Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can prevent notification means from failing due to a collision of a game ball with an outer rail.SOLUTION: A guide passage (guide area) 29 is configured such that a game ball to be shot comes into contact with an outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 at a plurality of contact positions. The plurality of contact positions include a first contact position X1 at which the shot game ball firstly comes into contact with the outer guide rail 27. A main display (notification means) 40 is provided so as not to face to the first contact position X1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 30

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device. When the game ball wins a prize in a prize area such as a winning hole provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, and when the display result of the variable display of identification information becomes a specific display result, the game state is changed (a so-called pachinko machine) is known.

[0003] Also, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, when the player operates the start lever, the variable display of identification information is started, and when the player operates the stop switch, the variable display of identification information is stopped within the range of a predetermined maximum delay time from the operation timing. When all the variable displays are stopped, a prize occurs according to the display result derived at that time, and a predetermined game medium is paid out according to the prize. When a specific prize occurs, a gaming machine (so-called slot machine) that changes the game state is known.

[0004] As such a gaming machine, a gaming machine provided with a game board having a game area, a launching device (launching means) capable of launching a game ball, and an outer guiding rail (outer rail) capable of guiding the game ball launched by the launching device to the game area is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this type of gaming machine, the game ball launched by the launching device first contacts the proximal end side of the outer guiding rail, and then rises along the outer guiding rail and is guided to the game area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, it is well known that game boards are equipped with a main display (notification means) capable of notifying information related to the game as it progresses. In the game machine described in Patent Document 1, there was a risk that the main display would be damaged due to the game balls launched by the launching device coming into contact with the outer guide rail.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent damage to the notification means caused by a game ball colliding with the outer rail. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the first invention is: A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 101) comprises a game board having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a), a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, and a notification means (in this example, a main display 40) capable of notifying information related to the game, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) for guiding the game balls into the game area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, and the notification means is provided next to the guide area. In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: This includes a first contact position (in this example, first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The notification means is positioned so as not to face the first contact position.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the second invention is: A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 101) comprises a game board (in this example, a game board 108) having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a), a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, and a notification means (in this example, a main display 40) capable of notifying information related to the game, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) for guiding the game balls into the game area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, and the notification means is provided next to the guide area. In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball makes second contact with the outer rail, This includes a third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes third contact with the outer rail, The notification means is positioned so as not to face any of the first contact position, the second contact position, or the third contact position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent damage to the notification means caused by a game ball colliding with the outer rail. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine with the front frame open. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine with its inner frame open. [Figure 4]It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5] It is a front view of a game board. [Figure 6] It is a front view of a decorative plate. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of a light emitter unit. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing the application portion of an adhesive applied to a design sheet of a light emitter unit. [Figure 9] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the working procedures in the pasting operation of a design sheet of a light emitter unit. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application portion of an adhesive applied to a design sheet pasted on a resin cover of a normal winning opening. [Figure 11] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application portion of an adhesive applied to a design sheet pasted on a resin cover of a variable winning device. [Figure 12] In Modification 1, it is an explanatory diagram showing the application portion of an adhesive applied to a design sheet of a light emitter unit. [Figure 13] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application portion of an adhesive applied to a design sheet pasted on a resin cover of a normal winning opening in Modification 2. [Figure 14] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application portion of an adhesive applied to a design sheet pasted on a resin cover of a variable winning device in Modification 3. [Figure 15] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application portion of an adhesive applied to a design sheet pasted on a resin cover of a variable winning device in Modification 4. [Figure 16] In Modification 5, it is an explanatory diagram showing the application portion of an adhesive applied to a design sheet pasted on a resin cover of a movable body. [Figure 17] (a) is a front view of a design sheet, (b) is a rear view of the design sheet, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A - A of (a). [Figure 18](a) is a front view of the modified design sheet, and (b) and (c) are rear views of the same design sheet. [Figure 19] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal guide rail attached to the game board. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a front perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism provided on the inner guide rail. [Figure 21] This is a rear perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism. [Figure 22] This is an exploded perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism. [Figure 23] This is a front view of the ball return prevention member provided in the ball return prevention mechanism when it is in the closed position. [Figure 24] This is a front view when the ball return prevention member is in the open position. [Figure 25] This diagram shows a game ball that has entered the game area attempting to return to the boundary area while the ball return prevention member is in the process of being displaced from a closed state to an open state. [Figure 26] This is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dotted line shown in Figure 25. [Figure 27] This is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dotted line shown in Figure 25. [Figure 28] This diagram shows a game ball that has returned from the game area to the boundary area colliding with a ball return prevention member. [Figure 29] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 23. [Figure 30] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view of the external guide rail. [Figure 32] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 33] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 34] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-3 of the second embodiment. [Figure 35] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a modified example 2-4 of the second embodiment. [Figure 36] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to modification 2-5 of the second embodiment. [Figure 37] This table shows the visibility of the first contact position, second contact position, and third contact position in the second embodiment and modified examples 2-1 to 2-5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [Overall structure] The overall configuration of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a front view of the game machine, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine with the front frame open, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine with the inner frame open.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pachinko machine, which is the gaming machine 100, comprises an outer frame 102 in which a surrounding space is formed by four sides arranged in a roughly rectangular shape, an inner frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 so as to be openable and closable, and a front frame 106 attached to the inner frame 104 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 106 is attached to the outer frame 102 via the inner frame 104 so as to be openable and closable. The outer frame 102, inner frame 104, and front frame 106 are pivotally supported by an upper hinge mechanism 400 and a lower hinge mechanism 401. The outer frame 102 and inner frame 104 constitute the main body (gaming machine frame), and this main body is capable of holding the game board unit 600 (see Figure 5). The game board unit 600 includes, for example, a game board, a resin member provided on the front of the game board, and an LED (light-emitting means) that irradiates light onto the resin member.

[0015] The inner frame 104, like the outer frame 102, has a surrounding space formed by four sides arranged in a roughly rectangular shape, and the game board 108 is held in this surrounding space. The game board 108 can be attached to the inner frame 104 when the front frame 106 is open. In addition, a game area 108a (see Figure 5) is formed on the front of the game board 108, and this game area can be viewed through the transparent window 106a when the front frame 106 is closed. Note that Figure 2 omits the illustration of the game board 108.

[0016] In amusement facilities where gaming machines are installed (such as pachinko parlors), island-type structures are provided. These island structures consist of multiple vertically elongated rectangular frame-shaped structures for arranging multiple gaming machines side by side. These island structures are generally made of wood. For example, a gaming machine 100 is attached to the island structure by fixing the top and bottom of the outer frame 102 to the island structure in four places each from the inside (the inner circumference side where the inner frame 104 is attached) with nails.

[0017] An operating handle 117 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 106, protruding towards the front of the gaming machine 100. The operating handle 117 is designed to be rotatable by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 117 to perform a launch operation, the launching device 16 launches a game ball towards the game area of ​​the game board 108 with a launching intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating handle 117. This launching device 16 is located below the game board within the inner frame 104. The launching intensity of the launching device 16 includes launching intensities A to D, which will be described later.

[0018] Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 is equipped with a liquid crystal display (not shown), lamps 114 that can be controlled to various lighting patterns and colors, a speaker 116, and a performance control device 118 that receives input from the player, as performance devices that perform performances during gameplay.

[0019] The performance control device 118 includes a push button 118a that accepts a press operation from the player, and an operation dial 118b that accepts a dial operation from the player. The performance control device 118 is activated in accordance with the image displayed on the liquid crystal display, and when it accepts an operation from the player within the operation validity period, various performances are executed in accordance with that operation.

[0020] At the rear of the performance control device 118 (towards the game board 108), there is an upper tray 120 into which prize balls dispensed from the game machine 100 and game balls dispensed from the game ball dispensing device are guided. When the upper tray 120 is full of game balls, the game balls are guided to the lower tray 122. In addition, a ball removal hole (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 122 for discharging game balls from the lower tray 122. This ball removal hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but by pressing the ball removal button 124, the opening / closing plate slides together with the ball removal button 124, making it possible to discharge game balls from the ball removal hole to the bottom of the lower tray 122.

[0021] [Configuration of the back of the gaming machine] Next, we will explain the configuration of the back of the pachinko machine with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the rear side of the gaming machine 100 is equipped with a rear cover 200 that covers the main control board case which houses the main control board that controls the game, the sub-control board case which houses the sub-control board that controls the effects, a game information output terminal board 203, a prize ball storage tank 204, a prize ball payout channel 206, a payout ball counting switch 208, a payout control board case 210, an inner frame release switch 212, and the like. In addition, the rear side of the gaming machine 100 is equipped with various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) that constitute the power supply system and control system of the gaming machine 100, a power cord with a power plug and connecting wiring etc. (all not shown).

[0023] The game information output terminal board 203 is connected to external electronic devices (such as data display devices and hall computers) of the gaming machine 100. Various external information signals (such as prize ball information, error information, jackpot information, and start gate information) representing the game progress status and maintenance status of the gaming machine 100 are output from the game information output terminal board 203 to the external electronic devices.

[0024] The prize ball storage tank 204 is mounted on a mounting base attached to the top plate of the inner frame 104. As a result, the prize ball storage tank 204 is located at the top of the rear side of the inner frame 104. The prize ball storage tank 204 can store game balls supplied from a supply route (not shown). When prize balls are dispensed, the game balls stored in the prize ball storage tank 204 are guided through the prize ball dispensing channel 206 to the upper tray 120 (see Figure 1) on the front side of the gaming machine 100. The dispensed ball counting switch 208 detects the number of game balls dispensed through the prize ball dispensing channel 206.

[0025] An inner frame release switch 212 is provided in the lower left area of ​​the payout control board case 210. A power cord (not shown) is connected to a power supply unit (e.g., AC24V) installed in, for example, the island equipment of a gaming parlor. This ensures that the power supply (electricity) necessary for the operation of the gaming machine 100 is secured.

[0026] [Game board configuration] Next, the configuration of the game board 108 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a front view of the game board 108. To avoid making the diagram too cluttered, parts not relevant to the explanation have been omitted from the illustration.

[0027] The game board 108 is located on the front of the game board unit 600 described above and is positioned opposite the transparent window 106a of the front door 3. The transparent window 106a is surrounded by design elements that constitute the front side of the front door 3. These design elements include the lamp 114, speaker 116, and performance control device 118, which will be described later, as well as the lower left design element 3a.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the game board 108 comprises a roughly rectangular acrylic plate (board surface) 5a, a rail base 26, an outer guide rail (outer rail) 27, and an inner guide rail (inner rail) 28. The rail base 26 is fixed to the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a and has an arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 42a when viewed from the front. The outer guide rail 27 is mounted along the inner circumferential surface 42a of the rail base 26 and is arranged in an arc shape from a position on the left side away from the lower center of the game board 108 to the left end, upper end, and near the upper right end. A base end support portion 420a is provided at the base end of the inner circumferential surface 42a of the rail base 26 to support the base end of the outer guide rail 27, and a tip support portion 420b is provided at the tip to support the tip of the outer guide rail 27.

[0029] The inner guide rail 28 is attached to the inside of the outer guide rail 27 on the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a, and is arranged in an arc shape from a position slightly to the left of the lower center of the game board 108 to the vicinity of the left end and the vicinity of the upper left end of the game board 108. The curved area between these outer guide rail 27 and inner guide rail 28 is the guide passage 29. The guide passage 29 guides the game balls launched by the launching device 16 (see Figure 2) to the game area 108a. A boundary area 700 is provided between the guide passage 29 and the game area 108a. The exit of the boundary area 700 communicates with the game area 108a, and the entrance of the boundary area 700 communicates with the guide passage 29. As will be described in detail later, a ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided at the tip of the inner guide rail 28, and this ball return prevention mechanism 50 is located in the boundary area 700.

[0030] Furthermore, translucent resin members 5b and 5c are provided on the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a in a position visible to the player. Resin member 5b is located in the left center of the acrylic plate 5a, and resin member 5c is located in the lower right of the acrylic plate 5a. A design sheet 70 (see Figure 17(a)) is attached to the front surface of resin member 5b, and a design sheet 80 (see Figure 18(a)) is attached to the front surface of resin member 5c. Details of design sheets 70 and 80 will be described later.

[0031] Within the game area 108a, there are normally winning slots 92, starting winning slots 93, variable winning devices 94, etc., and game pins are provided that can change the direction of the flow of the game balls. When a game ball is launched into the game area 108a, it may enter the normally winning slots 92 or starting winning slots 93, or enter the variable winning devices 94 when they are activated, during its flow.

[0032] In this embodiment, if the game board 108 is an acrylic plate, which is a transparent resin plate, decorative features can be added not only to the front side but also to the back side of the game board 108 by various decorative elements (including movable parts and light-emitting parts).

[0033] Here, the game area 108a includes a left-handed shooting area 108a1 and a right-handed shooting area 108a2. The left-handed shooting area 108a1 is the area where the player moves the game balls down in the normal game state. Aiming the game balls at the left-handed shooting area 108a1 is called a left-handed shooting operation. The left-handed shooting area 108a1 is provided with a target position BP (left-handed shooting reference position). In this embodiment, the target position BP is the position that the player uses as a reference when performing a left-handed shooting operation, and is located in the upper left of the game area 108a. Specifically, the target position BP is located near the midpoint between the exit of the guide passage 29 and the upper end of the game area 108a, and several (five in this example) pins are arranged near this position (see Figure 5). When the game balls collide with these pins, it becomes easier to guide the game balls to the starting prize entry opening 93, thereby increasing the probability of the balls entering the starting prize entry opening 93. Aiming for the target position BP when launching the game ball is called "aiming for the target." On the other hand, the right-hand shooting area 108a2 is the area where the player moves the game ball down when in a jackpot game state or a time-saving game state. Aiming for the right-hand shooting area 108a2 when launching the game ball is called "right-hand shooting operation."

[0034] In the gaming machine 100, during normal gameplay, the player aims at the left-shooting area 108a1 of the game area 108a and performs a shooting operation (so-called left-shooting operation). By rotating the operating handle 117 provided by the gaming machine 100, the player performs a left-shooting operation, and the launched game ball flows down the left-shooting area 108a1. When the game ball enters the starting prize entry opening 93, the special symbol variation display begins. If a jackpot symbol is displayed during the special symbol variation display, it is a "jackpot," and if a losing symbol is displayed, it is a "miss." In addition, if a game ball enters the normal prize entry opening 92 or the starting prize entry opening 93, the player can obtain a predetermined number of prize balls.

[0035] In the jackpot state, the large prize opening formed by the variable prize entry device 94 opens in a predetermined manner. In the jackpot state, the player performs a right-handed shooting operation, and the launched game ball flows down the right-handed shooting area 108a2, entering the large prize opening to win prize balls. Therefore, the jackpot state is advantageous for the player.

[0036] In this embodiment, the regular prize winning slot 92 is covered by a transparent resin cover 96 attached to the front of the game board 108. A design sheet 97 is attached to the adhesive area on the front of the resin cover 96. The adhesive area on the front of the resin cover 96 is a place where it is difficult for the player or game balls to come into contact with it when the front frame 106 is closed.

[0037] Furthermore, the variable prize winning device 94 is covered by a transparent resin cover 98 attached to the front of the game board 108. A design sheet 99 is attached to the adhesive area on the front of the resin cover 98 with adhesive. The adhesive area on the front of the resin cover 98 is a place where it is difficult for the player or game balls to come into contact with it when the front frame 106 is closed.

[0038] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the game board 108 has a movable body on its rear side that can move up and down. The movable body is formed in the shape of a plate extending in the left-right direction, and its front surface is covered with a resin cover. A design sheet 500 is attached to the attachment area on the front surface of the resin cover with adhesive. The attachment area on the front surface of the resin cover is a place where it is difficult for the player or game balls to come into contact with it when the front frame 106 is closed.

[0039] Next, the decorative panel will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a front view of the decorative panel.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, a decorative panel 107 is attached to the back of the game board 108. As mentioned above, since the game board 108 is made of a transparent resin plate, the decorative panel 107 can be seen from the front of the game board 108. The decorative panel 107 is also provided with decorative members 109 and a light-emitting unit 110 arranged to surround the game area 108a. The light-emitting unit 110 can be seen from the front of the game board 108. Although not shown in the illustration, the aforementioned movable body is normally located on the back of the upper part of the game board 108, and the player cannot see the movable body. However, the movable body may be located in a position where the player can see it in the normal state.

[0041] [Luminous Unit] Next, the light-emitting unit 110 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the light-emitting unit.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the light-emitting unit 110 comprises a design sheet 111 on which a pattern is printed, a base plate 112 to which the design sheet 111 is attached, and a light-guiding lens 113 that guides light from an LED (not shown). The attachment area on the front of the base plate 112 is a place that is difficult for the player or game balls to come into contact with when the front frame 106 is closed.

[0043] A mounting portion 109a for the base plate 112 is formed on the front side of the decorative member 109. The mounting portion 109a is shaped to match the shape of the base plate 112. The base plate 112 is attached to the mounting portion 109a of the decorative member 109 by screws (not shown). An adhesive surface 112a is formed on the front surface of the base plate 112, and the design sheet 111 is attached to the adhesive surface 112a. The light guide lens 113 is attached to the back side of the decorative member 109.

[0044] The decorative member 109, the design sheet 111, and the base plate 112 are made of a light-transmitting resin. Light from the light guide lens 113 passes through the decorative member 109, and then through the base plate 112 and the design sheet 111. This enhances the visibility of the pattern on the design sheet 111 and improves the visual effect.

[0045] Furthermore, a vertically extending rib 112b is formed on the left end of the base plate 112. As will be described later, the design sheet 111 is positioned relative to the base plate 112 by abutting it against the rib 112b.

[0046] Furthermore, the rib 112b of the base plate 112 has a protrusion 112c that projects toward the design sheet 111 side (i.e., the right side). The design sheet 111 has a recess 111a into which the protrusion 112c can be inserted. Specifically, the protrusion 112c consists of a projection that protrudes toward the design sheet 111 side. The recess 111a has a shape that is substantially the same as the protrusion 112c, and consists of a notch that is slightly larger than the outer circumference of the protrusion 112c. When the protrusion 112c is inserted into the recess 111a, the design sheet 111 is positioned in the vertical direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the base plate 112 has three bubble-preventing holes 112d formed in it to prevent air from remaining between the design sheet 111 and the base plate 112 when the design sheet 111 is attached, thus preventing the formation of air bubbles.

[0048] [Design sheet for the light-emitting unit] Next, the adhesive attached to the design sheet 111 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet of the light-emitting unit. Note that Figure 8 shows the back side of the design sheet 111.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, adhesive 130 is applied to the design sheet 111 (shaded area in the figure). The adhesive 130 is positioned approximately 3 mm inward from the outer edge of the design sheet 111. Furthermore, the adhesive 130 is arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 5 mm along the entire circumference of the outer edge of the design sheet 111. In other words, in this embodiment, the adhesive 130 is positioned at a distance of 3 mm or more from the outer edge of the design sheet 111, and is not positioned at a distance of less than 3 mm.

[0050] Furthermore, the bubble-preventing holes 112d of the base plate 112 are positioned so that the adhesive 130 does not adhere to them when the design sheet 111 is attached to the base plate 112.

[0051] [How to attach the design sheet] Next, the process of attaching the design sheet 111 to the base plate 112 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figures 9(a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the work procedure for attaching the design sheet to the light-emitting unit.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9(a), first, the design sheet 111, with adhesive 130 attached to its back surface, is tilted relative to the base plate 112 and abutted against the adhesive surface 112a. At this time, the end of the design sheet 111 on the recessed side 111a faces the rib 112b of the base plate 112. Also, the design sheet 111 is tilted so that the adhesive 130 does not adhere to the adhesive surface 112a, and the end of the design sheet 111 abuts against the base plate 112. Then, the design sheet 111 is slid toward the rib 112b of the base plate 112 while keeping it tilted.

[0053] Next, as shown in Figure 9(b), the edge of the design sheet 111 is abutted against the rib 112b of the base plate 112, and the recess 111a of the design sheet 111 is inserted into the protrusion 112c of the base plate 112. This positions the design sheet 111 relative to the base plate 112.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figure 9(c), the design sheet 111 is rotated so that it moves closer to the base plate 112, using the side of the base plate 112 that abuts against the rib 112b as the axis, and the design sheet 111 is attached to the adhesive surface 112a of the base plate 112. At this time, air escapes from the bubble prevention holes 112d of the base plate 112, preventing the formation of bubbles.

[0055] By performing the above steps, the design sheet 111 can be attached to the base plate 112.

[0056] For example, if adhesive 130 is applied to the outer edge of the design sheet 111 and the design sheet 111 is positioned from above the base plate 112 and attached, positioning and attachment must be done at the same time, which increases the likelihood of errors. However, in this embodiment, since the adhesive 130 is applied to a portion of the design sheet 111 at a predetermined distance from the outer edge, the design sheet 111 can be attached while sliding. Therefore, the design sheet 111 can be positioned and then attached, making it easier to separate the positioning and attachment of the design sheet 111 into separate tasks. This prevents errors when attaching the design sheet 111 and increases the efficiency of the sheet attachment work. Furthermore, with a configuration like this embodiment, the adhesive strength of the design sheet 111 is reduced. However, when the front frame 106 is closed, the light-emitting unit 110 is in a location where the possibility of contact by players or game balls is extremely low. In such a location, it is more important to prevent a decrease in work efficiency and appearance, even if it means reducing the adhesive strength.

[0057] Furthermore, if, for example, positioning bosses are formed on the base plate 112 and positioning holes are formed in the design sheet 111 into which the bosses are inserted, then the positioning and application of the design sheet 111 must be performed at the same time. However, in this embodiment, the design sheet 111 is positioned by sliding the design sheet 111 and inserting the recess 111a of the design sheet 111 into the protrusion 112c of the base plate 112. This allows the design sheet 111 to be positioned before application, making the positioning and application of the design sheet 111 separate and easier. This prevents errors during the application of the design sheet 111 and improves the efficiency of the application process.

[0058] Furthermore, if air bubbles form when the design sheet 111 is attached to the base plate 112, the bubbles become noticeable due to the light emitted towards the design sheet 111. However, in this embodiment, since bubble-preventing holes 112d are formed in the base plate 112, the effort of releasing the air between the base plate 112 and the design sheet 111 to the outside is eliminated, thereby improving the efficiency of the work when attaching the design sheet 111.

[0059] Furthermore, since the adhesive 130 is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 111, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 130 from overflowing.

[0060] Furthermore, the bubble-preventing holes 112d of the base plate 112 are positioned so that the adhesive 130 does not adhere to them when the design sheet 111 is attached to the base plate 112.

[0061] Furthermore, the placement of the adhesive 130 on the design sheet 111, the form of the design sheet 111, and the placement of the bubble prevention holes 112d may also be applied to design sheets attached to parts other than the light-emitting unit 110 (such as the prize entry slot or variable prize entry device (so-called attacker or electric chute)).

[0062] [Design sheet for the resin cover of the standard prize winning slot] Next, the adhesive 97a for the design sheet 97 attached to the resin cover 96 of the regular prize slot 92 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figures 10(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the regular prize slot. Note that Figure 10 shows the back side of the design sheet 97.

[0063] As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), adhesive 97a is applied to the design sheet 97 (shaded area in the figure). The design sheet 97 includes a transparent area 97b and an opaque area 97c (in this example, they are separated by the dotted line in the figure). The outer edge of the design sheet 97 also includes a transparent area 97b and an opaque area 97c. Note that the transparent area 97b does not need to be completely transparent; it just needs to be more transparent than the opaque area 97c. In other words, the transparent area 97b is designed so that the adhesive can be seen through it, but the opaque area 97c is designed so that the adhesive cannot be seen through it.

[0064] The adhesive 97a is placed at positions approximately 1 mm inward from the outer edge of the design sheet 97 (indicated as a in the figure), approximately 3 mm inward from the outer edge of the design sheet 97 (indicated as b in the figure), and approximately 5 mm inward from the outer edge of the design sheet 97 (indicated as c in the figure). In other words, in this embodiment, the adhesive 97a is placed at a distance of 1 mm or more from the outer edge of the design sheet 97, and is not placed at a distance of less than 1 mm.

[0065] Furthermore, the adhesive 97a is arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 5 mm around the entire outer edge of the design sheet 97. The resin cover 96 has through holes 96a formed therein, and when the design sheet 97 is attached, the through holes 96a are located inside the ring-shaped adhesive 97a.

[0066] This configuration, similar to that of the design sheet 111, prevents errors during the application of the design sheet 97 and improves the efficiency of the application process. Furthermore, since the adhesive 97a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 97, it prevents the adhesive 97a from overflowing. However, this configuration reduces the adhesive strength of the design sheet 97. Nevertheless, when the front frame 106 is closed, the resin cover 96 is located in a place where the possibility of contact with players or game balls is extremely low. In such a location, it is more important to prevent a decrease in work efficiency and appearance, even if it means reducing the adhesive strength.

[0067] Furthermore, the placement of the adhesive 97a on the design sheet 97 attached to the resin cover 96 of the regular prize winning slot 92, and the form of the design sheet 97, may also be applied to design sheets attached to parts other than the regular prize winning slot 92 (such as prize winning slots and variable prize winning devices (so-called attackers and electric chute)).

[0068] [Design sheet for the resin cover of the starter's prize slot] The starting prize slot 93 is covered by a transparent resin cover 93a attached to the front of the game board 108. A design sheet 93b is attached to the adhesive area on the front of the resin cover 93a with adhesive. The placement of the adhesive on the design sheet 93b is the same as that of the design sheet 97 attached to the resin cover 96 of the regular prize slot 92.

[0069] [Design sheet for the resin cover of the variable prize winning device] Next, the adhesive 99a for the design sheet 99 attached to the resin cover 98 of the variable prize device 94 will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figures 11(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable prize device. Note that Figure 11 shows the back side of the design sheet 99.

[0070] As shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), adhesive 99a is applied to the design sheet 99 (shaded area in the figure). The design sheet 99 includes a transparent area 99b and an opaque area 99c (in this example, they are separated by the dotted line in the figure). The outer edge of the design sheet 99 also includes a transparent area 99b and an opaque area 99c. Note that the transparent area 99b does not need to be completely transparent; it just needs to be more transparent than the opaque area 99c.

[0071] The adhesive 99a is positioned approximately 1 mm inward from the outer edge of the design sheet 99. In other words, in this embodiment, the adhesive 99a is positioned at a distance of 1 mm or more from the outer edge of the design sheet 97, and is not positioned at a distance of less than 1 mm.

[0072] Furthermore, the adhesive 99a is arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 5 mm around the entire outer edge of the design sheet 99. Specifically, it is arranged in a ring shape by the first adhesive 99d, the second adhesive 99e, the third adhesive 99f, and the fourth adhesive 99g.

[0073] Furthermore, between the end of the first adhesive 99d and the end of the second adhesive 99e, there is an air vent gap 99h of approximately 2.5 mm to allow air between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99 to escape to the outside.

[0074] Similarly, there is an air vent gap 99h of approximately 2.5 mm between the end of the second adhesive 99e and the end of the third adhesive 99f. Similarly, there is an air vent gap 99h of approximately 2.5 mm between the end of the third adhesive 99f and the end of the fourth adhesive 99g. Similarly, there is an air vent gap 99h of approximately 2.5 mm between the end of the fourth adhesive 99g and the end of the first adhesive 99d.

[0075] Note that the air vent gap of 99h is not limited to 2.5mm and may vary for each gap.

[0076] Furthermore, the air vent gap 99h is located in the transparent region 99b on the outer edge of the design sheet 99, as well as in the opaque region 99c on the outer edge of the design sheet 99.

[0077] With this configuration, the air vent gap 99h is also located in the opaque area of ​​the outer edge of the design sheet 99, so the area where air escapes between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99 can be visually confirmed.

[0078] Furthermore, this configuration, similar to the design sheet 111, prevents errors during the application of the design sheet 99 and improves the efficiency of the application process. Additionally, it eliminates the need to release air between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 99, thus improving the efficiency of the application process. Moreover, since the adhesive 99a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 99, it prevents the adhesive 99a from overflowing. However, this configuration reduces the adhesive strength of the design sheet 99. Nevertheless, when the front frame 106 is closed, the resin cover 98 is located in a place where the possibility of contact by players or game balls is extremely low. In such a location, it is more important to maintain work efficiency and appearance, even if it means reducing adhesive strength.

[0079] Furthermore, the placement of the adhesive 99a on the design sheet 99 attached to the resin cover 98 of the variable prize winning device 94, and the form of the design sheet 99, may also be applied to design sheets attached to resin covers that cover parts other than the variable prize winning device 94 (such as the prize winning slot or variable prize winning devices (so-called electric chute, etc.)).

[0080] [Example 1] Next, a modified example 1 of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet of the light-emitting unit in modified example 1.

[0081] In Modification 1, the area to which the adhesive 130 is applied to the design sheet 111 is different. It is also possible to carry out the above embodiment by applying the adhesive 130 to the design sheet 111 as in Modification 1. Figure 12 shows the back side of the design sheet 111. Further detailed explanations of parts that are the same as in the above embodiment are omitted.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, adhesive 130 is applied to the design sheet 111 (shaded area in the figure). The adhesive 130 is positioned approximately 3 mm inward from the outer edge of the design sheet 111. The adhesive 130 is also arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 5 mm along the outer edge of the design sheet 111. In the modified example 1, the adhesive 130 is not applied around the entire circumference of the outer edge of the design sheet 111, but only partially (i.e., composed of the first adhesive 130a to the fourth adhesive 130d). By forming gaps between the ends of the first adhesive 130a to the fourth adhesive 130d, four air vent gaps 131 are formed to allow air between the base plate 112 and the design sheet 111 to escape to the outside.

[0083] As a result, in the modified example 1, the effort of releasing the air between the base plate 112 and the design sheet 111 to the outside is eliminated, thereby improving the efficiency of the work when attaching the design sheet 111.

[0084] In particular, by forming it in conjunction with the bubble-preventing holes 112d of the above embodiment, the generation of bubbles can be prevented more effectively.

[0085] Furthermore, the placement of the adhesive 130 on the design sheet 111 and the form of the design sheet 111 in Modification Example 1 may also be applied to a design sheet attached to a resin cover that covers parts other than the light-emitting unit 110 (such as the prize entry slot or variable prize entry device (so-called electric chute)).

[0086] [Differentiation 2] Next, a modified example 2 of the adhesive 97a for the design sheet 97 attached to the resin cover 96 of the regular prize winning slot 92 will be explained using Figure 13. Figures 13(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the regular prize winning slot in modified example 2.

[0087] In Modification 2, the area to which the adhesive 97a is applied to the design sheet 97 is different. Figure 13 shows the back side of the design sheet 97. Furthermore, detailed explanations of parts that are the same as in the above embodiment are omitted.

[0088] As shown in Figures 13(a) and (b), adhesive 97a is applied to the design sheet 97 (shaded area in the figure). The design sheet 67 includes a transparent area 97b and an opaque area 97c (in this example, they are separated by the dotted line in the figure). The outer edge of the design sheet 97 also includes a transparent area 97b and an opaque area 97c. Note that the transparent area 97b does not need to be completely transparent; it just needs to be more transparent than the opaque area 97c.

[0089] The adhesive 97a is positioned approximately 1 mm inward from the outer edge of the design sheet 97.

[0090] Furthermore, the adhesive 97a is arranged along the outer edge of the design sheet 97 so as to form two rings approximately 5 mm wide around its entire circumference. In the modified example 2, the resin cover 96 has two through holes 96a, and when the design sheet 97 is attached, the two through holes 96a are each located inside the annularly arranged adhesive 97a.

[0091] This configuration, similar to that of the design sheet 111, prevents errors during the application of the design sheet 97 and improves the efficiency of the application process. Furthermore, since the adhesive 97a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 97, it prevents the adhesive 97a from overflowing.

[0092] Furthermore, the placement of the adhesive 97a on the design sheet 97 and the form of the design sheet 97 in Modified Example 2 may also be applied to a design sheet attached to a resin cover that covers parts other than the ordinary prize winning slot 92 (such as the prize winning slot or variable prize winning device (so-called attacker or electric chute)).

[0093] [Difference 3] Next, we will describe Modification 3, in which a design sheet 160 with a different opacity area from the design sheet 99 is attached to the resin cover 98, and the placement position of the adhesive 160a on the design sheet 160 is different from the placement position of the adhesive 99a on the design sheet 99, using Figure 14. Figures 14(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable prize device in Modification 5. Note that Figure 14 shows the back side of the design sheet 160. Furthermore, detailed explanations of parts that are the same as in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0094] As shown in Figures 14(a) and (b), adhesive 160a is applied to the design sheet 160 (shaded area in the figure). The design sheet 160 includes a transparent area 160b and an opaque area 160c (in this example, the area excluding the outer edge is demarcated by the dotted line in the figure). The outer edge of the design sheet 160 also includes a transparent area 160b and an opaque area 160c. Note that the transparent area 160b does not need to be completely transparent, and the transparent area 160b only needs to be more transparent than the opaque area 160c.

[0095] Furthermore, the transparent area 160b and opaque area 160c included by the outer edge of the design sheet 160 show that the opaque area 160c is larger than the transparent area 160b.

[0096] Furthermore, the adhesive 160a is positioned approximately 1 mm inward from the outer edge of the design sheet 160.

[0097] Furthermore, the adhesive 160a is arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 3 mm along the outer edge of the design sheet 160, extending around its entire circumference. In addition, the adhesive 160a is arranged in a ring shape with a width of approximately 3 mm along the opaque area 160c in the parts of the design sheet 160 other than the outer edge.

[0098] Furthermore, multiple air vent gaps 160h of approximately 2 mm are formed in the area where the adhesive 160a is placed to allow air to escape to the outside. The air vent gaps 160h are located in both the transparent area 160b and the opaque area 160c of the outer edge of the design sheet 160, and are also located in the opaque areas 160c other than the outer edge of the design sheet 160, so that there are no areas where the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 160 are sealed.

[0099] Furthermore, in the third modified example, a through-hole 98a for fitting a gaming machine component is formed in the adhesive area of ​​the resin cover 98 of the design sheet 160. In this example, a display unit 150 capable of illuminating the design sheet 160 is given as an example of a gaming machine component. The display unit 150 comprises a display unit body 150a and multiple red lamps 150b (three in this example). The multiple lamps 150b are positioned facing the transparent area 160b of the design sheet 160, and the display unit body 150a is positioned facing the opaque area 160c of the design sheet 160. The adhesive 160a is positioned corresponding to the surface portion of the display unit body 150a, but not corresponding to the lamps 150b.

[0100] This configuration, similar to that of the design sheet 111, prevents errors during the application of the design sheet 160 and improves the efficiency of the application process. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to release air between the resin cover 98 and the design sheet 160, thus improving the efficiency of the application process. Additionally, since the adhesive 160a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 160, it prevents the adhesive 160a from overflowing.

[0101] Furthermore, the placement of the adhesive 160a on the design sheet 160 and the form of the design sheet 160 in Modification Example 3 may also be applied to a design sheet attached to a resin cover that covers parts other than the variable prize winning device 94 (such as the prize winning slot or variable prize winning device (so-called electric chute)).

[0102] [Differentiation Example 4] Next, we will describe Modification 6, in which a design sheet 170 with a different opacity area from the design sheet 99 is attached to the resin cover 98, and the placement position of the adhesive 170a on the design sheet 170 is different from the placement position of the adhesive 99a on the design sheet 99, using Figure 15. Figures 15(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the application area of ​​the adhesive applied to the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the variable prize device in Modification 4. Note that Figure 15 shows the back side of the design sheet 170. Furthermore, detailed explanations of parts that are the same as in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0103] As shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), adhesive 170a is applied to the design sheet 170 (shaded area in the figure). The design sheet 170 includes a transparent area 170b and an opaque area 170c (in this example, the area excluding the outer edge is demarcated by the dotted line in the figure). The outer edge of the design sheet 160 also includes a transparent area 160b and an opaque area 160c. Note that the transparent area 170b does not need to be completely transparent, and the transparent area 97b only needs to be more transparent than the opaque area 160c.

[0104] Furthermore, in the modified example 4, a through hole 98a for fitting gaming machine components is formed in the attachment area of ​​the resin cover 98 of the design sheet 170. In this example, a display unit 150 capable of illuminating the design sheet 170 is given as an example of a gaming machine component. The display unit 150 comprises a display unit body 150a and multiple red lamps 150b (three in this example). The multiple lamps 150b are positioned facing the transparent area 170b of the design sheet 170, and the display unit body 150a is positioned facing the opaque area 170c of the design sheet 170.

[0105] Furthermore, the adhesive 170a is not positioned at a distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 170. That is, it is positioned along the outer edge of the design sheet 170 without leaving any gaps. The adhesive 170a is positioned along the outer edge of the design sheet 170, forming a ring approximately 10 mm wide around its entire circumference. On the other hand, when the design sheet 170 is attached to the resin cover 98, the distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 170 to the end of the display unit body 150a is less than 10 mm. Furthermore, the adhesive 170a is not positioned on the surface of the display unit body 150a or in the position corresponding to the lamp 150b.

[0106] This configuration, similar to that of the design sheet 111, prevents errors during the application of the design sheet 99 and improves the efficiency of the application process. Furthermore, since the adhesive 99a is applied at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the design sheet 170, it prevents the adhesive 99a from overflowing.

[0107] Furthermore, the placement of the adhesive 170a on the design sheet 170 and the form of the design sheet 170 in Modification 4 may also be applied to a design sheet attached to a resin cover that covers parts other than the variable prize winning device 94 (such as the prize winning slot or the variable prize winning device (so-called electric chute)).

[0108] [Difference 5] Next, the adhesive used for the design sheet attached to the resin cover of the movable body will be explained with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the application area of ​​the adhesive 501 applied to the design sheet 500 attached to the resin cover of the movable body. Note that Figure 16 shows the back side of the design sheet 500. In the following explanation, the directions of up, down, left, and right will be defined as shown in the lower right of the figure.

[0109] As shown in Figure 16, the design sheet 500 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape to correspond to the shape of the resin cover of the movable body. Adhesive 501 is applied to the back surface of the design sheet 500. The adhesive 501 has an outer adhesive (first adhesive portion) 502 positioned along the outer edge of the design sheet and an inner adhesive (second adhesive portion) 503 positioned at a predetermined location inside the outer adhesive 502.

[0110] The outer adhesive 502 comprises a first outer adhesive 502a, a second outer adhesive 502b, a third outer adhesive 502c, and a fourth outer adhesive 502d.

[0111] The first outer adhesive 502a is formed along the top of the back surface of the design sheet 500. The width W1 of the first outer adhesive 502a is, for example, 4.0 mm.

[0112] The second outer adhesive 502b is formed along the bottom of the back surface of the design sheet 500. The width W2 of the second outer adhesive 502b is greater than the width W1 of the first outer adhesive 502a, for example, 5.4 mm.

[0113] The third outer adhesive 502c is formed along the right side of the back surface of the design sheet 500. The width W3 of the narrowest part of the third outer adhesive 502c is, for example, 3.0 mm.

[0114] The fourth outer adhesive 502d is formed along the left side of the back surface of the design sheet 500. The width W4 of the narrowest part of the fourth outer adhesive 502d is, for example, 3.0 mm, similar to the third outer adhesive 502c.

[0115] The widths of the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the fourth outer adhesive 502d are not limited to the values ​​described above and can be set as appropriate.

[0116] The outer adhesive 502 formed in this manner is provided with multiple (six in this example) communication holes (gaps, first gaps). Specifically, a first communication hole 504a is formed between the right end of the first outer adhesive 502a and the upper end of the third outer adhesive 502c. A second communication hole 504b is formed between the left end of the first outer adhesive 502a and the upper end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W5 of the first communication hole 504a and the width W6 of the second communication hole 504b are, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0117] Furthermore, a third connecting hole 504c is formed between the right end of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end of the third outer adhesive 500c. Also, a fourth connecting hole 504d is formed between the left end of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W7 of the third connecting hole 504c and the width W8 of the fourth connecting hole 504d are, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0118] Furthermore, a fifth connecting hole 504e is formed approximately in the center of the third outer adhesive 502c. Also, a sixth connecting hole 504f is formed approximately in the center of the fourth outer adhesive 502d. The width W9 of the fifth connecting hole 504e and the width W10 of the sixth connecting hole 504f are, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0119] Furthermore, the widths of the first to sixth communication holes 504a to 504f are not limited to the values ​​described above and can be set as appropriate.

[0120] As described above, an outer adhesive 502 (first outer adhesive 502a, second outer adhesive 502b, third outer adhesive 502c, fourth outer adhesive 502d) is applied to the back surface of the design sheet 500 along its outer edge. This outer adhesive 502 is applied in such a way that the first through holes 504a to the sixth through holes 504f are formed.

[0121] On the other hand, the inner adhesive 503 is formed into a predetermined shape according to the pattern printed on the surface of the design sheet 500, and comprises a plurality (seven in this example) of first inner adhesives 503a and a plurality of second inner adhesives 503b.

[0122] Each of the seven first inner adhesives 503a is formed primarily along the outline of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500. In particular, each first inner adhesive 503a is formed along the outside of the outline of the predetermined character and does not overlap with the head, face, or other parts of the character.

[0123] Although not shown in the illustration, the surface of the design sheet 500 has multiple characters (for example, five) printed on it, and correspondingly, seven first inner adhesives 503a are formed along the longitudinal direction of the design sheet 500 at predetermined intervals.

[0124] For the sake of explanation, the seven first inner adhesives 503a arranged from right to left along the longitudinal direction of the design sheet 500 will be sequentially designated as 503a1, 503a2, ..., 503a6, and 503a7.

[0125] The first inner adhesive 503a1 is located on the far right of the seven first inner adhesives 503a. This first inner adhesive 503a1 is located away from the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, and the third outer adhesive 502c.

[0126] The first inner adhesive 503a1 is provided so as to form a plurality (four in this example) of communication holes (second gaps). Specifically, a seventh communication hole 504g is formed between the upper end of the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the right end of the first outer adhesive 502a. Also, an eighth communication hole 504h is formed between the lower end of the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the lower end of the third outer adhesive 502c. The widths of these seventh communication hole 504g and eighth communication hole 504h are, for example, 1.5 mm, similar to the first to sixth communication holes 504a to f.

[0127] Furthermore, a ninth connecting hole 504i is formed between the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the third outer adhesive 502c. In addition, a tenth connecting hole 504j is formed approximately in the center of the first inner adhesive 503a1 (that is, the first inner adhesive 503a1 is divided vertically by the tenth connecting hole 504j). The widths of the ninth connecting hole 504i and the tenth connecting hole 504j are, for example, 1.5 mm, similar to the first to sixth connecting holes 504a to f.

[0128] Furthermore, the widths of the 7th connecting hole 504g to the 10th connecting hole 504j are not limited to the values ​​described above and can be set as appropriate.

[0129] The first inner adhesive 503a7 is located on the leftmost side of the seven first inner adhesives 503a. This first inner adhesive 503a7 is located away from the first outer adhesive 502a and the portion of the fourth outer adhesive 502d excluding the lower end. On the other hand, this first inner adhesive 503a7 is connected to the left end of the second outer adhesive 502b and the lower end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d.

[0130] The first inner adhesive 503a7 is provided so as to form multiple (two in this example) communication holes (second gaps). Specifically, the 11th communication hole 504k is formed between the first inner adhesive 503a7 and the left end of the first outer adhesive 502a. In addition, the 12th communication hole 504l is formed approximately in the center of the first inner adhesive 503a7 (that is, the first inner adhesive 503a7 is divided vertically by the 12th communication hole 504l). The widths of the 11th communication hole 504k and the 12th communication hole 504l are, for example, 1.5 mm, similar to the first to sixth communication holes 504a to f.

[0131] Furthermore, the widths of the 11th and 12th connecting holes 504k and 504l are not limited to the values ​​described above and can be set as appropriate.

[0132] Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, as described above, the first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 are positioned between the first inner adhesive 503a1 and the first inner adhesive 503a7. Furthermore, all of these first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 are positioned separately from the outer adhesive 502 (first outer adhesive 502a, second outer adhesive 502b, third outer adhesive 502c, and fourth outer adhesive 502d). In other words, none of the first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 are connected to the outer adhesive 502. The first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 are provided such that a 13th communication hole (second gap) 504m is formed between them and the outer adhesive 502.

[0133] Multiple second inner adhesives 503b are formed into predetermined shapes, such as strips, and are arranged in the lower half of the design sheet 500 so as to overlap with the torso portion of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500. Multiple second inner adhesives 503b are arranged separately from the outer adhesive 502 and the first inner adhesives 503a1, 503a2.

[0134] Furthermore, the multiple second inner adhesives 503b are arranged such that a 14th communication hole (second gap) 504n is formed between some of them and the first outer adhesive 502a or the second outer adhesive 502b. In addition, the multiple second inner adhesives 503b are mainly arranged separately from the first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6, and some are connected to the first inner adhesive 503a4, etc.

[0135] Thus, on the back surface of the design sheet 500, a first inner adhesive 503a1 having a tenth through-hole 504j is applied to the far right. This first inner adhesive 503a1 is applied such that a seventh through-hole 504g, an eighth through-hole 504h, and a ninth through-hole 504i are formed between the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, and the third outer adhesive 502c.

[0136] Furthermore, a first inner adhesive 503a7 having a 12th through hole 504l is applied to the leftmost part of the design sheet 500. This first inner adhesive 503a7 is applied so as to form an 11th through hole 504k between it and the first outer adhesive 502a. In addition, first inner adhesives 503a2 to 503a6 and a second inner adhesive 503b are applied between these first inner adhesives 503a1 and 503a7.

[0137] Thus, the back surface of the design sheet 500 is divided into multiple regions by an outer adhesive 502 applied along its outer edge and an inner adhesive 503 applied inside the outer adhesive 502. These multiple regions are not coated with any adhesive and have the following regions R1 to R7. Regions R3, R5 to R7 are located closer to the center of the design sheet 500 than regions R1, R2, and R4. These regions R1 to R7 are connected to adjacent regions by communication holes, which will be described later, and correspond to the "non-adhesive parts" that constitute the present invention.

[0138] Specifically, first, the first region (first non-adhesive area) R1 is the area at the right edge of the design sheet 500, surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the upper first inner adhesive 503a1. The first region (part of the non-adhesive area) R1 includes the first communication hole 504a. Second, the second region (first non-adhesive area) R2 is the area at the right edge of the design sheet 500, surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the third outer adhesive 502c, and the lower first inner adhesive 503a1. The second region (part of the non-adhesive area) R2 includes the fifth communication hole 504e. Furthermore, the first region R1 and the second region R2 include the ninth communication hole 504i.

[0139] Furthermore, the third region (first non-adhesive area) R3 is the area located to the left of the right edge of the design sheet 500, and is generally the area enclosed by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a1, the first inner adhesive 503a2, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The third region (part of the non-adhesive area) R3 includes the third connecting hole 504c, the seventh connecting hole 504g, the eighth connecting hole 504h, and the tenth connecting hole 504j. Note that the seventh connecting hole 504g may be included in the first region R1, the eighth connecting hole 504h may be included in the second region R2, and the tenth connecting hole 504j may be included in either the first region R1 or the second region R2.

[0140] The third region R3 is in communication with the first region R1 via the seventh communication hole 504g. The third region R3 is also in communication with the first region R1 via the tenth communication hole 504j and the ninth communication hole 504i. The first region R1 is in communication with the outside space via the first communication hole 504a. Therefore, when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, even if air bubbles enter the third region R3, these bubbles can be moved to the first region R1 via the seventh communication hole 504g, or the tenth communication hole 504j and the ninth communication hole 504i, and then discharged from the first region R1 to the outside space via the first communication hole 504a.

[0141] Furthermore, the third region R3 communicates with the second region R2 via the eighth communication hole 504h. Also, the third region R3 communicates with the second region R2 via the tenth communication hole 504j and the ninth communication hole 504i. The second region R2 communicates with the external space via the fifth communication hole 504e. Therefore, when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, even if air bubbles enter the third region R3, those air bubbles can be moved to the second region R2 via the eighth communication hole 504h, or the tenth communication hole 504j and the ninth communication hole 504i, and then discharged from the second region R2 to the external space via the fifth communication hole 504e.

[0142] Furthermore, the third region R3 is in communication with the external space via the third communication hole 504c. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the third region R3 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, those air bubbles can be directly discharged to the external space through the third communication hole 504c.

[0143] Furthermore, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are in communication with each other via the ninth communication hole 504i. Therefore, even if the first communication hole 504a is blocked by debris, air bubbles that have entered the first region R1 can be moved to the second region R2 via the ninth communication hole 504i, and then discharged from the second region R2 to the outside space via the fifth communication hole 504e.

[0144] Next, the fourth region (first non-adhesive area) R4 is the area at the left edge of the design sheet 500 that is surrounded by the first outer adhesive 502a, the fourth outer adhesive 502d, and the first inner adhesive 503a7. The fourth region (part of the non-adhesive area) R4 includes the second communication hole 504b and the sixth communication hole 504f.

[0145] Furthermore, the fifth region (second non-adhesive area) R5 is a region located to the right of the left edge of the design sheet 500, and is generally enclosed by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a7, the first inner adhesive 503a5, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The fifth region (part of the non-adhesive area) R5 includes the eleventh communication hole 504k and the twelfth communication hole 504l. Note that the eleventh communication hole 504k and the twelfth communication hole 504l may also be included in the fourth region R4.

[0146] The fifth region R5 communicates with the fourth region R4 via the eleventh communication hole 504k, and also communicates with the fourth region R4 via the twelfth communication hole 504l. The fourth region R4 communicates with the external space via the second communication hole 504b, and also communicates with the external space via the sixth communication hole 504f. Therefore, when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, even if air bubbles enter the fifth region R5, those air bubbles can be moved to the fourth region R4 via the eleventh communication hole 504k or the twelfth communication hole 504l, and then discharged from the fourth region R4 to the external space via the second communication hole 504b or the sixth communication hole 504f.

[0147] Finally, the sixth region (second non-adhesive area) R6 is located to the left of the third region R3 and is generally enclosed by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a2, the first inner adhesive 503a4, and the second inner adhesive 503b. Also, the seventh region (second non-adhesive area) R7 is located to the right of the fifth region R5 and is generally enclosed by the first outer adhesive 502a, the second outer adhesive 502b, the first inner adhesive 503a5, the first inner adhesive 503a4, and the second inner adhesive 503b. The sixth region (part of the non-adhesive area) R6 and the seventh region (part of the non-adhesive area) R7 include a plurality of thirteenth connecting holes 504m and fourteenth connecting holes 504n. Furthermore, the 13th and 14th connecting holes 504m and 504n, located on the far right, may be included in the third region R3, and the 13th and 14th connecting holes 504m and 504n, located on the far left, may be included in the seventh region R7.

[0148] The sixth region R6 is in communication with the third region R3 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the sixth region R6 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, these air bubbles can be moved to the third region R3 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n and then discharged into the external space in the same manner as described above.

[0149] Furthermore, the seventh region R7 is in communication with the fifth region R5 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the seventh region R7 when the design sheet 500 is attached to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, these air bubbles can be moved to the fifth region R5 via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n, and then discharged into the external space in the same manner as described above.

[0150] Furthermore, the sixth region R6 and the seventh region R7 are also in communication with each other via the thirteenth communication hole 504m or the fourteenth communication hole 504n. Therefore, all of the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 are in communication with the adjacent region. Thus, when attaching the design sheet 500 to the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, even if air bubbles enter any of these first region R1 to the seventh region R7, the bubbles can be moved towards a region that is easier to expel into the external space.

[0151] Thus, on the back surface of the design sheet 500, regions 1 R1 to 6 R6 are formed, and these regions are in communication with adjacent regions, allowing air bubbles that enter these regions to be discharged into the outside space from region 1 R1, region 2 R2, and region 3 R3. Furthermore, the proportion occupied by regions 1 R1 to 7 R7 is larger than the proportion occupied by the outer adhesive 502 and inner adhesive 503 on the back surface of the design sheet 500. In other words, the proportion occupied by the outer adhesive 502 and inner adhesive 503 is smaller than the proportion occupied by regions 1 R1 to 7 R7.

[0152] Furthermore, a circular first positioning hole 505 is formed in the lower right corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500. A first positioning pin (not shown) provided on the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted into the first positioning hole 505.

[0153] Furthermore, a horizontally elongated rectangular second positioning hole 506 is formed in the lower left corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500. A second positioning pin (not shown), provided on the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, can be inserted into the second positioning hole 506.

[0154] As described above, the gaming machine 100 is a gaming machine (pachinko machine) equipped with a gaming board (in this example, a gaming board 108), and a sheet (in this example, a design sheet 500) is provided on the front surface of the gaming board, and on the back surface of the sheet, an adhesive portion (in this example, an outer adhesive 502) formed along the outer edge and a non-adhesive portion (in this example, a first region R1 to a seventh region R7) where the adhesive portion is not formed are provided, and the adhesive portion is provided such that a gap (in this example, a first communication hole 504a to a sixth communication hole 504f) is formed within a part of the non-adhesive portion, and the gap is characterized in that air that has entered the non-adhesive portion can be discharged to the outside space.Therefore, when attaching the sheet to the gaming board, even if air enters the non-adhesive portion, that air can be discharged to the outside space through the gap.As a result, the sheet can be made difficult to peel off from the gaming board.

[0155] Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 is a gaming machine (pachinko machine) equipped with a gaming board (in this example, a gaming board 108), and a sheet (in this example, a design sheet 500) is provided on the front surface of the gaming board, and on the back surface of the sheet, a first adhesive portion (in this example, an outer adhesive 502) formed along the outer edge, a second adhesive portion (in this example, an inner adhesive 503) different from the first adhesive portion, and a non-adhesive portion (in this example, a first region R1 to a seventh region R7) where the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion are not formed, and the first adhesive portion is provided such that a first gap (in this example, a first communication hole 504a to a sixth communication hole 504f) is formed, and the second adhesive The part is provided such that a second gap (in this example, the 7th communication hole 504g to the 14th communication hole 504n) is formed, and the first gap and the second gap are included in a part of the non-adhesive part, and the non-adhesive part has a first non-adhesive part (in this example, the first region R1, the second region R2 and the fourth region R4) and a second non-adhesive part (in this example, the third region R3, the fifth region R5 to the seventh region R7) located closer to the center of the sheet than the first non-adhesive part, and the second gap is characterized in that it allows air that has entered the second non-adhesive part to be discharged to the first non-adhesive part, and the first gap is characterized in that it allows air that has entered the first non-adhesive part to be discharged to the outside space.Therefore, when attaching the sheet to the game board, even if air enters the second non-adhesive part, that air can be discharged to the first non-adhesive part through the second gap, and then the air that has entered the first non-adhesive part can be discharged to the outside space through the first gap. Therefore, the sheet can be made less likely to peel off the game board.

[0156] Furthermore, of the internal adhesives 503, each of the multiple first internal adhesives 503a is formed along the outside of the outline of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500, and does not overlap with the head or face of the character. Therefore, even when the design sheet 500 attached to the resin cover of the movable body is viewed from the surface, it is possible to prevent the appearance from being impaired due to discoloration of the head or face of the predetermined character.

[0157] Furthermore, of the inner adhesive 503, each of the multiple second inner adhesives 503b is formed into a predetermined shape, such as a strip, and is positioned in the lower half of the design sheet 500 so as to overlap with the torso portion of a predetermined character printed on the surface of the design sheet 500. This increases the bonding area between the back surface of the design sheet 500 and the front surface of the resin cover of the movable body, thereby maintaining sufficient adhesive strength.

[0158] Furthermore, on the back surface of the design sheet 500, the proportion occupied by the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 is greater than the proportion occupied by the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503. In other words, the proportion occupied by the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503 is smaller than the proportion occupied by the first region R1 to the seventh region R7. For example, the proportion occupied by the outer adhesive 502 and the inner adhesive 503 and the proportion occupied by the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 may be set to approximately 30% and 70%. In this way, the possibility of air entering the outer adhesive 502 or the inner adhesive 503 itself when attaching the design sheet 500 to the game board 108 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the design sheet 500 from easily peeling off the game board 108 due to such air intrusion. That is, the design sheet 500 can be made even more difficult to peel off the game board 108.

[0159] Furthermore, a circular first positioning hole 505 into which a first positioning pin (not shown) of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted is formed in the lower right corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500, and a horizontally elongated rectangular second positioning hole 506 into which a second positioning pin (not shown) of the resin cover of the movable body can be inserted is formed in the lower left corner of the back surface of the design sheet 500.

[0160] Therefore, when attaching the design sheet 500 to the resin cover of the movable body, the design sheet 500 can be easily positioned by first inserting the first positioning pin of the resin cover into the first positioning hole 505 of the design sheet 500, and then inserting the second positioning pin of the resin cover into the second positioning hole 506 of the design sheet 500. In this case, since the second positioning hole 506 is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, even if the position of the design sheet 500 is slightly shifted after the first positioning pin has been inserted into the first positioning hole 505 of the design sheet 500, the second positioning pin can still be sufficiently inserted into the second positioning hole 506, making it easy to attach the design sheet 500.

[0161] Furthermore, in the above modified example 5, the first positioning hole 505 was formed in a position that slightly overlapped with the right end of the second outer adhesive 502b, and the second positioning hole 506 was formed in a position that slightly overlapped with the left end of the second outer adhesive 502b, the lower end of the fourth outer adhesive 502d, and the lower end of the first inner adhesive 503a7, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0162] For example, the first positioning hole 505 and the second positioning hole 506 may be formed in positions that do not overlap with either adhesive (outer adhesive 502 and inner adhesive 503). This prevents a reduction in the bonding area between the back surface of the design sheet 500 and the front surface of the resin cover by the amount of overlap between the first positioning hole 505 and the second positioning hole 506 and the adhesives (outer adhesive 502 and inner adhesive 503), and further ensures sufficient bonding strength.

[0163] Furthermore, in the above modified example 5, the first region R1 to the seventh region R7 were given as "non-adhesive areas" for explanation, but the number of predetermined regions is not limited to seven and can be appropriately determined according to the pattern printed on the surface of the design sheet 500.

[0164] Furthermore, in the above modified example 5, the first to sixth communication holes 504a to 504f were given as "gaps" for explanation, but the number of these gaps is not limited to six; one or more is sufficient.

[0165] Furthermore, in the above modified example 5, a fifth communication hole 504e was formed in the third outer adhesive 502c and a sixth communication hole 504f was formed in the fourth outer adhesive 502d, while no communication holes were formed in either the first outer adhesive 502a or the second outer adhesive 502b. However, the configuration is not limited to this. Communication holes may be formed in at least one of the first outer adhesive 502a or the second outer adhesive 502b.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above modified example 5, a circular first positioning hole 505 was formed in the lower right portion of the back surface of the design sheet 500, and a horizontally elongated rectangular second positioning hole 506 was formed in the lower left portion of the back surface of the design sheet 500. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the second positioning hole 506 may be formed in the lower right portion of the back surface of the design sheet 500, and the first positioning hole 505 may be formed in the lower left portion of the back surface of the design sheet 500.

[0167] Next, with reference to Figure 17, the details of the design sheet 70 described above will be explained. Figure 17(a) is a front view of the design sheet 70, (b) is a rear view of the design sheet 70, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along line AA. In Figure 17(c), a portion of the cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 17(c) is shown, and the resin member 5b to which the design sheet 70 is attached, and the LED (light-emitting means) 74 etc. arranged on the back (back side) of the resin member 5b are schematically depicted.

[0168] As shown in Figures 17(a) to (c), the design sheet 70 has a light-transmitting base material 71, a printed layer 72 formed on the back surface of the base material 71, and an adhesive portion 73 formed on the back surface of the printed layer 72.

[0169] The base material 71 is made of a resin material such as PET (PolyEthyleneTerephthalate) and is formed in the shape of a rectangular sheet. A positioning hole 71a is formed in the lower right part of the base material 71 for positioning the design sheet 70 when attaching it to the front surface of the resin member 5b. A protruding part (not shown), such as a rectangular prism shape, that protrudes from the front surface of the resin member 5b can be inserted into this positioning hole 71a. The shape of the base material 71 is not limited to the rectangular sheet shape described above, but can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the resin member 5b as long as it is in the shape of a sheet.

[0170] The printed layer 72 includes a first printed layer 72a, a second printed layer 72b, a third printed layer 72c, and a fourth printed layer 72d. The first printed layer 72a is formed on the back surface of the substrate 71, and the second printed layer 72b is formed on the back surface of the first printed layer 72a. The third printed layer 72c is formed on the back surface of the second printed layer 72b, and the fourth printed layer 72d is formed on the back surface of the third printed layer 72c.

[0171] The first printing layer 72a is printed on the back surface of the substrate 71 by offset printing using CMYK color inks. In this embodiment, when the first printing layer 72a is printed, a female character (a predetermined design) CH is printed on the back surface of the substrate 71 from approximately the center to the left side (see Figure 17(b)). The CMYK color inks contain four ink components: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the content of each ink component varies depending on the area of ​​the character CH. Note that the first printing layer 72a is not printed on the areas of the back surface of the design sheet 70 where the character CH is not printed.

[0172] The second printing layer 72b is printed on the back surface of the first printing layer 72a and the back surface of the substrate 71 using white ink via screen printing. This second printing layer 72b is provided to suppress the transmission of light through the first printing layer 72a. If light is transmitted through the first printing layer 72a, the appearance of the character CH may be negatively affected.

[0173] The third printing layer 72c is printed on the back surface of the second printing layer 72b by screen printing using high-density white ink. This third printing layer 72c is provided to further suppress the transmission of light through the first printing layer 72a.

[0174] The fourth printing layer 72d is printed on the back surface of the third printing layer 72c by screen printing using black ink. In other words, the fourth printing layer 72d is a light-blocking layer. In this embodiment, as described above, the design sheet 70 is attached to the front surface of the resin member 5b, and a number of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 74 (11 in this example) are arranged on the back surface of the resin member 5b. Specifically, as shown in Figure 17(a), the 11 LEDs 74 are arranged along the right side of the design sheet 70. Each LED 74 is mounted on a wiring circuit board 75 on which a predetermined pattern of wiring circuit (not shown) is formed (see Figure 17(c)). In addition, although the number of LEDs 74 was 11 in the above example, the number is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate according to the size of the design sheet 70.

[0175] As shown in Figure 17(c), the LED 74 is positioned near the resin member 5b, and the light-emitting surface of the LED 74 and the back surface of the resin member 5b are in close proximity to each other. Therefore, when the LED 74 emits light, the strong light emitted by the LED 74 is irradiated onto the design sheet 70. As a result, there was a risk that the second printing layer (white ink) 72b and the third printing layer (high-density white ink) 72c alone would not be able to suppress the transmission of light through the first printing layer 72a.

[0176] Therefore, in this embodiment, the fourth printing layer 72d is printed in the rectangular region R enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 17(b). This rectangular region R is in front of the 11 LEDs 74 and is the region along the left side of the back surface of the design sheet 70. Thus, a portion R' along the right side of the character CH in Figure 17(a) is located on this region R, and this portion R' constitutes the opposing portion that makes up the present invention. As a result, the fourth printing layer 72d is able to block the strong light emitted by the LEDs 74. Furthermore, even if this strong light were to pass through the fourth printing layer 72, the presence of the second printing layer (white ink) 72b and the third printing layer (high-density white ink) 72c prevents transmission through the first printing layer 72a.

[0177] The adhesive portion 73 is formed by silkscreen printing using adhesive, following the outer edge of the back surface of the design sheet 70. Therefore, the adhesive portion 73 is also formed on the back surface of the fourth printed layer (light-shielding layer) 72d formed in the rectangular region R described above. In this case, if strong light emitted by the LED 74 were to shine on the adhesive portion 73, the shape of the adhesive portion 73 would be visible from the front surface of the design sheet 70, potentially impairing the appearance of the game board 108. However, in this embodiment, since the adhesive portion 73 is formed on the back surface of the fourth printed layer 72d, strong light that passes through the adhesive portion 73 is blocked by the fourth printed layer 72d. As a result, the shape of the adhesive portion 73 is not visible from the front surface of the design sheet 70.

[0178] Furthermore, a portion of the adhesive area 73 is formed in a location on the back of the design sheet 70 where the first printing layer 72a is not printed (i.e., the character CH is not printed), and this location is relatively far from the LED 74. The second printing layer 72b and the third printing layer 72c are printed in this location. Therefore, the strong light emitted by the LED 74 is weakened by being blocked by the second printing layer 72b and the third printing layer 72c before being shone onto a portion of the adhesive area 73. Thus, the shape of a portion of the adhesive area 73 is not visible from the front of the design sheet 70.

[0179] Furthermore, the adhesive portion 73 is formed on the lower part of the back surface of the design sheet 70 so as to surround the outer edge of the positioning hole 71a. This allows for simultaneous positioning of the design sheet 70 and attachment of the lower part of the design sheet 70 when attaching it to the front surface of the resin member 5b, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the adhesive portion 73 was formed so as to be along the outer edge of the back surface of the design sheet 70, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, an adhesive seal having adhesive properties may be formed so as to be along the outer edge of the back surface of the design sheet 70.

[0181] Furthermore, the adhesive portion 73 does not necessarily need to be formed to surround the outer edge of the positioning hole 71a. If a configuration is adopted in which the adhesive portion 73 is not formed on the outer edge of the positioning hole 71a, when attaching the design sheet 70 to the front surface of the resin member 5b, the design sheet 70 can first be reliably positioned, and then the design sheet 70 can be attached to the precise position on the front surface of the resin member 5b.

[0182] The gaming machine 100 configured as described above can achieve the following effects.

[0183] A gaming machine (in this example, a gaming machine 100) equipped with a gaming board unit (in this example, gaming board unit 600), wherein the gaming board unit comprises a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 108), a translucent resin member (in this example, resin member 5b) provided in a position visible to the player, and a light-emitting means (in this example, a plurality of LEDs 74) provided in a position capable of illuminating the resin member, wherein the resin member has a translucent decorative sheet (in this example, design sheet 70) with a predetermined pattern applied to it, the decorative sheet has an adhesive portion (in this example, adhesive portion 73) for adhering to the resin member, the predetermined pattern of the decorative sheet (in this example, a predetermined character CH in Figure 17(a)) has a facing portion (in this example, a portion R' along the right side of character CH) that faces the light-emitting means via the resin member, the facing portion has lower translucency than other parts of the predetermined pattern, and the adhesive portion is formed on the facing portion. Therefore, the light emitted by the light-emitting device passes through the adhesive area but has difficulty passing through the opposing area. As a result, the shape of the adhesive area is not visible from the front of the decorative sheet. Consequently, damage to the appearance of the game board can be suppressed. In particular, since the opposing area with low light transmittance is positioned in front of the light-emitting device, the decorative sheet does not light up locally even when the light-emitting device emits light, further suppressing damage to the appearance of the game board.

[0184] Next, we will explain the details of the design sheet using a modified example.

[0185] Referring to Figure 18, the modified design sheet 80 differs from the embodiment in that the adhesive portion is formed at a different location. Figure 18(a) is a front view of the modified design sheet 80, and (b) and (c) are rear views of the design sheet 80. This design sheet 80 is attached, for example, to the resin member 5c (see Figure 5) that constitutes the front surface of the variable prize winning device 94.

[0186] The modified design sheet 80 comprises a rectangular sheet-shaped base material 81, a printed layer 82 formed on the back surface of the base material 81, and an adhesive portion 83 formed on the back surface of the printed layer 82.

[0187] The printing layer 72 includes a first printing layer 82a, a second printing layer 82b, and a third printing layer 82c. The first printing layer 82a is printed on the back surface of the base material 81 by offset printing using CMYK color inks. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 18(a), when the first printing layer 82a is printed, a predetermined character is printed at the lower part of the back surface of the base material 81. This predetermined character is "激熱" 84, and this "激熱" 84 has a certain thickness. And the inner part of "激熱" 84 is, for example, red with high light transmittance. Note that when the first printing layer 82a is printed, "☆" 85 is also printed above "激熱" 83 on the base material 71.

[0188] The second printing layer 82b is printed on the back surface of the base material 81 by silk screen printing using high-concentration white ink. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18(b), the second printing layer 82b is formed on the lower side of the back surface of the base material 81 so as to exclude the back surface of "激熱" 84 of the first printing layer 82a and the vicinity of the outer edge of "激熱" 84. Also, the second printing layer 82b is formed on the upper side of the back surface of the base material 71 so as to overlap "☆" 85 of the first printing layer 82a.

[0189] The third printing layer 82c is a light-shielding layer that blocks light, and is printed on the back surface of the base material 81 by silk screen printing using black ink. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18(c), the third printing layer 82c is formed on the back surface of the base material 81 along the outer edge of "激熱" 84 of the first printing layer 82a. That is, the third printing layer 82c is formed in the vicinity of the outer edge of "激熱" 84. As a result, a pattern (predetermined pattern) 87 (see Fig. 18(a)) composed of a red "激熱" (first pattern part) 84 with high light transmittance and a black outer peripheral part (second pattern part) 86 by the third printing layer 82c is applied to the surface of the base material 71. And the outer peripheral part 86 has lower light transmittance than "激熱" 84. In this modified example, a plurality of LEDs (not shown) are arranged along the lower part of the base material 81. When these LEDs emit light, the inner part of "激熱" 84 glows red, and the outer peripheral part 86 becomes black because the light is blocked by the third printing layer 82c.

[0190] In the above modified example, multiple LEDs (not shown) were arranged along the bottom of the base material 81, but the configuration is not limited to this. The positions in which the multiple LEDs are provided can be changed as appropriate, as long as they are positioned to illuminate the resin member 5c.

[0191] The adhesive portion 83 is printed on the back of the design sheet 80 by silkscreen printing using adhesive. Specifically, the adhesive portion 83 is formed to follow the third printing layer (black ink) 82c. As described above, the third printing layer 82c is formed to follow the outer edge of the "extremely hot" 84 of the first printing layer 82a (i.e., it is not formed on the inner part of the "extremely hot" 84), so the adhesive portion 83 is not formed on the inner part of the "extremely hot" 84. Therefore, when multiple LEDs are illuminated, the outer periphery 86 of the "extremely hot" 84 is blackened by the third printing layer 83c, so the shape of the adhesive portion 83 is not visible from the front of the design sheet 80.

[0192] Furthermore, the adhesive portion 83 is also formed on the back surface of the "☆" 85 of the first printed layer 82a. As a result, the adhesive portion 83 can adhere to the resin member 5c not only on the lower back surface of the base material 81, but also on the upper back surface of the base material 81, thus ensuring sufficient adhesion between the design sheet 80 and the resin member 5c.

[0193] In the above modified example, the adhesive portion 83 was formed along the third printing layer (black ink) 82c and on the back surface of the "☆" 85 of the first printing layer 82a, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the above position, the adhesive portion 83 may also be formed on the back surface of the second printing layer 82b formed at the bottom of the substrate 71. This would ensure even greater adhesion between the design sheet 80 and the resin member 5c.

[0194] When a design sheet configured in this way is attached to the front of a variable prize winning device 94 (resin component), the LED is illuminated while the player is playing a jackpot game, allowing the player to clearly see the "Super Hot" design on the first printed layer. This allows the player to accurately perceive the location of the variable prize winning device 94.

[0195] According to the gaming machine 100 equipped with the modified design sheet 80, the following effects can be achieved.

[0196] A gaming machine (in this example, gaming machine 100) equipped with a gaming board unit (in this example, gaming board unit 600), wherein the gaming board unit comprises a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 108), a translucent resin member (in this example, resin member 5c) provided in a position visible to the player, and a light-emitting means (in this example, LED) provided in a position capable of illuminating the resin member, wherein the resin member is a translucent decorative sheet with a predetermined pattern (in this example, pattern 87 in Figure 18(a)) applied to it. The decorative sheet has a design sheet (80 in this example), and the decorative sheet has an adhesive portion (83 in this example) for adhering to the resin member, and the predetermined pattern of the decorative sheet has a first pattern portion (84 in this example, "Super Hot" in Figure 81(a)) and a second pattern portion (86 in this example, the outer periphery portion in Figure 18(a)) which has lower light transmittance than the first pattern portion, and the adhesive portion is not formed on the first pattern portion, while the adhesive portion is formed on the second pattern portion. As a result, the light emitted by the light-emitting means can pass through the first pattern portion, but it is difficult for it to pass through the second pattern portion. Therefore, the outline of the predetermined pattern can be made clearer and the appearance of the decorative sheet can be improved, so as to prevent damage to the appearance of the game board.

[0197] Furthermore, the base material 81 of the modified design sheet 80 may also be provided with positioning holes, similar to the embodiment described above. If positioning holes are provided, the adhesive portion 83 may be formed to surround the outer edge of the positioning hole, similar to the embodiment described above, or it may not be formed to surround the outer edge of the positioning hole. In this case as well, the same effects as the embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0198] Next, with reference to Figure 19, the general configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 provided at the tip of the inner guide rail 28 will be described. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the inner guide rail 28.

[0199] As shown in Figure 19, the tip of the inner guide rail 28 is provided with a ball return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents game balls that have entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29. The ball return prevention mechanism 50 comprises a main body case 52, a cover 53, and a ball return prevention member (displacement member) 54. The main body case 52, cover 53, and ball return prevention member 54 are all molded products made of synthetic resin material. The ball return prevention mechanism 50 is formed by combining these main body case 52, cover 53, and ball return prevention member 54. As described above, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is positioned in the boundary area 700 when the inner guide rail 28 is attached to the acrylic plate 5a.

[0200] Next, the detailed configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. Figure 20 is a front perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50, Figure 21 is a rear perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50, and Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50.

[0201] As shown in Figures 20 to 22, the main body case 52 is integrally formed with the upper end of the internal guide rail 28 and has a bottom surface 52a and a side surface 52b erected from one end of the bottom surface 52a. The space enclosed by the bottom surface 52a and the side surface 52b forms a notch S. The notch S is open on the front side facing the transparent plate 11 and on the top side facing the boundary area 700 (see Figure 22). The upper open end of the notch S is a stopper wall 52c. The stopper wall 52c is formed at the upper end of the side surface 52b located near the game area 108a and is a cylindrical wall surface that crosses its upper end in the width direction.

[0202] A first bearing portion 52d and a guide groove 52e are formed on the bottom surface 52a of the main body case 52. The guide groove 52e extends in a substantially arc shape along a virtual circle centered on the first bearing portion 52d. A first screw hole 52f and a first positioning pin 52g are also provided on the bottom surface 52a (see Figure 22). A second positioning pin 52h is provided on the back side of the bottom surface 52a (see Figure 21), and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is positioned on the acrylic plate 5a by inserting this second positioning pin 52h into a hole (not shown) in the acrylic plate 5a.

[0203] The cover 53 is formed in a plate shape and has a second screw hole 53a and a positioning hole 53b. A second bearing portion 53c is also formed on the back side of the cover 53. The cover 53 is attached to the main body case 52 with the front side of the notch S closed by inserting the first positioning pin 52g of the bottom portion 52a into the positioning hole 53b and inserting the screw 55 into the second screw hole 53a and the first screw hole 52f of the bottom portion 52a.

[0204] The ball return prevention member 54 has a shaft hole 54a, an on / off valve 54b, and a weight portion 54c. The on / off valve 54b and the weight portion 54c are formed to bend in a V-shape at the shaft hole 54a. A support shaft 56 is inserted through the shaft hole 54a, one end of which is locked to the first bearing portion 52d of the bottom portion 52a, and the other end is locked to the second bearing portion 53c of the cover 53. As a result, the ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53.

[0205] The on-off valve 54b is formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape, and its length in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) is long enough to collide with a game ball returning from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700. The on-off valve 54b has a first side portion 540b facing the guide passage 29, and a second side portion 541b on the opposite side of the first side portion 540b and facing the game area 108a (left-handed area) (see Figure 22). The first side portion 540b is the part that collides with the game ball launched from the launching device 16 and passing through the guide passage 29. The second side portion 541b is the part that collides with the game ball attempting to return from the game area 108a to the guide passage 29.

[0206] The tip of the on / off valve 54b is tapered. Specifically, the vertical length of the first side portion 540b is longer than the vertical length of the second side portion 541b, and it slopes downward from the tip of the first side portion 540b towards the tip of the second side portion 541b. In addition, a projection 541c is formed in the center of the second side portion 541b, which protrudes toward the game area 108a.

[0207] The weight portion 54c is thicker and heavier than the on / off valve 54b. An engagement pin 54d is provided protruding from the back side of the weight portion 54c, and this engagement pin 54d is inserted into the guide groove 52e of the bottom portion 52a (see Figure 22). As described above, the ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and cover 53, and is displaceable between the open and closed states. Under normal conditions, the ball return prevention member 54 is biased to rotate in one direction (counterclockwise) around the support shaft 56 by the weight of the weight portion 54c, and the engagement pin 54d is in contact with one end of the guide groove 52e. As a result, the ball return prevention member 54 cannot rotate any further and maintains the closed state. On the other hand, the ball return prevention member 54, upon contact with the game ball launched from the launching device 16, rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise) around the pivot shaft 56 due to the contact force, and comes into contact with the stopper wall 52c described above, thereby opening up.

[0208] Next, with reference to Figures 23 and 24, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state (first state) and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when it is in the open state (second state) will be described. Figure 23 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, and Figure 24 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state.

[0209] As shown in Figure 23, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state (first state), the on-off valve 54b protrudes from the upper opening of the notch S toward the exit of the boundary region 700 in a substantially vertical position. In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the diameter of the game ball B and is the shortest possible distance. This distance refers to the shortest distance from the tip of the on-off valve 54b (first side portion 540b) of the ball return prevention member 54 toward the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, even if a game ball that has entered the game region 108a collides with a game nail 36 or the like and bounces back toward the boundary region 700, it will collide with the ball return prevention member 54. Furthermore, the ball return prevention member 54 does not rotate counterclockwise because it maintains its closed state even when struck by a game ball. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, it prevents game balls that have entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29.

[0210] As shown in Figure 23, when a game ball B launched from the launcher 16 toward the game area 108a rises up the guide passage 29 and enters the boundary area 700, and comes into contact with the on-off valve 54b, the contact force causes the ball return prevention member 54 to displace from the closed state to the open state. Then, as shown in Figure 24, the ball return prevention member 54 rotates in the direction of opening the exit of the boundary area 700, and when it collides with the stopper wall 52c, further rotation is restricted and it enters the open state (second state). In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the on-off valve 54b (first side portion 540b) to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than the diameter of the game ball B and is the longest distance. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state, it allows the game ball launched by the launcher 16 to enter the game area 108a from the boundary area 700. Furthermore, after the ball return prevention member 54 is displaced to the open state, it is subjected to the biasing force of the weight portion 54c and instantaneously rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise), displacing it again to the closed state shown in Figure 23.

[0211] As described above, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is configured to prevent game balls that have entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage 29 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state. In this embodiment, however, it is also possible to prevent game balls from returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29 even when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of being displaced from the closed state to the open state (third state).

[0212] Figure 25 shows a state in which the ball return prevention member 54 is being displaced from a closed state to an open state, and a game ball that has entered the game area 108a (left-handed play area) is attempting to return to the boundary area 700. Figures 26 and 27 are enlarged views of the area enclosed by the dotted line shown in Figure 25.

[0213] In Figure 25, one game ball (first game ball) B1, launched from the launching device 16 toward the game area 108a, enters the boundary area 700 from the guide passage 29 and makes contact with the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b), the outer guide rail 27, and another game ball (second game ball) B2. In Figure 26, the contact point between the first game ball B1 and the first side surface 540b of the on-off valve 54b is indicated by the symbol P1, the contact point with the outer guide rail 27 is indicated by the symbol P2, and the contact point with the other game ball B2 is indicated by the symbol P3.

[0214] Furthermore, the other game ball B2 enters the boundary area 700 from the game area 108a and makes contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54, the outer guide rail 27, and one of the game balls B1. In Figure 26, the contact point between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the on / off valve 54b is indicated by the symbol P4, the contact point with the outer guide rail 27 is indicated by the symbol P5, and the lowest point of the other game ball B2 is indicated by the symbol P6.

[0215] In the state shown in Figure 26, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than in the closed state (see Figure 23) and shorter than in the open state (see Figure 24). In other words, it is the distance between the closed state and the open state. Moreover, the distance H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. In other words, the distance H1 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. That is, the length H1 of the perpendicular L1 drawn from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer guide rail 27 is shorter than the length H2 of the perpendicular L2 drawn from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27.

[0216] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the distance H3 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) to the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and one game ball B1 is shorter than the distance H4 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball to the contact point P3. In other words, the length of the line segment L3 connecting the contact point P4 and the contact point P3 is shorter than the length of the line segment L4 connecting the lowest point P6 and the contact point P3.

[0217] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the ball return prevention member 54 has not rotated so that its tip reaches the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2. Specifically, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located higher than the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 in the vertical direction, and to the left (towards the guide passage 29) of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 in the horizontal direction. In other words, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located to the upper left of the lowest point P6.

[0218] After the collision between game ball B1 and game ball B2 as described above, even if game ball B2 tries to return to the guide passage 29, it will come into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) from the game area 108a side. As a result, the ball return prevention member 54 is likely to rotate counterclockwise due to the contact force applied from the game area 108a side toward the guide passage 29 side. Consequently, the ball return prevention member 54 blocks the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when game ball B1 and game ball B2 collide, making it difficult for game ball B2 to return to the guide passage 29. As a result, even when game ball B1 and game ball B2 collide as shown in Figure 25, it is possible to suppress game ball B2 from returning to the guide passage 29. In other words, it is possible to suppress two game balls from returning to the guide passage 29 consecutively.

[0219] Furthermore, when game ball B1 and game ball B2 collide as shown in Figure 25, if the distance H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) to the outer guide rail 27 is longer than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27, then after the collision, game ball B2 can enter between the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 and the outer guide rail 27. In this case, game ball B2 can come into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 from above, and the ball return prevention member 54 is more likely to rotate clockwise. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 opens the exit of the boundary region 700 more than when game ball B1 and game ball B2 collide, and is unable to prevent game ball B2 from returning to the guide passage 29.

[0220] As described above, the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment has made significant improvements compared to conventional pachinko machines in preventing game balls that have entered the game area 108a from returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29. However, as shown below, further improvements in preventing return are made by preventing the game balls from getting caught between the ball return prevention mechanism 50 and the game balls. Therefore, with reference to Figure 28, the prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 and the game balls getting caught will be explained. Figure 28 shows a state in which a game ball B that has returned from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700 is colliding with the ball return prevention member 54.

[0221] As shown in Figure 28, the game ball B returns from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700 and makes contact with the on-off valve 54b and the main body case 52 of the ball return prevention member 54. Specifically, the game ball B is in contact with the protruding portion 541c of the on-off valve 54b, which is in the closed state, and also in contact with the upper end (stopper wall 52c) of the main body case 52. In Figure 28, the contact point between the game ball B and the protruding portion 541c of the on-off valve 54b is indicated by the letter P7, the contact point with the upper end of the main body case 52 is indicated by the letter P8, and the leftmost point of the game ball B is indicated by the letter P9.

[0222] In this state, the contact point P7 between the game ball B and the protruding portion 541c of the on-off valve 54b is located below the leftmost point P9 of the game ball B in the vertical direction. Also, the contact point P8 between the game ball B and the upper end of the main body case 52 is located to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B in the horizontal direction, and above the lowest point P6 of the game ball B in the vertical direction. In other words, contact point P8 is located to the upper left of the lowest point P6. Furthermore, the distance from contact point P7 to contact point P8 (first distance) H5 is shorter than the distance from the leftmost point P9 of the game ball B to the lowest point P6 (second distance) H6. As a result, the game ball B cannot enter the gap area SP between the upper opening (see Figure 21, etc.) facing the boundary area 700 of the main body case 52 and the base end portion of the second side portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b that is closer to the protruding portion 541c. Furthermore, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 28, when the game ball B collides with the ball return prevention member 54, a force is applied to the right from the protruding portion 541c of the on-off valve 54b and a force is applied diagonally upward to the right from the upper end of the main body case 52, causing it to bounce back into the game area 108a. As a result, the game ball B is prevented from getting stuck between the on-off valve 54b of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 and the main body case 52 by entering the gap area SP. Therefore, the return prevention function of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 caused by such entanglement of the game ball B is not impaired. Consequently, the return prevention function of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 can be stably ensured, further improving the prevention of the game ball returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29 once it has entered the game area 108a.

[0223] The gaming machine 100 configured in this way according to this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0224] The gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment includes a guide passage (guide area) 29 which is the area between the outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 and the inner guide rail (inner rail) 28 and guides the launched gaming ball to the gaming area 30, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 which prevents the gaming ball from returning from the gaming area 30 to the guide passage 29. The ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an on / off valve (displacement member) 54b which can be displaced into a closed state (first state), an open state (second state), and a state in between being displaced from the closed state to the open state (third state). The on / off valve 54b has a side portion facing the outer guide rail 27 and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion, and the distance from the tip portion to the outer guide rail 27 is a specific distance Let H1 be the distance between the two game balls. If we define a game ball B1 as the ball guided from the guide passage 29 to the game area 30, and another game ball B2 as the ball returning from the game area 30 to the guide passage 29, then the closed state is a state in which a specific distance is shorter than that of the open state, the open state is a state in which a specific distance is longer than that of the closed state, and the state in between the closed state and the open state is characterized in that the side of the game ball B1 is in contact with the outer guide rail 27 and the other game ball B2, and the tip of the other game ball B2 is in contact with the outer guide rail 27 and the game ball B1, so that the specific distance H1 is longer than that of the closed state and shorter than that of the open state, and is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point of the other game ball B2 to the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 not only prevents game balls that have entered the game area 30 from returning when the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) is in the closed state, but also suppresses game balls that have entered the game area 30 from returning to the guide passage 29 even when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of being displaced from the closed state to the open state. Thus, it is possible to improve the prevention of game balls that have entered the game area 30 from returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.

[0225] Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment includes a guide passage (guide area) 29 in the region between the outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 and the inner guide rail (inner rail) 28, which guides the launched gaming ball to the gaming area 30, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 which prevents the gaming ball from returning from the gaming area 108a to the guide passage 29. The ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an on / off valve (displacement member) 54b that can be displaced into a closed state (first state), an open state (second state), and a state in between being displaced from the closed state to the open state (third state). The on / off valve 54b has a side portion facing the outer guide rail 27 and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion, and the distance from the tip portion to the outer rail is a specific distance H1, and the ball is about to be guided from the guide passage 29 to the gaming area 108a. If we consider one game ball as game ball B1, and another game ball B2 as a game ball attempting to return from the game area 108a to the guide passage 29, then the closed state is a state in which a specific distance H1 is shorter than that of the open state, the open state is a state in which a specific distance H1 is longer than that of the closed state, and the intermediate state is characterized in that one game ball B1 is in contact with the side portion of the outer guide rail 27 and the other game ball B2, and the other game ball B2 is in contact with the tip portion of the outer guide rail 27 and the one game ball B1, so that the specific distance H1 is longer than that of the closed state and shorter than that of the open state, and the distance H3 from the contact point P4 between the tip portion of the other game ball B2 and the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and the one game ball B1 is shorter than the distance H4 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and the one game ball B1. Therefore, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 not only prevents game balls that have entered the game area 30 from returning when the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) is in the closed state, but also suppresses game balls that have entered the game area 30 from returning to the guide passage 29 even when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of being displaced from the closed state to the open state. Thus, it is possible to improve the prevention of game balls that have entered the game area 30 from returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.

[0226] Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment includes a guide passage (guide area) 29 which is the area between the outer guide rail (outer rail) 27 and the inner guide rail (inner rail) 28 and guides the launched gaming ball to the gaming area 108a, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 which prevents the gaming ball from returning from the gaming area 108a to the guide passage 29. The ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an on / off valve (displacement member) 54b which can be displaced between a closed state (first state) and an open state (second state), and a main body case (holding member) 52 which can hold the on / off valve 54b. The on / off valve 54b has a second side portion (side portion) 541b which faces the gaming area 108a, and a tip portion which is the tip portion which is the tip portion which is connected to the outer guide rail 27 If the distance to the opening is defined as a specific distance, the closed state is a state where the specific distance is shorter than the open state, and the open state is a state where the specific distance is longer than the closed state. The main body case 52 has a stopper wall (contacting portion) 52c that abuts against the second side portion 541b of the opening valve 54b in the open state. In the closed state, the game ball may come into contact with the stopper wall 52c and the second side portion 541b (the protruding portion 541c). In the closed state, if the distance from the contact point P8 between the game ball and the stopper wall 52c to the contact point P7 between the game ball and the second side portion 541b (the protruding portion 541c) is defined as the first distance H5, and the distance from the lowest point P6 to the leftmost point P9 of the game ball is defined as the second distance H6, then the first distance H5 is shorter than the second distance H6. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the prevention of the game ball returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29 once it has entered the game area 108a.

[0227] Referring to Figure 29, the gap provided in the front-rear direction of the on-off valve 54b of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be explained. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 23. Figure 29 also shows the transparent window 106a of the front door 3.

[0228] As shown in Figure 29, a first gap SP1 and a second gap SP2 are provided in the front-rear direction of the on-off valve 54b. Specifically, the first gap SP1 is provided between the front end 542b of the on-off valve 54b and the back surface 106a1 of the transparent window 106a, and the second gap SP2 is provided between the rear end 543b of the on-off valve 54b and the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5. The size of the first gap SP1 in the front-rear direction is within a range smaller than the radius of the game ball (for example, 4 mm). Similarly, the size of the second gap SP2 in the front-rear direction is also within a range smaller than the radius of the game ball (for example, 4 mm).

[0229] As a result, even if a game ball attempting to be guided from the guide passage 29 to the game area 30, or a game ball attempting to return from the game area 30 to the guide passage 29, comes into contact with the on / off valve 54b, it is impossible for it to get stuck in the first gap SP1 or the second gap SP2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ball jams from occurring around the on / off valve 54b due to such game balls getting stuck in the first gap SP1 and the second gap SP2.

[0230] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the on-off valve 54b is displaceable between a closed state and an open state, and is designed to rattle in the front-to-back direction. The magnitude of this front-to-back rattle is approximately 1 mm at its maximum, and even if the on-off valve 54b rattles within this range, it will not come into contact with the back surface 106a1 of the transparent window 106a or the acrylic plate (playing board) 5a. When the on-off valve 54b rattles backward, the size of the second gap SP2 in the front-to-back direction decreases, while the size of the first gap SP1 in the front-to-back direction increases. In this case, the size of the first gap SP1 in the front-to-back direction is also within a range smaller than the radius of the game ball.

[0231] Furthermore, if the on / off valve 54b rattles forward, the size of the first gap SP1 in the front-to-back direction decreases, while the size of the second gap SP2 in the front-to-back direction increases. In this case, the size of the second gap SP2 in the front-to-back direction is also within a range smaller than the radius of the game ball.

[0232] As a result, even when the on-off valve 54b is loose, it is impossible for game balls attempting to be guided from the guide passage 29 to the game area 30, or game balls attempting to return from the game area 30 to the guide passage 29, to get stuck in the first gap SP1 or the second gap SP2, even if they come into contact with the on-off valve 54b. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent ball jams from occurring around the on-off valve 54b due to such game balls getting stuck in the first gap SP1 and the second gap SP2.

[0233] The gaming machine 100 configured in this way according to this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0234] A gaming machine (in this example, gaming machine 100) comprises a game board (in this example, game board 5) having a game area (in this example, game area 108a), a launching means (in this example, launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, and an outer rail (in this example, outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, wherein a guide area (in this example, guide passage 29) for guiding the game balls into the game area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, The system includes a ball return prevention mechanism (in this example, a ball return prevention mechanism 50) that prevents the game ball from returning from the game area to the guide area. The aforementioned ball return prevention mechanism has a displacement member (on-off valve 54b) that can be displaced into multiple states (in this example, open state, closed state, and intermediate state), A first gap (in this example, the first gap SP1) is provided between the displacement member and the game board. A second gap (in this example, the second gap SP2) is provided between the displacement member and the transparent window. The size of the first gap is smaller than the radius of the game ball. The size of the second gap is also smaller than the radius of the game ball.

[0235] Therefore, even if a game ball attempting to be guided from the guide passage 29 to the game area 30, or a game ball attempting to return from the game area 30 to the guide passage 29, comes into contact with the on / off valve 54b, it is impossible for it to get stuck in the first gap SP1 or the second gap SP2. Thus, it is possible to prevent ball jams from occurring around the on / off valve 54b due to such game balls getting stuck in the first gap SP1 and the second gap SP2. In other words, it is possible to improve the prevention of game balls entering the game area 30 returning to the guide passage 29. In addition, it is also possible to improve the guiding effect of game balls from the guide passage 29 to the game area 30.

[0236] Next, a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 30 is a front view of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment, and Figure 31 is a perspective view showing the outer guide rail provided on the game board of the pachinko machine. Note that in Figure 30 and Figures 31 to 36 shown below, the display operation device and the like provided in the lower center of the front door 3 are omitted from the illustration. The pachinko machine according to the second embodiment is characterized by the relationship between the position of the main display 40 provided on the game board 108 and the contact position where the game balls launched by the launching device 16 (launching means) come into contact with the outer guide rail 27, as will be described later.

[0237] As shown in Figure 30, the pachinko machine 101 is equipped with an outer guide rail 27. As shown in Figure 31, this outer guide rail 27 is made of a strip of metal plate (e.g., stainless steel plate) that is elastic and flexible, and is attached along the inner circumferential surface 42a (see Figure 5) of the rail base 26. The base end 27a of the outer guide rail 27 is bent in an L-shape and is fitted into and supported by the base end support portion 420a (see Figure 5) of the rail base 26. On the other hand, the tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27 is bent in a U-shape and is fitted into and supported by the tip support portion 420b (see Figure 5) of the rail base 26.

[0238] Between the base end 27a and the tip end 27b of the outer guide rail 27, a plurality (for example, five) of roughly horizontally elongated elliptical holes 27c are formed. Each hole 27c can be inserted into bosses (not shown) formed at predetermined intervals on the inner circumferential surface 42a of the rail base 26.

[0239] When attaching the outer guide rail 27 configured in this way to the rail base 26 of the game board 14, first, the tip 27b of the outer guide rail 27 is fitted into the tip support portion 420b of the rail base 26 for support. Next, after inserting the boss of the rail base 26 into the hole 27c of the outer guide rail 27, the base end 27a of the outer guide rail 27 is fitted into the base support portion 420a of the rail base 26 for support.

[0240] In this state, the outer guide rail 27 is positioned in an arc shape along the inner circumferential surface 42a of the rail base 26, and is therefore deformed toward the inside in the circumferential direction. In this state, the outer guide rail 27 generates an elastic force that returns it to its original shape toward the outside in the circumferential direction, so that the surface of the outer guide rail 27 opposite to the guide surface 27A can be brought into close contact with the inner circumferential surface 42a of the rail base 26. This allows the outer guide rail 27 to be attached to the game board 108.

[0241] Returning to Figure 30, we will now explain the relationship between the position of the main display unit 40 on the game board 108 and the contact position where the game ball launched by the launching device 16 (launching means) contacts the outer guide rail 27. In the following, we will give an example of the contact position of a game ball launched based on a right-handed shooting operation.

[0242] As shown in Figure 30, the main display unit 40 (notification means) is located in the lower left region of the game board 108. Specifically, it is located outside the outer guide rail 27 provided on the game board 108, and is positioned adjacent to the curved portion of the outer guide rail 27. The main display unit 40 includes a circuit board (not shown), a plurality of lamps 40a provided on the circuit board, and a housing portion 40b. The housing portion 40b is formed of, for example, resin, and houses the circuit board and the plurality of lamps 40a. The housing portion 40b has an upper edge 40b1 at the highest position and a lower edge 40b2 at the lowest position in the vertical direction. The upper edge 40b1 is located approximately 110 mm from the base end of the outer guide rail 27, and the lower edge 40b2 is located approximately 80 mm from the base end of the outer guide rail 27. Furthermore, the main display unit 40 can provide information about the game balls in accordance with the progress of the game by indicating the lighting patterns of multiple lamps 40a.

[0243] On the other hand, when a game ball is launched by the launching device 16 based on a right-handed operation, the launched game ball P will come into contact with the outer guide rail 27 at multiple (three in this example) contact points. These multiple contact points include the first contact point X1, the second contact point X2, and the third contact point X3. Therefore, the launched game ball will first bounce at the first contact point X1, then at the second contact point X2, and finally bounce while moving at the third contact point X3. In this process, the game ball that bounces at the first contact point X1 will move approximately parallel to the outer guide rail 27 before bouncing at the second contact point X2, and the game ball that bounces at the second contact point X2 will move approximately parallel to the outer guide rail 27 before bouncing at the third contact point X3. The first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are easily visible through the transparent window 106a when the front door 3 is closed.

[0244] The first contact position X1 is the position at the moment when the game ball P launched by the launching device 16 first makes contact with the outer guide rail 27 (first contact start point). In other words, the first contact position X1 is the position where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer guide rail 27. This first contact position X1 is approximately 45 mm away from the base end of the outer guide rail 27. Note that the first contact position X1 may include a certain width from the position at the moment when the game ball first makes contact with the outer guide rail 27 (first contact start point) to the position at the moment when the game ball first separates from the outer guide rail (first contact end point). Alternatively, the first contact position X1 may be the position at the moment when the game ball first separates from the outer guide rail (first contact end point).

[0245] The second contact position X2 is the position where the game ball P launched by the launching device 16 makes contact with the outer guide rail 27 for the first time after contacting the first contact position X1. In other words, the second contact position X2 is the position where the launched game ball makes contact with the outer guide rail 27 for the second time. This second contact position X2 is located approximately 80 mm away from the base end of the outer guide rail 27.

[0246] The third contact position X3 is the position where the game ball P launched by the launching device 16 makes contact with the outer guide rail 27 for the first time after contacting the second contact position X2. In other words, the third contact position X3 is the position where the launched game ball makes contact with the outer guide rail 27 for the third time. This third contact position X3 is located approximately 105 mm away from the base end of the outer guide rail 27 and is located below the leftmost end of the outer guide rail 27 in the vertical direction.

[0247] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 30, the main display unit 40 is positioned so as not to face the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27. Here, "facing" means, for example, in a front view, that the main display unit 40 is located on the extension of a straight line passing through the center of the game ball and the point of contact between the game ball and the outer guide rail 27. In Figure 30, the first contact position X1 is at a height between the base end of the outer guide rail 27 and the lower edge 40b2 of the main display unit 40, and the main display unit 40 is not located on the extension of a straight line passing through the center of the game ball and the point of contact between the game ball and the outer guide rail 27 (first contact position X1).

[0248] Furthermore, "facing each other" may also mean that the main display unit 40 is located on the extension of the tangent line to the foremost point of the launched game ball. Additionally, "facing each other" may mean that the main display unit 40 is located on the extension of the tangent line to the last point of the launched game ball.

[0249] Furthermore, the main display unit 40 is positioned so as not to face the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27. Specifically, the second contact position X2 is at approximately the same height as the lower edge 40b2 of the main display unit 40, and the main display unit 40 is not located on the extension of the straight line passing through the center of the game ball and the contact point (second contact position X2) between the game ball and the outer guide rail 27.

[0250] On the other hand, the main display unit 40 is positioned opposite the third contact position X3. Specifically, the third contact position X3 is located at a height between the lower edge 40b2 and the upper edge 40b1 of the main display unit 40, and the main display unit 40 lies on the extension of a straight line passing through the center of the game ball and the contact point between the game ball and the outer guide rail 27 (second contact position X2).

[0251] Thus, the main display unit 40 is installed on the game board 108 so as not to face the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2, while it is installed on the game board 108 so as to face the third contact position X3.

[0252] The pachinko machine 101 configured in this way can achieve the following effects.

[0253] A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 101) comprises a game board having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a), a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, and a notification means (in this example, a main display 40) capable of notifying information related to the game, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) for guiding the game balls into the game area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, and the notification means is provided next to the guide area. In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: This includes a first contact position (in this example, first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The notification means is positioned so as not to face the first contact position.

[0254] Therefore, since the game ball launched by the launching means does not come into contact with the portion of the outer guide rail 27 facing the notification means while maintaining its momentum at the time of launch, it is possible to prevent damage to the notification means caused by the impact resulting from the game ball making contact at the first contact position. In other words, it is possible to prevent damage to the notification means caused by the game ball colliding with the outer rail.

[0255] In the above configuration, the main display unit 40 is positioned so as not to face the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27, while the main display unit 40 is positioned so as to face the third contact position of the outer guide rail 27. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0256] For example, the main display 40 is provided at a position not facing the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27. On the other hand, the main display 40 may be provided at a position facing the second contact position X2 and the third contact position of the outer guide rail 27. In this case, it will have the following configuration.

[0257] A game board (in this example, the game board 108) having a game area (in this example, the game area 108a), a launching means (in this example, the launching device 16) capable of launching a game ball, an outer rail (in this example, the outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, the inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game ball launched by the launching means to the game area, and a notification means (in this example, the main display 40) capable of notifying information related to the game. A guide area (in this example, the guide passage 29) for guiding the game ball to the game area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, and the notification means is a gaming machine (in this example, the pachinko machine 101) provided beside the guide area. In the guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at a plurality of contact positions. Among the plurality of contact positions, it includes the first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball first contacts the outer rail. the second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball secondarily contacts the outer rail, and the third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball thirdly contacts the outer rail are included. The notification means is provided so as to face the second contact position and the third contact position, while not facing the first contact position.

[0258] Even with such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the impact caused by the contact of the game ball at the first contact position X1 from being transmitted to the notification means, so the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0259] Furthermore, when a game ball makes contact at the second contact position X2 or the third contact position X3, the momentum of the game ball is reduced compared to when it makes contact at the first contact position. Therefore, even if such a game ball comes into contact with the portion of the outer guide rail 27 facing the notification means, the notification means will not be damaged.

[0260] Furthermore, the main display unit 40 may be positioned so as not to face the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position of the outer guide rail 27. For example, the main display unit 40 may be positioned such that its lower edge 40b2 is above the third contact position X3, or its upper edge 40b1 is below the first contact position X1. In this case, the configuration will be as follows.

[0261] A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 101) comprises a game board (in this example, a game board 108) having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a), a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, and a notification means (in this example, a main display 40) capable of notifying information related to the game, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) for guiding the game balls into the game area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, and the notification means is provided next to the guide area. In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball makes second contact with the outer rail, This includes a third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes third contact with the outer rail, The notification means is positioned so as not to face any of the first contact position, the second contact position, or the third contact position.

[0262] This prevents the impact caused by the game ball's contact at the third contact position, as well as at the first and second contact positions X2, from being transmitted to the notification device. Therefore, damage to the notification device can be reliably prevented.

[0263] Furthermore, the main display unit 40 may be positioned so as not to face the first contact position X1 and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27, but to face the second contact position X2.

[0264] In the above, the contact position of a game ball launched based on a right-handed shot was given as an example, but the contact position of a game ball launched based on a left-handed shot, a weak shot, or a powerful shot will have a similar positional relationship. However, in the case of a left-handed shot, a weak shot, or a powerful shot, the launching force of the game ball by the launching device 16 is weak, so the third contact position X3 may not occur. A weak shot is a shot in which the game ball launched by the launching device 16 rises up the guide passage 29 and flows down the left-handed area 108a1 from near the exit of the guide passage 29. A powerful shot is a shot in which the game ball launched by the launching device 16 heads towards the powerful position BP (see Figure 5) provided in the left-handed area 108a1 of the game area 108a.

[0265] Furthermore, since the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are easily visible through the transparent window 106a when the front door 3 is closed, it is possible to easily design the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position during the development stage of the pachinko machine 101. Specifically, in the development stage of the pachinko machine 101, in order to design the first contact position X1, etc., the front door 3 must be closed in order to test launch game balls from the launching device 16. In this embodiment, as described above, since the first contact position X1, etc. are easily visible through the transparent window 106a when the front door 3 is closed, it is possible to design the first contact position X1, etc. while having a good grasp of its position.

[0266] Furthermore, when the front door 3 is closed, the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 can be easily seen through the transparent window 106a, allowing the player to see a wide area of ​​the game area 108a of the game board 108.

[0267] Next, a modified example 2-1 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 32 is a front view of the pachinko machine according to modified example 2-1.

[0268] As shown in Figure 32, the modified pachinko machine 2-1 according to the modified example 2-1 differs from the second embodiment in that a transparent plate 140 is provided on the rear side of the transparent window 106a of the front door 3. Specifically, the transparent plate 140 is provided on the rear side of the lower left portion of the transparent window 106a when viewed from the front, and covers the front side of the entrance of the guide passage 29.

[0269] The transparent plate 140 is a transparent plate-shaped member made of, for example, a plastic material. In this modified example, the upper edge of the transparent plate 140 is located between the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27. As a result, the transparent plate 140 does not cover the area in front of the third contact position X3, but covers the areas in front of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2.

[0270] Furthermore, a warning sticker 141 is attached to the surface of the transparent plate 140. The warning sticker 141 has text such as "Please be careful not to pinch your hands or fingers." The first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is located on the back side of this warning sticker 141. In other words, the front of the first contact position X1 is covered by the warning sticker 141. The front of the second contact position X2 is not covered by the warning sticker 141.

[0271] The following effects can be achieved with the pachinko machine 2-1 configured in this way.

[0272] A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-1) comprises a game board (in this example, a game board 108) having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a), a transparent window (in this example, a transparent window 106a) provided opposite the game board, a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, and an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail for guiding the game balls into the game area, In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball makes second contact with the outer rail, This includes a third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes third contact with the outer rail, Between the game board and the transparent window, a transparent protective member (in this example, a transparent plate 140) is provided to protect the game balls that come into contact with the outer rail from coming into contact with the transparent window. The protective member is provided with a cautionary seal (in this example, cautionary seal 141) that calls for a predetermined caution. While the protective member is not provided in front of the third contact position, it is provided in front of the first contact position and the second contact position. While the cautionary seal is not attached in front of the second contact position, it is attached in front of the first contact position.

[0273] Therefore, since the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is covered by the cautionary seal 141 attached to the transparent plate 140, the first contact position X1 is not visible. In particular, since the first contact position X1 has a scratch caused by contact with the pachinko ball, by making such a scratch invisible, it is possible to prevent spoiling the appearance.

[0274] Also, since the front of the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27 is covered by the transparent plate 140, it is possible to reduce the visibility of the second contact position X2 to some extent. Therefore, similar to the first contact position X1, it is possible to prevent spoiling the appearance.

[0275] In addition, the transparent plate 140 covers the front of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, the transparent plate 140 can prevent the pachinko ball launched by the launching device 16 from popping out forward and hitting the transparent window 106a directly based on contact with the first contact position X1 or the second contact position X2. Thereby, the transparent plate 140 can protect the transparent window 106a.

[0276] Note that although the front of the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 is not covered by the transparent plate 140, since the momentum of the pachinko ball contacting the third contact position X3 has significantly decreased, the scratches occurring at the third contact position X3 are hardly noticeable, so there is almost no spoiling of the appearance.

[0277] Next, a modification 2-2 of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 33 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the modification 2-2.

[0278] As shown in Figure 33, the pachinko machine 2-2 according to the modified example 2-2 differs from the modified example 2-1 in that the position of the warning sticker 141 attached to the transparent plate 140 is different. Specifically, in a front view, it is attached to the lower left region of the transparent plate 140 and covers the front of the base end 27a (see Figure 31) of the outer guide rail 27. The first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27 are covered in front of the transparent plate 140, but not covered by the warning sticker 141.

[0279] Furthermore, in this modified example, the left side of the front door 3 is provided with a lower left design portion 3a that covers a part of the guide passage 29. This lower left design portion 3a covers the area in front of the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27.

[0280] The following effects can be achieved with the pachinko machine 2-2 configured in this way.

[0281] A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-2) comprises a game board (in this example, a game board 108) having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a), a front door (in this example, a front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, a transparent window 106a) provided opposite the game board, a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, and an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail for guiding the game balls into the game area, In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball makes second contact with the outer rail, This includes a third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes third contact with the outer rail, On the front side of the aforementioned front door, a decorative element is provided so as to surround the aforementioned transparent window. The design member has a design portion (in this example, a left lower design portion 3a) provided on the left lower side of the front door so as to cover a part of the guide area, The design portion is not provided in front of the first contact position and the second contact position, but is provided in front of the third contact position. Between the game board and the transparent window, a transparent protective member (in this example, a transparent plate 140) is provided to protect the game balls that come into contact with the outer rail from coming into contact with the transparent window. The protective member is fitted with a warning sticker (in this example, a warning sticker 141) that draws attention to a predetermined cause. The protective member is not provided in front of the third contact position, but is provided in front of the first contact position and the second contact position. The aforementioned warning sticker is not placed in front of the first and second contact positions, but is placed in front of the base end of the outer rail.

[0282] Therefore, since the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27 are covered in front of the transparent plate 140, the visibility of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 can be reduced to some extent. Thus, it is possible to prevent the appearance from being spoiled by scratches that occur at the first contact position X1 and the second contact position.

[0283] Furthermore, the transparent plate 140 covers the area in front of the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27. Therefore, the transparent plate 140 prevents the game ball launched by the launching device 16 from flying forward and directly hitting the transparent window 106a based on contact with the first contact position X1 or the second contact position X2. In this way, the transparent plate 140 can protect the transparent window 106a.

[0284] Furthermore, the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 is covered in front of the lower left design portion 3a of the front door 3, making it impossible for the player to see. As mentioned above, scratches on the third contact position X3 are hardly noticeable, but if scratches on the third contact position X3 are noticeable, the appearance can be prevented by using the lower left design portion 3a to hide the scratches, as in this modified example.

[0285] Next, a modified example 2-3 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 34 is a front view of the pachinko machine according to modified example 2-3.

[0286] As shown in Figure 34, the pachinko machine 2-3 according to the modified example 2-3 differs from the modified example 2-2 in that a transparent plate 140 is not provided on the rear side of the transparent window 106a of the front door 3. Specifically, the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is not covered in front of the transparent plate 140 and can be easily seen through the transparent window 106a.

[0287] Furthermore, in this modified example, the left side of the front door 3 is provided with a lower left design portion 3b that covers a part of the guide passage 29. This lower left design portion 3b covers a wider area of ​​the guide passage 29 than the lower left design portion 3a in the modified example 2-2, covering not only the area in front of the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 but also the area in front of the second contact position X2. The lower left design portion 3b does not cover the area in front of the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27.

[0288] The following effects can be achieved with the pachinko machine 2-3 configured in this way.

[0289] A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-3) comprises a game board (in this example, a game board 108) having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a), a front door (in this example, a front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, a transparent window 106a) provided opposite the game board, a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, and an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail for guiding the game balls into the game area, In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball makes second contact with the outer rail, This includes a third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes third contact with the outer rail, On the front side of the aforementioned front door, a decorative element is provided so as to surround the aforementioned transparent window. The design member has a design portion (in this example, the lower left design portion 3b) provided on the lower left side of the front door so as to cover a part of the guide area. The design portion is not provided in front of the first contact position, but is provided in front of the second and third contact positions.

[0290] Therefore, since the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is easily visible through the transparent window 106a, it is possible to easily design the first contact position X1 during the development stage of the pachinko machine 2-3. Here, as mentioned above, the first contact position X1 is the position where the game ball launched by the launching device 16 first contacts the outer guide rail 27, so the subsequent movement of the game ball will change greatly depending on the position of this first contact position X1. For this reason, the design of the first contact position X1 is extremely important, and it is extremely beneficial during the development stage that such a first contact position X1 can be easily visible when the front door 3 is closed.

[0291] Furthermore, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 are covered in front of the lower left design portion 3b of the front door 3, making them invisible to the player. Therefore, scratches at the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 can be hidden, preventing them from being unsightly.

[0292] Thus, this modified version makes it possible to achieve both ease of design for the first contact position X1 and prevention of an unsightly appearance. In other words, it makes it easier to design the contact position where the game ball contacts the base end of the outer rail, while preventing an unsightly appearance.

[0293] Next, a modified example 2-4 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 35 is a front view of the pachinko machine according to modified example 2-4.

[0294] As shown in Figure 35, the size of the lower left design portion 3c covering a part of the guide passage 29 differs from that of the modified example 2-3 in the modified example 2-4. Specifically, the lower left design portion 3c covers a wider area of ​​the guide passage 29 than the lower left design portion 3b of the modified example 2-3, and covers not only the area in front of the third contact position X3 and the second contact position X2 of the outer guide rail 27, but also the area in front of the first contact position X1.

[0295] The following effects can be achieved with the pachinko machine 2-4 configured in this way.

[0296] A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-4) comprising: a game board (in this example, a game board 108) having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a); a front door (in this example, a front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, a transparent window 106a) provided opposite the game board; a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls; and an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail for guiding the game balls into the game area, In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball makes second contact with the outer rail, This includes a third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes third contact with the outer rail, On the front side of the aforementioned front door, a decorative element is provided so as to surround the aforementioned transparent window. The design member has a design portion (in this example, the lower left design portion 3c) provided on the lower left side of the front door so as to cover a part of the guide area. The design portion is provided in front of the first contact position, the second contact position, and the third contact position.

[0297] Therefore, since the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 are all covered by the lower left design portion 3c, scratches at these contact positions X1 to X3 can be hidden, preventing them from looking unsightly.

[0298] Next, a modified example 2-5 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 36 is a front view of the pachinko machine according to modified example 2-5.

[0299] As shown in Figure 36, the shape of the lower left design portion 3d of the modified pachinko machine 2-5 according to the modified example 2-5 differs from that of the modified example 2-4. Specifically, the lower left design portion 3d protrudes above the left speaker 116. Furthermore, the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is located below the lower left design portion 3d in the vertical direction. Therefore, the first contact position X1 is not visible through the transparent window 106a in a front view. On the other hand, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are located above the lower left design portion 3d in the vertical direction, and are therefore easily visible through the transparent window 106a.

[0300] The following effects can be achieved with the pachinko machine 2-5 configured in this way.

[0301] A game machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 2-5) comprises a game board (in this example, a game board 108) having a game area (in this example, a game area 108a), a front door (in this example, a front door 3) having a transparent window (in this example, a transparent window 106a) provided opposite the game board, a launching means (in this example, a launching device 16) capable of launching game balls, and an outer rail (in this example, an outer guide rail 27) and an inner rail (in this example, an inner guide rail 28) capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, wherein a guide area (in this example, a guide passage 29) is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail for guiding the game balls into the game area, In the aforementioned guide area, the launched game ball comes into contact with the outer rail at multiple contact points. The aforementioned multiple contact positions include: The first contact position (in this example, the first contact position X1) where the launched game ball makes first contact with the outer rail, The second contact position (in this example, the second contact position X2) where the launched game ball makes second contact with the outer rail, This includes a third contact position (in this example, the third contact position X3) where the launched game ball makes third contact with the outer rail, On the front side of the aforementioned front door, a decorative element is provided so as to surround the aforementioned transparent window. The design member has a design portion (in this example, the lower left design portion 3d) provided on the lower left side of the front door so as to cover a part of the guide area. The design portion is not provided in front of the second and third contact positions, but is provided in front of the first contact position.

[0302] Therefore, since the first contact position X1 of the outer guide rail 27 is located below the lower left design portion 3d, the first contact position X1 can be made invisible to the player. In particular, since scratches occur at the first contact position X1 due to contact with the game ball, making such scratches invisible is effective in preventing the appearance from being spoiled.

[0303] Furthermore, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 of the outer guide rail 27 are located above the lower left design portion 3d and are easily visible through the transparent window 106a, making it easier to design the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 during the development stage of the pachinko machine 2-5. In addition, the game area 108a of the game board 108 can be made to appear wider. Here, although the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are visible as described above, the momentum of the game ball that contacts the second contact position X2 is reduced, just like the third contact position, so scratches that occur at the second contact position X2 are not very noticeable. Therefore, even if the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are visible, it hardly detracts from the appearance.

[0304] Thus, this modified version makes it possible to achieve both ease of design for the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 and prevention of an unsightly appearance. In other words, it makes it easier to design the contact position where the game ball contacts the base end of the outer rail, and prevents an unsightly appearance.

[0305] Figure 37 is a table summarizing the visibility of the first contact position X1, second contact position X2, and third contact position X3 in the second embodiment described above and its modified examples 2-1 to 2-5. Among the symbols in this table, "○" indicates that the contact position is easily visible, and "△" indicates that the contact position is visible but is covered in front of the transparent plate 140. "×1" indicates that the contact position is not visible because it is covered in front of the warning sticker 141. "×2" indicates that the contact position is not visible because it is covered in front of the lower left design portion of the front door 3.

[0306] As shown in Figure 37, in the second embodiment, the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are all easily visible through the transparent window 106a of the front door 3. Therefore, the symbols "○" are added to the columns for each contact position X1 to X3.

[0307] Next, in modified example 2-1, the first contact position X1 is not visible due to a warning sticker 141 attached to the transparent plate 140. On the other hand, the second contact position X2 is visible, although its front is covered by the transparent plate 140. The third contact position X3 is not covered by the transparent plate 140 and is easily visible through the transparent window 106a. Therefore, the symbols "×1" are placed in the column for the first contact position X1, "△" in the column for the second contact position X2, and "〇" in the column for the third contact position X3.

[0308] Next, in modified example 2-2, the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2 are visible to the public but are covered in front of the transparent plate 140. On the other hand, the third contact position X3 is not visible to the player because it is covered in front of the lower left design portion 3a of the front door 3. Therefore, the symbols "△" are placed in the columns for the first contact position X1 and the second contact position X2, and "×2" is placed in the column for the third contact position X3.

[0309] Next, in modified example 2-3, the first contact position X1 is easily visible through the transparent window 106a. On the other hand, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are covered by the lower left design portion 3b of the front door 3 and are not visible to the player. Therefore, the symbol "○" is placed in the column for the first contact position X1, and the symbols "×2" are placed in the columns for the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3.

[0310] Next, in modified example 2-4, the first contact position X1, the second contact position X2, and the third contact position X3 are covered in front of the lower left design portion 3c of the front door 3 and are therefore not visible to the player. Thus, the symbols "×2" are added to the columns for the first contact position X1 to the third contact position X3.

[0311] Finally, in modified example 2-5, the first contact position X1 is located below the lower left design portion 3d of the front door 3, making it invisible to the player. On the other hand, the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are located above the lower left design portion 3d, making them easily visible through the transparent window 106a. Therefore, the column for the first contact position X1 is marked with "×2", and the columns for the second contact position X2 and the third contact position X3 are marked with "〇".

[0312] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. All technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are subject to the present invention. The embodiments described above are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed herein, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

[0313] In the above embodiment, the second region R2 of the outer guide rail 27 was curved in the front view of the game board 108, but the configuration is not limited to this. The second region R2 may have the same shape as the first region R1. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0314] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the insertion position BP was the upper left position of the game area 108a shown in Figure 5 or Figure 30, but it is not limited to this. Typically, the arrangement of the pins differs depending on the type of pachinko machine, and an insertion position appropriate for each type can be adopted.

[0315] In the above embodiment, the rib 301 is provided on the upper surface (in other words, the outer surface) of the top plate of the inner frame 104, but the rib 301 may also be provided on the lower surface (in other words, the inner surface) of the top plate of the inner frame 104.

[0316] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the outer frame is fixed to the island equipment of the amusement arcade by driving in nails, but other fixing members such as screws may also be used.

[0317] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the island fixing holes 300a to 300d are through holes, but for example, they may not be through holes, but rather holes that serve as markers when driving in nails.

[0318] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the hinge cover 406 and the fascia board 414 are made of resin of the same color, they may also be made of materials of different colors.

[0319] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which a protrusion 112c is provided on the base plate 112 and a recess 111a is provided on the design sheet 111. However, for example, a protrusion may be provided on the design sheet 111 and a recess may be provided on the base plate 112.

[0320] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where a design sheet 111 with a pattern printed on it is used as the sheet, the sheet may be plain, and may be colored or colorless.

[0321] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko machine, the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine in which the number of bets is set using medals and credits as the value of the game.

[0322] When applying the present invention to a slot machine, it can be applied when attaching a design sheet to the front door attached to the casing of the slot machine, for example, when attaching a design sheet to the panel around the reel display window, the panel above the display window, the lower panel below the control unit, etc.

[0323] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows, for example, the ball return prevention member 54 being displaced to a state approximately intermediate between the closed state and the open state in Figure 25, the present invention is not limited to this state and can also be applied when the member is displaced to any state between the closed state and the open state.

[0324] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, Figure 25 shows that the ball return prevention member 54 can prevent the game ball B2 from returning to the guide passage 29. However, even if another game ball C returns to the boundary area 700 immediately after game ball B2 has returned from the game area 108a to the boundary area 700, the ball return prevention member 54 can, of course, prevent both game balls (game ball B2 and game ball C) from returning to the guide passage 29.

[0325] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 was integrally formed with the upper end of the inner guide rail 28, but the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be formed separately from the inner guide rail 28.

[0326] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a boundary area 700 was provided between the guide passage 29 and the game area 108a, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the boundary area 700 may be included in the guide passage 29.

[0327] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a protrusion 541c was formed on the second side surface 541b of the on-off valve 54b. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the surface of the second side surface 541b may be flat without the formation of a protrusion 541c.

[0328] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stopper wall (contact portion) 52c was configured to abut against the second side portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b when in the open state, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the stopper wall 52c may be configured to press against the second side portion 541b of the on-off valve 54b when in the open state, or to be in close proximity to it.

[0329] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, but can also be applied to managed pachinko machines ("smart pachinko" or "smapachi") that are designed so that players can play without touching the game balls. [Explanation of symbols]

[0330] 16. Launching device (launching means) 27 External guide rail (external rail) 28 Internal guide rail (internal rail) 29 Guided walkway (guide area) 101 Gaming Machines 108 Game Boards 108a Gaming area X1 1st contact position X2 2nd contact position X3 3rd contact position

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising a game board having a game area, a transparent window provided opposite the game board, a launching means capable of launching game balls, and an outer rail and an inner rail capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, wherein a guide area for guiding the game balls into the game area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, The system includes a ball return prevention mechanism that prevents the game ball from returning from the game area to the guide area. The ball return prevention mechanism has a displacement member that can be displaced between a first state, a second state, and a third state. The displacement member has a side portion facing the outer rail and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion, The distance from the tip to the outer rail is defined as a specific distance. The game ball that is to be guided from the guide area to the game area is referred to as the first game ball. If we consider the game ball attempting to return from the game area to the guide area as the second game ball, The first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than that of the second state. The second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than that of the first state. The third state is a state in which the first game ball is in contact with the side portion, the outer rail, and the second game ball, and the second game ball is in contact with the tip portion, the outer rail, and the first game ball, so that the specific distance is longer than in the first state, shorter than in the second state, and shorter than the distance from the lowest point of the second game ball to the outer rail. A first gap is provided between the displacement member and the transparent window in the front-rear direction. A second gap is provided between the displacement member and the game board in the front-rear direction. The size of the first gap is smaller than the radius of the game ball. The size of the second gap is also smaller than the radius of the game ball. The displacement member is designed to rattle in the front-to-back direction. A gaming machine in which, even if the displacement member rattles in the front-to-back direction, the sizes of the first gap and the second gap remain smaller than the radius of the game ball.

2. A gaming machine comprising a game board having a game area, a transparent window provided opposite the game board, a launching means capable of launching game balls, and an outer rail and an inner rail capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means into the game area, wherein a guide area for guiding the game balls into the game area is provided between the outer rail and the inner rail, The system includes a ball return prevention mechanism that prevents the game ball from returning from the game area to the guide area. The ball return prevention mechanism comprises a displacement member that can be displaced between a first state and a second state, and a storage member that houses a part of the displacement member. The displacement member has a first side portion facing the outer rail, a second side portion facing the game area, and a tip portion on the tip side. The distance from the tip to the outer rail is defined as a specific distance. The game ball that is moving from the guide area towards the game area is referred to as the first game ball. If we consider the game ball that is moving from the game area towards the guide area as the second game ball, The first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than that of the second state. The second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than that of the first state. In the first state, The second game ball may come into contact with the portion located on the upper end side of the storage member and the second side portion. The distance from the contact point between the second game ball and the portion on the upper end side of the storage member to the contact point between the second game ball and the second side portion is defined as the first distance. If we define the second distance as the distance from the lowest point to the leftmost point of the second game ball, The first distance is shorter than the second distance. A first gap is provided between the displacement member and the transparent window in the front-rear direction. A second gap is provided between the displacement member and the game board in the front-rear direction. The size of the first gap is smaller than the radius of the game ball. The size of the second gap is also smaller than the radius of the game ball. The displacement member is designed to rattle in the front-to-back direction. A gaming machine in which, even if the displacement member rattles in the front-to-back direction, the sizes of the first gap and the second gap remain smaller than the radius of the game ball.

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