gaming machines
By incorporating a design member to conceal specific contact positions between the gaming ball and outer rail, the gaming machine addresses the challenge of designing the contact position, preventing scratches and maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023009634
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-01-25
AI Technical Summary
The challenge in designing gaming machines is to facilitate the contact position of gaming balls with the outer guide rail without causing scratches and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The gaming machine incorporates a design member on the front door to conceal certain contact positions between the gaming ball and the outer rail, while allowing others to be visible, thereby improving the design flexibility and preventing unsightly damage.
This configuration enhances the ease of designing the contact position and prevents unsightly scratches on the outer rail, maintaining the machine's appearance.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine (so-called pachinko machine) in which a gaming ball, which is a gaming medium, is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and when the gaming ball enters a winning area such as a winning slot provided in the gaming area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, and when the display result of the variable display of identification information becomes a specific display result, the gaming state is changed.
[0003] In addition, a gaming machine (so-called slot machine) is known in which, after a predetermined number of bets is set for one game, the player operates a start lever to start the variable display of the identification information, and the player operates a stop switch to stop the variable display of the identification information within a predetermined maximum delay time from the timing of the operation, and a win occurs according to the display result derived when all variable displays have been stopped, and a predetermined gaming medium is paid out in accordance with the win, and the gaming state is changed when a specific win occurs.
[0004] Known examples of such gaming machines include a gaming board having a play area, a launching device (launching means) capable of launching game balls, and an outer guide rail (outer rail) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching device to the play area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of gaming machine, the game ball launched by the launching device first comes into contact with the base end of the outer guide rail, and then rises along the outer guide rail and is guided to the play area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-95010 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] In the development stage of the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it was desired to make it easier to design the position where the gaming ball contacts the base end of the outer guide rail. Also, there was a risk that the gaming ball launched by the launching device would come into contact with the outer guide rail, causing scratches on the outer guide rail and spoiling the appearance, and an improvement in this regard was desired.
[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that makes it easier to design the contact position where the gaming ball comes into contact with the base end of the outer rail, and that prevents the machine from looking unsightly. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the first invention is: A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-3) including a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108) having a gaming area (in this example, the gaming area 108a), a front door (in this example, the front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, the transparent window 106a) arranged so as to face the gaming board, a launching means (in this example, the launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls, and an outer rail (in this example, the outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, the inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a guide area (in this example, the guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: A first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail; A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time; A third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes contact with the outer rail for the third time, A design member is provided on the front side of the front door so as to surround the transparent window, The design member has a design portion (in this example, lower left design portion 3b) provided on the lower left side of the front door so as to cover part of the guide area, The design portion is provided so as not to conceal the first contact position, but so as to conceal at least one of the second contact position and the third contact position.
[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the second invention provides: A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-5) comprising: a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108) having a gaming area (in this example, the gaming area 108a); a front door (in this example, the front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, the transparent window 106a) arranged so as to face the gaming board; a launching means (in this example, the launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls; and an outer rail (in this example, the outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, the inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a guide area (in this example, the guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: A first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail; A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time; A third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes contact with the outer rail for the third time, A design member is provided on the front side of the front door so as to surround the transparent window, The design member has a design portion (in this example, a lower left design portion 3d) provided on the lower left side of the front door so as to cover a part of the guide area, The design portion is provided so as to conceal the first contact position, while not providing so as to conceal at least one of the second contact position and the third contact position. [Effects of the Invention]
[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that makes it easier to design the contact position where the gaming ball comes into contact with the base end side of the outer rail and prevents the appearance from being poor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine with the front frame open. [Figure 3] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine with the inner frame open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the application area of adhesive applied to the design sheet of the light-emitting unit. FIG. [Figure 9] 10(a) to 10(c) are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for attaching a design sheet for a light-emitting unit. [Figure 10] 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application area to be applied to the design sheet to be affixed to the resin cover of the normal prize winning opening. [Figure 11] 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application area to be applied to the design sheet to be affixed to the resin cover of the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an application area of adhesive applied to a design sheet of a light-emitting unit in Modification 1. [Figure 13]10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application area to be applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the normal winning opening in the second modified example. [Figure 14] 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application area to be applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable winning device in the third modified example. [Figure 15] 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application area to be applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable winning device in the fourth modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an application area of adhesive applied to a design sheet attached to a resin cover of a movable body in Modification 5. [Figure 17] (a) is a front view of the design sheet, (b) is a back view of the design sheet, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of (a) taken along line AA. [Figure 18] FIG. 10(a) is a front view of a design sheet according to a modified example, and (b) and (c) are rear views of the same design sheet. [Figure 19] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inner guide rail attached to the game board shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a ball return prevention mechanism provided in the inner guide rail shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism. [Figure 23] This is a front view of the ball return prevention member provided in the ball return prevention mechanism when it is in a closed state. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a front view of the ball return prevention member in an open state. [Figure 25] This figure shows a game ball that has entered the game area attempting to return to the boundary area when the ball return prevention member is in the process of changing from a closed state to an open state. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dotted line shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dotted line shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 28] A figure showing a state in which a game ball that has returned from the game area to the boundary area collides with a ball return prevention member. [Figure 29] 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 23. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-3 of the second embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-4 of the second embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-5 of the second embodiment. [Figure 37] 10 is a table showing the visibility of the first contact position, the second contact position, and the third contact position in the second embodiment and modified examples 2-1 to 2-5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0013] [Overall configuration] The overall configuration of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine with the front frame open, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine with the inner frame open.
[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko machine, which is a gaming machine 100, includes an outer frame 102 having four sides arranged in a substantially rectangular shape to form an enclosed space, an inner frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 so as to be able to open and close freely, and a front frame 106 attached to the inner frame 104 so as to be able to open and close freely. The front frame 106 is attached to the outer frame 102 via the inner frame 104 so as to be able to open and close freely. The outer frame 102, the inner frame 104, and the front frame 106 are pivotally supported by an upper hinge mechanism 400 and a lower hinge mechanism 401. The outer frame 102 and the inner frame 104 form a main body (gaming machine frame), which is capable of holding a gaming board unit 600 (see FIG. 5). The gaming board unit 600 includes, for example, a gaming board, a resin member provided on the front of the gaming board, and an LED (light-emitting means) that irradiates the resin member with light.
[0015] The inner frame 104, like the outer frame 102, has four sides arranged in a substantially rectangular shape to form an enclosed space, and a game board 108 is held in the enclosed space. The game board 108 can be attached to the inner frame 104 when the front frame 106 is in an open state (open state). A game area 108a (see FIG. 5) is formed on the front of the game board 108, and the game area can be seen through the transparent window 106a when the front frame 106 is in a closed state (closed state). Note that the game board 108 is not shown in FIG. 2.
[0016] Here, an island facility is provided in an amusement facility (such as a pachinko parlor) where gaming machines are installed. The island facility has a plurality of vertically long rectangular frame-shaped island facilities for installing a plurality of gaming machines side by side. The island facility is generally made of wood. For example, the gaming machine 100 is attached to the island facility by fastening the upper and lower parts of the outer frame 102 to the island facility with nails at four points from the inside (the inner peripheral side where the inner frame 104 is attached) of the outer frame 102.
[0017] An operating handle 117 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 106. The operating handle 117 is provided so as to be rotatable by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 117 to perform a firing operation, the firing device 16 fires gaming balls toward the playing area of the gaming board 108 at a firing intensity according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 117. This firing device 16 is disposed below the gaming board within the inner frame 104. The firing intensities of the firing device 16 include firing intensities A to D, which will be described later.
[0018] The gaming machine 100 is equipped with a liquid crystal display (not shown), a lamp 114 that can be controlled to various lighting modes and light colors, a speaker 116, and a performance operation device 118 that accepts operations from the player, as performance devices that perform performances while the game is in progress.
[0019] The effect operation device 118 is equipped with a push button 118a that accepts a push operation by the player, and an operation dial 118b that accepts a dial operation by the player. The effect operation device 118 is activated in accordance with the image displayed on the liquid crystal display, and when it accepts an operation by the player within the operation valid period, various effects are executed in accordance with the operation.
[0020] An upper tray 120 is provided at the back side of the performance operation device 118 (toward the gaming board 108) to which prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and gaming balls dispensed from the gaming ball dispenser are guided. When the upper tray 120 is full of gaming balls, the gaming balls are guided to the lower tray 122. A ball ejection hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom surface of the lower tray 122 to eject gaming balls from the lower tray 122. This ball ejection hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but by pressing a ball ejection button 124, the opening / closing plate slides together with the ball ejection button 124, making it possible to eject gaming balls from the ball ejection hole to below the lower tray 122.
[0021] [Configuration of the back of the gaming machine] Next, the configuration of the back of the pachinko machine will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.
[0022] 4, on the rear side of the gaming machine 100 are installed a main control board case that houses a main control board that controls the game, a back cover 200 that covers a sub-control board case that houses a sub-control board that controls the presentation, a game information output terminal board 203, a prize ball storage tank 204, a prize ball payout flow path 206, a payout ball counting switch 208, a payout control board case 210, an inner frame opening switch 212, etc. In addition, on the rear side of the gaming machine 100 are installed various electronic devices (including a control computer, not shown) that make up the power supply system and control system of the gaming machine 100, a power cord with a power plug, connecting wiring, etc. (none of which are shown).
[0023] The game information output terminal board 203 is connected to electronic devices (such as a data display device, a hall computer, etc.) external to the gaming machine 100. Various external information signals (such as winning ball information, error information, jackpot information, starting gate information, etc.) indicating the game progress status and maintenance status of the gaming machine 100 are output from the game information output terminal board 203 to the external electronic devices.
[0024] The prize ball storage tank 204 is attached to a mounting base attached to the top plate of the inner frame 104. As a result, the prize ball storage tank 204 is provided at the top of the rear side of the inner frame 104. The prize ball storage tank 204 can store game balls supplied from a supply path (not shown). When prize balls are paid out, the game balls stored in the prize ball storage tank 204 are guided through a prize ball payout flow path 206 to the upper tray 120 (see Figure 1) on the front side of the gaming machine 100. A payout ball counting switch 208 detects the number of game balls paid out through the prize ball payout flow path 206.
[0025] An inner frame opening switch 212 is provided in the lower left area of the payout control board case 210. In addition, a power cord (not shown) is connected to a power supply (e.g., AC 24V) installed in the gaming center's island equipment, for example. This ensures that the power source (electricity) necessary for the operation of the gaming machine 100 is provided.
[0026] [Game board configuration] Next, the configuration of the game board 108 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a front view of the game board 108. To avoid cluttering the illustration, parts that are not relevant to the explanation are omitted.
[0027] The game board 108 is provided on the front of the game board unit 600 described above, and is positioned so as to face the transparent window 106a of the front door 3. The transparent window 106a is surrounded by design elements that make up the front side of the front door 3. The design elements include a lamp 114, a speaker 116, a performance operation device 118 (described later), as well as a lower left design portion 3a.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 5, the game board 108 has a substantially rectangular acrylic plate (board plate) 5a, a rail base 26, an outer guide rail (outer rail) 27, and an inner guide rail (inner rail) 28. The rail base 26 is fixed to the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a and has an inner peripheral surface 42a that is arc-shaped in a front view. The outer guide rail 27 is attached along the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26 and is arranged in an arc shape from a left side position away from the lower center of the game board 108 to the left end, upper end, and upper right end. A base end support portion 420a that supports the base end of the outer guide rail 27 is provided at the base end of the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26, and a tip end support portion 420b that supports the tip end of the outer guide rail 27 is provided at the tip end.
[0029] The inner guide rail 28 is attached to the inside of the outer guide rail 27 on the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a, and is arranged in an arc shape from a position slightly left of the lower center of the game board 108 to near the left end and near the upper left end of the game board 108. The curved area between the outer guide rail 27 and the inner guide rail 28 forms a guide passage 29. The guide passage 29 guides game balls launched by the launching device 16 (see FIG. 2) to the game area 108a. A boundary area 700 is provided between the guide passage 29 and the game area 108a. The outlet of the boundary area 700 communicates with the game area 108a, and the entrance of the boundary area 700 communicates with the guide passage 29. As will be described in detail later, a ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided at the tip of the inner guide rail 28, and this ball return prevention mechanism 50 is located in the boundary area 700.
[0030] Translucent resin members 5b and 5c are provided on the front of the acrylic plate 5a in positions visible to the player. Resin member 5b is provided in the center left part of the acrylic plate 5a, and resin member 5c is provided in the lower right part of the acrylic plate 5a. A design sheet 70 (see FIG. 17(a)) is attached to the front of resin member 5b, and a design sheet 80 (see FIG. 18(a)) is attached to the front of resin member 5c. Details of the design sheets 70 and 80 will be described later.
[0031] Within the game area 108a, a normal winning hole 92, a start winning hole 93, a variable winning device 94, etc. are distributed and installed, and game pins that can change the flow direction of game balls are also provided. Then, game balls launched into the game area 108a may enter the normal winning hole 92 or the start winning hole 93 as they flow down, or may enter the variable winning device 94 when activated.
[0032] When the game board 108 is made of a transparent resin plate, such as an acrylic plate, as in this embodiment, decorativeness can be added by using various decorative objects (including movable objects and light-emitting objects) placed not only on the front side but also on the back side of the game board 108.
[0033] Here, the play area 108a includes a left-hand hitting area 108a1 and a right-hand hitting area 108a2. The left-hand hitting area 108a1 is an area where a player drops a game ball during normal play. Aiming to hit a game ball into the left-hand hitting area 108a1 is called a left-hand hitting operation. The left-hand hitting area 108a1 is provided with a throw-in position BP (left-hand hitting reference position). In this embodiment, the throw-in position BP is a reference position when a player performs a left-hand hitting operation, and is located in the upper left of the play area 108a. Specifically, the throw-in position BP is located near the middle between the exit of the guide passage 29 and the upper end of the play area 108a, and multiple nails (five in this example) are arranged near this position (see FIG. 5). When a game ball collides with these nails, it becomes easier to guide the game ball into the starting winning hole 93, thereby increasing the probability of the ball entering the starting winning hole 93. Aiming at the throw-in position BP and shooting a game ball is called a throw-in aim. On the other hand, the right-hand hit area 108a2 is an area where a player causes a game ball to flow down in a jackpot game state or a time-saving game state. Aiming at the right-hand hit area 108a2 and shooting a game ball is called a right-hand hit operation.
[0034] In the gaming machine 100, in the normal game mode, the player performs a firing operation (so-called left-hit operation) by aiming at the left-hit area 108a1 of the gaming area 108a. The left-hit operation is performed by the player rotating the operating handle 117 provided on the gaming machine 100, and the fired gaming ball flows down the left-hit area 108a1. When the gaming ball enters the start winning hole 93, the variable display of the special symbols begins. If a jackpot symbol is displayed as a static symbol in the variable display of the special symbols, it is a "jackpot," and if a losing symbol is displayed as a static symbol, it is a "loss." In addition, if a gaming ball enters the normal winning hole 92 or the start winning hole 93, a predetermined number of prize balls can be obtained.
[0035] In the jackpot gaming state, the large prize opening formed by the variable prize-winning device 94 is opened in a predetermined manner. In the jackpot gaming state, the player performs a right-hit operation, and the launched game ball flows down the right-hit area 108a2 and enters the large prize opening, thereby obtaining a prize ball. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is advantageous for the player.
[0036] In this embodiment, the normal winning opening 92 is covered by a transparent resin cover 96 attached to the front of the gaming board 108. A design sheet 97 is attached with an adhesive to an attachment area on the front of the resin cover 96. The attachment area on the front of the resin cover 96 is a location that is difficult for a player or a gaming ball to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.
[0037] The variable winning device 94 is covered with a transparent resin cover 98 attached to the front of the game board 108. A design sheet 99 is attached with adhesive to an attachment area on the front of the resin cover 98. The attachment area on the front of the resin cover 98 is a location that is difficult for a player or a game ball to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.
[0038] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the game board 108 has a movable body on its rear side that can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. The movable body is formed in the shape of a plate extending in the left-right direction, and its front surface is covered with a resin cover. A design sheet 500 is attached to an attachment area on the front surface of the resin cover with an adhesive. The attachment area on the front surface of the resin cover is a location that is difficult for a player or a game ball to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.
[0039] Next, the decorative plate will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a front view of the decorative plate.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 6 , a decorative plate 107 is attached to the back of the gaming board 108. As mentioned above, the gaming board 108 is formed from a transparent resin plate, so the decorative plate 107 can be seen from the front side of the gaming board 108. In addition, the decorative plate 107 is provided with decorative members 109 and a light-emitting unit 110 that are arranged to surround the playing area 108a. The light-emitting unit 110 can be seen from the front side of the gaming board 108. Although not shown in the drawings, the above-mentioned movable body is arranged on the upper back side of the gaming board 108 in the normal state, and the player cannot see the movable body. Note that the movable body may be arranged in a position that can be seen by the player in the normal state.
[0041] [Light unit] Next, the light emitter unit 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the light emitter unit.
[0042] 7, the light-emitting unit 110 includes a design sheet 111 on which a picture is printed, a base plate 112 to which the design sheet 111 is attached, and a light-guiding lens 113 that guides light from an LED (not shown). The attachment area on the front of the base plate 112 is a location that is difficult for a player or a gaming ball to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.
[0043] An attachment portion 109a for a base plate 112 is formed on the front side of the decorative member 109. The attachment portion 109a has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the base plate 112. The base plate 112 is attached to the attachment portion 109a of the decorative member 109 with screws (not shown). An adhesive surface 112a is formed on the front side of the base plate 112, and a design sheet 111 is attached to the adhesive surface 112a. A light guiding lens 113 is attached to the back side of the decorative member 109.
[0044] The decorative member 109, design sheet 111, and base plate 112 are made of a translucent resin. Light from the light guide lens 113 passes through the decorative member 109, and then through the base plate 112 and design sheet 111. This increases the visibility of the pattern on the design sheet 111, enhancing the dramatic effect.
[0045] Furthermore, a rib 112b extending vertically is formed on the left end of the base plate 112. As will be described later, the design sheet 111 is positioned relative to the base plate 112 by abutting the design sheet 111 against the rib 112b.
[0046] Furthermore, a convex portion 112c that protrudes toward the design sheet 111 (i.e., the right side) is formed on the rib 112b of the base plate 112. A concave portion 111a into which the convex portion 112c can be inserted is formed on the design sheet 111. Specifically, the convex portion 112c is a protrusion that protrudes toward the design sheet 111. The concave portion 111a is a cutout that has approximately the same shape as the convex portion 112c and is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the convex portion 112c. When the convex portion 112c is inserted into the concave portion 111a, the design sheet 111 is positioned in the up-down direction.
[0047] In addition, air bubble prevention holes 112d are formed in three places on base plate 112 to prevent air bubbles from being generated when design sheet 111 is attached due to air remaining between design sheet 111 and base plate 112.
[0048] [Light unit design sheet] Next, the adhesive applied to design sheet 111 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the adhesive application area on the design sheet of the light-emitting unit. Fig. 8 shows the back side of design sheet 111.
[0049] As shown in Figure 8, adhesive 130 is applied to design sheet 111 (the shaded area in the figure). Adhesive 130 is placed at a position approximately 3 mm inward from the outer periphery of design sheet 111. Furthermore, adhesive 130 is placed in the form of a ring with a width of approximately 5 mm around the entire periphery of the outer periphery of design sheet 111. In other words, in this embodiment, adhesive 130 is placed at a distance of 3 mm or more from the outer periphery of design sheet 111, and is not placed at a distance less than 3 mm.
[0050] The air bubble prevention holes 112d of the base plate 112 are arranged in positions where the adhesive 130 will not adhere when the design sheet 111 is attached to the base plate 112.
[0051] [How to attach the design sheet] Next, the work of attaching the design sheet 111 to the base plate 112 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Figs. 9(a) to 9(c) are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for attaching the design sheet of the light emitting unit.
[0052] As shown in Figure 9(a), first, design sheet 111 with adhesive 130 attached to its backside is tilted relative to base plate 112 and butted against adhesive surface 112a. At this time, the end of design sheet 111 on the recess 111a side faces rib 112b of base plate 112. Also, design sheet 111 is tilted so that adhesive 130 of design sheet 111 does not adhere to adhesive surface 112a, and the end of design sheet 111 is butted against base plate 112. Then, while still tilted, design sheet 111 is slid toward rib 112b of base plate 112.
[0053] 9(b), the edge of the design sheet 111 is abutted against the rib 112b of the base plate 112, and the recess 111a of the design sheet 111 is inserted into the protrusion 112c of the base plate 112. This positions the design sheet 111 relative to the base plate 112.
[0054] 9(c), the design sheet 111 is rotated around the side of the base plate 112 that abuts against the rib 112b so that the design sheet 111 approaches the base plate 112, and the design sheet 111 is attached to the adhesive surface 112a of the base plate 112. At this time, air escapes through the air bubble prevention holes 112d of the base plate 112, preventing the formation of air bubbles.
[0055] By the above steps, the design sheet 111 can be attached to the base plate 112.
[0056] For example, if adhesive 130 is applied to the outer periphery of design sheet 111 and then positioned from above base plate 112 and attached, the positioning and attachment must be performed simultaneously, making work errors more likely. However, in this embodiment, adhesive 130 is applied to a portion of design sheet 111 spaced a predetermined distance from the outer periphery, allowing design sheet 111 to be attached while sliding. Therefore, since design sheet 111 can be positioned before attachment, positioning and attachment of design sheet 111 can be performed as separate tasks, making the process easier. This prevents work errors when attaching design sheet 111 and improves work efficiency when attaching the sheet. Furthermore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the adhesive strength of design sheet 111 is reduced. However, when front frame 106 is closed, light emitter unit 110 is located in a position where it is highly unlikely to come into contact with a player or a game ball. In such a location, it is more important to prevent a decrease in work efficiency and appearance, even if it means reducing adhesive strength.
[0057] Furthermore, for example, if a configuration is adopted in which positioning bosses are formed on the base plate 112 and positioning holes into which the bosses are inserted are formed on the design sheet 111, it is necessary to position and attach the design sheet 111 at the same time. However, in this embodiment, the design sheet 111 is positioned by sliding the design sheet 111 and inserting the recessed portion 111a of the design sheet 111 into the protruding portion 112c of the base plate 112. This allows the design sheet 111 to be positioned before being attached, making it possible to easily perform the positioning and attachment of the design sheet 111 as separate tasks. This prevents mistakes when attaching the design sheet 111 and improves the efficiency of the sheet attachment process.
[0058] Furthermore, if air bubbles are generated when design sheet 111 is attached to base plate 112, the bubbles will become noticeable due to the light emitted toward design sheet 111. However, in this embodiment, air bubble prevention holes 112d are formed in base plate 112, which eliminates the need to release the air between base plate 112 and design sheet 111 to the outside, thereby improving the efficiency of the work when attaching design sheet 111.
[0059] Furthermore, since the adhesive 130 is applied at a position a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 111, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 130 from spilling out.
[0060] The air bubble prevention holes 112d of the base plate 112 are arranged in positions where the adhesive 130 will not adhere when the design sheet 111 is attached to the base plate 112.
[0061] In addition, the position of the adhesive 130 on the design sheet 111, the shape of the design sheet 111, and the arrangement of the bubble prevention holes 112d may also be applied to design sheets that are attached to parts other than the light-emitting unit 110 (such as a prize-winning opening or a variable prize-winning device (such as an attacka or electric chute)).
[0062] [Design sheet for resin cover of regular prize slot] Next, the adhesive 97a of the design sheet 97 affixed to the resin cover 96 of the normal winning opening 92 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figures 10(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application area to be applied to the design sheet affixed to the resin cover of the normal winning opening. Note that Figure 10 shows the back side of the design sheet 97.
[0063] As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), adhesive 97a is applied to design sheet 97 (the shaded area in the figure). Design sheet 97 includes transparent areas 97b and opaque areas 97c (in this example, they are divided by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 97 also includes transparent areas 97b and opaque areas 97c. Note that transparent areas 97b are not completely transparent; it is sufficient for transparent areas 97b to be more transparent than opaque areas 97c. In other words, transparent areas 97b are configured so that the adhesive can be seen through, but opaque areas 97c are configured so that the adhesive cannot be seen through.
[0064] The adhesive 97a is disposed at a position spaced about 1 mm inward from the outer peripheral edge of the design sheet 97 (the portion indicated by a in the figure), a position spaced about 3 mm inward from the outer peripheral edge of the design sheet 97 (the portion indicated by b in the figure), and a position spaced about 5 mm inward from the outer peripheral edge of the design sheet 97 (the portion indicated by c in the figure). That is, in this embodiment, the adhesive 97a is disposed at a distance of 1 mm or more from the outer peripheral edge of the design sheet 97, and is not disposed at a distance less than 1 mm.
[0065] The adhesive 97a is arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 5 mm around the entire circumference along the outer edge of the design sheet 97. A through hole 96a is formed in the resin cover 96, and when the design sheet 97 is attached, the through hole 96a is located inside the annularly arranged adhesive 97a.
[0066] This configuration, like the design sheet 111, prevents mistakes when attaching the design sheet 97 and improves the efficiency of the sheet attachment process. Furthermore, because the adhesive 97a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 97, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 97a from spilling over. Furthermore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the adhesive strength of the design sheet 97 is reduced. However, when the front frame 106 is closed, the resin cover 96 is located in a position where it is highly unlikely to be contacted by a player or a gaming ball. In such a location, it is more important to prevent a decrease in work efficiency and appearance, even if it means reducing adhesive strength.
[0067] In addition, the position of the adhesive 97a of the design sheet 97 affixed to the resin cover 96 of the normal winning opening 92 and the shape of the design sheet 97 may also be applied to design sheets affixed to parts other than the normal winning opening 92 (winning openings and variable winning devices (so-called attacka, electric chute, etc.)).
[0068] [Design sheet for the resin cover of the starting prize slot] The start winning opening 93 is covered with a transparent resin cover 93a attached to the front of the game board 108. A design sheet 93b is attached with adhesive to the attachment area on the front of the resin cover 93a. The position of the adhesive on the design sheet 93b is configured in the same way as the position of the adhesive on the design sheet 97 attached to the resin cover 96 of the normal winning opening 92.
[0069] [Design sheet for the resin cover of the variable prize device] Next, the adhesive 99a of the design sheet 99 affixed to the resin cover 98 of the variable winning device 94 will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figures 11(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application portion to be applied to the design sheet affixed to the resin cover of the variable winning device. Note that Figure 11 shows the back side of the design sheet 99.
[0070] 11(a) and (b), adhesive 99a is applied to design sheet 99 (the shaded area in the figure). Design sheet 99 includes transparent areas 99b and opaque areas 99c (in this example, they are divided by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 99 also includes transparent areas 99b and opaque areas 99c. Note that transparent areas 99b are not completely transparent; it is sufficient for transparent areas 99b to be more transparent than opaque areas 99c.
[0071] The adhesive 99a is placed at a distance of approximately 1 mm inward from the outer periphery of the design sheet 99. In other words, in this embodiment, the adhesive 99a is placed at a distance of 1 mm or more from the outer periphery of the design sheet 99, and is not placed at a distance of less than 1 mm.
[0072] The adhesive 99a is arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 5 mm around the entire circumference along the outer edge of the design sheet 99. Specifically, a first adhesive 99d, a second adhesive 99e, a third adhesive 99f, and a fourth adhesive 99g are arranged in a ring shape.
[0073] Between the end of the first adhesive 99d and the end of the second adhesive 99e, there is an air escape gap 99h of approximately 2.5 mm for allowing air between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99 to escape to the outside.
[0074] Similarly, there is an air escape gap 99h of approximately 2.5 mm between the end of the second adhesive 99e and the end of the third adhesive 99f. Similarly, there is an air escape gap 99h of approximately 2.5 mm between the end of the third adhesive 99f and the end of the fourth adhesive 99g. Similarly, there is an air escape gap 99h of approximately 2.5 mm between the end of the fourth adhesive 99g and the end of the first adhesive 99d.
[0075] The air escape gap 99h is not limited to 2.5 mm, and may be different for each gap.
[0076] The air escape gaps 99h are arranged in the transparent area 99b on the outer periphery of the design sheet 99, and also in the opaque area 99c on the outer periphery of the design sheet 99.
[0077] With this configuration, air escape gaps 99h are also arranged in the opaque area of the outer periphery of the design sheet 99, so that the area where air escapes between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99 can be seen with the naked eye.
[0078] Furthermore, as with the design sheet 111, this configuration prevents errors when attaching the design sheet 99, improving the efficiency of the sheet attachment process. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to release air between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99, improving the efficiency of the attachment process. Furthermore, because the adhesive 99a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 99, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 99a from spilling over. Furthermore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the adhesive strength of the design sheet 99 is reduced. However, when the front frame 106 is closed, the resin cover 98 is located in a position where it is highly unlikely to be contacted by a player or a gaming ball. In such a location, it is more important to prevent a decrease in work efficiency and appearance, even if it means reducing adhesive strength.
[0079] In addition, the position of the adhesive 99a of the design sheet 99 attached to the resin cover 98 of the variable winning device 94 and the shape of the design sheet 99 may also be applied to a design sheet attached to a resin cover that covers parts other than the variable winning device 94 (the winning port or the variable winning device (so-called electric chute, etc.)).
[0080] [Variation 1] Next, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an application area of adhesive to be applied to the design sheet of the light emitter unit in the first modification.
[0081] In Modification 1, the area where adhesive 130 is applied to design sheet 111 is different. It is also possible to implement the above embodiment by applying adhesive 130 to design sheet 111 as in Modification 1. Note that Fig. 12 shows the back side of design sheet 111. Also, detailed explanations of parts that are the same as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 12, adhesive 130 is applied to design sheet 111 (the shaded area in the figure). Adhesive 130 is disposed at a position approximately 3 mm inward from the outer periphery of design sheet 111. Adhesive 130 is also disposed in a ring shape approximately 5 mm wide along the outer periphery of design sheet 111. In variant 1, adhesive 130 is not disposed along the entire periphery of design sheet 111, but is disposed partially (i.e., composed of first adhesive 130a to fourth adhesive 130d). Gaps are formed between the ends of first adhesive 130a to fourth adhesive 130d, forming four air escape gaps 131 that allow air between base plate 112 and design sheet 111 to escape to the outside.
[0083] As a result, in the first modification, the effort of releasing the air between the base plate 112 and the design sheet 111 to the outside can be eliminated, and the efficiency of the work when attaching the design sheet 111 can be improved.
[0084] In particular, by forming the air bubble prevention holes 112d in addition to those of the above embodiment, it is possible to more effectively prevent the generation of air bubbles.
[0085] The position of adhesive 130 on design sheet 111 and the shape of design sheet 111 in variant example 1 may also be applied to a design sheet that is attached to a resin cover that covers parts other than the light-emitting unit 110 (such as a prize-winning opening or a variable prize-winning device (such as a so-called electric chute)).
[0086] [Variation 2] Next, a second modification of the adhesive 97a of the design sheet 97 affixed to the resin cover 96 of the regular winning opening 92 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Figs. 13(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of the adhesive applied to the design sheet affixed to the resin cover of the regular winning opening in the second modification.
[0087] In the second modification, the adhesive 97a is applied to a different portion of the design sheet 97. Note that Fig. 13 shows the back side of the design sheet 97. Further, detailed explanations of portions that are the same as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.
[0088] 13(a) and (b), adhesive 97a is applied to design sheet 97 (the shaded area in the figure). Design sheet 97 includes transparent areas 97b and opaque areas 97c (in this example, they are divided by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 97 also includes transparent areas 97b and opaque areas 97c. Note that transparent areas 97b are not completely transparent; it is sufficient that transparent areas 97b are more transparent than opaque areas 97c.
[0089] The adhesive 97a is placed at a position about 1 mm inward from the outer periphery of the design sheet 97.
[0090] The adhesive 97a is arranged to form two rings approximately 5 mm wide around the entire periphery of the outer edge of the design sheet 97. In the second modification, two through holes 96a are formed in the resin cover 96, and when the design sheet 97 is attached, the two through holes 96a are positioned inside the annularly arranged adhesive 97a.
[0091] This configuration prevents mistakes when attaching design sheet 97 and improves the efficiency of the sheet attachment process, just like design sheet 111. Furthermore, because adhesive 97a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of design sheet 97, it is possible to prevent adhesive 97a from spilling over.
[0092] In addition, the position of the adhesive 97a of the design sheet 97 and the shape of the design sheet 97 in variant example 2 may also be applied to a design sheet that is affixed to a resin cover that covers parts other than the normal winning opening 92 (winning openings and variable winning devices (so-called attacka, electric chute, etc.)).
[0093] [Variation 3] Next, we will use Figure 14 to explain variant 3, in which a design sheet 160 with a different opaque area from the design sheet 99 is attached to the resin cover 98, and the position of the adhesive 160a on the design sheet 160 is different from the position of the adhesive 99a on the design sheet 99. Figures 14(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application area to be applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable prize-winning device in variant 5. Note that Figure 14 shows the back side of the design sheet 160. Furthermore, detailed explanations of parts similar to the above embodiment will be omitted.
[0094] As shown in Figures 14(a) and (b), adhesive 160a is applied to design sheet 160 (the shaded area in the figure). Design sheet 160 includes transparent area 160b and opaque area 160c (in this example, the area other than the outer periphery is defined by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 160 also includes transparent area 160b and opaque area 160c. Note that transparent area 160b is not completely transparent, and transparent area 160b only needs to be more transparent than opaque area 160c.
[0095] The outer periphery of the design sheet 160 includes a transparent region 160b and an opaque region 160c, with the opaque region 160c being larger than the transparent region 160b.
[0096] The adhesive 160a is placed at a position approximately 1 mm inward from the outer periphery of the design sheet 160.
[0097] The adhesive 160a is also arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 3 mm along the entire periphery of the outer edge of the design sheet 160. Furthermore, the adhesive 160a is also arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 3 mm along the opaque region 160c in the portion other than the outer edge of the design sheet 160.
[0098] Additionally, multiple air escape gaps 160h of approximately 2 mm are formed in the area where adhesive 160a is disposed to allow air to escape to the outside. Air escape gaps 160h are disposed in both transparent area 160b on the outer periphery of design sheet 160 and opaque area 160c of the opaque portion, and are also disposed in opaque areas 160c other than the outer periphery of design sheet 160, resulting in a configuration in which there is no place where resin cover 98 and design sheet 160 are sealed.
[0099] In addition, in Modification 3, a through hole 98a for fitting a gaming machine component is formed in the attachment area of the design sheet 160 of the resin cover 98. In this example, a display 150 capable of illuminating the design sheet 160 is taken as an example of the gaming machine component. The display 150 includes a display main body 150a and multiple red lamps 150b (three in this example). The multiple lamps 150b are positioned facing the transparent area 160b of the design sheet 160, and the display main body 150a is positioned facing the opaque area 160c of the design sheet 160. The adhesive 160a is positioned corresponding to the surface portion of the display main body 150a, but is not positioned corresponding to the lamps 150b.
[0100] This configuration prevents mistakes when attaching design sheet 160, just like design sheet 111, and improves the efficiency of the work when attaching the sheet. Also, it eliminates the need to release the air between resin cover 98 and design sheet 160 to the outside, improving the efficiency of the work when attaching design sheet 160. Furthermore, because adhesive 160a is applied at a position a predetermined distance from the outer edge of design sheet 160, it is possible to prevent adhesive 160a from spilling out.
[0101] In addition, the position of adhesive 160a of design sheet 160 and the shape of design sheet 160 in variant example 3 may also be applied to a design sheet that is affixed to a resin cover that covers parts other than variable winning device 94 (winning port or variable winning device (so-called electric chute, etc.)).
[0102] [Variation 4] Next, we will use Figure 15 to explain variant 6, in which a design sheet 170 with a different opaque area from the design sheet 99 is attached to the resin cover 98, and the position of the adhesive 170a on the design sheet 170 is different from the position of the adhesive 99a on the design sheet 99. Figures 15(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the adhesive application area to be applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable prize-winning device in variant 4. Note that Figure 15 shows the back side of the design sheet 170. Furthermore, detailed explanations of parts similar to the above embodiment will be omitted.
[0103] As shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), adhesive 170a is applied to design sheet 170 (the shaded area in the figure). Design sheet 170 includes transparent region 170b and opaque region 170c (in this example, the area other than the outer periphery is defined by the dotted line in the figure). The outer periphery of design sheet 160 also includes transparent region 160b and opaque region 160c. Note that transparent region 170b is not completely transparent; transparent region 170b only needs to be more transparent than opaque region 160c.
[0104] Furthermore, in Modification 4, a through hole 98a for fitting a gaming machine component is formed in the attachment area of the design sheet 170 of the resin cover 98. In this example, a display 150 capable of illuminating the design sheet 170 is taken as an example of the gaming machine component. The display 150 includes a display main body 150a and a plurality of red lamps 150b (three in this example). The plurality of lamps 150b are positioned facing the transparent area 170b of the design sheet 170, and the display main body 150a is positioned facing the opaque area 170c of the design sheet 170.
[0105] The adhesive 170a is not placed at a distance from the outer periphery of the design sheet 170. In other words, it is placed along the outer periphery of the design sheet 170 without leaving any gaps. The adhesive 170a is placed in the form of a ring with a width of approximately 10 mm around the entire periphery of the outer periphery of the design sheet 170. On the other hand, when the design sheet 170 is attached to the resin cover 98, the distance from the outer periphery of the design sheet 170 to the end of the display main body 150a is less than 10 mm. The adhesive 170a is not placed in a position corresponding to the surface portion of the display main body 150a or the lamp 150b.
[0106] This configuration prevents mistakes when attaching design sheet 99, and improves the efficiency of the sheet attachment process, just like design sheet 111. Also, because adhesive 99a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of design sheet 170, it is possible to prevent adhesive 99a from spilling over.
[0107] In addition, the position of adhesive 170a of design sheet 170 and the form of design sheet 170 in variant example 4 may also be applied to a design sheet that is affixed to a resin cover that covers parts other than variable winning device 94 (winning port or variable winning device (so-called electric chute, etc.)).
[0108] [Variation 5] Next, the adhesive for the design sheet affixed to the resin cover of the movable body will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the application area of adhesive 501 applied to design sheet 500 to be affixed to the resin cover of the movable body. Note that Fig. 16 shows the back side of design sheet 500. In the following description, the up, down, left, and right directions are defined as shown in the lower right of the figure.
[0109] 16, design sheet 500 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape to correspond to the shape of the resin cover of the movable body. Adhesive 501 is applied to the back surface of design sheet 500. Adhesive 501 has an outer adhesive (first adhesive portion) 502 arranged along the outer periphery of the design sheet, and an inner adhesive (second adhesive portion) 503 arranged at a predetermined position inside outer adhesive 502.
[0110] The outer adhesive 502 includes a first outer adhesive 502a, a second outer adhesive 502b, a third outer adhesive 502c, and a fourth outer adhesive 502d.
[0111] The first outer adhesive 502a is formed along the upper part on the rear surface of the design sheet 500. The width W1 of the first outer adhesive 502a is, for example, 4.0 mm.
[0112] The second outer adhesive 502b is formed along the lower part on the rear surface of the design sheet 500. The width W2 of the second outer adhesive 502b is larger than the width W1 of the first outer adhesive 502a, and is, for example, 5.4 mm.
[0113] The third outer adhesive 502c is formed along the right side of the rear surface of the design sheet 500. The width W3 of the narrowest part of the third outer adhesive 502c is, for example, 3.0 mm.
[0114] The fourth outer adhesive 502d is formed along the left side of the rear surface of the design sheet 500. The width W4 of the narrowest part of the fourth outer adhesive 502d is, for example, 3.0 mm, similar to the third outer adhesive 502c.
[0115] The widths of the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the fourth outer adhesive 502d are not limited to the above values and can be set appropriately.
[0116] The outer adhesive 502 thus formed is provided so as to form a plurality of (six in this example) communication holes (gaps, first gaps). Specifically, a first communication hole 504a is formed between the right end of the first outer adhesive 502a and the upper end of the third outer adhesive 502c. A second communication hole 504b is formed between the left end of the first outer adhesive 502a and the upper end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W5 of the first communication hole 504a and the width W6 of the second communication hole 504b are each, for example, 1.5 mm.
[0117] Furthermore, a third communication hole 504c is formed between the right end of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end of the third outer adhesive 502c. A fourth communication hole 504d is formed between the left end of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W7 of the third communication hole 504c and the width W8 of the fourth communication hole 504d are each, for example, 1.5 mm.
[0118] Furthermore, a fifth communication hole 504e is formed approximately in the center of the third outer adhesive 502c. Furthermore, a sixth communication hole 504f is formed approximately in the center of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W9 of the fifth communication hole 504e and the width W10 of the sixth communication hole 504f are each, for example, 1.5 mm.
[0119] The widths of the first through-hole 504a to the sixth through-hole 504f are not limited to the above values and can be set appropriately.
[0120] In this way, outer adhesives 502 (first outer adhesive 502a, second outer adhesive 502b, third outer adhesive 502c, fourth outer adhesive 502d) are applied along the outer periphery of the back surface of design sheet 500. The outer adhesives 502 are applied so as to form first through-holes 504a to sixth through-holes 504f.
[0121] On the other hand, the inner adhesive 503 is formed in a predetermined shape according to the pattern printed on the surface of the design sheet 500, and has multiple (seven in this example) first inner adhesives 503a and multiple second inner adhesives 503b.
[0122] Each of the seven first inner adhesives 503a is formed mainly along the outline of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500. In particular, each first inner adhesive 503a is formed along the outside of the outline of the predetermined character and does not overlap the head, face, or other parts of the character.
[0123] Although not shown, multiple characters (for example, five people) are printed on the surface of the design sheet 500, and corresponding to this, seven first inner adhesives 503a are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the design sheet 500.
[0124] For ease of explanation, the seven first inner adhesives 503a arranged from right to left in the longitudinal direction of the design sheet 500 will be designated 503a1, 503a2, . . . , 503a6, and 503a7 in this order.
[0125] The first inner adhesive 503a1 is located on the rightmost side of the seven first inner adhesives 503a, and is spaced apart from the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, and the third outer adhesive 502c.
[0126] The first inner adhesive 503a1 is provided so as to form a plurality of (four in this example) communication holes (second gaps). Specifically, a seventh communication hole 504g is formed between the upper end of the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the right end of the first outer adhesive 502a. Furthermore, an eighth communication hole 504h is formed between the lower end of the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the lower end of the third outer adhesive 502c. The widths of the seventh communication hole 504g and the eighth communication hole 504h are, for example, 1.5 mm, similar to the first to sixth communication holes 504a to 504f.
[0127] A ninth communication hole 504i is formed between the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the third outer adhesive 502c. A tenth communication hole 504j is formed in the approximate center of the first inner adhesive 503a1 (that is, the first inner adhesive 503a1 is divided into upper and lower parts by the tenth communication hole 504j). The widths of the ninth communication hole 504i and the tenth communication hole 504j are each, for example, 1.5 mm, similar to the first to sixth communication holes 504a to 504f.
[0128] The widths of the seventh through-hole 504g to the tenth through-hole 504j are not limited to the above values and can be set appropriately.
[0129] The first inner adhesive 503a7 is located on the leftmost side of the seven first inner adhesives 503a. This first inner adhesive 503a7 is located away from the first outer adhesive 502a and the fourth outer adhesive 502d except for the lower end portion. Meanwhile, this first inner adhesive 503a7 is connected to the left end portion of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end portion of the fourth outer adhesive 502d.
[0130] The first inner adhesive 503a7 is provided so as to form a plurality of (two in this example) communication holes (second gaps). Specifically, an eleventh communication hole 504k is formed between the first inner adhesive 503a7 and the left end of the first outer adhesive 502a. Furthermore, a twelfth communication hole 504l is formed in the approximate center of the first inner adhesive 503a7 (i.e., the first inner adhesive 503a7 is divided into upper and lower parts by the twelfth communication hole 504l). The widths of the eleventh communication hole 504k and the twelfth communication hole 504l are each, for example, 1.5 mm, similar to the first to sixth communication holes 504a to 504f.
[0131] The widths of the eleventh and twelfth communication holes 504k, 504l are not limited to the above values and can be set appropriately.
[0132] Although detailed description will be omitted, as described above, the first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 are disposed between the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the first inner adhesive 503a7. Furthermore, these first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 are all disposed apart from the outer adhesive 502 (the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the fourth outer adhesive 502d). In other words, none of the first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 are connected to the outer adhesive 502. The first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 are provided so as to form a thirteenth communication hole (second gap) 504m between them and the outer adhesive 502.
[0133] The plurality of second inner adhesives 503b are formed in a predetermined shape, such as a strip, and are arranged in the lower half of the design sheet 500 so as to overlap with the body part of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500. The plurality of second inner adhesives 503b are arranged apart from the outer adhesive 502 and the first inner adhesives 503a1, 503a2.
[0134] The second inner adhesives 503b are provided so that fourteenth communication holes (second gaps) 504n are formed between some of them and the first outer adhesive 502a or the second outer adhesive 502b. The second inner adhesives 503b are mainly arranged apart from the first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6, and some of them are connected to the first inner adhesive 503a4, etc.
[0135] In this way, a first inner adhesive 503a1 having a tenth through-hole 504j is applied to the rightmost side of the back surface of the design sheet 500. This first inner adhesive 503a1 is applied so as to form a seventh through-hole 504g, an eighth through-hole 504h, and a ninth through-hole 504i between the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, and the third outer adhesive 502c.
[0136] Additionally, a first inner adhesive 503a7 having a twelfth through-hole 504l is applied to the leftmost side of the design sheet 500. This first inner adhesive 503a7 is applied so as to form an eleventh through-hole 504k between itself and the first outer adhesive 502a. Furthermore, first inner adhesives 503a2-503a6 and a second inner adhesive 503b are applied between the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the first inner adhesive 503a7.
[0137] In this way, the back surface of design sheet 500 is divided into multiple regions by outer adhesive 502 applied along its outer periphery and inner adhesive 503 applied inside outer adhesive 502. None of the multiple regions are coated with adhesive, and each region comprises first region R1 through seventh region R7, as shown below. Third region R3 and fifth region R5 through seventh region R7 are located closer to the center of design sheet 500 than first region R1, second region R2, and fourth region R4. These first region R1 through seventh region R7 are connected to adjacent regions by communicating holes, which will be described later, and correspond to the "non-adhesive portions" that constitute this invention.
[0138] Specifically, the first region (first non-adhesive portion) R1 is an area at the right end of the design sheet 500 that is surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the upper first inner adhesive 503a1. The first region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R1 includes a first through-hole 504a. The second region (first non-adhesive portion) R2 is an area at the right end of the design sheet 500 that is surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the lower first inner adhesive 503a1. The second region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R2 includes a fifth through-hole 504e. The first region R1 and the second region R2 both include a ninth through-hole 504i.
[0139] Furthermore, the third region (first non-adhesive portion) R3 is an area located to the left of the right edge of the design sheet 500 and is an area generally surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a1, the first inner adhesive 503a2, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The third region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R3 includes the third communication hole 504c, the seventh communication hole 504g, the eighth communication hole 504h, and the tenth communication hole 504j. Note that the seventh communication hole 504g may be included in the first region R1, the eighth communication hole 504h may be included in the second region R2, and the tenth communication hole 504j may be included in either the first region R1 or the second region R2.
[0140] The third region R3 communicates with the first region R1 via the seventh communication hole 504g. The third region R3 also communicates with the first region R1 via the tenth and ninth communication holes 504j and 504i. The first region R1 communicates with the outside space via the first communication hole 504a. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the third region R3 when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the first region R1 via the seventh communication hole 504g or the tenth and ninth communication holes 504j and 504i, and then discharged from the first region R1 to the outside space via the first communication hole 504a.
[0141] The third region R3 is also connected to the second region R2 via the eighth communication hole 504h. The third region R3 is also connected to the second region R2 via the tenth and ninth communication holes 504j and 504i. The second region R2 is also connected to the outside space via the fifth communication hole 504e. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the third region R3 when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the second region R2 via the eighth communication hole 504h or the tenth and ninth communication holes 504j and 504i, and then discharged from the second region R2 to the outside space via the fifth communication hole 504e.
[0142] Furthermore, the third region R3 is connected to the outside space via the third communication hole 504c. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the third region R3 when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be directly discharged to the outside space via the third communication hole 504c.
[0143] The first region R1 and the second region R2 are connected to each other via the ninth communication hole 504i. Therefore, even if the first communication hole 504a is blocked by dust or the like, air bubbles that have entered the first region R1 can be moved to the second region R2 via the ninth communication hole 504i and then discharged from the second region R2 to the external space via the fifth communication hole 504e.
[0144] Next, the fourth region (first non-adhesive portion) R4 is an area surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the fourth outer adhesive 502d, and the first inner adhesive 503a7 at the left end of the design sheet 500. The fourth region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R4 includes the second communication hole 504b and the sixth communication hole 504f.
[0145] Furthermore, the fifth region (second non-adhesive portion) R5 is a region located to the right of the left edge of the design sheet 500 and is generally surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a7, the first inner adhesive 503a5, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The fifth region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R5 includes the eleventh communication hole 504k and the twelfth communication hole 504l. The eleventh communication hole 504k and the twelfth communication hole 504l may also be included in the fourth region R4.
[0146] The fifth region R5 communicates with the fourth region R4 via the eleventh communication hole 504k and with the fourth region R4 via the twelfth communication hole 504l. The fourth region R4 communicates with the outside space via the second communication hole 504b and with the outside space via the sixth communication hole 504f. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the fifth region R5 when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the fourth region R4 via the eleventh communication hole 504k or the twelfth communication hole 504l and then discharged from the fourth region R4 to the outside space via the second communication hole 504b or the sixth communication hole 504f.
[0147] Finally, the sixth region (second non-adhesive portion) R6 is located to the left of the third region R3 and is generally surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a2, the first inner adhesive 503a4, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The seventh region (second non-adhesive portion) R7 is located to the right of the fifth region R5 and is generally surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a5, the first inner adhesive 503a4, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The sixth region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R6 and the seventh region (part of the non-adhesive portion) R7 include a plurality of thirteenth through-holes 504m and fourteenth through-holes 504n. The thirteenth communicating hole 504m and the fourteenth communicating hole 504n located on the far right may be included in the third region R3, and the thirteenth communicating hole 504m and the fourteenth communicating hole 504n located on the far left may be included in the seventh region R7.
[0148] The sixth region R6 is connected to the third region R3 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the sixth region R6 when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the third region R3 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n and then discharged to the external space in the same manner as described above.
[0149] Additionally, the seventh region R7 is connected to the fifth region R5 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the seventh region R7 when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved to the fifth region R5 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n and then discharged to the external space in the same manner as described above.
[0150] The sixth region R6 and the seventh region R7 also communicate with each other via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 all communicate with the adjacent region. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter any of the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, the air bubbles can be moved toward a region where they can be easily discharged to the outside space.
[0151] Thus, the back surface of design sheet 500 is formed with first region R1 to sixth region R6, and these regions are connected to adjacent regions, allowing air bubbles that enter these regions to be discharged to the outside space through first region R1, second region R2, and third region R3. The proportion of the back surface of design sheet 500 occupied by first region R1 to seventh region R7 is greater than the proportion of the back surface occupied by outer adhesive 502 and inner adhesive 503. In other words, the proportion of the back surface occupied by outer adhesive 502 and inner adhesive 503 is smaller than the proportion of the back surface occupied by first region R1 to seventh region R7.
[0152] A circular first positioning hole 505 is formed in the lower right corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500. A first positioning pin (not shown) provided on the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted into the first positioning hole 505.
[0153] Additionally, a horizontally long rectangular second positioning hole 506 is formed in the lower left corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500. A second positioning pin (not shown) provided on the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted into the second positioning hole 506.
[0154] As explained above, the gaming machine 100 is a gaming machine (pachinko machine) equipped with a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 108), and a sheet (in this example, design sheet 500) is provided on the front of the gaming board, and the back of the sheet is provided with an adhesive portion (in this example, outer adhesive 502) formed along the outer periphery and a non-adhesive portion (in this example, first region R1 to seventh region R7) where the adhesive portion is not formed, and the adhesive portion is provided so as to form gaps (in this example, first communication hole 504a to sixth communication hole 504f) included in part of the non-adhesive portion, and the gaps are characterized in that air that has entered the non-adhesive portion can be discharged to the outside space. Therefore, even if air enters the non-adhesive portion when the sheet is attached to the gaming board, the air can be discharged to the outside space through the gaps. This makes it possible to make it difficult for the sheet to peel off from the gaming board.
[0155] The gaming machine 100 is a gaming machine (pachinko machine) equipped with a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108), and a sheet (in this example, a design sheet 500) is provided on the front surface of the gaming board, and a first adhesive portion (in this example, an outer adhesive 502) formed along the outer periphery, a second adhesive portion (in this example, an inner adhesive 503) different from the first adhesive portion, and a non-adhesive portion (in this example, a first region R1 to a seventh region R7) in which the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion are not formed are provided on the back surface of the sheet, and the first adhesive portion is provided so as to form a first gap (in this example, a first communication hole 504a to a sixth communication hole 504f), and the second adhesive portion (in this example, a first communication hole 504b to a sixth communication hole 504c) is provided on the back surface of the sheet. The portion is arranged to form second gaps (in this example, seventh communication hole 504g to fourteenth communication hole 504n), the first gaps and the second gaps being included in part of the non-adhesive portion, the non-adhesive portion having a first non-adhesive portion (in this example, first region R1, second region R2, and fourth region R4) and a second non-adhesive portion (in this example, third region R3, fifth region R5 to seventh region R7) located closer to the center of the sheet than the first non-adhesive portion, the second gaps allowing air that has infiltrated the second non-adhesive portion to be discharged to the first non-adhesive portion, and the first gaps allowing air that has infiltrated the first non-adhesive portion to be discharged to the outside space. Therefore, even if air infiltrates the second non-adhesive portion when attaching the sheet to the gaming board, the air can be discharged to the first non-adhesive portion via the second gaps, and then the air that has infiltrated the first non-adhesive portion can be discharged to the outside space via the first gaps. Therefore, the sheet is less likely to peel off from the game board.
[0156] Furthermore, among the inner adhesives 503, the plurality of first inner adhesives 503a are formed mainly along the outside of the outline of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500, and do not overlap the head or face of the character. Therefore, even when the design sheet 500 attached to the resin cover of the movable body is viewed from the front side, it is possible to prevent the appearance from being impaired by discoloration of the head or face of the predetermined character.
[0157] Furthermore, among the inner adhesives 503, the plurality of second inner adhesives 503b are each formed in a predetermined shape, such as a strip, and are arranged in the lower half of the design sheet 500 so as to overlap the body part of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500. This increases the adhesive area between the back surface of the design sheet 500 and the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, and ensures sufficient adhesive strength.
[0158] Furthermore, the proportion of the back surface of the design sheet 500 occupied by the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 is greater than the proportion occupied by the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503. In other words, the proportion occupied by the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503 is smaller than the proportion occupied by the first region R1 to the seventh region R7. For example, the proportion occupied by the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503 and the proportion occupied by the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 may be set to approximately 30% and 70%, respectively. This reduces the possibility of air entering the outer adhesive 502 or the inner adhesive 503 itself when attaching the design sheet 500 to the gaming board 108. This prevents the design sheet 500 from peeling off from the gaming board 108 due to air intrusion. In other words, the design sheet 500 can be made even more difficult to peel off from the gaming board 108.
[0159] In addition, a circular first positioning hole 505 is formed in the lower right corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500, into which the first positioning pin (not shown) of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted, and a horizontally elongated rectangular second positioning hole 506 is formed in the lower left corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500, into which the second positioning pin (not shown) of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted.
[0160] Therefore, when attaching design sheet 500 to the resin cover of the movable body, first inserting the first positioning pin of the resin cover into the first positioning hole 505 of design sheet 500, and then inserting the second positioning pin of the resin cover into the second positioning hole 506 of design sheet 500, makes it easy to position design sheet 500. In this case, because second positioning hole 506 is formed in a horizontally long rectangle, even if the position of design sheet 500 is slightly shifted when the first positioning pin is inserted into first positioning hole 505 of design sheet 500, the second positioning pin can be sufficiently inserted into second positioning hole 506, making it easy to attach design sheet 500.
[0161] In addition, in the above-mentioned variant example 5, the first positioning hole 505 is formed at a position slightly overlapping with the right end of the second outer adhesive 502b, and the second positioning hole 506 is formed at a position slightly overlapping with the left end of the second outer adhesive 502b, the lower end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d, and the lower end of the first inner adhesive 503a7, but this configuration is not limited to this.
[0162] For example, the first positioning hole 505 and the second positioning hole 506 may be formed in a position where they do not overlap with any of the adhesives (the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503). In this way, the adhesive area between the back surface of the design sheet 500 and the front surface of the resin cover can be prevented from decreasing by the amount that the first positioning hole 505 and the second positioning hole 506 overlap with the adhesives (the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503), and sufficient adhesive strength can be maintained.
[0163] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned variant example 5, the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 were described as "non-adhesive portions," but the number of specified regions is not limited to seven and can be determined appropriately depending on the pattern printed on the surface of the design sheet 500.
[0164] Furthermore, in the above-described fifth modification, the first communication hole 504a to the sixth communication hole 504f are given as examples of "gaps", but the number of gaps is not limited to six, and may be one or more.
[0165] In addition, in the fifth modification, the fifth communication hole 504e is formed in the third outer adhesive 502c, the sixth communication hole 504f is formed in the fourth outer adhesive 502d, and no communication hole is formed in either the first outer adhesive 502a or the second outer adhesive 502b. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A communication hole may also be formed in at least one of the first outer adhesive 502a or the second outer adhesive 502b.
[0166] Furthermore, in the above-described fifth modification, the circular first positioning hole 505 is formed in the lower right portion of the back surface of the design sheet 500, and the horizontally elongated rectangular second positioning hole 506 is formed in the lower left portion of the back surface of the design sheet 500, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, the second positioning hole 506 may be formed in the lower right portion of the back surface of the design sheet 500, and the first positioning hole 505 may be formed in the lower left portion of the back surface of the design sheet 500.
[0167] Next, the above-mentioned design sheet 70 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17(a) is a front view of the design sheet 70, (b) is a rear view of the design sheet 70, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a). Note that Figure 17(c) shows a portion of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 17(c), and also schematically depicts the resin member 5b to which the design sheet 70 is attached, as well as an LED (light-emitting means) 74 arranged on the rear (back) side of the resin member 5b.
[0168] As shown in Figures 17(a) to (c), the design sheet 70 has a translucent base material 71, a printed layer 72 formed on the back surface of the base material 71, and an adhesive portion 73 formed on the back surface of the printed layer 72.
[0169] The substrate 71 is made of a resin material such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and is formed in the shape of a rectangular sheet. A positioning hole 71a is formed in the lower right corner of the substrate 71 to determine the position when attaching the design sheet 70 to the front surface of the resin member 5b. A protrusion (not shown), for example, in the shape of a rectangular pillar, protruding from the front surface of the resin member 5b can be inserted into the positioning hole 71a. The shape of the substrate 71 is not limited to the rectangular sheet described above, and can be changed as needed to suit the shape of the resin member 5b, as long as it is sheet-shaped.
[0170] The printed layer 72 includes a first printed layer 72a, a second printed layer 72b, a third printed layer 72c, and a fourth printed layer 72d. The first printed layer 72a is formed on the back surface of the substrate 71, and the second printed layer 72b is formed on the back surface of the first printed layer 72a. The third printed layer 72c is formed on the back surface of the second printed layer 72b, and the fourth printed layer 72d is formed on the back surface of the third printed layer 72c.
[0171] The first printed layer 72a is printed on the back surface of the base material 71 by offset printing using CMYK color inks. In this embodiment, by printing the first printed layer 72a, a female character (predetermined design) CH is printed from approximately the center to the left side of the back surface of the base material 71 (see FIG. 17(b)). The CMYK color inks contain four ink components: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the content of each ink component varies depending on the part of the character CH. Note that the first printed layer 72a is not printed in the areas on the back surface of the design sheet 70 where the character CH is not printed.
[0172] The second printed layer 72b is printed by silkscreen printing using white ink on the back surface of the first printed layer 72a and the back surface of the base material 71. The second printed layer 72b is provided to prevent light from passing through the first printed layer 72a. Note that if light passes through the first printed layer 72a, the appearance of the characters CH may be impaired.
[0173] The third printed layer 72c is printed on the back surface of the second printed layer 72b by silkscreen printing using high-density white ink, and is provided to further reduce light transmission through the first printed layer 72a.
[0174] The fourth printed layer 72d is printed on the back surface of the third printed layer 72c by silkscreen printing using black ink. In other words, the fourth printed layer 72d is a light-blocking layer that blocks light. In this embodiment, as described above, the design sheet 70 is attached to the front surface of the resin member 5b, and multiple (11 in this example) LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 74 are arranged on the back surface of the resin member 5b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the 11 LEDs 74 are arranged along the right side of the design sheet 70. Each LED 74 is mounted on a wiring circuit board 75 on which a wiring circuit (not shown) of a predetermined pattern is formed (see FIG. 17(c)). Furthermore, although the number of LEDs 74 is 11 in the above description, this number is not limited to 11 and can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the design sheet 70.
[0175] 17(c), the LEDs 74 are disposed near the resin member 5b, and the light emitting surface of the LEDs 74 that emits light is close to the back surface of the resin member 5b. Therefore, when the LEDs 74 emit light, the strong light emitted by the LEDs 74 is irradiated onto the design sheet 70. For this reason, there is a risk that the second printed layer (white ink) 72b and the third printed layer (high-density white ink) 72c alone will not be able to prevent light from passing through the first printed layer 72a.
[0176] Therefore, in this embodiment, the fourth printed layer 72d is printed in a rectangular region R surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 17(b). This rectangular region R is in front of the eleven LEDs 74 and extends along the left side of the back surface of the design sheet 70. Therefore, a portion R' along the right side of the character CH in FIG. 17(a) is located on this region R, and this portion R' constitutes the opposing portion constituting the present invention. This allows the fourth printed layer 72d to block the strong light emitted by the LEDs 74. Even if this strong light were to pass through the fourth printed layer 72, the presence of the second printed layer (white ink) 72b and the third printed layer (high-density white ink) 72c would prevent the light from passing through the first printed layer 72a.
[0177] The adhesive portion 73 is formed by silkscreen printing using glue so as to follow the outer edge of the back surface of the design sheet 70. Therefore, the adhesive portion 73 is also formed on the back surface of the fourth printed layer (light-shielding layer) 72d formed in the rectangular region R described above. Here, if strong light emitted by the LEDs 74 is irradiated onto the adhesive portion 73, the shape of the adhesive portion 73 would be visible from the front surface of the design sheet 70, which could damage the appearance of the gaming board 108. However, in this embodiment, the adhesive portion 73 is formed on the back surface of the fourth printed layer 72d, and therefore the strong light transmitted through the adhesive portion 73 is blocked by the fourth printed layer 72d. Therefore, the shape of the adhesive portion 73 is not visible from the front surface of the design sheet 70.
[0178] Note that a portion of the adhesive portion 73 is formed in a position on the back surface of the design sheet 70 where the first printed layer 72a is not printed (i.e., where the characters CH are not printed), but this position is relatively far from the LED 74. The second printed layer 72b and the third printed layer 72c are printed in this position. Therefore, the strong light emitted by the LED 74 is weakened and blocked by the second printed layer 72b and the third printed layer 72c before being irradiated onto a portion of the adhesive portion 73. Therefore, the shape of the portion of the adhesive portion 73 cannot be seen from the front surface of the design sheet 70.
[0179] Furthermore, adhesive portion 73 is formed to surround the outer edge of positioning hole 71a at the bottom of the back surface of design sheet 70. This allows positioning of design sheet 70 and attachment of the bottom of design sheet 70 to be performed simultaneously when attaching design sheet 70 to the front surface of resin member 5b, improving work efficiency.
[0180] In the above embodiment, adhesive portion 73 is formed by glue along the outer edge of the back surface of design sheet 70, but this is not limiting. For example, an adhesive sticker having adhesive properties may be formed along the outer edge of the back surface of design sheet 70.
[0181] Furthermore, adhesive portion 73 does not necessarily have to be formed so as to surround the outer edge of positioning hole 71a. If a configuration is adopted in which adhesive portion 73 is not formed on the outer edge of positioning hole 71a, when attaching design sheet 70 to the front surface of resin member 5b, design sheet 70 can first be reliably positioned, and then design sheet 70 can be attached in the correct position on the front surface of resin member 5b.
[0182] The gaming machine 100 configured as above can achieve the following effects.
[0183] A gaming machine (in this example, gaming machine 100) equipped with a game board unit (in this example, game board unit 600), wherein the game board unit includes a game board (in this example, game board 108), a resin member (in this example, resin member 5b) having translucency provided at a position visible to the player, and light emitting means (in this example, a plurality of LEDs 74) provided at a position capable of illuminating the resin member. The resin member has a decorative sheet (in this example, design sheet 70) with a predetermined pattern and having translucency, and the decorative sheet has an adhesive portion (in this example, adhesive portion 73) for adhering to the resin member. The predetermined pattern (in this example, the predetermined character CH in FIG. 17(a)) of the decorative sheet has an opposing portion (in this example, portion R' along the right side of character CH) facing the light emitting means through the resin member. The opposing portion has lower translucency than other portions of the predetermined pattern, and the adhesive portion is formed in the opposing portion. Therefore, the light emitted by the light emitting means is less likely to pass through the opposing portion even if it passes through the adhesive portion. As a result, the shape of the adhesive portion is not visible from the front of the decorative sheet. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the impairment of the appearance of the game board. In particular, since the opposing portion with low light transmittance is positioned to face in front of the light emitting means, even when the light emitting means emits light, the decorative sheet does not glow locally, and the impairment of the appearance of the game board can be further suppressed.
[0184] Next, the details of the design sheet in the modification will be described.
[0185] Referring to FIG. 18, the design sheet 80 according to the modification is different from the above embodiment in the position where the adhesive portion is formed. FIG. 18(a) is a front view of the design sheet 80 according to the modification, and FIGS. 18(b) and (c) are rear views of the design sheet 80. This design sheet 80 is attached to, for example, a resin member 5c (see FIG. 5) constituting the front surface of the variable winning device 94.
[0186] The design sheet 80 according to the modification has a rectangular sheet-like base material 81, a printing layer 82 formed on the back surface of the base material 81, and an adhesive portion 83 formed on the back surface of the printing layer 82.
[0187] The printing layer 72 includes a first printing layer 82a, a second printing layer 82b, and a third printing layer 82c. The first printing layer 82a is printed on the back surface of the substrate 81 by offset printing using CMYK color inks. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the first printing layer 82a is printed, so that predetermined characters are printed at the bottom of the back surface of the substrate 81. The predetermined characters are "super hot" 84, and the "super hot" 84 has a certain thickness. The inner portion of the "super hot" 84 is, for example, a highly translucent red. Note that, by printing the first printing layer 82a, a "☆" 85 is also printed above the "super hot" 83 on the substrate 71.
[0188] The second printed layer 82b is printed on the back surface of the substrate 81 by silkscreen printing using high-density white ink. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18(b), the second printed layer 82b is formed on the lower side of the back surface of the substrate 81 so as to exclude the back surface of the "Super Hot" 84 of the first printed layer 82a and the vicinity of the outer edge of the "Super Hot" 84. The second printed layer 82b is also formed on the upper side of the back surface of the substrate 81 so as to overlap the "☆" 85 of the first printed layer 82a.
[0189] The third printed layer 82c is a light-blocking layer that blocks light and is printed on the back surface of the base material 81 by silkscreen printing using black ink. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18(c), the third printed layer 82c is formed on the back surface of the base material 81 so as to follow the outer edge of the "Super Hot" 84 of the first printed layer 82a. In other words, the third printed layer 82c is formed near the outer edge of the "Super Hot" 84. As a result, a pattern (predetermined pattern) 87 (see FIG. 18(a)) consisting of a highly translucent red "Super Hot" (first pattern portion) 84 and a black outer peripheral portion (second pattern portion) 86 formed by the third printed layer 82c is applied to the surface of the base material 81. The outer peripheral portion 86 has a lower translucency than the "Super Hot" 84. In this modified example, multiple LEDs (not shown) are arranged along the bottom of the base material 81, and when these LEDs emit light, the inner part of "Super Hot" 84 glows red, and the outer peripheral part 86 is black because the light is blocked by the third printed layer 82c.
[0190] In the above-described modified example, the plurality of LEDs (not shown) are arranged along the lower portion of the base material 81, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The positions at which the plurality of LEDs are arranged can be changed as appropriate as long as the LEDs are arranged in positions where they can illuminate the resin member 5c.
[0191] The adhesive portion 83 is printed on the back surface of the design sheet 80 by silkscreen printing using glue. Specifically, the adhesive portion 83 is formed so as to follow the third printed layer (black ink) 82c. As described above, the third printed layer 82c is formed so as to follow the outer edge of the "super hot" 84 on the first printed layer 82a (i.e., it is not formed on the inner portion of the "super hot" 84), and therefore the adhesive portion 83 is not formed on the inner portion of the "super hot" 84. Therefore, when the multiple LEDs are lit, the outer peripheral portion 86 of the "super hot" 84 is blackened by the third printed layer 83c, so the shape of the adhesive portion 83 is not visible from the front surface of the design sheet 80.
[0192] Adhesive portion 83 is also formed on the back surface of "☆" 85 of first printed layer 82a. This allows adhesive portion 83 to adhere not only the lower side of the back surface of base material 81 but also the upper side of the back surface of base material 81 to resin member 5c, ensuring sufficient adhesion between design sheet 80 and resin member 5c.
[0193] In the above modification, adhesive portion 83 is formed so as to conform to third printed layer (black ink) 82c and is formed on the backside of "☆" 85 of first printed layer 82a, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, adhesive portion 83 may be formed on the backside of second printed layer 82b formed on the lower part of base material 71 in addition to the above positions. This ensures even more sufficient adhesion between design sheet 80 and resin member 5c.
[0194] For example, if the design sheet configured in this way is attached to the front of the variable winning device 94 (plastic member), the LED can be illuminated while the player is playing a jackpot game, allowing the player to clearly see the "super heat" on the first printed layer. This allows the player to accurately grasp the position of the variable winning device 94.
[0195] According to the gaming machine 100 equipped with the design sheet 80 according to the modified example, the following effects can be achieved.
[0196] A gaming machine (in this example, gaming machine 100) equipped with a gaming board unit (in this example, gaming board unit 600), the gaming board unit having a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 108), a translucent resin member (in this example, resin member 5c) provided at a position visible to a player, and light emitting means (in this example, LED) provided at a position capable of illuminating the resin member, the resin member being covered with a translucent decorative sheet having a predetermined pattern (in this example, pattern 87 in FIG. 18(a)). The decorative sheet has an adhesive portion (in this example, a design sheet 80) that adheres to the resin member (in this example, adhesive portion 83), and the predetermined pattern on the decorative sheet has a first pattern portion (in this example, "Super Hot" 84 in Figure 81(a)) and a second pattern portion (in this example, an outer peripheral portion 86 in Figure 18(a)) that is less translucent than the first pattern portion, and the first pattern portion does not have the adhesive portion formed therein, while the second pattern portion does have the adhesive portion formed therein. Therefore, light emitted by the light-emitting means can pass through the first pattern portion but is less likely to pass through the second pattern portion. Therefore, the outline of the predetermined pattern can be made clearer, improving the appearance of the decorative sheet, thereby preventing damage to the appearance of the game board.
[0197] Note that, similar to the above embodiment, positioning holes may also be provided in the base material 81 of the design sheet 80 according to the modified example. When positioning holes are provided, adhesive portions 83 may be formed so as to surround the outer edges of the positioning holes, similar to the above embodiment, or adhesive portions 83 may not be formed so as to surround the outer edges of the positioning holes. Even in this case, the same effects as the above embodiment can be achieved.
[0198] Next, the general configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 provided at the tip of the inner guide rail 28 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the inner guide rail 28.
[0199] As shown in FIG. 19, a ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided at the tip of the inner guide rail 28 to prevent a gaming ball that has entered the gaming area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29. The ball return prevention mechanism 50 includes a main body case 52, a cover 53, and a ball return prevention member (displacement member) 54. The main body case 52, the cover 53, and the ball return prevention member 54 are all molded products made of synthetic resin material. The main body case 52, the cover 53, and the ball return prevention member 54 are combined to form the ball return prevention mechanism 50. As described above, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is positioned in the boundary area 700 when the inner guide rail 28 is attached to the acrylic plate 5a.
[0200] Next, the detailed configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. Figure 20 is a front perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50, Figure 21 is a rear perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50, and Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50.
[0201] As shown in Figures 20 to 22, the main body case 52 is integrally formed with the upper end of the inner guide rail 28 and has a bottom surface 52a and a side surface 52b erected from one end of the bottom surface 52a. The space surrounded by the bottom surface 52a and the side surface 52b forms a cutout S. The cutout S is open on its front side facing the transparent plate 11 and its top side facing the boundary area 700 (see Figure 22). The upper open end of the cutout S forms a stopper wall 52c. The stopper wall 52c is formed at the upper end of the side surface 52b located near the play area 108a and is a cylindrical wall surface that crosses the upper end in the width direction.
[0202] A first bearing portion 52d and a guide groove 52e are formed in the bottom surface 52a of the main body case 52. The guide groove 52e extends in a substantially arc shape along an imaginary circle centered on the first bearing portion 52d. The bottom surface 52a also has a first screw hole 52f and a first positioning pin 52g (see FIG. 22). A second positioning pin 52h is provided on the rear side of the bottom surface 52a (see FIG. 21). The second positioning pin 52h is inserted into a hole (not shown) in the acrylic plate 5a to position the ball return prevention mechanism 50 on the acrylic plate 5a.
[0203] Cover 53 is formed in a plate shape and has second screw holes 53a and positioning holes 53b. A second bearing portion 53c is formed on the back side of cover 53. By inserting first positioning pin 52g on bottom surface portion 52a into positioning hole 53b and inserting screws 55 into second screw holes 53a and first screw holes 52f on bottom surface portion 52a, cover 53 is attached to main body case 52 with the front side of cutout portion S covered.
[0204] The ball return prevention member 54 has a shaft hole 54a, an on-off valve 54b, and a weight 54c. The on-off valve 54b and the weight 54c are bent in a dogleg shape with the shaft hole 54a as the boundary. A support shaft 56 is inserted through the shaft hole 54a, and one end of the support shaft 56 is engaged with a first bearing 52d of the bottom surface 52a and the other end is engaged with a second bearing 53c of the cover 53. This allows the ball return prevention member 54 to be rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53.
[0205] The on-off valve 54b is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and its length in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) is long enough to allow a gaming ball returning from the play area 108a to the boundary area 700 to collide with it. The on-off valve 54b has a first side surface portion 540b facing the guide passage 29, and a second side surface portion 541b opposite the first side surface portion 540b and facing the play area 108a (left-hand hitting area) (see FIG. 22). The first side surface portion 540b is a portion that collides with a gaming ball that has been launched from the launching device 16 and passed through the guide passage 29. The second side surface portion 541b is a portion that collides with a gaming ball that is returning from the play area 108a to the guide passage 29.
[0206] The tip of the on-off valve 54b is tapered. Specifically, the vertical length of the first side surface portion 540b is longer than the vertical length of the second side surface portion 541b, and the first side surface portion 540b slopes downward from the tip of the first side surface portion 540b to the tip of the second side surface portion 541b. In addition, a protrusion 541c protruding toward the play area 108a is formed in the center of the second side surface portion 541b.
[0207] The weight portion 54c is thicker and heavier than the on-off valve 54b. An engagement pin 54d protrudes from the back side of the weight portion 54c and is inserted into the guide groove 52e in the bottom portion 52a (see FIG. 22). As described above, the ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53, and is displaceable between the open state and the closed state. In the normal state, the ball return prevention member 54 is biased by the weight of the weight portion 54c to rotate in one direction (counterclockwise) around the support shaft 56, and the engagement pin 54d abuts against one end of the guide groove 52e. As a result, the ball return prevention member 54 cannot rotate any further and remains in the closed state. On the other hand, when the ball return prevention member 54 comes into contact with the game ball launched from the launching device 16, the contact force causes it to rotate in the other direction (clockwise) around the support shaft 56, and it abuts against the above-mentioned stopper wall 52c, thereby entering the open state.
[0208] Next, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state (first state) and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state (second state) will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, and Figure 24 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state.
[0209] As shown in FIG. 23 , when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state (first state), the on-off valve 54b protrudes in a substantially vertical position from the upper opening of the notch S toward the outlet of the boundary area 700. In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the diameter of the game ball B and is the shortest. Note that this distance refers to the shortest distance from the tip of the on-off valve 54b (first side surface portion 540b) of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, even if a game ball that has entered the play area 108a collides with a game nail 36 or the like and is bounced back toward the boundary area 700, it will collide with the ball return prevention member 54. Furthermore, since the ball return prevention member 54 maintains the closed state even when hit by a game ball, it does not rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, it prevents the game ball that has entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29.
[0210] In the state shown in FIG. 23, when a game ball B is launched from the launching device 16 toward the play area 108a, it ascends through the guide passage 29, enters the boundary area 700, and contacts the on-off valve 54b. The contact force causes the ball return prevention member 54 to shift from the closed state to the open state. As shown in FIG. 24, the ball return prevention member 54 rotates in a direction that opens the exit of the boundary area 700. When it collides with the stopper wall 52c, further rotation is restricted, and the ball returns to the open state (second state). In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the on-off valve 54b (first side surface portion 540b) to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than the diameter of the game ball B and is at its longest. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state, it allows the game ball launched by the launching device 16 to enter the play area 108a from the boundary area 700. After being displaced to the open state, the ball return prevention member 54 receives the biasing force of the weight portion 54c and instantly rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to be displaced again to the closed state shown in FIG.
[0211] As described above, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is configured to prevent a game ball that has entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, but in this embodiment, it is also configured to prevent a game ball from returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29 even when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from the closed state to the open state (third state).
[0212] Figure 25 shows a state in which a game ball that has entered the game area 108a (left-hand hitting area) is about to return to the boundary area 700 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from a closed state to an open state, and Figures 26 and 27 are enlarged views of the area surrounded by dotted lines shown in Figure 25.
[0213] In Fig. 25, one game ball (first game ball) B1 launched from the launching device 16 toward the game area 108a enters the boundary area 700 from the guide passage 29 and comes into contact with the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b), the outer guide rail 27, and another game ball (second game ball) B2. In Fig. 26, the point of contact between the one game ball B1 and the first side surface portion 540b of the open / close valve 54b is indicated by symbol P1, the point of contact with the outer guide rail 27 is indicated by symbol P2, and the point of contact with the other game ball B2 is indicated by symbol P3.
[0214] Furthermore, another game ball B2 enters the boundary area 700 from the game area 108a and comes into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54, the outer guide rail 27, and the one game ball B1. In Figure 26, the point of contact between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the on-off valve 54b is indicated by symbol P4, the point of contact with the outer guide rail 27 is indicated by symbol P5, and the lowest point of the other game ball B2 is indicated by symbol P6.
[0215] In the state shown in FIG. 26, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than in the closed state (see FIG. 23) and shorter than in the open state (see FIG. 24). In other words, it is the distance between the closed state and the open state. Furthermore, the distance H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. In other words, the distance H1 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. In other words, the length H1 of the perpendicular line L1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the length H2 of the perpendicular line L2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27.
[0216] 27, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the distance H3 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) to the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and the one game ball B1 is shorter than the distance H4 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball to the contact point P3. In other words, the length of the line segment L3 connecting the contact point P4 and the contact point P3 is shorter than the length of the line segment L4 connecting the lowest point P6 and the contact point P3.
[0217] 26 and 27, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 has not rotated enough to reach the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2. Specifically, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located higher than the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 in the vertical direction and to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 (toward the guide passage 29) in the horizontal direction. In other words, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located above and to the left of the lowest point P6.
[0218] After the collision between game ball B1 and game ball B2 as described above, even if game ball B2 attempts to return to the guide passage 29, it will come into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) from the play area 108a side. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 is likely to be subjected to a contact force from the play area 108a side toward the guide passage 29 side and rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 blocks the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when game ball B1 and game ball B2 collide, making it difficult for game ball B2 to return to the guide passage 29. As a result, even when game ball B1 and game ball B2 collide as shown in FIG. 25, game ball B2 can be prevented from returning to the guide passage 29. In other words, it is possible to prevent two game balls from returning to the guide passage 29 consecutively.
[0219] 25, if the distance (specific distance) H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27, the game ball B2 can get stuck between the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 and the outer guide rail 27 after the collision. This allows the game ball B2 to contact the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 from above, increasing the likelihood that the ball return prevention member 54 will rotate clockwise. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 opens the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when the game balls B1 and B2 collide, and is unable to prevent the game ball B2 from returning to the guide passage 29.
[0220] As described above, the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment has been improved sufficiently in preventing a gaming ball that has entered the gaming area 108a from returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29 compared to conventional pachinko machines, but as will be described below, further improvement in return prevention is achieved by preventing the gaming ball from getting caught in the ball return prevention mechanism 50. Therefore, with reference to Figure 28, prevention of the gaming ball from getting caught in the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be described. Figure 28 is a diagram showing a state in which a gaming ball B that has returned from the gaming area 108a to the boundary area 700 collides with the ball return prevention member 54.
[0221] As shown in Fig. 28, the game ball B has returned from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700 and is in contact with the on-off valve 54b of the ball return prevention member 54 and the main body case 52. Specifically, the game ball B is in contact with the protrusion 541c of the on-off valve 54b in the closed state, and is in contact with the upper end (stopper wall 52c) of the main body case 52. In Fig. 28, the point of contact between the game ball B and the protrusion 541c of the on-off valve 54b is indicated by symbol P7, the point of contact with the upper end of the main body case 52 is indicated by symbol P8, and the leftmost point of the game ball B is indicated by symbol P9.
[0222] In this state, the contact point P7 between the gaming ball B and the protruding portion 541c of the on-off valve 54b is located vertically below the leftmost point P9 of the gaming ball B. Furthermore, the contact point P8 between the gaming ball B and the upper end of the main body case 52 is located horizontally to the left of the lowest point P6 of the gaming ball B and vertically above the lowest point P6 of the gaming ball B. That is, the contact point P8 is located above and to the left of the lowest point P6. The distance H5 from the contact point P7 to the contact point P8 (first distance) is shorter than the distance H6 from the leftmost point P9 of the gaming ball B to the lowest point P6 (second distance). Therefore, the gaming ball B cannot enter the gap area SP between the opening on the upper surface of the main body case 52 that faces the boundary area 700 (see FIG. 21, etc.) and the portion of the second side surface portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b closer to the base end than the protruding portion 541c. Furthermore, as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 28, when the game ball B collides with the ball return prevention member 54, it is subjected to a force to the right from the protrusion 541c of the on-off valve 54b and a force diagonally upward to the right from the upper end of the main body case 52, causing it to bounce back into the play area 108a. This prevents the game ball B from entering the gap area SP and becoming caught between the on-off valve 54b of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 and the main body case 52. This prevents the return prevention function of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 from being impaired by such catch of the game ball B. This ensures stable return prevention by the ball return prevention mechanism 50, further improving the prevention of game balls that have entered the play area 108a from returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.
[0223] According to the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment configured as above, the following effects can be achieved.
[0224] The gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a guide passage (guide area) 29 that is an area between an outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 and an inner guide rail (inner rail) 28 and that guides a launched gaming ball to a gaming area 30, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents the gaming ball from returning from the gaming area 30 to the guide passage 29, and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an opening / closing valve (displacement member) 54b that can be displaced between a closed state (first state), an open state (second state), and a state (third state) that is in the middle of displacing from the closed state to the open state, and the opening / closing valve 54b has a side portion that faces the outer guide rail 27 and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion, and the distance from the tip portion to the outer guide rail 27 is set to a specific distance. Let H1 be the distance between the first and second game balls, B1 be the game ball guided from the guide passage 29 to the game area 30, and B2 be the game ball returning from the game area 30 to the guide passage 29. The closed state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the open state, and the open state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than the closed state. The state in the middle of changing from the closed state to the open state is characterized in that the first game ball B1 is in contact with the side portion, the outer guide rail 27, and the other game ball B2, and the other game ball B2 is in contact with the tip portion, the outer guide rail 27, and the first game ball B1, so that the specific distance H1 is longer than the closed state but shorter than the open state, and is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 not only prevents a game ball that has entered the play area 30 from returning when the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) is in the closed state, but also can suppress a game ball that has entered the play area 30 from returning to the guide passage 29 even while the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, it is possible to improve the prevention of a game ball that has entered the play area 30 returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.
[0225] Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a guide passage (guide area) 29 that is an area between the outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 and the inner guide rail (inner rail) 28 and that guides the launched gaming ball to the gaming area 30, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents the gaming ball from returning to the guide passage 29 from the gaming area 108a, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 having an on-off valve (displacement member) 54b that can be displaced between a closed state (first state), an open state (second state), and a state (third state) in the middle of displacing from the closed state to the open state, the on-off valve 54b having a first side portion (side portion) 540b that faces the outer guide rail 27 and a tip portion on the tip side of the first side portion 540b, the distance from the tip portion to the outer rail being a specific distance H1, If the game ball is one game ball (first game ball) B1 and the game ball returning to the guide passage 29 from the game area 108a is another game ball (second game ball) B2, the closed state is a state in which the specific distance H1 is shorter than the open state, the open state is a state in which the specific distance H1 is longer than the closed state, and the intermediate state is a state in which the one game ball B1 contacts the first side portion 540b, the outer guide rail 27, and the other game ball B2, and the other game ball B2 contacts the tip portion, the outer guide rail 27, and the one game ball B1, so that the specific distance H1 is longer than the closed state and shorter than the open state, and the distance H3 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip portion to the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and the one game ball B1 is shorter than the distance H4 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and the one game ball B1. Therefore, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 not only prevents a game ball that has entered the play area 30 from returning when the ball return prevention member 54 (opening / closing valve 54b) is in the closed state, but also can suppress a game ball that has entered the play area 30 from returning to the guide passage 29 even while the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, it is possible to improve the prevention of a game ball that has entered the play area 30 returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.
[0226] The gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment is also provided with a guide passage (guide area) 29 that is an area between the outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 and the inner guide rail (inner rail) 28 and that guides the launched gaming ball to the gaming area 108a, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents the gaming ball from returning to the guide passage 29 from the gaming area 108a, and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an opening / closing valve (displacement member) 54b that can be displaced between a closed state (first state) and an open state (second state), and a main body case (holding member) 52 that can hold the opening / closing valve 54b, and the opening / closing valve 54b has a second side surface portion (side surface portion) 541b that faces the gaming area 108a and a tip portion on the tip side of the second side surface portion 541b, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 that can be displaced between a closed state (first state) and an open state (second state). If the distance to the stopper wall 52c is a specific distance, the closed state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the open state, and the open state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than the closed state. The main body case 52 has a stopper wall (contact portion) 52c that abuts against the second side surface portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b in the open state. In the closed state, the game ball may contact the stopper wall 52c and the second side surface portion 541b (the protrusion 541c). In the closed state, the distance from the contact point P8 between the game ball and the stopper wall 52c to the contact point P7 between the game ball and the second side surface portion 541b (the protrusion 541c) is a first distance H5, and the distance from the lowest point P6 of the game ball to the leftmost point P9 is a second distance H6. The first distance H5 is shorter than the second distance H6. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 108a returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.
[0227] With reference to Figure 29, the gap provided in the front-to-rear direction of the on-off valve 54b of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be described. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 23. Note that Figure 29 also shows the transparent window 106a of the front door 3.
[0228] 29, a first gap SP1 and a second gap SP2 are provided in the front-to-rear direction of the on-off valve 54b. Specifically, the first gap SP1 is provided between the front end 542b of the on-off valve 54b and the back surface 106a1 of the transparent window 106a, and the second gap SP2 is provided between the rear end 543b of the on-off valve 54b and the acrylic plate 5a of the gaming board 5. The size of the first gap SP1 in the front-to-rear direction is within a range smaller than the radius of the gaming ball (for example, 4 mm). The size of the second gap SP2 in the front-to-rear direction is also within a range smaller than the radius of the gaming ball (for example, 4 mm).
[0229] As a result, even if a game ball attempting to be guided from the guide passage 29 to the play area 30 or a game ball attempting to return from the play area 30 to the guide passage 29 comes into contact with the on-off valve 54b, it is impossible for the game ball to get stuck in the first gap SP1 or the second gap SP2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ball clogging around the on-off valve 54b due to such game balls getting stuck in the first gap SP1 and the second gap SP2.
[0230] As described above, the on-off valve 54b is displaceable between a closed state and an open state, and is designed to wobble in the front-to-rear direction. The maximum wobble in the front-to-rear direction is approximately 1 mm. Even if the on-off valve 54b wobble within this range, the on-off valve 54b will not come into contact with the rear surface 106a1 of the transparent window 106a or the acrylic plate (display panel) 5a. When the on-off valve 54b wobbles backward, the size of the second gap SP2 in the front-to-rear direction decreases, while the size of the first gap SP1 in the front-to-rear direction increases. In this case, the size of the first gap SP1 in the front-to-rear direction is also within a range smaller than the radius of the gaming ball.
[0231] Furthermore, when the on-off valve 54b rattles forward, the size of the first gap SP1 in the front-to-rear direction decreases, while the size of the second gap SP2 in the front-to-rear direction increases. At this time, the size of the second gap SP2 in the front-to-rear direction is also within a range smaller than the radius of the gaming ball.
[0232] As a result, even when the on-off valve 54b is loose, a game ball attempting to be guided from the guide passage 29 to the play area 30 or a game ball attempting to return from the play area 30 to the guide passage 29 comes into contact with the on-off valve 54b and cannot get stuck in the first gap SP1 or the second gap SP2. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent ball clogging around the on-off valve 54b due to such game balls getting stuck in the first gap SP1 and the second gap SP2.
[0233] According to the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment configured as above, the following effects can be achieved.
[0234] A gaming machine (in this example, gaming machine 100) comprising a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 5) having a gaming area (in this example, gaming area 108a), launching means (in this example, launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls, and an outer rail (in this example, outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a guide area (in this example, guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, A ball return prevention mechanism (in this example, a ball return prevention mechanism 50) is provided to prevent the game ball from returning from the game area to the guide area, The ball return prevention mechanism has a displacement member (opening / closing valve 54b) that can be displaced to a plurality of states (in this example, an open state, a closed state, and an intermediate state), A first gap (in this example, a first gap SP1) is provided between the displacement member and the game board in the front-rear direction, A second gap (in this example, a second gap SP2) is provided between the displacement member and the transparent window in the front-rear direction, The size of the first gap is smaller than the radius of the game ball, The size of the second gap is also smaller than the radius of the game ball, The displacement member is configured to rattle in the front-rear direction, Even if the displacement member rattles in the front-rear direction, the size of the first gap and the second gap is smaller than the radius of the gaming ball.
[0235] Therefore, even if a game ball attempting to be guided from the guide passage 29 to the play area 30 or a game ball attempting to return from the play area 30 to the guide passage 29 comes into contact with the on-off valve 54b, it cannot get stuck in the first gap SP1 or the second gap SP2. Even if the on-off valve 54b is loose, a game ball attempting to be guided from the guide passage 29 to the play area 30 or a game ball attempting to return from the play area 30 to the guide passage 29 comes into contact with the on-off valve 54b, but it cannot get stuck in the first gap SP1 or the second gap SP2. This prevents ball jamming around the on-off valve 54b due to such game balls getting stuck in the first gap SP1 or the second gap SP2. This improves the prevention of game balls that have entered the play area 30 from returning to the guide passage 29. Additionally, the effectiveness of guiding game balls from the guide passage 29 to the play area 30 can be improved.
[0236] Next, a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 30 is a front view of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing an outer guide rail provided on the game board of the pachinko machine. Note that in Fig. 30 and Figs. 31 to 36 shown below, illustrations of the effect operation device and the like provided in the center of the lower part of the front door 3 are omitted. As will be described later, the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment is characterized by the relationship between the position of the main display 40 provided on the game board 108 and the contact position where the game ball launched by the launching device 16 (launching means) comes into contact with the outer guide rail 27.
[0237] As shown in Figure 30, the pachinko machine 101 is equipped with an outer guide rail 27. As shown in Figure 31, this outer guide rail 27 is made of a strip-shaped metal plate (for example, a stainless steel plate) that is elastic and flexible, and is attached along the inner circumferential surface 42a (see Figure 5) of the rail base 26. A base end 27a of the outer guide rail 27 is bent into an L-shape and is fitted into and supported by a base end support portion 420a (see Figure 5) of the rail base 26. On the other hand, a tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27 is bent into a U-shape and is fitted into and supported by a tip end support portion 420b (see Figure 5) of the rail base 26.
[0238] A plurality of (for example, five) holes 27c each having a substantially horizontally elongated elliptical shape are formed between the base end 27a and the tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27. Each hole 27c can be inserted into a boss (not shown) formed at a predetermined interval on the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26.
[0239] When the outer guide rail 27 configured in this manner is attached to the rail base 26 of the game board 14, first, the tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27 is fitted into and supported by the tip support portion 420b of the rail base 26. Next, the boss of the rail base 26 is inserted into the hole 27c of the outer guide rail 27, and then the base end 27a of the outer guide rail 27 is fitted into and supported by the base end support portion 420a of the rail base 26.
[0240] At this time, the outer guide rail 27 is disposed in an arc shape along the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26, and is therefore deformed inward in the circumferential direction. In this state, the outer guide rail 27 generates an elastic force that causes it to return to its original shape outward in the circumferential direction, so that the surface of the outer guide rail 27 opposite the guide surface 27A can be closely attached to the inner peripheral surface 42a of the rail base 26. This allows the outer guide rail 27 to be attached to the game board 108.
[0241] 30, the relationship between the position of the main display 40 provided on the gaming board 108 and the contact position where the gaming ball launched by the launching device 16 (launching means) comes into contact with the outer guide rail 27 will be described. In the following, the contact position of the gaming ball launched based on the right-hit operation will be taken as an example.
[0242] As shown in FIG. 30, the main display 40 (notification means) is disposed in the lower left region of the gaming board 108. Specifically, the main display 40 is disposed outside the outer guide rail 27 provided on the gaming board 108, adjacent to the curved portion of the outer guide rail 27. The main display 40 includes a substrate (not shown), a plurality of lamps 40a provided on the substrate, and a housing portion 40b. The housing portion 40b is formed of, for example, resin, and houses the substrate and the plurality of lamps 40a. The housing portion 40b has an upper edge 40b1 that is located at the highest position in the vertical direction, and a lower edge 40b2 that is located at the lowest position. The upper edge 40b1 is located approximately 110 mm from the base end of the outer guide rail 27, and the lower edge 40b2 is located approximately 80 mm from the base end of the outer guide rail 27. The main display 40 can notify information about the game ball according to the progress of the game by lighting the lamps 40a.
[0243] On the other hand, when a gaming ball is launched by the launching device 16 based on a right-hit operation, the launched gaming ball P comes into contact with the outer guide rail 27 at multiple contact positions (three in this example). The multiple contact positions include a first contact position X1, a second contact position X2, and a third contact position X3. Therefore, the launched gaming ball moves while first bouncing at the first contact position X1, then at the second contact position X2, and finally at the third contact position X3. At this time, the gaming ball that bounced at the first contact position X1 moves substantially parallel to the outer guide rail 27 before bouncing at the second contact position X2, and the gaming ball that bounced at the second contact position X2 moves substantially parallel to the outer guide rail 27 before bouncing at the third contact position X3. The first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are easily visible through the transparent window 106a when the front door 3 is closed.
[0244] The first contact position X1 is the position (first contact start point) at the moment when the gaming ball P launched by the launching device 16 first contacts the outer guide rail 27. In other words, the first contact position X1 is the position at which the launched gaming ball first contacts the outer guide rail 27. This first contact position X1 is a position approximately 45 mm away from the base end of the outer guide rail 27. Note that the first contact position X1 may include a certain width from the position (first contact start point) at the moment when the gaming ball first contacts the outer guide rail 27 to the position (first contact end point) at the moment when the gaming ball first separates from the outer guide rail. Alternatively, the first contact position X1 may be the position (first contact end point) at the moment when the gaming ball first separates from the outer guide rail.
[0245] The second contact position X2 is the position where the game ball P launched by the launching device 16 first contacts the outer guide rail 27 after contacting the first contact position X1. In other words, the second contact position X2 is the position where the launched game ball secondly contacts the outer guide rail 27. This second contact position X2 is a position approximately 80 mm away from the base end of the outer guide rail 27.
[0246] The third contact position X3 is the position where the gaming ball P launched by the launching device 16 first contacts the outer guide rail 27 after contacting the second contact position X2. In other words, the third contact position X3 is the position where the launched gaming ball thirdly contacts the outer guide rail 27. This third contact position X3 is located approximately 105 mm away from the base end of the outer guide rail 27 and is located below the leftmost end of the outer guide rail 27 in the up-down direction.
[0247] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 30, the main display 40 is provided at a position that does not face the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27. Here, "facing" means that, for example, when viewed from the front, the main display 40 exists on an extension of a straight line that passes through the center of the gaming ball and the contact point between the gaming ball and the outer guide rail 27. In Fig. 30, the first contact position X1 is at a height position between the base end of the outer guide rail 27 and the lower edge 40b2 of the main display 40, and the main display 40 does not exist on an extension of a straight line that passes through the center of the gaming ball and the contact point (first contact position X1) between the gaming ball and the outer guide rail 27.
[0248] Note that "facing" may mean that the main display 40 is located on the extension of a tangent to the front-most point of the launched gaming ball. Furthermore, "facing" may mean that the main display 40 is located on the extension of a tangent to the rear-most point of the launched gaming ball.
[0249] Furthermore, the main display 40 is provided at a position that does not face the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27. Specifically, the second contact position X2 is at approximately the same height as the lower edge 40b2 of the main display 40, and the main display 40 is not on the extension of a straight line that passes through the center of the gaming ball and the contact point (second contact position X2) between the gaming ball and the outer guide rail 27.
[0250] On the other hand, the main display 40 is provided at a position facing the third contact position X3. Specifically, the third contact position X3 is at a height position between the lower side 40b2 and the upper side 40b1 of the main display 40, and the main display 40 is located on an extension of a straight line passing through the center of the gaming ball and the contact point (second contact position X2) between the gaming ball and the outer guide rail 27.
[0251] In this way, the main display 40 is provided on the game board 108 so as not to face the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2, while being provided on the game board 108 so as to face the third contact position X3.
[0252] According to the pachinko machine 101 configured in this manner, the following effects can be achieved.
[0253] A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 101) is provided with a gaming area (in this example, a gaming area 108a), a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls, an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a notification means (in this example, a main display 40) capable of notifying information related to the game, and a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, and the notification means is provided beside the guide area, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail is included, The notification means is provided so as not to face the first contact position.
[0254] Therefore, the gaming ball launched by the launching means retains its momentum at the time of launch and does not come into contact with the portion of the outer guide rail 27 facing the notification means, so that the notification means can be prevented from being damaged by the impact caused by the gaming ball coming into contact at the first contact position. In other words, the notification means can be prevented from being damaged by the gaming ball colliding with the outer rail.
[0255] In the above configuration, the main display 40 is provided at a position that does not face the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27, while the main display 40 is provided at a position that faces the third contact position of the outer guide rail 27, but this configuration is not limited to this.
[0256] For example, the main display 40 may be provided at a position that does not face the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27, while the main display 40 may be provided at a position that faces the second contact position X2 and the third contact position of the outer guide rail 27. In this case, the following configuration will be provided.
[0257] A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 101) is provided with a gaming area (in this example, a gaming area 108a), a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls, an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a notification means (in this example, a main display 40) capable of notifying information related to the game, and a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, and the notification means is provided beside the guide area, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail is included, A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time; A third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes contact with the outer rail for the third time, The notification means is provided so as to face the second contact position and the third contact position, but not so as to face the first contact position.
[0258] Even with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the impact caused by the contact of the gaming ball at the first contact position X1 from being transmitted to the notification means, and therefore it is possible to achieve the same effect as in the above embodiment.
[0259] Furthermore, when the game ball makes contact at the second contact position X2 or the third contact position X3, the momentum of the game ball is reduced compared to when it makes contact at the first contact position, so even if such a game ball makes contact with the part of the outer guide rail 27 facing the alarm means, the alarm means will not be damaged.
[0260] Furthermore, the main display 40 may be provided at a position that does not face the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position of the outer guide rail 27. For example, the main display 40 may be positioned so that the bottom edge 40b2 of the main display 40 is positioned above the third contact position X3, or the main display 40 may be positioned so that the top edge 40b1 of the main display 40 is positioned below the first contact position X1. In this case, the following configuration will be obtained.
[0261] A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 101) is provided with a gaming board (in this example, a gaming board 108) having a gaming area (in this example, a gaming area 108a), a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls, an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a notification means (in this example, a main display 40) capable of notifying information related to the game, and a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, and the notification means is provided beside the guide area, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: A first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail; A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time; A third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes contact with the outer rail for the third time, The notification means is provided so as not to face any of the first contact position, the second contact position, and the third contact position.
[0262] This arrangement can prevent the impact caused by the contact of the gaming ball not only at the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 but also at the third contact position from being transmitted to the notification means, thereby reliably preventing damage to the notification means.
[0263] Furthermore, the main display 40 may be provided at a position that does not face the first contact position X1 and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27, but faces the second contact position X2.
[0264] While the above example illustrates the contact position of a game ball launched based on a right-hand shot operation, the same positional relationship applies to the contact position of a game ball launched based on a left-hand shot operation, a quick shot operation, or a full shot operation. In the case of a left-hand shot operation, a quick shot operation, or a full shot operation, the strength of the game ball launched by the launching device 16 is weak, so the third contact position X3 may not occur. Note that a "quick shot" refers to a shot in which the game ball launched by the launching device 16 ascends through the guide passage 29 and flows down through the left-hand shot area 108a1 from near the exit of the guide passage 29. A "full shot" refers to a shot in which the game ball launched by the launching device 16 heads toward the full-shot position BP (see FIG. 5) located in the left-hand shot area 108a1 of the game area 108a.
[0265] Furthermore, since the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are easily visible through the transparent window 106a when the front door 3 is closed, it is possible to easily design the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position during the development stage of the pachinko machine 101. Specifically, during the development stage of the pachinko machine 101, in order to design the first contact position X1, etc., the front door 3 must be closed in order to test-launch a game ball from the launcher 16. In this embodiment, as described above, since the first contact position X1, etc. are easily visible through the transparent window 106a when the front door 3 is closed, it is possible to design the first contact position X1, etc. while fully understanding the positions of the first contact position X1, etc.
[0266] Furthermore, when the front door 3 is closed, the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are easily visible through the transparent window 106a, so that the playing area 108a of the game board 108 can be seen as being wider to the player.
[0267] Next, a description will be given of a modified example 2-1 of the second embodiment. Fig. 32 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the modified example 2-1.
[0268] 32, a pachinko machine 2-1 according to modified example 2-1 differs from the second embodiment in that a transparent plate 140 is provided on the back side of the transparent window 106a of the front door 3. Specifically, the transparent plate 140 is provided on the back side of the lower left portion of the transparent window 106a when viewed from the front, and covers the front of the entrance side of the guide passage 29.
[0269] The transparent plate 140 is a transparent plate-like member made of, for example, a plastic material. In this modification, the upper edge of the transparent plate 140 is located between the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27. As a result, the transparent plate 140 does not cover the area in front of the third contact position X3, but covers the areas in front of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2.
[0270] A warning sticker 141 is attached to the surface of the transparent plate 140. The warning sticker 141 has written on it text such as "Be careful not to get your hands or fingers caught." The first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is located on the back side of the warning sticker 141. That is, the front of the first contact position X1 is covered by the warning sticker 141. In other words, the warning sticker 141 is attached so as to conceal the first contact position X1. The front of the second contact position X2 is not covered by the warning sticker 141, and the warning sticker 141 is not attached so as to conceal the second contact position X2.
[0271] In the above configuration, the first contact position X1 is covered in front by the attention warning sticker 141, and the second contact position X2 is not covered in front by the attention warning sticker 141, but this configuration is not limited to this. The attention warning sticker 141 only needs to be attached so as to hide at least one of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2, and the first contact position X1 may not be covered in front by the attention warning sticker 141, and the second contact position X2 may be covered in front by the attention warning sticker 141, or both the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 may be covered in front by the attention warning sticker 141.
[0272] According to the pachinko machine 2-1 configured in this manner, the following effects can be achieved.
[0273] A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-1) comprising: a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108) having a gaming area (in this example, the gaming area 108a); a transparent window (in this example, the transparent window 106a) provided so as to face the gaming board; a launching means (in this example, the launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls; and an outer rail (in this example, the outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, the inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a guide area (in this example, the guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: A first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail; A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time, In the guide area, a transparent protective member (in this example, a transparent plate 140) is provided between the game board and the transparent window to prevent the game ball from contacting the transparent window, The protective member is provided with a warning sticker (in this example, warning sticker 141) that calls for a predetermined attention. The warning sticker is attached so as to hide at least one of the first contact position and the second contact position.
[0274] Therefore, the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is covered by the warning sticker 141 attached to the transparent plate 140, and therefore the first contact position X1 is not visible. In particular, since scratches are generated at the first contact position X1 due to contact with the game ball, making such scratches invisible can prevent the appearance from being spoiled.
[0275] Furthermore, the front of the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27 is covered by the transparent plate 140, which reduces the visibility of the second contact position X2 to some extent. Therefore, similar to the first contact position X1, it is possible to prevent the second contact position X2 from being unsightly.
[0276] Furthermore, the transparent plate 140 covers the front of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, the transparent plate 140 can prevent the game ball launched by the launching device 16 from flying forward and directly hitting the transparent window 106a upon contacting the first contact position X1 or the second contact position X2. This allows the transparent plate 140 to protect the transparent window 106a.
[0277] Although the front of the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 is not covered by the transparent plate 140, the momentum of the game ball that contacts the third contact position X3 is significantly reduced, so scratches that occur at the third contact position X3 are hardly noticeable and do not impair the appearance.
[0278] Next, a description will be given of a modified example 2-2 of the second embodiment. Fig. 33 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the modified example 2-2.
[0279] As shown in Fig. 33, a pachinko machine 2-2 according to Modification 2-2 differs from Modification 2-1 in the position of a warning sticker 141 attached to a transparent plate 140. Specifically, the warning sticker 141 is attached in approximately the lower left region of the transparent plate 140 in a front view, and covers the front of the base end portion 27a (see Fig. 31) of the outer guide rail 27. The fronts of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27 are covered by the transparent plate 140, but are not covered by the warning sticker 141. In other words, the warning sticker 141 is not attached so as to hide the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2.
[0280] In this modified example, a lower left design portion 3a that covers part of the guide passage 29 is provided on the left side of the front door 3. This lower left design portion 3a covers the front of the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27.
[0281] According to the pachinko machine 2-2 configured in this manner, the following effects can be achieved.
[0282] A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-2) including a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108) having a gaming area (in this example, the gaming area 108a), a front door (in this example, the front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, the transparent window 106a) arranged so as to face the gaming board, a launching means (in this example, the launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls, and an outer rail (in this example, the outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, the inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a guide area (in this example, the guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: A first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail; A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time, In the guide area, a transparent protective member (in this example, a transparent plate 140) is provided between the game board and the transparent window to prevent the game ball from contacting the transparent window, The protective member is provided with a warning sticker (in this example, warning sticker 141) that calls for a predetermined attention. The warning sticker is attached so as not to hide at least one of the first contact position and the second contact position, but to hide the base end of the outer rail.
[0283] Therefore, the front of the first contact position X1 or the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27 is covered by the warning sticker 141, which prevents the first contact position X1 and the second contact position from being damaged and spoiling the appearance.
[0284] Furthermore, the transparent plate 140 covers the front of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, the transparent plate 140 can prevent the game ball launched by the launching device 16 from flying forward and directly hitting the transparent window 106a upon contacting the first contact position X1 or the second contact position X2. This allows the transparent plate 140 to protect the transparent window 106a.
[0285] Furthermore, the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 is not visible to the player because its front is covered by the lower left design portion 3a of the front door 3. As described above, scratches at the third contact position X3 are hardly noticeable, but if scratches at the third contact position X3 are noticeable, the lower left design portion 3a can be used to hide the scratches, as in this modified example, to prevent the appearance from being poor.
[0286] Next, a description will be given of a modified example 2-3 of the second embodiment. Figure 34 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the modified example 2-3.
[0287] 34, a pachinko machine 2-3 according to Modification 2-3 differs from Modification 2-2 in that the transparent plate 140 is not provided on the back side of the transparent window 106a of the front door 3. Specifically, the front of the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is not covered by the transparent plate 140, and is easily visible through the transparent window 106a.
[0288] Furthermore, in this modified example, a lower-left design portion 3b that covers part of the guide passage 29 is provided on the left side of the front door 3. This lower-left design portion 3b covers a wider area of the guide passage 29 than the lower-left design portion 3a of modified example 2-2, and covers not only the area in front of the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 but also the area in front of the second contact position X2. In other words, the lower-left design portion 3a is provided so as to conceal the third contact position X3 and the second contact position X2. Note that the lower-left design portion 3b does not cover the area in front of the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27, and is not provided so as to conceal the second contact position X2.
[0289] In the above configuration, the lower left design portion 3a is configured to hide the third contact position X3 and the second contact position X2, but this is not limited to this configuration. The lower left design portion 3a only needs to be configured to hide at least one of the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3, and may be configured to hide only the second contact position X2 or only the third contact position X3.
[0290] According to the pachinko machine 2-3 configured in this manner, the following effects can be achieved.
[0291] A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-3) including a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108) having a gaming area (in this example, the gaming area 108a), a front door (in this example, the front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, the transparent window 106a) arranged so as to face the gaming board, a launching means (in this example, the launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls, and an outer rail (in this example, the outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, the inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a guide area (in this example, the guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: A first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail; A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time; A third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes contact with the outer rail for the third time, A design member is provided on the front side of the front door so as to surround the transparent window, The design member has a design portion (in this example, lower left design portion 3b) provided on the lower left side of the front door so as to cover part of the guide area, The design portion is provided so as not to conceal the first contact position, but so as to conceal at least one of the second contact position and the third contact position.
[0292] Therefore, the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is easily visible through the transparent window 106a, which makes it easier to design the first contact position X1 during the development stage of the pachinko machine 2-3. As described above, the first contact position X1 is the position where the gaming ball launched by the launching device 16 first contacts the outer guide rail 27, and the subsequent movement of the gaming ball will change significantly depending on the position of this first contact position X1. Therefore, the design of the first contact position X1 is extremely important, and it is extremely effective during the development stage if the first contact position X1 can be easily visible with the front door 3 closed.
[0293] Furthermore, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 are not visible to the player because their front sides are covered by the lower left design part 3b of the front door 3. Therefore, scratches at the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 can be hidden, preventing them from spoiling the appearance.
[0294] In this way, in this modified example, it is possible to easily design the first contact position X1 and prevent the appearance from becoming unsightly. That is, it is possible to easily design the contact position where the game ball comes into contact with the base end side of the outer rail, and it is possible to prevent the appearance from becoming unsightly.
[0295] Next, a description will be given of a modified example 2-4 of the second embodiment. Figure 35 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the modified example 2-4.
[0296] As shown in Figure 35, a pachinko machine 2-4 according to Modification 2-4 differs from Modification 2-3 in the size of the lower-left design portion 3c that covers part of the guide passage 29. Specifically, the lower-left design portion 3c covers a wider area of the guide passage 29 than the lower-left design portion 3b of Modification 2-3, and covers not only the area in front of the third contact position X3 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27, but also the area in front of the first contact position X1. In other words, the lower-left design portion 3c is provided so as to hide the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3.
[0297] In the above configuration, in other words, the lower-left design portion 3c is provided so as to conceal the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3, but this is not limiting. The lower-left design portion 3c may be provided so as to conceal the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2, and may not be provided so as to conceal, for example, the third contact position X3.
[0298] According to the pachinko machine 2-4 configured in this manner, the following effects can be achieved.
[0299] A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-4) including a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108) having a gaming area (in this example, the gaming area 108a), a front door (in this example, the front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, the transparent window 106a) arranged so as to face the gaming board, a launching means (in this example, the launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls, and an outer rail (in this example, the outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, the inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a guide area (in this example, the guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: A first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail; A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time, A design member is provided on the front side of the front door so as to surround the transparent window, The design member has a design portion (in this example, a lower left design portion 3c) provided on the lower left side of the front door so as to cover a part of the guide area, The design portion is provided so as to conceal the first contact position and the second contact position.
[0300] Therefore, since the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27 are covered by the left lower design portion 3c, scratches at these contact positions X1 to X3 can be hidden and the appearance can be prevented from being poor.
[0301] Next, a description will be given of a modified example 2-5 of the second embodiment. Figure 36 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the modified example 2-5.
[0302] As shown in FIG. 36, a pachinko machine 2-5 according to Modification 2-5 differs from Modification 2-4 in the shape of the lower-left design portion 3d. Specifically, the lower-left design portion 3d protrudes above the left speaker 116. The first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is located lower than the lower-left design portion 3d in the vertical direction. Therefore, the first contact position X1 is not visible through the transparent window 106a in a front view. On the other hand, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are located higher than the lower-left design portion 3d in the vertical direction, and are therefore easily visible through the transparent window 106a.
[0303] The pachinko machine 2-5 configured in this manner can provide the following effects.
[0304] A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-5) comprising: a gaming board (in this example, the gaming board 108) having a gaming area (in this example, the gaming area 108a); a front door (in this example, the front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, the transparent window 106a) arranged so as to face the gaming board; a launching means (in this example, the launching device 16) capable of launching gaming balls; and an outer rail (in this example, the outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, the inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, and a guide area (in this example, the guide passage 29) for guiding the gaming balls to the gaming area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions, The plurality of contact locations include: A first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail; A second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball contacts the outer rail for the second time; A third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes contact with the outer rail for the third time, A design member is provided on the front side of the front door so as to surround the transparent window, The design member has a design portion (in this example, a lower left design portion 3d) provided on the lower left side of the front door so as to cover a part of the guide area, The design portion is provided so as to conceal the first contact position, while not providing so as to conceal at least one of the second contact position and the third contact position.
[0305] Therefore, since the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is located below the lower left design portion 3d, the first contact position X1 can be made invisible to the player. In particular, since scratches are generated at the first contact position X1 due to contact with the game ball, hiding such scratches is effective in preventing the appearance from being spoiled.
[0306] Furthermore, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 are located above the lower-left design portion 3d and are easily visible through the transparent window 106a, facilitating the design of the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 during the development stage of the pachinko machine 2-5. Furthermore, the play area 108a of the game board 108 appears larger. Here, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are visible as described above, but because the momentum of a game ball that contacts the second contact position X2 also decreases, similar to the third contact position, scratches occurring at the second contact position X2 are not very noticeable. Therefore, even if the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are visible, it does not adversely affect the appearance.
[0307] In this way, in this modified example, it is possible to easily design the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 while preventing the appearance from becoming unsightly. That is, it is possible to easily design the contact position where the game ball comes into contact with the base end side of the outer rail, and it is possible to prevent the appearance from becoming unsightly.
[0308] 37 is a table summarizing the visibility of the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 in the second embodiment described above and its modified examples 2-1 to 2-5. Among the symbols in this table, "◯" indicates that the contact position is easily visible, and "△" indicates that the contact position is visible even though its front is covered by the transparent plate 140. Furthermore, "×1" indicates that the contact position is not visible because its front is covered by the warning sticker 141. Furthermore, "×2" indicates that the contact position is not visible because its front is covered by the design portion on the lower left side of the front door 3.
[0309] 37, first, in the second embodiment, the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are all easily visible through the transparent window 106a of the front door 3. Therefore, a symbol "◯" is added to the column for each of the contact positions X1 to X3.
[0310] Next, in Modification 2-1, the first contact position X1 is invisible due to a warning sticker 141 attached to the transparent plate 140. On the other hand, the second contact position X2 is visible although its front is covered by the transparent plate 140. The third contact position X3 is not covered by the transparent plate 140 and can be easily seen through the transparent window 106a. Therefore, the column for the first contact position X1 is marked with an "x1", the column for the second contact position X2 with a "△", and the column for the third contact position X3 with a "◯".
[0311] Next, in modified example 2-2, the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 are visible although their front sides are covered by a transparent plate 140. On the other hand, the third contact position X3 is not visible to the player as its front side is covered by the lower left design portion 3a of the front door 3. Therefore, the columns for the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 are marked with a "△" and the column for the third contact position X3 is marked with an "×2".
[0312] Next, in Modification 2-3, the first contact position X1 is easily visible through the transparent window 106a. On the other hand, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are covered by the lower left design portion 3b of the front door 3 and are therefore not visible to the player. Therefore, the column for the first contact position X1 is marked with a "◯" and the columns for the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are marked with an "×2" symbol.
[0313] Next, in the modified example 2-4, the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are hidden in front of them by the lower left design part 3c of the front door 3, making them invisible to the player. Therefore, the symbols "x2" are added to the columns of the first contact position X1 to the third contact position X3.
[0314] Finally, in variant 2-5, the first contact position X1 is located below the lower left design portion 3d of the front door 3, making it invisible to the player. On the other hand, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are located above the lower left design portion 3d, making them easily visible through the transparent window 106a. Therefore, the column for the first contact position X1 is marked with an "x2," and the columns for the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are marked with an "o" symbol.
[0315] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.
[0316] In the above embodiment, the second region R2 of the outer guide rail 27 has a curved shape when viewed from the front of the game board 108, but this configuration is not limited to this. The second region R2 may have the same shape as the first region R1. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.
[0317] In the above embodiment, the deposit position BP is the upper left position of the play area 108a shown in Fig. 5 or 30, but is not limited to this. Usually, the arrangement of nails often differs depending on the model of pachinko machine, and the deposit position according to each model can be adopted.
[0318] In the above embodiment, the ribs 301 are provided on the upper surface (in other words, the outer surface) of the top plate of the inner frame 104, but the ribs 301 may also be provided on the lower surface (in other words, the inner surface) of the top plate of the inner frame 104.
[0319] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the outer frame was fixed to the island equipment of the amusement park by driving nails, but fixing members other than nails, such as screws, may also be used.
[0320] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the island fixing holes 300a to 300d are through holes, but they may be holes that serve as guides when driving nails, instead of through holes.
[0321] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hinge cover 406 and the back panel 414 are made of resin of the same color, but they may be made of materials of different colors.
[0322] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the base plate 112 is provided with the convex portion 112c and the design sheet 111 is provided with the concave portion 111a, but for example, the design sheet 111 may be provided with the convex portion and the base plate 112 with the concave portion.
[0323] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the design sheet 111 with a picture printed thereon was used as the sheet, but the sheet may be plain, and may be either colored or colorless.
[0324] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine in which the number of bets is set using medals and credits as gaming value.
[0325] When applying the present invention to a slot machine, the present invention can be applied when attaching a design sheet to the front door attached to the slot machine cabinet, for example, when attaching a design sheet to the panel around the reel display window, the panel above the display window, or the lower panel below the operating unit.
[0326] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, Figure 25 shows the state in which the ball return prevention member 54 has been displaced to a state roughly halfway between the closed state and the open state, but this is not limited to this state, and the present invention can also be applied when the ball return prevention member 54 has been displaced to any state between the closed state and the open state.
[0327] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 25, the ball return prevention member 54 can prevent the game ball B2 from returning to the guide passage 29. However, even if another game ball C returns to the boundary area 700 immediately after the game ball B2 that has returned from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700, the ball return prevention member 54 can of course prevent the two game balls (game ball B2 and game ball C) from returning to the guide passage 29.
[0328] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 was integrally formed at the upper end of the inner guide rail 28, but this configuration is not limited to this and it may also be formed separately from the inner guide rail 28.
[0329] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the boundary area 700 is provided between the guide passage 29 and the play area 108a, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the boundary area 700 may be included in the guide passage 29.
[0330] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a protrusion 541c was formed on the second side surface portion 541b of the opening / closing valve 54b, but this configuration is not limited to this, and the surface of the second side surface portion 541b may be flat without forming the protrusion 541c.
[0331] In the above embodiment, the stopper wall (contact portion) 52c is configured to contact the second side surface portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b in the open state, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the stopper wall 52c may be configured to contact the second side surface portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b in the open state with pressure, or may be configured to be close to the second side surface portion 541b.
[0332] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, but can also be applied to controlled pachinko machines ("smart pachinko" or "sumapachi") that are designed so that players can play without touching the game balls. [Explanation of symbols]
[0333] 16 Launching device (launching means) 27 Outer guide rail (outer rail) 28 Inner guide rail (inner rail) 29 Guidance passage (guide area) 101 Gaming Machines 108 Game Board 108a Gaming area 3b, 3d Lower left design part (design part) X1 1st contact position X2 2nd contact position X3 3rd contact position
Claims
[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising: a gaming board having a gaming area; a transparent window provided so as to face the gaming board; a launching means capable of launching gaming balls; and an outer rail and an inner rail capable of guiding the gaming balls launched by the launching means to the gaming area, wherein a guide area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail to guide the gaming balls to the gaming area, A ball return prevention mechanism is provided to prevent the game ball from returning from the game area to the guide area, the ball return prevention mechanism includes a displacement member that can be displaced between a first state and a second state, and a storage member that stores a portion of the displacement member; The displacement member has a first side surface portion facing the outer rail, a second side surface portion facing the play area, and a tip portion on the tip side, The distance from the tip end to the outer rail is set to a specific distance, A game ball heading from the guide area to the game area is defined as a first game ball, If the game ball heading from the game area to the guide area is a second game ball, the first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than that in the second state, the second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than that in the first state, In the first state, The second game ball may contact a portion on the upper end side of the storage member and the second side surface portion, a first distance being a distance from a contact point between the second game ball and a portion of the storage member at the upper end to a contact point between the second game ball and the second side surface; If the distance from the lowest point of the second game ball to the leftmost point is a second distance, the first distance is less than the second distance; a first gap is provided between the displacement member and the transparent window in the front-rear direction; A second gap is provided between the displacement member and the game board in the front-rear direction, The size of the first gap is smaller than the radius of the gaming ball, The size of the second gap is also smaller than the radius of the gaming ball, The displacement member is configured to rattle in the front-rear direction, In the gaming machine, even if the displacement member rattles in the front-rear direction, the size of the first gap and the second gap is smaller than the radius of the gaming ball.
Citation Information
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