed into a long tape. Grinding member 330 is, for example, wound in a roll around a paper core tube, and is accommodated inside cassette 331 in a rotatable state as shown in Fig. 129.

[0128] 143 and 144, the cassette 331 has a guide groove 333 for drawing out an end of the polishing member 330 to the outside, formed in one side wall 331a connected to one end of the curved surface portion 332. Also, as shown in Figs. 141 and 142, a driven gear 352 opposing the drive gear 351 is journaled on the other side wall 331b connected to the other end of the curved surface portion 332. The curved surface portion 332 is formed in an arc-shaped cross section so as to fit along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32, and is fitted with a resilient cushioning material such as felt.

[0129] The grinding member 330 is pulled out to one end of the curved surface portion 332 through the guide groove 333 of the cassette 331, and moves along the outer periphery of the guide teeth 321 in a state in which it can press the game balls on the grinding gear 32 side by the elastic force of the cushioning material. Here, the grinding member 330 is arranged so as to be sent out as it is by a pair of drive gear 351 and driven gear 352 located on the other end side of the curved surface portion 332, as shown in Fig. 129. The grinding member 330 separated from the outer periphery of the grinding gear 32 is set to be sent out in a direction parallel to the attachment / detachment direction of the cassette 331.

[0130] 129(b), a line a connecting the rotation axes of the pair of drive gear 351 and driven gear 352 is perpendicular to the attachment / detachment direction b of the cassette 331. A line c passing through the contact point between the drive gear 351 and the driven gear 352 and perpendicular to the line a connecting the rotation axes of both gears 351, 352 is set to be aligned parallel to and close to the tangent line of the grinding gear 32.

[0131] According to such an arrangement of the gears 351, 352 or the feeding direction of the grinding member 330, even if there is a slight error in the mounting position of the cassette 331 in its longitudinal direction (front-rear direction), it is possible to reliably feed the grinding member 330 when the grinding member 330 is engaged between the gears 351, 352. Note that the driving gear 351 and the driven gear 352 are not necessarily limited to gear-shaped ones, and may be roller-shaped ones with anti-slip processing such as knurling on the outer circumferential surface, for example.

[0132] In addition, it is better that the width of both gears 351, 352 is as wide as possible compared to the width of polishing member 330. For example, if the width of both gears 351, 352 is narrower than the width of polishing member 330, only a part of the polishing member 330 in the width direction will be clamped between both gears 351, 352. If a part of polishing member 330 near the center in the width direction is clamped and pulled, polishing member 330 will wrinkle in the width direction and become thin, and the delivery efficiency will also decrease.

[0133] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 150, in the example of the driven gear 352, out of the structure arranged in three stages vertically, the middle stage is the actual driven gear 352, and the upper and lower stages are feed guides with gear specifications for rotating while coming into contact with the grinding member 330 over a wide area. The same is true for the driving gear 351 shown in Fig. 128. As a result, it becomes possible to stably hold the grinding member 330 between the two gears 351, 352, together with the upper and lower feed guides, and it becomes possible to reliably send out the grinding member 330.

[0134] The polishing members 330 after being sent out by the driving gear 351 and the driven gear 352 are discharged through a slit-like guide path 334 (see FIG. 129) formed along the front end (beside the driven gear 352) of the other side wall 331b of the cassette 331 from the rear end. The used polishing members 330 discharged from the cassette 331 are stored, for example, at the rear of the cassette 331 and are appropriately collected. When the polishing members 330 are used up, the cassette 331 is removed from the main body 31 and the polishing members 330 therein are replaced with new ones, and the cassette 331 is then attached to the main body 31 again.

[0135] As shown in Fig. 129(a), the polishing member 330 is wound in a roll around a core tube made of, for example, paper, and is housed in a rotatable state inside a cassette 331. The cassette 331 is configured so that, for example, the upper half side can be opened. A mounting shaft 335 for axially supporting the core tube of the roll-shaped polishing member 330 is provided on the inner bottom wall inside the cassette 331. Here, the mounting shaft 335 may be a simple structure such as a boss or a screw.

[0136] The end of the polishing member 330 is attached to the core tube with an adhesive strength that causes it to peel off when pulled strongly. Specifically, for example, it may be attached with an adhesive tape or adhesive, although not shown. Such attachment of the end of the polishing member 330 to the core tube makes the manufacture of the polishing member 330 easier, and is preferable in terms of both the manufacturing process and the quality of the finished product. Furthermore, if the polishing member 330 is attached to the core tube with an adhesive strength that causes it to peel off easily, when the polishing member 330 is used up to the end, the polishing member 330 peels off from the core tube and the polishing member 330 can be fed to the end.

[0137] This not only allows the polishing member 330 to be used effectively to the end, but also prevents problems that would occur in terms of durability, such as breakage or fuzzing of the polishing member 330, if the polishing member 330 were left on for too long. Also, by supporting the core tube of the polishing member 330 on the mounting shaft 335 as described above, the behavior of the polishing member 330 within the cassette 331 is stabilized, and the polishing member 330 can be delivered stably.

[0138] The cassette 331 is configured to be attached to and detached from the cassette base 311 on the upper surface 310 of the main body 31 in its own longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 31. As shown in FIG. 144, a total of four claw-shaped engagement parts 336, 337 for attachment are provided on the bottom outer wall of the cassette 331, two at the front and two at the back. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 151, the cassette base 311 is provided with a pair of open groove-shaped engaged parts 312, 312 into which the engaging parts 336, 337 enter when the cassette 331 is brought into contact with the cassette base 311, and into which the engaging parts 336, 337 engage when the cassette 331 is moved forward toward the grinding gear 32. A simple locking mechanism for restraining the cassette 331 in the attached state may be provided on the cassette base 311 or the casing 320.

[0139] The engagement portions 336, 337 of the cassette 331 also function as a structure for preventing distortion and deformation of the bottom surface of the cassette 331 when the cassette 331 is set on the cassette base 311. In addition, a rib 338 extending parallel to the mounting and demounting direction of the cassette 331 is provided on the outer wall of the bottom surface of the cassette 331 so as to be connected to the engagement portions 336, 337. The rib 338 not only further reinforces the bottom surface of the cassette 331, but is also set to reduce sliding resistance with the cassette base 311 when the cassette 331 is mounted and removed, and to prevent snagging or the like.

[0140] As shown in Fig. 119, the lifting passage 34 lifts upward the game balls pushed out in sequence with the rotation of the grinding gear 32. The inner diameter of the lifting passage 34 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game balls, and is configured to lift the game balls while aligning them in a row. More specifically, the lifting passage 34 includes a lower lifting passage 341 that forms the lower end side of the lifting passage 34, and a main lifting passage 342 that is connected to the lower lifting passage 341 and extends upward in a straight line. The lower lifting passage 341 is configured by pasting together a semi-tubular molded product that has been previously divided into two parts into a tubular shape.

[0141] The lower lifting passage 34 has a lower lifting passage 341 fixed to the main body 31 via a fixing bracket 340. The lower end inlet of the lower lifting passage 341 is connected to the communication passage 328 (see FIG. 131). The main lifting passage 342 is formed, for example, from a resin pipe material. The main lifting passage 342 is removable from the upper end of the lower lifting passage 341, and can be disposed in advance inside the unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 133 and 135, the lower lifting passage 341 is formed to bend, and a reinforcing wall 341a is provided on the outer periphery of the portion where it bends with a curvature of a predetermined value or more.

[0142] The specific shape of the reinforcing wall 341a is not particularly limited, but it may be formed, for example, as a rib extending at a predetermined width along the bottom of the cross section of the molded product divided into two parts, so that two pieces are stacked on top of each other. By providing the reinforcing wall 341a at the curved portion of the lower lifting passage 341 that is particularly susceptible to the load from the game balls, even if the inner wall of the lower lifting passage 341 wears, the base end side of the reinforcing wall 341a is exposed to the inside, so that the function as a path for the game balls is maintained, and the life of the lifting passage 34 can be extended.

[0143] Although omitted in some drawings, as shown in FIG. 119, a shutter 313 is provided between the grinding gear 32 and the electric motor 350 in the main body 31, which can be inserted into and removed from the inside of the main body 31 through, for example, a slit provided in the upper surface portion 310. The shutter 313 opens and closes a gap between the communication passage 328 located below and the lower lifting passage 341. The shutter 313 is usually held in a position that does not block the gap, but by inserting it downward to block the gap, it is possible to prevent game balls from flowing out from the grinding gear 32. FIG. 126 and FIG. 127 show a state in which the shutter 313 is attached to the main body 31 so as to close it.

[0144] Such a shutter 313 can prevent game balls from spilling out during maintenance and inspection of the lifting and polishing device 30. Here, the shutter 313 may be substituted, for example, with the positioning member 314 of the lifting and polishing device 30, without the need for a dedicated item. When the main body 31 of the lifting and polishing device 30 is placed on the partition member 121 (installation surface) of the unit 10, for example, a flat positioning member 314 is used to place and position one end side of the main body 31. It is also possible to use this positioning member 314 as is in place of the shutter 313.

[0145] As another configuration for stopping the flow of game balls in the lifting and polishing device 30, it is also possible to change the location where the flow of game balls is stopped by the shutter 313 or the positioning member 314. For example, it is also possible to configure the main body 31 so that the shutter 313 or the like is removable in the middle of the path of movement of the game balls from the receiving port side of the casing 320 that receives the game balls to the polishing gear 32, thereby stopping the supply of game balls to the polishing gear 32.

[0146] Also, in cassette 331, a detector for detecting the presence or absence of polishing member 330 may be provided midway along the moving path of polishing member 330 from guide groove 333 to the pair of gears 351, 352. For example, a detector may be provided beside guide groove 333 shown in FIG. 143 at a position that does not interfere with polishing member 330. The detector detects the presence or absence of polishing member 330 to determine that all of polishing member 330 in cassette 331 has been used up. Specifically, such a detector may be constituted by various sensors such as an optical sensor or a proximity sensor.

[0147] Furthermore, the main body 31 is integrally assembled with the driving means 35, which is the power system of the lifting and polishing device 30, and the control means for controlling the operation of the driving means 35. As described above, the driving means 35 is disposed on the top surface 310 of the main body 31. Although not shown, the control means is configured as a board equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and controls the electric motor 350 of the driving means 35 and the like. It is preferable that such a control means is disposed inside the main body 31. With such a configuration, it is possible to make the entire device compact and reduce the amount of wiring processing.

[0148] Incidentally, the lifting and polishing device 30 is housed in the storage section 101 in the unit 10, but can be left on the partition member 121 as is, even when replacing the pachinko machine 2A with the pachislot machine 2B. This makes it easier to rearrange the gaming machine 2. On the other hand, the lifting and polishing device 30 has the drive means 35 and control means integrated into its main body 31, making it easy to replace the unit during maintenance or when a problem occurs. The lifting and polishing device 30 is housed in a state where it can be pulled out of the storage section 101 by opening the waistboard member 17.

[0149] <Supply Tunnel 50> As shown in Figures 52 and 53, the supply gutter 50 is disposed above the gaming machine 2 inside the unit 10, and is a member that supplies the pumped gaming balls to the gaming machine 2. The supply gutter 50 is equipped with a gutter body 51 having a plurality of rail-like paths 52 arranged in parallel on both sides, along which the gaming balls flow down in a line. The gutter body 51 is formed, for example, from resin into the shape shown in the figure. Each path 52 extends linearly parallel to the longitudinal direction of the gutter body 51, and the bottom wall of each is formed into an arc-shaped cross section that is slightly wider than the diameter of the gaming balls.

[0150] In this embodiment, four paths 52 are provided as four-way gutters. The paths 52 at both ends of each path 52 form a pair of supply paths 52A, 52A that supply game balls to the game machine 2 or the inter-machine service machine 8. The paths 52 on the inside of the supply paths 52A, 52A at both ends form a pair of drop paths 52B, 52B that drop surplus game balls. The supply paths 52A, 52A at both ends are arranged at a higher position than the drop paths 52B, 52B, and surplus game balls in each supply path 52A are set so that they can move to the drop path 52B by the drop. When the supply path 52A and the drop path 52B are collectively referred to, they are simply written as paths 52, but are distinguished as 52A or 52B in the drawings.

[0151] As shown in Figures 156 and 158, a receiving section 53 for receiving game balls lifted by the lifting grinder 30 is provided at the base end of the gutter body 51, which is located at the upstream side of each path 52. The upstream side of each path 52 branches into four branches from the receiving section 53. As shown in Figure 163(b), along both side ends of the gutter body 51, each supply path 52A is arranged at the same height, and inside thereof, each drop path 52B is arranged at the same height, one step lower.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 163(b), the partition wall 521 between the supply path 52A and the adjacent drop path 52B is set to a height that allows the game ball to move from the supply path 52A to the drop path 52B. Here, the specific height of the partition wall 521 is set to, for example, about half the diameter of the game ball. In addition, a taper (inclined surface) that inclines toward the inner drop path 52B is formed at the upper end of the partition wall 521. In addition, the partition walls 522 between the respective drop paths 52B are set to a height that prevents the game ball from moving between them.

[0153] Since the drop path 52B is located below the supply path 52A, the partition wall 522 between them does not need to be tapered. However, in rare cases, when game balls are moving in a row on the supply path 52A, some game balls may ride up as shown in FIG. 177(a). If the game balls move in such a state while sliding on the upper surface of the side wall of the gutter main body 51, it is expected that the game balls will bridge near the entrances of the ball outlets 523 and 524 described later as shown in FIG. 177(b). For this reason, the partition wall 522 is tapered so that the game balls that ride up on the supply path 52A can be reliably dropped to the drop path 52B side.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 158, the receiving section 53 is formed in a stage shape that spreads in a semicircular shape from the upstream end of each path 52 that is aligned in a row on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gutter body 51 to the base end side in a plan view. A supply port 531 that communicates with the upstream end opening of the lifting path 34 of the lifting grinder 30 is provided near the top end of the semicircular shape of the receiving section 53. The receiving section 53 and the upstream sides of the supply paths 52A, 52A on both sides are surrounded by a guide wall 54 of a predetermined height from the rear side, which is the opposite side of the ball flow downward direction, to the front side, which is the ball flow downward direction. The guide wall 54 is formed, for example, from resin as a separate body from the gutter body 51, and is attached to the base end side of the gutter body 51 by screwing or the like.

[0155] The guide wall 54 surrounds the outer edge of the receiving section 53 in a semicircular shape, and then, while the width of both sides narrows, extends along the outer edges of the supply paths 52A, 52A on both sides, and the front end edges 540 on both sides open to face the inner upper side of each drop path 52B. Due to such a front opening of the guide wall 54, even if each path 52 is temporarily clogged with foreign matter or the like and game balls overflow, the flow of game balls from the front opening of the guide wall 54 to the drop path 52B is maintained, and the game balls do not get clogged up. In addition, the front end side of the guide wall 54 leading to the front end edge 540 is arranged at a height position that does not hinder the flow of game balls above the upstream side of each supply path 52A.

[0156] In addition, the portions on both sides of the guide wall 54 where the width is narrowed allow the game balls overlapping on each supply path 52A to collapse into the inner drop path 52B. Here, the portions on both sides of the guide wall 54 where the width is narrowed are provided with notches 541 that create a gap on the lower end side of the guide wall 54. Such notches 541 prevent the game balls flowing down the supply path 52A from strongly interfering with the lower end side of the guide wall 54, and can prevent the occurrence of a bridge where game balls overlap along the guide wall 54.

[0157] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 163(b), the front ends of both sides of the guide wall 54 are curved inward so as to cross above the upstream sides of both supply paths 52A, 52A, and the front edges 540 extend to the upper taper inclined toward the fall path 52B side, slightly beyond the top end of the partition wall 521. This allows the game balls that overlap in front of the opening of the guide wall 54 to be smoothly guided to the fall path 52B, preventing the game balls from clogging up.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 156 and FIG. 158, the receiving section 53 is provided with a guide section 532 for guiding the supplied game balls to the outer supply path 52A rather than the inner drop path 52B. The guide section 532 is formed in a block shape with a semicircular cross section that opens a passage through which the game balls can pass between the guide section 532 and the semicircular enclosure part of the guide wall 54, forward of the supply port 531. Here, the outlet of the passage is set to face the upstream ends of the supply paths 52A, 52A on both sides. That is, the game balls supplied to the receiving section 53 are guided to the supply path 52A rather than the drop path 52B.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 165(b), the height of the guide portion 532 is set lower than the height of the guide wall 54. As a result, when excess game balls are lifted to the receiving portion 53, the game balls are guided beyond the guide portion 532 to the fall path 52B without passing through the passage. Here, since the guide wall 54 is higher than the guide portion 532, the game balls do not go beyond the guide portion 532 and then beyond the guide wall 54 to spill out.

[0160] According to such a supply gutter 50, as shown in Fig. 175, the game balls lifted up to the receiving section 53 flow down evenly to the supply paths 52A, 52A on both sides. Then, when one of the supply paths 52A, 52A on both sides is filled with game balls, as shown in Fig. 176, the supply path 52A through which the game balls lifted up to the receiving section 53 flow down is the other supply path 52A only, so some of the game balls climb over the partition wall 521 (see Fig. 163(b)) and are guided to the inner drop path 52B.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 156, one of the supply paths 52A on both sides is for supplying game balls to the pachinko machine 2A, and its downstream end is connected to a ball outlet 523 that is bent downward toward the pachinko machine 2A located below. The ball outlet 523 is connected to the game machine 2 via a bendable pipe member (not shown) called a bellows. The other of the supply paths 52A is for supplying game balls to the inter-machine service machine 8, and its downstream end is connected to a ball outlet 524 that extends laterally toward the inter-machine service machine 8 located to the side. The ball outlet 524 is connected to the inter-machine service machine 8 via a bendable pipe member (not shown) called a bellows.

[0162] Each drop path 52B allows excess game balls that overflow to fall into the storage tank 40 described below, and the downstream end of each is connected to a ball outlet 525 that is bent downward toward the storage tank 40 located below. Each ball outlet 525 is connected to the storage tank 40 via a bendable pipe member (not shown) called a bellows. One ball outlet 525 is bent so as to move away from the other ball outlet 525 midway. This is to prevent interference by giving different directions to the pipe members connected to each ball outlet 525.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 163(b), each of the paths 52 is formed with a circular arc-shaped cross section as described above. This allows the inner circumferential surfaces of each path 52 to be smoothly connected to each other at the connection points between the path 52 and the cylindrical ball outlets 523-525. If each path 52 were a planar path with a flat bottom, a narrowed portion would be created at the connection points to the ball outlets 523-525. In such a narrowed portion, a reverse step would be created, and there is a risk that the flow of the game balls would be obstructed at that point.

[0164] In addition, if a game ball that has flown down each fall path 52B does not enter the ball outlet 525 and lands on the downstream upper half 510 described below, the game ball is set to flow down the downstream upper half 510 and fall downward. This prevents game balls that do not enter the ball outlet 525 from returning to the fall path 52B side and becoming clogged.

[0165] As shown in Figures 168 and 169, the tip side of the gutter body 51 is divided into a lower half and an upper half as a downstream upper half 510, and the downstream upper half 510 is integrally assembled with the lower half. Each of the spherical outlets 523, 524, 525 is provided at the tip side of the gutter body 51, but is formed as if the lower half at the tip side of the gutter body 51 and the downstream upper half 510 were each divided into two parts and then combined together. If a convex rib and a concave groove that fit together are provided at the joint between the two halves of each of the divided spherical outlets 523, 524, 525, it is possible to prevent the joint from shifting or coming loose due to vibration or the like.

[0166] In the downstream upper half 510, detection units 511, 512 capable of detecting game balls are provided at positions overlapping above the ball outlets 523, 524. Each detection unit 511, 512 is set to be continuously ON when game balls are stuck in the ball outlets 523, 524, respectively, and to output a signal that detects ball clogging as a supply error when the ON state continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) or more. Specifically, each detection unit 511, 512 is composed of various sensors such as a magnetic sensor and a proximity sensor.

[0167] As shown in Figures 170 to 173, the supply gutter 50 is installed at the upper part (see Figure 52) within the unit 10 via a support bracket 55. As shown in Figures 164(b) and 165(b), ribs 513, 514 are provided on the bottom side of the gutter body 51 to ensure a gradient that inclines each path 52 downward from the upstream end to the downstream end when the gutter body 51 is placed on a horizontal support bracket 55. Also, as shown in Figure 167, the downstream ends of each path 52 are open at the tip side of the gutter body 51, but reinforcing ribs 515, 516 are provided at appropriate positions to ensure the necessary strength.

[0168] 174, the support bracket 55 is formed from a rectangular sheet metal material extending in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view, and vertical flanges 552, 553 rising to a predetermined height are formed on the front and rear ends of the bottom plate 551. The front flange 552 and the bottom plate 551 beside it are provided with an opening 554 large enough to allow the supply gutter 50 removed from the support bracket 55 to be inserted downward.

[0169] The bottom plate 551 is provided with a through hole 555 for connecting the upstream end of the main lifting passage 342 through a position that matches the supply port 531 on the bottom side of the supply gutter 50 installed on top of the bottom plate 551. This through hole 555 is an elongated hole so that the installation error of the supply gutter 50 can be absorbed. The upper end side of the main lifting passage 342 is fixed by inserting it into the supply port 531 with a predetermined length of fitting margin, and this fixation makes it possible to hold it in a state hanging down from the supply gutter 50.

[0170] The supply gutter 50 can be easily attached to the bottom plate 551 of the support bracket 55 by snap-fitting the engagement claws 517, 518 on the front and rear of the bottom side of the gutter body 51 into the mounting hole 556 and mounting groove 557 in the bottom plate 551. That is, the pair of engagement claws 517, 517 on the front side of the gutter body 51 can be engaged and disengaged with the pair of mounting holes 556, 556 in front of the opening 554 of the bottom plate 551. In addition, the pair of engagement claws 518, 518 on the rear side of the gutter body 51 can be engaged and disengaged with both ends of the mounting groove 557 in the bottom plate 551.

[0171] In addition, a downwardly hanging mounting plate 558 is integrally provided at a position near the front of one long side of the bottom plate 551 of the support bracket 55. As shown in Figure 174, this mounting plate 558 is provided with a bracket-like fixture 559 capable of gripping and fixing a pipe member (not shown) that is connected to each ball outlet 525. As described above, a bendable pipe member called a bellows is used as the pipe member.

[0172] <Storage Tank 40> As shown in Fig. 111 etc., the storage tank 40 can be detachably fixed onto the main body 31 of the pumping and polishing device 30. As shown in Fig. 52, inside the unit 10, the pumping and polishing device 30 including the main body 31 is installed in the storage section 101, and the storage tank 40 is installed in the exchange arrangement section 102. A partition member 122 separating the storage section 101 and the exchange arrangement section 102 has a narrow depth width (see Fig. 53), and behind the partition member 122, the pumping and polishing device 30 and the storage tank 40 are combined integrally vertically.

[0173] As shown in Figures 178 to 184, the storage tank 40 is formed of sheet metal or the like in a generally rectangular box shape with an open top. The storage tank 40 includes a tank body 41 that forms the main part thereof, and an attached part 42 that is connected to the upstream side of the tank body 41. The attached part 42 is also formed of sheet metal or the like in a generally rectangular box shape with an open top, but is short in length and shallow in depth.

[0174] By dividing the storage tank 40 into two parts, the tank body 41 and the attached part 42, each part can be partially attached and detached, and even if there is an error in the installation dimensions due to the fitment of wiring, etc., it can be fully accommodated. In the following description, the side of the storage tank 40 farthest from the attached part 42 in the longitudinal direction is referred to as the "front side," and the side closer to the attached part 42 is referred to as the "rear side." Note that, as for the storage tank 40 as a whole, the attached part 42 is the most upstream end in the downstream direction of the game balls.

[0175] The attached part 42 is box-shaped and also opens forward, and is configured to be detachable from the step 41a provided as the upstream end of the tank body 41. When the attached part 42 is attached to the tank body 41, it forms a continuous internal space with the tank body 41, and the bottom surface of the attached part 42 is continuous with the bottom surface of the step 41a. On the other hand, even when the attached part 42 is separated, the tank body 41 can store game balls without the game balls leaking from the opening side of the step 41a.

[0176] A plurality of pipe connection members 423, 424 for receiving game balls overflowing from the supply gutter 50 are fixed to the inside of the attachment 42 via separate fixing brackets 421, 422 in a vertically overlapping state. There are two pipe connection members 423, 424 and two fixing brackets 421, 422, corresponding to the two pipe members (not shown) extending from the supply gutter 50. Each pipe connection member 423, 424 is curved to reduce the momentum of the falling game balls, and one end of the pipe connection member is connected to the lower end of the pipe member (not shown), and the other end is arranged to face the tank main body 41 side.

[0177] Each of the fixing metal fittings 421, 422 is in the form of a bracket that straddles one end and the other end of each of the curved and adjacent pipe connection members 423, 424 from above and is fixed so as to overlap each other above and below with a gap equivalent to the outer diameter of the pipe members 421, etc. In Figure 178, only the upper fixing metal fitting 421 is visible, but in reality, the lower fixing metal fitting 422 is also fixed inside this fixing metal fitting 421. In this way, by separating the upper and lower fixing metal fittings 421, 422, not only is installation easier, but it is also possible to prevent both from coming off during maintenance and inspection.

[0178] As shown in Figures 178 to 184, the tank body 41 is surrounded by a bottom plate 410, both side plates 411, 411, a front plate 412, and a rear plate 413, in addition to the step 41a at the upstream end. The bottom plate 410 is inclined downward from the front plate 412 side to the rear plate 413 side so that the game balls flow down by their own weight. Also, as shown in Figures 186 and 187, an upper gutter member 43 is disposed near the middle inside the tank body 41 so as to be inclined in the opposite direction to the inclination of the bottom plate 410.

[0179] The upper gutter member 43 is formed of resin in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and is formed of a transparent resin so that the lower part can be seen through. The upper gutter member 43 is a combination of two pieces arranged in front and behind, and the upper gutter member 43 on the front plate 412 side is arranged so that its rear end edge, which is the upstream end, is connected to the attached part 42 described later. In addition, the upper gutter member 43 on the rear plate 413 side is arranged at a position separated from the front plate 412 so that its front end edge, which is the downstream side, forms a drop port for game balls between the front plate 412 and the upper gutter member 43. Since the upper gutter member 43 is transparent and can be seen through to the lower part, it is possible to check for foreign matter clogging on the downstream side, and maintenance can be easily performed. The upper gutter member 43 is configured to be removable by fitting into the tank body 41.

[0180] As shown in Fig. 187, two lower sieve members 44 for separating foreign objects from game balls are arranged in a row on the bottom plate 410 of the tank body 41. As shown in Fig. 179, an opening 414 for dropping foreign objects downward is provided at the attachment point of each lower sieve member 44 on the bottom portion 410. As shown in Fig. 188 to Fig. 194, the lower sieve member 44 is made of resin, and includes an introduction surface portion 441 on the side facing the flow direction of the game balls, and a foreign object dropping portion 442 continuing from the introduction surface portion 441.

[0181] The introduction surface 441 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the upper surface where the game balls flow down is set to an inclination that is approximately the same as the inclination angle of the bottom plate 410 of the tank main body 41. The foreign object drop section 442 has lanes arranged side by side on the left and right, and each lane consists of a vertical plate-like protrusion 443 that forms the lane bottom surface with a narrow width corresponding to the plate thickness, and partition plates 444 that divide both sides of the lane with a gap that allows the game balls to pass through.

[0182] The protrusions 443 of the lane have a different inclination angle from the introduction surface 441. That is, in the normal installation state of the storage tank 40, the inclination angle of the introduction surface 441 on the upstream side of the lower sieve member 44 itself is set to be steeper than the inclination angle of the protrusions 443 forming the lane bottom surface in the foreign object dropping section 442. This prevents the game balls flowing down the lower sieve member 44 from overlapping (commonly known as bridging) due to a decrease in the flow speed of the game balls when they are separated into each lane in the foreign object dropping section 442.

[0183] In addition, the upper edge of each partition plate 444 is inclined from the top of the introduction surface portion 441 to the rear side in the opposite direction to the inclination of the bottom plate 410, so that the balls can be sorted and flowed down one row at a time. Furthermore, a ball breaking bar 445 is installed between the rear ends of the upper edges of each partition plate 444 to break up the overlapping of the game balls and level them out into a single row.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 187, the rear end of the foreign object dropping portion 442 of the lower sieve member 44 on the front plate 412 side and the front end of the introduction surface portion 441 of the lower sieve member 44 on the rear plate 413 side are connected to each other. A step 446 is provided at the connection between the lower sieve members 44, which is one step down on the downstream side. This step 446 adds a movement to drop the game balls, making it possible to more reliably drop the foreign objects on the game balls downward. The lower sieve member 44 can be easily attached to the bottom surface portion 410 of the tank body 41 by snap-fitting the engagement claws 447, 448 on the front and rear of the bottom surface side of the lower sieve member 44 into the attachment holes (not shown) around the opening 414 of the bottom surface portion 410.

[0185] In addition, the downstream end of the bottom surface 410 of the tank main body 41 forms a substantially horizontal surface, and said portion is provided with a ball discharge port 415. As shown in Figure 111 etc., when the storage tank 40 is assembled onto the main body 31 of the pumping and polishing device 30, the ball discharge port 415 of the tank main body 41 is set so as to communicate with the receiving port of the casing 320 on the main body 31. Next to the ball discharge port 415, an attachment portion 416 is provided into which a shutter 45 for opening and closing the ball discharge port 415 can be inserted and removed.

[0186] As shown in Fig. 185, the shutter 45 is formed from a substantially rectangular flat metal plate, and flanges guided by the mounting portion are formed to rise from one short side that is the operation side and from both long sides. As shown in Fig. 186, the shutter 45 is inserted below the ball discharge port 415 from an insertion direction a perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the tank body 41. The other short side of the shutter 45 facing the insertion direction a is not parallel to the one short side on the operation side, but is formed as an inclined edge 450 that intersects with the insertion direction a.

[0187] The inclined edge 450 of the shutter 45 is inclined toward the downstream end of the flow direction of the game balls in the tank body 41, not toward the upstream side, so as to allow the game balls to escape. With such an inclined edge 450, even when game balls are overlapping and pressed against each other below the ball discharge port 415, it is possible to insert the game balls below the ball discharge port 415 with a weak force. In other words, the game balls in contact with the inclined edge 450 escape as if being pushed toward the downstream end of the flow direction, so that they can be easily inserted below the ball discharge port 415.

[0188] <Stud member 106> As shown in Fig. 33, stud members 105 and the like are provided on both sides of the gaming machine 2 installed in the unit 10 to close the gap between the inner surfaces of both side panels 11, 11. As shown in the unit 10 on the left in Fig. 33, when a pachinko machine 2A is installed, an inter-machine service machine 8 is provided on the left side, and two stud members 106 are provided on the right side with their wide front walls 106a facing forward.

[0189] On the other hand, as shown in the unit 10 on the right side in Fig. 33, when a slot machine 2B is installed, a dedicated stud member 105 is provided on the right side, while two stud members 106 are provided on the left side, one with its wide front wall 106a facing forward and the other with its narrow side wall 106b facing forward. In this way, the stud member 105 has the wide front wall 106a and the narrow side wall 106b.

[0190] As shown in Fig. 193, by combining two stud members 106 so that their respective front walls 106a face forward, it is possible to close a wider gap between the gaming machine 2 and the side panel 11. As shown in Fig. 194, by combining two stud members 106 so that one wide front wall 106a and the other narrow side wall 106b face forward, the width will be narrower than in the case of Fig. 193.

[0191] In this way, two different widths can be selected for just one stud member 106, and it is possible to adjust it to close a variety of gaps even with a small number of parts. As shown in Figure 33, there is no increase or decrease in the number of stud members 106 when installing a pachinko machine 2A and when installing a pachislot machine 2B, and only two stud members 106 are required in both cases.

[0192] To attach the stud member 106, stud brackets 107 are used on the top and bottom, but just one of these stud brackets 107 can accommodate the two positions of the stud member 106 described above. In other words, the stud bracket 107 is equipped with a wide mounting piece 107a and a narrow mounting piece 107b that is bent at a right angle to it, and can be attached to the top and bottom ends of the stud bracket 107 in different orientations.

[0193] When the wide front wall 106a of the stud member 106 is fixed facing the front, it is attached to the upper and lower ends of the stud bracket 107 in the position shown in Figures 195(a) and (b). On the other hand, when the narrow side wall 106b of the stud member 106 is fixed facing the front, it is attached to the upper and lower ends of the stud bracket 107 in the position shown in Figures 196(a) and (b). In Figures 195 and 196, the left front side of the paper corresponds to the front.

[0194] Incidentally, the wide front wall 106a of the stud member 106 is set to the same width as the inter-machine service unit 8. Therefore, when inserting the inter-machine service unit 8, only one stud member 106 is removed. At this time, the remaining stud member 106 can be installed so as to be stored, for example, behind the stud member 106 that has already been installed.

[0195] <About the present invention> Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention derived from the above-described embodiment will be described below. [1] A supply trough 50 is disposed above the gaming machine 2 and supplies gaming balls to the gaming machine 2. A plurality of rail-like paths 52 along which the game balls flow in a line are arranged in parallel on both sides. Each of the paths 52 includes a supply path 52A for supplying game balls to the game machine 2 or the related device 8, and a drop path 52B for dropping surplus game balls is formed adjacent to the supply path 52A. The upstream side of the supply path 52A is surrounded by a guide wall 54 of a predetermined height from the rear, which is the opposite side of the downward ball flow direction, to the front, which is the downward ball flow direction, and is characterized in that a section where the width is narrowed further is formed on the side of the guide wall 54.

[0196] [2] A notch 541 is provided at the portion where the side width of the guide wall 54 narrows to create a gap on the underside of the guide wall 54.

[0197] <Regarding Another Invention 1> Moreover, the above-described embodiment leads to another invention 1 as follows. [1] In a structure (unit 10) of a gaming machine island 1 in which multiple types of gaming machines 2 can be installed one by one, The gaming machine has a lower part 15 arranged below one gaming machine 2A and an upper part 16 arranged above another gaming machine 2B, and is provided with a storage section 101 capable of storing the lower part 15 or the upper part 16; When changing from the one gaming machine 2A to the other gaming machine 2B, the upper arrangement member 16 stored in the storage section 101 is removed and placed above the other gaming machine 2B, and the lower arrangement member 15 is removed and stored in the storage section 101. When changing from the other gaming machine 2B to the one gaming machine 2A and installing it, the lower placement member 15 stored in the storage section 101 is removed and placed below the one gaming machine 2A, and the upper placement member 16 is removed and stored in the storage section 101.

[0198] [2] The lower arrangement member 15 and the upper arrangement member 16 are characterized in that they are formed in a flat plate shape.

[0199] [3] The storage section 101 is characterized in that it is disposed below the lower portion member 15.

[0200] [4] The storage section 101 is characterized in that it contains a lifting machine that lifts the game media. Here, the lifting machine may be the above-mentioned lifting and polishing machine 30 to which a polishing function for game media is added.

[0201] In a conventional gaming machine island, for example that described in JP 2001-224826 A, when a pachinko machine is to be installed, a ball box shelf is placed on the top surface of the lower frame, a tray (top plate member) is placed on top of this ball box shelf, and the pachinko machine is placed on top of that; when a pachislot machine is to be installed, a tray is placed on the top surface of the lower frame, the pachislot machine is placed on top of that, and a ball box shelf is placed on top of that.

[0202] In this case, it is assumed that the difference in height between the tray of the pachinko machine and the tray of the pachislot machine is the same as the height of the ball box shelf. Therefore, it is possible to use the ball box shelf as a shared component between the pachinko machine and the pachislot machine, but this cannot be applied when the height above the gaming machine does not match the difference in height between the tray of the pachinko machine and the tray of the pachislot machine due to the installation of a bill validator, etc.

[0203] In contrast, the structure (unit 10) of the gaming machine island 1 has an upper arrangement member 16 arranged above the pachinko machine 2B and a lower arrangement member 15 arranged below the pachinko machine 2A, and is provided with a storage section 101 capable of storing the upper arrangement member 16 or the lower arrangement member 15. As a result, it is not necessary to share the upper arrangement member 16 and the lower arrangement member 15, so it can be applied without problems even when the height above the gaming machine 2 does not match the difference in height between the top plate member 13 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2A and the top plate member 13 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2B.

[0204] <Regarding Another Invention 2> Furthermore, the above-described embodiment leads to the following Alternative Invention 2 in relation to the Alternative Invention 1. [1] The inside of the unit 10 is divided into at least a storage section 101, an exchange arrangement section 102, and a gaming machine arrangement section 103, in that order from the bottom. The exchange arrangement unit 102 can be integrated into the gaming machine arrangement unit depending on the type of gaming machine, When one gaming machine 2A is installed, the related devices of the one gaming machine 2A are accommodated in the exchange arrangement section 102, and the front side of the exchange arrangement section 102 is covered by the lower arrangement member 15. When installing another gaming machine 2B, the related equipment of the first gaming machine 2A is removed from the exchange placement section 102 and stored in the storage section 101 together with the lower placement member 15, the vacant exchange placement section 102 is integrated with the gaming machine placement section to store the other gaming machine 2B, and the upper front side of the other gaming machine 2B is covered by the upper placement member 16 that was stored in the storage section 101. Here, the related device of one gaming machine 2A accommodated in the exchange arrangement section 102 corresponds to, for example, the storage tank 40 and the like.

[0205] [2] The storage section 101 accommodates a lifting and grinding machine 30 that lifts and grinds the gaming media used in one gaming machine 2A, The lifting and polishing machine 30 is characterized in that it is left in the storage section 101 even after it is replaced with another gaming machine 2B that does not use the lifting and polishing machine 30. Here, the lifting and polishing machine 30 is configured integrally with its control means, and the lifting machine and control unit are characterized in that they can be attached and detached as a unit to the lifting machine arrangement section during maintenance and inspection (including replacement).

[0206] [3] The unit 10 is characterized by having partition members 121 and the like that divide the interior of the unit 10 into a plurality of upper and lower regions.

[0207] [4] The unit 10 is characterized in that it is provided on its inner surface with engagement portions 12a etc. on which the partition members 121 etc. can be installed. Here, it is advisable to provide a plurality of engaging portions 12a, etc., at different upper and lower positions on the inner surface of the side panel 11 of the unit 10, for example.

[0208] [5] The unused partition members 121 etc. can be stored in any area inside the unit 10. Here, the certain area is, for example, the storage section 101.

[0209] <Regarding Another Invention 3> Moreover, the above-described embodiment leads to the following another invention 3. [1] In a gaming machine island 1 consisting of a unit 10 on which a gaming machine 2 can be installed, The unit 10 is fixed on the floor via rails 20. The unit 10 is characterized in that it is movable along the longitudinal direction of the rail 20 and can be fixed to any desired installation position on the rail 20.

[0210] [2] The rail 20 is characterized in that it comprises a rail member 21 that is fixed to the floor side and serves as a reference for the installation position of the unit 10, and a base member 22 that is fixed to the lower end side of the unit 10 and movably fitted to the rail member 21.

[0211] [3] The rail member 21 is formed in a groove-like cross section with an open upper surface along the longitudinal direction, The base member 22 includes an engagement portion 221 that is in contact with the upper surface of the rail member 21 and straddles the opening of the rail member 21. A slider 23 is provided which is inserted inside the rail member 21 and is movable. The engaging portion 221 of the base member 22 is screwed to the slider 23 with the upper surface side of the rail member 21 between them, and the upper surface side of the rail member 21 is clamped and fixed between the slider 23 and the engaging portion 221 by tightening the screws. The screw here also includes a bolt.

[0212] [4] The rail members 21 are provided as a pair aligned in the front-rear direction in the depth direction of the unit 10, The base members 22 are provided on the lower end sides of both side ends of the unit 10, The engaging portion 221 of each of the base members 22 is characterized in that it is disposed across the upper surface sides of the pair of rail members 21 .

[0213] [5] The slider 23 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and a pair of protrusions 234, 234 that abut on both side inner walls of the rail member 21 are provided at the ends diagonally positioned between two long sides parallel to the rail longitudinal direction, The pair of protrusions 234, 234 abut against the inner walls on both sides of the rail member 21 to prevent rotation when the slider 23 rotates in the screw fastening direction and the two long sides become perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail, whereas they detach from the inner walls on both sides of the rail member 21 when the slider 23 rotates in the direction opposite to the screw fastening direction and the two long sides become at an angle at which they intersect with the longitudinal direction of the rail.

[0214] [6] The base member 22 is fixed to the lower end side of the side plate 11 forming both side ends of the unit 10 via a metal reinforcing bracket 24. The base member 22 includes a vertical wall portion 222 that rises substantially vertically from the engagement portion 221 and is aligned along the lower end side of the side panel 11. The reinforcing bracket 24 includes a mounting surface portion 241 that covers the opening 110 cut out in the side panel 11, and a flange 242 that is provided on the mounting surface portion 241 and fits onto the inner peripheral edge of the opening 110. The vertical wall portion 222 of the base member 22 is overlapped with the mounting surface portion 241 of the reinforcing bracket 24 and secured by screws.

[0215] <Regarding Another Invention 4> Moreover, the above-described embodiment leads to the following separate invention 4. [1] In a gaming machine island 1 having a plurality of units 10 in which gaming machines 2 can be installed one by one, The units 10 are arranged side by side on both sides, and a spacer member 60 can be detachably attached between adjacent units 10 by engaging with the structure of the units 10 themselves. Here, the inter-base member 60 includes not only the panel-shaped inter-base member 60 but also the connecting member 61 that connects the units 10 to each other.

[0216] [2] The unit 10 has frame members 113 erected on both ends thereof. The frame member 113 is provided with a recessed groove 113a that opens outward along the vertical direction. The inter-base member 60 is characterized in that both ends thereof are detachably fitted into the recessed grooves 113a of the frame members 113 facing each other between adjacent units 10.

[0217] [3] The base member 60 is formed in a panel shape, and both side edges thereof are fitted into the recessed grooves 113a.

[0218] [4] The unit 10 has side portions (side panels) 11 that are parallel to each other at both ends thereof, The frame member 113 is fixed along the front edge of the side surface portion 11, The frame member 113 is characterized in that the frame edge bordering the front opening of the unit 10 is fixed along the front edge of the side portion 11 in a state in which it protrudes inward from the inner surface of the side portion 11 into the front opening, and a clearance is formed between the frame edge and the inner surface of the side portion 11 such that other components attached to the inner surface are hidden behind the frame edge in a front view.

[0219] [5] The frame member 113 is provided with a fastening portion 114 having a substantially U-shaped cross section that engages with the dovetail groove 11a formed in the front end edge of the side surface portion 11 and covers the front end edge, and one end side of the fastening portion 114 forms the frame end edge, The fixing portion 114 is characterized in that an angle portion 115 is integrally provided along the front end thereof, which constitutes the recessed groove 113a having a substantially U-shaped cross section together with the front end.

[0220] [6] The width of the base member 60 is wider than the dimension between the frame members 113 of each unit 10, and is set so that the base member 60 can be inserted between the grooves 113a on both sides while being inclined obliquely around the vertical panel center line from the front side of the frame members 113, When the inter-base member 60 inserted between the grooves 113a on both sides is arranged parallel to the front between each frame member 113 and in a left-right position where both side edges are hidden within the grooves 113a on both sides, the inter-base member 60 is provided with stoppers 254 into which both lower ends fit and are positioned in this arrangement.

[0221] [7] The unit 10 includes a rear portion (movable rear panel) 190 that covers at least a part of the rear side of the unit 10, The rear portion (movable rear panel) 190 is detachable, and when detached, can be placed between the side portions 11 and used as a part of the placement surface of the gaming machine 2.

[0222] <Regarding Another Invention 5> Furthermore, the above-described embodiment leads to the following Alternative Invention 5 in relation to Alternative Invention 4. [1] In a unit 10 in which a gaming machine 2 can be installed one by one, A frame member 113 is erected at a corner of the unit 10, a groove portion 113a is formed in the frame member 113, and a fitting member is provided on the front or rear side of the gaming machine 2 and around the gaming machine 2, and the fitting member is attached by fitting both opposing edges of the fitting member into the groove portion 113a.

[0223] [2] The fitting member is characterized in that it is an inter-base member 60 attached between the units 10 arranged at a distance from each other.

[0224] [3] The fitting member is a panel member 18 attached to the upper part of the gaming machine 2. With regard to the above-mentioned skirting board member 18, for example, if a pair of rotating shafts protruding laterally are provided on both ends of the upper edge, and the skirting board member 18 is attached to the inside of the front ends of both side panels 11, 11 or to the frame member 113 via these rotating shafts in an openable and closable manner, it can also be interpreted as a type of fitting member.

[0225] Furthermore, with regard to the connecting member 61, if the lower frame guide 62 and the upper frame guide 63 are considered to be equivalent to the "frame members" and parts of these are considered to be equivalent to the "groove portion," it is also possible to interpret it as a type of fitting member.

[0226] Furthermore, with regard to the attachment of the rear plate 19, the movable rear plate 190, the lower arrangement member 15, and the upper arrangement member 16, it is possible to configure them so that they can be attached by utilizing the groove portion 113 of the frame member 113, or to provide the frame member 113 with a groove portion into which the lower arrangement member 15, etc., can be fitted and attached, separate from the groove portion 113. With such a configuration, the rear plate 19, the movable rear plate 190, the lower arrangement member 15, and the upper arrangement member 16 can also be interpreted as a type of the fitting member.

[0227] In the conventional gaming machine island described in JP 2017-144343 A, for example, when attaching a side decorative panel to a side plate, it was necessary to add special fastening means such as a receiving part and an inserting part, and the side decorative panel could be attached to the side plate by inserting the receiving part into the inserting part from above. Also, the rear decorative panel was attached to the case frame by inserting the receiving parts at the top and bottom of the inner wall of the rear decorative panel from above into the inserting parts on the lower reinforcing plate and the upper reinforcing plate on the rear side of the case frame.

[0228] In contrast, in the unit 10 of this embodiment, a fitting member is provided on the front or back side of the gaming machine 2 and around the gaming machine 2, and both opposing edges of the fitting member are fitted into the groove 113a of the frame member 113 for attachment, thereby making it possible to reuse the fitting member that can be used for reinforcement. Also, while improving the strength of the gaming machine island 1 in the horizontal direction, the assembly and disassembly of the gaming machine island 1 can be performed more easily than in conventional gaming machine islands.

[0229] <Regarding Another Invention 6> Moreover, the above-described embodiment leads to another invention 6 as follows. [1] In the storage tank 40 for storing game balls to be used in the gaming machine 2, The tank has a tank body 41 and an attachment part 42 that is detachable from the tank body 41. When the auxiliary part 42 is attached to the tank body 41, the auxiliary part 42 and the tank body 41 form a continuous internal space. The tank body 41 is characterized in that it is capable of storing game balls even when the attached portion 42 is separated.

[0230] [2] The attachment 42 is detachable from the upstream end of the tank body 41; A plurality of pipe members 423, 424 for receiving game balls from the outside are fixed to the inside of the attached portion 42 in a vertically overlapping state via separate fixing brackets 421, 422 in a removable manner in sequence.

[0231] [3] An upper gutter member 43 is disposed near the middle of the tank body 41 and inclined in the opposite direction to the inclination of the bottom plate 410 of the tank body 41. The upper gutter member 43 is characterized in that it is made of a transparent resin so that the lower part can be seen through.

[0232] [4] Lower sieve members 44 for separating foreign matter from game balls are arranged in a front-to-back arrangement on the bottom plate 410 of the tank body 41, and a step 446 that is one step lower from the upstream side to the downstream side is provided between each pair of adjacent lower sieve members 44 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0233] <Regarding Another Invention 7> Moreover, the above-described embodiment leads to another invention 7 as follows. [1] In a grinding device 30 that grinds and lifts gaming media collected from a gaming machine 2, The grinding gear 32 holds game media in tooth grooves 322 arranged in a circumferential direction and is rotatable around an axis, and a grinding member 330 is arranged along the outer periphery of the grinding gear 32 and is capable of grinding the game media by contacting the game media. The polishing member 330 is a long tape wound in a roll and stored in a cassette 331, and the cassette 331 is detachable from the main body 31 in which the polishing gear 32 is provided. The cassette 331 is characterized in that, when it is attached to the main body 31, the polishing member 330 pulled out of the cassette 331 can be aligned along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32 and then sent out in a direction parallel to the attachment / detachment direction of the cassette 331.

[0234] [2] A pair of rotors 351, 352 are provided to rotate while clamping the polishing member 330 in order to deliver the polishing member 330; The pair of rotors 351, 352 are characterized in that a line connecting the respective rotation axes is perpendicular to the direction in which the cassette 331 is attached and detached. Here, the rotating bodies 351 and 352 are not limited to gears, but may be rollers with anti-slip treatment applied to the outer periphery.

[0235] [3] Of the pair of rotors 351, 352, one is supported by the cassette 331 as a driven rotor 352, and the other is supported by the main body 31 as a driving rotor 351 and is driven to rotate by power.

[0236] [4] The cassette 331 includes a curved surface portion 332 that is concave in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the grinding gear 32 at its front end side, and a guide groove 333 that is opened in one side wall 331a connected to one end of the curved surface portion 332 and that draws out the grinding member 330 to the outside. The driven rotor 352 is disposed on the other side wall 331b connected to the other end of the curved surface portion 332. The polishing member 330 is pulled out from the guide groove 333 to one end side of the curved surface portion 332 and is sent out by the driving rotor 351 and the driven rotor 352 while moving along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 32.

[0237] [5] A detector for detecting the presence or absence of the polishing member 330 is provided in the moving path of the polishing member 330 from the guide groove 333 to the pair of rotating bodies 351, 352 in the cassette 331.

[0238] [6] The main body 31 is characterized in that a driving means 35, which is a power system of the polishing device 30, and a control means for controlling the operation of the driving means 35 are integrally assembled thereto.

[0239] [7] A flat positioning member 314 is provided for placing one end of the main body 31 on an installation surface to position the main body 31, The positioning member is capable of being inserted and removed in the middle of the path of movement of the game ball from the grinding gear 32 in the main body 31 to the discharge side of the game ball, and when inserted in the middle, it also serves as a shutter that stops the outflow of the game ball from the grinding gear 32.

[0240] [8] A lifting passage 34 is provided for lifting the game balls pushed out successively with the rotation of the grinding gear 32 upward, A reinforcing wall 341a is provided on the outer periphery of the portion of the lifting passage 34 that bends at a curvature of a predetermined value or more.

[0241] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention includes any changes or additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, the arrangement and number of units 10 in the gaming machine island 1 are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and when the units are installed against a wall inside a gaming facility, the units 10 are not arranged back-to-back but only on both sides.

[0242] Moreover, not only the frame member 113, top plate member 13, lower arrangement member 15, upper arrangement member 16, waist plate member 17, and front panel member 18 constituting the unit 10 itself, but also the rails 20 and the like can be repeatedly reused. In addition, all of the members and devices related to the unit 10 or the game machine island 1 of this embodiment, including the inter-unit members 60, connecting members 61, and fastening members 70 related to the structure of the game machine island 1, and further the related devices such as the storage tank 40, the lifting and polishing device 30, and the supply gutter 50, can be repeatedly reused. [Industrial Applicability]

[0243] The supply gutter according to the present invention can be widely applied as an equipment for installation in an amusement machine island having pachinko machines and pachislot machines as gaming machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0244] 1. Game Machine Island 1A…Amusement machine island 1B…Amusement machine island 2. Gaming machines 2A…Pachinko machine 2B…Slot machine 3…Game board 4…Handle 5…Tray 6…Ceiling decorative panel 7…Side wall decorative panel 8. Machine-to-machine service machine 8a…Ball counter 9. Island accessory equipment 10…Unit 100…Supply device 101…Storage section 102...Replacement arrangement part 103...Amusement machine arrangement section 105…Stud member 106…Stud member 107…Stud bracket 11…Side plate 11a…Dovetail groove 110…Opening 111…Handle hole 112…Notch 113...Frame member 113a…concave groove 114…Fixed part 115…Angle section 12a...Engagement part 12b...Engagement part 121...Partition member (fixed) 122...Partition member (fixed) 125…Top end front member 126…Top end rear member 127...upper placement member 128...Upper partition member 128a...Groove 13…Tabletop material 130...Metal plate 131…Mounting bracket 132…Pressing bracket 133…Presser bar 15...Lower placement member 16...Upper arrangement member 17...Waist board member 170…Rotation axis 171...Lowest arranged member 172...Lowest arranged member 18...Faceboard material 181...Mounting piece 182…Lower end piece 183a...Groove 19...Back plate 190…Movable back plate 20…Rail 200…Anchor bolt 21...Rail member 21a...Rail member 210…Bottom part 211…Fixing hole 212…Reinforcement plate 22...Base member 220…Fastening bolt 221...Engagement portion 221a...Through hole 222…Vertical wall part 222a…adjustment hole 223…Side wall 224...Nut 225…Bracket 226…Bracket 227…Plate 23...Slider 231...Top part 232…Leg wall part 233…Recess 234...projection piece 24…Reinforcement bracket 240…Mounting bolt 241...Mounting surface 241a…Mounting piece 242…Mating flange 243…Mounting hole 244...Nut 25…Anchor 251...Support piece 252…Horizontal bar 253…Adjuster bolt 254…Stopper 30…Lift polishing device 31...Main body 310…Top part 311...Cassette stand 312...engaged portion 313...Shutter 314... Positioning member 32...Gear for grinding 32a...Large diameter part 32b...Reduced diameter part 32c…Thin diameter part 320…Casing 320a…Polishing window 321…Guide tooth 322…Tooth gap 328…Connecting passage 33...polishing means 330...Abrasive material 331...Cassette 331a…One side wall 331b…Other side wall 332...Curved surface part 333...Guide groove 334…Guideway 335…Mounting shaft 336, 337 ... Engagement portion 338...Rib 34…Unloading route 340…Fixed bracket 341…Lower liftway 341a…Reinforced wall 342…Main unloading route 35...Drive means 350…Electric motor 351...Drive gear 352…Driven gear 36...Control means 40…Storage tank 41…Tank body 41a...Stepped section 410…Bottom plate 411…Side plate 412...Front plate 413...Rear plate 414…Opening 415...Ball outlet 416…Mounting part 42…Attachment 421, 422…Fixing bracket 423,424...Pipe members 43...Upper gutter member 44...Lower sieve member 441...Introduction surface part 442…Foreign object drop section 443...projection 444…Partition 445...Ball breaking bar 446…Step 447, 448...Engagement piece 45…Shutter 450…Slope edge 50…Supply trough 51…Gutter body 510…Upstream upper half 511…Detection unit 512…Detection unit 513,514,515,516…Ribs 517…Engagement claw 52...Route 52A…Supply route 52B…Fall path 521…Partition wall 522…Partition wall 523…Ball exit 524…Ball exit 525…Ball exit 53…Acceptance Department 531…Supply port 532…Guide section 54…Guide wall 540…Front edge 541…Notch 55…Support bracket 551...Bottom plate 552,553...Flange 554…Opening 555...Through hole 556...Mounting hole 557…Mounting groove 558…Mounting plate 559…Fixing tool 60…Intermediate member 601...Cover member 602...Cap member 61...Connecting member 62…Lower frame guide 63…Upper frame guide 70...Fastening member

Claims

[Claim 1] A supply trough is disposed above the gaming machine and supplies gaming balls to the gaming machine, A number of rail-like paths along which the game balls flow in a line are provided in parallel on both sides. Among the above-mentioned paths, the paths at both ends form supply paths for supplying game balls to the gaming machine or related equipment, and the inner paths of the two supply paths form a plurality of drop paths for dropping surplus game balls; A supply gutter characterized in that adjacent discharge outlets are provided at the downstream ends of each of the multiple drop paths, and one discharge outlet is bent midway so as to move away from the other discharge outlets.

Images