Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine which allows an operator to grasp easily, detachment work of a design member from a design unit.SOLUTION: There is provided a Pachinko machine (game machine) P which has: an outer frame 1; an inner frame 2 which can be opened and closed to the outer frame 1; and a front frame 3 which can be opened and closed to the inner frame 2. On the outer frame 1 or the front frame 3, a design unit 12 is provided which can be deformed into a first or a second format. The design unit 120 comprises a front logo member (design member) 93 which is detachably provided, the front logo member 93 is detached from the design unit 12 by execution of a release operation, and the release operation can be executed or facilitated, when the design unit 12 is deformed from the first format to the second format.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 32

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine including an outer frame, an inner frame provided to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, and a front frame provided to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame. A design unit is attached to the front frame, and a design member is detachably attached to the design unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in making the operation of removing the design member from the design unit easier for the operator.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of making the operation of removing the design member from the design unit easier for the operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a game board (for example, game board 5), a transparent plate (for example, transparent plate 11) that can face the game board, and is provided (for example, "0014"). The game board has a board surface plate (for example, acrylic plate 5a), a winning port forming portion (for example, start port unit 60), and a screw (for example, screw 71) for fixing the winning port forming portion to the board surface plate, and has (for example, "0025", "0027", "0033", "0037"). The winning port forming portion has a first surface in contact with the board surface plate, a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface and in contact with the game ball, and a third surface located closer to the transparent plate side than the second surface and facing the transparent plate (for example, the front surfaces of the first front wall 66a and the second front wall 66b), and has (for example, "0034", "0058"). The winning port forming portion has a positioning protrusion (for example, pin 68) formed on the first surface side and a first screw hole (for example, screw hole 67) into which the screw is inserted, and has (for example, "0037"). The board surface plate has a positioning hole portion (for example, through hole 73 for the pin) into which the positioning protrusion is inserted and a second screw hole (for example, through hole 72 for the screw) into which the screw inserted into the first screw hole is inserted, and has (for example, "0043"). The length (for example, D1) of the portion where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning hole portion is shorter than the length (for example, D2) of the portion where the screw is inserted into the second screw hole (for example, "0048"). The Exceeding 0 mm shortest length (for example, D3) formed between the third surface of the winning port forming portion and the transparent plate is shorter than the length (for example, D1) of the portion where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning hole portion (for example, "0058", "0066").

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the removal work of the design member from the design unit can be made easy for the operator to understand.

Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine (gaming machine) according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine with the front frame in an open state.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine P includes a vertically rectangular outer frame 1 installed in the island facility of the game parlor, an inner frame 2 attached to the front surface of the outer frame 1 so as to be openable and closable like a door, and a front frame 3 attached to the front surface of the inner frame 2 so as to be openable and closable like a door. The outer frame 1 and the inner frame 2 constitute a main body 4. The main body 4 holds a game board 5.

[0012] An upper bearing body 6 and a lower bearing body 7 are fixed to the left side frame portion of the outer frame 1. First pins (not shown) are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the left side frame portion of the inner frame 2. By pivotally supporting these two first pins on the upper bearing body 6 and the lower bearing body 7, a first hinge mechanism is configured to support the inner frame 2 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 1. Also, second pins (not shown) are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the left side frame portion of the front frame 3. By pivotally supporting these two second pins on the upper and lower support plates 8 and 9 protruding from the left side frame portion of the inner frame 2, a second hinge mechanism is configured to support the front frame 3 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the left side frame portion of the inner frame 2.

[0013] The right side frame portion of the inner frame 2 is a free end side opposite to the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism. A cylinder lock 10 is provided on this right side frame portion. The inner frame 2 or the front frame 3 is unlocked by rotating the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 10 according to the rotation direction.

[0014] The front frame 3 holds a transparent plate 11 made of glass, plastic, or the like. The transparent plate 11 faces the game board 5 when the front frame 3 is closed with respect to the inner frame 2. Various devices are provided around the transparent plate 11 of the front frame 3. For example, a design unit 12 is provided above the transparent plate 11, a tray 13 is provided below the transparent plate 11, an effect operation unit 14 is provided at the center in front of the tray 13, and an operation handle 15 is provided at the lower right of the effect operation unit 14.

[0015] The design unit 12 includes a left speaker unit 12a, a right speaker unit 12b, a logo unit 12c disposed between them, and a base unit 12d that supports the logo unit 12c. The left speaker unit 12a is disposed in the upper left of the transparent plate 11. The right speaker unit 12b is disposed in the upper right of the transparent plate 11. The logo unit 12c is disposed above the transparent plate 11. The base unit 12d is disposed above the transparent plate 11 and on the back side of the logo unit 12c. Although details will be described later, the design unit 12 is configured to be deformable in conjunction with the unlocking of the front frame 3.

[0016] The tray 13 is capable of accommodating game balls. Game balls lent out by a game ball lending device (not shown) installed on the side of the pachinko machine P and prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout device (reference numeral 20 in FIG. 3) of the pachinko machine P are guided to the tray 13. When the tray 13 is full of game balls, its state is detected by a full detection unit (reference numeral 23 in FIG. 3).

[0017] The effect operation unit 14 enables switching of effects and the like that are executed as the game progresses.

[0018] The operation handle 15 is configured such that a player can rotate it in a predetermined direction. When the operation handle 15 is rotated, the game balls accommodated in the tray 13 are sent to a firing device 16 disposed below the game board 5 and fired with an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 15. A rectifier unit 17 is disposed below the transparent plate 11 on the back surface of the front frame 3. The rectifier unit 17 supplies the game balls stored in the tray 13 to the firing device 16.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine P. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine P includes, on its back side, a main control board 18, a sub-control board 19, a prize ball payout device 20, a payout control board 21, a firing control board (not shown), an external terminal board 22, and a full detection unit 23.

[0020] The main control board 18 performs main processing related to the game. The sub-control board 19 controls various effect units in response to commands from the main control board 18. Note that the main control board 18 and the sub-control board 19 are covered by the back cover member 24.

[0021] The prize ball payout device 20 pays out prize balls based on the game balls entering a predetermined winning hole provided in the game area of the game board 5. The payout control board 21 controls the prize ball payout device 20 in response to commands from the main control board 18.

[0022] The launch control board controls the operation of the launch device 16 according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 15. The external terminal board 22 outputs various information such as the number of jackpot times to the hall computer in the game parlor. The full detection unit 23 detects that the tray 13 is full of game balls.

[0023] In this way, the pachinko machine P is equipped with various boards and the like on its back side that perform control during the progress of the game, and the game can proceed smoothly through these controls and the like.

[0024] Next, the game board 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the game board 5.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the game board 5 has a substantially rectangular acrylic plate (board surface plate) 25, a rail base 26, an outer guide rail 27, and an inner guide rail 28. The rail base 26 has a curved shape and is fixed to the front surface of the acrylic plate 25. The outer guide rail 27 also has a curved shape and is attached along the inner peripheral surface of the rail base 26. The inner guide rail 28 is attached inside the outer guide rail 27 on the acrylic plate 5a. The outer guide rail 27 and the inner guide rail 28 form a curved guide passage 29. The guide passage 29 guides the game balls launched by the launch device 16 (see FIG. 2) to the game area 30.

[0026] The gaming area 30 is an area inside the outer guide rail 27 and the inner guide rail 28, and includes a left hitting area 30a and a right hitting area 30b where the degree of entry of the game balls varies from each other according to the firing intensity of the firing device 16. The left hitting area 30a is located on the left side of the game board 5 as viewed from the player facing the pachinko machine P. On the other hand, the right hitting area 30b is located on the right side of the game board 5 as viewed from the same player.

[0027] Various winning openings and the like are provided in the gaming area 30. For example, a first start winning opening 31 and an out opening 32 are provided below the center of the gaming area 30. In addition, a general winning opening 33, a warp passage 34, a windmill 35, a plurality of game pins 36, etc. are provided in the left hitting area 30a of the gaming area 30. Furthermore, a gate 37, a second start winning opening 38, a big winning opening 39, etc. are provided in the right hitting area 30b of the gaming area 30. Incidentally, although details will be described later, the first start winning opening 31 is formed by attaching a start opening unit 60 to the acrylic plate 5a.

[0028] An opening 40 cut out in a predetermined shape is formed in the approximate center of the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5. On the back side of the acrylic plate 5a, at a position where the player can face through the opening 40, an effect display device 41 for displaying various effects related to the game, a movable accessory 42 that moves up and down according to the progress of the game, etc. are provided. Also, although not shown in the figure, the game board 5 has a first special symbol display, a second special symbol display, a first special symbol hold display, a second special symbol hold display, a normal symbol display, a normal symbol hold display, and a right hitting notification display outside the gaming area 30 and at a position visible to the player. These displays are devices for displaying various situations related to the game.

[0029] When the player rotates the operation handle 15 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) at an arbitrary angle, the game balls are continuously launched by the launching device 16 toward the game area 30. Usually, at the start of the game, the player launches the game balls toward the left hitting area 30a. Then, the launched game balls collide with the windmill 35 and a plurality of game pins 36 and flow down through the left hitting area 30a while irregularly changing the flowing direction. As a result, when the flowing game balls enter the first start winning opening 31, a jackpot electronic lottery is conducted to determine whether to execute a special game or not, and a predetermined number (for example, 3) of prize balls are awarded. When the flowing game balls enter the general winning opening 33, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of prize balls are awarded. When the game balls do not enter either the first start winning opening 31 or the general winning opening 33, they are discharged to the back side of the game board 5 through the out opening 32.

[0030] On the other hand, when winning the above-mentioned jackpot electronic lottery, the game shifts to a special game. In the special game, the player launches the game balls toward the right hitting area 30b. Then, the launched game balls flow down through the right hitting area 30b and can enter the big winning opening 39. The big winning opening 39 is provided with a slide plate 39a for the big winning opening that can slide in the front-rear direction. When the slide plate 39a for the big winning opening slides forward, it closes the big winning opening 39, while when it slides backward, it opens the big winning opening 39. In the special game, the slide plate 39a for the big winning opening opens the big winning opening 39 a plurality of times at a predetermined timing. By making the game balls enter the big winning opening 39 opened from the start to the end of the special game, a large number (for example, 2000) of prize balls are awarded to the player.

[0031] When the above-mentioned special game ends, the game shifts to a time-saving game. In the time-saving game, the player launches a game ball toward the right hitting area 30b. Then, when the launched game ball passes through the gate 37, an electronic lottery for the normal symbol is executed. When winning the electronic lottery for the normal symbol, the game ball can enter the second start winning opening 38. The second start winning opening 38 is provided with a slide plate 38a for the second start winning opening that can slide in the front-rear direction. When the slide plate 38a for the second start winning opening slides forward, it closes the second start winning opening 38, while when it slides backward, it opens the second start winning opening 38. When winning the electronic lottery for the normal symbol, the slide plate 38a for the second start winning opening opens the second start winning opening a plurality of times at a predetermined timing. When the game ball enters the second start winning opening 38, an electronic lottery for a big win is performed again, and a predetermined number (for example, 1) of prize balls are awarded. Note that the number of times the electronic lottery for a big win is performed triggered by the entry of the game ball into the second start winning opening 38 is set to a predetermined specified number (for example, 100 times). If the player does not win the electronic lottery for a big win within the specified number of times, the time-saving game ends and the player will launch the game ball toward the left hitting area 30a again.

[0032] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the configuration of the above-mentioned start opening unit (resin member) 60 will be described. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view showing the start opening unit 60, and FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing the start opening unit 60.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the start opening unit 60 is a resin member having an overall curved and elongated shape in accordance with the shape of the lower edge portion of the game board 5 (acrylic plate 5a). The start opening unit 60 includes a start opening base 61, and a first front decorative portion 62 and a second front decorative portion 63 fixed to the entire surface of the start opening base 61.

[0034] The start port base 61 has a substantially trapezoidal first plate-like portion 64, a substantially triangular second plate-like portion 65, and a connecting portion 66 that connects the first plate-like portion 64 and the second plate-like portion 65. The front surface (second surface) of the first plate-like portion 64 contacts the game balls flowing down in the game area 30. The back surface (first surface) of the first plate-like portion 64 contacts the acrylic plate 5a via a mounting base portion described later.

[0035] A first front decorative portion 62 is fixed to the front surface of the first plate-like portion 64. Although not shown, fixing pins are formed to protrude from the back surface of the first front decorative portion 62, and by inserting these fixing pins into through holes for fixing pins formed in the first plate-like portion 64, the first front decorative portion 62 is attached to the first plate-like portion 64.

[0036] The first front decorative portion 62 has a substantially U-shaped start port forming portion 62a that cooperates with the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5 to form the first start winning port 31, and a first out port forming portion 62b and a second out port forming portion 62c that cooperate with the start port base 61 to form the out port 32. The first out port forming portion 62b is provided on the left side of the start port forming portion 62, and the second out port forming portion 62c is provided on the right side of the start port forming portion 62.

[0037] At the four corners of the back surface of the first plate-like portion 64, mounting base portions (first resin portions) 69 having a predetermined thickness are respectively formed. Each mounting base portion 69 is a flat portion that contacts the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a when the first plate-like portion 64 is attached to the acrylic plate 5a. Among these mounting base portions 69, in the three mounting base portions 69 formed at the upper right corner portion, the lower right corner portion, and the lower left corner portion on the back surface of the first plate-like portion 64, a screw hole (first hole portion) 67 into which a screw (fixing member) (reference numeral 71 in FIG. 7) is inserted and a pin (positioning protrusion) 68 that determines the attachment position of the starting port base 61 to the acrylic plate 5a are paired and are formed adjacent to each other with a predetermined interval. The screw hole 67 is recessed from the front surface of the first plate-like portion 64 toward the back surface of the mounting base portion 69 and further penetrates from the front surface of the first plate-like portion 64 to the back surface of the mounting base portion 69. The pin 68 is formed so as to protrude rearward from the back surface of the mounting base portion 69. On the other hand, in the mounting base portion (fourth resin portion) 69 formed at the upper left corner portion on the back surface of the first plate-like portion 64, only the screw hole 67 is formed and the pin 68 is not formed.

[0038] Further, the first plate-like portion 64 has a thin portion (second resin portion) 70 and a thick portion (third resin portion) 75. The thin portion 70 is a portion formed at the peripheral end portion (in this example, the upper end portion) of the first plate-like portion 64. In this thin portion 70, the length (dimension) (that is, the thickness) from the front surface to the back surface of the first plate-like portion 64 is smaller than that of the thick portion 75 and becomes smaller toward the peripheral end of the first plate-like portion 64. On the other hand, the thick portion 75 is a portion formed other than the peripheral end portion of the first plate-like portion 64. In this thick portion 75, the length from the front surface to the back surface of the first plate-like portion 64 is larger than that of the thin portion 70 and is substantially constant.

[0039] A second front decorative portion 63 is fixed to the front surface of the second plate-shaped portion 65. The second front decorative portion 63 has a passage 63a that cooperates with the second plate-shaped portion 65 to guide the game balls to the general winning opening 33. An attachment base portion 69 as described above is formed at the right end portion on the back surface of the second plate-shaped portion 65. Both a screw hole 67 and a pin 68 are formed in this attachment base portion 69. Further, similar to the first plate-shaped portion 64, the second plate-shaped portion 65 has a thin-walled portion 70 that is a portion formed at the peripheral end portion (the upper end portion in this example) of the second plate-shaped portion 65, and a thick-walled portion 75 that is a portion formed other than the peripheral end portion of the second plate-shaped portion 65.

[0040] The connecting portion 66 has a first front wall 66a and a second front wall 66b, and a plurality of curved pieces 66c that project from the back surfaces of these front walls 66a, 66b. The first front wall 66a, the second front wall 66b, and the plurality of curved pieces 66c cooperate with the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5 to form a plurality of general winning openings 33. Further, a screw hole 67 is formed in a connecting piece 66d that connects the curved piece 66c projecting from the back surface of the first front wall 66a and the curved piece projecting from the back surface of the second front wall 66b.

[0041] In this way, in the start opening base 61, a set of screw holes 67 and pins 68 are formed in each of the three attachment base portions 69 provided on the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64, and a set of screw holes 67 and pins 68 are formed in one attachment base portion 69 provided on the back surface of the second plate-shaped portion 65. Further, only a screw hole 67 is formed in one attachment base portion 69 provided on the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion, and one screw hole 67 is formed in the connecting piece 66d of the connecting portion 66.

[0042] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the attachment of the start opening unit 60 to the game board 5 (acrylic plate 5a) will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the attachment of the start opening unit 60 to the acrylic plate 5a. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, the first front decorative portion 64 and the second front decorative portion 65 in the start opening unit 60 are not shown.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 7, on the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a, there are formed a plurality (six in this example) of screw through-holes (second hole portions) 72 for inserting screws 71 inserted into the screw holes 67 of the start port base 61, and a plurality (four in this example) of pin through-holes (positioning hole portions) 73 into which pins 68 (see Figs. 5 and 6) of the start port base 61 are inserted. When attaching the start port unit 60 (start port base 61) to the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a, first, the pins 68 of the start port base 61 are inserted into the pin through-holes 73 of the acrylic plate 5a. At this time, by inserting the three pins 68 formed on the first plate-like portion 64 of the start port base 61 and the one pin formed on the second plate-like portion 65 into the pin through-holes 73 of the acrylic plate 5a respectively, the start port unit 60 is positioned with respect to the acrylic plate 5a. Next, the screw 71 is screwed into the screw through-hole 72 of the acrylic plate 5a through the screw hole 67 of the start port base 61. At this time, the screw 71 is screwed into the screw through-hole 72 of the acrylic plate 5a through the four screw holes 67 formed on the first plate-like portion 64, the one screw hole 67 formed on the second plate-like portion 65, and the one screw hole 67 formed on the connection piece 66d of the connecting portion 66. Thereby, the start port unit 60 can be fixed to the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figs. 8 and 9, the arrangement of the screw holes 67 and pins 68 of the start port base 61 will be described. Fig. 8 is an enlarged front view of the periphery of the start port unit 60 in the game area 30 of the game board 5, and Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the dotted-line frame portion shown in Fig. 8.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, in the second plate-shaped portion 65, the pin 68 of the mounting base portion 69 is formed in the thick portion 75 and not in the thin portion 70. Specifically, the mounting base portion 69 is formed on the back surface of the thick portion 75 of the second plate-shaped portion 65, and the pin 68 of this mounting base portion 69 is also formed on the back surface of the thick portion 75. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the first plate-shaped portion 64, the pin 68 formed at the upper right corner of the back surface thereof is formed in the thick portion 75 and not in the thin portion 70. Specifically, the pin 68 is formed on the back surface of the thick portion 75 so as to be aligned with the screw hole 67 along the boundary line between the thick portion 75 and the thin portion 70. Also, the lower left corner portion and the lower right corner portion on the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64 are thick portions 75, and the pin 68 is formed on the mounting base portion 69 on the back surface of this thick portion 75.

[0046] Although no pin is formed in the mounting portion (fourth resin portion) at the upper left corner of the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64, if a pin were formed at this position, there would be a risk of the pin being damaged by a relatively large impact from the game balls flowing down in the game area 30. Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation in advance, no pin is formed at this position.

[0047] Next, referring to FIG. 10, the details of the diameter of the screw through-hole 72, the diameter of the pin through-hole 73, and the length (dimension) of the pin 68 formed in the start port base 61 will be described. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of FIG. 8. Note that in FIG. 10, hatching is not applied for the sake of convenience of explanation.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10, the diameter R1 of the pin through-hole 73 is approximately equal to the diameter R2 of the screw through-hole 72 (R1≈R2). Also, the diameter R3 of the pin 68 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the second plate-shaped portion 65 of the start port base 61 (R3<T1), and specifically, it is preferable that the diameter R3 of the pin 68 is 70% or less of D1 (R3≤0.7D1). Here, the thickness T1 of the second plate-shaped portion 65 is the length (dimension) from the front surface of the second plate-shaped portion 65 in the range where the pin 68 is formed to the back surface of the mounting base portion 69. Further, the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through-hole 73 is smaller than the length D2 of the portion where the screw 71 is inserted into the screw through-hole 72 (D1<D2).

[0049] According to the game board 5 according to this embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0050] Since the diameter R3 of the pin 68 of the start port base 61 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the second plate-shaped portion 65, it is difficult for sink marks to occur in the start port base 61 formed by injection molding a resin material. Therefore, defects in the start port base 61 can be suppressed.

[0051] Also, since the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through-hole 73 is smaller than the length D2 of the portion where the screw 71 is inserted into the screw through-hole 72, even if an unexpected external force is applied to the pin, the possibility of the pin breaking and being damaged can be reduced. Therefore, defects in the start port base 61 can be suppressed.

[0052] Also, since the diameter R2 of the pin through-hole 73 of the start port base 61 is approximately equal to the diameter R1 of the screw through-hole 72, these through-holes 72, 73 can be formed together in the manufacturing stage of the acrylic plate 5a, so that the working efficiency can be increased and the working cost can be reduced.

[0053] Next, a modified example of the pachinko machine P will be described.

[0054] (Modified Example) With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the game board 50 according to the modified example will be described. FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the start port base 61 attached to the game board 50, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11. In FIG. 12, hatching is not applied for convenience of explanation. In the second plate-like portion 65 of the game board 50, the position of the pin 68 and the size of the pin through-hole 73 of the acrylic plate 5a are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11, in the second plate-like portion 65, the positions where the screw hole 67 of the mounting base portion 69 and the pin 68 are formed are different. Specifically, the mounting base portion 69 is formed at the right end portion on the back surface of the second plate-like portion 65 so as to straddle the thin portion 70 and the thick portion 75. The screw hole 67 of this mounting base portion 69 is formed in the thick portion 75, while the pin 68 is formed in the thin portion 70. Although not shown, the mounting base portion 69 at the upper right portion on the back surface of the first plate-like portion 64 is formed so as to straddle the thin portion 70 and the thick portion 75. The screw hole 67 of this mounting base portion 69 is formed in the thick portion 75, while the pin 68 is formed in the thin portion 70. Note that the pin 68 only needs to be formed at least in the thin portion 70, and may be formed so as to straddle the thin portion 70 and the thick portion 75, for example. Also, when a plurality of pins 68 are formed, some of the pins 69 may be formed in the thin portion 70 and the remaining pins 68 may be formed in the thick portion 75.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 12, the diameter R1 of the pin through-hole 73 is larger than the diameter R2 of the screw through-hole 72 (R1 > R2), larger than the diameter R4 of the shaft portion 71a of the screw 71 (R1 > R4), and smaller than the diameter R5 of the head portion 71b of the screw 71 (R1 < R5).

[0057] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the start port base 61 attached to the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5 and the transparent plate 11 held by the front frame 3. In FIG. 13, hatching is not applied for convenience of explanation.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 13, when the front frame 3 is in a closed state with respect to the inner frame 2 (see FIG. 2), the game board 5 and the transparent plate 11 face each other. In this state, the length D3 (the shortest length (dimension)) between the foremost end of the start port base 61 and the transparent plate 11 is smaller than the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through-hole 73 (D3 < D1). Specifically, the foremost end of the start port base 61 is the front surfaces of the first front wall 66a and the second front wall 66b of the connecting portion 66, and the length D3 between these front surfaces and the rear surface of the transparent plate 11 is smaller than the above-described length D1.

[0059] According to the game board 50 according to the modified example configured as described above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0060] Since the diameter R3 of the pin 68 of the start port base 61 is larger than the diameter of the screw through-hole 72 and larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 71a of the screw 71 of the screw, the strength of the pin 68 can be improved, and it is difficult for the pin 68 to be damaged.

[0061] Further, since the diameter R1 of the pin through-hole 73 is larger than the diameter R2 of the screw through-hole 72 and larger than the diameter R4 of the shaft portion 71a of the screw 71, a predetermined gap can be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the pin 68 inserted into the pin through-hole 73 and the inner peripheral surface of the pin through-hole 73, and it is difficult for the pin 68 to be damaged during insertion. Further, since the diameter R1 of the pin through-hole 73 is smaller than the diameter R5 of the head portion 71b of the screw 71, the durability of the acrylic plate 5a can be maintained. In particular, since the screw through-hole 72 and the pin through-hole 73 are often formed at positions close to each other, the region of the acrylic plate 5a where these through-holes 72, 73 are formed is likely to have reduced durability. Therefore, by designing in this way, the durability of the acrylic plate 5a can be maintained, which is extremely effective.

[0062] Further, since the diameter R3 of the pin 68 is smaller than the thickness of the second plate-like portion 65 of the start port base 61, it is difficult for sink marks to occur in the start port base 61 formed by injection molding of a resin material.

[0063] Furthermore, since the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through-hole 73 is smaller than the length D2 of the portion where the screw 71 is inserted into the screw through-hole 72, the protruding amount of the pin 68 is suppressed, making it difficult for the pin 68 to break or be damaged.

[0064] Thus, since the start port base 61 attached to the acrylic plate 5a has various features as described above, defects in the start port base (resin member) 61 can be suppressed.

[0065] Also, a pair of screw holes 67 and a pin 68 are formed in the mounting base portion 69 of the second plate-shaped portion 65 of the start port base 61. Among these, the screw holes 67 are formed in the thick portion 75, while the pin 68 is formed in the thin portion 70. Therefore, since the peripheral end portion of the start port base 61 can be supported and positioned, the positioned start port base 61 can be sufficiently fixed, and it is possible to easily attach the start port base 61 to the acrylic plate (panel board) 5a with the screw 71. Also, compared to the start port base 61 in which the pin 68 is not formed in the thin portion 70 at the peripheral end portion, the start port base 61 can be miniaturized by the amount that the pin can be arranged in the thin portion 70 at the peripheral end portion. Thus, due to this miniaturization, a new space can be formed in the game area 30, and the degree of freedom in designing the game area 30 can be increased.

[0066] Furthermore, since the shortest length D3 between the foremost end of the start port base 61 and the transparent plate 11 is smaller than the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through-hole 73, the width of the game area 30 in the front-rear direction can be made as small as possible, and the game ball can flow down in the game area 30 as designed. On the other hand, since the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through-hole 73 is larger than the shortest length D3 between the foremost end of the start port base 61 and the transparent plate 11, a length D1 sufficient to position the start port base 61 can be ensured, and defects in the start port base (resin member) 61 can be suppressed.

[0067] As described above, the pachinko machine P is configured such that the design unit 12 can be deformed in conjunction with the unlocking of the front frame 3. With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the configuration related to the locking of the pachinko machine P will be described. FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the front frame 3, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism and the slide mechanism provided on the inner frame 2. In the following, the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions are defined based on the player facing the pachinko machine P.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 14, a right back plate 80 is provided at the free end (right end portion) of the front frame 3. The right back plate 80 is a long member extending in the up-down direction along the free end of the front frame 3. A plurality (three in this example) of locking engaged portions 80a to 80c are formed on the right back plate 80. The three locking engaged portions 80a to 80c are openings and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction.

[0069] An opening 81 is formed at the upper left corner of the front frame 3, and a link lever 82 protrudes from approximately the center of the opening 81. In a normal state, the link lever 82 is rotatably provided on the left shaft portion (see FIG. 17) that restricts the deformation of the design unit 12.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 15, the locking mechanism 83 is provided on the right side surface of the inner frame 2 and is interlocked with the cylinder lock 10 (see FIG. 1). Further, a slide mechanism 84 that can slide leftward is provided on the upper surface of the inner frame 2. The locking mechanism 83 and the slide mechanism 84 are interlocked with each other via a cam mechanism 85 provided therebetween.

[0071] The locking mechanism 83 is arranged along the up-down direction inside the free end (right end portion) of the inner frame 2 and has a first interlocking member 83a and a second interlocking member 83b that extend in the up-down direction. The first interlocking member 83a and the second interlocking member 83b are laminated left and right.

[0072] The first interlocking member 83a is formed with a plurality (three in this example) of front frame locking claws 830a to 830c protruding forward. The three front frame locking claws 830a to 830c are locked to three locking parts 80a to 80c (see FIG. 14) of the front frame 3 when the front frame 3 is in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 2. When a key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 10 and rotated in one direction (for example, counterclockwise), the first interlocking member 83a slides upward in conjunction with this rotation. As a result, the three front frame locking claws 830a to 830c are disengaged from the three locking parts 80a to 80c, and the front frame 3 is in an unlocked state. Although details will be described later, when the front frame 3 is in the unlocked state, the design unit 12 becomes deformable in conjunction therewith.

[0073] The second interlocking member 83b is formed with a plurality (two in this example) of outer frame locking claws 830d, 830e protruding rearward. The two outer frame locking claws 830d, 830e are locked to two locking holes (not shown) provided in the outer frame 1 when the inner frame 2 is in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 1. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 10 is rotated in the other direction (for example, clockwise), the second interlocking member 83b slides downward in conjunction with this rotation. As a result, the two outer frame locking claws 830d, 830e are disengaged from the two locking holes, and the inner frame 2 is in an unlocked state. Similar to the unlocking of the front frame 3, when the inner frame 2 is in the unlocked state, the design unit 12 becomes deformable in conjunction therewith.

[0074] The slide mechanism 84 is arranged along the left - right direction inside the upper end portion of the inner frame 2 and has a first slide member 84a and a second slide member 84b extending in the left - right direction. The first slide member 84a and the second slide member 84b are stacked vertically. Although not shown, on the left side of the first slide member 84a and the second slide member 84b, there is located a link lever 82 (see FIG. 14) protruding from the opening 81 of the front frame 3 described above.

[0075] The first slide member 84a is configured to be slidable leftward in conjunction with the upward slide of the first linkage member 83a of the locking mechanism 83. The second slide member 84b is configured to be slidable leftward in conjunction with the downward slide of the second linkage member 83b of the locking mechanism 83.

[0076] The cam mechanism 85 includes a first cam mechanism 85a connected to the upper end of the first linkage member 83a of the locking mechanism 83 and the right end of the first slide member 84a of the slide mechanism 84, and a second cam mechanism 85b connected to the upper end of the second linkage member 83b and the right end of the second slide member 84b. Although detailed description is omitted, the first cam mechanism 85a converts the upward slide of the first linkage member 83a into a counterclockwise rotational movement to slide the first slide member 84a leftward. Also, the second cam mechanism 85b converts the downward slide of the second linkage member 83b into a counterclockwise rotational movement to slide the second slide member 84b leftward. When the first slide member 84a or the second slide member 84b slides leftward in this way, these first slide member 84a or second slide member 84b press and rotate the link lever 82.

[0077] Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19, the left shaft portion 90 attached to the design unit 12 will be described. FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the left speaker unit 12a and the left shaft portion 90 attached thereto, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the left shaft portion 90, FIG. 18 is a view showing a state where the left shaft portion 90 is engaged with the left speaker unit 12a, and FIG. 19 is a view showing a state where the left shaft portion 90 is not engaged with the left speaker unit 12a.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 16, the left shaft portion 90 is attached to the rear end portion of the left speaker unit 12a. The left speaker unit 12a is attached to the upper left corner portion of the front frame 3 with the left shaft portion 90 attached thereto. The design unit 12 is configured to be deformable by the movement of the left speaker unit 12a and the logo unit 12c as will be described later, but in a normal state, its deformation is restricted by the left shaft portion 90.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 17, the left shaft portion 90 has a link lever 82 and a main body portion 86 to which the link lever 82 is rotatably attached. The link lever 82 is rotatably supported with a protrusion 86a protruding from the upper surface of the main body portion 86 as a rotation axis. The main body portion 86 is provided with an L-shaped first hook 86b and a second hook 86c that protrude forward and are movable downward. Although detailed description is omitted, the main body portion 86 is configured such that the first hook 86b and the second hook 86c move downward in conjunction with the rotation of the link lever 82. A flat plate 86d having a through hole 860d formed therein is fixed to the main body portion 86 so as to protrude. A first shaft portion 88c (see Fig. 24) described later is inserted into the through hole 860.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 18, normally, the first hook 86b of the left shaft portion 90 is engaged with a first hook receiver 125a provided at the rear end of the left speaker unit 12a, and the second hook 86c of the left shaft portion 90 is engaged with a second hook receiver 126a provided at the rear end of the left speaker unit 12a. Thereby, the deformation of the design unit 12 is restricted by the left shaft portion 90. At this time, when the front frame 3 is unlocked, the above-described first interlocking member 83a moves upward, and the first slide member 84a slides leftward via the first cam mechanism 85a. As a result, the link lever 82 is pushed down by the first slide member 84a and rotates about the protrusion 86a as a rotation axis, and in conjunction with the rotation, the first hook 86b and the second hook 83c move downward. Then, as shown in Fig. 19, the first hook 86b is disposed below the first hook receiver 125a, and the second hook 86c is disposed below the second hook receiver 126a. Therefore, the first hook 86b is disengaged from the first hook receiver 125a, and the second hook 86c is disengaged from the second hook receiver 126a. In this state, the left speaker unit 12a becomes movable, and the design unit 12 becomes deformable. When the inner frame 2 is unlocked, the design unit 12 becomes deformable in the same manner as when the front frame 3 is unlocked.

[0081] Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 to 26, the configuration of the design unit 12 will be described. FIG. 20 is a perspective view when the design unit 12 takes the first form, FIG. 21 is a top view of the same design unit 12, FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the left speaker unit 12a, the logo unit 12c, and the link member connecting them, FIG. 23 is a top view of the link member, FIG. 24 is an enlarged top view of the periphery of the link member shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 26 is a perspective view when the design unit 12 takes the second form, and FIG. 27 is a top view of the same design unit 12. In FIG. 22, for convenience of explanation, the rear cover member of the logo unit 12c is not shown.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the design unit 12 takes the first form, the left speaker unit 12a and the right speaker unit 12b are arranged so as to protrude forward. Further, the logo unit 12c is horizontally arranged between the left speaker unit 12a and the right speaker unit 12b. Furthermore, the base unit 12d is arranged behind the logo unit 12c, and the front surface of the base unit 12d protrudes forward generally from the left side to the right side.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the left speaker unit 12a and the logo unit 12c are connected by a link member 87. The link member 87 has an upper surface portion 87a and a lower surface portion 87b formed in a U shape in plan view, and a connecting portion 87c connecting them. The upper surface portion 87a and the lower surface portion 87b are arranged to face each other with a predetermined interval in the vertical direction via the connecting portion 87c.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 23, a first through hole 870a is formed at one end of the upper surface portion 87a of the link member 87, and a second through hole 871a is formed on the other end side of the first through hole 870a. Further, a third through hole 872a is formed at the other end of the upper surface portion 87a. Although not shown, on the lower surface portion 87b, a fourth through hole 870b is formed below the first through hole 870a of the upper surface portion 87a, a fifth through hole 871b is formed below the second through hole 871a, and a sixth through hole 872b is formed below the third through hole 872a.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 24, a connection plate 88 for connecting the left speaker unit 12a and the link member 87 is fixed to the main body 86 of the left shaft portion 90 by screws. Two through holes 88a and 88b are formed in the connection plate 88. Below one of the through holes 88a, the first through hole 870a and the fourth through hole 870b of the link member 87 are arranged, and a first shaft portion 88c is inserted through these through holes 88a, 870a, and 870b. Thereby, the link member 87 is rotatably attached to the left speaker unit 12a via the connection plate 88.

[0086] Further, below the first through hole 870a and the fourth through hole 870b of the link member 87, a through hole 860d (see FIG. 17) formed in the flat plate 86d of the left shaft portion 90 is located, and the first shaft portion 88c is also inserted through this through hole 860d. Thereby, the link member 87 is rotatably supported by the left shaft portion 90. Therefore, when the restriction by the left shaft portion 90 is released and the left speaker unit 12a becomes movable, the left speaker unit 12a and the link member 87 become rotatable with respect to the left shaft portion 90.

[0087] Below the second through hole 88b of the connection plate 88, the second through hole 871a and the fifth through hole 871b of the link member 87 are arranged, and a screw 88d is inserted through these through holes 88b, 871a, and 871b. Thereby, the link member 87 is fixed to the left speaker unit 12a via the connection plate 88. In this way, the link member 87 is rotatably supported at two points, the first shaft portion 81c and the screw 88d, with respect to the connection plate 88.

[0088] Returning to FIG. 22, the other end of the link member 87 is connected to a bearing portion 89 provided at the left end portion of the logo unit 12c. The bearing portion 89 has a long hole-shaped first slide hole 89a and a second slide hole 89b vertically. Between these slide holes 89a and 89b, a third through hole 872a and a sixth through hole 872b of the link member 87 are arranged. And a second shaft portion 89c is inserted through the first slide hole 89a, the third through hole 872a, the sixth through hole 872b, and the second slide hole 89b. Thereby, the other end of the link member 87 can slide in the left-right direction through the first slide hole 89a and the second slide hole 89b. Note that stoppers are provided at both ends of the second shaft portion 89c so that the second shaft portion 89c does not fall out.

[0089] By connecting the second shaft portion 89c to connect the link member 87 and the bearing portion, the link member 87 and the logo unit 12c are connected. That is, the logo unit 12c is connected to the left speaker unit 12a by the link member 87. Thereby, when the left speaker unit 12a rotates, the logo unit 12c also operates.

[0090] On the side opposite to the bearing portion 89 of the logo unit 12c, a first connection portion 91 and a second connection portion 92 for connecting the logo unit 12c and the base unit 12d are provided. The second connection portion 92 is disposed below the first connection portion 91, and these connection portions 91 and 92 project rearward. A through hole 91a is formed at the tip of the first connection portion 91, and a through hole 92a is also formed at the tip of the second connection portion 92. A third shaft portion (not shown) fixed to the base unit 12d is inserted through a through hole (not shown) provided in the base unit 12d, the through hole 91a of the first connection portion 91, and the through hole 92a of the second connection portion 92. Thereby, the logo unit 12c is rotatably supported with respect to the base unit 12d.

[0091] When the design unit 12 becomes deformable, as shown in FIG. 24, the left speaker unit 12a can be rotated in a direction approaching the logo unit 12c. When the left speaker unit 12a rotates, the link member 87 also rotates in the same direction with the first shaft portion 88c as the rotation axis in accordance with the rotation. Specifically, while the other end portion of the link member 87 moves from the right end to the left end of the first slide hole 89a and the second slide hole 89b of the bearing portion 89 of the logo unit 12c, a force toward the base unit 12d is applied to the logo unit 12c. Then, the logo unit 12c rotates in a direction toward the base unit 12d with the third shaft portion (not shown) of the base unit 12d as the rotation axis. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the design unit 12 is in a state of being deformed into the second form. In this state, the left speaker unit 12a is folded inward, and the logo unit 12c is inclined so as to be substantially parallel to the front surface of the base unit 12d. Note that the arrangements of the right speaker unit 12b and the base unit 12d are the same as those in the first form.

[0092] Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the configuration of the logo unit 12c will be described. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the logo unit 12c.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 27, the logo unit 12c includes a front logo member 93, a base member 94 to which the front logo member 93 is detachably attached, a lock member 95 that locks the state in which the front logo member 93 is attached to the base member 94, and a back cover member 96 that covers the back side thereof. The front logo member 93 is attached to the front side of the base member 94, and the lock member 95 is attached to the back side. In a state where the logo unit 12c is assembled, the upper surface of the lock member 95 is exposed from the upper surface of the logo unit 12c. Note that the back cover member 96 is attached to the back of the base member 94 to which the front logo member 93 and the lock member 95 are attached by screws.

[0094] Next, with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30, the locking of the front logo member 93 by the lock member 95 will be described. FIG. 28 is a rear view of the front logo member 93, FIG. 29 is a rear view of the base member 94 to which the front logo member 93 is attached, and FIG. 30 is a rear view of the base member 94 to which the front logo member 93 and the lock member 95 are attached.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 28, the front logo member 93 is a substantially rectangular resin member. On the rear side of the front logo member 93, a plurality (three in this example) of engaging claws 93a to 93c are formed. Each of the three engaging claws 93a to 93c is formed in an L shape that protrudes rearward and bends upward. Although not shown, a predetermined design according to the model specifications, contents, etc. is applied to the front of the front logo member 93.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 29, the base member 94 is a substantially rectangular resin member and has a size similar to that of the front logo member 93. A plurality (three in this example) of openings 94a to 94c are formed in the base member 94. The three openings 94a to 94c are formed at positions corresponding to the above-described three engaging claws 93a to 93c in a state where the front logo member 93 is attached to the base member 94. Each of the openings 94a to 94c exposes the corresponding engaging claws 93a to 93c on the rear side.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 30, the lock member 95 is a substantially rectangular resin member, which is smaller than the front logo member 93 and the base member 94, and is attached to the upper right portion of the base member 94. The lock member 95 is provided with three engaging pieces 95a to 95c that engage with the three engaging claws 93a to 93c of the front logo member 93 (see also FIG. 27). The engaging piece 95a is formed along the upper end portion of a rectangular opening 95d formed in the lock member 95. The opening 95d exposes the engaging claw 93a of the front logo member 93 on the back side in a state where the front logo member 93 and the lock member 95 are attached to the base member 94. And the engaging piece 95a is disposed between the exposed engaging claw 93a and the opening 94a of the base member 94, and the engaging claw 93a engages with the engaging piece 95a. Further, the engaging piece 95b is formed at the lower right corner portion of the lock member 95, and is disposed between the engaging claw 93b of the front logo member 93 and the opening 94b of the base member 94 in a state where the front logo member 93 and the lock member 95 are attached to the base member 94, and the engaging claw 93b engages with the engaging piece 95b. Furthermore, the engaging piece 95c is formed at the lower left corner portion of the lock member 95, and is disposed between the engaging claw 93c of the front logo member 93 and the opening 94c of the base member 94 in a state where the front logo member 93 and the lock member 95 are attached to the base member 94, and the engaging claw 93c engages with the engaging piece 95c. Note that a concave portion 95e is formed at the right end portion of the lock member 95 to enable fitting of a protruding portion of a right speaker unit 12b described later. Also, an insertion portion 96f is formed at the left end of the upper end portion of the lock member 95 to enable an operator to insert a finger when removing the front logo member 93 from the logo unit 12c.

[0098] Thus, in a state where the front logo member 93 and the lock member 95 are attached to the base member 94, the engaging claws 93a to 93c of the front logo member 93 engage with the engaging pieces 95a to 95c of the lock member 95. Therefore, the front logo member 93 is prevented from moving forward by the engaging pieces 95a to 95c. That is, the state where the front logo member 93 is attached to the base member 94 is locked by the lock member 95.

[0099] Next, with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, unlocking of the front logo member 93 by the lock member 95 will be described. FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the right speaker unit 12b and the logo unit 12c, and FIG. 32 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the lock member 95 when the design unit 12 is deformed into the second form.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 31, the recess 95e formed in the lock member 95 is recessed inward of the lock member 95. Further, the right speaker unit 12b has a protrusion 97 on its left side surface. The protrusion 97 protrudes toward the logo unit 12c side. When the design unit 12 is in the first form, the protrusion 97 of the right speaker unit 12b fits into the recess 95e of the lock member 95. Therefore, in this state, the lock member 95 is prevented from being removed from the logo unit 12c by the protrusion 97. Therefore, the unlocking operation for unlocking the lock member 95 cannot be executed.

[0101] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32, when the design unit 12 is deformed from the first form to the second form, the logo unit 12c moves so as to be inclined so as to be substantially parallel to the front surface of the base unit 12d (see FIG. 26). Accordingly, the lock member 95 moves to a position where the protrusion 97 does not fit into the recess 95e in accordance with the movement. Therefore, in this state, the lock member 95 can be unlocked without being prevented from being removed from the logo unit 12c by the protrusion 97. When unlocking, the operator inserts a finger into the insertion portion 96f of the lock member 95 and moves the lock member 95 upward. As a result, the engaging claws 93a to 93c of the front logo member 93 are disengaged from the engaging pieces 95a to 95c of the lock member 95, so that the front logo member 93 can be moved forward and removed from the logo unit 12c. Therefore, the unlocking operation for unlocking the lock member 95 can be executed.

[0102] According to the pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0103] In order to execute a release operation for removing the front logo member (design member) 93 from the design unit 12 (logo unit 12c), it is only necessary to simply deform the design unit 12 from the first form to the second form. Therefore, an operator who performs the removal work of the front logo member 93 can easily understand a series of operations such as executing the release operation after deforming the design unit 12 into the second form. Accordingly, the removal work of the front logo member 93 from the design unit 12 (logo unit 12c) can be made easy for the operator to understand.

[0104] Further, the logo unit 12c is provided with a lock member 95 that locks the state in which the front logo member 93 is attached to the design unit 12 (logo unit 12c). This lock member 95 is exposed from the upper surface of the logo unit 12c, and the operator can contact it with a finger whether it is before or after making the front frame 3 in an openable state. Therefore, compared with a gaming machine in which the lock member 95 is provided at a position where it cannot be visually recognized unless the front frame 3 is in an open state, the member to be operated in the removal work of the front logo member 93 can always be grasped. Accordingly, the removal work of the front logo member 93 from the design unit 12 can be made even easier for the operator to understand.

[0105] As described above, in the present embodiment, a gaming machine (pachinko machine P) includes an outer frame (in this example, outer frame 1), an inner frame (in this example, inner frame 2) provided to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, and a front frame (in this example, front frame 3) provided to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame. A design unit (in this example, design unit 120) deformable between a first form and a second form is provided on the front frame. The design unit includes a design member (in this example, front logo member 93) detachably attached thereto, and a lock member (in this example, lock member 95) that locks the state in which the design member is attached. The design member is removed from the design unit when a release operation for releasing the lock by the lock member is executed. The release operation can be executed by deforming the design unit from the first form to the second form after the front frame is opened. The lock member is provided at a position where it can be contacted before or after the front frame is opened. Therefore, the operation of removing the design member from the design unit can be made easier for the operator to understand.

[0106] (Modification example) Next, a pachinko machine according to a modification example will be described. The pachinko machine according to the modification example is different from the above-described embodiment in that the design unit is provided on the outer frame 1.

[0107] The design unit includes a logo unit 120a (see FIG. 33), and a first support unit (not shown) and a second support unit (not shown) provided on the outer frame 1 and supporting both ends of the logo unit 120a. In this pachinko machine, the front door is formed smaller than the front frame 3 of the above-described embodiment and is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame 2 below the design unit.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 33, the logo unit 120a has a front logo member 121a and a base member 122a. The front logo member 121a is a substantially plate-shaped resin member and is detachably attached to the base member 122a. The base member 122a is a substantially plate-shaped resin member having a predetermined thickness, and an opening 124a is formed in its lower surface 123a. The opening surface of the opening 124a is flush with the lower surface of the base member 122a. Although not shown, a locking member for locking the state in which the front logo member 121a is attached to the base member 122a is provided inside the base member 122a, and normally the locking member is biased in the locking direction by a spring. For example, by inserting a driver (a predetermined jig) into the opening 124a and moving the locking member in the unlocking direction, the unlocking operation of the locking member can be performed.

[0109] The first support unit has a first support member fixed to the upper left corner of the outer frame 1 and a first sliding member slidably connected to the first support member. The first support member protrudes obliquely upward and forward on the front surface of the pachinko machine. The first sliding member also protrudes obliquely upward and forward on the front surface of the pachinko machine and is slidable along the protruding direction of the first support member. The first sliding member is connected to the left end of the logo unit 120a.

[0110] The second support unit has a second support member fixed to the upper right corner of the outer frame 1 and a second sliding member slidably connected to the second support member. The second support member protrudes obliquely upward and forward on the front surface of the pachinko machine. The second sliding member also protrudes obliquely upward and forward on the front surface of the pachinko machine P' and is slidable along the protruding direction of the second support member. The second sliding member is connected to the right end of the logo unit 120a. Since both ends of the logo unit 120a are connected to the first sliding member and the second sliding member as described above, the logo unit 120a is displaced in accordance with the sliding of the first sliding member and the second sliding member.

[0111] The pachinko machine according to the modification example is also configured such that, similar to the pachinko machine P according to the above embodiment, the design unit can be deformed from the first form to the second form in conjunction with the unlocking of the front frame 3. When deforming the design unit 120 from the first form to the second form, a key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 10 (see FIG. 33) and rotated in one direction (for example, counterclockwise), whereby the front frame 3 is unlocked. As a result, the logo unit 120a, the first sliding member, and the second sliding member can be moved so as to be lifted along the first support member and the second support member.

[0112] When the design unit is in the first form, as described above, a first sliding member protruding obliquely upward and forward along the first support member of the first support unit and a second sliding member protruding obliquely upward and forward along the second support member of the second support unit 120d are provided. The logo unit 120a is disposed between them. The front surface of the front logo member 121a of the logo unit 120a is slightly inclined so as to face the player facing the pachinko machine. Therefore, the lower surface of the base member 122a of the logo unit 120a faces the transparent plate 11 side. As a result, the opening surface of the opening 124a formed in the base member 122a also faces the transparent plate 11 side.

[0113] When the design unit 12 is in the second form, the first sliding member of the first support unit slides with respect to the first support member, so that it protrudes obliquely upward and backward from the tip of the first support member. Similarly, the second sliding member of the second support unit slides with respect to the second support member, so that it protrudes obliquely upward and backward from the tip of the second support member. The logo unit 120a is disposed between the first sliding member and the second sliding member, and the front surface of the front logo member 121a of the logo unit 120a faces obliquely upward and forward. Therefore, the lower surface of the base member 122a of the logo unit 120a faces the side opposite to the transparent plate 11 held by the front frame 3. As a result, the opening surface of the opening 124a of the base member 122a also faces the side opposite to the transparent plate 11.

[0114] In the pachinko machine according to the modification example, the ease of removal of the front logo member 121a for the operator differs depending on whether the design unit is in the first form or the second form.

[0115] When the design unit is in the first form, the opening surface of the opening 124a of the base member 122a faces the direction of the transparent plate 11, and the operator cannot visually observe the opening 124a. Therefore, the operator has to roughly predict the position of the opening 124a and insert, for example, a driver (a predetermined jig) obliquely upward in the front from the transparent plate 11 side while bending the wrist to execute the release operation at the opening 124a.

[0116] On the other hand, when the design unit is in the second form, the opening surface of the opening 124a of the base member 122a faces the side opposite to the transparent plate 11, that is, the operator side, so the operator can fully visually observe the opening 124. Therefore, the operator only needs to insert the driver into the opening 124a at the tip of the upward-looking line of sight and execute the release operation. Thus, when the design unit is deformed from the first form to the second form, the release operation becomes easier to execute, and the removal operation of the front logo member 121a becomes easier for the operator to understand.

[0117] According to the pachinko machine according to the modification example configured as described above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0118] In order to execute the release operation for removing the front logo member (design member) 121a from the design unit, it is only necessary to simply deform the design unit from the first form to the second form. Therefore, an operator performing the removal operation of the front logo member 121a can easily understand a series of operations such as executing the release operation after deforming the design unit into the second form. Therefore, the removal operation of the front logo member 121a from the design unit can be made easier for the operator to understand.

[0119] Also, when the design unit is deformed into the first form, the opening surface of the opening 124a formed in the base member 122a of the logo unit 120a faces the side of the transparent plate 11 held by the front frame 3. When the design unit is deformed into the second form, the opening surface of the opening 124a faces the side opposite to the transparent plate 11, that is, the side of the operator. Therefore, when performing the removal operation of the front logo member 121a, the operator can deform the design unit from the first form to the second form and insert, for example, a driver or the like (a predetermined jig) into the opening surface of the opening 124a that has moved into the line of sight to execute the release operation. Accordingly, the removal operation of the front logo member (design member) 121a from the design unit can be made easier for the operator to understand.

[0120] Thus, in the modification example, a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine) includes an outer frame (in this example, outer frame 1), an inner frame (in this example, inner frame 2) provided to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, and a front frame (in this example, front frame 3) provided to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame. The outer frame is provided with a design unit deformable between a first form and a second form. The design unit has a design member (in this example, front logo member 121a) detachably attached thereto. An opening (in this example, opening 124a) into which a predetermined jig (in this example, a driver) can be inserted is provided on the lower surface of the design unit. The design member is removed from the design unit by inserting the predetermined jig into the opening and executing a release operation. When the design unit is deformed into the first form, the opening surface of the opening faces the side of the transparent plate (in this example, transparent plate 11) held by the front frame. When the design unit is deformed into the second form, the opening surface of the opening faces the side opposite to the transparent plate. The release operation is made easier to execute when the design unit is deformed from the first form to the second form. Therefore, the removal operation of the design member from the design unit can be made easier for the operator to understand.

[0121] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. All technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above-described embodiments and various modifications are shown as preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternative examples, correction examples, modification examples, or improvement examples from the content disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

[0122] In the above-described embodiments and modifications, as the design member of the present invention, the front logo member 93 detachably attached to the logo unit 12c of the design unit 12 and the front logo member 121a detachably attached to the logo unit 120a of the design unit 120 have been described as examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, not only the design member detachably attached to the left speaker unit 12a and the design member detachably attached to the right speaker unit 12b, but also the design member detachably attached to various design units attached to the front frame 3 can apply the technical idea of the present invention.

[0123] In addition, the first form and the second form of the present invention are not limited to the forms shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications, and as long as they are the first form in a normal state and the second form in which the design unit can be obtained when the design member is removed, they are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0124] P Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 1 Outer frame 2 Inner frame 3 Front frame 12 Design unit 93 Front logo member (design member)

Claims

Claim 1 A gaming board and a transparent plate that can face the gaming board are provided, The gaming board has a board surface, a winning port forming portion, and a screw for fixing the winning port forming portion to the board surface, The winning port forming portion has a first surface in contact with the board surface, a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface and in contact with a game ball, and a third surface located on the transparent plate side from the second surface and facing the transparent plate, The winning port forming portion has a positioning protrusion formed on the first surface side and a first screw hole into which the screw is inserted, The board surface has a positioning hole portion into which the positioning protrusion is inserted and a second screw hole into which the screw inserted into the first screw hole is inserted, The length of the portion where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning hole portion is shorter than the length of the portion where the screw is inserted into the second screw hole, A gaming machine, wherein the shortest length exceeding 0 mm formed between the third surface of the winning port forming portion and the transparent plate is shorter than the length of the portion where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning hole portion.

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