Pinball game machines

Abstract

To provide an enclosed circulation type pinball game machine which allows for easily carrying out maintenance.SOLUTION: In a game auxiliary area below a game board, there are provided a shooting unit which shoots out game balls, a tank unit 300 which accommodates the game balls passing down in a recovery passage part, a transfer device 400 which transfers the game balls accommodated in the tank unit 300, upward from a lower part of the tank unit 300, and a relay passage unit which passes the game balls transferred from the transfer device 400, down to the shooting unit. The tank unit 300 is provided between a front frame and a frame control board case unit 31 with the tank unit 300 attached to a tank unit attachment 207 provided in a back face side of the game auxiliary area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an enclosed circulation type ball shooting game machine.

Background Art

[0002] One type of ball shooting game machine, a pachinko game machine, is configured by attaching a back mechanism board to a frame member that holds a game board provided with a game area for playing games with game balls, on which a payout device and various control boards are mounted. Then, in the process of dropping the game balls launched above the game area by the launching mechanism, a game is played in which the game balls are made to win in various winning devices provided in the game area. When the game balls win in the winning device, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls to the ball tray according to this win. In recent years, a type of ball shooting game machine that eliminates the need for the player to handle game balls, for example, an enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine, has been devised (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Such an enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine includes, instead of the above-mentioned ball tray and the like, a storage tank that stores the used game balls returned from the game area through a recovery passage, and a transfer device that raises the game balls stored in the storage tank and sends them to the launching mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in an enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine, the internal structure tends to be complicated and maintenance is troublesome.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and aims to provide a sealed, circulating type pinball game machine that can be easily maintained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this objective, the pinball game machine according to the present invention includes a game board having a game area on the front side that includes an entry opening into which game balls can be entered and an exit opening through which game balls that could not be entered into the entry opening pass, a frame member that holds the game board, and the frame member to A launching unit mounted below the game board that launches game balls toward the game area, a collection passage that allows game balls that have entered the prize slot or passed through the out slot and reached the rear side of the game board to flow down, and the frame member to A sealed-circulation type ball game machine (for example, a pachinko game machine PM in this embodiment) comprising a tank unit attached below the game board for storing game balls that have flowed down the collection passage, wherein the frame member to A transfer device attached below the game board, which moves the game balls contained in the tank unit upward from the bottom of the tank unit, and the frame member to A relay passage unit is attached below the game board and causes the game balls sent from the transfer device to flow down to the launching unit, and is provided below the game board and behind the frame member frame control means Equipped with, The launching unit comprises a launching device and a ball feeding device, the ball feeding device having a ball feeding passage and a feeding section, and is configured to feed game balls flowing down the ball feeding passage from the feeding section to the launching rail of the launching device, the feeding section is provided in the vicinity of the launching rail, the feeding section is provided with game ball detection means for detecting game balls passing through the feeding section, and the detection signal output from the game ball detection means is input to the frame control means. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, maintenance of a sealed-circulation type pinball game machine becomes easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a pachinko game machine from the front. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing a pachinko game machine with the glass frame removed. [Figure 3] It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the upper light-emitting effect device seen from the front. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the upper light-emitting effect device. [Figure 6] It is a rear view of the upper light-emitting effect device. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of the upper light-emitting effect device. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper light-emitting effect device seen from above. [Figure 9] It is a plan cross-sectional view of the upper light-emitting effect device. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the base member of the upper light-emitting effect device seen from the front. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the light-emitting element substrate seen from the front. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the lamp house seen from the front. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the central partition member seen from the front. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the central light-transmitting member seen from the front. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the left light-transmitting member, the right light-transmitting member, and the lamp cover seen from the front. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the decorative cover seen from the front. [Figure 17] It is a front view of the game assistance area. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view of the game assistance area seen from the back. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing the state where the tank unit is removed. [Figure 20] It is a front view of the launching unit. [Figure 21] It is a rear view of the launching unit. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view of the launching unit seen from the front. [Figure 23] It is an exploded perspective view of the ball feeding device. [Figure 24] It is a perspective view of the tank unit seen from the front. [Figure 25] This is a rear view of the tank unit. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the inside of the tank unit. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the tank unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view (partial cross-section) of the tank unit seen from the rear. [Figure 29] This is an enlarged perspective view showing the area enclosed by circle A in Figure 28. [Figure 30] This is an enlarged perspective view showing the tank unit's tank ball stopper member in a position where it can pass through. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view showing the state in which the ball-stopping member for the transfer device has moved to the passage restriction position. [Figure 32] This is a perspective view showing the state in which the ball-stopping member for the transfer device has moved to a position where it can pass through. [Figure 33] This is a front view of the transfer device. [Figure 34] This is a disassembled perspective view of the transfer device. [Figure 35] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the transfer device as seen from the front. [Figure 36] This is a front view of the relay passage unit. [Figure 37] This is a rear view of the relay passage unit. [Figure 38] This is a plan view of the relay passage unit. [Figure 39] This is a bottom view of the relay passage unit. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view (partial cross-section) of a portion of the gaming assistance area, seen from the front. [Figure 41] This is a front view (partial cross-sectional view) showing a portion of the gaming assistance area. [Figure 42] This is a plan view (partial cross-section) showing a portion of the gaming assistance area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A sealed-circulation type pachinko game machine (managed game machine) PM is shown in Figures 1 to 3 as a game machine according to this embodiment, and first, the overall configuration of the pachinko game machine PM will be described with reference to these figures. In this embodiment, the directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 1 will be described as the up-and-down direction, the front-and-back direction, and the left-and-right direction, respectively.

[0010] [Overall configuration of a pachinko game machine] First, the basic structure of the front side of the Pachinko Game Machine PM will be explained. As shown in Figure 1, the Pachinko Game Machine PM is mainly composed of an outer frame 1, which is a vertically oriented fixed holding frame configured to the size of an outer rectangular frame, and a front frame 2, which is configured to be a rectangular frame of a matching size and forms an opening and closing mounting frame. The front frame 2 is attached to the front opening of the outer frame 1 so as to be able to open and close horizontally and be attached and detached by upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b located on the left edge of the outer frame 1 and the front frame 2. In addition, the front frame 2 is always kept in a closed state, engaged and connected to the outer frame 1, using a locking device 4 called a double lock provided on the right edge.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, a rectangular glass frame 5, sized to fit the upper front area of ​​the front frame 2, is assembled to the front side of the front frame 2 using upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b so as to be able to open and close horizontally and be attached and detached. The glass frame 5 is kept closed at all times, covering the front of the front frame 2, using the locking device 4 described above. As shown in Figure 2, the game board 20 is detachably set and held in the housing frame 2a provided on the upper side of the front frame 2, and the game area PA provided on the front of the game board 20 can be seen through the double-glazed glass 5a of the glass frame 5, which is kept closed at all times.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the upper front side of the glass frame 5 is equipped with an upper light-emitting device 100 that illuminates according to the game's progress, and a speaker 7 that generates sound effects according to the game's progress. The right front side of the glass frame 5 is equipped with a right-side light-emitting device 8 that illuminates according to the game's progress. The lower part of the glass frame 5 has a bulge 15 that protrudes forward from the double-glazed glass 5a. An effect button unit 11, such as buttons, switches, and dials for performing predetermined effect operations, is mounted in the center of the bulge 15. A cross-shaped button unit 12 for performing setting operations related to the effects is mounted on the left side of the upper surface of the bulge 15. A game ball count display device 13 capable of displaying information about the number of game balls available for play (number of balls held) is mounted on the right side of the upper surface of the bulge 15.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, a launch handle 9 for launching game balls is provided in the lower right part of the front frame 2. In the area behind the glass frame 5 at the bottom of the front frame 2, a game assistance area 200 is formed, where a launch unit 210 for launching game balls toward the game area PA is provided. Details of the game assistance area 200 will be described later.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the game board 20 has a plate-shaped base member 21 and an inner rail member 22 and an outer rail member 23 attached to the front side of the base member 21. On the front of the base member 21, a game area PA is formed, with the left side surrounded by the inner rail member 22 and the upper and right sides surrounded by the outer rail member 23. A launch passage 24 is formed between the inner rail member 22 and the outer rail member 23, connecting the side where the launch unit 210 is installed to the top of the game area PA. The game area PA is equipped with numerous game pins, various prize-winning devices such as a general prize-winning device 25, a starting prize-winning device 26, and a large prize-winning device 27 into which game balls can be entered, and a center ornament 28 located approximately in the center of the game area PA.

[0015] Furthermore, an out-out opening 29 is provided at the lower end of the game area PA, through which game balls that have flowed down without entering the prize-winning openings of the various prize-winning devices 25-27 can pass. Game balls that have entered the prize-winning openings of the various prize-winning devices 25-27 or that have flowed into the out-out opening 29 are formed to penetrate the game board 20 from front to back. The water flows down to the rear side of the game board 20 through a through hole (not shown), passes through a recovery passage 209 (see Figure 26) located below the rear of the game board 20, and is returned to the tank unit 300 (see Figure 26) where the game balls launched by the launching unit 210 are stored.

[0016] Next, the basic structure of the rear side of the pachinko game machine PM will be explained. As shown in Figure 3, a rear mechanism panel 30, which is a rectangular frame shape that is somewhat smaller than the front frame 2 and has a window in the center that connects the front and rear, is attached to the rear side of the front frame 2. Behind the rear mechanism panel 30 is a game board cover (not shown) that covers the entire rear side of the game board 20. Below the rear mechanism panel 30 on the rear side of the front frame 2 are a frame control board case unit 31 for managing and storing the number of game balls, and a power supply board case unit 32 that receives power from the game facility and supplies power to various control devices and electrical / electronic components. In addition, a main control board case unit 36 ​​that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko game machine PM, and a sub-control board case unit 37 that controls all aspects of the game's progression, such as image display, effect lighting, and sound effects, are attached to the rear side of the game board 20. These control devices and the electrical and electronic components of each part of the pachinko game machine (PM) are connected by harnesses (connector cables), enabling the pachinko game machine (PM) to operate.

[0017] [Configuration of the upper lighting display device] Next, the upper light-emitting device 100 will be described with additional reference to Figures 4 to 16. As shown in Figures 4 to 9, the upper light-emitting device 100 is composed of a base member 101, an upper cover 105, a lower cover 106, a light-emitting substrate 110, a lamp housing 120, a central partition member 130, a central light-transmitting member 140, a left light-transmitting member 150L, ​​a right light-transmitting member 150R, a decorative cover 170, and a lamp cover 180.

[0018] As shown in Figure 10, the base member 101 is formed from a resin material into a box shape with an open front. A substrate mounting portion 102 is formed on the front edge of the base member 101. A light-emitting element substrate 110 is attached to the substrate mounting portion 102. Lamp housing fixing holes 103 are formed on the left and right sides of the base member 101. Lamp housing fixing screws (not shown) are inserted through the lamp housing fixing holes 103 to fix the lamp housing 120 to the front of the base member 101.

[0019] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the upper cover 105 is made of resin material and is formed in the shape of a plate with decoration on its upper surface. The upper cover 105 is attached and fixed to the upper part of the base member 101 using fastening members such as screws, and covers the upper surface of the base member 101. The lower cover 106 is made of resin material and is formed in the shape of a plate. The lower cover 106 is attached and fixed to the lower part of the base member 101 using fastening members such as screws, and covers the lower surface of the base member 101.

[0020] As shown in Figure 11, the light-emitting element substrate 110 is formed in a plate shape having an outer circumference shape that matches the shape of the substrate mounting portion 102 on the base member 101. The light-emitting element substrate 110 is attached and fixed to the substrate mounting portion 102 of the base member 101 while sandwiched between the base member 101 and the lamp housing 120. On the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110 are arranged a V-shaped light-emitting element 111, a central light-emitting element 112, a first left light-emitting element 113L, a second left light-emitting element 114L, a third left light-emitting element 115L, a first right light-emitting element 113R, a second right light-emitting element 114R, and a third right light-emitting element 115R. The V-shaped light-emitting element 111, the central light-emitting element 112, the first to third left light-emitting elements 113L to 115L, and the first to third right light-emitting elements 113R to 115R are composed of, for example, white LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that can emit light toward the front.

[0021] As shown in Figure 8, the V-shaped light-emitting element 111 is located in the center of the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110. Multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a V-shape in the portion of the light-transmitting member 140 that overlaps with the V-shaped decorative portion 181. Multiple central light-emitting elements 112 are scattered in the portion of the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110 that overlaps with the area of ​​the central light-transmitting member 140 other than the V-shaped decorative portion 181. Multiple first left light-emitting elements 113L are arranged in a vertical direction in the portion of the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110 that faces the first left bend portion 162L of the left light-transmitting member 150L. Multiple second left light-emitting elements 114L are arranged in a vertical direction in the portion of the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110 that faces the second left bend portion 164L of the left light-transmitting member 150L. Multiple third left light-emitting elements 115L are arranged in a vertical direction in the portion of the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110 that faces the third left bend portion 166L of the left light-transmitting member 150L. Multiple first right light-emitting elements 113R are arranged vertically in a row on the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110, in the portion facing the first right bend 162R of the right light-transmitting member 150R. Multiple second right light-emitting elements 114R are arranged vertically in a row on the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110, in the portion facing the second right bend 164R of the right light-transmitting member 150R. Multiple third right light-emitting elements 115R are arranged vertically in a row on the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110, in the portion facing the third right bend 166R of the right light-transmitting member 150R.

[0022] As shown in Figure 12, the lamp housing 120 is formed in a box shape with an open front using a light-shielding resin material. The lamp housing 120 is attached and fixed to the front of the base member 101 by inserting lamp housing fixing screws (not shown) through the lamp housing fixing holes 103 of the base member 101 and screwing them into boss holes (not shown) formed on the rear side of the lamp housing 120, so that the lamp housing 120 covers the front of the light-emitting element substrate 110. Multiple element exposure holes (not shown) are formed in various parts of the lamp housing 120 to expose the V-shaped light-emitting element 111, the central light-emitting element 112, the first to third left light-emitting elements 113L to 115L, and the first to third right light-emitting elements 113R to 115R to the front.

[0023] Multiple locking ribs 121 are formed in an inverted triangular shape on the front central side of the lamp house 120. The locking portion 131 of the central partition member 130 is designed to engage with the locking ribs 121. A light-transmitting member fixing hole 122 is formed on the front upper central side of the lamp house 120. Light-transmitting member fixing screws (not shown) are inserted through the light-transmitting member fixing hole 122 to fix the central light-transmitting member 140 to the front side of the lamp house 120. Decorative cover fixing holes 123 are formed at the left and right ends of the lamp house 120. Decorative cover fixing screws (not shown) are inserted through the decorative cover fixing holes 123 to fix the decorative cover 170 to the front side of the lamp house 120.

[0024] A first left partition 124L is formed projecting forward from the left side of the locking rib 121 on the front side of the lamp house 120. The first left partition 124L blocks the light emitted from the central light-emitting element 112 and the light emitted from the first left light-emitting element 113L from intersecting each other. A second left partition 125L is formed projecting forward from the left side of the first left partition 124L on the front side of the lamp house 120. The second left partition 125L blocks the light emitted from the first left light-emitting element 113L and the light emitted from the second left light-emitting element 114L from intersecting each other. A third left partition 126L is formed projecting forward from the left side of the second left partition 125L on the front side of the lamp house 120. The third left partition 126L blocks the light emitted from the second left light-emitting element 114L and the light emitted from the third left light-emitting element 115L from intersecting each other.

[0025] A first right partition portion 124R is formed projecting forward from the right side of the locking rib 121 on the front side of the lamp house 120. The first right partition portion 124R blocks the light emitted from the central light-emitting element 112 and the light emitted from the first right light-emitting element 113R from intersecting each other. A second right partition portion 125R is formed projecting forward from the right side of the first right partition portion 124R on the front side of the lamp house 120. The second right partition portion 125R blocks the light emitted from the first right light-emitting element 113R and the light emitted from the second right light-emitting element 114R from intersecting each other. To prevent them from interfering, a third right partition portion 126R is formed projecting forward from the right side of the second right partition portion 125R on the front side of the lamp house 120. The third right partition portion 126R blocks the light emitted from the second right light-emitting element 114R and the light emitted from the third right light-emitting element 115R from interfering with each other.

[0026] As shown in Figure 13, the central partition member 130 is formed in the shape of an inverted triangular frame using a light-shielding resin material. A locking portion 131 is formed at the rear of the central partition member 130, which can be locked onto the locking rib 121 of the lamp house 120. By locking the locking portion 131 of the central partition member 130 onto the locking rib 121 of the lamp house 120, the central partition member 130 is attached to the front side of the central part of the lamp house 120. The central partition member 130 blocks the light emitted from the V-shaped light-emitting element 111 and the light emitted from the central light-emitting element 112 from intersecting each other.

[0027] As shown in Figure 14, the central light-transmitting member 140 is formed in a box shape with an open rear end using a light-transmitting resin material (for example, a transparent resin material). The central light-transmitting member 140 is attached and fixed to the front central part of the lamp house 120 by inserting light-transmitting member fixing screws (not shown) into light-transmitting member fixing holes 122 of the lamp house 120 and screwing them into boss holes 141 formed at the rear end of the central light-transmitting member 140, so that the central light-transmitting member 140 covers the central partition member 130. A locking piece 142 is formed on the outer circumference of the rear part of the central light-transmitting member 140. The locking piece 142 is designed to lock with the upper wall of the lamp house 120 and the first left partition 124L and first right partition 124R. A V-shaped projection 143, which is V-shaped in front view, is formed on the front part of the central light-transmitting member 140. Light emitted from the V-shaped light-emitting element 111 of the light-emitting element substrate 110 is transmitted through the V-shaped projection 143. Fine irregularities are formed on the front surface of the V-shaped protrusion 143, which have a decorative effect of diffusing the light from the V-shaped light-emitting element 111. In addition, light emitted from the central light-emitting element 112 of the light-emitting element substrate 110 is transmitted through the portion of the front of the central light-transmitting member 140 other than the V-shaped protrusion 143. Fine irregularities are formed on the front surface of the central light-transmitting member 140 other than the V-shaped protrusion 143, which diffuse the light from the central light-emitting element 112.

[0028] As shown in Figure 15, the left light-transmitting member 150L is formed in a plate shape using a light-transmitting resin material (for example, a transparent resin material). The left light-transmitting member 150L is attached and fixed to the left front side of the lamp house 120, sandwiched between the lamp house 120 and the decorative cover 170. The left light-transmitting member 150L has a plate-shaped left base portion 151L that extends in the left-right direction, and plate-shaped first left projection portion 152L, second left projection portion 154L, and third left projection portion 156L that project forward to the left. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the front surfaces of the left base portion 151L are in contact with the tips of the first left partition portion 124L, second left partition portion 125L, and third left partition portion 126L of the lamp house 120. On the other hand, the front side of the left base portion 151L is covered by the left side portion of the decorative cover 170.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, a first left bend 162L is formed on the right side of the left light-transmitting member 150L, ​​connecting to the right portion of the left base portion 151L and extending forward in a bend. A first left incident surface 163L is formed behind the first left bend 162L, into which light emitted from the first left light-emitting element 113L of the light-emitting element substrate 110 enters. The first left incident surface 163L is formed inclined with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110, such that it becomes closer to the light-emitting element substrate 110 as it moves to the left. The left portion of the first left protrusion 152L is connected to and formed in front of the first left bend 162L, which has the first left incident surface 163L formed on its rear side. The first left protrusion 152L is designed to protrude to the left and forward from the first left exposure hole 172L of the decorative cover 170 and be exposed to the outside. A groove-shaped first left uneven portion 153L is formed on the surface of the first left protrusion 152L, which diffuses the light transmitted through the first left protrusion 152L.

[0030] To the left of the first left bend 162L in the left light-transmitting member 150L, ​​a second left bend 164L is formed, which connects to the central part of the left base part 151L and extends forward by bending. Behind the second left bend 164L, a second left incident surface 165L is formed, to which light emitted from the second left light-emitting element 114L of the light-emitting element substrate 110 enters. The second left incident surface 165L is formed at an angle to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110, such that it becomes closer to the light-emitting element substrate 110 as it moves to the left. The left portion of the second left protrusion 154L is connected to and formed in front of the second left bend 164L, to which the second left incident surface 165L is formed at the rear. The second left protrusion 154L is designed to protrude to the left and forward from the second left exposure hole 173L of the decorative cover 170 and be exposed to the outside. On the surface of the second left protrusion 154L, a groove-shaped second left uneven portion 155L is formed to diffuse the light that passes through the second left protrusion 154L.

[0031] To the left of the second left bend 164L in the left light-transmitting member 150L, ​​a third left bend 166L is formed, which extends forward and bends, connecting to the left portion of the left base portion 151L. Behind the third left bend 166L, a third left incident surface 167L is formed, to which light emitted from the third left light-emitting element 115L of the light-emitting element substrate 110 enters. The third left incident surface 167L is formed inclined with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110, such that it becomes closer to the light-emitting element substrate 110 as it moves to the left. The left portion of the third left protrusion 156L is connected to and formed in front of the third left bend 166L, to which the third left incident surface 167L is formed at the rear. The third left protrusion 156L is designed to protrude to the left and forward from the third left exposure hole 174L of the decorative cover 170 and be exposed to the outside. A groove-shaped third left uneven portion 157L is formed on the surface of the third left protrusion 156L, which diffuses the light transmitted through the third left protrusion 156L.

[0032] As shown in Figure 15, the right light-transmitting member 150R is formed in a plate shape symmetrical to the left light-transmitting member 150L using a light-transmitting resin material (for example, a transparent resin material). The right light-transmitting member 150R is attached and fixed to the right front side of the lamp house 120, sandwiched between the lamp house 120 and the decorative cover 170. The right light-transmitting member 150R has a plate-shaped right base portion 151R extending in the left-right direction, and plate-shaped first right projection portion 152R, second right projection portion 154R, and third right projection portion 156R that project forward to the right. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the rear surface of the right base portion 151R is in contact with the tips of the first right partition portion 124R, second right partition portion 125R, and third right partition portion 126R of the lamp house 120. On the other hand, the front side of the right base section 151R is covered by the right side portion of the decorative cover 170.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, a first right bend 162R is formed on the left side of the right light-transmitting member 150R, extending forward and bending from the left portion of the right base portion 151R. A first right incident surface 163R is formed behind the first right bend 162R, to which light emitted from the first right light-emitting element 113R of the light-emitting element substrate 110 enters. The first right incident surface 163R is formed at an angle to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110, such that it becomes closer to the light-emitting element substrate 110 as it moves to the right. The right portion of the first right projection 152R is connected to and formed in front of the first right bend 162R, which has the first right incident surface 163R formed on its rear side. The first right projection 152R protrudes forward to the right from the first right exposure hole 172R of the decorative cover 170 and is exposed to the outside. On the surface of the first right projection 152R, a groove-shaped first right recessed portion 153R is formed to diffuse the light that passes through the first right projection 152R.

[0034] To the right of the first right bend portion 162R in the right light-transmitting member 150R, a second right bend portion 164R is formed, which connects to the central part of the right base portion 151R and extends forward by bending. Behind the second right bend portion 164R, a second right incident surface 165R is formed, to which light emitted from the second right light-emitting element 114R of the light-emitting element substrate 110 enters. The second right incident surface 165R is formed at an angle with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110 such that it gets closer to the light-emitting element substrate 110 as it moves to the right. In front of the second right bend portion 164R, to which the second right incident surface 165R is formed at the rear, The right portion of the second right projection 154R is formed by being connected. The second right projection 154R protrudes forward to the right from the second right exposure hole 173R of the decorative cover 170 and is exposed to the outside. A groove-shaped second right uneven portion 155R is formed on the surface of the second right projection 154R to diffuse the light that passes through the second right projection 154R.

[0035] To the right of the second right bend portion 164R in the right light-transmitting member 150R, a third right bend portion 166R is formed, which extends forward and bends, connecting to the right portion of the right base portion 151R. Behind the third right bend portion 166R, a third right incident surface 167R is formed, to which light emitted from the third right light-emitting element 115R of the light-emitting element substrate 110 enters. The third right incident surface 167R is formed inclined with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110, such that it becomes closer to the light-emitting element substrate 110 as it moves to the right. In front of the third right bend portion 166R, to which the third right incident surface 167R is formed, the right portion of the third right projection portion 156R is connected and formed. The third right projection portion 156R is designed to protrude to the right and forward from the third right exposure hole 174R of the decorative cover 170 and be exposed to the outside. A groove-shaped third right incident surface 167R is formed on the surface of the third right projection 156R, which diffuses the light transmitted through the third right projection 156R.

[0036] As shown in Figure 16, the decorative cover 170 is formed in a plate shape extending in the left-right direction using a light-shielding resin material. The decorative cover 170 is attached and fixed to the front side of the lamp house 120 together with the left and right light-transmitting members 150L, ​​150R and the lamp cover 180 by inserting decorative cover fixing screws (not shown) into decorative cover fixing holes 123 of the lamp house 120 and screwing them into boss holes (not shown) formed on the rear side of the decorative cover 170.

[0037] A central exposed hole 171 is formed in the center of the decorative cover 170. The lamp cover 180 is inserted through the central exposed hole 171. A first left exposed hole 172L is formed to the left of the central exposed hole 171 in the decorative cover 170. The first left projection 152L of the left light-transmitting member 150L is inserted through the first left exposed hole 172L. A second left exposed hole 173L is formed to the left of the first left exposed hole 172L in the decorative cover 170. The second left projection 154L of the left light-transmitting member 150L is inserted through the second left exposed hole 173L. A third left exposed hole 174L is formed to the left of the second left exposed hole 173L in the decorative cover 170. The third left projection 156L of the left light-transmitting member 150L is inserted through the third left exposed hole 174L. A first right exposed hole 172R is formed to the right of the central exposed hole 171 in the decorative cover 170. The first right projection 152R of the right light-transmitting member 150R is inserted through the first right exposed hole 172R. A second right exposed hole 173R is formed to the right of the first right exposed hole 172R in the decorative cover 170. The second right projection 154R of the right light-transmitting member 150R is inserted through the second right exposed hole 173R. A third right exposed hole 174R is formed to the right of the second right exposed hole 173R in the decorative cover 170. The third right projection 156R of the right light-transmitting member 150R is inserted through the third right exposed hole 174R.

[0038] As shown in Figure 15, the lamp cover 180 is formed in a box shape with an open rear using a light-transmitting resin material (for example, a transparent resin material). The lamp cover 180 is sandwiched between the lamp housing 120 and the decorative cover 170, covering the central light-transmitting member 140, and is attached and fixed to the front side of the central part of the lamp housing 120. A V-shaped decorative portion 181 is formed on the front surface of the lamp cover 180. The V-shaped decorative portion 181 is formed to align with the V-shaped projection 143 of the central light-transmitting member 140. In addition, a different decoration is applied to the area of ​​the front surface of the lamp cover 180 other than the V-shaped decorative portion 181.

[0039] In the upper light-emitting device 100 configured as described above, when the V-shaped light-emitting element 111 of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emits light, the light emitted from the V-shaped light-emitting element 111 is directed to the central light-transmitting member 14 Light passes through the V-shaped projection 143 of the central light-transmitting member 140. The light that has passed through the V-shaped projection 143 of the central light-transmitting member 140 passes through the lamp cover 180 and is emitted from the V-shaped decorative part 181 of the lamp cover 180. In this way, the V-shaped light-emitting element 111 of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emits light, causing the V-shaped decorative part 181 of the lamp cover 180 to emit light. Furthermore, since fine irregularities are formed on the front surface of the V-shaped projection 143 that have a decorative effect of diffusing the light from the V-shaped light-emitting element 111, unevenness in light emission due to point illumination of the V-shaped light-emitting element 111 can be reduced.

[0040] When the central light-emitting element 112 of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emits light, the light emitted from the central light-emitting element 112 passes through the portion of the central light-transmitting member 140 other than the V-shaped protrusion 143 at the front. The light that has passed through the portion of the central light-transmitting member 140 other than the V-shaped protrusion 143 at the front passes through the lamp cover 180 and is emitted from the region of the front surface of the lamp cover 180 other than the V-shaped decorative portion 181. In this way, when the central light-emitting element 112 of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emits light, the region of the front surface of the lamp cover 180 other than the V-shaped decorative portion 181 emits light. Furthermore, since fine irregularities that diffuse the light from the central light-emitting element 112 are formed in the region of the front surface of the central light-transmitting member 140 other than the V-shaped protrusion 143, unevenness in light emission due to point illumination of the central light-emitting element 112 can be reduced.

[0041] When the first left light-emitting element 113L of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emits light, the light emitted from the first left light-emitting element 113L is incident on the first left incident surface 163L of the left light-transmitting member 150L. As described above, the first left incident surface 163L of the left light-transmitting member 150L is formed behind the first left bend 162L and is inclined with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110. Therefore, most of the light incident on the first left incident surface 163L of the left light-transmitting member 150L diffuses and passes through the first left bend 162L and the first left protrusion 152L, and exits from the surface of the first left protrusion 152L.

[0042] When the second left light-emitting element 114L of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emits light, the light emitted from the second left light-emitting element 114L is incident on the second left incident surface 165L of the left light-transmitting member 150L. As described above, the second left incident surface 165L of the left light-transmitting member 150L is formed behind the second left bent portion 164L and is inclined with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110. Therefore, most of the light incident on the second left incident surface 165L of the left light-transmitting member 150L diffuses and passes through the second left bent portion 164L and the second left protrusion 154L, and exits from the surface of the second left protrusion 154L.

[0043] When the third left light-emitting element 115L of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emits light, the light emitted from the third left light-emitting element 115L is incident on the third left incident surface 167L of the left light-transmitting member 150L. As described above, the third left incident surface 167L of the left light-transmitting member 150L is formed behind the third left bent portion 166L and is inclined with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110. Therefore, most of the light incident on the third left incident surface 167L of the left light-transmitting member 150L diffuses and passes through the third left bent portion 166L and the third left protrusion 156L, and exits from the surface of the third left protrusion 156L.

[0044] In this way, the first left light-emitting element 113L, the second left light-emitting element 114L, and the third left light-emitting element 115L of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emit light, causing the first left protrusion 152L, the second left protrusion 154L, and the third left protrusion 156L of the left light-transmitting member 150L to emit light. Furthermore, the light incident on the first left incident surface 163L, the second left incident surface 165L, and the third left incident surface 167L of the left light-transmitting member 150L diffuses and passes through the first left protrusion 152L, the second left protrusion 154L, and the third left protrusion 156L, thereby reducing uneven emission caused by point illumination of the first left light-emitting element 113L, the second left light-emitting element 114L, and the third left light-emitting element 115L. Furthermore, since groove-shaped first left uneven portion 153L, second left uneven portion 155L, and third left uneven portion 157L are formed on the surfaces of the first left protrusion 152L, second left protrusion 154L, and third left protrusion 156L, unevenness in light emission due to point illumination, etc., of the first left light-emitting element 113L, second left light-emitting element 114L, and third left light-emitting element 115L can be reduced.

[0045] As mentioned above, the right light-transmitting member 150R is formed symmetrically with respect to the left light-transmitting member 150L. The first right light-emitting element 113R, the second right light-emitting element 114R, and the third right light-emitting element 115R of the light-emitting element substrate 110 are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the first left light-emitting element 113L, the second left light-emitting element 114L, and the third left light-emitting element 115L. Therefore, when the first right light-emitting element 113R, the second right light-emitting element 114R, and the third right light-emitting element 115R of the light-emitting element substrate 110 emit light, the first right protrusion 152R, the second right protrusion 154R, and the third right protrusion 156R of the right light-transmitting member 150R emit light, similar to the left light-transmitting member 150L. Furthermore, light incident on the first right incident surface 163R, the second right incident surface 165R, and the third right incident surface 167R of the right light-transmitting member 150R diffuses and passes through the first right protrusion 152R, the second right protrusion 154R, and the third right protrusion 156R, similar to the left light-transmitting member 150L, ​​thus reducing uneven light emission caused by point illumination of the first right light-emitting element 113R, the second right light-emitting element 114R, and the third right light-emitting element 115R. In addition, groove-shaped first right uneven portion 153R, the second right uneven portion 155R, and the third right uneven portion 157R are formed on the surfaces of the first right protrusion 152R, the second right protrusion 154R, and the third right protrusion 156R, thus reducing uneven light emission caused by point illumination of the first right light-emitting element 113R, the second right light-emitting element 114R, and the third right light-emitting element 115R.

[0046] Furthermore, by individually illuminating the V-shaped light-emitting element 111 and the central light-emitting element 112 of the light-emitting element substrate 110, it is also possible to individually illuminate the V-shaped decorative part 181 of the lamp cover 180 and the area on the front surface of the lamp cover 180 other than the V-shaped decorative part 181. By individually illuminating the first left light-emitting element 113L, the second left light-emitting element 114L, and the third left light-emitting element 115L of the light-emitting element substrate 110, it is also possible to individually illuminate the first left protrusion 152L, the second left protrusion 154L, and the third left protrusion 156L of the left light-transmitting member 150L. By individually illuminating the first right light-emitting element 113R, the second right light-emitting element 114R, and the third right light-emitting element 115R of the light-emitting element substrate 110, it is also possible to individually illuminate the first right protrusion 152R, the second right protrusion 154R, and the third right protrusion 156R of the right light-transmitting member 150R.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the first left incident surface 163L, the second left incident surface 165L, and the third left incident surface 167L of the left light-transmitting member 150L are formed behind the first left bend portion 162L, the second left bend portion 164L, and the third left bend portion 166L, and are inclined with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110. As a result, light incident on the first left incident surface 163L, the second left incident surface 165L, and the third left incident surface 167L of the left light-transmitting member 150L is more easily diffused when passing through the first left protrusion 152L, the second left protrusion 154L, and the third left protrusion 156L, thereby reducing uneven light emission caused by point illumination of the first left light-emitting element 113L, the second left light-emitting element 114L, and the third left light-emitting element 115L. Furthermore, the first right incident surface 163R, the second right incident surface 165R, and the third right incident surface 167R of the right light-transmitting member 150R are formed behind the first right bend portion 162R, the second right bend portion 164R, and the third right bend portion 166R, and are inclined with respect to the front surface of the light-emitting element substrate 110. As a result, light incident on the first right incident surface 163R, the second right incident surface 165R, and the third right incident surface 167R of the right light-transmitting member 150R is more easily diffused when passing through the first right protrusion portion 152R, the second right protrusion portion 154R, and the third right protrusion portion 156R, thereby reducing uneven light emission caused by point illumination of the first right light-emitting element 113R, the second right light-emitting element 114R, and the third right light-emitting element 115R.

[0048] [Configuration of the game support area] Next, the game assistance area 200 of the front frame 2 will be explained with additional reference to Figures 17 to 19. As shown in Figure 17, a launching unit 210, a transfer device 400, and a relay passage unit 500 are provided on the front side of the game assistance area 200. As shown in Figure 18, a tank unit 300 is provided on the rear side of the game assistance area 200. Also, a gate-shaped bracket 35 that protrudes to the rear is provided on the rear side of the game assistance area 200. A frame control board case unit 31 is attached to the rear side of the bracket 35. This controls the frame The circuit board case unit 31 is positioned below the game board 20 and behind the front frame 2.

[0049] As shown in Figure 17, a launch unit mounting section 201 is formed in the center of the front of the game assistance area 200. A launch unit 210 is attached to the launch unit mounting section 201. The launch unit 210 can be attached to the launch unit mounting section 201 from the front using a launch device fixing screw (not shown).

[0050] As shown in Figure 17, a transport device mounting section 203 is formed on the front left side of the game assistance area 200. The transport device 400 is detachably attached to the transport device mounting section 203 from the front. In addition, device fixing devices 204 are provided on the front upper left side and the front lower right side of the game assistance area 200. The device fixing devices 204 swing and displace about 90 degrees around their axis of rotation, functioning as a restraint for the transport device 400 which is temporarily fixed in the mounting position, and are configured to fix the transport device 400 to the transport device mounting section 203. A communication hole (not shown) is formed in the right rear part of the transport device mounting section 203, which communicates with the front and rear sides of the game assistance area 200. The right lower rear part of the transport device 400 attached to the transport device mounting section 203 is exposed to the rear side of the game assistance area 200 through this communication hole.

[0051] As shown in Figure 17, a relay passage unit mounting section 205 is formed between the launch unit mounting section 201 and the transport device mounting section 203 on the front side of the game assistance area 200. A relay passage unit 500 is attached to the relay passage unit mounting section 205. When the transport device 400 is removed, the relay passage unit 500 can be attached to the relay passage unit mounting section 205 from the front in a detachable manner. A communication hole (not shown) is formed at the rear of the relay passage unit mounting section 205, communicating with the front and rear sides of the game assistance area 200. The rear of the relay passage unit 500 attached to the relay passage unit mounting section 205 is exposed to the rear side of the game assistance area 200 through this communication hole.

[0052] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, a tank unit mounting section 207 is formed on the rear side of the game assistance area 200. A tank unit 300 is attached to the tank unit mounting section 207. Since the bracket 35 provided on the rear side of the game assistance area 200 is formed in a gate shape that protrudes to the rear, the tank unit 300 can be attached to the tank unit mounting section 207 from below in a detachable manner while the frame control board case unit 31 is attached to the rear side of the bracket 35. Also, as shown in Figure 26, a collection passage section 209 is formed above the tank unit mounting section 207 on the rear side of the game assistance area 200. Game balls that reach the rear side of the game board 20 (out balls that pass through the out opening 29 and safe balls that pass through the winning openings of the various winning devices 25-27) fall to the upstream part of the collection passage section 209, flow down the collection passage section 209, and are stored in the tank unit 300.

[0053] [Launch Unit Configuration] Next, the launching unit 210 will be described with additional reference to Figures 20 to 23. As shown in Figures 20 to 22, the launching unit 210 is composed of a launching device 211 and a ball feeding device 251. The ball feeding device 251 feeds game balls one by one to the launching device 211, and the launching device 211 launches the game balls towards the upper left towards the game area PA. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the launching device 211 is composed of a launching rail section 221 and a launching mechanism section 231.

[0054] As shown in Figure 22, the launch rail section 221 is composed of a base plate 222, a launch rail 228, and a launch ball holder 229. The base plate 222 is formed in a plate shape using a resin material. Mounting holes 222a are formed at the four corners of the base plate 222. The launch unit 210 (base plate 222) is attached and fixed to the launch unit mounting section 201 by inserting a launch device fixing screw (not shown) through the device mounting hole 222a and screwing it into the screw hole (not shown) of the launch unit mounting section 201. An insertion hole 222b is formed in the center of the base plate 222. The movable iron core 234 of the rotary solenoid 233 (see also Figure 21), which is attached to the rear side of the base plate 222, is inserted through the insertion hole 222b.

[0055] A launch-side connecting portion 223 is formed on the upper and lower right end of the base plate 222. The launch-side connecting portion 223 is connected to the ball-feeding-side connecting portion 262 of the ball-feeding device 251, and is designed to support the ball-feeding device 251 so that it can open and close laterally. A locking projection 224 is formed on the upper left front side of the base plate 222. The locking piece 263 of the ball-feeding device 251 engages with the locking projection 224. An engagement hole 225 is formed on the lower left front side of the base plate 222. The engagement piece 264 of the ball-feeding device 251 engages with the engagement hole 225. A first stopper mounting portion 226 is formed on the right central front side of the base plate 222. The first stopper member 236 of the launch mechanism 231 is attached to the first stopper mounting portion 226. A second stopper mounting portion 227 is formed on the upper right front side of the base plate 222. The second stopper mounting portion 227 is to which the second stopper member 237 of the firing mechanism portion 231 is attached.

[0056] The launch rail 228 is formed by bending a metal plate so that its cross-section is V-shaped. The launch rail 228 is attached to the left front side of the base plate 222 so as to extend diagonally upward to the left from the position where the game ball is struck at the lower right end toward the launch passage 24 (i.e., upward toward the rail surface near the lower end of the outer rail member 23). In this way, the launch rail 228 guides the game ball launched by the launch mechanism 231 toward the launch passage 24. The launch ball holder 229 is provided on the left front side of the base plate 222, facing the rail surface of the launch rail 228. The launch ball holder 229 holds the game ball in place at the striking position located at the lower right end of the launch rail 228.

[0057] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the launching mechanism 231 comprises a hammer 232 for launching game balls, a rotary solenoid 233 for oscillating the hammer 232, and a first stopper member 236 and a second stopper member 237 for receiving the hammer 232. The rotary solenoid 233 is attached to the rear side of the base plate 222 using fixing members (not shown), such as screws. The movable iron core 234 of the rotary solenoid 233 is inserted through an insertion hole 222b in the base plate 222 and reaches the front side of the base plate 222. The hammer 232 is connected to the tip of this movable iron core 234 and attached to the front side of the base plate 222.

[0058] As a result, the hammer 232 is configured to swing from side to side, using the movable iron core 234 as the pivot axis by the operation of the rotary solenoid 233, between a hitting position where it can hit the game ball sent to the launch rail 228, and a standby position located to the lower right of the hitting position (see Figure 22). In other words, the hammer 232 launches the game ball towards the game area PA by swinging from the standby position to the hitting position. Specifically, when the rotary solenoid 233 is turned on, the hammer 232 swings from the standby position to the hitting position by the driving force of the rotary solenoid 233, and when the rotary solenoid 233 is turned off, the hammer 232 swings from the hitting position to the standby position using gravity.

[0059] The first stopper member 236 and the second stopper member 237 are formed in an elastic block shape using an elastic resin material such as NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene-rubber). The first stopper member 236 is attached to the first stopper mounting portion 226 of the base plate 222 facing left. The first stopper member 236 contacts the right side of the central part of the hammer 232 when it swings to the standby position, thereby restricting the swing of the hammer 232 to the right beyond the standby position. The second stopper member 237 is attached to the second stopper mounting portion 227 of the base plate 222, facing downward to the left. The second stopper member 237 contacts the upper right side of the hammer 232 as it swings to the ball-hit position, thereby restricting the hammer 232 from swinging to the left beyond the ball-hit position.

[0060] As shown in Figures 20, 22, and 23, the ball feeding device 251 comprises a case member 261, a case lid member 271, a ball feeding member 281, a linear solenoid 291, and a ball feeding sensor 293. The case member 261 is formed in the shape of a box with an open front using a translucent resin material (for example, a transparent resin material). The case lid member 271 is formed in the shape of a lid that covers the front side of the case member 261 using a translucent resin material (for example, a transparent resin material), and is attached to the front side of the case member 261. A ball feeding passage 276 is formed between the case member 261 and the case lid member 271.

[0061] The ball feeding passage 276 extends diagonally downward to the right from the left end of the ball feeding device 251. At the left end of the ball feeding passage 276, a ball inlet 277 is formed, aligned with the game ball outlet 513 of the relay passage unit 500, so that game balls flowing down the game ball relay passage 512 of the relay passage unit 500 pass through the game ball outlet 513. At the rear right end of the ball feeding passage 276, a discharge opening 278 is formed, so that game balls that have flowed into the ball feeding passage 276 are sent out from this discharge opening 278 to the launch rail 228 of the launch device 211 by the ball feeding member 281.

[0062] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, ball feeding side connecting portions 262 are formed at the upper and lower right ends of the case member 261. The ball feeding side connecting portion 262 is rotatably connected to the launch side connecting portion 223 of the launching device 211 (base plate 222) around an axis extending in the vertical direction. As a result, the ball feeding device 251 is supported by the launch side connecting portion 223 of the launching device 211 so as to be able to open and close laterally, in a launching device open position that opens the front side of the launching device 211 and a launching device closed position that closes the front side of the launching device 211. This configuration makes it easy to access the launch rail 228, hammer 232, etc., which are located on the front side of the launching device 211.

[0063] A locking piece 263 is formed on the upper left rear side of the case member 261. When the ball feeding device 251 is displaced to the launching device closed position, the locking piece 263 engages with the locking projection 224 of the launching device 211 in a detachable manner. An engaging piece 264 is formed on the lower left rear side of the case member 261. When the ball feeding device 251 is displaced to the launching device closed position, the engaging piece 264 engages with the engaging hole 225 of the launching device 211 in a detachable manner. The locking piece 263 of the ball feeding device 251 engages with the locking projection 224 of the launching device 211, and the engaging piece 264 of the ball feeding device 251 engages with the engaging hole 225 of the launching device 211, thereby fixing and holding the ball feeding device 251 in the launching device closed position.

[0064] Multiple locking projections 265 for the lid are formed on the outer circumference of the case member 261. The locking piece 272 for the lid of the case lid member 271 is removably locked to the locking projections 265 for the lid. A ball feeding member support portion 266 is formed on the front side of the central part of the case member 261. The ball feeding member support portion 266 rotatably supports the (rear) shaft portion 282 of the ball feeding member 281. A solenoid mounting portion 267 is formed near the top of the ball feeding member support portion 266 on the front side of the case member 261. A linear solenoid 291 is mounted on the solenoid mounting portion 267. The linear solenoid 291 has a movable iron core (not shown) connected to the ball feeding member 281, and causes the ball feeding member 281 to swing in the vertical direction.

[0065] A sensor mounting portion 268 is formed on the lower rear side of the case member 261. A ball feeding sensor 293 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 268. The ball feeding sensor 293 is constructed using a magnetic sensor or the like. The ball feeding sensor 293 detects game balls passing through the dispensing opening 278. The system outputs a game ball detection signal to a frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31.

[0066] A firing-side contact portion 269 is formed at the left end of the case member 261, protruding to the left. The firing-side contact portion 269 is formed as a projection with an inclined surface that extends diagonally downward to the left, and is designed to contact the relay-side contact portion 532 of the relay ball stopper member 530 in the relay passage unit 500. In addition, a chamfered portion (not shown) is formed on the rear side of the inclined surface of the firing-side contact portion 269.

[0067] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, a plurality of lid locking pieces 272 projecting backward are formed on the outer circumference of the case lid member 271. The lid locking pieces 272 are detachably locked to the lid locking projections 265 of the case member 261. By locking the lid locking pieces 272 of the case lid member 271 to the lid locking projections 265 of the case member 261, the case lid member 271 is attached and fixed to the front side of the case member 261. A ball feeding member support portion 273 is formed on the rear side of the central part of the case lid member 271. The ball feeding member support portion 273 rotatably supports the (front) shaft portion 282 of the ball feeding member 281. A vertically extending elongated through-hole portion 274 is formed near the left side of the ball feeding member support portion 273 in the central part of the case lid member 271. The guide pin portion 283 of the ball feeding member 281 is inserted through the insertion hole portion 274.

[0068] As shown in Figure 23, the ball feeding member 281 is formed in a block shape extending in the left-right direction using a resin material such as polyacetal resin (POM). Shaft portions 282 are formed on the front and rear sides of the ball feeding member 281. The ball feeding member 281 is configured to swing vertically between a passable position, which allows game balls to pass through the dispensing opening 278, and a pass-restricting position (see Figure 23), which restricts game balls from passing through the dispensing opening 278, by the operation of a linear solenoid 291, with the shaft portion 282 as the pivot axis. By swinging vertically between the passable position and the pass-restricting position, the ball feeding member 281 sends game balls that have flowed into the ball feeding passage 276 one by one from the dispensing opening 278 to the launch rail 228 of the launching device 211.

[0069] A guide pin portion 283 is formed on the front side of the central part of the ball feeding member 281. The guide pin portion 283 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 274 of the case lid member 271, and when the ball feeding member 281 swings to a passable position above the passable position, it contacts the upper end of the insertion hole portion 274, and when the ball feeding member 281 swings to a passable position below the passable position, it contacts the lower end of the insertion hole portion 274. A passage restricting portion 284 is formed on the upper left side of the ball feeding member 281. The passage restricting portion 284 blocks a part of the ball feeding passage 276 when the ball feeding member 281 swings to the passable position, and catches the game balls that flow into the ball feeding passage 276. An exit passage portion 285 is formed on the lower left side of the ball feeding member 281. The exit passage section 285 is designed to guide the game balls that have flowed into the ball feeding passage 276 to the discharge opening 278 when the ball feeding member 281 swings to a position through which it can pass.

[0070] [Tank Unit Configuration] Next, the tank unit 300 will be described with additional reference to Figures 24 to 30. As shown in Figures 24 to 28, the tank unit 300 is composed of a front tank member 310, a rear tank member 320, an upper detection member 330, a lower detection member 340, a ball removal member 350, and a tank ball stopper member 360. The tank unit 300 stores game balls that have flowed down the recovery passage section 209 or game balls that have flowed down the foul ball relay passage 517 of the relay passage unit 500. Hereafter, game balls that flow down the recovery passage section 209 may be referred to as discharged balls, and game balls that flow down the foul ball relay passage 517 may be referred to as foul balls.

[0071] As shown in Figures 24 to 28, the front tank member 310 is formed in a box shape with an open rear end using a translucent resin material (for example, a transparent resin material). 20 is formed in the shape of a lid that covers the rear side of the front tank member 310 using a translucent resin material (for example, a transparent resin material), and is attached to the rear side of the front tank member 310. Between the front tank member 310 and the rear tank member 320, an upper tank passage 301 and a lower tank passage 302 are formed through which game balls can flow down.

[0072] As shown in Figures 26 to 28, the upper tank passage 301 extends diagonally downward to the right from the left side of the tank unit 300 and connects to the upstream end of the lower tank passage 302. The lower tank passage 302 connects to the downstream end of the upper tank passage 301 and extends diagonally downward to the left from the right side of the tank unit 300. A ball-removal opening 303 into which game balls can fall is formed at the bottom of the downstream portion of the lower tank passage 302, which is located in the lower left part of the tank unit 300. A ball-outlet 304 into which game balls can pass is formed at the downstream end of the lower tank passage 302, which is located at the left end of the tank unit 300. In addition, an earth member 376 is attached to the bottom of the lower tank passage 302. The earth member 376 is formed in the shape of a thin plate using a conductive material such as metal.

[0073] As shown in Figures 24 and 28, a foul ball inlet 311 and a foul ball inlet passage 312 are formed on the upper left front side of the front tank member 310, through which game balls (foul balls) that have flowed down the foul ball relay passage 517 of the relay passage unit 500 pass. The foul ball inlet 311 is formed to open upward so as to be aligned with the foul ball outlet 518 of the relay passage unit 500. The foul ball inlet passage 312 is formed to extend diagonally downward and rearward from the foul ball inlet 311, and as shown in Figures 26 and 27, it is connected to the upstream end of the upper tank passage 301. As shown in Figures 24 and 28, a discharge ball inlet 313 and a discharge ball inlet passage 314 are formed on the upper left side of the front tank member 310, through which game balls (discharged balls) that have flowed down the recovery passage section 209 pass. The discharge ball inlet 313 is formed to open upward so as to be aligned with the downstream end of the recovery passage section 209. The ball discharge inlet passage 314 extends downward from the foul ball inlet 311 and connects to the upstream end of the upper tank passage 301, as shown in Figures 26 and 27.

[0074] Furthermore, a ball discharge sensor mounting portion 315 is formed on the upper left of the front tank member 310. A ball discharge sensor 371 is attached to the ball discharge sensor mounting portion 315. The ball discharge sensor 371 is constructed using a magnetic sensor or the like. The ball discharge sensor 371 detects game balls (discharged balls) passing through the ball discharge inlet 313 and outputs a ball discharge detection signal to a frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31. A board mounting portion 317 is formed on the upper rear side of the front tank member 310. A relay board 375 is attached to the board mounting portion 317.

[0075] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, a lower sensor mounting portion 316 is formed on the lower right portion of the front tank member 310. A lower detection sensor 373 capable of detecting the lower detection member 340 is attached to the lower sensor mounting portion 316. As shown in Figures 24 and 25, a plurality of tank mounting holes 318 are formed on the lower end of the front tank member 310. The tank unit 300 is detachably attached and fixed to the tank unit mounting portion 207 by inserting tank unit fixing screws (not shown) through the tank mounting holes 318 and screwing them into the screw holes (not shown) of the tank unit mounting portion 207. Note that the tank unit 300 may be detachably attached and fixed to the tank unit mounting portion 207 using fixing members other than tank unit fixing screws, such as nylon latches.

[0076] As shown in Figures 24 and 27, a ball-removing member mounting portion 322 is formed on the lower left of the front tank member 310 and the rear tank member 320. A ball-removing member 350 is attached to the ball-removing member mounting portion 322 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. A ball-stopping member mounting portion 323 is formed on the left end of the rear tank member 320. The ball-stopping member mounting portion 323 is attached to the tank A ball retaining member 360 is mounted so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. A spring mounting portion 324 is formed near the ball retaining member mounting portion 323 on the left side of the rear tank member 320. A ball retaining member biasing spring 365 is attached to the spring mounting portion 324. In addition, an upper sensor mounting portion (not shown) is formed in the center of the rear tank member 320. An upper detection sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the upper detection member 330 is attached to the upper sensor mounting portion.

[0077] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the lower detection member 340 is formed from a light-shielding resin material into a plate shape extending in the left-right direction and is attached to the lower right side of the front tank member 310 and the rear tank member 320. Shaft portions 341 are formed on the front and rear sides of the lower detection member 340. The lower detection member 340 is configured to swing vertically between a detection position in which the lower detection sensor 373 detects the lower detection member 340 and a non-detection position in which the lower detection sensor 373 does not detect anything (see Figure 27), using the shaft portions 341 as the pivot axis. A floor plate-shaped game ball contact portion 342, which constitutes part of the upstream section of the lower tank passage 302, is formed on the upper part of the lower detection member 340. When a game ball located at the upstream end of the lower tank passage 302 contacts the game ball contact portion 342, the lower detection member 340 swings to the non-detection position due to the weight of the game ball.

[0078] A weight 344, lighter than a game ball, is attached to the right end of the lower detection member 340. When there is no game ball at the upstream end of the lower tank passage 302 and the game ball contact portion 342 is in a non-contact state, the lower detection member 340 swings to the detection position due to the weight of the weight 344. The lower detection sensor 373 is configured using a photosensor or the like. The lower detection sensor 373 detects the lower detection member 340 that has swung to the detection position and outputs a detection signal of the lower detection member 340 to the frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31, indicating that there is no game ball at the upstream end of the lower tank passage 302.

[0079] The upper detection member 330 is formed similarly to the lower detection member 340 and is attached to the central part of the front tank member 310 and the rear tank member 320. The upper detection member 330 is configured to swing vertically between a detection position in which the upper detection sensor (not shown) detects the upper detection member 330 and a non-detection position in which the upper detection sensor does not detect anything, with a shaft portion (not shown) as the pivot axis. A floor plate-shaped game ball contact portion 332, which forms part of the middle section of the upper tank passage 301, is formed on the upper part of the upper detection member 330. When a game ball located in the middle section of the upper tank passage 301 contacts the game ball contact portion 332, the upper detection member 330 swings to the non-detection position due to the weight of the game ball.

[0080] When no game balls are present in the middle section of the upper tank passage 301 and the game ball contact section 332 is in a non-contact state, the upper detection member 330 swings to the detection position due to the action of the weight (not shown) itself. The upper detection sensor is configured in the same way as the lower detection sensor 373. The upper detection sensor detects the upper detection member 330 that has swung to the detection position and outputs a detection signal for the upper detection member 330 to the frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31, indicating that no game balls are present in the middle section of the upper tank passage 301. As shown in Figure 24, a cover member 377 is attached to the front side of the front tank member 310 to cover and shield the front of the upper detection sensor and the lower detection sensor 373 from light.

[0081] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the ball-removing member 350 is formed from a resin material into a plate shape extending in the left-right direction. The ball-removing member 350 has an opening / closing rail portion 351 that can open and close the ball-removing opening 303 of the lower tank passage 302, and a knob portion 352 that can be grasped by an operator with their fingers. The ball-removing member 350 is mounted on the ball-removing member mounting portion 322 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction between a non-ball-removing position where the opening / closing rail portion 351 closes the ball-removing opening 303 (see solid line in Figure 26) and a ball-removing position where the opening / closing rail portion 351 opens the ball-removing opening 303 (see dashed line in Figure 26).

[0082] When the ball removal member 350 slides to the left non-ball removal position, the opening / closing rail section 351 closes the ball removal opening 303, causing the game balls that have reached the downstream part of the lower tank passage 302 to roll along the opening / closing rail section 351 and reach the downstream end of the lower tank passage 302. When the ball removal member 350 slides to the right ball removal position, the opening / closing rail section 351 opens the ball removal opening 303, causing the game balls that have reached the downstream part of the lower tank passage 302 to fall into the ball removal opening 303, pass through the ball removal opening 303, and drop below the tank unit 300.

[0083] As shown in Figures 28 to 30, the tank ball stopper member 360 is formed in a block shape extending vertically using a resin material such as polyacetal resin (POM). The tank ball stopper member 360 is mounted on the ball stopper member mounting portion 323 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction between a passage restriction position (see Figure 29) that restricts game balls from passing through the ball outlet 304 and a passable position (see Figure 30) that allows game balls to pass through the ball outlet 304. A plate-shaped ball stopper portion 361 extending downward is formed at the lower part of the tank ball stopper member 360. The ball stopper portion 361 is designed to block a part of the ball outlet 304 when the tank ball stopper member 360 moves to the passage restriction position, and to catch game balls that have reached the downstream end of the lower tank passage 302.

[0084] A tank-side contact portion 362 is formed at the front of the tank ball stopper member 360, protruding forward. The tank-side contact portion 362 is formed as a projection with an inclined surface that extends diagonally downward and forward, so that the transfer-side contact portion 435 of the transfer device 400 comes into contact with it. A spring receiving portion 363 is formed on the right rear side of the tank ball stopper member 360. The front end of the ball stopper member biasing spring 365, which is attached to the spring mounting portion 324, comes into contact with the spring receiving portion 363. The ball stopper member biasing spring 365 is constructed using a compression coil spring or the like, and applies a biasing force to the tank ball stopper member 360 in the direction toward the passage restriction position.

[0085] [Configuration of the transfer device] Next, the transfer device 400 will be described with additional reference to Figures 31 to 35. As shown in Figures 31 to 35, the transfer device 400 is composed of a case unit 410, a rear cover member 430, a transfer member 440, a polishing unit 450, a drive motor 460, a first drive force transmission mechanism 470, a second drive force transmission mechanism 475, and a transfer ball stopper member 480. The transfer device 400 lifts the game balls contained in the tank unit 300 from the ball outlet 304 at the bottom of the tank unit 300 and sends them to the relay passage unit 500.

[0086] As shown in Figures 31 to 35, the case unit 410 is formed in a box shape using a translucent resin material (for example, a transparent resin material). A lower passage 411 is formed in the lower inside of the case unit 410 through which game balls can flow down. The lower passage 411 is formed extending diagonally downward from the lower rear side of the case unit 410. An upper passage 412 is formed in the upper inside of the case unit 410 through which game balls can flow down. The upper passage 412 is formed extending to the right from the upper center of the case unit 410. A ball outlet 413 is formed at the downstream end of the upper passage 412, located in the upper right part of the case unit 410, through which game balls can pass.

[0087] As shown in Figure 35, a transfer member housing section 414 is formed on the right side inside the case unit 410. The transfer member 440 is rotatably housed in the transfer member housing section 414. A rotation detection sensor 465 is mounted on the lower right side inside the case unit 410. The rotation detection sensor 465 is constructed using a photosensor or the like. The rotation detection sensor 465 detects the rotation of the transfer member 440 and outputs a rotation detection signal of the transfer member 440 to the frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31. An upper passage sensor 467 is mounted on the upper right side inside the case unit 410. The upper passage sensor 467 is constructed using a photosensor or the like. The upper passage sensor 467 detects the game balls flowing down the upper passage 412. The system outputs a game ball detection signal to a frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31.

[0088] As shown in Figure 35, a polishing unit housing section 415 is formed on the lower left side inside the case unit 410. The polishing unit 450 is rotatably housed in the polishing unit housing section 415. A motor housing section 416 is formed on the upper left side inside the case unit 410. The front portion of the drive motor 460 is housed in the motor housing section 416. An upper gear mounting section 417 is formed in the space between the polishing unit housing section 415 and the motor housing section 416 inside the case unit 410. The pinion gear 471 and the first gear 472 of the first drive force transmission mechanism 470 are rotatably mounted on the upper gear mounting section 417. A lower gear mounting section 418 is formed on the lower side inside the case unit 410. The second gear 476 and the third gear 477 of the second drive force transmission mechanism 475 are rotatably mounted on the lower gear mounting section 418.

[0089] As shown in Figure 34, a spring mounting portion 419 is formed on the lower rear side of the case unit 410. A ball-stopping member biasing spring 485 is attached to the spring mounting portion 419. A lower passage sensor 466 is also attached to the lower rear side of the case unit 410. The lower passage sensor 466 is constructed using a photosensor or the like. The lower passage sensor 466 detects the game balls flowing down the lower passage 411 and outputs a game ball detection signal to the frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31.

[0090] As shown in Figure 33, an opening / closing cover mounting portion 421 is formed on the front right side of the case unit 410. An opening / closing cover 425 is attached to the opening / closing cover mounting portion 421 so as to be able to open and close an opening (not shown) formed on the front of the case unit 410. A closing and holding portion 422 is formed on the front left side of the case unit 410. The closing and holding portion 422 holds the opening / closing cover 425 in a closed state over the opening of the case unit 410. When the opening / closing cover 425 opens the opening of the case unit 410, the polishing unit housing portion 415 is exposed, and the polishing member 451 of the polishing unit 450 housed in the polishing unit housing portion 415 can be replaced.

[0091] As shown in Figures 31 and 34, the rear cover member 430 is formed in the shape of a lid that covers the rear side of the case unit 410 using a translucent resin material (for example, a transparent resin material), and is attached to the rear side of the case unit 410. A ball inlet 431 and an inlet passage 432 are formed on the lower right side of the rear cover member 430, through which the game balls that have flowed down the lower tank passage 302 of the tank unit 300 pass. The ball inlet 431 is formed to open to the right so as to align with the ball outlet 304 of the tank unit 300. The inlet passage 432 is formed to extend from the ball inlet 431, curving diagonally downward to the left and diagonally downward forward, and is connected to the upstream end of the lower passage 411.

[0092] A ball stopper mounting portion 433 is formed near the upper part of the entrance passage 432 at the lower part of the rear cover member 430. A transfer ball stopper member 480 is attached to the ball stopper mounting portion 433 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. In addition, a through hole portion 434 is formed at the rear of the ball stopper mounting portion 433. The member contact portion 482 of the ball stopper mounting portion 433 is inserted through the through hole portion 434. A transfer-side contact portion 435 is formed to the left of the ball stopper mounting portion 433 at the lower part of the rear cover member 430, protruding to the right. The transfer-side contact portion 435 is formed as a projection with an inclined surface that extends diagonally upward and backward, and is designed to contact the tank-side contact portion 362 of the tank ball stopper member 360 in the tank unit 300. A motor housing portion 436 for housing the rear part of the drive motor 460 is formed in the upper left part of the rear cover member 430.

[0093] As shown in Figure 35, the transfer member 440 is formed from a resin material into a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. A spiral portion 441 is formed on the outer circumference of the transfer member 440. The transfer member 440 is rotatably housed in the transfer member housing portion 414 of the case unit 410. The third gear 477 of the second drive force transmission mechanism 475 is connected to the lower end of the transfer member 440. The transfer member 440 rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, causing game balls that have reached the downstream end of the lower passage 411 to be pushed up by the spiral portion 441 and rise to the upstream end of the upper passage 412.

[0094] As shown in Figure 35, the polishing unit 450 is composed of a polishing member 451, an upper support portion 452, and a lower support portion 453, and is rotatably housed in the polishing unit housing portion 415 of the case unit 410. The polishing member 451 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is detachably supported by the upper support portion 452 and the lower support portion 453. The upper support portion 452 is connected to the first gear 472 of the first drive force transmission mechanism 470 and is configured to rotatably support the upper part of the polishing member 451. The lower support portion 453 is connected to the second gear 476 of the second drive force transmission mechanism 475 and is configured to rotatably support the lower part of the polishing member 451. The polishing member 451 is configured to contact the game ball as it rises, sandwiched between it and the transport member 440, and polish the surface of the game ball by rotating around a rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction.

[0095] The drive motor 460 is configured using a servo motor or the like, and as shown in Figure 35, it is housed in the motor housing section 416 of the case unit 410 and the motor housing section 436 of the rear cover member 430. The drive motor 460 rotates the polishing unit 450 (polishing member 451) and the transfer member 440 via the first drive force transmission mechanism 470 and the second drive force transmission mechanism 475.

[0096] As shown in Figure 35, the first drive force transmission mechanism 470 is configured to include a pinion gear 471 connected to the output shaft (not shown) of the drive motor 460, and a first gear 472 that meshes with the pinion gear 471 and is connected to the upper support portion 452 of the polishing unit 450. The first drive force transmission mechanism 470 transmits the rotational drive force of the drive motor 460 to the upper support portion 452 of the polishing unit 450 via the pinion gear 471 and the first gear 472.

[0097] As shown in Figure 35, the second drive force transmission mechanism 475 is configured to include a second gear 476 connected to the lower support portion 453 of the polishing unit 450, and a third gear 477 that meshes with the second gear 476 and is connected to the lower end of the transfer member 440. The second drive force transmission mechanism 475 transmits the rotational drive force of the drive motor 460 to the transfer member 440 via the second gear 476 and the third gear 477.

[0098] As shown in Figure 34, the transport ball stopper member 480 is formed in the shape of a plate extending in the front-rear direction using a resin material such as polyacetal resin (POM). The transport ball stopper member 480 is attached to the ball stopper member mounting portion 433 of the case unit 410 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction between a passage restriction position (see Figure 31) that restricts game balls from passing through the ball inlet 431 and a passable position (see Figure 32) that allows game balls to pass through the ball inlet 431. A plate-shaped ball stopper portion 481 extending downward is formed at the lower part of the transport ball stopper member 480. The ball stopper portion 481 is designed to block a part of the ball inlet 431 when the transport ball stopper member 480 moves to the passage restriction position, and to catch game balls that flow back in the inlet passage 432.

[0099] A member contact portion 482 is formed at the rear of the transfer ball stopper member 480, protruding rearward. The member contact portion 482 is designed to contact the rear wall portion (not shown) of the transfer device mounting portion 203. A spring receiving portion 483 is formed on the left front side of the transfer ball stopper member 480. The rear end of the ball stopper member biasing spring 485, which is attached to the spring mounting portion 419, is attached to the spring receiving portion 483. They are designed to come into contact. The ball-stopping member biasing spring 485 is constructed using a compression coil spring or the like and applies a biasing force in the direction that the transport ball-stopping member 480 moves toward the passage restriction position.

[0100] [Configuration of the relay passage unit] Next, the relay passage unit 500 will be described with additional reference to Figures 36 to 42. As shown in Figures 36 to 40, the relay passage unit 500 is composed of a passage forming member 510, a relay ball stopping member 530, and a light-shielding cover 540. The relay passage unit 500 causes the game balls sent from the transfer device 400 to flow down to the launching unit 210.

[0101] As shown in Figures 36 to 40, the passage forming member 510 is formed in a box shape using a translucent resin material (for example, a transparent resin material). A game ball relay passage 512 is formed on the front interior side of the passage forming member 510, through which game balls can flow down. The game ball relay passage 512 is formed by bending in a roughly L-shape when viewed from the front, from the upper left to the lower right of the passage forming member 510. At the upstream end of the game ball relay passage 512, located in the upper left of the passage forming member 510, a game ball inlet 511 is formed, aligned with the ball outlet 413 of the transfer device 400, through which game balls can pass. At the downstream end of the game ball relay passage 512, located in the lower right of the passage forming member 510, a game ball outlet 513 is formed, aligned with the ball inlet 277 of the launching unit 210, through which game balls can pass.

[0102] As shown in Figure 38, a foul ball relay passage 517 is formed on the rear side of the passage forming member 510, through which game balls can flow down. The foul ball relay passage 517 extends diagonally downward from the rear upper part of the passage forming member 510. At the upstream end of the foul ball relay passage 517, located at the rear upper part of the passage forming member 510, a foul ball collection port 516 is formed facing upward, into which game balls launched from the launching unit 210 that did not reach the game area PA fall (see also Figure 42). As shown in Figure 39, at the downstream end of the foul ball relay passage 517, located at the rear lower part of the passage forming member 510, a foul ball outlet 518 is formed, aligned with the foul ball inlet 311 of the tank unit 300, through which game balls can pass.

[0103] As shown in Figure 39, a first game ball detection sensor mounting portion 521 is formed on the lower right side of the passage forming member 510. A first game ball detection sensor 551 is attached to the first game ball detection sensor mounting portion 521. The first game ball detection sensor 551 is constructed using a photosensor or the like. The first game ball detection sensor 551 detects game balls flowing downstream of the game ball relay passage 512 and outputs a game ball detection signal to a frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31. A second game ball detection sensor mounting portion 522 is formed to the left of the first game ball detection sensor mounting portion 521 at the lower part of the passage forming member 510. A second game ball detection sensor 552 is attached to the second game ball detection sensor mounting portion 522. The second game ball detection sensor 552 is constructed using a photosensor or the like. The second game ball detection sensor 552 detects game balls flowing down the middle section of the game ball relay passage 512 and outputs a game ball detection signal to the frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31.

[0104] As shown in Figures 37 and 39, a foul ball detection sensor mounting section 523 is formed at the lower rear of the passage forming member 510. A foul ball detection sensor 553 is attached to the foul ball detection sensor mounting section 523. The foul ball detection sensor 553 is constructed using a magnetic sensor or the like. The foul ball detection sensor 553 detects game balls (foul balls) passing through the foul ball exit 518 and outputs a foul ball detection signal to a frame control board (not shown) that constitutes the frame control board case unit 31. As shown in Figures 40 and 41, a ball stopper member mounting section 524 is formed at the upper right of the passage forming member 510. A relay ball stopper member 530 is attached to the ball stopper member mounting section 524 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.

[0105] As shown in Figure 39, a rib-shaped passage member engaging portion 525 is provided at the bottom of the passage forming member 510. The passage member engaging portion 525 is formed. The passage member engaging portion 525 engages with an engaging claw portion (not shown) formed at the bottom of the intermediate passage unit mounting portion 205 in a removable manner. With the passage member engaging portion 525 of the passage forming member 510 and the engaging claw portion of the intermediate passage unit mounting portion 205 engaged, the intermediate passage unit 500 (passage forming member 510) is attached and fixed to the intermediate passage unit mounting portion 205.

[0106] As shown in Figures 40 and 41, the relay ball stopper member 530 is formed in a vertically extending block shape using a resin material such as polyacetal resin (POM). The relay ball stopper member 530 is mounted on the ball stopper member mounting portion 524 so as to be slidable vertically between a passage restriction position that restricts game balls from passing through the game ball exit 513 and a passable position (see Figure 40) that allows game balls to pass through the game ball exit 513. A downwardly extending plate-shaped ball stopper portion 531 is formed at the lower part of the relay ball stopper member 530. The ball stopper portion 531 is designed to block a portion of the game ball exit 513 when the relay ball stopper member 530 moves to the passage restriction position, and to catch game balls that have reached the downstream end of the game ball relay passage 512.

[0107] A relay-side contact portion 532 is formed on the left side of the relay ball stopper member 530. The relay-side contact portion 532 is formed in a recessed shape with an inclined surface that extends diagonally upward to the right, so that the launch-side contact portion 269 of the launch unit 210 makes contact with it. In addition, a ball stopper member biasing spring 535 is attached to the ball stopper member mounting portion 524 of the passage forming member 510 together with the relay ball stopper member 530. The ball stopper member biasing spring 535 is made using a compression coil spring or the like and applies a biasing force to the relay ball stopper member 530 in the direction toward the passage restriction position.

[0108] As shown in Figure 36, the light-shielding cover 540 is formed in the shape of a thin plate using a light-shielding resin material. The light-shielding cover 540 is attached to the front side of the passage forming member 510 and covers the front of the first game ball detection sensor 551 and the second game ball detection sensor 552 to block light.

[0109] The enclosed, circulating pachinko game machine PM, configured as described above, has its outer frame 1 fixedly installed on a game island (not shown) in a game facility, and is put into use with the front frame 2, glass frame 5, etc. closed and locked. Gameplay is started by rotating the launch handle 9. When the launch handle 9 is rotated, the ball feeding device 251 of the launch unit 210 sends game balls one by one to the launch device 211, and the launch device 211 shoots the game balls upward and to the left towards the game area PA.

[0110] Game balls that roll down the game area PA of the game board 20 and enter the prize-winning openings of the various prize-winning devices 25-27 or flow into the out-out opening 29 flow down to the rear side of the game board 20 through through-holes (not shown) formed in the game board 20. Game balls that reach the rear side of the game board 20 fall into the upstream part of the collection passage 209, flow down the collection passage 209 and are stored in the tank unit 300. Game balls that are launched by the launching device 211 and do not reach the game area PA fall into the foul ball collection opening 516 of the relay passage unit 500. Game balls that fall into the foul ball collection opening 516 flow down the foul ball relay passage 517 of the relay passage unit 500 and are stored in the tank unit 300. The transfer device 400 raises the game balls stored in the tank unit 300 from the ball outlet 304 at the bottom of the tank unit 300 and sends them to the relay passage unit 500. The relay passage unit 500 causes the game balls sent from the transfer device 400 to flow down to the launch unit 210.

[0111] By the way, the launching unit 210 is attached to the launching unit mounting portion 201 of the game assistance area 200, and the relay passage unit 500 is attached to the relay passage unit mounting portion 205 of the game assistance area 200. At this time, the launching side contact portion 269 of the launching unit 210 contacts the relay side contact portion 532 of the relay ball stopper member 530 in the relay passage unit 500, pressing the relay ball stopper member 530 upward, and the relay ball stopper member 530 is biased by the ball stopper member biasing spring The balls move from the restricted position to the passable position against the biasing force of 535. As a result, the game balls flowing down the game ball relay passage 512 of the relay passage unit 500 can pass through the game ball exit 513 and flow from the ball inlet 277 into the ball feeding passage 276 of the launch unit 210 (ball feeding device 251).

[0112] When the ball feeding device 251 of the launching unit 210 is swung to the launching device open position, opening the front side of the launching device 211, the launching side contact portion 269 of the launching unit 210 (ball feeding device 251) separates from the relay side contact portion 532 of the relay ball stopper member 530. As a result, the relay ball stopper member 530 moves to the passage restriction position due to the biasing force of the ball stopper member biasing spring 535, thereby restricting game balls flowing down the game ball relay passage 512 of the relay passage unit 500 from passing through the game ball outlet 513. Therefore, even when the ball feeding device 251 of the launching unit 210 is swung to the launching device open position, opening the front side of the launching device 211, game balls flowing down the game ball relay passage 512 of the relay passage unit 500 do not flow out of the game ball outlet 513. This makes maintenance of the launching unit 210 easier and facilitates maintenance of the sealed circulation type pachinko game machine PM. When the ball feeding device 251 is swung from the launching device open position back to the launching device closed position, the launching side contact portion 269 of the launching unit 210 smoothly contacts the relay side contact portion 532 of the relay ball stopper member 530 with its chamfered portion (not shown), and then contacts the relay side contact portion 532, pressing the relay ball stopper member 530 upward again. This causes the relay ball stopper member 530 to move from the passage restriction position to the passage-allowed position against the biasing force of the ball stopper member biasing spring 535.

[0113] Furthermore, the tank unit 300 is attached to the tank unit mounting portion 207 of the game assistance area 200, and the transfer device 400 is attached to the transfer device mounting portion 203 of the game assistance area 200. At this time, the transfer-side contact portion 435 of the transfer device 400 contacts the tank-side contact portion 362 of the tank ball stopper member 360 in the tank unit 300, pushing the tank ball stopper member 360 backward, causing the tank ball stopper member 360 to move from a restricted position to a passable position against the biasing force of the ball stopper member biasing spring 365. In addition, the rear wall portion (not shown) of the transfer device mounting portion 203 contacts the member contact portion 482 of the transfer ball stopper member 480 in the transfer device 400, pushing the transfer ball stopper member 480 forward, causing the transfer ball stopper member 480 to move from a restricted position to a passable position against the biasing force of the ball stopper member biasing spring 485. This allows the game balls flowing down the lower tank passage 302 of the tank unit 300 to pass through the ball outlet 304 and flow into the inlet passage 432 of the transfer device 400 from the ball inlet 431.

[0114] When the transfer device 400 is removed from the transfer device mounting section 203, the transfer-side contact section 435 of the transfer device 400 separates from the tank-side contact section 362 of the tank ball-stopping member 360. As a result, the tank ball-stopping member 360 moves to a passage restriction position due to the biasing force of the ball-stopping member biasing spring 365, thereby restricting game balls contained in the tank unit 300 from passing through the ball outlet 304. Additionally, the rear wall section (not shown) of the transfer device mounting section 203 separates from the member contact section 482 of the transfer ball-stopping member 480. As a result, the transfer ball-stopping member 480 moves to a passage restriction position due to the biasing force of the ball-stopping member biasing spring 485, thereby restricting game balls that have flowed into the inlet passage 432 of the transfer device 400 from flowing back and passing through the ball inlet 431. Therefore, even if the transfer device 400 is removed from the transfer device mounting section 203, the game balls that have flowed into the inlet passage 432 of the transfer device 400 will not flow out from the ball inlet 431, and the game balls stored in the tank unit 300 will not flow out from the ball outlet 304. As a result, maintenance of the transfer device 400 becomes easier, and maintenance of the sealed-circulation type pachinko game machine PM becomes easier.

[0115] According to this embodiment, a launching unit 210, a tank unit 300, a transfer device 400, and a relay passage unit 500 are provided in the game assistance area 200 below the game board 20. As a result, the launching unit 210, the tank unit 300, the transfer device 400, and the relay passage unit 500 are arranged at approximately the same height, so the launching unit 210, the tank unit 300, the transfer device 400, and the relay passage unit 500 are arranged at approximately the same height. This facilitates access to the link unit 300, the transfer device 400, and the relay passage unit 500, making it easier to perform maintenance on the sealed-circulation type pachinko game machine PM.

[0116] Furthermore, the tank unit 300 is positioned between the front frame 2 and the frame control board case unit 31, attached to a tank unit mounting portion 207 located below the game board 20 on the rear side of the game assistance area 200, that is, on the rear side of the front frame 2. This allows the tank unit 300 to be attached to the tank unit mounting portion 207 from below without removing the frame control board case unit 31, thus facilitating maintenance of the tank unit 300 and enabling easy maintenance of the sealed-circulation type pachinko game machine PM.

[0117] Furthermore, when the tank unit 300 is attached to the tank unit mounting portion 207 and the transfer device 400 is attached to the transfer device mounting portion 203, the transfer-side contact portion 435 of the transfer device 400 contacts the tank-side contact portion 362 of the tank ball-stopping member 360, pressing the tank ball-stopping member 360. This causes the tank ball-stopping member 360 to move from a passage-restricted position to a passage-allowed position against the biasing force of the ball-stopping member biasing spring 365, allowing the game balls contained in the tank unit 300 to pass through the ball outlet 304 and flow into the transfer device 400. As a result, when the transfer device 400 is removed from the transfer device mounting section 203, the transfer-side contact portion 435 of the transfer device 400 separates from the tank-side contact portion 362 of the tank ball stopper member 360. Therefore, the tank ball stopper member 360 moves to a passage restriction position due to the biasing force of the ball stopper member biasing spring 365, thereby restricting the passage of game balls contained in the tank unit 300 from passing through the ball outlet 304. Consequently, even when the transfer device 400 is removed from the transfer device mounting section 203, the game balls contained in the tank unit 300 do not flow out of the ball outlet 304, making maintenance of the transfer device 400 easier and enabling easier maintenance of the sealed-circulation type pachinko game machine PM.

[0118] In the embodiments described above, a pachinko machine, which is a pinball game machine, was used as an example of a game machine to which the present invention is applied. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the same effects can be obtained by applying it to, for example, arrangement ball, mahjong ball game machines, slot machines, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] PM Pachinko (ball game machine) PA Gaming Area 1 Outer frame 2 Front frame 20 Game Boards 31 Frame control board 100 Upper lighting effect device 101 Base member 110 Light-emitting element substrate 113L First left light-emitting element, 113R First right light-emitting element 114L Second left light-emitting element, 114R Second right light-emitting element 115L Third left light-emitting element, 115R Third right light-emitting element 120 Lamp House 150L Left transparent member 150R Right transparent member 151L Left base section 151R Right base section 152L 1st left protrusion 152R 1st right protrusion 154L 2nd left protrusion 154R 2nd right protrusion 156L 3rd left protrusion 156R 3rd right protrusion 162L 1st left bending section 162R 1st right bending section 164L 2nd left bending section 164R 2nd right bending section 166L 3rd left bend 166R 3rd right bend 170 Decorative Cover 180 Lamp Cover 200 Gaming support area 201 Launch unit mounting section 203 Transfer device mounting section 205 Relay passage unit mounting section 207 Tank unit mounting section 209 Collection passage section 210 launch units 211 Launcher 251 Ball feeder 300 Tank Unit 360 Tank ball stopper 400 Transfer device 500 relay passage units

Claims

[Claim 1] A game board is provided on the front side with a game area having an entry slot into which game balls can be entered and an exit slot through which game balls that could not be entered into the entry slot pass, A frame member that holds the game board, A launching unit is attached below the game board in the frame member and launches game balls toward the game area, A collection passage section for allowing game balls that have entered the prize-winning slot or passed through the out-out slot and reached the rear side of the game board to flow down, A sealed-circulation type ball game machine comprising a tank unit attached below the game board in the frame member for storing game balls that have flowed down the recovery passage, A transfer device is attached below the game board in the frame member and moves the game balls contained in the tank unit upward from the bottom of the tank unit, A relay passage unit is attached below the game board in the frame member and causes the game balls sent from the transfer device to flow down to the launching unit, The game board is provided with a frame control means located below and behind the frame member, The launching unit comprises a launching device and a ball feeding device. The ball feeding device has a ball feeding passage and a dispensing section, and is configured to send game balls flowing down the ball feeding passage from the dispensing section to the launching rail of the launching device. The aforementioned dispensing unit is provided in the vicinity of the launch rail, The aforementioned ball dispensing unit is provided with a ball detection means for detecting game balls passing through the dispensing unit, and the detection signal output from the ball detection means is input to the frame control means, characterized in that the ball dispensing unit is provided with a ball detection means for detecting game balls passing through the dispensing unit, and the detection signal output from the ball detection means is input to the frame control means.

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