gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine in which deterioration of strength and breakage of parts are suppressed.SOLUTION: A second member is fixed to a first member by a fixing member. The first member includes a boss 221, and the boss 221 includes a screw hole 222 and a rib 223. The rib 223 is formed on the side surface of the boss 221 along the axial direction of the boss 221. While the fixing member is inserted into the screw hole 222, the tip of the fixing member is designed not to reach the height of the tip of a predetermined rib 223.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 48

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known gaming machine is a pachinko machine that includes a gaming board and a launching device, etc. In a pachinko gaming machine, gaming balls (gaming media) are launched into a gaming area provided on the front of the gaming board, and a gaming benefit is awarded to the player based on whether the gaming ball enters a winning slot provided in the gaming area.

[0003] Also known as gaming machines are slot machines equipped with multiple reels on which multiple symbols are arranged, a start lever, a stop button, and the like. In a slot machine, after gaming media (medals) are bet, the slot machine detects that the start lever has been operated, and starts spinning the multiple reels. Furthermore, when it detects that a stop button provided for each reel has been operated, the reel corresponding to the stop button stops spinning. At this time, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on a pay line that is the target of a payout, the player is awarded a gaming benefit, such as a payout of a predetermined number of medals. Some such gaming machines are equipped with a circuit board and a circuit board case that covers the circuit board (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-87768 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in gaming machines, it is required to prevent the strength of parts from decreasing and breakage from occurring.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an amusement machine in which reduction in strength and breakage of parts are suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A gaming machine comprising a first member, a fixed member, and a second member, the second member is fixed to the first member by the fixing member, the first member includes a boss; The boss includes a hole and a rib. the rib is formed on a side surface of the boss along the axial direction of the boss, When the fixing member is inserted into the hole, the tip of the fixing member does not reach the height of the tip of a predetermined rib.

[0008] According to the present invention, since the tip of the fixing member does not reach the height of the tip of the predetermined rib, the rib is not formed radially outward from the portion where the fixing member and the hole are fitted, and no thick portion is formed. This prevents the hole from being deformed due to the occurrence of sink marks in the thick portion, which reduces the strength of the hole. This prevents the strength of the boss from being reduced or broken. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in strength and damage to parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the door in an open state. [Figure 2] This is a view of the game board from the front. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the gaming machine viewed from the front. [Figure 4]FIG. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B show the handle of the same, where FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view seen from the rear side. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a view of the handle unit as seen from the axial front side of the handle. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of the door unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of the door unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a view showing a part of the door unit of the first embodiment, as seen from the front side in the axial direction of the handle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the handlebars from the front side with the face cover removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 1) showing the steering torque and steering angle of the steering wheel. [Figure 12] 10 is a graph (part 1) showing the steering wheel operating torque. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) showing the steering torque and steering angle of the same. [Figure 14] 2 is a graph (part 2) showing the steering wheel operating torque. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front frame and inner frame of the same, seen from the front side. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a view of the front frame and inner frame of the same as seen from the axial front side of the handle. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a view of the game board from the front. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a view of the tray unit from the rear side. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the downstream ball removal unit of the same. [Figure 22]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the closed state of the downstream ball hole. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the open state of the downstream ball hole. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the upstream ball removal unit of the same. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the closed state of the upstream ball hole. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the open state of the upstream ball hole of the first embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a diagram to explain the state of the upstream ball removal hole when the upstream ball removal button is operated a predetermined amount less than the diameter of the game ball. [Figure 28] This is a view of the lower part of the gaming machine from below. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] This is a view of the game board from the front. [Figure 31] 29. FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the outer rail, rail base, and game board of the same. [Figure 33] FIG. [Figure 34] 10A and 10B are views of the rail base and outer rail as seen from the rear side, showing an overall view and a partially enlarged view thereof. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rail base and the upper right portion of the outer rail as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rail base and the lower left portion of the outer rail as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the game ball and the hole. [Figure 38] This is a front view of the outer rail and the game board, and is a diagram for explaining the position of the holes in the outer rail. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] FIG. [Figure 41] FIG. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the design unit of the first embodiment, illustrating the range of light irradiation. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a front view of the inner lens portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a view of the inner lens portion as seen from the rear side. [Figure 45] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sub-board unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a view of the boss provided on the sub-board case as seen from diagonally above. [Figure 48] 10 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a boss provided on the sub-board case of the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 49] 10A and 10B show modified bosses, in which FIG. 10A is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a boss of a first modified boss, and FIG. 10B is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a boss of a second modified boss. [Figure 50] 10A and 10B show an example in which a rib provided on a boss supports a substrate, where (a) is a schematic axial cross-sectional view in the case where one rib supports a substrate, and (b) is a schematic axial cross-sectional view in the case where multiple ribs support a substrate. [Figure 51] 10 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the board and the board case are fastened together with screws. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described, but other gaming machines may also be used. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the pachinko gaming machine, the player's side is "front" and the pachinko gaming machine's side is "rear." "Top and bottom" means the top side of the pachinko gaming machine is "top" and the bottom side is "bottom." "Right and left" means the player's left-hand side is "left" and the player's right-hand side is "right." Within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, arbitrarily modified, or omitted.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100, showing the state in which the door is open. The gaming machine 100 (pachinko gaming machine 100) uses gaming balls as gaming media, and a player borrows gaming balls from an amusement facility operator to play games on the gaming machine 100. In playing games on the gaming machine 100, each gaming ball is a medium that has gaming value, and the benefits (profits) that a player receives as a result of playing can be converted into gaming value based on, for example, the number of gaming balls that the player has acquired.

[0013] The gaming machine 100 comprises an outer frame 102 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape (vertically long rectangular frame shape), an inner frame 104 (middle frame) (middle door) attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close freely, and a front frame 300 (front door) attached to the inner frame 104 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close freely. The inner frame 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape, similar to the outer frame 102. The inner frame 104 holds a gaming board 108 (gaming board unit). Specifically, the gaming board unit is detachable from the inner frame 104 (inner frame assembly) with the front frame 300 open forward.

[0014] A glass unit 110 (transparent plate) is attached to the front frame 300. Specifically, a window is formed in the center of the front frame 300, and the glass unit 110 is attached to the window. The glass unit 110 is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to fit the shape of the window. Note that although the present embodiment uses the glass unit 110, it may also be made of resin.

[0015] Here, the configuration including the front frame 300 (front door) and the inner frame 104 (middle door) is referred to as the "main body frame." The main body frame is detachable (openable and closable) from the outer frame 102. When the main body frame is closed onto the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the glass unit 110 face each other substantially parallel with a predetermined distance (gap) between them. At this time, the game board 108 can be seen from the front side of the gaming machine 100 through the glass unit 110.

[0016] Furthermore, when referring to the front frame 300, it may refer only to the frame member (the door base 310 described later) having an approximately rectangular shape, or it may refer to the entire unit formed by the frame member and all components attached to the frame member (including decorative components, etc.).

[0017] The gaming machine 100 also includes an effect device that performs effects while a game is in progress. The effect devices include an effect display device 114 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, an effect accessory device 116 consisting of a movable device, an audio output device 118 consisting of a speaker (see FIG. 3), an effect lighting device 120 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, and an effect operation device 208 (see FIG. 3) that accepts operations. The effect display device 114, the effect accessory device 116, the audio output device 118, the effect lighting device 120, and the effect operation device 208 perform predetermined effects based on the control of a control board provided within the inner frame 104.

[0018] The gaming board 108 has a through-hole 108a (see FIG. 2) formed therethrough in the thickness direction (the front-to-rear direction of the gaming machine 100). An effect display device 114 is provided on the back of the gaming board 108. The effect display device 114 has an image display unit that displays images. The image display unit is disposed within the inner frame 104 and is exposed via the through-hole 108a, so that the image displayed on the image display unit can be viewed from the front side.

[0019] The performance role device 116 is arranged in front of the performance display device 114 in the inner frame 104 and is usually retracted to the rear side of the game board 108, but when a game is in progress, it moves to the front of the performance display device 114 to give the player a sense of expectation of a big win.

[0020] The lighting effect devices 120 are provided on the front frame 300, and for example, multiple lighting effect devices 120 are provided to surround the glass unit 110. The lighting effect devices 120 are equipped with LEDs or the like, and are controlled to light up in various ways in accordance with the images or the like displayed on the lighting effect display device 114, for example.

[0021] 3, the audio output device 118 is provided on the outer frame 102. The audio output device 118 outputs sounds, voices, background music, etc. toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with images, etc. displayed on the effect display device 114. The outer frame 102, which is located at the bottom, has a predetermined width, and the audio output device 118 (speaker) is a component of the outer frame 102.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the gaming machine 100 as seen from the front side (front). The effect operation device 208 (effect operation unit 208) has an effect operation section configured to be able to accept operations related to effects (predetermined operations). When the effect operation section is operated, the effect content (display on the effect display device) changes, or a predetermined effect occurs. A key section 209 (cylinder) is provided on the right side of the gaming machine 100 as seen from the front side. When a predetermined key is inserted into the key section 209 and rotated (twisted) counterclockwise, the front frame 300 can be opened forward, and when rotated (twisted) clockwise, the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 (i.e., the main body frame) can be opened forward.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a view of the game board 108 as seen from the front side. The game board (game board) 108 is made of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin (e.g., acrylic). The game board 108 is provided with a substantially circular outer rail 114b and an inner rail 114a formed in an arc shape along the outer rail 114b. A game ball launched from a launching mechanism (launching device) (not shown) rises between the inner rail 114a and the outer rail 114b and is guided to a play area 116. The play area 116 (board surface) is a space formed between the game board 108 and the glass unit 110, and is an area in which the game ball can move (flow down, roll). The game board 108 is provided with numerous game pegs and pinwheels, and game balls guided to the play area 116 collide with the pegs and pinwheels, causing them to move (flow down, roll) in irregular directions.

[0024] The outer rail 114b extends clockwise from the bottom of the gaming board 108 toward the upper left, and also extends clockwise from approximately the center of the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the gaming board 108 toward the upper right. The outer rail 114b extends in a curved manner from the bottom to the top of the gaming board 108, surrounding the gaming area 116. In other words, the area surrounded by the outer rail 114b is the gaming area 116 in which the gaming ball moves. The inner rail 114a is provided on the left side of the gaming board 108, and is located more inward than the outer rail 114b in the gaming area 116.

[0025] The play area 116 includes a first play area 116a and a second play area 116b, which allow game balls to be hit at different degrees of entry depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism. The first play area 116a is located on the left side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second play area 116b is located on the right side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100. Because the outer rail 114b and the inner rail 114a are on the left side of the play area 116, game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength below a predetermined strength will enter the first play area 116a (left-hitting area), and game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength will enter the second play area 116b (right-hitting area). Operating the operating handle 340 to hit the game ball into the first game area 116a is referred to as performing a left hit, and operating the operating handle 340 to hit the game ball into the second game area 116b is referred to as performing a right hit.

[0026] The gaming area 116 is also provided with a general winning opening 118 and a start winning opening 120 (starting opening) into which gaming balls can enter. When a gaming ball enters the general winning opening 118 or the start winning opening 120, a predetermined number of prize balls (gaming balls acquired by winning) are paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one. The number of prize balls paid out from the general winning opening 118 and the start winning opening 120 may be different or may be the same.

[0027] The start winning slot 120 is located in the center of the lower side of the game area 116 (center in the left-right direction). Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, when a game ball enters the start winning slot 120, a big prize lottery is held to determine whether a predetermined game profit will be awarded, and if a jackpot is won in the big prize lottery, a big prize game is executed. The big prize game is made up of multiple round games, and the big prize slot is opened during each round game. The big prize slot is located in the second game area 116b. Each round game ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game, or when a preset upper limit number of game balls enters the big prize slot. When a game ball enters the big prize slot, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, so the player can win a large number of prize balls by executing the big prize game.

[0028] An outlet 122 (discharge outlet) is provided at the bottom of the game area 116. Game balls that do not enter any of the general winning opening 118, the starting winning opening 120, and the big winning opening are discharged from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108 through the outlet 122.

[0029] The game area 116 also includes an upper passage 114c that connects the left-hand hitting area 116a and the right-hand hitting area 116b. The upper passage 114c is provided above the through-hole 108a.

[0030] The gaming machine according to this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and the sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0031] The main board receives input signals from input means (various sensors, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means (payout devices, etc.) based on the calculation results.

[0032] The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from a presentation operation sensor that detects operations on the presentation operation device 208 described below, performs various calculations to execute presentations that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the presentation device based on the results of the calculations.

[0033] Next, details of the door unit 300 will be described. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door unit 300. The door unit 300 includes a plate-shaped door base 310, a tray unit 320, and a handle unit 330. Note that a glass unit 110 (see Figure 1) can be attached to the back side of the door base 310.

[0034] The tray unit 320 has a shape that protrudes forward and is equipped with a tray. The tray is formed so that it can store game balls (loan balls) loaned to players and game balls (prize balls) won by winning. The tray unit 320 is attached (assembled) to the lower front side of the door base 310. The tray unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310 by tightening screws from the rear side of the door base 310. A recess is provided in the center of the tray unit 320, and the performance operation unit 208 shown in Figure 3 can be attached to this recess.

[0035] The handle unit 330 includes a handle 340 that protrudes forward, and a handle base 350. The handle 340 is formed to be rotatable. When the handle 340 is rotated to perform a firing operation, a gaming ball is fired from the firing mechanism (firing device) with a strength (firing force) (momentum) that corresponds to the rotation angle (operation angle) (rotation amount) (rotation operation amount) of the handle 340. The handle unit 330 is attached (assembled) to the lower right part of the door base 310 (lower right part of the front frame) (lower right part of the tray unit 320). The handle unit 330 is fixed to the door base 310 by tightening screws from the rear side of the door base 310.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the tray unit 320 and the handle unit 330 can be individually (separately) fixed to the door base 310. Therefore, for example, the tray unit 320 can be fixed to the door base 310 while the handle unit 330 is removed from the door base 310, or the handle unit 330 can be fixed to the door base 310 while the tray unit 320 is removed from the door base 310. In other words, only one of the tray unit 320 or the handle unit 330 can be removed to perform inspection, replacement, or other such work. This allows for flexible work and improves work efficiency. Note that in this embodiment, the performance unit 208 can be attached or detached without removing the tray unit 320 from the door base 310.

[0037] Furthermore, the handle unit 330 has the handle 340 and the handle base 350, which are separately secured to the door base 310 by screws. Therefore, the handle 340 can be removed from the door base 310 while the handle base 350 remains secured to the door base 310. The handle 340 is a part that is replaced more frequently than the handle base 350. By making the handle 340 replaceable, the cost of replacement can be reduced. The screws used to secure the handle 340 and the handle base 350 may be different colors. For example, the screws used to secure the handle 340 may be red. By using different colors for the screws, the worker can easily identify which screws to remove, preventing mistakes and improving work efficiency. An identification character, such as "H," may be attached near the screw hole for the handle 340.

[0038] When removing parts from door base 310, first remove tray unit 320, then remove handle 340, and then remove handle base 350. Note that handle 340 and handle base 350 may be removed at the same time.

[0039] (Handle 340) FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the handle 340 as seen from the front, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of the handle 340 as seen from the rear. The handle 340 includes a main body 341, a handle ring 342 (handle), a firing stop button 343, and a cover 344. The main body 341 is fixed to the door base 310, which serves as a mating member, and rotatably supports the handle ring 342. The handle ring 342 is rotatable around the main body 341 within a predetermined rotation amount (predetermined operating angle) from the initial position to the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is the position at which the rotation amount relative to the initial position is maximum. The maximum rotation position is the position at the moment when a predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 abuts (contacts) the mechanical end (stopper). This does not include the position at which further force is applied after abutment, causing the predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 to press against the mechanical end and causing a sudden increase in load (reaction force). The launch stop button 343 can be pressed to stop the launch of game balls when the handle ring 342 is rotated by a predetermined amount. In addition, the cover 344 (face cover) is provided to cover the area in front of the handle ring 342.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a view of the handle unit 330 as seen from the front side in the axial direction of the handle 340. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the center (rotation axis) of the handle 340 is defined as center P (rotation axis P). FIG. 6 shows the handle ring 342 in an initial position. When viewed from the front, the handle ring 342 is biased counterclockwise around center P as the rotation axis by an elastic member (ring spring, not shown). Therefore, when rotating the handle ring 342 clockwise from the initial position, it is necessary to operate (apply force) against the biasing force of the elastic member. Furthermore, when the operation is released (when application of force is stopped) while the handle ring 342 has been rotated clockwise a predetermined amount, the biasing force of the elastic member causes the handle ring 342 to return to its initial position (automatically return).

[0041] (Handle ring 342) The handle ring 342 includes a ring portion 350a, a first finger hook portion 351, a second finger hook portion 352, and a third finger hook portion 353. The first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular ring portion 350a along the circumferential direction, protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a. When viewed from the front, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are substantially triangular (arch-shaped). When the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are viewed with their tips facing upward, the left slope is steeper (has a steeper slope) than the right slope. Because the left slope is steeper than the right slope, it is easier to hook your fingers.

[0042] If the first to third finger rests 351 to 353 were not provided, the player would have to grip the outer periphery of the ring portion 350a to perform the rotation operation. However, if the first to third finger rests 351 to 353 are provided, the player can perform the rotation operation by hooking their fingers. This allows the player to perform the rotation operation more easily. This reduces the burden on the player.

[0043] The door unit 300 is a component that may be handled as a single unit. In other words, it is a component that is subject to the work of attaching / detaching (replacing) only the door unit 300, or the work of transporting only the door unit 300. Therefore, situations may arise where only the door unit 300 is placed on a surface such as the floor, or where only the door unit 300 is placed in a packaging material such as a box.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a view of the door unit 300 as seen from the front. As shown in Fig. 7, the lower edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is referred to as the lower edge S1. The lower edge S1 forms the outermost shape of the lower side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrude below (downward from) the lower edge S1, they may come into contact with the floor when the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) may be damaged.

[0045] (Initial position: downward) FIG. 7 shows the handle ring 342 in its initial position. In the initial position, the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces toward the upper left. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces upward. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces toward the upper right. In this embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like, the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 do not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

[0046] (Maximum rotation position: downward) 8 is a front view of the door unit 300, showing the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is the position where the amount of rotation (amount of operation) of the handle ring 342 from the initial position is maximum. At the maximum rotation position, the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces upward. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces to the right. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces downward. In this embodiment, at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the third finger hook 353 is closest to the lower edge S1.

[0047] In this embodiment, even at the maximum rotation position, none of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like when the handle ring 342 is at the maximum rotation position, the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 do not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

[0048] In this embodiment, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downwardly below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Note that in this embodiment, the tip of the third finger hook portion 353 is closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotation position. However, the tip of any of the finger hook portions does not have to be closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotation position. In other words, if the position at which the tip of any of the finger hook portions is closest to the lower edge S1 is defined as a predetermined rotation position, it is sufficient that none of the finger hook portions protrude downwardly below the lower edge S1 at the predetermined rotation position.

[0049] Returning to Figure 7, the right edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is referred to as right edge T1. Right edge T1 constitutes the outermost shape of the right side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrude to the right (rightward) of the right edge T1, when the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, they may come into contact with the box, causing damage to the handle ring 342 (handle 340).

[0050] (Initial position: right side) In this embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right (rightward) beyond the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

[0051] (Maximum rotation position: right side) As shown in Fig. 8, at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the second finger hook 352 is closest to the right edge T1. In this embodiment, even at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like with the handle ring 342 at the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

[0052] In this embodiment, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 do not protrude to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Note that in this embodiment, the tip of the second finger hook portion 352 is closest to the right edge T1 at the maximum rotation position. However, the tip of any of the finger hook portions does not have to be closest to the right edge T1 at the maximum rotation position. In other words, if the position at which the tip of any of the finger hook portions is closest to the right edge T1 is defined as a predetermined rotation position, it is sufficient that none of the finger hook portions protrude to the right of the right edge T1 at the predetermined rotation position.

[0053] 9 is a view of the lower right portion of the front frame 300 as viewed from the front side in the direction of the rotation axis of the handle 340. (1) The length (distance) (dimension) D1 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the first finger hook 351 is 53.4 mm. (2) The length D2 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the second finger hook 352 is 45.6 mm. (3) The length D3 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the third finger hook 353 is 39.3 mm. (4) The length E from the center P of the handle 340 to the outer peripheral surface of the handle ring 342 is 34.6 mm. In other words, the radius E of the portion of the handle ring 342 where no finger hook is provided is 34.6 mm. (5) The length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S1 of the door unit 300 is 40.0 mm. (6) The length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T1 of the door unit 300 is 49.1 mm.

[0054] In this embodiment, the handle unit 330 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 300, but the handle unit 330 may also be provided on the lower right side of the inner frame 104. FIG. 15 is a right side view showing the handle unit 330 attached to the lower right side of the inner frame 104. FIG. 16 is a view of the lower right side in this state, viewed from the front side in the rotation axis direction of the handle 340. FIGS. 15 and 16 can also be said to show the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 integrated together. Here, the lower edges of the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 (i.e., the main frame) are referred to as the lower edge S2. The lower edge S2 forms the outermost shape of the lower side of the main frame. In other words, the lower edge S2 is the lower edge of either the front frame 300 or the inner frame 104. The right edge of the main frame is referred to as the right edge T2. The right edge T2 forms the outermost shape of the right side of the main frame. In other words, the right edge T2 is the right edge of either the front frame 300 or the inner frame 104.

[0055] In the initial position, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Furthermore, in the maximum rotation position, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Furthermore, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Therefore, even if the main body frame is placed on the floor, the finger grip will not come into contact with the floor, and the handle will not be damaged, reducing the risk of damage to parts. In addition, when referring to the lower edge (lower edge) of the main frame, if the lower edge (bottom surface) of the receiving tray unit 320 (receiving tray) is located lower than the lower edge of the front frame 300 or the lower edge of the inner frame 104, the lower edge (bottom surface) of the receiving tray unit 320 may also be considered the lower edge of the main frame.

[0056] In the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Furthermore, in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Furthermore, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Therefore, even if the main body frame is placed in a box, the finger grip will not come into contact with the box, and the handle will not be damaged, reducing the risk of damage to parts.

[0057] 16, D1, D2, D3, and E are the same as those in FIG. 9, but the length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame is 45.0 mm. Also, the length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T2 of the main body frame is 51.1 mm.

[0058] In the above, the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 is positioned lower (protrudes) than the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300, but the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 and the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 may be substantially the same. Also, the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 may be positioned lower than the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104.

[0059] 9 and 16, the length D3 is smaller than the length F. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the third finger grip 353 does not protrude below the lower edges S1 and S2.

[0060] Length D2 is smaller than length G. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), second finger grip 352 does not protrude to the right of right edges T1, T2.

[0061] On the other hand, length D1 is greater than length F. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 faces downward (a position where the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces downward), the first finger hook 351 will protrude downward from the lower edges S1 and S2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is configured not to rotate to a position where the first finger hook 351 faces downward. Therefore, the first finger hook 351 will not protrude downward from the lower edges S1 and S2.

[0062] Furthermore, length D1 is greater than length G. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 faces right (a position where the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces right), the first finger hook 351 will protrude to the right of the right edges T1 and T2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is not rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 faces right. Therefore, the first finger hook 351 will not protrude to the right of the right edges T1 and T2.

[0063] In this way, the first finger hook 351 is configured not to rotate to a position where its tip faces downward (downward) or to a position where its tip faces rightward. Therefore, the length D1 can be made greater than the lengths D2 and D3. Increasing the length D1 has the effect of making it easier to hook a finger. In this embodiment, the length D1 is greater than the length D2, and the length D2 is greater than the length D3.

[0064] In this embodiment, the number of finger hooks provided on the handle ring 342 is three, but the number of finger hooks is not limited to three, and it is sufficient that at least one or more finger hooks are provided. Furthermore, the finger hook with the greatest protrusion amount (largest finger hook) is not limited to the first finger hook 351, and may be another finger hook. The protrusion amount refers to the amount of protrusion radially outward, and is, for example, the amount of protrusion of the finger hook from a portion of the handle ring 342 where no finger hook is provided (ring portion 350a).

[0065] As described above, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main frame and does not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position. Alternatively, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, and the finger hook portion with the greatest protrusion (maximum finger hook portion) at the maximum rotation position may not be located in a position where its tip faces downward (directly downward) (i.e., where its tip is closest to the lower edge S2 of the main frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion moves along an arc-shaped rotational path, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion is not located at the lowest point of the rotational path of the tip. In this case, the maximum finger hook portion may rotate to a position closest to the lower edge S2 of the main frame and then further rotate beyond that position to a position farther away from the lower edge S2 of the main frame. Alternatively, the finger hook may not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, and the finger hook with the greatest protrusion (maximum finger hook) may not be located at a position where its tip faces right (true right) at the maximum rotation position (the position where its tip is closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook moves along an arc-shaped rotational path, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook is not located at the rightmost point on the rotational path of the tip. In this case, the maximum finger hook may rotate to a position closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame and then further rotate beyond that position to a position farther away from the right edge T2 of the main body frame.

[0066] The bottom surfaces (lower surfaces) of the tray unit 320 and the handle unit 330 shown in FIG. 4 are provided with tapered surfaces (draft angles) that slope gently upward from the rear to the front (near side). This is referred to as the "front frame lower inclined surface." When the front frame 300 has an inclined surface, the inclined surface of the front frame lower may come into contact with the floor or other surface when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor. That is, when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor, for example, the inclined surface of the front frame lower may come into contact with the floor, causing the front frame 300 to assume a slightly forward-leaning position (forward-leaning position) relative to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In this position, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is closer to the floor.

[0067] When the handle ring 342 is in the initial position, none of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower front frame. In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like and the inclined surface of the lower front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

[0068] When the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position, none of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position and the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

[0069] Furthermore, regardless of the rotational position (any rotational position) of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame.

[0070] At predetermined rotation positions, including the initial position and the maximum rotation position, at least a portion of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 may protrude downward from the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. Even in this case, none of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 protrudes downward from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. This configuration reduces the risk of damage to parts.

[0071] Next, the operating torque and operating angle of the handle 340 will be described. As shown in Fig. 10, a spring is arranged inside the handle 340 as an elastic member Z. The handle ring 342 can be operated (rotated) in a clockwise direction against the biasing force of the spring. Furthermore, when the operation of the handle ring 342 is released after it has been rotated a predetermined amount (angle), the biasing force (reaction force) of the spring causes the handle ring 342 to automatically return to its initial position.

[0072] (Initial response) Here, the operation torque required to start (initial movement) (start) (rotation from the initial position) rotation of the handle ring 342 is defined as a first operation torque (initial movement torque). (Left-handed) When hitting from the left, the target position in the game area 116 where the game ball that has passed through the launch port 117 (see Figure 2) will land is the target position (target area) for hitting from the left. The target area (target area) for hitting from the left is the area known as the "butkomi" (bulkkomi). The target area is an ideal area where, during normal game play, the player aims the game ball at that area, which is said to have the highest chance of the ball entering the various winning devices (winning ports). Furthermore, the position (rotation position) of the handle ring 342 that allows the game ball to land at the target position for left-handed hits is defined as the left-handed hit reference position. The operation torque required to rotate the handle ring 342 from its initial position to the left-handed hit reference position is defined as the second operation torque. The operation angle (operation angle) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 to the left-handed hit reference position is defined as the first operation angle.

[0073] (right-handed) The position (rotation position) of the handle ring 342 when hitting with the right hand is defined as the right-hand hit reference position (maximum rotation position). The operation torque required to rotate the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as the third operation torque. The operation angle (operation angle) of the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as the second operation angle. The second operation angle is a full stroke.

[0074] Example 1 As shown in FIG. 11, in the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is 13.6 [N·mm]. The third operation torque is 23.8 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, and the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operation torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operation torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operation torque is 152 [N·mm]. FIG. 12 shows these relationships in a graph.

[0075] The first, second, and third operating torques are all relatively small. This allows the player to rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. In other words, the player feels that operating the handle ring 342 is light. This reduces the player's fatigue and the burden on the player. Furthermore, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns to its original position, it abuts against a stopper (not shown) to stop its rotation. Since the first, second, and third operating torques are all small, the impact on the stopper during automatic return is reduced. This reduces wear and tear on the stopper and reduces the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated component. In other words, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

[0076] Furthermore, since the first to third operating torques are all small values, it is possible to reduce the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 (see FIG. 5). As a result, it is possible to suppress wear caused by the large frictional force, and it is possible to improve the durability of the parts.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N·mm], which is less than 10 [N·mm]. Because the first operation torque is small, the force required for the initial movement of the handle ring 342 is small, and the handle ring 342 can be started to rotate with less force. If the spring force (reaction force) were reduced to a value less than 6.8 [N·mm], the handle ring 342 might not return to its initial position due to friction acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341, for example. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first operation torque is set to the minimum torque required for automatic return to the initial position. Therefore, to enable automatic return while reducing the initial movement, it is preferable to set the first operation torque to 6.8 [N·m] or more.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque, but the value of the third operation torque (23.8 [N·mm]) is less than twice the value of the second operation torque (27.2 [N·mm]). If the value of the third operation torque (152 [N·mm]) were greater than twice the value of the second operation torque (138 [N·mm]), as in the comparative example, the operation torque would increase rapidly from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position (right-hit reference position). In this case, a greater force would be required to rotate the ball from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this embodiment, the value of the third operation torque is less than twice the value of the second operation torque, and the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small. Therefore, the operation torque does not increase rapidly from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, and the player perceives the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque as small. This reduces player fatigue and reduces the burden on the player.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, but the value of the second operation torque (13.6 [N·mm]) is less than twice the value of the first operation torque (13.6 [N·mm]). If the value of the second operation torque (69 [N·mm]) were greater than twice the value of the first operation torque (62 [N·mm]), as in the comparative example, the operation torque would increase rapidly from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In that case, a greater force would be required to rotate the ball from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In this embodiment, the value of the second operation torque is less than twice the value of the first operation torque, and the difference between the first and second operation torques is small. Therefore, the operation torque does not increase rapidly from the initial position to the left-hit reference position, and the player perceives the difference between the first and second operation torques as small. This reduces player fatigue and reduces the burden on the player.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 11 , the difference (displacement) between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is defined as increment A. In this embodiment, increment A is 6.8 [N·mm]. The difference (displacement) between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is defined as increment B. In this embodiment, increment B is 10.2 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, double increment A (13.6) is greater than increment B (10.2) (2A>B). In other words, increment B is less than double increment A. Therefore, even when comparing the increment of operation torque from the initial position to the left-hit reference position with the increment of operation torque from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increment is not significantly larger than the former increment. Therefore, the difference between increment A and increment B is small, and right-hits do not feel significantly heavier than left-hits. This reduces the player's fatigue and reduces the burden on the player. Furthermore, the player will not feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operating torque between left-handed and right-handed hits, allowing the player to play comfortably.

[0081] On the other hand, in the comparative example, increase A is 38 [N·mm] and increase B is 83 [N·mm]. Increase B is greater than twice increase A. Therefore, when comparing the increase in operating torque from the initial position to the left-hand hit reference position with the increase in operating torque from the left-hand hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase is significantly greater than the former increase. Therefore, the difference between increase A and increase B is large, making right-hand hits feel extremely heavy compared to left-hand hits. This causes players to tire easily and places a heavy burden on them. Furthermore, players may feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operating torque between left-hand and right-hand hits.

[0082] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the initial torque is small and the torque curve of the operation torque is a flat torque curve. Because the initial torque is small and the torque variation (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the initial torque is large and the torque curve of the operation torque is a quadratic curve. Because the initial torque is large and the torque variation (increase) is also large, the player is more likely to get tired.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the first operation angle is 49°. The second operation angle is 100°. Left-handed hits and right-handed hits are separated by an operation angle that is approximately half of a full stroke (second operation angle). This makes it easy for a player to intuitively recognize the boundary between left-handed hits and right-handed hits. The second operation angle is 100°, which is a smaller angle than, for example, a second operation angle of 130°. This allows for a smaller amount of hand rotation when hitting right. This prevents the player from getting tired and reduces the burden on the player. The first operation angle may be 45° to 60°. The second operation angle may be 100° to 120°.

[0084] In addition, the first operating angle is less than half the second operating angle (full stroke). Therefore, a left hit can be performed at an operating angle less than half the full stroke. Also, a right hit cannot be performed at an operating angle less than half the full stroke. This allows the player to clearly distinguish between left hits and right hits.

[0085] Example 2 As shown in Figure 13, the first operation torque is 27.2 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is 54.4 [N·mm]. The third operation torque is 95.2 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, and the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operation torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operation torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operation torque is 152 [N·mm]. Figure 14 shows these relationships in a graph.

[0086] The first, second, and third operating torques are all smaller than those of the comparative example. This allows the player to rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. In other words, the player feels that operating the handle ring 342 is light. This reduces the player's fatigue and the burden on the player. Furthermore, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns to its original position, it abuts against a stopper (not shown) to stop its rotation. Since the first, second, and third operating torques are all small, the impact on the stopper during automatic return is reduced. This reduces wear and tear on the stopper and reduces the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated component. In other words, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, since the first to third operating torques are smaller than those of the comparative example, it is possible to reduce the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 (see FIG. 5). As a result, it is possible to suppress wear caused by the large frictional force, and it is possible to improve the durability of the parts.

[0088] Furthermore, the first operating torque is 27.2 [N·mm], which is equal to or greater than 6.8 [N·mm], so that the initial movement is light and the handle ring 342 can be automatically returned.

[0089] Furthermore, while the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque, the value of the third operation torque (95.2 [N·mm]) is less than twice the value of the second operation torque (108.8 [N·mm]). If the value of the third operation torque (152 [N·mm]) were greater than twice the value of the second operation torque (138 [N·mm]), as in the comparative example, the operation torque would increase sharply between the left-hit reference position and the maximum rotation position (right-hit reference position). In this case, a greater force would be required to rotate the ball from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this example, the value of the third operation torque is less than twice the value of the second operation torque, and the difference between the second and third operation torques is small. Therefore, the operation torque does not increase sharply between the left-hit reference position and the maximum rotation position, and the player perceives the difference between the second and third operation torques as small. This reduces player fatigue and reduces the burden on the player.

[0090] Furthermore, while the second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, the value of the second operation torque (54.4 [N·mm]) is less than twice the value of the first operation torque (54.4 [N·mm]). If the value of the second operation torque (69 [N·mm]) were greater than twice the value of the first operation torque (62 [N·mm]), as in the comparative example, the operation torque would increase rapidly when moving from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In that case, a greater force would be required to rotate the controller from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In this example, the value of the second operation torque is less than twice the value of the first operation torque, and the difference between the first and second operation torques is small. Therefore, the operation torque does not increase rapidly when moving from the initial position to the left-hit reference position, and the player perceives the difference between the first and second operation torques as small. This reduces player fatigue and reduces the burden on the player.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 13 , the difference (displacement) between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is defined as increase A. Increase A is 27.2 [N·mm]. The difference (displacement) between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is defined as increase B. Increase B is 40.8 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, double increase A (54.4) is greater than increase B (40.8) (2A>B). In other words, increase B is less than double increase A. Therefore, even when comparing the increase in operation torque from the initial position to the left-hit reference position with the increase in operation torque from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase is not significantly greater than the former increase. Therefore, the difference between increase A and increase B is small, and right-hits do not feel significantly heavier than left-hits. This reduces the player's fatigue and reduces the burden on the player. Furthermore, the player will not feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operating torque between left-handed and right-handed hits, allowing the player to play comfortably.

[0092] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, the torque curve of the operation torque is a gentle curve. Because the torque variation (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the torque curve of the operation torque is a quadratic curve. Because the torque variation (increase) is also large, the player is more likely to get tired.

[0093] The first operating torque ranged from 6.8 [N·mm] in Example 1 to 27 [N·mm] in Example 2. The second operating torque may be within a range of 13.6 [N·mm] shown in Example 1 to 54.4 [N·mm] shown in Example 2. The third operating torque may be within a range of 23.8 [N·mm] shown in Example 1 to 95.2 [N·mm] shown in Example 2. The third operating torque (right-hand hit reference position) is preferably 100 [N·mm] or less.

[0094] (Second embodiment) A known gaming machine is a pachinko machine equipped with a gaming board, a launching device, and the like. In a pachinko gaming machine, gaming balls (gaming media) are launched into a gaming area provided on the front of the gaming board, and a gaming benefit is awarded to the player based on the gaming balls entering a winning slot provided in the gaming area. A specific gaming machine, typified by such gaming machines, is equipped with a tray for storing gaming balls, and gaming balls can be discharged from the tray based on button operation. Conventional gaming machines have a problem in that some operations are difficult to operate. In this embodiment, a gaming machine that can be operated comfortably is provided.

[0095] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. While this embodiment will be described with reference to a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, other gaming machines (e.g., slot machines, medalless gaming machines, etc.) may also be used. In the following description, "front and rear" basically refers to the player's side as "front" and the pachinko gaming machine's side as "rear" when a player is in front of the pachinko gaming machine, "up and down" refers to the top side of the pachinko gaming machine as "up" and the bottom side as "down," and "left and right" refers to the player's left-hand side as "left" and the player's right-hand side as "right." Within the scope of the present invention, the components of the present invention may be freely combined, arbitrarily modified, or omitted.

[0096] 17 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement parlor, and is equipped with an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a playing area 4 in which the gaming balls move, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The diameter of the gaming balls used in the gaming machine of this embodiment is approximately 11 mm. The "tray unit 320, tray" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into the "tray unit 100, tray 16" in the second embodiment. Also, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into the "grip unit 20" in the second embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has an inner frame, and is equipped with a main frame having a front frame 10 and the inner frame. The outer frame 2 is capable of attaching the main frame. The main frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a tray unit 100 (tray 16).

[0097] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of front frame lamps (lighting devices) 12 that output special lights to enhance the game.

[0098] Additionally, a design element (lighting device) 13 that is long in the left-right direction is provided on the top of the front frame 10. Additionally, the design element 13 is positioned to protrude forward so that its front surface is positioned forward of the gaming area 4 and the glass unit 8. The design element 13 is adorned with a logo representing the model name, etc., and the logo is illuminated by an LED board provided inside.

[0099] In addition, the front frame 10 is provided with a plurality of speakers 14 that output special sounds to liven up the game.

[0100] A tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided on the left part of the inner side surface (back surface 16e) of the tray 16. In addition, a supply opening 22 (see Figures 22 and 23) for supplying game balls from the tray 16 to the launching device is provided on the right part of the inner side surface (back surface 16e) of the tray 16.

[0101] A grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10, and when a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, and gaming balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 gaming balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0102] A performance operation device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the tray 16, and when the player operates the performance operation device 26, the performance performed in the gaming machine changes.

[0103] Figure 18 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 18, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the gaming board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 to the gaming area 4.

[0104] In the center of the game board 6, there is provided a presentation unit 36 ​​which includes a liquid crystal display 32 that displays presentation images and the like to liven up the game, and a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. A design element 38 is provided on this display frame 34. Note that, although the present embodiment shows a case in which the design element 38 is provided above the liquid crystal display 32, the position of the design element 38 is not limited to this.

[0105] In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area 4 on the left or right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed to the surface of the game board 6 so as to intersect with each other, and the direction of movement of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0106] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, so that game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0107] A first starting winning hole 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44. A passing gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start winning opening 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. This second start winning opening 50 is provided with a normal accessory 52 that includes an assisting member that can move between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted, a non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 50, and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted, a assisted state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter.

[0108] In the game area 4 to the right of the LCD display 32, a large prize opening 54 is provided below the second start prize opening 50. This large prize opening 54 is provided with a special device 56 having a movable member that closes the large prize opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54, and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize opening 54 (FIG. 18 shows the closed state). The special device 56 is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that begins when a large prize is won.

[0109] A special prize passage 58 is provided below the special prize opening 54, extending downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the bottom end of the special prize passage 58. A special passage 65 is provided below the special prize passage 58, branching downward from the main path of the special prize passage 58. A special role device 66 having a movable member that blocks the special passage 65 is provided in the special prize passage 65. The special role device 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the special passage 65 and an open state in which game balls can enter the special passage 65 (FIG. 18 shows the closed state). The special role device 66 is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in the special game state. A special entrance 68 is provided at the bottom end of the special passage 65. An outlet 69 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4, which collects game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the prize openings.

[0110] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit (operating handle) 20 shown in Figure 17.When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32.

[0111] The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-side game area 4 or passes through the opening 40, passage 42 and stage 44 and enters the first start winning opening 46 (left hit), or so that it falls through the right-side game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second start winning opening 50 or enters the big winning opening 54 (right hit).

[0112] A status display unit 70 is provided at the bottom right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, to indicate various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps, etc. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and the sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

[0113] The main board receives input signals from the input means (first start winning port sensor, passing gate sensor, second start winning port sensor, large winning port sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operation of the output means (status display drive device, normal feature drive device, special feature drive device, specific feature drive device, payout device, etc.).

[0114] The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the performance operation sensor that detects operations on the performance operation device 26, performs various calculations to execute performances that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance devices (performance display devices, sound devices, performance object driving devices, etc.) based on the calculation results.

[0115] A tray unit 100 is provided below the front frame 10. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the tray unit 100 has a tray member 110 that forms the front surface 16a, bottom surface 16b, and left and right side surfaces 16c and 16d of the tray 16, a base member (plate-shaped member) 111 that forms the back surface 16e of the tray 16, a downstream ball removal unit (first ball removal unit) 112 and an upstream ball removal unit (second ball removal unit) 113 that discharge game balls stored in the tray 16, a first passage 114 and a second passage 115 through which game balls discharged from the tray 16 pass, and a button arrangement section 116 that forms the right side portion of the top surface of the tray unit 100 and in which various buttons are arranged. The button arrangement section 116 is provided with a ball lending button (not shown), a return button 91, a directional key 92, a volume adjustment button 93, a light intensity adjustment button 94, etc. (see FIG. 17). Here, the ball lending button is a button that is operated when borrowing game balls. The return button 91 is a button that is operated when ejecting game balls that the player has in his possession into the tray 16. The directional key 92 is a button that is operated when making selections regarding effects, etc. The volume adjustment button 93 and light intensity adjustment button 94 are buttons that are operated when adjusting the volume or light intensity, respectively.

[0116] The tray 16 stores game balls (loan balls) loaned to a player and game balls (prize balls) acquired by winning. That is, the tray 16 stores game balls discharged from the payout opening 18. As shown in FIG. 20, the bottom surface 16b of the tray 16 is inclined downward from left to right. The width of the tray 16 in the front-to-rear direction narrows from left to right (from top to bottom). The game balls discharged into the tray 16 are aligned in a line and head toward the lower right portion of the tray 16. In other words, an alignment path 103 that aligns the game balls in a line is formed in the lower right portion of the tray 16. In addition, a downstream ball removal hole 118 (first hole) is formed in the lower right end of the alignment path 103 (tray 16) as a hole (ball removal hole) through which game balls can be discharged from the tray 16.

[0117] Additionally, an upstream ball ejection hole 119 (second hole) is formed in the left portion of the underside 16b of the tray 16 as a hole (ball ejection hole) through which gaming balls can be discharged from the tray 16. Additionally, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is provided in front of the payout opening 18, and at least a portion of it overlaps with the payout opening 18 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0118] The downstream ball ejection hole 118 and the upstream ball ejection hole 119 each have an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the ball ejection holes 118, 119 are open, allowing game balls to fall through the ball ejection holes 118, 119. In the closed state, the ball ejection holes 118, 119 are blocked by the downstream ball ejection unit 112 or the upstream ball ejection unit 113, preventing game balls from falling through the ball ejection holes 118, 119. It should be noted that the term "closed" here does not only refer to a state in which the ball ejection holes 118, 119 are closed without any gaps, but also to a state in which they are closed to the extent that the gaming balls cannot pass through.

[0119] The downstream ball removal unit 112 is provided corresponding to the downstream ball removal hole 118. By operating the downstream ball removal unit 112, it is possible to switch the downstream ball removal hole 118 between an open state and a closed state. The upstream ball removal unit 113 is provided corresponding to the upstream ball removal hole 119. By operating the upstream ball removal unit 113, it is possible to switch the upstream ball removal hole 119 between an open state and a closed state.

[0120] As shown in Figure 21, the downstream ball removal unit 112 comprises a downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means), a link member 122, a slide member 124, a downstream lid 125 (first lid: first opening / closing means), a pin 126, and a spring 128. In addition, the parts of the base member 111 etc. to which the downstream ball removal button 120, link member 122, slide member 124, spring 128 etc. are attached (such as the protrusions 200, 202, 202 and the base member side hook 204 described below) can also be said to constitute part of the downstream ball removal unit 112.

[0121] The downstream ball ejection button 120 can be pressed by a player or the like. The downstream ball ejection button 120 is equipped with a push-down portion 130 that is touched by a player or the like, a protruding portion 132 that protrudes downward (backside) of the push-down portion 130, and locking portions 134, 134. The push-down portion 130, the protruding portion 132, and the locking portion 134 are integrally formed from a resin material.

[0122] The push-down portion 130 is shaped like a substantially rectangular box. The protruding portion 132 is shaped like a rectangular pillar and protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the push-down portion 130. The locking portions 134 are provided at lower positions on the left and right sides of the push-down portion 130 and have claws that protrude outward in the left-right direction.

[0123] The downstream ball ejection button 120 is provided on the button arrangement section 116. Specifically, when not in operation, the downstream ball ejection button 120 is arranged on the button arrangement section 116 so that the push-down portion 130 protrudes above the top surface of the button arrangement section 116 (see Figures 17 and 20). Also, when not in operation, the claw of the locking portion 134 is locked onto the underside of the button arrangement section 116, thereby restricting the upward movement of the push-down portion 130. If the position of the downstream ball ejection button 120 (push-down portion 130) when not in operation is set to an initial position (first initial position), the downstream ball ejection button 120 (push-down portion 130) can be pressed down so as to move downward from the initial position.

[0124] The link member 122 includes a substantially cylindrical portion 140, a first arm 142, a second arm 144, and a reinforcing plate 146. The cylindrical portion 140, the first arm 142, the second arm 144, and the reinforcing plate 146 are integrally formed from a resin material.

[0125] The cylindrical portion 140 has its axis oriented in the front-rear direction. The first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed to extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. Specifically, the base end of the first arm 142 is connected to a left portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The tip end of the first arm 142 extends from this base end toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical portion 140. The base end of the second arm 144 is connected to a lower portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The tip end of the second arm 144 extends from this base end toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical portion 140. That is, the base end of the first arm 142 and the base end of the second arm 144 are connected to the cylindrical portion 140 at positions spaced apart by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. In addition, the tip end of the first arm 142 and the tip end of the second arm 144 are disposed at positions spaced apart by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140.

[0126] An abutment surface 150 is formed at the tip of the first arm 142, against which the protrusion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120 abuts. Specifically, the tip of the first arm 142 is cylindrical, and the upper part of the outer circumferential surface (outer curved surface) of this tip forms the abutment surface 150 against which the protrusion 132 abuts. In addition, a pin insertion hole 152 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the tip of the second arm 144. The pin 126 is shaped like a round bar, and is provided so as to protrude rearward from the tip of the second arm 144.

[0127] In addition, a plate-shaped reinforcing plate 146 that connects first arm 142 and second arm 144 is provided between first arm 142 and second arm 144. This reinforcing plate 146 reinforces first arm 142 and second arm 144.

[0128] A cylindrical protrusion 200 that protrudes rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 140 (see FIGS. 22(a) and 23(a)). The link member 122 is rotatable in the circumferential direction around the cylindrical portion 140 (with the protrusion 200 as the axis). In other words, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 rotate around the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140 as the center of rotation.

[0129] The slide member 124 has a slide member main body 160 in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. A square pin insertion hole 161 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the right end of the slide member main body 160. The width of this pin insertion hole 161 in the left-right direction is substantially equal to the diameter of the pin 126, and the width in the up-down direction is longer than the diameter of the pin 126. The pin 126 is configured to be almost immovable in the left-right direction relative to the pin insertion hole 161, but is movable in the up-down direction.

[0130] Two holes 162, 162 are formed in the slide member main body 160, aligned in the left-right direction. Cylindrical protrusions 202, 202 protruding rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 are inserted into the two holes 162, 162, respectively (see FIGS. 22(a) and 23(a)). The holes 162, 162 are rectangular. The width of the holes 162, 162 in the up-down direction is approximately equal to the diameter of the protrusions 202, 202, and the width of the holes 162 in the left-right direction is longer than the diameter of the protrusions 202, 202 (for example, by 11 mm or more). The holes 162, 162 (slide member 124) are configured to be almost immovable in the up-down direction relative to the protrusions 202, 202 (base member 111), but are movable in the left-right direction. That is, the holes 162 and the protrusions 202 form an operation direction limiting portion that limits the movement direction of the slide member 124 to the left and right directions.

[0131] Furthermore, a slide member side hook 164 on which the spring 128 is hooked is provided on the upper part of the slide member main body 160. The spring 128 is a tension spring and is expandable and contractible in the left-right direction. The spring 128 has circular hooks 128a and 128b on both left and right ends. The hook 128b on the right end of the spring 128 is hooked on the slide member side hook 164. Furthermore, a base member side hook 204 on which the hook 128a on the left end of the spring 128 is hooked is provided on the back surface of the base member 111 (see Figures 22(a) and 23(a)). The hook 128a on the left end of the spring 128 is hooked on the base member side hook 204.

[0132] A downstream lid 125 is provided at the left end of the slide member 124 (slide member main body 160). The downstream lid 125 is provided so as to protrude leftward from the slide member 124. The downstream lid 125 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. The downstream lid 125 and the slide member 124 are integrally formed from a resin material.

[0133] The downstream lid 125 is a lid that opens and closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118. The downstream lid 125 moves left and right in conjunction with the left and right movement of the slide member 124. When the downstream lid 125 is positioned on the left side, it closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118, and when it is positioned on the right side, it opens the downstream ball ejection hole 118. In other words, the downstream lid 125 is movable between a closed position that closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118 and an open position that opens the downstream ball ejection hole 118.

[0134] The downstream ball removal unit 112 is configured so that the downstream lid 125 moves left and right in accordance with the up and down movement of the downstream ball removal button 120. In other words, based on the operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 by a player or the like, the downstream lid 125 can be moved to open and close the downstream ball removal hole 118.

[0135] The operation of the downstream ball removal unit 112 will be described with reference to Figures 22 and 23. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the state in which the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its initial position when not in operation and the downstream lid 125 is in its closed position. Figure 22(a) is a diagram including the base member 111, while Figure 22(b) is a diagram showing the state without the base member 111. Figure 23 is a diagram showing the state in which the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its fully depressed position (maximum depression position) and the downstream lid 125 is in its open position. Figure 23(a) is a diagram including the base member 111, while Figure 23(b) is a diagram showing the state without the base member 111.

[0136] First, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its initial non-operated position, the downstream lid 125 is in the closed position. That is, at this time, the downstream ball removal hole 118 is closed. Then, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is moved downward from its initial position (pressed by a player), the tip of the first arm 142 of the link member 122 is pushed downward by the protrusion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120. Then, the first arm 142 rotates downward (counterclockwise) around the cylindrical portion 140. At the same time, the second arm 144 rotates rightward (counterclockwise) around the cylindrical portion 140. When the second arm 144 rotates rightward, the pin 126 moves up and down inside the pin insertion hole 161 of the slide member 124, pulling the slide member 124 to the right. Then, the slide member 124 moves to the right against the elastic force of the spring 128. Then, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right accordingly. Then, the downstream lid 125 reaches the open position, and the downstream ball removal hole 118 is opened. Furthermore, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed down to the maximum, the holes 162, 162 of the slide member 124 abut against the protrusions 202, 202 of the base member 111, restricting further downward movement of the downstream ball removal button 120 and further movement of the slide member 124 to the right.

[0137] Furthermore, when the player releases the downstream ball removal button 120, the elastic force of the spring 128 pulls the slide member main body 160 to the left. This in turn moves the downstream lid 125 to the left. The movement of the slide member main body 160 is transmitted to the downstream ball removal button 120 via the pin 126 and the link member 122, causing the downstream ball removal button 120 to return to its initial position. In other words, when not in operation, the downstream ball removal button 120 is positioned in its initial position by the elastic force of the spring 128. In other words, the downstream ball removal button 120 is biased upward.

[0138] In this way, the link member 122, the slide member 124, and the pin 126 form a link mechanism that converts the vertical movement of the downstream ball removal button 120 into left-right movement of the downstream lid 125, and converts the left-right movement of the downstream lid 125 into vertical movement of the downstream ball removal button 120.

[0139] Here, the distance L2 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140) to the pin 126 (the tip of the second arm 144) is more than twice the distance L1 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 to the point where the downstream ball ejection button 120 and the first arm 142 contact (the tip of the first arm 142: the abutment surface 150). Therefore, the second arm 144 moves to the right by more than twice the amount by which the first arm 142 moves downward. In other words, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right by more than twice the amount by which the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed. In other words, the link mechanism increases the amount of operation of the downstream ball ejection button 120 and transmits it to the downstream lid 125.

[0140] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the downstream ball ejection button 120 required to open the downstream ball ejection hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the diameter of the gaming ball. Specifically, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed approximately 4 mm from its initial position, the downstream lid 125 moves approximately 11 mm to the right. In other words, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed from its initial position by a predetermined amount (approximately 4 mm) that is less than the diameter of the gaming ball, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball ejection hole 118 (the distance from the tip of the downstream lid 125 to the edge of the downstream ball ejection hole 118 opposite that tip) becomes 11 mm or more. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the downstream ball ejection button 120 required to open the downstream ball ejection hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the radius of the gaming ball.

[0141] Furthermore, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed to its fullest, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is set to approximately 14 mm. In other words, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed to its fullest, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 opens to approximately the diameter of the gaming ball plus 3 mm, but to an opening that is less than twice the diameter of the gaming ball. In other words, even when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed to its fullest, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is designed so that two gaming balls cannot pass through at the same time.

[0142] Furthermore, the maximum amount that the downstream ball ejection button 120 can be pressed (maximum operation amount) is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball (less than the diameter (approximately 6 mm)). In other words, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed a predetermined amount that is equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball (less than the diameter), it cannot be pressed any further. Specifically, the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball ejection button 120 is set to be equal to or more than the radius of the gaming ball and less than the diameter. It can also be said that it is set to about half the diameter of the downstream ball ejection button 120. Note that, here, about half the diameter means a range of approximately ±1.5 mm from half the diameter (approximately 4 mm to 7 mm).

[0143] 23(b), even when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is in its initial position when not in operation, a gap of a predetermined width W2 less than the diameter of the gaming ball is formed between the tip of the downstream lid 125 and the edge of the downstream ball ejection hole 118 in the direction of movement (left and right) of the downstream lid 125. This makes it possible to drop the gaming ball from the downstream ball ejection hole 118 with a smaller amount of operation.

[0144] When the downstream lid 125 closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118, the game balls are guided from the lower right end of the tray 16 through the supply port 22 to the launching device.

[0145] Next, the upstream ball removal unit 113 will be described.

[0146] As shown in Figure 24, the upstream ball removal unit 113 comprises an upstream lid 300 (second lid: second opening / closing means), a torsion spring 302, a cover member 304, an upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means), a slide member 308, a latch 310, and a ball removal base 312 (base member).

[0147] The upstream lid 300 includes a lid portion 320 that closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119, and a support portion 322 that supports the lid portion 320 (rotation of the lid portion 320). The lid portion 320 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. The lid portion 320 is large enough to cover the upstream ball ejection hole 119 from below. The support portion 322 is formed to protrude forward from the front edge of the lid portion 320. The lid portion 320 and the support portion 322 are integrally formed from a resin material.

[0148] The support portion 322 is formed with an insertion hole 324 into which a protrusion 332 of the cover member 304, which will be described later, is inserted. The support portion 322 is also provided with a cylindrical guide protrusion 326 that protrudes downward.

[0149] The cover member 304 is in the shape of a substantially square plate. A game ball passing hole 330 through which game balls pass is formed in the right rear part of the cover member 304. A cylindrical protrusion 332 is provided on the top surface of the cover member 304 in a position forward of the game ball passing hole 330.

[0150] Additionally, three arc-shaped rails 334 are formed on the upper surface of the cover member 304. The three rails 334 are arc-shaped protrusions, and the center of the arc is the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332).

[0151] The cover member 304 is also provided with a guide hole 336 through which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted. The guide hole 336 is an arc-shaped hole, and the center of the arc is the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332). The guide hole 336 is provided in front of the game ball passing hole 330 and to the right of the protrusion 332. The width of the guide hole 336 (the length in the radial direction of the arc) is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length of the guide hole 336 (the length in the circumferential direction of the arc) is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326.

[0152] Furthermore, a wall portion 338 that receives one arm of torsion spring 302 is provided on the upper surface of cover member 304. Wall portion 338 is formed to extend in the left-right direction. Wall portion 338 is also provided on the front left side of protrusion 332.

[0153] The upstream lid 300 is placed on the cover member 304 with the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream lid 300. The upstream lid 300 is rotatable about the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 (the central axis of the protrusion 332). Here, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted into the guide hole 336 of the cover member 304. Therefore, the guide protrusion 326 is movable within the range of the length of the guide hole 336. In other words, the guide protrusion 326 and the guide hole 336 form a movement range limiting portion that limits the movement range (movable range) of the upstream lid 300.

[0154] Torsion spring 302 is disposed between cover member 304 and upstream lid 300, with protrusion 332 of cover member 304 passing through its interior. A cylindrical protrusion (not shown) protruding downward and having a hole communicating with insertion hole 324 is provided on the underside of cover member 304. Protrusion 332 of cover member 304 is inserted into the protrusion, and torsion spring 302 is disposed to surround the protrusion. A fixing portion (not shown) for fixing one arm of torsion spring 302 is provided on the underside of cover member 304. One arm of torsion spring 302 is fixed to the fixing portion, and the other arm is pressed against wall portion 338 of cover member 304. This causes a force from torsion spring 302 to be applied to upstream lid 300 in the direction of closing upstream ball removal hole 119. A screw hole is provided in the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304. Then, the upstream lid 300 is attached to the cover member 304 by screwing a screw 333 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream lid 300 into the screw hole.

[0155] Furthermore, when the upstream lid 300 rotates, it rotates by sliding on the rails 334 of the cover member 304. This reduces friction between the upstream lid 300 and the cover member 304, making it possible to rotate the upstream lid 300 with less force.

[0156] Furthermore, the cover member 304 is provided on its lower surface with a protruding stripe 340 extending in the front-rear direction.

[0157] Furthermore, screw insertion holes 342 into which screws 345 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) are inserted are formed at each of the three corners (front right, rear right, and rear left corners) of the cover member 304.

[0158] The slide member 308 is disposed between the ball ejection base 312 and the cover member 304 in a state in which it can move in the forward and backward directions. The slide member 308 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. A button fixing portion 350 to which the upstream ball ejection button 306 is fixed is formed on the left front portion of the slide member 308. The upstream ball ejection button 306 is fixed to this button fixing portion 350 by screwing.

[0159] Furthermore, a locking protrusion 352 that protrudes rearward is formed on the left rear portion of the slide member 308. The locking protrusion 352 has a support portion that extends rearward in a rod shape, and a tip portion that widens in the left-right direction at the tip of the support portion.

[0160] The right side of the slide member 308 forms a frame-shaped portion 353 that is approximately rectangular and has a short width in the front-to-rear direction. The frame-shaped portion 353 is formed with a guide insertion hole 354 into which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted. The length of the guide insertion hole 354 in the front-to-rear direction is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length of the guide insertion hole 354 in the left-to-right direction is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326. In other words, the guide protrusion 326 is substantially immobile in the front-to-rear direction relative to the guide insertion hole 354, but is movable in the left-to-right direction. The front surface of the frame-shaped portion 353 forms an abutment surface 355 that abuts against a front wall 372 of the ball removal base 312 (described later).

[0161] In addition, the underside of the slide member 308 is provided with a protrusion (not shown) into which one end of a cylindrical spring 360 is inserted and a wall (not shown) against which one end of the spring 360 is pressed (see the protrusion 382 and wall 380 of the ball removal base 312 described below).

[0162] Furthermore, a groove 356 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of the slide member 308. The groove 356 has a shape that follows the protrusion 340 of the cover member 304. Furthermore, a protrusion 358 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308.

[0163] The ball ejection base 312 is located at the bottom of the upstream ball ejection unit 113 and forms the bottom of the upstream ball ejection unit 113. The ball ejection base 312 is in the shape of a roughly rectangular plate. The left front part of the ball ejection base 312 is cut out towards the rear, forming a notch 370. When the upstream ball ejection button 306 is pressed, it is pushed into the notch 370.

[0164] Additionally, a wall portion (front wall 372) that protrudes upward is formed on the right side of the front edge of the ball removal base 312 (excluding the cutout portion 370).

[0165] Furthermore, a game ball passing hole 374 through which game balls pass is formed in the right rear part of the ball removal base 312. The game ball passing hole 374 is provided below the game ball passing hole 330 of the cover member 304, and its inner diameter (hole shape) is approximately the same as that of the game ball passing hole 330. The inner diameter of the game ball passing holes 330, 374 is smaller than the outer diameter of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300. When the upstream lid 300 is closed, the game ball passing holes 330, 374 are completely covered from above (see FIG. 25(b)).

[0166] Furthermore, a latch fixing portion 376 to which the latch 310 is fixed is provided at the left rear portion of the top surface of the ball removal base 312. Furthermore, the latch 310 fixed to the latch fixing portion 376 is positioned behind the locking projection 352 of the slide member 308.

[0167] A groove 378 for guiding the slide member 308 is provided in the left-right center of the top surface of the ball ejection base 312 (between the game ball passage hole 374 and the latch fixing portion 376). This groove 378 extends in the front-rear direction and is shaped to fit the protrusion 358 of the slide member 308. A wall portion 380 protruding upward from the top surface of the ball ejection base 312 is provided at the rear of the groove 378. A protrusion 382 protruding forward is provided on the front surface of the wall portion 380. This protrusion 382 is adapted to be inserted into one end of a cylindrical spring 360. One end of the spring 360 is pressed against the wall portion 380. The spring 360 is disposed between the wall portion 380 and the wall portion provided on the underside of the slide member 308 so as to be expandable and contractible in the front-rear direction.

[0168] Furthermore, threaded holes 384 for threading screws 345 are formed at each of the three corners (the front right, rear right, and rear left corners) of the ball removal base 312.

[0169] The ball ejection base 312 and the cover member 304 are fixed to each other by screwing a screw 345 inserted through a screw insertion hole 342 of the cover member 304 into a screw hole 384 of the ball ejection base 312. Here, the slide member 308 is sandwiched between the ball ejection base 312 and the cover member 304. The convex portion 358 of the slide member 308 is inserted into the groove 378 of the ball ejection base 312, and the protrusion portion 340 of the cover member 304 is inserted into the groove 356 of the slide member 308. The slide member 308 moves back and forth while being guided by the groove 378 of the ball ejection base 312 and the protrusion portion 340 of the cover member 304. The frame portion 353 of the slide member 308 is disposed between the front wall 372 of the ball ejection base 312 and the game ball passage hole 374, and moves back and forth between them.

[0170] Furthermore, the upstream lid 300 rotates left and right in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the slide member 308. When the upstream lid 300 is positioned to the right, it closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119, and when positioned to the left, it opens the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the upstream lid 300 is movable between a closed position in which it closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119 and an open position in which it opens the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the upstream lid 300 serves as a lid that opens and closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the upstream ball ejection unit 113 moves the upstream lid 300 left and right in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the upstream ball ejection button 306. In other words, the upstream lid 300 can be moved to open or close the upstream ball ejection hole 119 based on the player's operation of the upstream ball ejection button 306.

[0171] The operation of the upstream ball removal unit 113 will be described with reference to Figures 25 and 26. Figure 25 shows the state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 is in its initial non-operated position and the upstream lid 300 is in its closed position. Figure 25(a) includes the tray member 110 and cover member 304, while Figure 25(b) omits the tray member 110 and cover member 304. Figure 26 shows the state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed in, the slide member 308 is in a position held by the latch 310, and the upstream lid 300 is in its open position. Figure 26(a) includes the tray member 110 and cover member 304, while Figure 26(b) omits the tray member 110 and cover member 304.

[0172] In the following, the state of the upstream ball ejection button 306 when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is not operated and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 is referred to as the initial state of the upstream ball ejection button 306. In other words, the state in which the upstream ball ejection button 306 protrudes (most) forward is referred to as the initial state. Furthermore, the position of the upstream ball ejection button 306 in the initial state is referred to as the initial position (second initial position).

[0173] First, when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is in its initial position when not in operation, the upstream lid 300 is in the closed position. In this state, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is blocked by the upstream lid 300, so that game balls cannot be dropped through the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a flange portion 390 is formed on the outer edge of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300. The flange portion 390 is located below the center of the lid portion 320 and protrudes radially outward from the lid portion 320. The flange portion 390 is located on the front portion (right side portion) of the lid portion 320 in the direction of movement when the upstream lid 300 is closed. When the upstream lid 300 closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119, the flange portion 390 is recessed below the tray 16 (protruding outward beyond the edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119). When the upstream ball ejection button 306 is in the initial position, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is completely blocked by the upstream lid 300 in a plan view (when viewed from above). In other words, the upstream lid 300 completely blocks the upstream ball ejection hole 119, making it impossible to see any components below the upstream ball ejection hole 119. Meanwhile, as mentioned above, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is in its initial position, a gap is formed between the downstream lid 125 and the downstream ball ejection hole 118. However, a cover member 392 that covers the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is disposed above the downstream ball ejection hole 118 (see FIG. 20 ). Therefore, this cover member 392 makes it impossible to see any components below the downstream ball ejection hole 118 in a plan view. This cover member 392 also functions to align the gaming balls guided to the lower right end of the tray 16 in a line in the vertical direction.

[0174] When the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved backward from its initial position (pressed by the player), the slide member 308 integrated with the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved backward. This causes the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300, inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member 308, to be pushed backward. This causes the upstream lid 300 to rotate leftward (counterclockwise in plan view) around the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves leftward. This causes the upstream lid 300 to reach the open position, opening the upstream ball removal hole 119.

[0175] Furthermore, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved rearward from its initial position by more than a predetermined amount, the locking protrusion 352 of the slide member 308 is pushed into the latch 310. The latch 310 then closes and grips the tip of the locking protrusion 352. This causes the slide member 308 to be held (latched) by the latch 310, and the upstream ball removal button 306 is fixed in the pushed-in position.

[0176] When the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is completely open, as shown in Figure 26. In other words, in this state, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 and the upstream lid 300 do not overlap at all in the vertical direction, and the upstream lid 300 cannot be seen from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in a planar view. In addition, the game ball passage hole 330 of the cover member 304 and the game ball passage hole 374 of the ball ejection base 312 are located below the upstream ball ejection hole 119, but the inner diameters of the game ball passage holes 330, 374 are larger than the inner diameter of the upstream ball ejection hole 119, and the edges of the game ball passage holes 330, 374 cannot be seen from the upstream ball ejection hole 110 in a planar view. In other words, in this state, a game ball falling straight (vertically) from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in the vertical direction does not hit the upstream lid 300 or the edges of the game ball passage holes 330, 374. When the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, a portion of the upstream lid 300 may protrude radially inward of the upstream ball ejection hole 119. Furthermore, this portion of the upstream lid 300 may have a slope that slopes downward as it moves radially inward of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 (in the open state), and may serve to assist the game balls in falling from the upstream ball ejection hole 119.

[0177] Furthermore, when the slide member 308 is pushed in again while the latch 310 is in the closed state (while gripping the locking protrusion 352), the latch 310 releases the locking protrusion 352, allowing the slide member 308 to move forward. When the slide member 308 is pushed in (when the latch 310 grips the locking protrusion 352 or at the moment the latch 310 releases the locking protrusion 352), the spring 360 is compressed between the wall portion on the underside of the slide member 308 and the wall portion 380 on the upper surface of the ball ejector base 312. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 360 acts to push the slide member 308 back forward. If the latch 310 grips the locking protrusion 352 at this time, the forward movement of the slide member 308 is restricted, and the slide member 308 and the upstream ball ejector button 306 are fixed in the pushed-in state. On the other hand, when the latch 310 releases the locking projection 352, the elastic force of the spring 360 pushes the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 back forward.

[0178] When the slide member 308 is pushed back forward by the elastic force of the spring 360, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member is pulled back forward. As a result, the upstream lid 300 rotates rightward (clockwise in plan view) around the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves to the right. As a result, the upstream lid 300 reaches the closed position, and the upstream ball removal hole 119 is closed.

[0179] As described above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a force in the direction of closing the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream lid 300. That is, when the upstream lid 300 is in an open state, the elastic force of the torsion spring acts to return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position. This force is also transmitted to the slide member 308 via the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300. That is, the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 acts in a direction returning the slide member 308 and the upstream ball ejection button 306 forward.

[0180] Therefore, when the slide member 308 is not being operated and is not held by the latch 310, the elastic force of the spring 360 and the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position and the upstream ball removal button 306 to its initial position. In other words, when the slide member 308 is not being operated and is not being held by the latch 310, the upstream ball removal button 306 is arranged in its initial position. In other words, the upstream ball removal button 306 is biased forward.

[0181] Furthermore, distance L4 from the center of rotation of upstream lid 300 (the central axis of protrusion 332 of cover member 304) to the center of lid part 320 is more than twice the distance L3 from the center of rotation of upstream lid 300 to guide protrusion 326 (contact portion between guide protrusion 326 and guide insertion hole 354: portion where upstream lid 300 is pushed by slide member 308). Therefore, rearward movement of slide member 308 causes slide member 308 to rotate and move lid part 320 by more than twice the length of rotation of guide protrusion 326.

[0182] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 required to open the upstream ball removal hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the diameter of the gaming ball. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed approximately 4 mm from its initial position, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is opened to allow at least one gaming ball B to pass through. That is, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed from its initial position by a predetermined amount (approximately 4 mm) that is less than the diameter of the gaming ball, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball removal hole 119 (the distance from the tip of the upstream lid 300 to the edge of the upstream ball removal hole 119 opposite that tip) becomes 11 mm or more. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 required to open the upstream ball removal hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the radius of the gaming ball.

[0183] Furthermore, when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is pressed to its fullest extent, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 becomes larger than twice the diameter of the gaming ball (22 mm). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is pressed to its fullest extent, the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310. However, if the upstream ball ejection button 306 is released in this state, the upstream ball ejection button 306 (slide member 308) will move slightly forward (for example, approximately 3 mm). However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is fully open whether the upstream ball ejection button 306 is pressed to its fullest extent or the slide member 308 is holding the latch 310. At this time, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is in a state where at least two gaming balls can pass through simultaneously. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is in a state where three or more, more specifically, four or more gaming balls can pass through at the same time. Furthermore, at this time, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is configured so that three gaming balls cannot pass through simultaneously when they are lined up in the same straight line. In other words, the linear distance (across: diameter) from edge to edge of any part of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is less than three times the diameter of the gaming ball. In yet another way, the linear distance (across: diameter) from edge to edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in two directions that intersect (orthogonal) with each other is less than three times the diameter of the gaming ball. Furthermore, the linear distance (across: diameter) from edge to edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in two directions that intersect (orthogonal) with each other is greater than twice the diameter of the gaming ball. In this way, by making the difference between the lengths larger than twice the diameter of the gaming balls, it is possible to prevent two gaming balls from getting caught and jammed in the upstream ball ejection hole 119 when they try to pass through the upstream ball ejection hole 119 at the same time. In addition, by making the difference between the lengths smaller than three times the diameter of the gaming balls, it is possible to more reliably prevent such jamming of gaming balls.

[0184] Furthermore, the maximum amount that the upstream ball removal button 306 can be pressed (maximum operation amount) is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball (a length exceeding the diameter). In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to be greater than the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to approximately 14.5 mm. In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball but less than twice the diameter (less than 1.5 times the diameter).

[0185] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means) puts the downstream ball removal hole 118 (first hole) into a state where the gaming ball can pass through with an operation amount less than the diameter of the gaming ball, and the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means) puts the upstream ball removal hole 119 (second hole) into a state where the gaming ball can pass through with an operation amount less than the diameter of the gaming ball, so the operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 or the upstream ball removal button 306 required to discharge the gaming ball from the downstream ball removal hole 118 or the upstream ball removal hole 119 can be reduced. Therefore, balls can be removed from the tray 16 with a small operation amount, reducing the burden of operation.

[0186] Furthermore, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the maximum amount of operation for the downstream ball removal button 120 is equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball (less than the diameter), and the maximum amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball (a length exceeding the diameter). When the upstream ball removal button 306 is operated to the position where the amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 is maximum, the upstream ball removal hole 119 becomes capable of passing at least two gaming balls simultaneously. Therefore, the downstream ball removal button 120 reaches its maximum amount of operation with a small amount of operation, thereby reducing the burden of operation. Furthermore, by setting the maximum amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, the discharge capacity of the upstream ball removal hole 119 when operated to the maximum amount of operation can be improved. Furthermore, because the maximum operation amount differs between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 (by associating the operation amount with the ejection capacity of the hole), it becomes easier to distinguish between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 and to grasp the feel of operating both operating means, which have the same function. This prevents erroneous operation, such as ejecting game balls from an unintended location or ejecting an unintended number of game balls. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 returns to its initial position when the player releases it. Therefore, in order to continue ejecting balls from the downstream ball removal hole 118, the player must continue to press the downstream ball removal button 120. However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 reaches its maximum operation amount with a small operation amount, so it is possible to continue pressing the downstream ball removal button 120 with little effort. On the other hand, the upstream ball ejection button 306 is held in place by a latch 310, so balls can continue to be ejected from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 without having to keep pressing down the upstream ball ejection button 306. Furthermore, by setting the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball ejection button 306 to be equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball, it has become possible to eject a large number of gaming balls from the tray 16 in a short period of time.

[0187] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is smaller in size than the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 has a shorter diameter (across length) (the longest linear distance from edge to edge) than the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 has a smaller area than the upstream ball ejection hole 119. Specifically, for example, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is large enough to allow two or more gaming balls to pass through at the same time, whereas the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is large enough to prevent two gaming balls from passing through at the same time.

[0188] The amount of operation (the amount of operation for one ball) required to open the ball ejection hole (the downstream ball ejection hole 118 or the upstream ball ejection hole 119) so that at least one gaming ball can pass through may be larger for the downstream ball ejection button 120 than for the upstream ball ejection button 306. Specifically, for example, moving the downstream ball ejection button 120 approximately 4 mm from its initial position may allow a gaming ball to pass through the downstream ball ejection hole 118, and moving the upstream ball ejection button 306 approximately 3 mm from its initial position may allow a gaming ball to pass through the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the amount of operation for one ball may be different for the downstream ball ejection button 120 and the upstream ball ejection button 306, as long as the difference between the amount of operation for one ball for both buttons is smaller than the difference between the maximum amounts of operation for both buttons. With this configuration, the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 have different operation amounts for one ball (associating the operation amount with the discharge capacity of the hole), making it easier to distinguish between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 and to grasp the operating feel of both operating means, which have the same function. This prevents erroneous operation, such as ejecting a game ball from an unintended location or ejecting an unintended number of game balls. Furthermore, with this configuration, the operation amount for one ball of the downstream ball removal button 120 is greater than the operation amount for one ball of the upstream ball removal button 306, and the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 is smaller than the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306.

[0189] Note that the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 for one ball may be smaller than the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 for one ball, and the operation load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 by the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 for one ball may be smaller than the operation load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 by the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 for one ball. Specifically, for example, moving the upstream ball removal button 306 by approximately 3 mm from its initial position allows the game ball to pass through the upstream ball removal hole 119, and moving the downstream ball removal button 120 by approximately 4 mm from its initial position allows the game ball to pass through the downstream ball removal hole 118. The operation load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 by approximately 3 mm may be, for example, 2 N, and the operation load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 by approximately 4 mm may be approximately 4 N. In other words, when the same amount of load is applied to the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 (within a range where the amount of operation for each does not reach the maximum amount of operation), the upstream ball removal hole 119 may open wider than the downstream ball removal hole 118. With this configuration, the upstream ball removal button 306 can remove balls with a smaller amount of operation than the downstream ball removal button 120, and can also remove balls with a smaller operation load than the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when more than a predetermined amount of game balls are stored in the tray 16 and the tray 16 is full (when a full-tank error occurs), a physical motivation can be provided to encourage operation of the upstream ball removal button 306, which allows for efficient ball removal. Furthermore, regardless of the magnitude relationship between the operation amount for one ball for the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306, the operation load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 by the operation amount for one ball for the upstream ball removal button 306 may be smaller than the operation load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 by the operation amount for one ball for the downstream ball removal button 120.

[0190] Furthermore, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the ratio of the operation amount for one ball (approximately 3 mm or approximately 4 mm) to the maximum operation amount (approximately 14.5 mm) of the upstream ball removal button 306 is smaller than the ratio of the operation amount for one ball (approximately 4 mm) to the maximum operation amount (approximately 6 mm) of the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense that operating the upstream ball removal button 306 will result in faster ball removal. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when more than a predetermined amount of game balls are stored in the tray 16 and the tray 16 is full (when a full-tank error occurs), it is possible to provide a physical motivation to encourage the player to operate the upstream ball removal button 306, which allows for efficient ball removal.

[0191] Furthermore, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is operated at its maximum, two or more gaming balls cannot pass through the downstream ball removal hole 118 at the same time, and when the upstream ball removal button 306 is operated at its maximum, two or more gaming balls can pass through the upstream ball removal hole 119 at the same time, and the maximum operation amount for the upstream ball removal button 306 is greater than the maximum operation amount for the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, the relationship between the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 and the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is linked to the efficiency of ejection of gaming balls. Therefore, it is possible to give the player the feeling that operating the upstream ball removal button 306 will eject gaming balls more quickly. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when more than a predetermined amount of game balls are stored in the tray 16 and the tray 16 becomes full (when a full-tank error occurs), a physical motivation can be provided to encourage the operation of the upstream ball removal button 306, which enables efficient ball removal.

[0192] In addition, the mechanism for increasing the amount of movement of the lid (downstream lid 125 or upstream lid 300) relative to the amount of operation of the button (downstream ball ejection button 120 or upstream ball ejection button 360) in the downstream ball ejection unit 112 or the upstream ball ejection unit 113 is not limited to the mechanism described above, and various well-known transmission mechanisms can be used. Furthermore, the downstream ball ejection button 120 (first operating means) or the upstream ball ejection button 360 (second operating means) is not limited to the push button described above, but may also be a sliding operating means (for example, a lever that slides left and right).

[0193] As shown in Figure 19, the upstream ball removal unit 113 is fixed to the underside of the left part of the tray member 110 by screws. The upstream ball removal button 306 is positioned below the tray 16. As shown in Figure 28, the upstream ball removal button 306 protrudes forward from an opening provided in an exterior part of the front frame 10.

[0194] The upstream ball ejection button 306 and the area surrounding the upstream ball ejection button 306 are different colors. In other words, the surrounding components (exterior parts) that form the opening that exposes the upstream ball ejection button 306 are a different color from the upstream ball ejection button 306. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball ejection button 306 is red, while the surrounding components are white.

[0195] As mentioned above, the downstream ball ejection button 120 is provided in the button arrangement section 116, but the downstream ball ejection button 120 and the button arrangement section 116 are different colors. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball ejection button 120 is red, while the button arrangement section 116 is black.

[0196] In this way, by making the colors of the upstream ball ejection button 306 and the downstream ball ejection button 120 different from the colors of the surrounding components, the visibility of the buttons can be improved, making it easier for players to find the buttons.

[0197] Furthermore, the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 are formed from a resin material of the same color (similar colors). Furthermore, the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 are formed entirely in a single color. Furthermore, all of the other buttons arranged in the button arrangement section 116 (such as the ball lending button, return button 91, directional keys 92, volume adjustment button 93, and light intensity adjustment button 94) are formed from a resin material of a different color from the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, it is easy to tell which button is the ball removal button, and the player can more easily find the button. It is also possible that there are no other buttons molded from a resin material of the same color as the upstream ball ejection button 306 and the downstream ball ejection button 120. In other words, this color may be a dedicated color for buttons for ejecting game balls from the tray 16. Also, buttons other than the upstream ball ejection button 306 and the downstream ball ejection button 120 (other buttons) may include a dedicated color, but in that case, it is preferable that the other buttons also include colors other than the dedicated color.

[0198] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the pressing surface (the surface that a player or the like touches when pressing the button: the upper surface) (operating surface) of the downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means) is formed (almost) flat. On the other hand, the pressing surface (the surface that a player or the like touches when pressing the button: the front surface) (operating surface) of the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means) is formed with irregularities. In other words, the pressing surface of the upstream ball removal button 306 has more irregularities than the pressing surface of the downstream ball removal button 120. The upstream ball removal button 306 is difficult to see because it is surrounded by exterior components and is located below the tray 16 and protrudes forward, but the relatively large number of irregularities makes it easy for a player to find the button. In addition, the downstream ball removal button 120 is located in the button arrangement section 116 that forms the upper surface of the tray unit 100, making it easy to see, but since there are relatively few irregularities, it is easy to identify that it is a button.

[0199] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the operation surface of the downstream ball ejection button 120 (first button: first operating means) is smaller in area than the operation surface of the upstream ball ejection button 306 (second button: second operating means). Here, the term "operation surface" refers to a surface whose range of contact with the player and whose range of visibility to the player do not change regardless of the position of the operating means. In other words, the operation surface does not include surfaces that are hidden by surrounding components when the operating means is operated. This configuration correlates the size of the operation surface with the amount of operation of the operating means, making it easier to grasp the operating feel of both operating means, which share the same function. This prevents erroneous operation, such as ejecting an unintended number of game balls.

[0200] The gaming balls discharged from the downstream ball ejection hole 118 are guided downward through the first passage 114. The gaming balls discharged from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 are guided downward through the second passage 115. The first passage 114 merges with the second passage 115. The second passage is connected to a hole 400 provided on the underside of the gaming machine (see Figure 28). The gaming balls discharged from the downstream ball ejection hole 118 or the upstream ball ejection hole 119 are discharged from this hole 400 to the outside of the gaming machine.

[0201] Although the gaming machine of this embodiment has one tray 16, it may have multiple trays. For example, gaming machines having two trays, an upper tray (first tray) and a lower tray (second tray), are generally known. In this type of gaming machine, gaming balls (loan balls) loaned to a player and gaming balls (prize balls) acquired by winning are stored in the upper tray. The lower tray is located lower than the upper tray and stores, for example, gaming balls paid out when the upper tray is full (a state in which more than a predetermined amount of gaming balls are stored in the upper tray). In addition, gaming balls can be discharged toward the lower tray through a ball ejection hole provided in the upper tray. The configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment may be applied to this type of gaming machine. Specifically, for example, a ball ejection hole similar to the downstream ball ejection hole 118 may be provided in the upper tray, and a downstream ball ejection unit 112 corresponding to the ball ejection hole may be provided. In other words, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 and downstream ball ejection unit 112 in this embodiment may be interpreted as being provided on the upper tray. Also, for example, a ball ejection hole similar to the upstream ball ejection hole 119 may be provided on the lower tray, and an upstream ball ejection unit 113 corresponding to that ball ejection hole may be provided. In other words, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 and upstream ball ejection unit 113 in this embodiment may be interpreted as being provided on the lower tray.

[0202] The gaming machine according to this embodiment is A first hole through which game balls can be discharged from the tray; A second hole through which game balls can be discharged from the tray; a first opening / closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole; a second opening / closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole; a first operating means for receiving an operation to move the first opening / closing means; and second operating means for receiving an operation to move the second opening / closing means, the second hole is larger than the first hole; The first operating means sets the first hole in a state in which the gaming ball can pass through with an operating amount less than the diameter of the gaming ball, The second operating means makes the second hole in a state where the game ball can pass through with an operating amount less than the diameter of the game ball, an operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is smaller than an operation amount less than the diameter for the first operation means; The operating load required to move the second operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the second operating means is smaller than the operating load required to move the first operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the first operating means.

[0203] In addition, the gaming machine according to this embodiment has a first hole through which game balls can be discharged from the first tray; A second hole through which game balls can be discharged from the second tray; a first opening / closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole; a second opening / closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole; a first operating means for receiving an operation to move the first opening / closing means; and second operating means for receiving an operation to move the second opening / closing means, the second hole is larger than the first hole; The first operating means sets the first hole in a state in which the gaming ball can pass through with an operating amount less than the diameter of the gaming ball, The second operating means makes the second hole in a state where the game ball can pass through with an operating amount less than the diameter of the game ball, an operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is smaller than an operation amount less than the diameter for the first operation means; The operating load required to move the second operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the second operating means is smaller than the operating load required to move the first operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the first operating means.

[0204] This configuration reduces the amount of manipulation required for the first or second operating means to eject game balls from the first or second hole. Therefore, balls can be removed from the tray with a small amount of manipulation, reducing the operational burden. Furthermore, this configuration allows the second operating means to remove balls with a smaller amount of manipulation than the first operating means, and also allows balls to be removed with a smaller manipulation load than the first operating means. Therefore, when balls are required to be removed quickly, such as when the tray is full due to a predetermined amount of game balls being stored in the tray (when a full-tank error occurs), a physical motivation can be provided to encourage the operation of the second operating means, which allows balls to be removed efficiently. The gaming machine according to this embodiment is easy to operate.

[0205] (Third embodiment) A known gaming machine is a pachinko machine equipped with a gaming board and a launching device. In a pachinko machine, gaming balls (gaming media) are launched into a gaming area provided on the front of the gaming board, and a gaming benefit is awarded to the player based on the gaming ball entering a winning slot provided in the gaming area. Certain gaming machines, such as this gaming machine, are equipped with rails to guide the gaming balls. However, there is a growing demand for larger decorative parts for gaming machines, but as the decorative parts become larger, there is a problem in that the visibility of gaming balls in the gaming area, such as gaming balls rolling along the rails, is impaired. The present embodiment aims to provide a gaming machine that ensures the visibility of gaming balls.

[0206] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described, but other gaming machines (for example, slot machines, etc.) may also be used. In the following description, basically, "front and back" means that when a player is in front of the gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing is "left" and the right hand side is "right." It should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or any of the components may be arbitrarily modified, or any of the components may be omitted.

[0207] 29 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement parlor, and is equipped with an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a playing area 4 in which the gaming balls move, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but untouchable by the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. Although not shown in Figure 29, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has an inner frame and a main frame having a front frame 10 and the inner frame. The main frame can be attached to the outer frame 2. The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a tray unit having trays (upper tray 16 and lower tray 24). The main frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a tray unit. The "tray unit 320, tray" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into a "tray unit, tray" in the third embodiment. The "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into a "grip unit 20" in the third embodiment. The "front frame 300, outer frame 102" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into a "front frame 10, outer frame 2" in the third embodiment. The "inner frame 104, main frame" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into an "inner frame, main frame" in the third embodiment. The "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into a "game board 6" in the third embodiment. In addition, as will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, a design portion (design member) 84 is provided on the upper part of the front frame 10. The design portion 84 shown in this embodiment can be added to the "front frame 300, main body frame" shown in the first embodiment. Also, the game ball passage 80 shown in this embodiment can be added to the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment.

[0208] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of front frame lamps 12 that output light effects to enhance the game. The front frame 10 also has a plurality of speakers 14 that output sounds to enhance the game.

[0209] An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. A grip unit 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0210] A supply port is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. In addition, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

[0211] A performance operation device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance operation device 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes. In detail, the performance operation device 26 has a built-in push button switch and a rotary switch (jog dial), and is capable of detecting the operation of pressing down the performance operation device 26 and the operation of rotating the performance operation device 26.

[0212] Figure 30 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Figure 29. As shown in Figure 30, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the gaming board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 to the gaming area 4.

[0213] In the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 32 that displays effect images and the like to liven up the game, and an effect unit 36 ​​that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32.

[0214] In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area 4 on the left or right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed to the surface of the game board 6 so as to intersect with each other, and the direction of movement of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0215] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, so that game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0216] A first starting winning hole 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44. A passing gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start winning opening 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. This second start winning opening 50 is provided with a normal accessory 52 that includes an assisting member that can move between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted, a non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 50, and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted, a assisted state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter.

[0217] In the game area 4 to the right of the LCD display 32, a large prize opening 54 is provided below the second start prize opening 50. This large prize opening 54 is provided with a special device 56 having a movable member that closes the large prize opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54, and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize opening 54 (FIG. 30 shows the closed state). The special device 56 is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that begins when a large prize is won.

[0218] A special prize passage 58 is provided below the special prize opening 54, extending downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the bottom end of the special prize passage 58. A special passage 65 is provided below the special prize passage 58, branching downward from the main path of the special prize passage 58. A special role device 66 having a movable member that blocks the special passage 65 is provided in the special prize passage 65. The special role device 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the special passage 65 and an open state in which game balls can enter the special passage 65 (FIG. 30 shows the closed state). The special role device 66 is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in the special game state. A special entrance 68 is provided at the bottom end of the special passage 65. An outlet 69 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4, which collects game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the prize openings.

[0219] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 shown in Figure 29, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32.

[0220] The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-side game area 4 or passes through the opening 40, passage 42 and stage 44 and enters the first start winning opening 46 (left hit), or so that it falls through the right-side game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second start winning opening 50 or enters the big winning opening 54 (right hit).

[0221] A status display unit 70 is provided at the bottom right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, to indicate various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps, etc. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and the sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

[0222] The main board receives input signals from the input means (first start winning port sensor, passing gate sensor, second start winning port sensor, large winning port sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operation of the output means (status display drive device, normal feature drive device, special feature drive device, specific feature drive device, payout device, etc.).

[0223] The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the performance operation sensor that detects operations on the performance operation device 26, performs various calculations to execute performances that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance devices (performance display devices, sound devices, performance object driving devices, etc.) based on the calculation results.

[0224] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 30, the gaming area 4 is divided into a left-hitting area 4a located on the left side and a right-hitting area 4b located on the right side, and the player can change the shooting strength of the gaming ball to cause the gaming ball to fall into different areas.

[0225] Furthermore, a game ball passage 80 connecting the left hitting area 4a and the right hitting area 4b is provided at the upper end (upper portion) of the game area 4. Game balls launched from the launching device with a predetermined launch strength or greater pass through the game ball passage 80 and proceed to the right hitting area 4b, while game balls launched from the launching device with a launch strength less than the predetermined strength proceed to the left hitting area 4a without passing through the game ball passage 80.

[0226] The game ball passage 80 is formed by the outer rail 28 and a rail 81 that is provided along the outer rail 28 and below the outer rail 28. The game ball passage 80 is formed to include the upper end of the outer rail 28. The width of the game ball passage 80 (the distance between the outer rail 28 and the rail 81) is longer than the diameter of one game ball and shorter than the diameter of two game balls at its narrowest point. The narrowest part of the game ball passage 80 is the top of the game ball passage 80, in other words, the part formed by the upper end (top: apex) of the outer rail 28 and the part of the rail 81 that faces the upper end of the outer rail 28, or in other words, the part located at the upper end of the game area 4.

[0227] 29 and 31, the gaming machine of this embodiment has a design portion (design member) 84 in the shape of a substantially rectangular box that is long in the left-right direction provided on the upper part of the front frame 10. The left-right length of the design portion 84 is at least half the left-right length of the front frame 10. The design portion 84 is also positioned to protrude forward so that its front surface is located forward of the playing area 4 and the glass unit 8. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the glass unit 8 has two transparent plates (glass plates) 8a and 8b arranged in the front-to-rear direction with their plate surfaces parallel to each other.

[0228] Design part 84 has an LED board (not shown) for lighting provided inside it and an exterior member 85 that covers it, and space for storing the LED board is secured inside exterior member 85. In addition, a logo indicating the model name or the like is affixed to the part of exterior member 85 that forms the front of design part 84, and the logo is illuminated by the LED board provided inside. It should be noted that a speaker or the like may be provided inside the design portion 84.

[0229] The lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has the front portion located at the lowest position. The front portion forms a flat surface 87 that is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. The rear side of the rear end of the flat surface 87 of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 forms an inclined surface 88 that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The rear portion (inclined surface 88 portion) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is shaped so that it slopes upward as it extends rearward. In other words, the front portion of the design portion 84 protrudes downward more than the rear portion, forming a protrusion 90. The rear end of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) of the design portion 84 abuts or is close to the glass unit 8. The shape of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 may be formed to follow the shape of the outer rail 28. That is, the rear end of the lower surface 86 may be curved so that it is convex upward when viewed from the front. In addition, in accordance with this, the shape of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) may be a mortar shape that is concave upward.

[0230] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the main part of the cross section taken along line AA in Figure 29, showing a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions and passing through the upper end (top: upper end of outer rail 28) of the play area 4. The cross section shown in Figure 31 also passes through the upper end (top) of rail 81 and the upper end (top) of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84.

[0231] The rear end of the underside 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the play area 4 in a portion corresponding to the upper end of the play area 4 (a portion in front of the upper end of the play area 4). In other words, the rear end of the underside 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (a guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28, described later). In addition, the rear end of the underside 86 of the design portion 84 is located above the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 (the surface of the rail 81 that the game ball contacts). In addition, the rear end of the underside 86 of the design portion 84 is located above the lower end of the game ball B (a game ball in contact with the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80: a game ball in contact with the top of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113)) when located at the upper end of the play area 4. More specifically, it is located above the center of the game ball B in this state (shown by the dashed line C in FIG. 31).

[0232] Furthermore, the protrusion 90 protrudes downward from the center of the game ball B when it is located at the upper end of the game area 4. In other words, the lower end of the protrusion 90 is located below the center of the game ball B in this state. More specifically, the lower end of the protrusion 90 is located below the lower end of the game ball B in this state. Furthermore, the protrusion 90 protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80.

[0233] As is clear from the above, the design portion 84 is configured to overlap the game ball B located at the top of the play area 4 in the front-to-back direction (the direction perpendicular to the play board 6 and the glass unit 8) and cover the entire game ball B in that state. Furthermore, the portion of the design portion 84 at the rear end of the lower surface 86 corresponding to the top of the play area 4 (the front portion of the top of the play area 4) is configured not to overlap at least the lower half of the game ball B located at the top of the play area 4 in the front-to-back direction (the direction perpendicular to the play board 6 and the glass unit 8), and does not cover at least the lower half of the game ball in that state. Furthermore, the rear portion of the lower surface 86 forms an inclined surface 88. Therefore, even when the game ball is located at the top of the play area 4, the player can easily see the game ball rolling in the play area 4. Here, it is preferable that at least the lower half of the game ball in that state be visible from a predetermined position, specifically, the player's eyepoint, without the player having to move their face up, down, left, or right. The player's eye point refers to the position of the player's eyes when sitting in a chair and playing a game. Specifically, for example, when the distance between the player's eyes and the glass unit 8 in the front-to-back direction is between 30 and 50 cm and the distance (height) between the player's eyes and the bottom of the gaming machine in the up-down direction is between 40 and 60 cm, it is preferable that at least a portion (the lower half) of the gaming ball in this state can be seen. In other words, it is preferable that the design portion 84 does not overlap a straight line from a predetermined point that is between 30 and 50 cm away from the glass unit 8 and between 40 and 60 cm away from the bottom of the gaming machine to the gaming ball B located at the top of the gaming area 4 (the portion below the center of the gaming ball B). This configuration ensures visibility of the gaming media moving in the gaming area while enlarging the design portion 84.

[0234] Next, with reference to Figure 31, we will explain the various lengths of the design portion 84, the game ball passage 80, and the game ball B positioned at the top of the game area 4 in a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the vertical and front-to-back directions passing through the top end of the game area 4 (top: top end of the outer rail 28).

[0235] 31, in the cross section, the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (a first reference line BL1 described later) is located above the rear end 91 of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Note that, hereinafter, the rear end portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as the first design portion 91. When a horizontal line (a line extending in a direction perpendicular to the game board surface) that passes through the upper end of the upper surface of the game ball passage 80 and extends in the short direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 is defined as the first reference line BL1, the first design portion 91 can also be said to be the rearmost portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 among the portions where a vertical line that intersects with the first reference line BL1 can intersect. Furthermore, when a horizontal line (a line extending in a direction perpendicular to the game board surface) extending in the short direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 that passes through a portion of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 located directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 is taken as the second reference line BL2, the first design portion 91 can also be said to be the rearmost portion of the portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the second reference line BL2 can intersect. Note that, here, the portion of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 located directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 may or may not be the upper end of the lower surface 80b. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the vertical distance L1 between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 in the cross section is approximately 4 mm. That is, the distance L1 is equal to or less than the diameter of a gaming ball (11 mm), more specifically, less than the diameter. Note that the distance L1 can also be said to be the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the first design portion 91 (the distance on a vertical line).

[0236] In addition, in the cross section, the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 is located above a lower end 92 (rear end of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Note that, hereinafter, the lower end (rear end of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 will also be referred to as the second design portion 92. The second design portion 92 can be said to be the lowest portion of the portions of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the first reference line BL1 can intersect. The second design portion 92 can also be said to be the lowest portion of the portions of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the second reference line BL2 can intersect. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the cross section, the vertical distance L2 between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 is approximately 40 mm. In other words, the distance L2 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, more specifically, exceeds the diameter. The distance L2 can also be said to be the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the second design portion 92 (the distance on a vertical line).

[0237] Furthermore, in this cross section, the underside 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located below the first design portion 91. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in this cross section, the vertical distance L3 between the underside 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is approximately 14 mm. That is, the distance L3 is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, more specifically, a length exceeding the radius, and even more specifically, a length exceeding the diameter (a length exceeding the diameter). Note that the distance L3 can also be said to be the distance from the second reference line BL2 to the first design portion 91 (the distance on a vertical line).

[0238] Furthermore, in this cross section, the underside 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the second design portion 92. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in this cross section, the distance L4 in the up-down direction between the underside 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 is approximately 22 mm. In other words, the distance L4 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, more specifically, exceeds the diameter. Note that the distance L4 can also be said to be the distance from the second reference line BL2 to the second design portion 92 (the distance on a vertical line).

[0239] As described above, the design portion 84 can be enlarged by positioning the second design portion 92 below the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80, and the design portion 84 can be further enlarged by positioning it below the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80. Furthermore, while enlarging the design portion 84 in this way, by setting the distance L1 between the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 to be equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), visibility of the game ball can be ensured when the game ball is hit hard (when the game ball rolls along the upper surface 80a). Furthermore, while the design portion 84 is enlarged in this manner, the distance L3 between the underside 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball (a length exceeding the radius), thereby ensuring visibility of the game ball when it is weakly shot out (when it rolls along the underside 80b).

[0240] Next, the configuration of the outer rail 28 will be described with reference to FIGS. The outer rail 28 is supported by a rail base 100, which serves as a support member for supporting the outer rail 28. The rail base 100 is fixed to the gaming board 6, thereby attaching the outer rail 28 to the gaming board 6. The rail base 100 is fixed to the gaming board 6 by, for example, screws. The gaming board 6 is formed into a substantially rectangular plate shape from transparent resin.

[0241] The outer rail 28 is a thin, elongated member. Hereinafter, the length of the outer rail 28 will be referred to as the "length" in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction), the "width" in the transverse direction (short-side direction), and the "thickness" in the thickness direction (plate thickness). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33 , the length L of the outer rail 28 is 900 mm or more (at least 800 mm or more). The width W of the outer rail 28 is approximately 15 mm. The plate thickness T of the outer rail 28 is approximately 0.6 mm. In this embodiment, the outer rail 28 is formed of metal, specifically, stainless steel (e.g., SUS430).

[0242] One end (starting end) of the outer rail 28 is formed with a bent portion 110 bent into a substantially L shape. The other end (terminal end) of the outer rail 28 is formed with a U-shaped portion (curved portion) 112 bent into a substantially U shape.

[0243] The bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 is approximately 6 mm. In other words, the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces of the U-shaped portion 112) is approximately 12 mm. Furthermore, the U-shaped portion 112 has a height H of approximately 12 mm in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28. The curvature of the U-shaped portion 112 is greater than the curvature of the curved surface 126 described later, and is greater than the curvature of the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 when attached to the rail base 100 (when assembled as an amusement machine).

[0244] A guide surface 113 is formed on the outer rail 28 between the bent portion 110 and the U-shaped portion 112. The guide surface 113 is the surface against which the game ball launched from the launching device hits, and the game ball launched from the launching device rolls along the guide surface 113 and is guided to the game area 4.

[0245] Furthermore, a substantially rectangular hole 114 is formed in the outer rail 28. The hole 114 is formed in the U-shaped portion 112 of the outer rail 28 (at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112). The length of the hole 114 exceeds the length of the U-shaped portion 112. In other words, the hole 114 is formed over the entire length of the U-shaped portion 112 (the direction along the U-shape). Specifically, the hole 114 is formed up to a corner 115a formed between the U-shaped portion 112 and the guide surface 113. In other words, the hole 114 is formed up to at least one (preferably both) of the corners 115a and 115b formed at both end portions of the U-shaped portion 112 in the length direction (at the boundaries between the U-shaped portion 112 and other portions). The hole 114 may be formed beyond at least one of the corners 115a and 115b. The corners 115a and 115b are rounded.

[0246] The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably ½ or less, and more preferably ⅓ or less, of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably ⅕ or more, and more preferably ¼ or more, of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). Setting the width Wa of the hole 114 in this manner makes it possible to increase the flexibility of the U-shaped portion 112 while maintaining high strength of the U-shaped portion 112. In this embodiment, the width Wa of the hole 114 is set to 4 mm.

[0247] The hole 114 does not have to penetrate the outer rail 28 in the thickness direction. In other words, the hole 114 portion only needs to be thinner than other portions. In other words, the hole 114 only needs to be a lightened portion where some kind of lightening has been performed. That is, the portion of the outer rail 28 where the hole 114 of the U-shaped portion 112 is formed only needs to have a smaller cross-sectional area in a cross section perpendicular to the plate surface than the portion where the guide surface 113 is formed.

[0248] Additionally, the outer rail 28 is formed with a plurality of positioning holes 118 (five in this embodiment). A protrusion 128, which will be described later, is inserted into each hole 118. The holes 118 are oval in shape, with a length at least twice as long as the width. In this embodiment, the length La of the hole 118 is 5.2 mm, and the width Wb is 2 mm.

[0249] The holes 118 are also arranged in a row in the length direction. The holes 118 are also arranged off-center in the width direction (not overlapping the center). Specifically, the distance Wc from the center of the holes 118 to the end of the outer rail 28 in the width direction of the outer rail 28 is set to 2.7 mm. The holes 118 are also arranged in positions where they will not be hit by a gaming ball rolling on the guide surface 113. More specifically, all of the holes 118 are arranged in positions where they will not be hit by a gaming ball rolling on the guide surface 113.

[0250] Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent holes 118 is not constant but uneven. That is, there are portions where the spacing between adjacent holes 118 is relatively long and portions where it is relatively short. Specifically, if the spacing between adjacent holes 118 is G1, G2, G3, and G4, in order from the firing device side, in this embodiment, G1 is 104.6 mm, G2 is 123.1 mm, G3 is 116.2 mm, and G4 is 280.1 mm. That is, among the multiple spacings G1 to G4 between adjacent holes 118, G1 closest to the firing device is the shortest. Furthermore, among the multiple spacings G1 to G4, G4 farthest from the firing device is the longest. Furthermore, among the multiple spacings G1 to G4, the longest spacing (280.1 mm) is more than twice the shortest spacing (104.6 mm). Furthermore, of the consecutive intervals G1 to G4, the second interval G2 is longer than the first interval G1 from the firing device side, the third interval G3 is shorter than the second interval G2, and the fourth interval G4 is longer than the third interval G3. In other words, of the consecutive intervals G1 to G4, the relationship of length between adjacent intervals alternates (in this embodiment, long-short-long).

[0251] In addition, the length from the start of the outer rail 28 to each hole 118 is as follows: counting from the start side, the length to the first hole 118 is 13.3 mm, the length to the second hole 118 is 117.9 mm, the length to the third hole 118 is 241.0 mm, the length to the fourth hole 118 is 357.2 mm, and the length to the fifth hole 118 is 637.3 mm.

[0252] All of the holes 118 are formed in the guide surface 113, and none are formed in the bent portion 110, the U-shaped portion 112, or the portion (extension portion 120) further toward the terminal end than the U-shaped portion 112. Two circular holes 119 are formed in the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28, in the same straight line as the multiple holes 118. These two holes 119 are used when processing the outer rail 28, and protrusions 128, which will be described later, are not inserted into the holes 119.

[0253] 34 to 36 are diagrams showing the outer rail 28 attached to the rail base 100. As shown in FIG. 34, the rail base 100 is made of a black resin material and is formed in a substantially L-shape. The rail base 100 also has a curved surface 126 formed in an arc shape. The curved surface 126 is formed so as to extend from the lower left side of the game board 6 (play area 4), pass through the upper left side, and reach the upper right side, and is formed in a shape that is open on the lower right side.

[0254] A plurality of (five in this embodiment) protrusions 128 are formed along the length of the curved surface 126 (see FIG. 32). The protrusions 128 are located rearward of the center of the curved surface 126 in the front-rear direction. Each protrusion 128 is located at a position corresponding to each hole 118 of the outer rail 28.

[0255] Furthermore, a wall portion 129 that protrudes further toward the play area 4 than the curved surface 126 is formed at the front edge of the curved surface 126 along the curved surface 126 (see FIGS. 36 and 37).

[0256] 34 and 36, a recess 130 having a generally L-shaped cross section is provided at the lower left (one end) of the rail base 100, into which the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 is inserted. The recess 130 also has an abutment surface (contact surface) 131 formed therein, against which one end face (end face on the starting end side) of the outer rail 28 abuts in the longitudinal direction. The recess 130 is configured so that it does not come into contact with any part of the outer rail 28 other than the one end face in the length direction of the outer rail 28. Specifically, in the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28, the relief portion 110a extending in a direction intersecting (substantially perpendicular to) the guide surface 113 is configured so as not to come into contact with the recess 130 (at least in the length direction of the outer rail 28).

[0257] 34 and 35, an abutment surface (contact surface) 135 is formed at the upper right portion (other end portion) of the rail base 100, against which the other end face (end face on the terminal side) in the length direction of the outer rail 28 abuts. Also, an accommodation portion 137 is formed at the upper right portion of the rail base 100 to accommodate the U-shaped portion 112.

[0258] The storage section 137 is located adjacent to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. The storage section 137 has a space 137b formed by a wall portion 137a having a generally U-shaped cross section. The space 137b is a space that expands toward the outside of the play area 4 beyond the curved surface 126. The U-shaped portion 112 is accommodated in this space 137b. One end of the wall portion 137a is connected to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. The other end 137c of the wall portion 137a is located on a virtual extension of the curved surface 126 (a predetermined position when the curved surface 126 is extended according to its curvature). A rib 139 is formed at a position farther from the curved surface 126 than the other end 137c and on the opposite side of the outer rail 28 in the thickness direction. The extension portion 120 of the outer rail 28 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the other end 137c and the rib 139.

[0259] The bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 is inserted into the recess 130 of the rail base 100, and one end face of the outer rail 28 abuts against the abutment surface 131. The other end face of the outer rail 28 abuts against the abutment surface 135. When the outer rail 28 is attached to the rail base 100, the outer rail 28 is stretched between the abutment surfaces 131 and 135. That is, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set longer than the distance from the abutment surface 131 to the abutment surface 135 (the distance in the direction along the curved surface 126). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set 3 mm longer than the distance. In other words, the outer rail 28 has an extra length of 3 mm relative to the length of the portion where the outer rail 28 is installed (the distance from the abutment surface 131 to the abutment surface 135).

[0260] In the attached state, the U-shaped portion 112 absorbs the excess length of the outer rail 28. That is, first, in the attached state, the outer rail 28 is arranged along the curved surface 126 of the rail base 100. At this time, substantially the entire surface (back surface) of the outer rail 28 opposite the guide surface 113 is in contact with substantially the entire curved surface 126. In other words, the guide surface 113 becomes a surface that follows (is substantially parallel to) the curved surface 126. Furthermore, the U-shaped portion 112 bends so that the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the corners 115a and 115b) is reduced, thereby absorbing the excess length of the outer rail 28. Then, the outer rail 28 is stretched between the abutment surface 131 and the abutment surface 135. 34 and 35, the end 28a of the outer rail 28 is shown as penetrating the abutment surface 135, but in reality, the end 28a stops when it abuts against the abutment surface 135, and does not actually penetrate the abutment surface 135. In other words, the portion penetrating the abutment surface 135 in FIGS. 34 and 35 is an excess portion of the outer rail 28, and the length of the penetrating portion is absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112. The U-shaped portion 112 is configured so as not to come into contact with the wall portion 137a of the storage portion 137, even in the attached state (a state in which the excess length is absorbed and the portion is bent).

[0261] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the excess length of 3 mm of the outer rail 28 is set shorter than the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces of the U-shaped portion 112: approximately 12 mm). More specifically, the excess length is set to be equal to or less than the bending radius R (approximately 6 mm) of the U-shaped portion 112 (equal to or less than half the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112). Therefore, the excess length can be effectively absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112. The standard value (design value) of the extra length of 3 mm is set longer than the tolerance of the outer rail 28. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the tolerance of the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to ±0.8 mm. Therefore, the standard value of the extra length is set so that even when the outer rail 28 is manufactured as short as possible (when the tolerance is the lower limit of −0.8 mm), an extra length of 0 mm or more (in this example, an extra length of 2.2 mm) is generated. In other words, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to a length that generates an extra length even including the tolerance. Furthermore, the standard value of the extra length is set so that even when the outer rail 28 is manufactured as long as possible (when the tolerance is the upper limit of +0.8 mm), the extra length is equal to or less than the bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 (equal to or less than half the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112) (in this example, an extra length of 3.8 mm).

[0262] In addition, in the attached state, each of the multiple protrusions 128 of the rail base 100 is inserted into each of the multiple holes 118 of the outer rail 28. Here, the length La of the holes 118 is set to a length that does not abut against the protrusions 128 in the attached state. In addition, the width Wb of the holes 118 is set to a length that allows abutment against the protrusions 128 in the attached state.

[0263] The protrusions 128 come into contact with the holes 118 in the width direction of the outer rail 28, thereby restricting movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction. In other words, the protrusions 128 serve as restricting portions (restricting means) that restrict movement of the outer rail 28. The protrusions 128 and the holes 118 function as positioning portions (positioning means) that determine the position of the outer rail 28 in the width direction. The restricting portion does not have to have a shape like the protrusion 128, and may be, for example, a pin or the like. Specifically, for example, a split pin as the restricting portion may be provided so as to pass through the hole 118 (so that the legs of the split pin straddle the hole 118), and both legs of the split pin may be fitted into the rail base 100 or the game board 6, etc., so that the movement of the outer rail 28 is restricted by the split pin.

[0264] On the other hand, in the mounted state, the protrusion 128 does not abut against the hole 118 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28, and does not restrict longitudinal movement of the outer rail 28. In other words, the repulsive force of the outer rail 28, which is housed between the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 and has its length shortened, is applied to the abutment surfaces 131 and 135, and is (almost) not applied to the protrusion 128. This allows the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 to stably position the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the relief portion 110a of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 does not abut against the recess 130 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28, and therefore the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 can more stably position the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, if an external force other than the repulsive force from the abutment surfaces 131, 135 is forcibly applied (for example, by human force) to forcibly shrink the U-shaped portion 112, the hole 118 and the relief portion 110a may be able to abut against the rail base 100 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28.

[0265] Moreover, the length (height) of the protruding portion 128 in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or less than the thickness of the outer rail 28. In other words, the protruding portion 128 is configured not to protrude further toward the playing area 4 than the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28.

[0266] Furthermore, even when the outer rail 28 moves to the front of the gaming machine (in the width direction of the outer rail 28) relative to the rail base 100 to its maximum extent, the front end face of the outer rail 28 does not abut against the wall portion 129 of the rail base 100. In other words, the wall portion 129 does not have the function of restricting the movement of the outer rail 28. On the other hand, the length (height) of the wall portion 129 in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the outer rail 28, and has the function of preventing the end face of the outer rail 28 from being seen by the player. However, the wall portion 129 may also restrict the movement of the outer rail 28.

[0267] Here, the relationship between the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28 and the holes 118, etc. will be explained with reference to Figure 37. Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the outer rail 28 and the rail base 100, and shows a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the guide surface 113 and the curved surface 126.

[0268] As shown in FIG. 37 , the holes 118 and the protrusions 128 are formed in positions where they will not hit the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28. Explaining in more detail, the holes 118 are formed in positions where they will not hit the game ball B even when the outer rail 28 moves to its maximum extent in the width direction (for example, even when it moves to its maximum extent upward in FIG. 37 ). In other words, it can be said that the protrusions 128 restrict the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction so that the holes 118 do not hit the game ball B. Note that in FIG. 37 , the protrusions 128 protrude toward the game area 4 beyond the guide surface 113. However, even when the protrusions 128 are formed to protrude in this manner, it is preferable that the protrusion amount of the protrusions 128 be set so that the protrusions 128 do not hit the game ball B.

[0269] 37, the guide surface 113 (curved surface 126) is an inclined surface that approaches the playing area 4 side (radially inward of the outer rail 28) as it moves toward the front in the width direction of the outer rail 28. In other words, the guide surface 113 is an inclined surface that makes it difficult for the game balls to flow forward (to flow easily along the rear side).

[0270] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the rail 28 includes a U-shaped portion 112 bent into a substantially U-shape and a hole 114 formed at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112. The hole 114 extends along the entire length of the U-shaped portion 112 in the direction along the U-shape of the U-shaped portion 112. This allows the U-shaped portion 112 to absorb any manufacturing variations in the length of the rail 28, enabling stable and accurate installation of the rail 28. Furthermore, by forming the hole 114 at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112, the U-shaped portion 112 can be made softer than the guide surface 113, making the U-shaped portion 112 more easily deformable than the guide surface 113. Therefore, when installing the rail 28 on the rail base 100, the guide surface 113 can be appropriately tensioned while excess force is released to the U-shaped portion 112, allowing the rail 28 to be installed accurately. This stabilizes the movement of the gaming ball rolling along the rail 28, providing a comfortable game experience.

[0271] Furthermore, by making the length of the hole 114 the length of the entire U-shaped portion 112, it is possible to evenly distribute force within the U-shaped portion 112. This prevents the rail 28 from being distorted due to excessive force being applied to a portion of the U-shaped portion 112, allowing the rail 28 to be attached more accurately. It is also possible to prevent the rail 28 from being damaged due to excessive force being applied to a portion of the U-shaped portion 112. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hole 114 is formed to extend to at least one of the corners 115a, 115b formed at both end portions in the length direction of the U-shaped portion 112, thereby increasing the flexibility of the corners 115a, 115b, where loads tend to concentrate, and preventing the corners 115a, 115b from being damaged.

[0272] Furthermore, since the hole 114 has a length (4 mm) in the width direction of the rail 28 that is one-third or less of the width W of the rail, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set within an appropriate range. In other words, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set to a certain level or higher, and the U-shaped portion 112 can be prevented from absorbing too much of the force applied to the rail 28. Therefore, the tension of the guide surface 113 can be prevented from becoming too weak, and the movement of the gaming ball can be made more stable.

[0273] Furthermore, the guide surface 113 is formed with a plurality of (five) holes 118 that allow positioning, and all of the holes 118 are formed in positions that the game ball rolling along the guide surface will not hit, preventing the game ball from rolling over the holes 118 and vibrating. Therefore, the movement of the game ball can be made more stable.

[0274] As shown in Figure 35, an elastic member 150 made of an elastic body (e.g., rubber) is disposed at the end of the guide surface 113 on the U-shaped portion 112 side. The outer rail 28 is sandwiched between the elastic member 150 and the curved surface 126 near the U-shaped portion 112. The elastic member 150 has a collision surface 151 with which a gaming ball guided along the guide surface 113 to the terminal end side (right hitting area 4b) collides. The elastic member 150 is designed to absorb the impact when the gaming ball collides with a component of the gaming machine.

[0275] As shown in FIG. 38 , all of the holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided to the left (toward the launching device) of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is greater on the lower side than on the upper side, with respect to the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In other words, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is greater on the lower side than on the upper side, with respect to the left end (left vertex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Specifically, for example, one or two holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided above the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and three holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided below the vertical center. It should be noted that the upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) are not provided with holes 118 (protrusions 128).

[0276] Some of the holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be provided to the right of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In this case, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater on the left side than on the right side of the left-right center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In other words, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater on the left side than on the right side of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Specifically, for example, one hole 118 (protrusion 128) may be provided to the right of the left-right center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and three or four holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be provided to the left of the left-right center. Furthermore, with respect to the plurality of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided to the left of the center in the horizontal direction, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided below the center in the vertical direction of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) may be greater than the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided above. For example, when four holes 118 are provided on the left side, three may be provided below and one may be provided above. Furthermore, with respect to the plurality of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided to the left of the center in the horizontal direction, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided above the center in the vertical direction of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) may be greater than the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided below. For example, when three holes 118 are provided on the left side, two may be provided above and one may be provided below. Even if some holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided to the right of the upper end (upper vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) in this way, it is preferable that no holes 118 (protrusions 128) exist at the upper end (upper vertex) or left end (left vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). By ensuring that no holes 118 (protrusions 128) exist at the upper end (upper vertex) or left end (left vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), the game ball can follow a stable trajectory.

[0277] Furthermore, with regard to the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), if the range from the starting point (lower left end) to the left end (the part located on the far left: the 9 o'clock position when viewed from the front) P2 is defined as a first range H1, the range from the left end to the top end (the part located on the highest side: the 12 o'clock position when viewed from the front) P1 is defined as a second range H2, and the range from the top end P1 to the end (the upper right end) is defined as a third range H3, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows. That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2. That is, the first range H1 > the second range H2 > the third range H3 may be satisfied. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2, and the second range H2 may be greater than or equal to the third range H3. That is, the first range H1 ≧ the second range H2 ≧ the third range H3 may be satisfied. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and the first range H1 may be greater than or equal to the second range H2. That is, the first range H1 ≧ the second range H2 > the third range H3 may be satisfied. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and the second range H2 may be equal to or greater than the first range H1. That is, the second range H2 ≧ the first range H1 > the third range H3 may be satisfied. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and the second range H2 may be greater than the third range H3. That is, the first range H1 and the second range H2 > the third range H3 may be satisfied. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and the second range H2 may be equal to or greater than the third range H3. That is, the first range H1 and the second range H2 ≧ the third range H3 may be satisfied. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2 and equal to or greater than the third range H3. That is, the first range H1 may be greater than or equal to the second range H2 and the third range H3. Note that the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the range with the fewest holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be zero. In an XY plane in which an imaginary line passing through the center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and extending in the left-right direction is defined as the X-axis, and an imaginary line passing through the top end of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and extending in the up-down direction is defined as the Y-axis, the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the third quadrant can be referred to as the first range, the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the second quadrant can be referred to as the second range, and the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the first quadrant can be referred to as the third range. In an XY plane in which an imaginary line passing through the center of the play area 4 and extending in the left-right direction is defined as the X-axis, and an imaginary line passing through the center of the play area 4 and extending in the up-down direction is defined as the Y-axis, the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the third quadrant can be referred to as the first range, the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the second quadrant can be referred to as the second range, and the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the first quadrant can be referred to as the third range.

[0278] Furthermore, for the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), if the range from the starting point (lower left end) to the left end (the part located on the far left: the 9 o'clock position when viewed from the front) P2 is defined as the fourth range, and the range from the left end P2 to the end (upper right end) is defined as the fifth range, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows. That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the fourth range may be greater than the number of holes 118 in the fifth range, or the number of holes 118 in the fourth range may be equal to or greater than the number of holes 118 in the fifth range. That is, the fourth range may be greater than the fifth range, or the fourth range may be equal to or greater than the number of holes 118 in the fifth range. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 in the fourth range may be three, and the number of holes 118 in the fifth range may be two. The dimension of the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction is longer in the fifth range than in the fourth range. That is, although the dimension of the fourth range is shorter than that of the fifth range, more holes 118 are provided in the fourth range.

[0279] Furthermore, for the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), if the range from the starting point (lower left end) to the top end (the part located at the top: the 12 o'clock position when viewed from the front) P1 is defined as a sixth range, and the range from the top end P1 to the end (upper right end) is defined as a seventh range, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows: That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the sixth range may be greater than the number in the seventh range, or the sixth range may be equal to or greater than the seventh range. That is, the sixth range may be greater than the seventh range, or the sixth range may be equal to or greater than the seventh range. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the sixth range may be five, and the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the seventh range may be zero.

[0280] Furthermore, for the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), if the range from the starting end (lower left end) to the middle (midpoint between the starting end and the end: center in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 29) is defined as the eighth range, and the range from the middle to the end (upper right end) is defined as the ninth range, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows: That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the eighth range may be greater than the number in the ninth range, or the eighth range may be equal to or greater than the ninth range. That is, the eighth range may be greater than the ninth range, or the eighth range may be equal to or greater than the ninth range. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the eighth range may be four, and the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the ninth range may be one.

[0281] As described above, it is preferable to have more holes 118 on the side closer to the launcher than on the side farther from the launcher. Specifically, it is preferable to have each of the arrangements described above. With this configuration, the number of holes 118 can be increased on the launcher side (first range H1 side), which is subject to greater impact from gaming balls and requires particularly accurate placement of the outer rail 28, thereby reliably preventing displacement and vibration of the outer rail 28 on the launcher side. Furthermore, with this configuration, the number of holes 118 can be reduced on the terminal end side (third range H3 side), which is subject to less impact from gaming balls and has less impact on gameplay, thereby facilitating processing of the outer rail 28 and attachment to the rail base 100.

[0282] 38, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the narrowest portion (the portion where the distance between the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 is the shortest) of the guide passage (game ball passage) 140 that guides the game balls launched from the launching device to the game area 4 is defined as the narrowest portion A, three holes 118 are provided in the outer rail 28 from the starting end to the narrowest portion A. It is preferable that at least two holes 118 are provided from the starting end to the narrowest portion A. The number of holes 118 in the outer rail 28 in the range from the starting end to the narrowest portion A may be greater than the range from the narrowest portion A to the exit of the guide passage 140 (the portion facing the upper end of the inner rail 30), or the range from the starting end to the narrowest portion A may be greater than the range from the narrowest portion A to the exit of the guide passage 140. The number of holes 118 in the outer rail 28 may be greater in the range from the starting end to the narrowest part A than in the range from the narrowest part A to the upper end P1, or the range from the starting end to the narrowest part A may be greater than or equal to the range from the narrowest part A to the upper end P1. The number of holes 118 in the outer rail 28 may be greater in the range from the starting end to the narrowest part A than in the range from the narrowest part A to the end, or the range from the starting end to the narrowest part A may be greater than or equal to the range from the narrowest part A to the end. In this way, by increasing the number of holes 118 between the launching device and the narrowest part A, it is possible to reliably prevent the outer rail 28 from twisting between the launching device and the narrowest part A. Therefore, the gaming ball can be ensured to follow the rail before passing through the narrowest part A, so it is possible to set the narrowest part A narrower, and it is possible to widen the range of the gaming area 4 (lengthen the horizontal dimension). That is, the game ball launched from the launching device will collide with the outer rail 28 and bounce several times, but by increasing the number of holes 118 up to the narrowest part A, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the movement of the bouncing game ball, and it is possible for the game ball to pass through the narrowest part A after the second collision, and for the game ball to pass through the narrowest part A while following the rail.

[0283] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the gaps G2 and G3 are set to be approximately the same gap (the difference is within 20 mm, more specifically, within 10 mm), and the gap between the holes 118 to the exit of the guide passage 140 is narrowed, thereby making the accuracy of the ball flight to the exit of the guide passage 140 particularly high (see Figures 33 and 38).

[0284] The hole 118 does not have to have the shape shown in this embodiment and may be, for example, a notch. That is, the hole 118 may be any predetermined positioning portion that enables positioning of the outer rail 28 (positioning with respect to the gaming board 6 (rail base 100) and positioning of the outer rail 28 in the width direction). In other words, the hole 118 can also be considered a predetermined guide portion that guides the attachment position with respect to the gaming board 6. Furthermore, even in the case of a notch, the arrangement of the notch may be the same as that of the hole 118 described above. Specifically, for example, all of the multiple notches may be provided to the left of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the playing area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Furthermore, in such a case, for example, when there are two notches, one notch may be provided above the vertical center of the playing area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and the other notch may be provided below the vertical center. Furthermore, even if several notches are provided in the outer rail 28 in this manner, it is preferable that there are no notches at the upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113).

[0285] The gaming machine according to this embodiment is A design portion protruding forward above the play area; A gaming machine comprising: a gaming ball passage through which gaming balls passing through the upper end of the gaming area are guided; A horizontal line passing through the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is used as a reference line; The rearmost part of the lower surface of the design part among the parts where a vertical line intersects with the reference line is defined as a first design part, If the lowest part of the lower surface of the design part among the parts where a vertical line that intersects with the reference line can intersect is defined as the second design part, The first design portion is located below the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or less than the diameter of a game ball, The second design portion is located below the reference line and is located at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball.

[0286] With this configuration, the second design portion is positioned below the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, allowing the design portion to be enlarged. Furthermore, while enlarging the design portion, the distance between the reference line and the first design portion is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball, ensuring the visibility of the gaming ball when the gaming ball is hit hard (when the gaming ball rolls along the upper surface of the gaming ball passage). The gaming machine according to this embodiment ensures the visibility of the gaming ball.

[0287] The gaming machine according to this embodiment is A design portion protruding forward above the play area; A gaming machine comprising: a gaming ball passage through which gaming balls passing through the upper end of the gaming area are guided; A horizontal line passing through a portion of the lower surface of the game ball passage located directly below the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is used as a reference line; The rearmost part of the lower surface of the design part among the parts where a vertical line intersects with the reference line is defined as a first design part, If the lowest part of the lower surface of the design part among the parts where a vertical line that intersects with the reference line can intersect is defined as the second design part, The first design portion is located above the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, The second design portion is located below the reference line and is located at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball.

[0288] With this configuration, the second design portion is positioned below the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, allowing the design portion to be enlarged. Furthermore, while enlarging the design portion, the distance between the reference line and the first design portion is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of the gaming ball, ensuring the visibility of the gaming ball when the gaming ball is weakly launched (when the gaming ball rolls along the underside of the gaming ball passage). The gaming machine according to this embodiment ensures the visibility of the gaming ball.

[0289] (Fourth embodiment) Known gaming machines include slot machines equipped with multiple reels on which multiple symbols are arranged, a start lever, a stop button, and the like. An example of a slot machine to which the present invention is applicable is shown below. The present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as pachinko machines. In the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player's side is the "front" and the slot machine's side is the "rear." "Top and bottom" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom." "Left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right."

[0290] First, the general configuration of the slot machine M to which the present invention is applied will be described. Figure 39 is a front view of a slot machine M. The slot machine M has a cabinet 1, which has a bottom plate, left and right side plates, a top plate, and a back plate, and is formed in a box shape (box-like) with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The top surface of the bottom plate is provided with a power supply unit that has a built-in power supply device for supplying power to each component, a hopper unit that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out medals, and the like.

[0291] A front door 2 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front of the housing 1. The front door 2 has an upper door 20 that can be opened and closed to close the upper part of the opening, and a lower door 30 that can be opened and closed to close the lower part of the opening. The upper door 20 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a hinge, and is configured to open and close the upper part of the opening of the housing 1. The lower door 30 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a hinge, and is configured to open and close the lower part of the opening of the housing 1.

[0292] An engagement part is provided at the lower end of the upper door 20, which protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower door 30 and rearward from the front surface of the lower door 30, so that the upper door 20 cannot be opened when the lower door 30 is closed. Note that the front door 2 may have an integrated structure in which the upper door 20 and the lower door 30 are not separated.

[0293] A replacement unit is detachably provided within the housing 1. The replacement unit includes a frame body, which is a metal frame assembled into a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, a reel unit supported by the frame body, and a board unit fixed to the frame body. The reel unit includes three stepping motors provided on the frame body and three rotating reels fixed to the output shafts of the stepping motors. The board unit is a board equipped with electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O, housed in a board case. The board unit functions as a game control device for controlling the play of the slot machine M.

[0294] A display window 21 is provided at the bottom of the upper door 20. This display window 21 is inclined relative to the vertical direction (vertical plane) so that the upper side is inclined toward the rear, and three rotating reels are arranged in a horizontal row behind this display window 21. Multiple types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each reel, and when the rotating reels stop, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 21. The display window 21 has an upper, middle, and lower display positions for visually checking the symbols on each reel, and a winning line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine M, the winning line is formed by the middle section of each reel. In addition, in the slot machine M, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the winning line is activated. In the slot machine M, when a game starts, each reel begins to spin, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether one of the winning combinations will be a win or a loss (non-win). Next, when each reel stops, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination selected by an internal lottery is displayed on an active line, this winning combination becomes a prize, and a process corresponding to the winning combination (winning process) is executed.

[0295] A display window 22 larger than the display window 21 is provided at the top of the upper door 20 and is substantially vertical. This display window 22 is provided to make the display surface of a display unit (liquid crystal display) provided on the upper door 20 visible, and this display unit is configured to display images for effects in the gaming machine on its display surface. Furthermore, on both the left and right sides above (the upper part of) the display window 22 of the upper door 20, horizontally elongated design units 100, 100 for providing notifications, effects, etc. are provided. Furthermore, horizontally elongated lighting devices 44, 45, 44 for providing notifications, effects, etc. are provided adjacent to each other on the left and right sides between the display window 22 and the display window 21. Furthermore, lighting devices 43 for providing notifications, effects, etc. are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper door 20.

[0296] On both the left and right sides of the display window 21, effect panels 51 are provided for providing notifications and effects, and an effect button 60 is provided on the right-side effect panel 51. The placement of the effect button 60 is not limited to this, and it need only be located in a position where the player can press it. The effect button 60 is operated by the player, and when pressed, it changes the mode of an effect image displayed on an image display device visible through the display window 22, for example, to heighten the player's sense of participation in the game and increase the player's interest. For example, an effect image displayed on the image display device in conjunction with the operation of the effect button 60 can be selected. The effect button 60 is activated when pressed to change the mode of the effect, for example, when notifying the player of something that would be good for the player, such as winning a bonus or being determined to move into a favorable state for the player, or at a predetermined timing such as a crucial moment for the player. When the effect button 60 is pressed while the pressing operation is enabled, the form of the effect image displayed on the image display device changes, the movable props move, and so on, and the form of the effect changes.

[0297] A medal payout outlet for discharging medals from inside the slot machine M and a medal tray 46 for collecting medals discharged from the medal payout outlet are formed at the bottom of the lower door 30. A liquid crystal display panel 47 is attached between a slot operation unit 50 (described later) and the medal tray 46. Lamps 48 for providing notifications, effects, etc. are provided on both the left and right sides of this liquid crystal display panel 47.

[0298] A slot operation unit 50 for operating the slot machine M is provided above the lower door 30. The slot operation unit 50 is provided with an adjustment switch 52 for paying out credited medals, a start lever 53 for starting a game, three stop buttons 54 for stopping the rotation of each of the three reels, a medal insertion slot 59 for inserting medals (game media), a reject button 55 for clearing medal jams in the medal passage below the medal insertion slot 59, a MAX BET button 56 (bet button) operated to bet the maximum number of medals, and the like. It also has a control panel 57 for selecting game effects and a display unit 58. The control panel 57 is located approximately in the center of the width (left-right) of the slot operation unit 50, and the display unit 58 is located on the right side, sandwiching the medal insertion slot 59 and the reject button 55 between them. The control panel 57 has a cross key for selecting effects and the like, a confirm button, a cancel button, and the like.

[0299] In the slot machine M, when medals are inserted into the medal slot 59 or the MAX BET button 56 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 53 is enabled, and the machine is ready to start playing. Furthermore, when the enabled start lever 53 is operated, the game begins. When the game starts, each reel begins to spin, and when the rotation speed of each reel reaches a certain speed and enters a steady state, the operation of the stop button 54 is enabled. Furthermore, when the enabled stop button 54 is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 54 stops. When all the reels have stopped, a process is performed in which medals are paid out depending on the game result, or a process is performed in which the machine is ready to start playing again without consuming any more medals, and one round of play is completed.

[0300] Inside the slot machine M, a main control board (main board) and a sub-control board (sub-board) are provided. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX BET button 56, start lever 53, and stop button 54, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and hopper device based on the calculation results. The sub-control board also receives signals sent from the main control board, performs various calculations to execute effects, and controls devices for effects such as the LCD display and speaker based on the calculation results.

[0301] The main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board to the main control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or by software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0302] (Design Unit 100) Next, the design unit 100 will be described. The design units 100 are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the upper door 20. Since each design unit 100 is configured symmetrically, the design unit 100 located on the right side will be described below. Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of the design unit 100. The design unit 100 comprises an outer lens 110, a cover 120, and a substrate 130. The substrate 130 is located on a predetermined member (base member 150 shown in Figure 40). The base member 150 does not have to be a component of the design unit 100.

[0303] The substrate 130 is disposed behind the outer lens 110. In other words, the substrate 130 is disposed on the rear side of the outer lens 110. The cover 120 is disposed between the outer lens 110 and the substrate 130.

[0304] Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line XX shown in Fig. 39. The outer lens 110 is formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section. The outer lens 110 is made of a translucent resin (e.g., polycarbonate) and emits light when irradiated with light from the back side.

[0305] The cover 120 is formed so as to have a substantially U-shaped cross section. The cover 120 functions as a protective cover that protects the front side of the components arranged on the rear side (inside). The cover 120 is formed of a translucent resin (e.g., polycarbonate) and is configured to allow light irradiated from the rear side to pass to the front side. Note that a portion of the cover 120 that corresponds to the outer lens 110 (a portion located behind the outer lens 110) serves as an inner lens portion 140. Details of the inner lens portion 140 will be described later.

[0306] As shown in Fig. 40, the substrate 130 has a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction and short in the front-to-rear direction, and is disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane so that the front side is lower as it approaches the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 41. In other words, the substrate 130 is disposed in an angled position in the front-to-rear direction so that the front side is lower than the rear side. Here, the surface of the substrate 130 facing upward is referred to as the "front surface," and the surface facing downward is referred to as the "back surface."

[0307] A plurality of LEDs are arranged on the substrate 130. As shown in FIG. 41 , upper LEDs 131 are arranged on the front surface (top surface) of the substrate 130, and lower LEDs 132 are arranged on the back surface (bottom surface) of the substrate 130. In other words, in the vertical direction, the upper LEDs 131 are arranged on the upper side, and the lower LEDs 132 are arranged on the lower side. The upper LEDs 131 are arranged on the rear side of the substrate 130, and the lower LEDs 132 are arranged on the front side of the substrate 130. In other words, the lower LEDs 132 are arranged further forward than the upper LEDs 131. The upper LEDs 131 and the lower LEDs 132 are LEDs that can irradiate light from the rear side toward the front side (toward the outer lens 110). Although not shown in the drawings, in this embodiment, a plurality (three) of the upper LEDs 131 and the lower LEDs 132 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction.

[0308] The substrate 130 is disposed on the rear side of the outer lens 110 at a position that is approximately midway in the width (length) in the up-down direction.

[0309] The upper LED 131 emits light that illuminates a substantially upper portion of the front surface 110a of the outer lens 110 and an upper surface 110b of the outer lens 110. On the other hand, the lower LED 132 emits light that illuminates a substantially lower portion of the front surface 110a of the outer lens 110 and a lower surface 110c of the outer lens 110.

[0310] Here, the distance in the front-to-rear direction between the outer lens 110 and the upper LED 131 is defined as a first distance. If the position of the upper LED 131 is defined as position S, and the position where a straight line extending horizontally forward from position S intersects with the outer lens 110 is defined as position T, the first distance is the distance between position S and position T. Furthermore, the distance in the front-to-rear direction between the outer lens 110 and the lower LED 132 is defined as a second distance. If the position of the lower LED 132 is defined as position U, and the position where a straight line extending horizontally forward from position U intersects with the outer lens 110 is defined as position V, the second distance is the distance between position U and position V.

[0311] The first distance is greater than the second distance, or in other words, the second distance is less than the first distance.

[0312] The distance (first distance) between the upper LEDs 131 and the outer lens 110 is relatively long, making it difficult for the luminance (brightness) of the area where the upper LEDs 131 are located to be higher than the brightness of the surrounding area when the outer lens 110 is viewed from the front (front) of the device, a phenomenon known as "point light." On the other hand, the distance (second distance) between the lower LEDs 132 and the outer lens 110 is relatively short (close), making it easy for the luminance (brightness) of the area where the lower LEDs 132 are located to be higher than the brightness of the surrounding area when the outer lens 110 is viewed from the front (front) of the device, making it easy for the luminance (brightness) of the area where the lower LEDs 132 are located to be higher than the brightness of the surrounding area when the outer lens 110 is viewed from the front (front) of the device, making it possible for the luminance (brightness) of the area where the lower LEDs 132 are located to be higher than the brightness of the surrounding area when ... luminance (brightness) of the area where the lower LED

[0313] (Inner lens part 140) A predetermined range of cover 120 that includes at least the front side of upper row LEDs 131 and the front side of lower row LEDs 132 is an inner lens portion 140. As shown in FIG. 42 , inner lens portion 140 includes an upper row inner lens portion 141 that corresponds to upper row LEDs 131 and a lower row inner lens portion 142 that corresponds to lower row LEDs 132. Note that, although inner lens portion 140 is formed integrally with cover 120 in this embodiment, inner lens portion 140 may also be formed separately from cover 120.

[0314] FIG. 42 shows how light (straight light) from upper LED 131 passes through upper inner lens portion 141 and how light from lower LED 132 passes through lower inner lens portion 142.

[0315] (Upper inner lens part 141) The upper inner lens portion 141 has a generally L-shaped cross section and includes a wall portion 141a extending generally in the vertical direction and a wall portion 141b extending generally in the front-rear direction. The wall portion 141a transmits light from the upper LEDs 131 forward. The wall portion 141b refracts the light from the upper LEDs 131 upward and allows it to pass through.

[0316] The upper inner lens portion 141 may be configured with a single wall portion 141a without providing the wall portion 141b. In this case, the light from the upper LED 131 may be directly irradiated onto the upper surface 110b of the outer lens 110.

[0317] (Lower inner lens part 142) Fig. 43 is a view of the portion of cover 120 including inner lens portion 140 as seen from the front side, and Fig. 44 is a view of the portion of cover 120 including inner lens portion 140 as seen from the rear side. Lower inner lens portion 142 has a diffusion portion (first diffusion portion 142a) provided on the front side of cover 120 and a diffusion portion (second diffusion portion 142b) provided on the rear side of cover 120.

[0318] (First diffusion section 142a) The first diffusion portions 142a are formed in three locations at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. The positions where these first diffusion portions 142a are provided correspond to the three lower LEDs 132 that are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. The first diffusion portions 142a are approximately semicircular when viewed from the front, and form a mortar-shaped depression (concave). The first diffusion portions 142a function to refract and diffuse the central light (relatively strong light) of the light emitted from each lower LED 132.

[0319] (Second diffusion section 142b) The second diffusion portion 142b is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the periphery of a position on the back side of the first diffusion portion 142a (a position corresponding to the lower LEDs 132), and has a shape in which recesses and protrusions are repeated from the inside to the outside (a portion having a sawtooth (jagged) cross section). The second diffusion portion 142b functions to diffuse light irradiated from each lower LED 132 except for the central portion.

[0320] In this embodiment, the diffusion portion refers to a shape such as a curved surface or irregularities formed to diffuse the light from the LED.

[0321] Even when the outer lens 110 and the lower LED 132 are close to each other (even when the second distance is relatively small), the lower inner lens part 142 located between them is provided with diffusion parts (first diffusion part 142a and second diffusion part 142b), so that light from the lower LED 132 is diffused and reaches the outer lens 110. This prevents spot light from appearing when the outer lens 110 is viewed from the front, and prevents a decrease in design (appearance).

[0322] Furthermore, because the outer lens 110 and the lower-row LEDs 132 are close to each other (the second distance is relatively small), a problem may arise in that the brightness of the outer lens 110 is brighter (higher luminance) on the lower-row LED 132 side than on the upper-row LED 131 side. However, in this embodiment, the lower-row inner lens portion 142 is provided with diffusion portions (first diffusion portion 142a and second diffusion portion 142b), which diffuse the light from the lower-row LEDs 132, thereby reducing the brightness (luminance) on the lower-row LED 132 side. This reduces the difference in luminance (difference in brightness) between the portions of the outer lens 110 corresponding to the upper-row LEDs 131 and the portions corresponding to the lower-row LEDs 132. In other words, the outer lens 110 can emit light uniformly. This prevents a decrease in the effect of the performance performed through the outer lens 110.

[0323] In this embodiment, the upper LEDs 131 are arranged on the front surface (top surface) of the substrate 130, and the lower LEDs 132 are arranged on the back surface (bottom surface) of the substrate 130, but for example, when the substrate 130 is inclined so that the front side is further downward (when the substrate 130 is in a position close to being substantially vertical), the upper LEDs 131 and the lower LEDs 132 may both be arranged on the front surface (one surface) of the substrate 130. When LEDs are arranged on the front and back surfaces, respectively, as in this embodiment, there are advantages in that there is more space on each surface, improving the degree of freedom in design, and that mixing of light from the front and back surfaces can be avoided.

[0324] Furthermore, the inner surface of the outer lens 110 may be further provided with a shape (such as unevenness) that diffuses light, and the brightness of the outer lens 110 may be adjusted to be more uniform.

[0325] In addition, in this embodiment, the upper LED 131 and the lower LED 132 are arranged at different positions (different heights) in the vertical direction, the lower LED 132 is arranged at a position closer to the outer lens 110, and a diffusion section is provided in the inner lens section 140 (lower inner lens section 142) corresponding to the lower LED 132, but this is not limited to this. (1) If the upper LED 131 is positioned closer to the outer lens 110 than the lower LED 132, and there is a low possibility of spot light occurring on the lower LED 132 side but a high possibility of spot light occurring on the upper LED 131 side, a diffusion section (first diffusion section 142a and second diffusion section 142b) may be provided in the inner lens section 140 (upper inner lens section 141) corresponding to the upper LED 131. (2) Furthermore, if the right-side LED and the left-side LED are arranged at different positions in the left-right direction, and the left-side LED is arranged closer to the outer lens 110 than the right-side LED, and the right-side LED is less likely to produce point light but the left-side LED is more likely to produce point light, a diffusion section may be provided in the inner lens section 140 corresponding to the left-side LED.

[0326] The gaming machine of this embodiment is The front door and A design unit provided on the front door, The design unit includes an outer lens, an inner lens, and a substrate, the substrate is disposed on the rear side of the outer lens, the inner lens is disposed between the outer lens and the substrate; the substrate includes a first LED and a second LED; the first LED and the second LED emit light toward the outer lens; a distance between the outer lens and the first LED is a first distance; When the distance between the outer lens and the second LED is a second distance, the second distance is smaller than the first distance, The inner lens, which is located between the outer lens and the second LED, is provided with a diffusion portion that diffuses light.

[0327] According to this configuration, although the second distance is smaller than the first distance, the inner lens located between the outer lens and the second LED is provided with a light diffusing section that diffuses light, so that the light from the second LED is diffused by the diffusing section and reaches the outer lens, thereby suppressing the occurrence of point light on the outer lens and suppressing a deterioration in design. Furthermore, because the light from the second LED is diffused by the diffusion section and its brightness is reduced, it is possible to prevent a difference in brightness between the side of the outer lens where the first LED is provided and the side where the second LED is provided. In other words, it is possible to make the outer lens emit light evenly. This prevents a decrease in the effectiveness of the performance performed through the outer lens.

[0328] The design unit 100 shown in this embodiment may be mounted on the front frame (front door) of the pachinko gaming machine shown in each of the above-described embodiments.

[0329] Next, the predetermined board units provided in the slot machine M will be described. The slot machine M is provided with the predetermined board units such as a main board unit having a main board and a sub-board unit having a sub-board. The predetermined board units include a liquid crystal board unit, an LED board unit, a power supply board unit, etc. The following description will be given using the sub-board unit 200, but the following invention can be applied to various board units. The following invention can also be applied to the board units provided in the pachinko gaming machines shown in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0330] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the appearance of the sub-board unit 200. FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-board unit 200. As shown in FIG. 46, the sub-board unit 200 includes a sub-board 210, a sub-board case 220 formed so that the sub-board 210 can be housed therein, and screws 230. Electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and ICs are arranged on the plate-shaped sub-board 210. The sub-board case 220 is formed of, for example, transparent resin. A cylindrical boss 221 is formed on the sub-board case 220. The number of bosses 221 is not limited to one, and multiple bosses may be provided.

[0331] FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of a boss 221 provided on the sub-substrate case 220. The boss 221 is erected on a predetermined surface (called the bottom surface) of the sub-substrate case 220. In other words, the boss 221 is formed so as to protrude a predetermined length from the bottom surface of the sub-substrate case 220. The boss 221 is provided with a screw hole 222 for inserting a screw 230 (for tightening the screw 230). The diameter of the screw hole 222 can also be referred to as the inner diameter of the boss 221. Furthermore, the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the boss 221 (radial width) may also be referred to as the thickness (wall thickness) of the boss 221.

[0332] FIG. 48 is a schematic cross-sectional view (axial cross-sectional view of boss 221) of a location where boss 221 is provided. Note that hatching indicating a cross section is omitted in FIG. 48. Screw 230 is inserted through a predetermined screw hole provided in sub-substrate 210, and is also inserted into screw hole 222 of boss 221. When screw 230 is inserted into screw hole 222 and tightened, and screw 230 is screwed into screw hole 222 by a predetermined amount (predetermined length), rotation of screw 230 stops (a state is reached where screw 230 cannot be rotated any further). As a result, sub-substrate 210 (second member) is fixed to sub-substrate case 220 (first member) by screw 230 (fixing member).

[0333] The state in which the screw 230 is threaded to the screw hole 222 to the maximum extent (the insertion amount of the screw 230) (i.e., the state in which the screw 230 is inserted to the maximum extent into the screw hole 222) is called the "maximum insertion state." The maximum insertion state may also be referred to as the state in which the screw 230 is inserted to the limit position into the screw hole 222.

[0334] As shown in Figure 47, ribs 223 are formed on the side surface of the boss 221 along the axial direction of the boss 221. In this embodiment, multiple ribs 223 are formed on the side surface of the boss 221, but it is sufficient that at least one rib 223 is provided on the side surface of the boss 221. In Figure 47, ribs 223 are provided every 90° along the circumferential direction around the boss 221, for a total of four ribs 223. Note that when multiple bosses 221 are provided on the sub-board case 220, the number of ribs formed on each boss may be the same or different.

[0335] The rib 223 has the function of reinforcing the boss 221, which has a predetermined height. In other words, it has the function of preventing the boss 221 from falling (tilting). A relatively large force (load) is applied to the boss 221 when the screw is tightened, but the provision of the rib 223 (reinforcement rib) prevents the boss 221 from falling (tilting). This prevents the boss 221 from being deformed or damaged.

[0336] 48, the rib 223 is erected on the bottom surface of the sub-substrate case 220. In other words, the rib 223 is formed so as to protrude a predetermined length from the bottom surface of the sub-substrate case 220. In further other words, the rib 223 has a predetermined length (predetermined height) in the axial direction of the boss 221.

[0337] As shown in Figure 49(a), the length (height) of each rib 223 provided on the side surface of a predetermined boss 221 does not have to be uniform (same height). Furthermore, the rib 223 is not limited to having a rectangular cross section, and may have a triangular cross section (so-called triangular rib). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 49(b), the rib 223 may be formed so as to be linked (continuous, connected) to another shape (for example, a wall portion) in the sub-substrate case 220.

[0338] The width (thickness) of the rib 223 is thinner than the thickness (wall thickness) of the boss 221. For example, the width of the rib 223 may be set to ½ the thickness of the boss 221 or less.

[0339] As shown in FIG. 48 , in this embodiment, the tip of the screw 230 in the fully inserted state in the axial direction of the boss 221 does not reach the height of the tip of the rib 223. Here, the tip (upper end) of the rib 223 is the portion (end) opposite the bottom side of the sub-substrate case 220 in the axial direction of the boss 221. In other words, the tip of the rib 223 is the end on the screw hole 222 side (screw 230 side) in the axial direction of the boss 221. In further words, the tip of the rib 223 is the portion that is highest from the bottom surface of the sub-substrate case 220. However, when the rib 223 is formed so as to be continuous with another member (when formed in a stepped shape) as shown in FIG. 49 ( b ), the tip of the rib 223 is not the highest portion, but rather the portion on the upper end side that includes the portion that connects to the side surface of the boss 221 (boundary portion).

[0340] In FIG. 48 , if the tip of the screw 230 in the fully inserted state reaches the height of the tip of the rib 223, i.e., if the rib 223 is positioned at a height similar to or higher than the tip of the screw 230 in the fully inserted state, the position of the rib 223 on the radially outer side of the screw hole 222 becomes a thick-walled portion (a thick-walled portion is formed). A thick-walled portion is a portion where the resin is relatively thick. If a thick-walled portion is formed, there is a risk of sink marks (dents) occurring due to shrinkage during molding. For example, if sink marks occur on the inner circumferential surface of the screw hole 222 (the portion where the screw 230 and the screw hole 222 fit together) and the screw hole 222 is deformed, there is a risk of the strength of the screw hole 222 (boss 221) decreasing. If the strength of the screw hole 222 decreases, there is a risk of the boss 221 being damaged when the screw 230 is inserted.

[0341] According to this embodiment, the tip of the screw 230 in the fully inserted state does not reach (do not reach) the height of the tip of the rib 223. In other words, the rib 223 is not formed radially outward from the position in the screw hole 222 where the tip of the screw 230 reaches. Therefore, no thick portion is formed radially outward from the screw hole 222 (the portion where the screw 230 and the screw hole 222 fit together), and the screw hole 222 is not deformed due to the occurrence of sink marks. This prevents a decrease in the strength of the screw hole 222 (boss 221) and damage to the boss 221. In other words, the strength of the screw hole 222 can be appropriately ensured (made suitable).

[0342] In addition, when the tip of the screw 230 in the fully inserted state is configured not to reach the height of the tip of a predetermined rib 223, the predetermined ribs 223 may be all or some of the ribs 223 formed on the side surface of the boss 221. In other words, it is sufficient that the tip of the screw 230 in the fully inserted state does not reach the height of the tip of at least one rib 223. In yet other words, it is sufficient that some of the ribs 223 have a tip that does not reach the height of the tip of the screw 230 in the fully inserted state.

[0343] Even if the tip of the screw 230 does not reach the height of the tip of some of the ribs 223, the number of thick-walled portions formed can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the screw hole 222 due to the occurrence of sink marks. This prevents the strength of the screw hole 222 from decreasing and the boss 221 from being damaged.

[0344] Furthermore, in the axial direction of the boss 221, the bottom of the screw hole 222 is positioned so as not to reach the height of the tip of a predetermined rib 223. Because no rib 223 is formed on the radially outer side of the screw hole 222, no thick-walled portion is formed on the radially outer side of the screw hole 222, and the screw hole 222 is not deformed due to the occurrence of sink marks. This reduces the strength of the screw hole 222 (boss 221), and prevents the boss 221 from being damaged.

[0345] In addition, in the axial direction of the boss 221, the position (height) of the bottom of the screw hole 222 may be the same as the height (position) of the tip of a predetermined rib 223. A predetermined gap is formed between the tip of the screw 230 and the bottom of the screw hole 222. Even in this case, no thick portion is formed radially outward from the portion where the screw 230 and the screw hole 222 are fitted together. This prevents the strength of the screw hole 222 from being reduced and the boss 221 from being damaged.

[0346] Furthermore, the ribs 223 may have the function of reinforcing the bosses 221 and also the function of supporting a predetermined substrate (raising the bottom of the predetermined substrate). As shown in FIG. 50(a), the tip of a predetermined rib 223 may abut against a predetermined substrate, so that the predetermined substrate is supported (raised) by the predetermined rib 223. As shown in FIG. 50(b), the bosses 221 may be inserted into holes in the predetermined substrate, so that the tip of the plurality of ribs 223 abuts against the predetermined substrate. By giving the ribs 223 the function of reinforcing the bosses 221 and functioning as a substrate support (abutment surface), the shape of the sub-substrate case 220 can be simplified compared to when each of these functions is configured as a separate component. This prevents the space inside the sub-substrate case 220 for mounting other components from being constrained.

[0347] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sub-substrate 210 is fixed with screws using the boss 221, but there may be other components that are screwed in addition to the sub-substrate 210. Figure 51 shows an example in which the sub-substrate case 220 (upper case) is screwed in together with the sub-substrate 210. This example is a case in which the sub-substrate case 220 is made up of an upper case and a lower case. Although not shown, only components other than the substrate (sub-substrate 210) (second member) may be screwed in. In other words, the second member is not limited to a substrate, and may be another member such as a case.

[0348] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine comprising a first member, a fixed member, and a second member, the second member is fixed to the first member by the fixing member, the first member includes a boss; The boss includes a hole and a rib. the rib is formed on a side surface of the boss along the axial direction of the boss, When the fixing member is inserted into the hole, the tip of the fixing member does not reach the height of the tip of a predetermined rib.

[0349] Since the tip of the fixing member does not reach the height of the tip of the rib, the rib is not formed radially outward from the portion where the fixing member and the hole are fitted, and no thick portion is formed. This prevents the hole from being deformed due to sink marks occurring in the thick portion, which reduces the strength of the hole. This prevents the strength of the boss from being reduced or broken.

[0350] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to fixing a board inside a board unit (board case). However, the present invention can also be applied to fixing a predetermined member inside the housing 1 or on the back side of the front door 2. A boss may be provided on a predetermined member (first member) inside the housing 1 or on the back side of the front door 2, and a predetermined member (second member) may be fixed to the first member with a screw (screw-fastened). In this case, a rib is provided on the side of the boss of the first member. For example, the first member may be a resin cover (resin member), and the second member may be various fixed members such as a cancel chute or a speaker unit. Alternatively, the first member may be a metal member such as a frame or sheet metal, and the second member may be various fixed members such as a board case (board case that covers a board) or a power supply unit cover. Even in such a case, the tip of the screw in the maximum insertion state does not reach the height of the tip of the rib.

[0351] If the boss is made of metal, a female screw portion (thread groove) may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the screw hole. The female screw portion is capable of threadably engaging with the male screw portion of the screw 230. In this case, the lower end of the female screw portion of the boss may not reach the height of the tip of the rib.

[0352] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the configurations of pachinko gaming machines and slot machines are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments. Any component of the present invention can be modified or omitted within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0353] 210 Substrate (substrate) (second member) 220 Substrate case (sub-substrate case) (first member) 221 Boss 222 screw holes 223 Ribs 230 Screw (fixing member)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising: a first member, a fixing member, a second member, an outer frame, a main body frame attached to the outer frame, and a handle provided on the main body frame and rotatable within a range from an initial position to a maximum position, the second member is fixed to the first member by the fixing member, the first member includes a boss; The boss includes a hole and a rib. the rib is formed on a side surface of the boss along the axial direction of the boss, The handle includes a base and a plurality of finger grips protruding radially outward from the base, the plurality of finger grip portions include a finger grip portion that protrudes downward from the base portion at the maximum position, Among the plurality of finger rests, the finger rest with the largest protruding amount is designated as a specific finger rest, a distance from the rotation center of the handle to the tip of the specific finger rest portion is defined as a first distance; If the distance from the rotation center of the handle to the lower edge of the main body frame is a second distance, The first distance is greater than the second distance, When the handle is disposed at the initial position, the plurality of finger grips do not protrude downward beyond the lower edge of the main body frame, and do not protrude rightward beyond the right edge of the main body frame; When the handle is disposed at the maximum position, the plurality of finger grips do not protrude downward from the lower edge of the main body frame, and do not protrude rightward from the right edge of the main body frame; If the operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position is defined as a first operation torque, the operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the left-hand hit reference position is defined as a second operation torque, and the operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the maximum position is defined as a third operation torque, the second operation torque is larger than the first operation torque, the third operation torque is larger than the second operation torque, and the third operation torque is two times or more the first operation torque and two times or less the second operation torque. Gaming machine.

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