Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine which makes it easy to see a display by a specific seal such as a certificate stamp, thereby suppressing reduction in amusement for a player.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine comprises a game board with a game area in which a game ball flows down. The game board has a first information seal pedestal 1016 which is provided so as to be detachable from the front on a front component 1000 constituting an outer peripheral edge of the game area and has a first information seal 1017 as a specific seal adhered on a front surface. The first information seal pedestal 1016 is provided with a projecting part 1016e provided with a removal trace part 2519 on a rear surface and projecting backward from the removal trace part 2519.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 165

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine (commonly also referred to as a "pachinko machine").

Background Art

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the game The gaming machine comprises a main frame that detachably holds a game board having a game area, and a door frame that is provided on the main frame so as to be openable and closable from the front. The door frame has a window that allows the game area to be viewed from the front, and a cover-like decorative body is provided on the front surface around the window, and the appearance of the gaming machine is decorated by this decorative body.

[0003] As a type of gaming machine, one has been proposed in which the decorative element (cover) provided on the door frame is replaceable (for example, Patent Document 1). According to the technology of Patent Document 1, when replacing the game board due to specification changes or model changes, it is possible to give a sense of unity between the game board and the door frame by replacing it with a cover that corresponds to the game board, thereby increasing its appeal to players. However, if the door frame cover is made replaceable, a boundary will be created between the part that is replaced (the cover) and the part that is not replaced (the main body) in the components of the door frame. This boundary could be used as a guide to insert an illegal tool into the gaming machine from the front.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above situation, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine with high anti-theft performance. While enhancing the decorative aspect,

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Means of the present invention: In a gaming machine, a main body frame that detachably supports a game board having a game area where the game is played by game balls from the front, a window portion that allows the game area to be visible from the front, and a glass unit that closes the window portion, and a door frame that is provided so as to be openable and closable from the front with respect to the main body frame A gaming machine comprising: The door frame includes a first decorative portion and a second decorative portion that bear decoration, and the second decorative portion is detachable without removing the first decorative portion. At least a portion of the rear end of the second decorative section is provided so as to overlap with the glass unit located at the rear in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the second decorative section is visible from the rear of the door frame through the glass portion of the glass unit. The glass unit is detachable from the door frame. The second decorative part is designed to be fixed to the door frame by a specific fastening means. The mounting state of the second decorative part by the aforementioned specific fixing means is visible from the rear of the door frame with the glass unit installed. 、 Furthermore, the aforementioned game board, A front plate portion is positioned in front of the game balls flowing down the aforementioned game area, with a gap that allows the game balls to flow down, A first protrusion is formed on the back side of the front plate portion and protrudes backward so that it can come into contact with the game balls flowing down the game area, A recess formed on the surface side of the front plate portion and on the back side of the first protrusion, Equipped with, The recess is sized to fit within the formation region where the first protrusion is formed, and has a concave shape substantially similar to the convex shape of the first protrusion. Furthermore, on the back side of the front plate portion, in addition to the first protrusion, a second protrusion is provided on the same side as the first protrusion, which does not have the recess on its back side. " It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the following means are given as examples of inventions separate from the present invention. Method 1: In a gaming machine, "A gaming machine in which a game board equipped with a game area through which game balls flow is housed within a main frame, The gaming machine is equipped with a gaming window that allows the gaming area to be viewed, The aforementioned main frame is pivotally supported by the outer frame, The game is played by the player operating the machine to launch game balls into the game area. A lottery is held when a game ball enters a designated prize slot in the game area, and a prize is awarded to the player according to the result of the lottery. The RE game board is It is detachably attached from the front to the front component forming the outer edge of the game area, and has a sticker base on its front surface to which a specific sticker is attached. The sticker base is, A demolding mark is provided on the rear surface, and a protrusion is provided that extends further back than the demolding mark." It is characterized by the following:

[0007] Here, examples of the "front component" include "a member attached to the front surface of a flat game panel (game board) where a game area is provided in the front", "a member provided with a rail member such as an outer rail that demarcates the game area", "a member integrally formed with a flat game panel (game board) where a game area is provided in the front", and the like.

[0008] Examples of the "specific seal" include "a certificate on which information regarding the game board, such as the name of the game machine (game board) manufacturer (manufacturer's name), production number, type of game board, etc., is displayed", "a specification seal on which information regarding the specifications of the game board, such as jackpot probability, number of prize balls, jackpot round number, count number, etc., is displayed", "a copyright seal on which information regarding the copyright of the game machine (game board) is displayed", "an AM seal on which information regarding the inspection of the game machine (game board) is displayed", and the like.

[0009] Furthermore, examples of the detachable "seal base" include "one that is detachable by the locking of locking claws", "one that is detachable by mounting screws", and the like.

[0010] Also, the "demolding trace portion" refers to the trace on the seal base formed by a mechanism (e.g., ejector pin, push-up core, straight-up core, protruding core, etc.) for removing the seal base from a molding die (mold), and it is slightly recessed, protruding, or inclined compared to other parts. Examples of the shape of this "demolding trace portion" include "a shape that is part of a circle, such as a semi-circle", "circle", "triangle", "quadrilateral", "pentagon", "hexagon", "polygon", "irregular shape", "star shape", "heart shape", and the like.

[0011] Furthermore, examples of the "protrusion" of the seal base include "one that protrudes in a columnar shape", "one that protrudes in a rib shape", "one that protrudes in a lattice shape", "one that protrudes in a wall (dam) shape", and the like.

[0012] According to the configuration of means 1, a gaming machine includes a game board having a game area through which game balls flow down. The game board is detachably provided from the front with respect to a front constituent member that constitutes the outer peripheral edge of the game area, and has a seal base to which a specific seal is attached on the front surface. The seal base is provided with a demolding trace portion on the rear surface and a protruding portion that protrudes rearward from the demolding trace portion (refer to the description of [9-1. Demolding trace portion provided on the front constituent member], front constituent member 1000, certificate sticking portion 1012, game board first information display portion 1015, demolding trace portion 2519, FIGS. 164 and 165, etc. in [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]).

[0013] According to this configuration, in a game board having a game area where games are played with game balls, a demolding trace portion is provided on the rear surface of a seal base to which a specific seal such as a certificate is attached. Therefore, there are no irregularities on the front surface of the seal base due to the demolding trace portion. As a result, the unevenness and wrinkles caused by the demolding trace portion do not occur on the specific seal attached to the front surface of the seal base, the display by the specific seal can be made easy to see, and the decrease in the player's interest can be suppressed.

[0014] Also, since a protruding portion that protrudes rearward from the demolding trace portion is provided on the rear surface of the seal base, the demolding trace portion of the seal base does not contact the rear member, and rattling due to contact of the demolding trace portion does not occur. Therefore, even if some vibration is transmitted to the seal base, the seal base does not rattle, and the display of the specific seal attached to the seal base can be clearly visually recognized.

[0015] It is desirable that the protruding portion extends along the rear surface of the seal base in a rib shape, lattice shape, wall shape, etc. Thereby, since the strength and rigidity of the seal base can be increased by the protruding portion, it is possible to reduce the distortion of the seal base due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity and aging changes, etc., and the display by the specific seal can be maintained in a good state over a long period of time.

[0016] Furthermore, it is desirable that access to the parts to which the sticker base is detachably attached (e.g., locking claws, mounting screws, etc.) be obstructed by the specific sticker affixed to the sticker base. This would mean that when removing the sticker base from the game board during assembly or recycling, it would be necessary to peel or tear the specific sticker affixed to the sticker base, leaving a trace of removal. This would allow for identification of whether the product is defective or reused, and since tearing the specific sticker is necessary to remove the sticker base, there would be no concerns regarding the specific sticker (certificate).

[0017] Furthermore, the sticker base may be made of a transparent material, and the demolding mark area may be provided in a location that overlaps with the specific sticker in the front-to-back direction. This allows the demolding mark area of ​​the sticker base to be hidden by the sticker when the specific sticker is applied to the front of the sticker base, making it invisible from the front. However, if the specific sticker is not applied, the demolding mark area will be visible, thus making it possible to notice if the specific sticker has been forgotten during the assembly of the game board.

[0018] Furthermore, the demolding marks on the seal base may be placed in a location that does not overlap with the specific seal in the front-to-back direction, in other words, a location that is not hidden by the specific seal. This makes it possible to indicate the position where the specific seal should be applied by using the demolding marks.

[0019] Furthermore, the protrusions of the seal base may be provided at least along the outer edge. In other words, the seal base may be provided with wall-like protrusions (weirs, periphery walls, etc.) that extend from the outer edge behind the demolding marks. This can achieve the same effects as described above, and the protrusions can reinforce the outer edge of the seal base, thereby increasing the strength and rigidity of the seal base. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the distortion of the seal base due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, or aging, and maintain the markings of specific seals in good condition for a long period of time.

[0020] Means 2: In the configuration of means 1, "The seal base is, The aforementioned protrusion is provided at least along the outer edge." It is characterized by being such.

[0021] According to the configuration of means 2, the seal base has a protrusion provided at least along its outer edge (see descriptions of the sticker base 1012b, the first information seal base 1016, Figures 164 and 165, etc. in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

[0022] In this configuration, the protrusions of the seal base are provided along the outer edge. In other words, the seal base is provided with wall-like protrusions (weirs, peripheral walls, etc.) that extend from the outer edge behind the demolding marks. This allows for the same effects as described above, and the protrusions reinforce the outer edge of the seal base, thereby increasing the strength and rigidity of the seal base. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the distortion of the seal base due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, or aging, and maintain the markings of specific seals in good condition for a long period of time.

[0023] Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 or means 2, The gaming machine is, The pachinko machine is characterized in that a prize slot into which a game ball can be entered is provided in the game area, and a predetermined prize is awarded when a game ball enters the prize slot.

[0024] Here, "winning slots" refer to: "general winning slots that are always open within the game area," "starting winning slots (starting slots) that are always open within the game area and where a lottery is held to determine whether or not a special symbol will be drawn to create an advantageous game state that is beneficial to the player as a predetermined benefit when a game ball enters," "variable winning slots (variable starting slots, special feature winning slots, etc.) that allow game balls to enter within the game area as a predetermined benefit when a game ball enters a specific receiving slot (chucker) within the game area," and "variable winning slots (variable starting slots, etc.) that allow game balls to enter as a predetermined benefit depending on the result of a lottery for a normal symbol drawn when a game ball passes through a specific area (gate, through chucker, etc.) within the game area." Examples include: a prize entry point for special items, etc.; a variable start prize entry point (variable start entry point) where, depending on the result of a lottery for a normal symbol drawn when a game ball passes through a specific area (e.g., a gate, a checker, etc.) within the game area, a game ball can be entered as a predetermined benefit, and a lottery for a special symbol is held to determine whether or not a favorable game state is generated as a predetermined benefit when a game ball enters; a V prize entry point where, when a game ball that has entered a prize entry point is sorted by a distribution means and enters, a favorable game state is generated as a predetermined benefit that is advantageous to the player; and a large prize entry point or prize entry point that opens and closes in a predetermined pattern to allow game balls to enter as a favorable game state that is advantageous to the player as a predetermined benefit.

[0025] Furthermore, as a "pachinko machine," it includes "a lottery means that performs a lottery for special symbols to generate an advantageous game state in which the player is at an advantage as a predetermined benefit when a game ball enters the starting opening; a special lottery result display means that displays the special symbols according to the lottery result of the special symbols drawn by the lottery means, then displays them stopped, and displays the special lottery result drawn by the combination of special symbols displayed stopped; and an advantageous game state generating means that opens and closes the large prize opening in a predetermined pattern to generate the advantageous game state when a special lottery result that generates an advantageous game state is displayed on the special lottery result display means (a so-called digital pachinko machine)" and "a distribution means that distributes the game balls that have entered the prize opening." Examples include: a machine equipped with a means to generate an advantageous game state in which, when a game ball distributed by a distribution means enters the V-prize pocket, a special prize pocket is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern as a predetermined benefit, thereby generating an advantageous game state for the player (a so-called "wing-type" machine); and a machine equipped with a means to generate an advantageous game state in which, when a game ball distributed by a distribution means enters the V-prize pocket, a special prize pocket is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern as a predetermined benefit, thereby generating an advantageous game state for the player (a so-called "combined" machine).

[0026] According to the configuration of means 3, the game machine is a pachinko machine in which a prize slot into which a game ball can be entered is provided in the game area, and a predetermined prize is awarded when a game ball enters the prize slot. As a result, the pachinko machine can achieve any of the effects of the means described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] Thus, according to the present invention, While enhancing the decorative aspect, We can provide gaming machines with high security features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a pachinko machine, which is one embodiment of the design. [Figure 2] This is a right-side view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] This is a left side view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a rear view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine from the front right. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine, seen from the front left. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine from the back. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine from the front, with the door frame open from the main frame and the main frame open from the outer frame. [Figure 9] This is a disassembled perspective view of a pachinko machine, showing it from the front after it has been separated into the door frame, game board, main body frame, and outer frame. [Figure 10] This is a disassembled perspective view of a pachinko machine, showing it from the rear after it has been separated into the door frame, game board, main body frame, and outer frame. [Figure 11] This is a front view of the outer frame of a pachinko machine. [Figure 12] This is a rear view of the outer frame. [Figure 13] This is a right side view of the outer frame. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the outer frame from the front. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the outer frame from the back. [Figure 16] This is an exploded perspective view of the outer frame, broken down into its main components and viewed from the front. [Figure 17] This is a disassembled perspective view of the left and right outer frame assemblies, viewed from the front. [Figure 18] This is a disassembled perspective view of the lower outer frame assembly, seen from the front. [Figure 19] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the outer frame's upper hinge assembly, viewed from the front and above, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of (a) viewed from the front and below. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of the door frame from the front. [Figure 21]This is a perspective view of the door frame from the back. [Figure 22] This is an exploded perspective view of the door frame, showing the door frame top ornament and door frame upper ornament separated and viewed from the front. [Figure 23] This is an exploded perspective view of the door frame, showing the door frame top ornament and door frame upper ornament separated and viewed from the rear. [Figure 24] This is a front view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed. [Figure 25] This is a rear view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed. [Figure 26] This is a left side view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed. [Figure 27] This is a right-side view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view of the door frame from the front right, showing the door frame with the upper decorative element removed. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view of the door frame from the front left, showing the door frame with the upper decorative element removed. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view of the door frame from the rear, showing the door frame with the upper decorative element removed. [Figure 31] This is an exploded perspective view of the door frame, with the upper decorative element removed, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front. [Figure 32] This is a disassembled perspective view of the door frame, with the upper decorative element removed, showing each main component separately from the rear. [Figure 33] This is a vertical cross-section of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed. [Figure 34] (a) is a perspective view of the door frame base unit of the door frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the door frame base unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 35] (a) is a perspective view of the door frame reinforcement unit in the door frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the door frame reinforcement unit in the door frame, seen from the rear. [Figure 36] (a) is a perspective view of the intermediate reinforcing frame of the door frame reinforcement unit, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the intermediate reinforcing frame of the door frame reinforcement unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 37]This is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the intermediate reinforcing frame in the vertical cross-section of the door frame. [Figure 38] This is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensional relationship of the upper part of the intermediate reinforcement frame. [Figure 39] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of the intermediate reinforcing frame in the door frame, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 2 of the intermediate reinforcing frame, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 3 of the intermediate reinforcing frame. [Figure 40] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 4 of the intermediate reinforcing frame in the door frame, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 5 of the intermediate reinforcing frame. [Figure 41] (a) is a perspective view of the cylinder lock on the door frame from the front, (b) is a perspective view of the cylinder lock in (a) from the front and rear, (c) is a perspective view of the cylinder lock in a conventional pachinko machine from the front, and (d) is a perspective view of the cylinder lock in (a) from the rear. [Figure 42] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the cylinder lock in Figure 41(a) as seen from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the cylinder lock in Figure 41(a) as seen from the rear. [Figure 43] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the movable mechanism of the cylinder lock in Figure 41(a) from the front, (b) is an explanatory diagram of the cylinder lock rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the state in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram of the cylinder lock rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the state in (a). [Figure 44] (a) is a perspective view of the ball feeding unit of the door frame base unit, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball feeding unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 45] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball feeding unit after it has been disassembled and viewed from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball feeding unit after the rear case and anti-tampering member have been removed and viewed from the rear. [Figure 46] (a) is a perspective view of the foul cover unit of the door frame base unit, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the foul cover unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 47]This is a front view of the foul cover unit with the lid removed. [Figure 48] This is an exploded perspective view of the handle unit, plate unit, and performance control unit in the door frame, viewed from the front. [Figure 49] This is an exploded perspective view of the handle unit, plate unit, and performance control unit in the door frame, seen from the rear. [Figure 50] This is a disassembled perspective view of the handle unit in the door frame, seen from the front. [Figure 51] This is a disassembled perspective view of the handle unit in the door frame, seen from the rear. [Figure 52] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the handle base, handle, handle return spring, and handle touch sensor in the handle unit in a perspective view, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing (a) disassembled in a perspective view. [Figure 53] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the handle base, handle, handle return spring, handle touch sensor, and inner base of the handle unit, viewed from the rear in a perspective view. [Figure 54] This is a modified example of the handle unit and is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the handle base, handle, handle return spring, handle touch sensor, and inner base in a perspective view from the rear. [Figure 55] (a) is a perspective view showing the performance control unit in a state where the transparent part of the door frame is made opaque and the lever operating part does not protrude, and (b) is a perspective view showing the performance control unit in a state where the lever operating part protrudes. [Figure 56] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the performance control unit, along with the retraction mechanism, from the right side with the lever operating part not protruding, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the lever operating part protruding as in (a). [Figure 57] (a) is a perspective view of the performance control unit from the front with the transparent parts made transparent, and (b) is a right side view of the performance control unit in (a). [Figure 58]Figure 55 is a front view perspective of the unit reinforcement frame in the performance control unit. [Figure 59] This is an explanatory diagram showing the rotation mechanism of the rotating body in the lever operating section. [Figure 60] This is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of an example of a security measure using glass units in a door frame. [Figure 61] Figure 60 is an explanatory diagram showing security measures using glass units and other components from the rear. [Figure 62] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of security measures using a glass unit or the like in a door frame different from those shown in Figures 60 and 61. [Figure 63] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of security measures using different glass units, etc., from Figure 62. [Figure 64] This is a front view of the main frame of a pachinko machine. [Figure 65] This is a rear view of the main frame of a pachinko machine. [Figure 66] This is a perspective view of the main frame from the front right. [Figure 67] This is a perspective view of the main frame from the front left. [Figure 68] This is a perspective view of the main frame from the rear. [Figure 69] This is an exploded perspective view of the main frame, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front. [Figure 70] This is a disassembled perspective view of the main frame, broken down into its main components and viewed from the rear. [Figure 71] (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the lower left corner of the main frame, and (b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the lower left corner of the main frame when the door frame is opened relative to the main frame. [Figure 72] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the cable guide member for the main frame when the door frame is opened and closed relative to the main frame. [Figure 73] (a) is a perspective view of the ball launcher in the main frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball launcher, seen from the rear. [Figure 74](a) is a perspective view of the main frame's dispensing base unit seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the dispensing base unit seen from the rear. [Figure 75] (a) is a perspective view of the dispensing unit in the main frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the dispensing unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 76] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing unit, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing unit, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the rear. [Figure 77] This is a rear cross-sectional view of the dispensing device of the dispensing unit, cut at the center in the front-to-back direction of the dispensing blades. [Figure 78] (a) is a rear cross-sectional view of the dispensing device cut at the center in the front-to-back direction of the dispensing blade when the ball-removing movable piece is in the open position, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a). [Figure 79] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the door frame's foul cover unit and the lower full-ball path unit. [Figure 80] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls within the main frame. [Figure 81] (a) is a perspective view of the circuit board unit of the main frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the circuit board unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 82] This is a perspective view of the circuit board unit, seen from the rear and below. [Figure 83] This is a disassembled perspective view of the circuit board unit, broken down into its main components and viewed from the front. [Figure 84] This is a disassembled perspective view of the circuit board unit, broken down into its main components and viewed from the rear. [Figure 85] This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the lower part of a pachinko machine, cut down the center in the left-right direction. [Figure 86] (a) is a perspective view of the locking unit of the main frame seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the locking unit seen from the rear. [Figure 87](a) is a perspective view of the circuit board unit of the second embodiment, with the power supply unit, payout control unit, and interface unit omitted, as seen from the front right, and (b) is a perspective view of the circuit board unit of (a) as seen from the front left. [Figure 88] (a) is a perspective view of the circuit board unit in Figure 87, viewed from the upper right rear, and (b) is a perspective view of the circuit board unit in (a), viewed from the lower right rear. [Figure 89] (a) is a plan view of the substrate unit in Figure 87, (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) cut along the line from co to co, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of (a) cut along the line from sa to sa. [Figure 90] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in Figure 89(a). [Figure 91] Figure 87 is a disassembled perspective view of the circuit board unit, seen from the front. [Figure 92] Figure 87 is a disassembled perspective view of the circuit board unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 93] This is a front view of the game board, showing the transparent center piece and other elements in an opaque form. [Figure 94] Figure 93 is a perspective view of the game board as seen from the front right. [Figure 95] Figure 93 is a perspective view of the game board seen from the front left. [Figure 96] Figure 93 is a perspective view of the game board from the rear. [Figure 97] Figure 93 is an exploded perspective view of the game board, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front. [Figure 98] Figure 93 is an exploded perspective view of the game board, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the rear. [Figure 99] This is a front view of the game board, showing the game area through which the game balls circulate, with the front unit cut parallel to the surface of the game panel. [Figure 100] (a) is a perspective view from the front of the assembly having the front components, game panel and front unit in the game board of Figure 93, and (b) is a perspective view from the rear of the assembly having the front components, game panel and front unit in the game board of Figure 93. [Figure 101]Figure 100 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front. [Figure 102] Figure 100 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the rear. [Figure 103] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged perspective view of the first information display section of the game board in the aforementioned component; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the first information display section of the game board; (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a perspective view of the first information display section and the first information sticker base separated; and (d) is a perspective view of the first information sticker base with the first information sticker attached, viewed from the front. [Figure 104] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged perspective view of the second information display section of the game board in the aforementioned component; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the second information display section of the game board; (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a disassembled perspective view of the second information display section of the game board and the second information sticker base; and (d) is a perspective view from the front of the second information sticker base to which the second information sticker is attached. [Figure 105] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged perspective view of the third information display section of the game board in the aforementioned component; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the third information display section of the game board; (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a disassembled perspective view of the third information display section and the third information sticker base; and (d) is a perspective view from the front of the third information sticker base to which the third information sticker is attached. [Figure 106] This is a front-view perspective of the center component of the game board. [Figure 107] This is a perspective view of the center component of the game board, seen from behind. [Figure 108] (a) is a front view of the stage unit in the center mechanism, and (b) is a rear view of the stage unit in the center mechanism. [Figure 109] This is a disassembled perspective view of the stage unit, seen from the front. [Figure 110] This is a disassembled perspective view of the stage unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 111] This is a front view showing a close-up of the main parts of the stage unit. [Figure 112] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the tar-tar line in Figure 111, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the ch-ch line in Figure 111, (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the t-t-t line in Figure 111, and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the te-te line in Figure 111. [Figure 113] (a) to (e) are explanatory diagrams showing various forms of demolding marks. [Figure 114] (a) is a front view of the first member of the center stage unit, which has demolding marks on both the front and rear sides, and a rear view of the first member of the stage unit, which has demolding marks on both the front and rear sides. [Figure 115] (a) is a front view of the second member of the stage unit, in which a demolding mark is provided only on the rear side, and (b) is a rear view of the second member of the stage unit, in which a demolding mark is provided only on the rear side. [Figure 116] (a) is a front view of the third member of the stage unit, in which a demolding mark is provided only on the front side, and (b) is a rear view of the third member of the stage unit, in which a demolding mark is provided only on the front side. [Figure 117] (a) is a plan view of the second member, in which the demolding marks are located in a different place than in Figure 115, and (b) is a front view of the third member, in which the demolding marks are located in a different place than in Figure 116. [Figure 118] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a center component, which has a mold-removal mark on its front side, together with the game board. [Figure 119] This is a front view showing a part of the stage unit of a second embodiment, which differs from Figure 108, etc. [Figure 120] (a) is a perspective view of the stage unit in Figure 119, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the stage unit in (a), seen from the rear. [Figure 121] Figure 119 is an exploded perspective view of the stage unit, taken from the front after disassembly. [Figure 122] Figure 119 is an exploded perspective view of the stage unit, taken from the rear after disassembly. [Figure 123] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line N-N in Figure 119, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line N-N in Figure 119, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line N-N in Figure 119. [Figure 124] This is a front view of the game board, showing the game board in a state where the first retractable decorative element on the back has been moved from its normal position to an intermediate position between its lower end standby position and its upper end raised position. [Figure 125] This is a front view of the game board, showing the game board in a state where the second rear lifting ornament has been moved from its normal position to an intermediate position between its lower end standby position and its upper end raised position. [Figure 126] This is a block diagram that shows the control configuration of the game board in general terms. [Figure 127] This is a schematic front view showing the center component of the game board according to the second embodiment. [Figure 128] This is a front view of the center component of the game board in the second embodiment. [Figure 129] This is a perspective view of the center component of the game board in the second embodiment, seen from the rear. [Figure 130] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the upper left corner of the center mechanism in Figure 127 where the prize entry opening is located, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a perspective view of the same area as in (a) from the front, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the prize entry opening in the ball passage of the center mechanism in Figure 127. [Figure 131] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged perspective view of the upper right end of the center mechanism in Figure 127, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a perspective view of (a) from the rear, and (c) is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross-section of the vertically extending portion of the ball passage of the center mechanism in Figure 127. [Figure 132] (a) is a front view of an attacker unit equipped with a passageway decoration section, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the passageway decoration section of the attacker unit in (a). [Figure 133] This is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of an example of a passageway decoration. [Figure 134](a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the shape of recesses in the passageway decoration section. [Figure 135] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the shapes of protrusions in the passageway decoration section. [Figure 136] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing a passageway decoration section equipped with multiple protrusions and recesses of different shapes. [Figure 137] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a passageway decoration part in which a second protrusion of the same shape is provided on the first protrusion; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a passageway decoration part in which a second protrusion of a different amount of protrusion is provided on the first protrusion; (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a passageway decoration part in which a second protrusion of a different shape is provided on the first protrusion; and (d) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a passageway decoration part in which a second protrusion is also provided on the inclined surface of the first protrusion. [Figure 138] (a1) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a passageway decoration section in which a second protrusion of the same shape as the first protrusion is provided; (a2) is an explanatory diagram showing (a1) from the front; and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a passageway decoration section in the front in which a recess of a different shape from (a2) is provided. [Figure 139] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a passage decoration part fitted into the opening of a game panel, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a passage decoration part in a different form from (a). [Figure 140] This is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the outlet sign. [Figure 141] (a) is a lower front view of a game board with an outlet marking, and (b) is a perspective view of (a) from the front. [Figure 142] This is an explanatory diagram showing a front view of a portion of a game board where the output slot markings are aligned with the pattern of the decorative part. [Figure 143] This is an explanatory diagram showing a portion of a game board from the front, where multiple output slots are indicated with varying degrees of prominence. [Figure 144](a) is a schematic front view showing a pachinko machine in which the output opening is indicated so as to overlap with the performance control unit when viewed from the front, and (b) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the pachinko machine in (a) cut in the center in the left-right direction. [Figure 145] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the output gate markings and the LED in a front view, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the player seated in front, the output gate markings, and the LED. [Figure 146] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the area on the game board where the out-out indicator is located in a front view; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the out-out indicator and the LED in a front view of the game board in (a); and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the player seated in front of the game board in (a), the out-out indicator, and the LED. [Figure 147] (a) is a front view of the ball entry member with multiple out-out markings, and (b) is a rear view of the ball entry member in (a). [Figure 148] (a) is a front view showing an enlarged view of the out-of-bounds marking on the ball entry member, which has an out-of-bounds marking in a different manner than that shown in Figure 147, and (b) is a rear view of (a). [Figure 149] (a) is a front view showing an enlarged view of the out-of-bounds markings on the ball entry member, which differs from Figures 147 and 148 in that the out-of-bounds markings are printed on both sides, and (b) is a rear view of (a). [Figure 150] This is a front view showing a portion of a transparent ball entry slot component, with an outlet marking and a transparent section attached to the decorative sticker. [Figure 151] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the lower part of the pachinko machine from the front view with the pop-up type press operation part in the normal position, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the lower part of the pachinko machine from the front view with the pop-up type press operation part in the raised position. [Figure 152](a) is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the center component from the front with the distribution piece in the forward position, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section by cutting at the sub-outlet in the state of (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the main part of the center component from the front with the distribution piece in the retracted position. [Figure 153] (a) is a front view showing a starter unit having a first starter port and a second starter port in its normal state, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the starter unit in (a), (c) is a perspective view showing the portion of the second starter port in the state of (a), and (d) is a perspective view showing the portion of the second starter port in the state of (c) with the vanes open. [Figure 154] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the lower part of the game board, which is divided into a first and second area at the bottom of the game area. [Figure 155] This is a front view showing the game board attached to the main frame. [Figure 156] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the game board locking member provided on the game board in the unlocked position in Figure 155, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the game board locking member in the locked position from the unlocked position in (a). [Figure 157] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the game board locking member provided on the main frame in the unlocked position in Figure 155, magnified, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the game board locking member in the locked position from the unlocked position in (a). [Figure 158] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the game board locking member and the teaching unit in the unlocked position, which is different from Figure 155, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state from the unlocked position in (a) to the locked position. [Figure 159] (a) is a perspective view of the pachinko machine from the rear with the transparent game panel of the game board attached to the main frame, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the game board locking member in the unlocked position as in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the game board locking member in the locked position as in (b). [Figure 160]This is an exploded perspective view of the game board, showing the front components, function display unit, and game panel separated and viewed from the front. [Figure 161] This is an exploded perspective view of the game board, showing the front components, function display unit, and game panel separated and viewed from the rear. [Figure 162] (a) is a front view of the inner rail unit in the front component, and (b) is a rear view of the inner rail unit in the front component. [Figure 163] (a) is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the ball backflow prevention unit provided at the tip of the inner rail unit when the backflow prevention member is in the open position, (b) is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the ball backflow prevention unit provided at the tip of the inner rail unit when the backflow prevention member is in the closed position, (c) is a front view of the backflow prevention member, and (d) is a rear view of the backflow prevention member. [Figure 164] This is an explanatory diagram showing the sticker attachment area and sticker base separated in the aforementioned component, in a perspective view. [Figure 165] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the disassembled first information display section and first information sticker base of the game board in the aforementioned component, with the demolding marks indicated on each, in a perspective view; and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the demolding marks and the protrusions in the first information sticker base in cross-section. [Figure 166] This is a rear view of the certificate base, which serves as a decorative element in the front component. [Figure 167] This is an explanatory diagram showing an exploded perspective view from the rear, with the front components and the function display unit separated, and the area where the function display unit is mounted is shown enlarged together with the function display unit. [Figure 168] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the function display unit as seen from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the function display unit as seen from the rear. [Figure 169] This is a rear view perspective of the first case, which has a demolded area in the LED hole. [Figure 170](a) is a perspective view of the first light guide plate unit in the back unit of the game board, viewed from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the first light guide plate unit in the back unit of the game board, viewed from the rear. [Figure 171] This is a disassembled perspective view of the first light guide plate unit, taken from the front. [Figure 172] This is a disassembled perspective view of the first light guide plate unit, taken from the rear. [Figure 173] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the light guide plate and each LED substrate in the first light guide plate unit, viewed from the front. [Figure 174] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the first pattern is displayed on the light guide plate, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the second pattern is displayed on the light guide plate. [Figure 175] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the demolded part of the light guide plate and the light guide plate holder from the front, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the light guide plate and the light guide plate holder in an enlarged cross-sectional view. [Figure 176] This is an explanatory diagram showing a light guide plate from the front, with a demolded area located in a different place than in Figure 175. [Figure 177] This is an explanatory diagram showing a light guide plate from the front, with the demolding marks located in a different area than those shown in Figure 175. [Figure 178] This is an explanatory diagram showing a portion of a light guide plate with demolding marks in different locations, viewed from the front. [Figure 179] This is an explanatory diagram showing a portion of a light guide plate with demolding marks in different locations, viewed from the front. [Figure 180] (a) is a perspective view of the second light guide plate unit in the back unit of the game board, viewed from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the second light guide plate unit in the back unit of the game board, viewed from the rear. [Figure 181] This is a disassembled perspective view of the second light guide plate unit, taken from the front. [Figure 182] This is a disassembled perspective view of the second light guide plate unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 183](a) is a perspective view of the front left movable light guide plate unit of the second light guide plate unit, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the front left movable light guide plate unit of the second light guide plate unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 184] This is a disassembled perspective view of the front left movable light guide plate unit, seen from the front. [Figure 185] This is a disassembled perspective view of the front left movable light guide plate unit, seen from the rear. [Figure 186] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the front left light guide plate and the LED substrate in the front left movable light guide plate unit, viewed from the front. [Figure 187] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the front left first pattern is displayed on the front left light guide plate, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the front left second pattern is displayed on the front left light guide plate. [Figure 188] Figure 186 is an explanatory diagram showing the demolding marks on the front left light guide plate. [Figure 189] This is a front view of the second light guide plate unit in its fully open position. [Figure 190] This is a front view of the second light guide plate unit in a semi-closed position. [Figure 191] This is a front view of the second light guide plate unit in the fully closed position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] [1. Overall structure of a pachinko machine] A pachinko machine 1, which is one embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine, which is one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a right side view of the pachinko machine, Figure 3 is a left side view of the pachinko machine, and Figure 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine from the front right, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine from the front left, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine from the rear. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine from the front with the door frame open from the main frame and the main frame open from the outer frame. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine from the front with the pachinko machine disassembled into the door frame, game board, main frame, and outer frame, and Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine from the rear with the pachinko machine disassembled into the door frame, game board, main frame, and outer frame.

[0030] The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a frame-shaped outer frame 2 installed on an island (not shown) in a gaming hall, a door frame 3 that can be opened and closed to close the front of the outer frame 2, a main body frame 4 that can be opened and closed to support the door frame 3 and is also attached to the outer frame 2 in an open and closed manner, and a game board 5 that can be detachably attached to the main body frame 4 from the front and is visible from the player's side through the door frame 3, and has a game area 5a into which the player puts game balls B (see Figure 78, etc.).

[0031] The outer frame 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame that extends vertically when viewed from the front. The outer frame 2 comprises an outer frame left assembly 10 and an outer frame right assembly 20 that are spaced apart from each other and extend vertically, an outer frame upper member 30 that connects the upper ends of the outer frame left assembly 10 and the outer frame right assembly 20, an outer frame lower assembly 40 that connects the lower ends of the outer frame left assembly 10 and the outer frame right assembly 20, an outer frame upper hinge assembly 50 attached to the upper left end of the outer frame upper member 30, and an outer frame lower hinge member 60 attached to the lower right side of the outer frame left assembly 10 and the upper left end of the outer frame lower assembly 40.

[0032] The outer frame 2 is attached to the island equipment of the gaming hall where the pachinko machine 1 is installed, and the outer frame upper hinge assembly 50 and outer frame lower hinge member 60 support the main frame upper hinge member 510 and the main frame lower hinge assembly 520 of the main frame 4 so that they can rotate coaxially, thereby enabling the main frame 4 to be opened and closed forward with the left side as the center when viewed from the front.

[0033] Furthermore, when the main frame 4 is closed, the lower outer frame assembly 40 of the door frame 3 works in cooperation with the speaker unit 620a of the circuit board unit 620 in the main frame 4 to form part of the enclosure 624 of the main frame speaker 622. By inverting the phase of the sound output from the rear of the main frame speaker 622 and radiating it forward, the player can hear a deeper bass sound.

[0034] The door frame 3 closes the game area 5a of the game board 5 into which the game balls B are inserted, making it visible from the front. It stores the game balls B to be inserted into the game area 5a and is equipped with a handle 197 that the player operates to insert the stored game balls B into the game area 5a. The door frame 3 also serves to decorate the entire front of the pachinko machine 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the door frame 3 is equipped with a performance control unit 301 that can be operated by the player, separate from the handle 197. When a player-participation performance is performed, the player can participate in the performance by operating the performance control unit 301. This allows the player to enjoy the game not only by playing with the game balls B, but also by operating the performance control unit 301.

[0036] The main frame 4 comprises a frame-shaped main frame base unit 500 whose rear end can be inserted into the frame of the outer frame 2 and which can support the outer circumference of the game board 5; an upper hinge member 510 and a lower hinge assembly 520 for attaching the main frame 4 to the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable, and for attaching the door frame 3 so as to be openable and closable; a main frame reinforcing frame 530 that reinforces the main frame base unit 500; a ball launching device 540 for launching game balls B into the game area 5a of the game board 5; and a ball launching device for supplying game balls B from the island equipment of the game hall. The machine comprises a payout base unit 550 for receiving game balls B, a payout unit 560 for dispensing the game balls B received by the payout base unit 550 to the player, a power supply board 630 equipped with a power switch 630a for turning on the power to the pachinko machine 1, a board unit 620 having a payout control board 633, a back cover 640 covering the rear of the game board 5 attached to the main frame base 501, and a locking unit 650 for locking the space between the outer frame 2 and the main frame 4, and between the door frame 3 and the main frame 4.

[0037] The main frame 4 holds the game board 5, which has a game area 5a where the game is played by shooting in game balls B. It also dispenses the game balls B to the player and discharges the game balls B used in the game to the rear of the pachinko machine 1 (towards the island equipment side of the game hall). The main frame 4 is formed in the shape of a box with an open front, and the game board 5 is detachably housed inside from the front. The main frame 4 is also attached to a frame-shaped outer frame 2, which is attached to the island equipment of the game hall, at the top and bottom of the front left side of the main frame 4 so as to be able to open and close, and a door frame 3 is attached so as to be able to open and close so as to close the open front side.

[0038] The game board 5 comprises a game area 5a in which game balls B are played by the player's operation, a front component 1000 that demarcates the outer periphery of the game area 5a and has an outer shape that is roughly rectangular when viewed from the front, a plate-shaped game panel 1100 attached to the rear side of the front component 1000 and demarcates the rear end of the game area 5a, a main control unit 1300 attached to the rear surface of the back box 3010 of the back unit 3000 and having a main control board 1310, a function display unit 1400 that displays the game status based on control signals from the main control board 1310, a peripheral control unit 1500 (see Figure 10) located behind the game panel 1100, an effect display device 1600 located in the center of the game area 5a when viewed from the front and capable of displaying predetermined effect images, a front unit 2000 attached to the front of the game panel 1100, and a back unit 3000 attached to the rear of the game panel 1100. The 3000 back unit is equipped with various effect units that can perform movable and light-up effects depending on the game state.

[0039] Within the game area 5a of the game board 5, there are multiple obstacle pins N planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement that come into contact with the game balls B, and a general prize opening 2001, a first start opening 2002, a gate 2003, a second start opening 2004, a normal prize opening 2011, a first major prize opening 2005, and a second major prize opening 2006 that grant the player a predetermined benefit (for example, the payout of a predetermined number of game balls B) upon receipt or passage of the game balls B. The obstacle pins N are planted on the front of the game panel 1100. The general prize opening 2001, the first start opening 2002, the gate 2003, the second start opening 2004, the normal prize opening 2011, the first major prize opening 2005, and the second major prize opening 2006 are provided in the front unit 2000.

[0040] Within the game area 5a of the game board 5, the player can shoot game balls B by operating the handle 197 of the handle unit 180. This allows the player to enjoy the process of shooting the game balls B with the handle 197 so that they are received or passed through the general prize slots 2001, the first start slot 2002, the gate 2003, the second start slot 2004, the regular prize slot 2011, the first major prize slot 2005, and the second major prize slot 2006, etc., within the game area 5a.

[0041] Furthermore, the game board 5 can entertain players by displaying predetermined performance images on the performance display device 1600, or by performing light-up and movable effects using the hidden first performance unit 3300, the hidden second performance unit 3400, etc., in accordance with the game state which changes when a game ball B is played into the game area 5a.

[0042] [2. Overall structure of the outer frame] The outer frame 2 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 16. Figure 11 is a front view of the outer frame of the pachinko machine, Figure 12 is a rear view of the outer frame, and Figure 13 is a right side view of the outer frame. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the outer frame from the front, and Figure 15 is a perspective view of the outer frame from the rear. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the outer frame, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front. The outer frame 2 is attached to the island equipment (not shown) where the pachinko machine 1 is installed in a gaming hall or the like. The outer frame 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame that extends vertically when viewed from the front.

[0043] As shown in the figure, the outer frame 2 comprises an outer frame left assembly 10 and an outer frame right assembly 20 that are spaced apart from each other to the left and extend vertically, an outer frame upper member 30 that connects the upper ends of the outer frame left assembly 10 and the outer frame right assembly 20, an outer frame lower assembly 40 that connects the lower ends of the outer frame left assembly 10 and the outer frame right assembly 20, an outer frame upper hinge assembly 50 attached to the upper left end of the upper surface of the outer frame upper member 30, and an outer frame lower hinge member 60 attached to the lower right side of the outer frame left assembly 10 and the upper left end of the outer frame lower assembly 40.

[0044] When the main frame 4 is closed, the outer frame 2, in cooperation with the speaker unit 620a of the circuit board unit 620 in the main frame 4, forms part of the enclosure 624 of the main frame speaker 622, and also allows the sound output from the rear of the main frame speaker 622 to be phase-inverted and radiated forward.

[0045] The outer frame 2 allows the upper outer frame hinge assembly 50 to detachably support the upper main frame hinge member 510 of the main frame 4. The outer frame 2, through the upper outer frame hinge assembly 50 and the lower outer frame hinge member 60, can support the upper main frame hinge member 510 and the lower main frame hinge assembly 520 of the main frame 4 so that they can rotate coaxially, and the main frame 4 can be mounted so that it can open and close forward with the left side as the center when viewed from the front.

[0046] [2-1. Outer frame left assembly and outer frame right assembly] The left outer frame assembly 10 and the right outer frame assembly 20 of the outer frame 2 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the left outer frame assembly and the right outer frame assembly of the outer frame, respectively, when disassembled and viewed from the front. The left outer frame assembly 10 and the right outer frame assembly 20 of the outer frame 2 each extend vertically and are spaced apart from each other to the left and right. The left outer frame assembly 10 and the right outer frame assembly 20 support the upper main frame hinge member 510 and the lower main frame hinge assembly 520 of the main frame 4 so that they can rotate on the same axis, and are used to attach the main frame 4 to the outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed.

[0047] First, the left outer frame assembly 10 comprises a left outer frame member 11 that extends vertically with a constant width (depth) in the front-to-back direction, an upper left connecting member 12 attached to the upper right side of the left outer frame member 11, and a lower left connecting member 13 attached to the lower right side of the left outer frame member 11.

[0048] The left outer frame member 11 extends vertically with a fixed cross-sectional shape and is formed from an extruded aluminum alloy profile. The left outer frame member 11 has a recess 11a that is flat and recessed to the right in the rear portion of the left side of the front-to-back direction, which is divided into three equal parts; a bulge 11b that protrudes to the right from the opposite side of the recess 11a on the right side; and a cavity 11c that penetrates the bulge 11b vertically. The left outer frame member 11 has increased strength and rigidity due to the recess 11a and the bulge 11b, while its weight is reduced due to the cavity 11c.

[0049] Furthermore, the left outer frame member 11 has multiple grooves extending vertically on both its left and right sides. The multiple grooves on the left side are formed in a V-shape, and the multiple grooves on the right side are formed in a semicircular shape. The left outer frame member 11 is formed in a symmetrical shape with the right outer frame member 21 of the right outer frame assembly 20, which will be described later.

[0050] The upper left connecting member 12 is for connecting the upper end of the left outer frame member 11 and the left end of the upper outer frame member 30. The upper left connecting member 12 comprises a horizontally extending flat plate-shaped horizontal fixing portion 12a, a flat plate-shaped upper horizontal fixing portion 12b extending upward from the middle of the front-to-back direction on the left side of the horizontal fixing portion 12a, and a pair of flat plate-shaped lower horizontal fixing portions 12c extending downward from both the front and rear sides of the upper horizontal fixing portion 12b on the left side of the horizontal fixing portion 12a. The upper left connecting member 12 is formed by bending a flat metal plate.

[0051] The upper left connecting member 12 is attached to the left outer frame member 11 by inserting the rear lower horizontal fixing portion 12c into the cavity 11c of the left outer frame member 11, bringing the horizontal fixing portion 12a into contact with the upper end of the left outer frame member 11, and further bringing the front and rear lower horizontal fixing portions 12c into contact with the right side of the left outer frame member 11, and then screwing screws into the lower horizontal fixing portion 12c from the outside of the left side of the left outer frame member 11. The upper left connecting member 12 is attached to the upper outer frame member 30 by bringing the horizontal fixing portion 12a into contact with the lower left end of the upper outer frame member 30, and inserting the upper horizontal fixing portion 12b into the notch 30a on the left side of the upper outer frame member 30, and then screwing screws into the upper outer frame member 30 through the horizontal fixing portion 12a and the upper horizontal fixing portion 12b.

[0052] The lower left connecting member 13 is for connecting the lower end of the left outer frame member 11 to the left end of the lower outer frame assembly 40 (lower outer frame member 41). The lower left connecting member 13 comprises a horizontally extending flat plate-shaped horizontal fixing portion 13a, a flat plate-shaped upper horizontal fixing portion 13b extending upward from the left side of the horizontal fixing portion 13a and extending further rearward than the horizontal fixing portion 13a, a flat plate-shaped lower horizontal fixing portion 13c extending downward from a portion on the lower side of the upper horizontal fixing portion 13b that is further rearward than the horizontal fixing portion 13a, and a flat plate-shaped contact portion 13d extending briefly to the right from the rear side of the upper horizontal fixing portion 13b. The lower left connecting member 13 is formed by bending a flat metal plate.

[0053] The lower left connecting member 13 is attached to the left outer frame member 11 by bringing the rear surface of the contact portion 13d into contact with the front surface of the bulging portion 11b of the left outer frame member 11, bringing the left side surface of the upper horizontal fixing portion 13b into contact with the right side surface of the left outer frame member 11, and aligning the lower surface of the horizontal fixing portion 13a with the lower end of the left outer frame member 11, and then screwing a screw into the upper horizontal fixing portion 13b from the outside of the left side surface of the left outer frame member 11. The lower left connecting member 13 is attached to the lower outer frame member 41 by bringing the horizontal fixing portion 13a into contact with the upper surface of the left end side of the lower outer frame member 41, and inserting the lower horizontal fixing portion 13c into the notch 41a on the left side surface of the lower outer frame member 41, and then screwing a screw into the lower outer frame member 41 through the horizontal fixing portion 13a and the lower horizontal fixing portion 13c.

[0054] Next, the outer frame right assembly 20 comprises an outer frame right member 21 that extends vertically with a constant width (depth) in the front-to-back direction, an upper right connecting member 22 attached to the upper end of the left side surface of the outer frame right member 21, a lower right connecting member 23 attached to the lower end of the left side surface of the outer frame right member 21, an upper hooking member 24 attached to the upper part of the left side surface of the outer frame right member 21, and a lower hooking member 25 attached to the lower part of the left side surface of the outer frame right member 21.

[0055] The right outer frame member 21 extends vertically with a fixed cross-sectional shape and is formed from an extruded aluminum alloy profile. The right outer frame member 21 has a recess 21a that is flat and recessed to the left in the rear portion of the right side of the front-to-back direction, which is divided into three equal parts; a bulge 21b that bulges to the left from the opposite side of the recess 21a on the left side; and a cavity 21c that penetrates the bulge 21b vertically. The strength and rigidity of the right outer frame member 21 are increased by the recess 21a and the bulge 21b, while the weight is reduced by the cavity 21c.

[0056] Furthermore, the right outer frame member 21 has multiple grooves extending vertically on both its left and right sides. The grooves on the right side are V-shaped, while the grooves on the left side are semicircular. The right outer frame member 21 is formed in a symmetrical shape with the left outer frame member 11 of the left outer frame assembly 10.

[0057] The upper right connecting member 22 is for connecting the upper end of the outer frame right member 21 and the right end of the outer frame upper member 30. The upper right connecting member 22 comprises a horizontally extending flat plate-shaped horizontal fixing portion 22a, a flat plate-shaped upper horizontal fixing portion 22b extending upward from the middle of the front-to-back direction on the right side of the horizontal fixing portion 22a, and a pair of flat plate-shaped lower horizontal fixing portions 22c extending downward from both the front and rear sides of the upper horizontal fixing portion 22b on the right side of the horizontal fixing portion 22a. The upper right connecting member 22 is formed by bending a flat metal plate.

[0058] The upper right connecting member 22 is attached to the right outer frame member 21 by inserting the rear lower horizontal fixing portion 22c into the cavity 21c of the right outer frame member 21, bringing the horizontal fixing portion 22a into contact with the upper end of the right outer frame member 21, and further bringing the front and rear lower horizontal fixing portions 22c into contact with the left side of the right outer frame member 21, and then screwing screws into the lower horizontal fixing portion 22c from the outside of the right side of the right outer frame member 21. The upper right connecting member 22 is attached to the upper outer frame member 30 by bringing the horizontal fixing portion 22a into contact with the lower right end of the upper outer frame member 30, and inserting the upper horizontal fixing portion 22b into the notch 30a on the right side of the upper outer frame member 30, and then screwing screws into the upper outer frame member 30 through the horizontal fixing portion 22a and the upper horizontal fixing portion 22b.

[0059] The lower right connecting member 23 is for connecting the lower end of the right outer frame member 21 to the right end of the lower outer frame assembly 40 (lower outer frame member 41). The lower right connecting member 23 comprises a horizontally extending flat plate-shaped horizontal fixing portion 23a, a flat plate-shaped upper horizontal fixing portion 23b extending upward from the right side of the horizontal fixing portion 23a and extending further rearward than the horizontal fixing portion 23a, a flat plate-shaped lower horizontal fixing portion 23c extending downward from the lower side of the upper horizontal fixing portion 23b at a point further rearward than the horizontal fixing portion 23a, and a flat plate-shaped contact portion 23d extending briefly to the left from the rear side of the upper horizontal fixing portion 23b. The lower right connecting member 23 is formed by bending a flat metal plate.

[0060] The lower right connecting member 23 is attached to the right outer frame member 21 by screwing a screw into the upper horizontal fixing part 23b from the outside of the right side of the right outer frame member 21, with the rear surface of the contact portion 23d abutting against the front surface of the bulging portion 21b of the right outer frame member 21, the right side surface of the upper horizontal fixing portion 23b abutting against the left side of the right outer frame member 21, and the lower surface of the horizontal fixing portion 23a aligning with the lower end of the right outer frame member 21. The lower right connecting member 23 is attached to the lower outer frame member 41 by screwing a screw into the lower outer frame member 41 through the horizontal fixing portion 23a and the lower horizontal fixing portion 23c, with the horizontal fixing portion 23a abutting against the upper surface of the right end of the lower outer frame member 41, and the lower horizontal fixing portion 23c inserted into the notch 41a on the right side of the lower outer frame member 41.

[0061] The upper hooking member 24 and the lower hooking member 25 are used to secure the outer frame hook 653 of the locking unit 650 in the main frame 4, which will be described later. The upper hooking member 24 has a flat mounting portion 24a that extends vertically with a constant width in the front-rear direction and is attached to the left side of the right outer frame member 21, and a flat hooking piece 24b that extends to the left from the front edge of the mounting portion 24a and is used to secure the upper outer frame hook 653.

[0062] The lower hooking member 25 includes a flat plate-shaped mounting portion 25a that extends vertically with a constant width in the front-rear direction and is attached to the left side of the right outer frame member 21, a flat plate-shaped hooking piece 25b that extends to the left from the front edge of the mounting portion 25a and into which the lower outer frame hook 653 is hooked, and an insertion opening 25c that penetrates the hooking piece 25b from front to back and into which the lower outer frame hook 653 can be inserted.

[0063] [2-2. Upper outer frame component] The upper outer frame member 30 of the outer frame 2 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 16. The upper outer frame member 30 is for connecting the upper ends of the left outer frame assembly 10 and the right outer frame assembly 20, which are spaced apart to the left and right. The upper outer frame member 30 has a width in the front-to-back direction that is approximately the same as the front-to-back width of the left outer frame member 11 and the right outer frame member 21, a constant thickness in the vertical direction, extends in the left-to-right direction, and is made of wood. The length of the upper outer frame member 30 in the left-to-right direction is the same as the length of the lower outer frame member 41 of the lower outer frame assembly 40, which will be described later.

[0064] The outer frame upper member 30 has notches 30a on both the left and right sides, located in the center in the front-to-back direction, that penetrate vertically and are recessed towards the center in the left-to-right direction. The upper lateral fixing portion 12b of the upper left connecting member 12 and the upper lateral fixing portion 22b of the upper right connecting member 22 are inserted into these notches 30a at both ends and attached accordingly.

[0065] Furthermore, the upper outer frame member 30 has a mounting step portion 30b at its left end, where the top and front surfaces are recessed compared to the general surface. The upper outer frame hinge assembly 50, which will be described later, is attached to this mounting step portion 30b.

[0066] [2-3. Lower outer frame assembly] The lower outer frame assembly 40 of the outer frame 2 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the lower outer frame assembly of the outer frame, disassembled and viewed from the front. The lower outer frame assembly 40 connects the lower ends of the left outer frame assembly 10 and the right outer frame assembly 20, which are spaced apart on the left and right, and also serves to close and decorate the area below the door frame 3 in the pachinko machine 1.

[0067] The outer frame lower assembly 40 includes an outer frame lower member 41 that extends to the left and right and connects the lower ends of the outer frame left assembly 10 and the outer frame right assembly 20 which are spaced apart to the left and right; a box-shaped front fascia member 42 that is positioned in front of the outer frame lower member 41 and extends to the left and right along the outer frame lower member 41, with the rear end open; a box-shaped rear fascia member 43 that extends to the left and right and is attached to the rear side of the front fascia member 42 and attached to the upper surface of the outer frame lower member 41, with the front end open; and a ball-jamming prevention mechanism 44 formed at the left end of the upper surface of the rear fascia member 43.

[0068] The lower outer frame member 41 has a width in the front-to-back direction that is approximately the same as the front-to-back width of the left outer frame member 11 and the right outer frame member 21, a constant thickness in the vertical direction, extends in the left-to-right direction, and is made of wood. The length of the lower outer frame member 41 in the left-to-right direction is the same as the length of the upper outer frame member 30 in the left-to-right direction.

[0069] The lower outer frame member 41 has notches 41a that penetrate vertically and are recessed towards the left-right center at the center in the front-rear direction on both the left and right sides. The lower horizontal fixing portion 13c of the left lower connecting member 13 and the lower horizontal fixing portion 23c of the right lower connecting member 23 are inserted into these notches 41a at both ends and attached. This allows the lower ends of the left outer frame member 11 and the right outer frame member 21 to be connected.

[0070] Furthermore, the lower outer frame member 41 is recessed from the top surface and has a recess 41b into which the lower part of the rear fascia member 43 is inserted. The recess 41b extends to the left and right and exits from a position slightly towards the rear of the center in the front-to-back direction toward the front end. This recess 41b maximizes the volume of the internal space 40a of the fascia, which is formed by the front fascia member 42 and the rear fascia member 43.

[0071] The front panel member 42 has a length in the left-right direction that is the same as the lower outer frame member 41, and is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular box shape with a shorter depth in the front-to-back direction relative to its height, with the entire rear side open. The front panel member 42 works in cooperation with the rear panel member 43 to form the internal space 40a of the front panel, which becomes part of the enclosure 624 of the main frame speaker 622, by closing the open rear side of the front panel member 42. The front panel member 42 has an elongated opening 42a on its front surface near the right end that penetrates from front to back and extends from left to right.

[0072] The rear fascia member 43 is slightly shorter in length in the left-right direction than the lower outer frame member 41 and is formed in a box shape with an open front. By attaching the front fascia member 42 to the front of the rear fascia member 43, it works in cooperation with the front fascia member 42 to form the internal fascia space 40a, which becomes part of the enclosure 624 of the main frame speaker 622. The rear fascia member 43 has a cylindrical connecting tube portion 43a at the center of its upper surface in the left-right direction, which extends left and right and protrudes upward, communicating with the internal fascia space 40a. The upper end of the connecting tube portion 43a is inclined so that it is positioned higher towards the rear from the front end, which coincides with the general top surface of the rear fascia member 43. In this embodiment, the upper end of the connecting tube portion 43a is inclined at a 45-degree angle.

[0073] The connecting cylinder portion 43a is formed so that its length in the left-right direction is approximately 1 / 3 of the length of the entire rear panel member 43, and its depth in the front-to-back direction is slightly shorter than the depth of the entire rear panel member 43. The connecting cylinder portion 43a is provided with a plurality of ribs 43b that connect the front end and the rear end. When the main body frame 4 is closed to the outer frame 2, the connecting portion 621c of the speaker cover 621 of the speaker unit 620a of the circuit board unit 620 in the main body frame 4 is connected to the upper end of the connecting cylinder portion 43a, creating communication with the internal space of the speaker unit 620a and forming an enclosure 624.

[0074] The ball jamming prevention mechanism 44 prevents the game ball B from getting caught between the outer frame 2 and the main frame 4 by preventing the game ball B from accumulating at the left end of the upper surface of the rear panel member 43, at the location of the lower hinge member 60 of the outer frame.

[0075] The ball jamming prevention mechanism 44 is formed at the left end of the upper surface of the rear panel member 43 and includes a mounting portion 44a which is formed flat so as to be adjacent to the lower outer frame hinge member 60 which will be described later, a first discharge port 44b which opens upward at the left end of the mounting portion 44a, a second discharge port 44c which opens upward to the right of the first discharge port 44b on the mounting portion 44a, a vertical wall portion 44d which extends upward from the rear and right sides of the mounting portion 44a, and an upper end projection portion 44e which protrudes forward from the upper end of the vertical wall portion 44d and is inclined so as to be positioned upward as the upper surface is positioned towards the rear.

[0076] The first discharge port 44b is formed at a position that coincides with the discharge hole 60d of the lower hinge member 60 of the outer frame, which will be described later. The first discharge port 44b and the second discharge port 44c are formed to a size that allows game balls B to pass through. The first discharge port 44b and the second discharge port 44c do not communicate with the internal space 40a of the fascia panel, but open to the rear surface of the rear fascia panel member 43. Therefore, game balls B that enter the first discharge port 44b and the second discharge port 44c can be discharged to the rear of the rear fascia panel member 43.

[0077] This ball-joint prevention mechanism 44 prevents unauthorized tools, such as piano wire, from entering through the gap between the lower hinge member 60 of the outer frame and the lower hinge assembly 520 of the main frame (described later). The vertical wall portion 44d rising from the rear end of the mounting portion 44a prevents the unauthorized tool from entering. Even if the tip of the unauthorized tool comes into contact with the vertical wall portion 44d and bends upward, it will come into contact with the forward-projecting upper end projection 44e provided at the upper end of the vertical wall portion 44d, preventing further intrusion. Therefore, unauthorized acts can be prevented through the lower hinge member 60 of the outer frame.

[0078] By the way, if a vertical wall portion 44d is provided at the rear end of the mounting portion 44a, when the main frame 4 is opened relative to the outer frame 2, any game balls B that have fallen onto the mounting portion 44a for some reason will be prevented from moving backward by the vertical wall portion 44d, making it easier for the game balls B to accumulate on the mounting portion 44a. When game balls B accumulate on the mounting portion 44a, a problem arises in which the game balls B can get caught between the outer frame 2 and the main frame 4 when closing the main frame 4 relative to the outer frame 2, making it impossible to close the main frame 4.

[0079] In contrast, the ball jamming prevention mechanism 44 of this embodiment allows game balls B that have fallen onto the lower hinge member 60 or the mounting portion 44a to be discharged to the rear of the rear panel member 43 (behind the outer frame 2) through the discharge hole 60d and the first discharge port 44b of the lower hinge member 60, or through the second discharge port 44c, thereby preventing game balls B from getting caught between the outer frame 2 and the main frame 4.

[0080] The outer frame lower assembly 40 includes a pair of guide members 45 positioned spaced apart from each other on the upper surfaces of the front panel member 42 and the rear panel member 43, a flat plate-shaped grill member 46 that closes the opening 42a of the front panel member 42 from the rear, a port member 47 that is attached inside the front panel member 42 to close the opening 42a on either side of the grill member 46 and has two cylinders extending in the front and rear directions, and a frame-shaped sealing member 48 positioned at the upper end of the connecting cylinder portion 43a of the rear panel member 43.

[0081] The pair of guide members 45 are positioned so that the lower end of the door frame 3 contacts the outer frame 2 when the main frame 4 is closed. The guide members 45 are made of a low-friction material with low frictional resistance, making the lower end of the main frame 4 slide easily and facilitating opening and closing.

[0082] The grill member 46 is a strip-shaped plate extending in the left-right direction and has a plurality of fin portions 46b that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The fin portions 46b are inclined so that their front ends are higher than their rear ends. This grill member 46 allows ventilation between the inside of the front panel member 42 (the internal space 40a of the panel) and the outside through the gaps between the fin portions 46b.

[0083] The port member 47 connects the internal space 40a (enclosure 624) of the fascia panel (enclosure 624) to the front of the outer frame 2 via the gap between the fin portions 46b of the grill member 46, using two cylinders. The port member 47 is formed with two cylinders of a predetermined inner diameter and length, and by the principle of Helmholtz resonance, it resonates and amplifies the bass emitted from the main frame speaker 622 to the rear (inside the enclosure 624), allowing rich bass to be radiated to the front of the outer frame 2 (towards the player). In other words, in this embodiment, the enclosure 624 of the main frame speaker 622 is of the bass reflex type, allowing players to hear deep bass.

[0084] The sealing member 48 is compressed when the main frame 4 is closed against the outer frame 2, by being sandwiched between the upper end of the connecting cylinder portion 43a and the lower end of the connecting portion 621c of the speaker cover 621 on the main frame 4, thereby preventing sound from leaking from the enclosure 624 of the main frame speaker 622 through the gap between the connecting cylinder portion 43a and the connecting portion 621c.

[0085] According to the grill member 46 of this embodiment, the air vibrations released to the outside from the internal space 40a of the fascia by the main frame speaker 622 can be directed by the multiple inclined vane portions 46b through the notched opening 295b on the lower side of the handle cover 295 of the handle cover unit 290 located diagonally upward and forward into the front cylindrical portion 291a of the handle cover base 291 in which the handle unit 180 is housed. As a result, when a player inserts their fingers inside the handle cover 295 (front cylindrical portion 291a of the handle cover base 291) and rotates the handle 197 (a device for inserting game balls B), the main frame speaker 622 vibrates and blows air into the front cylindrical portion 291a, surprising the player and creating an unprecedented effect.

[0086] Furthermore, since the port member 47 is open towards the front, some of the sound pressure emitted from the port member 47 through the multiple vane portions 46b of the grill member 46 is emitted forward. As a result, the sound effects emitted from the port member 47 can be heard by players seated in front of the pachinko machine 1 and by other players circulating within the gaming hall where the pachinko machine 1 is installed. This allows the sound effects to attract the attention of players, providing a pachinko machine 1 with high appeal to players.

[0087] Furthermore, since the port member 47 is provided on the outer frame lower assembly 40 of the outer frame 2, relative to the enclosure 624 of the main frame speaker 622 which is provided on the main frame 4, the volume of the enclosure 624 can be increased, allowing for the output of deeper bass sounds, which can entertain players and prevent a decline in their enjoyment.

[0088] [2-4. Upper hinge assembly of the outer frame] The upper hinge assembly 50 of the outer frame 2 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19(a) is an exploded perspective view of the upper hinge assembly of the outer frame, viewed from the front and above, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of (a) viewed from the front and below. The upper hinge assembly 50 is attached to the upper end of the left outer frame assembly 10 and the left end of the upper outer frame member 30, and is for attaching the main frame 4 to the outer frame 2 so that it can rotate with a hinge. The upper hinge assembly 50 includes an upper hinge member 51 attached to the upper end of the recess 11a of the left outer frame member 11 and the mounting step portion 30b of the upper outer frame member 30, a locking member 52 attached to the upper hinge member 51, and mounting screws 53 that attach the locking member 52 to the upper hinge member 51.

[0089] The outer frame upper hinge member 51 comprises an upper fixing portion 51a that is a horizontally extending flat plate and is attached to the upper surface of the mounting step portion 30b of the outer frame upper member 30; a flat plate-shaped forward extension portion 51b that extends forward from the front edge of the upper fixing portion 51a; a bearing groove 51c that extends from the middle of the right edge of the forward extension portion 51b toward the left and right center of the forward extension portion 51b and penetrates vertically; a flat plate-shaped lateral fixing portion 51d that extends downward from the left edge of the forward extension portion 51b, around the front edge, to the part where the bearing groove 51c opens, and is a flat plate-shaped edge wall portion 51e that extends downward from the edge and is continuous with the lateral fixing portion 51d. The outer frame upper hinge member 51 is formed by punching and bending a metal plate by press molding. The outer frame upper hinge member 51 can rotatably support the main frame upper hinge pin 512 of the main frame upper hinge member 510, which will be described later, within the bearing groove 51c.

[0090] The locking member 52 comprises a strip-shaped locking body 52a extending in the front-rear direction, an operating piece 52b protruding to the right from the rear end of the locking body 52a, an elastically deformable rod-shaped elastic part 52c extending to the left from the rear end of the locking body 52a and then diagonally forward to the left, and a mounting hole 52d penetrating vertically near the rear end of the locking body 52a. The locking member 52 is made of synthetic resin. The locking member 52 is rotatably attached by mounting screws 53 to the lower surface of the forward extension portion 51b of the outer frame upper hinge member 51, at a location rearward from the bearing groove 51c.

[0091] When the locking member 52 is attached to the upper hinge member 51 of the outer frame, the lock body 52a is able to block the bearing groove 51c in a plan view, and the right side surface near the front end extends forward so that it can contact the portion of the edge wall portion 51e of the upper hinge member 51 of the outer frame that extends to the opening of the bearing groove 51c. In addition, the tip of the elastic portion 52c that extends to the left from the rear end of the lock body 52a contacts the inner circumferential surface of the edge wall portion 51e of the upper hinge member 51 of the outer frame. The locking member 52 is biased by the biasing force of the elastic portion 52c so that its front end rotates to the left around the mounting hole 52d. Therefore, in the normal state, the right side surface of the lock body 52a of the locking member 52 near the front end contacts the edge wall portion 51e. In this state, a space is formed in the bearing groove 51c in front of the lock body 52a that can accommodate the upper hinge pin 512 of the upper hinge member 510.

[0092] The locking member 52 allows the lock body 52a to be rotated against the biasing force of the elastic part 52c by operating the operating piece 52b. By operating the operating piece 52b, the lock body 52a is rotated in a direction in which its front end moves to the left, which allows the lock body 52a to be retracted from the bearing groove 51c in a plan view, making the bearing groove 51c fully open. This allows the upper hinge pin 512 of the main frame to be inserted into the bearing groove 51c or removed from the upper hinge pin 512 of the main frame to be removed from the bearing groove 51c.

[0093] [2-5. Lower hinge component of the outer frame] The lower outer frame hinge member 60 of the outer frame 2 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 16. The lower outer frame hinge member 60 comprises a horizontally extending flat plate-shaped horizontal portion 60a, a flat plate-shaped rising portion 60b rising upward from a point on the left side of the horizontal portion 60a that is further back than the center in the front-to-back direction, a lower outer frame hinge pin 60c protruding upward from near the front end of the horizontal portion 60a, and an ejection hole 60d that penetrates the horizontal portion 60a vertically and is sized to allow only one game ball B to pass through. This lower outer frame hinge member 60 is formed by punching and bending a metal plate by press molding.

[0094] The horizontal portion 60a of the lower outer frame hinge member 60 is formed in a trapezoidal shape with the left side as the base when viewed from above. The lower outer frame hinge pin 60c is cylindrical, and the upper part above the center in the vertical direction is formed in a frustoconical shape with the upper end narrowing. This lower outer frame hinge pin 60c is attached to the left side near the front end of the horizontal portion 60a. The discharge hole 60d is in contact with the central part of the vertical portion 60b in the front-rear direction on the horizontal portion 60a, and is formed to extend in an inverted U-shape from the left side of the horizontal portion 60a to the right. This discharge hole 60d is formed to be approximately the same size as the first discharge port 44b of the ball jamming prevention mechanism 44 in the lower outer frame assembly 40.

[0095] When assembled to the outer frame 2, the lower outer frame hinge member 60 has its rear horizontal portion 60a resting on the mounting portion 44a of the rear fascia member 43 in the lower outer frame assembly 40, and is fixed to the rear fascia member 43 with screws (not shown). The upright portion 60b is attached to the right side of the left outer frame member 11 in front of the bulging portion 11b with screws (not shown). This lower outer frame hinge member 60 can be attached to the main frame 4 in an openable and closable manner in cooperation with the upper outer frame hinge member 51 by inserting the lower outer frame hinge pin 60c through the lower outer frame hinge hole 521a in the lower main frame hinge assembly 520 of the main frame 4.

[0096] Furthermore, when the outer frame 2 is assembled, the discharge hole 60d coincides with the first discharge port 44b of the ball jamming prevention mechanism 44 in the lower outer frame assembly 40. This allows the game balls B on the horizontal section 60a to fall (discharge) to the rear of the outer frame 2 through the discharge hole 60d and the first discharge port 44b. More specifically, when the main frame 4 is closed relative to the outer frame 2, the game balls B that have fallen between the outer frame 2 and the main frame 4 will roll toward the rear where the gap is wider as the main frame 4 is closed, and will be discharged through the discharge hole 60d. In this case, the discharge hole 60d is formed at a position that is approximately the same as the rear end of the main body frame 4 when the main body frame 4 is closed to the outer frame 2 in the assembled state of the pachinko machine 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game balls B that have fallen between the outer frame 2 and the main body frame 4 from rolling further behind the main body frame 4 by discharging them through the discharge hole 60d, and it is possible to prevent the game balls B from getting stuck in the area of ​​the lower hinge member 60 of the outer frame.

[0097] [3. Overall structure of the door frame] The door frame 3 of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 20 to 33. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the door frame from the front, and Figure 21 is a perspective view of the door frame from the rear. Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the door frame with the door frame top ornament and door frame upper ornament separated and viewed from the front, and Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the door frame with the door frame top ornament and door frame upper ornament separated and viewed from the rear, relative to the door frame. Figure 24 is a front view of the door frame with the door frame upper ornament removed, Figure 25 is a rear view of the door frame with the door frame upper ornament removed, Figure 26 is a left side view of the door frame with the door frame upper ornament removed, and Figure 27 is a right side view of the door frame with the door frame upper ornament removed. Figure 28 is a perspective view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed, seen from the front right. Figure 29 is a perspective view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed, seen from the front left. Figure 30 is a perspective view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed, seen from the rear. Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed, disassembled into its main components and seen from the front. Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed, disassembled into its main components and seen from the rear. Figure 33 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the door frame with the upper decorative element removed.

[0098] The door frame 3 is formed as a rectangle that extends vertically when viewed from the front, with approximately the same size as the inside of the outer frame 2, and is attached to the inside of the outer frame 2 via the main frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed from the front. The door frame 3 closes the game area 5a of the game board 5 into which the game balls B are played, making it visible from the front, and stores the game balls B to be played into the game area 5a. It also has a handle 197 that the player operates to play the stored game balls B into the game area 5a. Furthermore, the door frame 3 decorates the entire front of the pachinko machine 1.

[0099] The door frame 3 consists of a rectangular door frame base unit 100 with an outer shape that extends vertically when viewed from the front, a glass unit 160 that is detachably attached to the door frame base unit 100 and closes the game area 5a of the game board 5 attached to the main frame 4 so that it can be seen from the front, a security cover 170 that is attached to the door frame base unit 100 so as to cover the lower part of the glass unit 160 from the rear, a handle unit 180 attached to the lower right corner of the front of the door frame base unit 100, a handle cover unit 290 that covers the outer circumference of the handle unit 180, and the door frame base The door frame comprises a plate unit 200 attached to the lower front of the door frame base unit 100, a left door frame side unit 420 attached to the left front of the door frame base unit 100 above the plate unit 200, a right door frame side unit 430 attached to the right front of the door frame base unit 100 above the plate unit, a top door frame unit 450 attached to the upper front of the door frame base unit 100 above the left door frame side unit 420 and the right door frame side unit 430, and a top door frame ornament 480 attached to the top door frame unit 450.

[0100] The door frame base unit 100 comprises a door frame base 101 having a door window 101a that is formed in a rectangular shape with an outer shape extending vertically when viewed from the front and extends through from front to back; a speaker duct 103 attached to the lower right corner when viewed from the rear of the door frame base 101; a main door frame relay board 104 attached to the lower rear of the door frame base 101 near the right end when viewed from the rear; a sub-door frame relay board 105 attached to the left of the main door frame relay board 104 when viewed from the rear; a rear handle relay board attached to the left of the sub-door frame relay board 105 when viewed from the rear; a door frame relay board cover 107 that covers the main door frame relay board 104 and a part of the sub-door frame relay board 105 from the rear; a rear handle relay board cover 108 that covers the rear handle relay board from the rear; and a cable cover 109 that covers the wiring cable.

[0101] Furthermore, the door frame base unit 100 includes a frame-shaped door frame reinforcement unit 110 attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101, a door frame upper hinge assembly 120 and a door frame lower hinge member 125 attached to the door frame reinforcement unit 110, a cylinder lock 130 for opening and closing attached to the door frame reinforcement unit 110, a ball feeding unit 140 attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101 above the rear relay board of the handle, and a foul cover unit 150 attached to the lower rear side of the door frame base 101 on the right side when viewed from the rear.

[0102] The door frame reinforcement unit 110 is attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101 to reinforce the door frame base 101 and provide it with rigidity. The upper door frame hinge assembly 120 and the lower door frame hinge member 125 are for attaching the door frame 3 to the main frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed. The cylinder lock 130 works in cooperation with the locking unit 650 of the main frame 4 to open and close the door frame 3 and the main frame 4, and to open, close, lock and lock the outer frame 2 and the main frame 4.

[0103] Furthermore, the ball supply unit 140 is for supplying the game balls B in the upper tray 201 one by one to the ball launching device 540 on the main frame 4. The foul cover unit 150 is for guiding the game balls B (foul balls) that were launched by the ball launching device 540 but did not reach the game area 5a of the game board 5 to the lower tray 202, and for guiding the game balls B dispensed from the payout device 580 to the upper tray 201 or the lower tray 202.

[0104] The glass unit 160 has a transparent glass plate 162 and closes the door window 101a of the door frame base 101. The security cover 170 is attached to the door frame base 101 so as to cover the lower part of the glass unit 160 from the rear. The handle unit 180 has a handle 197 that can be rotated by the player, and the player operates the handle cover unit 290 that covers the outer circumference of the handle unit 180 to launch the game balls B in the upper tray 201 into the game area 5a of the game board 5 using the ball launcher 540.

[0105] The handle 197 operated by the player is located on the handle unit 180. The handle 197 of the handle unit 180 protrudes forward from the handle cover unit 290.

[0106] The door frame right side unit 430 has a right side left panel 442 that is detachably provided on the left side and a right side right panel 443 that is detachably provided on the right side. Therefore, when replacing the game board 5 in the pachinko machine 1 due to specification changes or model changes, the right side left panel 442 and the right side right panel 443, which are decorated with decorations and patterns that correspond to the decoration (concept) of the game board 5, can be easily adapted to model changes, making it easier to provide a pachinko machine 1 that is highly appealing to players.

[0107] The door frame top unit 450 has a door frame top decorative element 453 that is detachably attached to the door frame top base 451. The door frame top decorative element 453 can be removed forward by loosening a thumbscrew 469 that is screwed into the rear of the door frame base unit 100. Therefore, when replacing the game board 5 in the pachinko machine 1 due to specification changes or model changes, the door frame top decorative element 453 can be replaced with one that has decorations corresponding to the decoration (concept) of the game board 5, making it easy to respond to model changes and making it easier to provide a pachinko machine 1 that is highly appealing to players.

[0108] [3-1. Overall configuration of the door frame base unit] The door frame base unit 100 of the door frame 3 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 34. Figure 34(a) is a perspective view of the door frame base unit of the second embodiment as seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the door frame base unit as seen from the rear.

[0109] The door frame base unit 100 is attached to the main frame 4 on a hinged rotatable hinge on its left side when viewed from the front, and closes the front of the main frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, while also allowing the game area 5a of the game board 5 attached to the main frame 4 to be visible from the front. The door frame base unit 100 comprises a rectangular, flat door frame base 101 with an outer shape that extends vertically, and a speaker duct 103 attached to the lower right corner when viewed from the rear of the door frame base 101.

[0110] Furthermore, the door frame base unit 100 includes a door frame main relay board 104 mounted near the right end of the rear view at the lower rear of the door frame base 101, a door frame sub-relay board 105 mounted to the left of the door frame main relay board 104 in the rear view at the lower rear of the door frame base 101, a handle rear relay board mounted to the left of the door frame sub-relay board 105 in the rear view at the lower rear of the door frame base 101, a door frame relay board cover 107 mounted on the rear of the door frame base 101 that covers the door frame main relay board 104 and a part of the door frame sub-relay board 105 from the rear, a handle rear relay board cover 108 mounted on the rear of the door frame base 101 that covers the handle rear relay board from the rear, and a cable cover 109 mounted on the rear of the door frame base 101 that covers the wiring cable.

[0111] Furthermore, the door frame base unit 100 mainly comprises a frame-shaped door frame reinforcement unit 110 attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101, a door frame upper hinge assembly 120 and a door frame lower hinge member 125 attached to the door frame reinforcement unit 110, an opening and closing cylinder lock 130 attached to the door frame reinforcement unit 110, a ball feeding unit 140 attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101, and a foul cover unit 150 attached to the lower rear side of the door frame base 101 in a rear view on the right side.

[0112] The door frame base unit 100 is fitted with a handle unit 180 and a handle cover unit 290 at the lower front corner, a dish unit 200 at the lower front of the door window 101a, a left door frame side unit 420 at the left outer front of the door window 101a, a right door frame side unit 430 at the right outer front of the door window 101a, and a top door frame unit 450 at the upper outer front of the door window 101a.

[0113] Furthermore, a glass unit 160 is attached to the door frame base unit 100 so as to close the door window 101a from the rear, and a transparent security cover 170 is attached so as to cover the lower part of the glass unit 160 from the rear.

[0114] [3-1a. Door frame base] The door frame base 101 of the door frame base unit 100 in the door frame 3 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 34, etc. The door frame base 101 is formed in a rectangular shape with an extended vertical outer shape when viewed from the front. The door frame base 101 has a door window 101a that penetrates from front to back and has an inner circumference shape that is roughly rectangular with an extended vertical shape when viewed from the front. The upper edge and both left and right edges that form the inner circumference of the door window 101a are close to the outer perimeter of the door frame base 101, respectively, and the lower edge that forms the inner circumference is located at a height of approximately 1 / 3 of the height from the lower end of the door frame base 101 in the vertical direction. In this way, the entire door frame base 101 is formed in a frame shape by the door window 101a that penetrates from front to back. This door frame base 101 is integrally molded from synthetic resin.

[0115] The door frame base 101 includes a handle mounting surface formed at the lower right corner of the front view and inclined such that the left end protrudes slightly forward compared to the right end; a cylinder insertion hole 101d that penetrates front to back between the handle mounting surface and the door window 101a, into which the cylinder mounting frame 115 of the door frame reinforcement unit 110 is inserted; and a ball supply opening 101e that penetrates front to back on the left side of the front view between the cylinder insertion hole 101d and the handle mounting surface, allowing the entry point 141a and ball exit point 141b of the ball supply unit 140 to face forward.

[0116] Furthermore, the door frame base 101 has a lower ball passage opening 101f that is located slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction and penetrates from front to back at approximately the same height as the handle mounting surface, allowing the ball discharge port 150d of the foul cover unit 150 to face forward; an upper ball passage opening 101g that penetrates from front to back near the left end in the front view, adjacent to the lower edge of the door window 101a, allowing the through ball passage 150a of the foul cover unit 150 to face forward; and a glass unit mounting portion 101h that is recessed from the rear to the front along the inner circumference of the door window 101a, into which the glass frame 161 of the glass unit 160 is inserted.

[0117] Furthermore, the door frame base 101 is formed in the lower left corner when viewed from the front (below the ball passage opening 101g for the upper tray) and has multiple vertically elongated slits 101i that penetrate from front to back. A speaker duct 103 is attached to the rear of the multiple slits 101i. Also, when the pachinko machine 1 is assembled, the speaker opening 211b of the tray unit base 211 of the tray unit 200 is located in front of the multiple slits 101i, and the main frame speaker 622 of the speaker unit 620a of the main frame 4 is located in rear, allowing sound from the main frame speaker 622 to be radiated forward.

[0118] Furthermore, the door frame base 101 has a through-hole that runs front to back below the door window 101a and above the handle mounting surface. This through-hole is through which a wiring cable (not shown) connecting the door frame base unit 100 and the dish unit 200 is inserted, and is formed to coincide with the through-hole 117f of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 in the door frame reinforcing unit 110, which will be described later.

[0119] [3-1b. Speaker Duct] The speaker duct 103 of the door frame base unit 100 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 34. This speaker duct 103 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101 where multiple slits 101i are formed. When the pachinko machine 1 is assembled, the rear end of the cylindrical part of the speaker duct 103 is located in front of the main frame speaker 622 of the main frame 4. This allows the sound radiated (output) from the main frame speaker 622 of the main frame 4 to be guided forward without diffusion, and can be effectively guided to the front of the pachinko machine 1 (towards the player) through the multiple slits 101i of the door frame base 101 and the speaker opening 211b of the plate unit base 211 of the plate unit 200.

[0120] Furthermore, the speaker duct 103 is equipped with a cable holder 103a on the lower rear surface of the cylindrical portion to hold the connecting cable 503. The cable holder 103a is positioned to the left of the door frame relay board cover 107 when viewed from the front, and holds the connecting cable 503, which is connected to the door frame main relay board 104 and the door frame sub-relay board 105, so that it extends toward the left end of the door frame 3.

[0121] [3-1c. Door frame main relay board, door frame sub-relay board, handle rear relay board] The main relay board 104, sub-relay board 105, and rear handle relay board of the door frame base unit 100 will now be described. The main relay board 104 is formed in the shape of a rectangle that extends vertically and is mounted on the lower right corner of the rear side of the door frame base 101 when viewed from the rear. The main relay board 104 is for relaying the connection between the rear handle relay board and the interface board 635 in the board unit 620 of the main frame 4, and a portion of the connection cable 503 (see Figures 71 and 72) extending from the main frame 4 is connected to it.

[0122] The door frame sub-relay board 105 has an external shape that is an inverted L-shape, with a rectangle extending vertically and a rectangle extending horizontally attached to the right side of the upper part of the rectangle when viewed from the front. It is mounted on the rear side of the door frame base 101 so that the vertically extending portion is adjacent to the left side when viewed from the rear of the door frame main relay board 104. The door frame sub-relay board 105 is used to relay connections between the handle decorative board 184 of the handle unit 180, the plate unit relay board 214 of the plate unit 200, the upper decorative board 422 and lower decorative board of the left side of the door frame left side unit 420, the upper decorative board and lower decorative board of the right side of the door frame right side unit 430, the door frame top relay board of the door frame top unit 450, etc., and the interface board 635 of the main frame 4, and the remainder of the connection cable 503 extending from the main frame 4 is connected to it.

[0123] The main door frame relay board 104 and the sub-door frame relay board 105 are mounted on the door frame base 101 such that their connection terminals protrude towards the rear. When the door frame base unit 100 is assembled, the upper and lower extending portions of the main door frame relay board 104 and the sub-door frame relay board 105 are covered on the rear by the door frame relay board cover 107, and the remaining portion of the sub-door frame relay board 105 is covered on the rear by the foul cover unit 150.

[0124] The rear handle relay board is formed in the shape of a rectangle with an outer shape extending to the left and right, and is mounted on the rear side of the handle mounting surface below the ball supply opening 101e on the rear side of the door frame base 101. The rear handle relay board is for relaying the connections between the door frame main relay board 104 and the handle rotation detection sensor 189, handle touch sensor 192, single-button operation sensor 194 of the handle unit 180, and the ball supply solenoid 145 of the ball supply unit 140. When the door frame base unit 100 is assembled, the rear side of the rear handle relay board is covered by the rear handle relay board cover 108.

[0125] [3-1d. Door frame relay board cover, handle rear relay board cover, cable cover] The door frame relay board cover 107, the handle rear relay board cover 108, and the cable cover 109 of the door frame base unit 100 will be described mainly with reference to Figure 25. The door frame relay board cover 107 is attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101, covering the rear side of a portion of the door frame main relay board 104 and the door frame sub-relay board 105 (the inverted L-shaped portion extending upwards and downwards). The door frame relay board cover 107 is formed in a box shape with the front and the left side open when viewed from the front. When assembled to the door frame base unit 100, the connection terminals of the door frame main relay board 104 and the door frame sub-relay board 105, which cover the rear side, are exposed inside the door frame relay board cover 107, and a connection cable 503 (see Figure 71) can be inserted inside from the open left side and connected to these terminals.

[0126] The handle rear relay board cover 108 is attached to the rear of the door frame base 101 so as to cover the rear side of the handle rear relay board. The cable cover 109 is attached to the rear of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 in the door frame reinforcing unit 110 and is for covering the wiring cable (not shown) that connects the door frame main relay board 104 and the ball dispensing operation unit 220 of the dish unit 200. The cable cover 109 is formed in a box shape that extends to the left and right, and openings for passing the wiring cable are formed near the left end of the front and in the center of the bottom surface in the left-right direction.

[0127] [3-1e. Door frame reinforcement unit] The door frame reinforcement unit 110 of the door frame base unit 100 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 35 to 38. Figure 35(a) is a perspective view of the door frame reinforcement unit in the door frame, viewed from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the door frame reinforcement unit in the door frame, viewed from the rear. Figure 36(a) is a perspective view of the intermediate reinforcement frame of the door frame reinforcement unit, viewed from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the intermediate reinforcement frame of the door frame reinforcement unit, viewed from the rear. Figure 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the intermediate reinforcement frame in the vertical cross-section of the door frame. Figure 38 is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensional relationship of the upper part of the intermediate reinforcement frame.

[0128] The door frame reinforcement unit 110 is attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101, thereby reinforcing the flat door frame base 101 made of synthetic resin and providing rigidity to the door frame base unit 100. The door frame reinforcement unit 110 comprises a left reinforcing frame 111 and a right reinforcing frame 112 that extend vertically and are spaced apart to the left and right, an upper reinforcing frame 113 that extends horizontally and connects the upper ends of the left reinforcing frame 111 and the right reinforcing frame 112, an intermediate reinforcing frame 117 that connects the upper parts of the lower ends of the left reinforcing frame 111 and the right reinforcing frame 112, a cylinder mounting frame 115 (see Figure 34, etc.) attached to the right reinforcing frame 112, and multiple hooking members 116 that are attached to the rear side of the right reinforcing frame 112 at vertical spacing and to which the door frame hook 652 of the locking unit 650 of the main frame 4 is hooked.

[0129] The left reinforcing frame 111 extends vertically with a roughly constant width and a length roughly equal to the height of the door frame base 101, and has a bulging portion 111a that protrudes to the right from the upper part of its lower end. The left end of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 is attached to the bulging portion 111a of the left reinforcing frame 111.

[0130] The right reinforcing frame 112 extends vertically with a roughly constant width and a length roughly equal to the height of the door frame base 101, and has a bulge 112a projecting to the left from the upper part of its lower end. The right end of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 is attached to the bulge 112a of the right reinforcing frame 112. In addition, the cylinder mounting frame 115 is attached to the front surface of the bulge 112a. The right reinforcing frame 112 has multiple through holes that are spaced apart in the vertical direction and penetrate in the front-to-back direction. When the door frame 3 is closed to the main frame 4, the tip of the door frame hook 652 of the locking unit 650 is inserted through these through holes.

[0131] The upper reinforcing frame 113 has a constant width in the vertical direction and extends horizontally with a length approximately the same as the width of the door frame base 101.

[0132] The door frame reinforcement unit 110 is attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101 by a number of screws (not shown). When the door frame reinforcement unit 110 is attached to the door frame base 101, the through portion 117f of the intermediate reinforcement frame 117 aligns with the through hole in the door frame base 101, and the cylinder mounting frame 115 is inserted into the cylinder insertion hole 101d of the door frame base 101.

[0133] [3-1e-1. Intermediate reinforcement frame] Next, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 in the door frame reinforcement unit 110 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 36, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 is attached so as to connect the bulge portion 111a of the left reinforcing frame 111 and the bulge portion 112a of the right reinforcing frame 112. The intermediate reinforcing frame 117 extends horizontally with a width wider vertically than the vertical width of the upper reinforcing frame 113. The lower edge of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 is a straight line extending horizontally, while the left and right ends of the upper edge become higher as they extend outward in the horizontal direction. The intermediate reinforcing frame 117 has a through portion 117f that penetrates from front to back near the right end, and a rectangular opening 117g that penetrates from front to back near the left end. The through portion 117f is formed at a position that coincides with the through hole of the door frame base 101. The opening 117g is formed to coincide with the upper tray ball passage opening 101g of the door frame base 101.

[0134] The intermediate reinforcing frame 117 has a strip-shaped base plate portion 117a with its plate surface facing in the front-rear direction, an upper flange portion 117b extending rearward from the upper edge of the base plate portion 117a, a rear flange portion 117c extending upward from the rear edge of the upper flange portion 117b, and a lower flange portion 117d extending forward from the lower edge of the base plate portion 117a.

[0135] Furthermore, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 protrudes forward, and multiple elongated bead portions 117e are provided on the substrate portion 117a. These multiple bead portions 117e increase the strength and rigidity of the substrate portion 117a (intermediate reinforcing frame 117).

[0136] As shown in Figure 36(b), the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 is composed of a first sheet metal section 118a having the same thickness as the sheet metal constituting the left reinforcing frame 111 and the right reinforcing frame 112, and a second sheet metal section 118b having a thicker sheet metal thickness than the first sheet metal section 118a. The first sheet metal section 118a has a base plate section 117a, an upper flange section 117b, and a lower flange section 117d. The second sheet metal section 118b has a base plate section 117a, an upper flange section 117b, and a rear flange section 117c. The upper flange section 117b, rear flange section 117c, and lower flange section 117d are formed by bending sheet metal. The first sheet metal section 118a and the second sheet metal section 118b are attached to each other by multiple rivets at the base plate section 117a, with the first sheet metal section 118a facing forward.

[0137] The length of the first sheet metal section 118a in the left-right direction is the same as the length of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 in the left-right direction. The length of the second sheet metal section 118b in the left-right direction is shorter than that of the first sheet metal section 118a. The second sheet metal section 118b is installed so as to overlap the left-right central portion of the first sheet metal section 118a. The thickness tc of the second sheet metal section 118b is approximately 1.7 times the thickness of the first sheet metal section 118a.

[0138] When assembled to the door frame 3, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 is located below the door window 101a and behind the plate unit 200 (the performance operation unit 300, which will be described later) (see Figures 33 and 37). Also, as shown in the figures, the lower end of the glass frame 161 (locking piece 161b) of 160 abuts against the upper surface of the upper flange portion 117b of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117. In other words, the glass unit 160 is placed on the upper flange portion 117b. Furthermore, the lower rear surface of the glass frame 161 (the rear surface of the locking piece 161b) of the glass unit 160 abuts against the front surface of the rear flange portion 117c of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117. As a result, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 restricts the downward movement of the glass unit 160 and the rearward movement of the lower part of the glass unit 160. In this embodiment, the rear surface of the rear flange portion 117c is located in front of the rear surface of the glass unit 160 and does not protrude rearward.

[0139] In this embodiment, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 has a greater vertical width at both ends in the left-right direction than the vertical width in the center in the left-right direction, and is attached to the left reinforcing frame 111 and the right reinforcing frame 112 at the portion with the greater vertical width, thus being more securely attached than the intermediate reinforcing frame in conventional door frames.

[0140] Furthermore, the intermediate reinforcement frame 117 has an upper flange portion 117b, a rear flange portion 117c, and a lower flange portion 117d, and is formed in a cross-sectional shape that combines two crank shapes. The intermediate reinforcement frame 117 is also composed of two sheet metal parts: a first sheet metal portion 118a and a second sheet metal portion 118b. For these reasons, the intermediate reinforcement frame 117 has higher strength and rigidity than the intermediate reinforcement frame 114 of the door frame 3 in the first embodiment. Consequently, the door frame reinforcement unit 110 itself also has higher strength and rigidity than the door frame reinforcement unit of a conventional door frame.

[0141] In this way, the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (door frame reinforcing unit 110) are increased, so even if a player grabs the upper tray 201 or lower tray 202 and pulls hard, or pulls hard on the lever operating part 304 of the performance operation unit 300 described later, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (door frame reinforcing unit 110) will not bend (plastically deform). Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the door frame 3 and the main body frame 4 due to the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 bending.

[0142] Furthermore, even if someone attempts to commit fraud by forcefully pulling the upper tray 201 or lever operating section 304 forward to create a gap between the door frame 3 and the main body frame 4, as described above, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (door frame reinforcing unit 110), which has increased strength and rigidity, prevents the door frame 3 from plastically deforming and creating a gap between it and the main body frame 4. Thus, a pachinko machine 1 with a high deterrent effect against fraudulent activities can be provided.

[0143] Further, since the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 has an upper flange portion 117b on which the glass unit 160 is placed and a rear flange portion 117c extending upward from the upper flange portion 117b, it can support the load of the glass unit 160. Also, even if an unauthorized tool tries to intrude through the space between the upper flange portion 117b and the lower end of the glass unit 160, the intrusion of the unauthorized tool can be blocked by the rear flange portion 117c extending upward, and a pachinko machine 1 with a high deterrent force against unauthorized acts can be provided.

[0144] Note that, as shown in FIG. 38, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 is configured such that the distance L1 from the rear surface of the substrate portion 117a to the rear end of the upper flange portion 117b is slightly shorter than the distance L2 from the upper surface of the upper flange portion 117b to the upper end of the rear flange portion 117c. Also, the distance L0 obtained by adding the distance L1 and the distance L2 is configured to be longer than the distance (not shown) from the rear surface of the substrate portion 117a to the rear end of the door frame 3. Therefore, if the rear flange portion 117c is extended rearward in the same manner as the upper flange portion 117b without being bent upward, its rear end is configured to protrude rearward beyond the rear end of the door frame 3. That is, the length at which the rear end can enter into the rear game board 5 is set according to the angle at which the rear flange portion 117c is extended (bent) with respect to the upper flange portion 117b.

[0145] [3-1e-2. Modified Examples of Intermediate Reinforcing Frame] Subsequently, modified examples (modified examples 1 to 5) of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40. FIG. 39(a) is an explanatory diagram showing modified example 1 of the intermediate reinforcing frame in the door frame, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing modified example 2 of the intermediate reinforcing frame, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing modified example 3 of the intermediate reinforcing frame. FIG. 40(a) is an explanatory diagram showing modified example 4 of the intermediate reinforcing frame in the door frame, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing modified example 5 of the intermediate reinforcing frame. Here, parts having the same configuration as the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0146] (Modified Example 1 of Intermediate Reinforcing Frame) The intermediate reinforcing frame 117A shown in FIG. 39(a) is composed of a single thick metal plate (sheet metal). The intermediate reinforcing frame 117A also exhibits the same effects as described above. Further, according to this intermediate reinforcing frame 117A, since it is composed of a single sheet metal, there is no need to assemble with rivets or the like compared to the case of being composed of multiple sheet metals, and the cost can be reduced. Note that a bead portion 117e may also be provided on this intermediate reinforcing frame 117A.

[0147] (Modification Example 2 of Intermediate Reinforcing Frame) The intermediate reinforcing frame 117B shown in FIG. 39(b) is such that the lower flange portion 117d extends rearward from the lower end of the substrate portion 117a. The strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117B can be enhanced by the lower flange portion 117d that extends rearward, and the same effects as described above are achieved. Note that the intermediate reinforcing frame 117B may be composed of a single sheet metal as shown in the figure, or may be composed of multiple sheet metals in the same manner as the above intermediate reinforcing frame 117. Also, a bead portion 117e may be provided on the intermediate reinforcing frame 117B.

[0148] (Modification Example 3 of Intermediate Reinforcing Frame) The intermediate reinforcing frame 117C shown in FIG. 39(c) is such that the rear end of the upper flange portion 117b extends to the rear surface of the glass unit 160, and the rear flange portion 117c that extends upward from the rear end of the upper flange portion 117b is located behind the glass unit 160. The intermediate reinforcing frame 117C also exhibits the same effects as described above. Further, in this intermediate reinforcing frame 117C, since the width (depth) in the front-rear direction of the upper flange portion 117b is wider than the upper flange portion 117b of the above intermediate reinforcing frame 117, the glass unit 160 can be received over a wide range. Note that the intermediate reinforcing frame 117C may be composed of a single sheet metal as shown in the figure, or may be composed of multiple sheet metals in the same manner as the above intermediate reinforcing frame 117. Also, a bead portion 117e may be provided on the intermediate reinforcing frame 117C. Further, a locking piece 161b similar to the above may be provided on the glass frame 161 of the glass unit 160.

[0149] (Modified example 4 of the intermediate reinforcement frame) The intermediate reinforcing frame 117D shown in Figure 40(a) has a rear flange portion 117c that extends downward from the rear end of the upper flange portion 117b. More specifically, the rear flange portion 117c hangs down from the rear end of the upper flange portion 117b. This configuration also increases the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117D, preventing distortion (plastic deformation) even when the upper plate 201 or lever operating portion 304 of the door frame 3 are strongly pulled forward. Furthermore, it is possible to place the glass unit 160 on the upper flange portion 117b of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117D. Note that in Figure 40(a), the rear surface of the rear flange portion 117c does not protrude further rearward than the rear surface of the glass unit 160, but the rear flange portion 117c may protrude further rearward than the glass unit 160. In addition, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117D may be made of a single sheet metal as shown in the figure, or it may be made of multiple sheet metals, similar to the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 described above. Additionally, a bead portion 117e may be provided on the intermediate reinforcing frame 117D. Furthermore, a locking piece 161b similar to that described above may be provided on the glass frame 161 of the glass unit 160.

[0150] (Modified example of the intermediate reinforcement frame 5) The intermediate reinforcing frame 117E shown in Figure 40(b) has a rear flange portion 117c that extends downward from the rear end of the upper flange portion 117b. More specifically, the rear flange portion 117c extends diagonally downward from the rear end of the upper flange portion 117b. This configuration also increases the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117E, preventing it from deforming (plastic deformation) even if the upper tray 201 or lever operating portion 304 of the door frame 3 is strongly pulled forward. When the door frame 3 is closed, the rear end of the rear flange portion 117c of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117E is inserted into the game board 5 (in this case, into the front component 1000). The insertion of this rear flange portion 117c creates a meandering gap, so even if someone tries to insert an illegal tool along the front of the game board 5, the rear flange portion 117c will prevent it, thereby increasing the deterrent against fraudulent activity.

[0151] Furthermore, the rear flange portion 117c of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117E may be made to contact the game board 5. This makes it possible to position the door frame 3 and the game board 5 via the rear flange portion 117c, or to support the game board 5 with the rear flange portion 117c. Also, when the rear flange portion 117c is made to contact the game board 5, it may be made to connect to ground with the game board 5. In addition, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117E may be made of a single sheet metal as shown in the figure, or it may be made of multiple sheet metals, similar to the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 described above. Also, a bead portion 117e may be provided on the intermediate reinforcing frame 117E. Also, a locking piece 161b similar to the above may be provided on the glass frame 161 of the glass unit 160.

[0152] [3-1e-3. Other examples of countermeasures] Next, we will explain countermeasures to prevent a gap from forming between the door frame 3 and the main body frame 4 when the upper tray 201, etc., is pulled forward. As a specific example, for instance, a spacing sensor (for example, a simple switch, optical sensor, magnetic sensor, proximity sensor, displacement sensor, etc.) can be provided to detect the spacing (change in spacing) between the vicinity of the left-right center of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 and the game board 5, and an alarm can be issued when the signal from the spacing sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case, the spacing sensor may be provided on the main body frame 4, on the game board 5, or on the door frame 3.

[0153] In specific example 1, as described above, the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (door frame reinforcing unit 110) are increased, so the door frame 3 does not undergo plastic deformation even when pulled forward with great force. However, if pulled strongly, it may undergo elastic deformation, changing the distance between the door frame 3 and the game board 5 and potentially creating a gap. Therefore, a gap sensor is provided to detect this gap. As a result, the gap sensor can detect the change in distance due to elastic deformation, and in response to the detection signal from the gap sensor, it is possible to notify the player that the door frame 3 has been pulled forcefully. This prevents the player from pulling the door frame 3 forcefully unnecessarily or for fraudulent purposes, thus providing a pachinko machine 1 with a high level of security.

[0154] As a second specific example, the door frame release switch (not shown in the diagram), which is located near the right end of the front of the main frame 4, may be moved to the rear of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 near its left-right center. In this case, when the upper tray 201 etc. of the door frame 3 is strongly pulled, and the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 near its left-right center elastically deforms to move forward, the door frame release switch will detect the opening of the door frame 3 and issue an alarm. In this case, the door frame release switch may be located both near the right end and near the left-right center of the main frame 4. Alternatively, the door release switch near the left-right center may be located on the game board 5.

[0155] Furthermore, as a third specific example, a strain sensor may be provided on the intermediate reinforcement frame 117, and an alarm may be issued when the signal from the strain sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0156] As a fourth specific example, for instance, a hook-shaped intermediate hook (not shown) that moves in conjunction with the door frame hook 652 of the locking unit 650 may be provided at the rear portion near the center in the left-right direction of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 of the main frame 4. When the door frame 3 is closed to the main frame 4, the intermediate hook may be locked into the intermediate reinforcing frame 117. This prevents the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 from deforming (plastic or elastic deformation) by bulging forward near the center in the left-right direction, even if the upper plate 201 or the like is pulled forward, due to the locking of the intermediate hook.

[0157] [3-1e-4.Summary] The above door frame reinforcement unit 110 has the following technical features.

[0158] (Background of the technical features) A pachinko machine, as a gaming machine, comprises a main frame that supports the game board in a detachable manner from the front, and a door frame that is attached to the main frame so as to be openable and closable from the front. The door frame is hinged and rotatable at one end of the left and right front edges of the main frame, and is provided with a window section closed by a glass plate, through which the game area of ​​the game board can be seen from the front.

[0159] In this type of gaming machine, a frame-shaped reinforcing plate made of multiple metal plates is provided on the door frame, and multiple hooks are attached from the main frame side to the opening side end of the reinforcing plate opposite the hinge side, so that the door frame does not open even if it is pulled forward (for example, Patent Document: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-110159).

[0160] However, in the technology described in the above-mentioned patent document, for example, if a hand is placed on the ball tray (e.g., upper tray, lower tray, etc.) located on the front of the door frame and pulled forward, there is a risk that the door frame (reinforcement sheet metal) will warp so that the center of the door frame in the left-right direction bulges forward. When the door frame is warped, a gap will be formed between the door frame and the main frame, and there is a risk that an illegal tool could be inserted into the gaming machine through this gap.

[0161] Therefore, in the following means, in view of the above situation, it is an object to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing illegal acts using the gap by making it difficult to form a gap between the main body frame even when the door frame is pulled.

[0162] (Means for Solving Technical Features) Means 1: In a gaming machine, a main body frame that detachably supports a game board having a game area where games are played with game balls from the front, a door frame having a window portion that allows the game area to be visible from the front, and provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body frame from the front A gaming machine comprising: The door frame is provided with a reinforcing sheet metal unit having a first reinforcing portion extending left and right along the lower side of the window portion, The first reinforcing portion has a substrate portion parallel to the opening surface of the window portion, an upper flange portion extending rearward from the upper edge of the substrate portion, and a rear flange portion extending upward or downward from the rear edge of the upper flange portion and is characterized by "including".

[0163] Here, examples of the "first reinforcing portion" include "one made of a single metal plate (sheet metal)", "one made of a plurality of metal plates (sheet metal)", and the like.

[0164] <000According to the configuration of means 1, the game machine comprises a main frame that detachably supports a game board having a game area in which the game is played using game balls, from the front, and a door frame that has a window portion that allows the game area to be viewed from the front and is provided with the main frame so as to be openable and closable from the front, wherein the door frame comprises a reinforcing sheet metal unit having a first reinforcing portion that extends left and right along the lower edge of the window portion, and the first reinforcing portion comprises a base portion parallel to the opening surface of the window portion, an upper flange portion extending rearward from the upper edge of the base portion, and a rear flange portion extending upward or downward from the rear edge of the upper flange portion. (See the description in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention] in the chapter [3-1. Overall Configuration of Door Frame Base Unit], door frame reinforcing unit 110, Figures 35 to 40, etc.).

[0165] As a result, a reinforcing sheet metal unit is provided on the door frame, which is installed to open and close from the front relative to the main frame, thereby increasing the strength and rigidity of the door frame. This reinforcing sheet metal unit has a first reinforcing portion that extends left and right along the lower edge of the window portion of the door frame. This first reinforcing portion is provided with a flat base plate portion, an upper flange portion that extends rearward from the upper edge of the base plate portion, and a rear flange portion that extends upward or downward from the upper flange portion. When the rear flange portion extends upward from the rear edge of the upper flange portion, the cross-sectional shape of the first reinforcing portion becomes crank-shaped, and when the rear flange portion extends downward from the rear edge of the upper flange portion, the cross-sectional shape of the first reinforcing portion becomes U-shaped. Therefore, it is possible to achieve higher strength and rigidity than conventional reinforcing portions (reinforcing sheet metal) with a straight or L-shaped cross-section. In other words, because the strength and rigidity of the first reinforcing part of the reinforcing sheet metal unit are higher than in conventional designs, even if the area near the center in the left-right direction of the door frame is strongly pulled forward, the first reinforcing part will not bend (plasticly deform), and no gap will be formed between the door frame and the main frame. Therefore, even if someone tries to commit fraud by pulling the door frame forward to create a gap between the door frame and the main frame, the door frame will not bend and a gap will not be formed between it and the main frame due to the increased strength and rigidity of the first reinforcing part (reinforcing sheet metal unit), thus providing a gaming machine with a high deterrent effect against fraudulent activities.

[0166] Furthermore, as mentioned above, even if the door frame is pulled strongly forward from near the center in the left-right direction, the first reinforcing part (reinforcing sheet metal unit) will not be distorted. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide parts that are easy for players to pull forward (for example, upper and lower trays, lever-shaped performance control parts, protruding or protruding push-button-shaped performance control parts, protruding decorative parts, recessed decorative parts, etc.), thereby providing a gaming machine that can entertain players even more.

[0167] Furthermore, a glass unit that closes the window section may be placed on the upper flange. This allows the weight of the glass unit to be supported by the upper flange (reinforcement sheet metal unit), thus reducing the load on the resin component (e.g., the door frame base) that makes up the door frame, and suppressing premature deterioration of the resin component due to overload.

[0168] Furthermore, when the glass unit is mounted on the upper flange, if the front surface of the rear flange, which extends upward from the rear edge of the upper flange, is in contact with the rear surface of the glass unit, the rearward movement of the lower end of the glass unit can be prevented by the rear flange. As a result, by fixing the upper end of the glass unit, it becomes possible to attach it to the door frame, thus making the installation (attachment and detachment) of the glass unit easier.

[0169] Furthermore, in the first reinforcement section, it is desirable to make the sum of the lengths of the upper flange section and the rear flange section along their respective surfaces longer than the length from the base plate to the front of the game board. As a result, the sum of the lengths of the upper flange section and the rear flange section in their respective extension directions is longer than the distance (length) from the base plate to the front of the game board, which increases the strength and rigidity of the first reinforcement section compared to the case where the length is shorter, making it less likely to deform even when the door frame is pulled forward.

[0170] Furthermore, as described above, if the sum of the lengths of the upper flange and the rear flange is made longer than the distance from the circuit board to the front of the game board, it becomes possible to position the tip of the rear flange behind the front of the game board. In other words, it becomes possible to insert the rear flange into the game board from the front. As a result, even if someone tries to insert an illegal tool along the front of the game board, the rear flange inserted into the game board will prevent the tool from entering, providing a game machine with a high deterrent effect against fraudulent activity.

[0171] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide the first reinforcing portion with a lower flange portion extending forward or backward from the lower edge of the substrate portion. As a result, the first reinforcing portion has an upper flange portion extending backward from the upper edge of the substrate portion, as well as a lower flange portion extending forward or backward from the lower edge of the substrate portion. This further increases the strength and rigidity of the first reinforcing portion, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that reliably achieves the above-mentioned effects.

[0172] Furthermore, it is desirable to make the first reinforcing section thicker than the sheet metal of the other reinforcing sections in the reinforcing sheet metal unit. As a result, the thickness of the first reinforcing section is thicker than that of the other reinforcing sections, which in turn increases the strength and rigidity of the first reinforcing section, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that can achieve the same effects as described above.

[0173] Furthermore, the gaming machine may be further equipped with a spacing sensor to detect the distance between the first reinforcing section and the game board. In other words, as described above, because the strength and rigidity of the first reinforcing section (reinforcing sheet metal unit) are increased, the door frame will not undergo plastic deformation even if pulled forward with great force. However, if pulled strongly, it may undergo elastic deformation, changing the distance between the door frame and the game board and potentially creating a gap, so a spacing sensor may be provided to detect this gap. This allows the spacing sensor to detect changes in the distance due to elastic deformation, making it possible to notify the player that the door frame has been pulled forcefully in response to the detection signal from the spacing sensor. This can deter players from pulling the door frame forcefully unnecessarily or for fraudulent purposes, thus providing a gaming machine with a high level of security.

[0174] Means 2: In the configuration of means 1, "The upper flange portion is, A glass unit that closes the aforementioned window section is placed on top." It is characterized by the following:

[0175] According to the configuration of means 2, a glass unit that closes the window portion is placed on the upper flange portion. (See the description of the upper flange portion 117b and Figure 37, etc., in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

[0176] As a result, the weight of the glass unit can be supported by the upper flange portion (reinforcement sheet metal unit), which reduces the load on the resin component (e.g., the door frame base) that makes up the door frame, compared to the case where the glass unit is supported by the resin component made of synthetic resin that makes up the door frame, and thus suppresses premature deterioration of the resin component due to overload.

[0177] Furthermore, since the glass unit is mounted on the upper flange, if the front surface of the rear flange, which extends upward from the rear edge of the upper flange, comes into contact with the rear surface of the glass unit, the rearward movement of the lower end of the glass unit can be prevented by the rear flange. As a result, by fixing the upper end of the glass unit, it becomes possible to attach it to the door frame, thus making the installation (attachment and detachment) of the glass unit easier.

[0178] Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 or means 2, "The first reinforcing portion is, The sum of the lengths along the respective surfaces of the upper flange portion and the rear flange portion is longer than the length from the substrate portion to the front surface of the game board. It is characterized by the following:

[0179] According to the configuration of means 3, in the first reinforcing portion, the sum of the lengths along the respective surfaces of the upper flange portion and the rear flange portion is made longer than the length from the base plate portion to the front surface of the game board. (See the description of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 and Figure 38, etc. in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

[0180] As a result, the sum of the lengths of the upper flange and the rear flange in their respective extension directions is longer than the distance (length) from the base plate to the front of the game board. This allows for higher strength and rigidity of the first reinforcement compared to the case where the length is shorter, making it less prone to distortion even when the door frame is pulled forward.

[0181] Furthermore, since the sum of the lengths of the upper flange and the rear flange is longer than the distance from the circuit board to the front of the game board, it is possible to position the tip of the rear flange behind the front of the game board. In other words, it is possible to insert the rear flange into the game board from the front. As a result, even if someone tries to insert an illegal tool along the front of the game board, the rear flange inserted into the game board will prevent the tool from entering, providing a game machine with a high deterrent effect against illegal activities.

[0182] Means 4: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 3, "The first reinforcing portion is, The substrate portion is provided with a lower flange portion that extends forward or backward from the lower edge of the substrate portion." It is characterized by the following:

[0183] According to the configuration of means 4, the first reinforcing portion is provided with a lower flange portion that extends forward or backward from the lower edge of the substrate portion. (See the description of the lower flange portion 117d and Figure 36, etc., in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

[0184] As a result, the first reinforcement section is provided with an upper flange extending rearward from the upper edge of the substrate section, and a lower flange extending forward or backward from the lower edge of the substrate section. This further increases the strength and rigidity of the first reinforcement section, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that reliably achieves the above-mentioned effects.

[0185] Means 5: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 4, "The first reinforcing portion is, The sheet metal in the aforementioned reinforcing sheet metal unit is thicker than the sheet metal in other reinforcing parts." It is characterized by the following:

[0186] According to the configuration of means 5, the first reinforcing portion has a thicker sheet metal than the other reinforcing portions in the reinforcing sheet metal unit. (See the description of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 and Figure 36, etc., in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

[0187] As a result, the thickness of the first reinforcement section is made thicker than that of the other reinforcement sections, which in turn increases the strength and rigidity of the first reinforcement section, making it possible to provide a gaming machine that can achieve the same effects as described above.

[0188] Furthermore, the first reinforcing section may have a thick plate thickness along its entire length in the left-right direction, or it may have a thick plate thickness in only a portion of its entire length in the left-right direction (for example, within a predetermined range from the center in the left-right direction).

[0189] Means 6: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 5, "A spacing sensor is used to detect the distance between the first reinforcing portion and the game board." It is characterized by having "additional features."

[0190] Here, "spacing sensors" can include switches, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, proximity sensors, displacement sensors, etc. The spacing sensor may be installed in the first reinforcement section (door frame), on the game board, or on the main frame. As a switch used as a spacing sensor, for example, a switch used in a door open sensor (door open switch) may be used. By using a switch similar to that of a door open sensor, the input circuit can be designed in the same way as the input circuit of a door open sensor. Also, because it is a simple contact, depending on the connection method, it is possible to easily combine multiple inputs using wired or other connections.

[0191] According to the configuration of means 6, the gaming machine is further equipped with a spacing sensor that detects the distance between the first reinforcing part and the gaming board. (See Chapter 3-1e-3. Other Examples of Countermeasures in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention])

[0192] In this configuration, as described above, the strength and rigidity of the first reinforcing section (reinforcing sheet metal unit) are increased, so the door frame will not undergo plastic deformation even if pulled forward with great force. However, if pulled strongly, it may undergo elastic deformation, changing the distance between the door frame and the game board and potentially creating a gap. Therefore, a distance sensor is provided to detect this gap. As a result, the distance sensor can detect changes in the distance due to elastic deformation, and in response to the detection signal from the distance sensor, it is possible to notify the player that the door frame has been pulled forcefully. This prevents the player from pulling the door frame forcefully unnecessarily or for the purpose of cheating, thus providing a game machine with a high level of security.

[0193] Thus, according to the above solution, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent fraudulent activities using gaps by making it difficult for a gap to form between the door frame and the main body frame even when the door frame is pulled.

[0194] (Relationship between the means of solving the technical features and the embodiments) In this embodiment, the door window 101a of the door frame base 101 in the door frame base unit 100 of the door frame 3 corresponds to the window portion of the above solution, the door frame reinforcement unit 110 of the door frame base unit 100 in this embodiment corresponds to the reinforcement sheet metal unit of the above solution, and the intermediate reinforcement frame 117 (intermediate reinforcement frame 117A to intermediate reinforcement frame 117E) of the door frame reinforcement unit 110 in this embodiment corresponds to the first reinforcement portion of the above solution.

[0195] (Characteristic effects of this embodiment) In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a door frame reinforcement unit 110 made of multiple metal plates is provided on the door frame 3, which is installed on the main body frame 4 so as to be openable and closable from the front, thereby increasing the strength and rigidity of the door frame 3. The door frame reinforcement unit 110 has an intermediate reinforcement frame 117 that extends left and right along the lower edge of the door window 101a of the door frame 3, and the intermediate reinforcement frame 117 is provided with a flat base plate portion 117a, an upper flange portion 117b that extends rearward from the upper edge of the base plate portion 117a, and a rear flange portion 117c that extends upward or downward from the upper flange portion 117b. Furthermore, when the rear flange portion 117c extends upward from the rear end edge of the upper flange portion 117b, the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (intermediate reinforcing frame 117A, intermediate reinforcing frame 117B, intermediate reinforcing frame 117C) becomes crank-shaped, and when the rear flange portion 117c extends downward from the rear end edge of the upper flange portion 117b, the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117D (intermediate reinforcing frame 117E) becomes U-shaped. As a result, the strength and rigidity can be increased compared to conventional reinforcing portions (intermediate reinforcing frames) with straight or L-shaped cross-sections. In other words, because the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 of the door frame reinforcing unit 110 are higher than before, even if the area near the center in the left-right direction of the door frame 3 is strongly pulled forward, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 will not be distorted (plastically deformed), and no gap will be formed between the door frame 3 and the main frame 4. Therefore, even if someone attempts to commit fraud by pulling the door frame 3 forward to create a gap between the door frame 3 and the main frame 4, the reinforced intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (door frame reinforcing unit 110), which has increased strength and rigidity, will prevent the door frame 3 from distorting and creating a gap between it and the main frame 4, thus providing a pachinko machine 1 with a high deterrent effect against fraudulent activities.

[0196] Furthermore, as mentioned above, even if the door frame 3 is pulled strongly forward from near the center in the left-right direction, the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (door frame reinforcing unit 110) will not be distorted. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide features that are easy for players to pull forward (for example, the upper tray 201 and lower tray 202, a lever-shaped performance control unit (lever control unit 304), a protruding or protruding push-button-shaped performance control unit (press control unit 303), a protruding decorative element, a recessed decorative element, etc.), thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that can entertain players even more.

[0197] Furthermore, since the glass unit 160 that closes the door window 101a is placed on the upper flange portion 117b, the weight of the glass unit 160 can be supported by the upper flange portion 117b (door frame reinforcement unit 110). Compared to the case where the glass unit 160 is supported by a synthetic resin component (for example, the door frame base 101) that constitutes the door frame 3, the load on the resin component can be reduced, and premature deterioration due to overload on the resin component can be suppressed.

[0198] Furthermore, since the glass unit 160 is placed on the upper flange portion 117b, and the rear surface of the glass unit 160 abuts against the front surface of the rear flange portion 117c that extends upward from the rear end edge of the upper flange portion 117b, the rearward movement of the lower end of the glass unit 160 can be prevented by the rear flange portion 117c. As a result, it becomes possible to attach the glass unit 160 to the door frame 3 by fixing only the upper end of the glass unit 160, thus making the installation (attachment and detachment) of the glass unit 160 easy.

[0199] Furthermore, in the intermediate reinforcement frame 117, the sum of the lengths (L1 and L2) along the respective surfaces of the upper flange portion 117b and the rear flange portion 117c (L0) is made longer than the length from the base plate portion 117a to the front of the game board 5. Compared to the case where this length is shorter, the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcement frame 117 can be increased, making it less likely for the door frame 3 to deform even when pulled forward.

[0200] Furthermore, by making the sum of the length L1 of the upper flange portion 117b and the length L2 of the rear flange portion 117c (L0) longer than the length from the base plate portion 117a to the front of the game board 5, it becomes possible to position the tip of the rear flange portion 117c behind the front of the game board 5. In other words, it becomes possible to insert the rear flange portion 117c into the game board 5 from the front, similar to the intermediate reinforcing frame 117E. As a result, even if someone tries to insert an illegal tool along the front of the game board 5, the rear flange portion 117c inserted into the game board 5 can prevent the illegal tool from entering, providing a pachinko machine 1 with a high deterrent effect against illegal activities.

[0201] Furthermore, since the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 is equipped with a lower flange portion 117d that extends forward or backward from the lower edge of the base plate portion 117a, in addition to the upper flange portion 117b, the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 can be further increased, and a pachinko machine 1 that can reliably achieve the above-mentioned effects can be provided.

[0202] Furthermore, since the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 has a thicker sheet metal than the other reinforcing parts (left reinforcing frame 111, right reinforcing frame 112, upper reinforcing frame 113) in the door frame reinforcing unit 110, the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (door frame reinforcing unit 110) can also be increased, making it possible to provide a pachinko machine 1 that can achieve the same effects as described above.

[0203] Furthermore, a spacing sensor may be provided to detect the gap between the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 and the game board 5. In other words, as described above, the strength and rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 (door frame reinforcing unit 110) are increased so that the door frame 3 does not undergo plastic deformation even if pulled forward with great force. However, if pulled strongly, it may undergo elastic deformation, changing the gap between the door frame 3 and the game board 5 and potentially creating a gap, so a spacing sensor is provided to detect this gap. As a result, the spacing sensor can detect the change in the gap due to elastic deformation, and in response to the detection signal from the spacing sensor, it is possible to notify that the door frame 3 has been pulled forcefully, thereby preventing players from pulling the door frame 3 forcefully unnecessarily or pulling it forcefully to commit fraud, and providing a pachinko machine 1 with a high level of security.

[0204] [3-1f. Door frame upper hinge assembly] The upper door frame hinge assembly 120 of the door frame base unit 100 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 34 and 35. The upper door frame hinge assembly 120 is attached to the upper left corner of the door frame reinforcement unit 110 in a front view. The upper door frame hinge assembly 120 is for attaching the door frame 3 to the main frame 4 so that it can hinge rotatably in cooperation with the lower door frame hinge member 125. The upper door frame hinge assembly 120 includes a hinge bracket 121 attached to the door frame reinforcement unit 110, an upper door frame hinge pin 122 attached to the hinge bracket 121 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, a flange member 123 attached to the upper door frame hinge pin 122, and a lock spring 124 that biases the upper door frame hinge pin 122 to move upward.

[0205] The hinge bracket 121 comprises a rectangular, flat mounting piece 121a in front view, and flat, protruding pieces 121b extending forward from the upper and lower edges of the mounting piece 121a. The hinge bracket 121 is attached to the door frame reinforcement unit 110 by the mounting piece 121a. The hinge bracket 121 is formed by bending a metal plate.

[0206] The door frame upper hinge pin 122 is a cylindrical metal rod bent into an L-shape. When assembled to the door frame upper hinge assembly 120, the vertically extending portion of the door frame upper hinge pin 122 penetrates from below near the front ends of the pair of protruding pieces 121b on the hinge bracket 121, with its upper end extending above the upper protruding piece 121b, and its horizontally extending portion contacting the lower surface of the lower protruding piece 121b. The upper end of the door frame upper hinge pin 122 is rotatably inserted into the door frame upper hinge hole 511a of the upper hinge body 511 on the main frame upper hinge member 510 of the main frame 4.

[0207] The flange member 123 is an E-ring and is attached to the portion between the pair of protruding pieces 121b on the door frame upper hinge pin 122. The lock spring 124 is formed in a coil shape and is placed around the portion of the door frame upper hinge pin 122 that extends vertically, between the flange member 123 and the lower protruding piece 121b on the hinge bracket 121. This lock spring 124 biases the door frame upper hinge pin 122 upward via the flange member 123.

[0208] In the upper hinge assembly 120 of the door frame, the upper hinge pin 122 is biased upward by the lock spring 124, and the horizontally extending portion of the lower end of the upper hinge pin 122 abuts against the lower surface of the lower protruding piece 121b, thereby restricting further upward movement. In this state, the upper end of the upper hinge pin 122 protrudes a predetermined amount above the upper surface of the upper protruding piece 121b.

[0209] The upper hinge assembly 120 can move the entire upper hinge pin 122 downward by moving the horizontally extending lower end portion of the upper hinge pin 122 downward against the biasing force of the lock spring 124, thereby allowing the upper end of the upper hinge pin 122 to retract below the upper surface of the upper protruding piece 121b. Therefore, the upper hinge assembly 120 can insert the upper end of the upper hinge pin 122 into the upper hinge hole 511a for the door frame of the main frame upper hinge member 510 from below and remove it downward. By inserting the upper end of the upper hinge pin 122 into the upper hinge hole 511a for the door frame of the main frame upper hinge member 510, the upper left end of the door frame 3 in a front view can be supported relative to the main frame 4 in a hinge-rotatable manner.

[0210] Furthermore, in the door frame upper hinge assembly 120, the vertically extending portion of the door frame upper hinge pin 122 is located coaxially with the door frame lower hinge pin 126 of the door frame lower hinge member 125, which will be described later. As a result, the door frame 3 can be hinged and rotated relative to the main frame 4 in a good manner by the door frame upper hinge pin 122 and the door frame lower hinge pin 126.

[0211] [3-1g. Door frame lower hinge component] The lower hinge member 125 of the door frame base unit 100 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 34 and 35. The lower hinge member 125 is attached to the lower left corner of the door frame reinforcement unit 110 in a front view. The lower hinge member 125 is for attaching the door frame 3 to the main frame 4 so that it can hinge rotatably in cooperation with the upper hinge assembly 120 of the door frame.

[0212] The lower door frame hinge member 125 is attached to the door frame reinforcement unit 110 and comprises a mounting piece 125a that is rectangular in shape when viewed from the front and flat, a flat projection piece 125b that extends forward from the lower edge of the mounting piece 125a, and a lower door frame hinge pin 126 (see Figure 35, etc.) that protrudes downward from the lower surface near the front end of the projection piece 125b.

[0213] The mounting piece 125a and projection piece 125b of the lower door frame hinge member 125 are formed by bending a metal plate. The lower door frame hinge pin 126 is a cylindrical metal rod with a tapered chamfer on the outer circumference of its lower end. When assembled to the door frame base unit 100, this lower door frame hinge pin 126 is attached to the projection piece 125b at a point coaxial with the vertically extending portion of the upper door frame hinge pin 122 of the upper door frame hinge assembly 120.

[0214] This lower door frame hinge member 125 allows the door frame 3 to be hinged and rotatably supported relative to the main frame 4 by inserting the lower door frame hinge pin 126 into the lower door frame hinge hole 522a of the main frame lower hinge assembly 520.

[0215] [3-1h. Cylinder lock] The cylinder lock 130 in the door frame base unit 100 of the door frame 3 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 41 to 43. Figure 41(a) is a perspective view of the cylinder lock of the door frame from the front, (b) is a perspective view of the cylinder lock of (a) from the front and rear, (c) is a perspective view of a cylinder lock in a conventional pachinko machine from the front, and (d) is a perspective view of the cylinder lock of (a) from the rear. Figure 42(a) is an exploded perspective view of the cylinder lock of Figure 41(a) from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the cylinder lock of Figure 41(a) from the rear. Figure 43(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the movable mechanism of the cylinder lock of Figure 41(a) from the front, (b) is an explanatory diagram of the cylinder lock shown rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the state of (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram of the cylinder lock shown rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the state of (a).

[0216] The cylinder lock 130 is attached to the cylinder mounting frame 115 of the door frame reinforcement unit 110 and works in cooperation with the locking unit 650 of the main frame 4 to open and close the door frame 3 and the main frame 4, and to open, close, lock and unlock the outer frame 2 and the main frame 4. The cylinder lock 130 comprises a cylindrical cylinder body 131 that extends front to back, a keyhole 132 formed on the front end surface of the cylinder body 131, and a rotation transmission member 133 provided at the rear of the cylinder body 131 that rotates together with the rotation of the correct key inserted into the keyhole 132.

[0217] The cylinder body 131 of the cylinder lock 130 penetrates the front part of the cylinder mounting frame 115 from the rear, with its rear end attached to the front part. The rotation transmission member 133 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open rear (more specifically, a conical shape with a diameter that increases towards the rear), and has a pair of notches cut out from the rear end toward the front at positions opposite each other on the central axis. The rotation transmission member 133 is formed so that the transmission cylinder 654 of the locking unit 650 in the main body frame 4 is inserted from the rear, and a pair of projections of the transmission cylinder 654 are inserted into the pair of notches, thereby transmitting the rotation of the rotation transmission member 133 (the key inserted into the keyhole 132) to the transmission cylinder 654 and causing it to rotate.

[0218] More specifically, the cylinder lock 130 includes a first cam member 134 provided on the rear end side of the cylinder body 131 and rotating together with the rotation of the correct key inserted into the keyhole 132; a second cam member 135 mounted on the cylinder mounting frame 115 at a portion below the cylinder body 131 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the front-rear direction; a strip-shaped first arm 136 whose upper end is mounted so as to be rotatable at a portion to the right of the rotation center of the first cam member 134 and whose lower end is mounted so as to be rotatable at a portion to the right of the rotation center of the second cam member 135; and a strip-shaped second arm 137 whose upper end is mounted so as to be rotatable at a portion below the rotation center of the first cam member 134 and whose lower end is mounted so as to be rotatable at a portion below the rotation center of the second cam member 135.

[0219] Furthermore, the cylinder lock 130 includes a rear cover 138 attached to the cylinder mounting frame 115 so as to cover the cylinder body 131, the first cam member 134, the first arm 136, and the second arm 137 from the rear, except for the second cam member 135 (rotation transmission member 133), and rivets 139 that rotatably attach the upper and lower ends of the first arm 136 and the second arm 137 to the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135, respectively.

[0220] The first cam member 134 has the upper end of the first arm 136 attached to the rear side, and the upper end of the second arm 137 attached to the front side. The second cam member 135 is rotatably mounted from the rear by the cylinder mounting frame 115, and the rotation transmission member 133 is integrally rotatably mounted on the rear side of the cylinder mounting frame 115, sandwiching the front side. The second cam member 135 has the lower end of the first arm 136 attached to the front side, and the lower end of the second arm 137 is mounted in front of the first arm 136 and on the front side.

[0221] In the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135, the portion to which the first arm 136 is attached and the portion to which the second arm 137 is attached are separated by a 90-degree angle around their respective axes of rotation. Furthermore, in the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135, the portion to which the first arm 136 is attached is located further from the center of rotation than the portion to which the second arm 137 is attached.

[0222] The rear cover 138 is detachably attached to the cylinder mounting frame 115 by screws (not shown) at its upper end, with the shaft portion 138a, which protrudes outward in a cylindrical shape from the lower ends of both the left and right sides, being locked into the L-shaped locking slit 115b of the cylinder mounting frame 115.

[0223] This cylinder lock 130 has a cylinder mounting frame 115, a cylinder body 131, a rotation transmission member 133, a first cam member 134, a second cam member 135, a first arm 136, and a second arm 137, all of which are made of metal.

[0224] When the cylinder lock 130 is assembled to the door frame 3, the front end of the cylinder body 131 is approximately aligned with the front end of the cylinder insertion opening 440b of the right side unit 430 of the door frame.

[0225] Here, we will describe a conventional cylinder lock 130A. In a conventional cylinder lock 130A, as shown in Figures 41(c) and (d), the cylinder body 131 is attached to the front part of the cylinder mounting frame 115A by passing through the front part from the rear. In this cylinder lock 130A, a rotation transmission member 133 is provided on the axis of the cylinder body 131.

[0226] Next, the operation of the cylinder lock 130 of this embodiment will be described. In conventional cylinder locks 130, as shown in Figures 41(c) and (d), the rotation transmission member 133 is provided on the axis of the cylinder body 131. In contrast, in the cylinder lock 130 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 41(a) and (b), the rotation transmission member 133 is provided at a position separated downward from the axis of the cylinder body 131.

[0227] In its normal state, as shown in Figure 43(a), the cylinder lock 130 has the upper and lower ends of the first arm 136 attached to the right side of the rotation center of the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135, respectively, and the upper and lower ends of the second arm 137 attached to the lower side of the rotation center of the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135, respectively. The cylinder body 131 can be rotated by a regular key by 90 degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions from its normal state.

[0228] In this state, when the first cam member 134 is rotated counterclockwise via the cylinder of the cylinder body 131 using the key inserted into the keyhole 132, the first arm 136 and the second arm 137 move upward. At this time, since the upper end of the first arm 136 is attached to the right of the rotation center of the first cam member 134, a large force acts on the second cam member 135 to rotate it counterclockwise. In contrast, since the upper end of the second arm 137 is attached below the rotation center of the first cam member 134, almost no force acts on the second cam member 135 to rotate it counterclockwise.

[0229] In this way, when the first cam member 134 rotates counterclockwise from its normal state, force is transmitted mainly via the first arm 136, causing the second cam member 135 to rotate counterclockwise, and the rotation transmission member 133 to rotate together with the second cam member 135. The upward force acting due to this counterclockwise rotation of the first cam member 134 is proportional to the left-right distance between the point where the first arm 136 and the second arm 137 are attached to the first cam member 134 and the center of rotation of the first cam member 134. Therefore, as the first cam member 134 rotates counterclockwise from its normal state, the upward force acting on the first arm 136 decreases, while the upward force acting on the second arm 137 increases.

[0230] Therefore, when the rotation angle of the first cam member 134 in the counterclockwise direction exceeds 45 degrees from its normal state, the upward force acting on the second arm 137 becomes greater than that acting on the first arm 136, and the second cam member 135 rotates in the counterclockwise direction mainly via the second arm 137. As a result, the key inserted into the keyhole 132 can be rotated from its normal state to an angle of 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction (see Figure 43(b)).

[0231] Furthermore, when using the key to rotate the device 90 degrees counterclockwise from its normal position back to its normal position by rotating it 90 degrees clockwise, the operation will be the reverse of the above.

[0232] On the other hand, when the first cam member 134 is rotated clockwise via the cylinder of the cylinder body 131 using a key inserted into the keyhole 132 from the normal state, the first arm 136, whose upper end is attached to the right of the rotation center of the first cam member 134, moves downward, while the second arm 137, whose upper end is attached below the rotation center of the first cam member 134, moves upward. At this time, since the upper end of the first arm 136 is attached to the right of the rotation center of the first cam member 134, a large force acts on the second cam member 135 to rotate clockwise by the first arm 136, whereas since the upper end of the second arm 137 is attached below the rotation center of the first cam member 134, almost no force acts on the second cam member 135 to rotate clockwise by the second arm 137.

[0233] In this way, when the first cam member 134 rotates clockwise from its normal state, force is transmitted mainly via the first arm 136, causing the second cam member 135 to rotate clockwise, and the rotation transmission member 133 to rotate together with the second cam member 135. The force that transmits the rotation of the first cam member 134 to the second cam member 135 by the first arm 136 and the second arm 137 is proportional to the left-right distance between the part where the first arm 136 and the second arm 137 are attached to the first cam member 134 and the center of rotation of the first cam member 134. Therefore, as the first cam member 134 rotates clockwise from its normal state, the force exerted by the first arm 136 to rotate the second cam member 135 decreases, while the force exerted by the second arm 137 to rotate the second cam member 135 increases.

[0234] Therefore, when the rotation angle of the first cam member 134 exceeds 45 degrees clockwise from its normal position, the force exerted by the second arm 137 to rotate the second cam member 135 becomes greater than that of the first arm 136, and the second cam member 135 rotates clockwise mainly via the second arm 137. As a result, the key inserted into the keyhole 132 can be rotated up to a 90-degree angle clockwise from its normal position (see Figure 43(c)).

[0235] Furthermore, when using the key to rotate the device 90 degrees clockwise from its normal position back to its normal position by rotating it 90 degrees clockwise, the operation will be the reverse of the above.

[0236] Thus, according to the cylinder lock 130 of this embodiment, the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135 are connected by the first arm 136 and the second arm 137, which are mounted at a 90-degree phase from each other, and rotation is transmitted. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the first cam member 134 (the key inserted into the keyhole 132), rotation can be transmitted by at least one of the first arm 136 and the second arm 137 to rotate the second cam member 135 (the rotation transmission member 133), resulting in smooth locking and unlocking of the door frame 3 and the main body frame 4.

[0237] Furthermore, according to the cylinder lock 130 of this embodiment, by transmitting rotation using the first arm 136 and the second arm 137 as a rotation transmission mechanism, the axis of the rotation transmission member 133 (transmission cylinder 654 of the locking unit 650 in the main frame 4) can be set at a different position from the axis of the cylinder body 131. As a result, the position of the cylinder body 131 in the door frame 3 can be changed to any position without changing the locking unit 650, and the cylinder body 131 (keyhole 132) can be set in a part that does not interfere with the decoration of the door frame 3, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 with a highly decorative door frame 3.

[0238] Furthermore, as mentioned above, even if the position of the cylinder body 131 in the door frame 3 is changed, there is no need to change the locking unit 650 in the main frame 4. Therefore, the locking unit 650 can be reused, and the increase in costs for the pachinko machine 1 can be suppressed.

[0239] Incidentally, in conventional cylinder locks 130A, a rotation transmission member 133 is provided at the rear of the cylinder body 131. Therefore, a fraudster who is aware of this configuration may insert a tool from the front into the rear of the cylinder body 131 and use the tool to illegally rotate the rotation transmission member 133, thereby opening the door frame 3 and committing fraud. In contrast, in the cylinder lock 130 of this embodiment, the rotation transmission member 133 is provided at a position away from the axis (rear) of the cylinder body 131. Therefore, even if a tool is inserted into the rear of the cylinder body 131 and an attempt is made to rotate the rotation transmission member 133, the rotation transmission member 133 is not present in that area, making it impossible to rotate the rotation transmission member 133 and thus preventing fraudulent acts such as opening the door frame 3 or the main body frame 4.

[0240] Furthermore, in the cylinder lock 130, the second arm 137 connects the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135 at points separated by a 90-degree rotation angle relative to the first arm 136. Therefore, even if the part of one of the first arm 136 or the second arm 137 attached to the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135 lies on a straight line connecting the center of the first cam member 134 and the center of the second cam member 135, the other part of the first arm 136 or the second arm 137 connects the points furthest from the straight line connecting the center of the first cam member 134 and the center of the second cam member 135. Therefore, even if one of the first arm 136 or the second arm 137 is positioned at the dead center of the first cam member 134 and the second cam member 135, preventing the transmission of rotation from the first cam member 134 to the second cam member 135, the other of the first arm 136 or the second arm 137 can transmit the rotation from the first cam member 134 to the second cam member 135. As a result, there is no significant resistance to the rotation of the first cam member 134, allowing the key inserted into the keyhole 132 to rotate smoothly, making unlocking and locking easy, and preventing the key from being forcibly rotated, thus preventing damage to the key.

[0241] Furthermore, since the rotation of the key inserted into the keyhole 132 is transmitted by the two arms, the first arm 136 and the second arm 137, to the rotation transmission member 133 which is located at an eccentric position, even if one arm is damaged for any reason, the rotation can still be transmitted by the remaining arm, thus providing a pachinko machine 1 with a highly reliable cylinder lock 130.

[0242] Furthermore, the smooth, rod-shaped (strip-shaped) first arm 136 and second arm 137 transmit the rotation of the key inserted into the keyhole 132 to the rotation transmission member 133, which is located at an eccentric position. If rotation were transmitted by gears, there would be a risk that the tip of a tool could catch on the teeth of the gears, causing the gears to rotate and the rotation transmission member 133 to rotate. However, by making the first arm 136 and second arm 137 smooth and rod-shaped, it is difficult for the tip of a tool to catch on the first arm 136 or second arm 137, thus preventing the rotation transmission member 133 from being rotated by the movement of the first arm 136 or second arm 137. This ensures that the locking unit 650 is not tampered with and the door frame 3 or main body frame 4 is not unlocked.

[0243] In this embodiment, the cylinder lock 130 is shown using a first arm 136 and a second arm 137 as a rotation transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the first cam member 134 to the second cam member 135. However, it is not limited to this, and other rotation transmission mechanisms such as a rotation transmission mechanism using multiple gears, a rotation transmission mechanism using gears and rack gears, a rotation transmission mechanism using sprockets and chains, a rotation transmission mechanism using pulleys and belts, etc., may also be used.

[0244] [3-1i. Ball feeding unit] The ball feeding unit 140 of the door frame base unit 100 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 44 and 45. Figure 44(a) is a perspective view of the ball feeding unit of the door frame base unit from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball feeding unit from the rear. Figure 45(a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball feeding unit after it has been disassembled and viewed from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball feeding unit after the rear case and anti-tampering member have been removed and viewed from the rear. The ball feeding unit 140 can supply game balls B supplied from the upper tray 201 of the tray unit 200 one by one to the ball launching device 540 of the main frame 4, and can also remove the game balls B stored in the upper tray 201 to the lower tray 202 by operating the upper tray ball release button 222.

[0245] The ball supply unit 140 has a box-shaped front cover 141 that is open at the rear and has an entry port 141a that penetrates in the front-to-back direction and a ball removal port 141b that opens below the entry port 141a, into which game balls B are supplied from the upper tray 201 of the tray unit 200, and a rear cover 142 that is open at the front and closes the rear end of the front cover 141 and has a ball supply port 142a for supplying game balls B that have entered through the entry port 141a of the front cover 141 to the ball launching device 540, and the rear cover 142 and The system includes a ball removal member 143 that is pivotally supported between the front cover 141 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction and has a partition portion 143a that separates the entry port 141a and the ball removal port 141b on the rear side of the front cover 141, a ball feeding member 144 that feeds the game balls B on the partition portion 143a of the ball removal member 143 one by one to the ball supply port 142a of the rear cover 142 and is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction between the front cover 141 and the rear cover 142, and a ball feeding solenoid 145 that rotates the ball feeding member 144.

[0246] As shown in the figure, in a front view, the ball feeding unit 140 has a ball feeding member 144 positioned to the right of the entrance 141a, a ball removal member 143 positioned to the left of the ball feeding member 144, and a ball feeding solenoid 145 positioned to the right of the ball feeding member 144.

[0247] The front cover 141 of the ball feeding unit 140 has an arc-shaped slit 141c formed concentrically with respect to the rotation center of the ball extraction member 143, to the left of the ball extraction opening 141b when viewed from the front. The operating rod 143c of the ball extraction member 143, described later, extends forward from this slit 141c. The upper part of the front cover 141 extends upward from the upper edge of the entrance opening 141a, and is formed to close from the rear side the portion of the ball feeding guide path and ball extraction guide path 241c of the rear base 241 of the upper tray ball extraction rear unit 240 that is open to the rear when the door frame 3 is assembled.

[0248] The ball removal member 143 includes a partition portion 143a that separates the entrance 141a and the ball removal opening 141b below the entrance 141a, with its upper surface becoming lower toward the ball feeding member 144; a rotating rod portion 143b that extends downward from the end of the partition portion 143a opposite to the ball feeding member 144, and bends in a V-shape toward the lower center of the ball removal opening 141b from near the middle in the vertical direction, with its lower end supported so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction; a rod-shaped operating rod 143c that protrudes forward from the upper end of the rotating rod portion 143b; and a weight portion 143d that protrudes from the side of the rotating rod portion 143b below the operating rod 143c toward the opposite side of the partition portion 143a. The operating rod 143c of the ball removal member 143 is formed to protrude forward through an arc-shaped slit 141c formed in the front cover 141 (see Figure 44(a)). The operating rod 143c contacts the upper end (upper surface) of the operating transmission part 242b of the upper tray ball removal slider 242, which moves downward when the upper tray ball removal button 222 of the tray unit 200 is pressed, via the ball feeding opening 101e of the door frame base 101.

[0249] The ball feeding member 144 comprises a fan-shaped blocking section 144a in plan view, which faces the entrance 141a and the partition 143a of the ball removal member 143 and extends vertically towards the rotation axis; a ball holding section 144b that is recessed in an arc shape from the rear end of the blocking section 144a toward the rotation axis; and a rod-shaped shaft section 144c that extends downward from the rear end of the ball holding section 144b. The blocking section 144a and the ball holding section 144b of the ball feeding member 144 are each formed adjacent to each other within an angular range of approximately 180° around the rotation axis. The ball holding section 144b of the ball feeding member 144 is sized to hold one game ball B. The ball feeding member 144 rotates around the rotation axis when the shaft section 144c, which is positioned eccentrically with respect to the rotation axis, is moved left and right by the drive of the ball feeding solenoid 145.

[0250] The ball feeding member 144 is designed to rotate between a supply position in which the blocking portion 144a faces the direction of the partition portion 143a and the ball holding portion 144b faces the direction communicating with the ball supply port 142a, and a holding position in which the ball holding portion 144b faces the direction of the partition portion 143a. When the ball feeding member 144 is in the supply position, the game balls B held in the ball holding portion 144b are supplied to the ball launcher 540 from the ball supply port 142a, and game balls B that have entered the partition portion 143a from the entry port 141a are prevented from moving toward the ball holding portion 144b (ball supply port 142a) by the blocking portion 144a and remain on the partition portion 143a. On the other hand, when the ball feeding member 144 rotates to the holding position, the ball holding portion 144b faces the partition portion 143a, and the end of the ball holding portion 144b on the shaft portion 144c side closes the ball supply opening 142a, so that only one game ball B on the partition portion 143a is held inside the ball holding portion 144b.

[0251] Furthermore, the ball feeding unit 140 includes a ball feeding operating rod 146 whose tip swings up and down when driven (energized) by the ball feeding solenoid 145, and a ball feeding crank 147 which rotates around an axis extending in the front-rear direction by the movement of the tip of the ball feeding operating rod 146 swinging up and down, and also rotates the ball feeding member 144 around an axis extending in the up and down direction.

[0252] The ball feeding actuation rod 146 is equipped with an iron plate 146a at the lower part of the ball feeding solenoid 145. The ball feeding actuation rod 146 extends to the left and right, and the end opposite to the ball feeding crank 147 (the right end) is attached to the front cover 141 and the rear cover 142 so as to be rotatable around an axis that extends front to back. When the ball feeding solenoid 145 is driven, the generated magnetic force pulls the iron plate 146a toward the ball feeding solenoid 145 (upwards), causing the rod 146 to rotate around the right end so that the left end, which is closer to the ball feeding crank 147, moves upward. Subsequently, when the drive of the ball feeding solenoid 145 is released, the magnetic force disappears, and the weight of the iron plate 146a acts on it, causing it to rotate around the right end so that the left end, which is closer to the ball feeding crank 147, moves downward, returning it to its initial state. As a result, the ball feeding rod 146 is oscillated vertically at its left end (tip) closest to the ball feeding crank 147 by the ball feeding solenoid 145.

[0253] The ball feeding crank 147 includes an engaging portion 147a extending in the left-right direction and capable of engaging with the vertically moving tip of the ball feeding actuation rod 146; a shaft portion 147b positioned on the opposite side of the engaging portion 147a from the side that engages with the ball feeding actuation rod 146 and pivotally supported around an axis extending in the front-rear direction between the front cover 141 and the rear cover 142; and a transmission portion 147c extending upward from the shaft portion 147b and engaging with a rod-shaped rod portion 144c (see Figure 45(b)) that protrudes downward from a position eccentric with respect to the pivot center of the ball feeding member 144.

[0254] This ball feeding unit 140 can rotate the ball feeding crank 147 around a shaft that extends back and forth via the ball feeding crank 146 by moving the tip (left end) of the ball feeding operating rod 146 upward through the ball feeding operating rod 146 driven by the ball feeding solenoid 145.

[0255] In the ball feeding unit 140, when the ball feeding solenoid 145 is not driven (normal state), the ball feeding actuating rod 146 is separated from the lower end of the ball feeding solenoid 145 and its tip is positioned downwards, and in this state the ball feeding member 144 is in the supply position. When the ball feeding solenoid 145 is driven, the ball feeding actuating rod 146 is attracted to the lower end of the ball feeding solenoid 145 and its tip (left end) is positioned upwards, and the ball feeding member 144 rotates to the holding position. In other words, when the ball feeding solenoid 145 is driven (ON state), the ball feeding member 144 receives one game ball B, and when the drive of the ball feeding solenoid 145 is released (OFF state), the ball feeding member 144 can send (supply) the received game ball B to the ball launching device 540. The drive of the ball feeding solenoid 145 in this ball feeding unit 140 is controlled by the launch control unit 633b of the dispensing control board 633 (see Figure 126) in synchronization with the drive control of the launch solenoid 542.

[0256] Furthermore, the ball feeding unit 140 is subjected to a moment that causes it to rotate in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front, either by a rotatably supported ball removal member 143 or a weight portion 143d. However, the rotation of the ball removal member 143 is restricted because the operating rod 143c, which protrudes forward from the ball removal member 143, comes into contact with the upper end of the operating transmission portion 242b of the upper tray ball removal slider 242, which is operated by pressing the upper tray ball removal button 222 of the tray unit 200. Therefore, in normal conditions, the partition portion 143a of the ball removal member 143 is positioned between the entry point 141a and the ball removal opening 141b, and game balls B do not enter the ball removal opening 141b side.

[0257] Then, when the player presses the upper tray ball release button 222 of the tray unit 200 downward, the upper tray ball release slider 242 slides downward together with the actuation transmission unit 242b, and as the actuation transmission unit 242b moves downward, the actuation rod 143c also moves relatively downward. When the actuation rod 143c moves downward together with the actuation transmission unit 242b, the ball release member 143 rotates in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front, and the partition 143a moves from between the entry port 141a and the ball release port 141b, releasing the partition. As a result, the game ball B that entered from the entry port 141a falls towards the ball release port 141b, is discharged from the ball release port 141b into the ball release guide path 241c of the upper tray ball release unit 240 in the tray unit 200, and can be discharged (supplied) to the lower tray 202 via the lower tray ball supply port 211c.

[0258] Furthermore, the upper tray ball removal slider 242, which has an operating transmission section 242b that the operating rod 143c of the ball removal member 143 contacts, is biased upward by a spring. Therefore, even if a game ball B is forcefully supplied onto the partition section 143a, the impact can be absorbed by the spring via the operating rod 143c, preventing damage to the ball removal member 143 and the like, and also preventing the game ball B from bouncing off the partition section 143a.

[0259] Furthermore, the ball feeding unit 140 has a rectangular mounting recess 142b (see Figure 45(b), etc.) formed in the upper right corner of the rear view of the ball supply opening 142a of the rear cover 142, which is recessed forward, and an anti-tampering member 148 is installed inside the mounting recess 142b. The anti-tampering member 148 of the ball feeding unit 140 is made of a hard metal plate such as tool steel or stainless steel, and is detachably attached from the rear side to the mounting recess 142b of the rear cover 142.

[0260] The anti-tampering member 148 is formed in a rectangular shape with an outer shape extending horizontally when viewed from the front, and comprises an upper portion 148a and a lower portion 148b that are separated vertically at approximately the center in the vertical direction at a predetermined distance from the right side to the left, and inclined portions 148c that are formed in a C-chamfer shape at the tip side (right end side when viewed from the front) of the opposing sides of the upper portion 148a and the lower portion 148b. The upper portion 148a of the anti-tampering member 148 is bent so that its right end when viewed from the front protrudes backward relative to the general surface of the anti-tampering member 148. The lower portion 148b extends on the same plane as the general surface of the anti-tampering member 148. As a result, in a plan view, the upper portion 148a and the lower portion 148b form a V-shaped groove that widens towards the right.

[0261] The anti-tampering member 148 is attached to the mounting recess 142b of the rear cover 142, so that the V-shaped groove formed by the upper piece 148a and the lower piece 148b is in communication with the inside of the ball supply opening 142a.

[0262] According to this anti-fraud member 148, when fraudulent activity is carried out in which a fraudulent game ball B with a string attached is driven into the game area 5a by the ball launching device 540 via the ball feeding unit 140 from the upper tray, and the string attached to the fraudulent game ball B is manipulated to move the fraudulent game ball B in and out of the first start opening 2002, the force of the fraudulent game ball B launched (shot) by the ball launching device 540 causes the string attached to the fraudulent game ball B to be inserted between the upper piece 148a and the lower piece 148b, and then cut by the V-shaped narrowed portion formed by the upper piece 148a and the lower piece 148b, thereby preventing fraudulent activity using a fraudulent game ball B with a string attached.

[0263] [3-1j. Foul Cover Unit] The foul cover unit 150 of the door frame base unit 100 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 46 and 47. Figure 46(a) is a perspective view of the foul cover unit of the door frame base unit viewed from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the foul cover unit viewed from the rear. Figure 47 is a front view of the foul cover unit with the cover member removed. The foul cover unit 150 is attached to the lower right side of the rear of the door frame base 101 in a rear view. The foul cover unit 150 is for guiding game balls B (foul balls) that have been launched by the ball launcher 540 and have not reached the game area 5a of the game board 5 to the lower tray 202, and for guiding game balls B dispensed from the payout device 580 to the upper tray 201 or the lower tray 202. As shown in the figure, the foul cover unit 150 comprises a shallow, box-shaped unit body 151 attached to the rear of the door frame base 101 and with an open front, and a flat plate-shaped lid member 152 attached to the front of the unit body 151.

[0264] The foul cover unit 150 includes a through ball passage 150a that penetrates from front to back at the upper left corner in a front view and connects the lower normal discharge passage 610a of the lower full ball passage unit 610 of the main frame 4 with the upper tray ball supply port 211a of the tray unit 200, and a full ball receiving port 150b that opens towards the rear at the lower right side of the through ball passage 150a in a front view and can communicate with the lower full ball discharge passage 610b of the lower full ball passage unit 610 of the main frame 4.

[0265] Furthermore, the foul cover unit 150 includes a foul ball receiving port 150c that opens upward on the right side of the full ball receiving port 150b in a front view and receives game balls B (foul balls) that were launched by the ball launching device 540 of the main frame 4 but did not reach the game area 5a, and a ball discharge port 150d that opens forward near the lower right corner in a front view and discharges game balls B received in the full ball receiving port 150b and the foul ball receiving port 150c forward, and communicates with the lower tray ball supply port 211c of the tray unit 200.

[0266] Furthermore, the foul cover unit 150 is provided with a storage passage 150e formed between the full ball receiving opening 150b and the foul ball receiving opening 150c and the ball discharge opening 150d by the unit body 151 and the lid member 152, and having a width that allows it to store a predetermined amount of game balls B.

[0267] The through-ball passage 150a is formed spanning both the unit body 151 and the lid member 152. The full ball receiving port 150b and the foul ball receiving port 150c are formed in the unit body 151. The ball discharge port 150d is formed in the lid member 152. The storage passage 150e is formed between the unit body 151 and the lid member 152.

[0268] Furthermore, the foul cover unit 150 includes a flat, movable piece 153 that forms part of the inner wall of the storage passage 150e and whose lower end is rotatably attached to the unit body 151 and the lid member 152, a full-tank detection sensor 154 that detects the rotation of the movable piece 153 away from the storage passage 150e, and a spring 155 that biases the movable piece 153 toward the storage passage 150e.

[0269] When the lower tray 202 of the tray unit 200 is full of game balls B and no more game balls B are released from the ball release port 150d to the lower tray 202, the foul cover unit 150 can store a certain number of game balls B in the storage passage 150e. When a certain number of game balls B are stored in the storage passage 150e, the weight of the game balls B causes the movable piece 153 to rotate so that its upper end moves away from the storage passage 150e against the biasing force of the spring 155, and this rotation is detected by the full-tray detection sensor 154. This allows it to be determined that the lower tray 202 is full of game balls B, and when the full-tray detection sensor 154 detects that it is full, it stops the payout of any more game balls B and notifies the player or staff of the gaming hall to encourage them to clear the lower tray 202.

[0270] Furthermore, the foul cover unit 150 is attached to the rear side of the unit body 151 and below the through ball passage 150a, and is equipped with a door opening / closing contact portion 150f that can be contacted by the operating projection 613a of the payout passage opening / closing door 613 of the lower full ball passage unit 610 in the payout unit 560 of the main body frame 4 (see Figure 79). The door opening / closing contact portion 150f is inclined so that it moves forward as its rear surface goes downward. When the operating projection 613a of the payout passage opening / closing door 613 contacts this door opening / closing contact portion 150f, the payout passage opening / closing door 613 can be rotated to open the downstream end (front opening) of the lower normal payout passage 610a and the lower full payout passage 610b.

[0271] [3-2. Glass Unit] The glass unit 160 in the door frame 3 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 31 and 32. The glass unit 160 is detachably installed by being inserted into the glass unit mounting portion 101h from the rear, so as to close the door window 101a of the door frame base 101 in the door frame base unit 100. When the door frame 3 is closed to the main frame 4, the glass unit 160 allows the game area 5a of the game board 5 attached to the main frame 4 to be visible from the player's side (front), while also closing the front of the game area 5a.

[0272] The glass unit 160 comprises a frame-shaped glass frame 161 that is larger than the inner circumference of the door window 101a of the door frame base 101 and can be attached to the glass unit mounting portion 101h, two transparent glass plates 162 that enclose the inside of the glass frame 161 and whose outer circumferences are attached to the glass frame 161, and a pair of glass unit mounting members 163 that are rotatably attached to the rear side of the door frame base 101 in the door frame base unit 100 and are used to attach the glass frame 161 to the door frame base 101.

[0273] The glass frame 161 has a pair of mounting pieces 161a that extend outward in a flat shape from a position below the upper left and right corners in a front view, and a strip-shaped locking piece 161b that protrudes downward from the lower end and extends along the lower edge. The mounting pieces 161a of the glass frame 161 are made to be able to abut against the protruding portion 163b of the glass unit mounting member 163. The locking piece 161b is made to be insertable into the space between the door frame base 101 and the rear flange portion 117c of the intermediate reinforcement frame 117 of the door frame reinforcement unit 110 so as to be placed on the upper flange portion 117b of the intermediate reinforcement frame 117 (see Figures 37 and 85). In this embodiment, the rear surface of the locking piece 161b abuts against the front surface of the rear flange portion 117c. The two glass plates 162 are attached to the front and rear ends of the glass frame 161, respectively, and are spaced apart front to back so as to form a space between them.

[0274] The glass unit mounting member 163 has a disc-shaped base portion 163a that is rotatably mounted on the rear side of the door frame base 101 around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction, and a rod-shaped projection portion 163b that protrudes from the base portion 163a in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The glass unit mounting member 163 is rotatably mounted on the outside of the two upper corners of the four corners of the door window 101a on the rear surface of the door frame base 101.

[0275] To attach the glass unit 160 to the door frame base 101, first, rotate the glass unit mounting member 163 attached to the door frame base 101 so that the protruding portion 163b is positioned above the base portion 163a. ​​Then, from the rear side of the door frame base 101, insert the locking piece 161b of the glass frame 161 of the glass unit 160 from above into the gap between the door frame base 101 and the rear flange portion 117c of the intermediate reinforcing frame 117 of the door frame reinforcing unit 110, and place it on the upper flange portion 117b, then bring the front end of the glass frame 161 into contact with the rear surface of the glass unit mounting portion 101h of the door frame base 101. After that, rotate the glass unit mounting member 163 so that the protruding portion 163b is positioned below the base portion 163a, and bring the protruding portion 163b into contact with the rear surface of the mounting piece 161a of the glass frame 161. This allows the glass unit 160 to be attached to the door frame base 101.

[0276] To remove the glass unit 160 from the door frame base 101, the procedure can be reversed from the one described above. This makes the glass unit 160 detachable from the door frame base 101 (door frame base unit 100).

[0277] Furthermore, in the glass unit 160, when the protruding portion 163b of the glass unit mounting member 163 is in a rotational position where it is located below the base portion 163a, the protruding portion 163b restricts the rearward movement of the glass frame 161. Therefore, even if vibrations or other forces act on the glass unit mounting member 163, it will not rotate to a position where the protruding portion 163b is above the base portion 163a. ​​Consequently, the restriction on the rearward movement of the glass frame 161 will not be released spontaneously, and the glass unit 160 will not spontaneously detach from the door frame base 101.

[0278] [3-3. Security cover] The security cover 170 on the door frame 3 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 31 and 32. The security cover 170 is attached to the rear side of the door frame base unit 100 so as to cover the lower rear surface of the glass unit 160, and is made of transparent synthetic resin. The security cover 170 comprises a flat main body portion 171 whose outer circumference is formed into a predetermined shape, a flat rear projection 172 that protrudes a short distance to the rear along the outer edge of the main body portion 171, and a pair of locking pieces 173 that are spaced apart on the left and right, protrude forward of the main body portion 171, and can be locked to the rear side of the door frame base 101.

[0279] The main body portion 171 of the security cover 170 is formed such that, when attached to the door frame base unit 100, its lower end protrudes below the lower end of the glass unit 160. Furthermore, the upper end of the main body portion 171 is shaped to follow the lower end of the game area 5a on the game board 5 when assembled to the pachinko machine 1. More specifically, the upper end of the main body portion 171 is shaped to follow a part of the inner rail 1002, the out guide portion 1003, a part of the lower right rail 1004, and the right rail 1005 of the preceding component 1000, which will be described later, and is shaped so as not to protrude into the game area 5a when assembled to the pachinko machine 1.

[0280] The rear projection 172 is formed over almost the entire circumference of the outer edge of the main body 171. Therefore, the security cover 170 is formed in a shallow box shape that is open to the rear by the main body 171 and the rear projection 172, resulting in high strength and rigidity. In addition, the rear projection 172 also protrudes rearward from a part of the rear surface of the main body 171 that is different from the outer edge of the main body 171. This rear projection 172 that protrudes rearward from a part of the rear surface of the main body 171 is formed to be aligned with a part of the outer rail 1001 of the front component member 1000 of the game board 5 when assembled in the pachinko machine 1.

[0281] Furthermore, the rear projection 172 is not formed in the portion of the game board 5 located between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 when assembled to the pachinko machine 1. As a result, the game balls B (game balls B launched by the ball launching device 540) passing between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 do not come into contact with the rear projection 172 of the security cover 170, and the entry of game balls B into the game area 5a is not obstructed.

[0282] A pair of locking pieces 173 are elastically locked to the rear side of the door frame base unit 100 (speaker duct 103 and cable cover 109). This allows the security cover 170 to be easily attached to and detached from the door frame base unit 100.

[0283] When assembled to the pachinko machine 1, the security cover 170 has a front surface of the main body 171 that abuts against the rear surface of the glass unit 160 (the rear end of the glass frame 161), and the rear projection 172, excluding the portion that protrudes rearward from the lower edge of the main body 171, is inserted into the security recess 1009 of the front component 1000. In addition, the security cover 170 has a rear projection 172 that protrudes rearward from the lower edge of the main body 171 that protrudes further rearward than the front surface of the front component 1000 so as to contact the lower surface of the front component 1000. As a result, the space between the security cover 170 and the game board 5 (front component 1000) is intricately bent by the rear projection 172 of the security cover 170 and the security recess 1009 of the front component 1000. Therefore, even if someone tries to insert an illegal tool such as piano wire into the game area 5a from the lower front of the game board 5 through the space between the security cover 170 and the front component 1000, it will be blocked by the rear projection 172 and the security recess 1009, thus preventing the illegal tool from entering the game area 5a.

[0284] [3-4a. Handle Unit] Next, the handle unit 180 in the door frame 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 48 to 52, etc. Figure 48 is an exploded perspective view of the handle unit, plate unit, and performance control unit in the door frame viewed from the front, and Figure 49 is an exploded perspective view of the handle unit, plate unit, and performance control unit in the door frame viewed from the rear. Figure 50 is an exploded perspective view of the handle unit in the door frame after disassembly, viewed from the front, and Figure 51 is an exploded perspective view of the handle unit in the door frame after disassembly, viewed from the rear. Figure 52(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the handle base, handle, handle return spring, and handle touch sensor in the handle unit in a perspective view, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing (a) after disassembly in a perspective view. Figure 53 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the handle base, handle, handle return spring, handle touch sensor, and inner base in the handle unit in a perspective view viewed from the rear. Note that in Figure 53, the position of the first mounting portion 190a of the handle return spring 190 has been changed for clarity.

[0285] The handle unit 180 in this embodiment is attached to the door frame base unit 100 from the front within a cylindrical handle cover unit 290, and when operated by a player, it can launch the game balls B in the upper tray 201 into the game area 5a of the game board 5.

[0286] The handle unit 180 comprises a handle base 181 whose rear end is attached to the handle mounting surface of the door frame base 101, a handle 197 rotatably attached to the front end of the handle base 181, a disc-shaped cover base 183 attached to the handle base 181 so as to cover the center of the front end of the handle 197, a handle decorative substrate 184 attached to the front side of the cover base 183 and having multiple LEDs 184a mounted on its front surface, and a handle front lens 185 attached to the cover base 183 so as to cover the front side of the handle decorative substrate 184.

[0287] Furthermore, the handle unit 180 includes an inner base 186 attached to the front of the handle base 181 at the rear of the handle 197, a shaft member 187 to which the handle 197 is attached at the front end and which is rotatably mounted by the inner base 186 and the handle base 181 and has a drive gear portion 187a on its outer circumference, a transmission gear 188 that meshes with the drive gear portion 187a of the shaft member 187, and a handle rotation detection sensor 189 having a detection shaft 189a that rotates integrally with the transmission gear 188 and is sandwiched between the handle base 181 and the inner base 186.

[0288] Furthermore, the handle unit 180 includes a handle return spring 190, one end of which is attached to the handle base 181 and the other end of which is attached to the handle 197, biasing the handle 197 to return to its initial rotation position (the end of rotation in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front), and an auxiliary spring 191, one end of which is attached to the inner base 186 and the other end of which is attached to the transmission gear 188, biasing the detection shaft 189a of the handle rotation detection sensor 189 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front via the transmission gear 188.

[0289] Furthermore, the handle unit 180 includes a handle touch sensor 192 attached to the handle base 181 at the rear of the inner base 186, a single-shot button 193 whose tip protrudes outward from the left side of the front outer peripheral surface of the handle base 181 in a front view, and whose base end is rotatably mounted on the handle base 181 at the rear of the inner base 186 around an axis extending in the front-rear direction, and a single-shot button operation sensor 194 attached to the handle base 181 that detects the pressing operation of the single-shot button 193.

[0290] The handle base 181 of the handle unit 180 comprises a cylindrical base portion 181a extending front to back, a disc-shaped front end portion 181b projecting radially from the front end of the base portion 181a, and three groove portions 181c that are recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical base portion 181a, extending axially and formed at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction. The outer diameter of the base portion 181a of the handle base 181 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the rear cylindrical portion of the handle cover base 291 of the handle cover unit 290. The three groove portions 181c are formed at positions corresponding to the three protrusions of the handle cover base 291. Therefore, with the three groove portions 181c aligned with the three protrusions, the base portion 181a can be inserted into the rear cylindrical portion of the handle cover base 291, and the insertion of each protrusion into the three groove portions 181c makes it impossible for the handle base 181 to rotate relative to the handle cover base 291.

[0291] The handle base 181 also includes a sensor housing recess 181d into which the handle touch sensor 192 is housed from the front, a tab contact portion 181e into which the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192 abuts, and a mounting hole 181f provided in the tab contact portion 181e (see Figure 52). The handle touch sensor 192 is housed in the sensor housing recess 181d, and the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192 is brought into contact with the tab contact portion 181e. At the same time, the rear part of the inner base 186 is inserted into the handle base 181 from the front, and the mounting piece 186a of the inner base 186 (see Figure 53) is positioned in front of the tab-shaped terminal 192a. Then, by screwing a mounting screw (not shown) into the mounting hole 181f from the front of the mounting piece 186a of the inner base 186 and tightening it, the handle touch sensor 192 can be attached to the handle base 181 together with the inner base 186. At this time, by screwing in the mounting screw so that the U-shaped second mounting portion 190b provided on the rear end side of the handle return spring 190 is sandwiched together with the mounting piece 186a of the inner base 186 and the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192, the rear end side of the handle return spring 190 can be attached to the handle base 181, and the handle return spring 190 and the handle touch sensor 192 can be electrically connected. The tab contact portion 181e on the handle base 181 can be viewed from the front through the slit 197e of the handle 197, which will be described later, and a screwdriver as a tool can be approached from the front through the slit 197e.

[0292] The handle 197 has a conductive plating layer on its surface. The handle 197 includes four first projections 197a, second projections 197b, third projections 197c, and fourth projections 197d that protrude outward from the outer surface in the circumferential direction, two slits 197e that extend in an arc shape around the rotation axis (shaft member 187) and penetrate in the front-rear direction, a spring mounting piece 197f provided at one end of one of the slits 197e so as to face forward in a recessed portion toward the center of the handle 197, and a mounting hole 197g that penetrates the spring mounting piece 197f in the front-rear direction.

[0293] By bringing the annular first mounting portion 190a, provided at the front end of the handle return spring 190, into contact with the upper surface of the spring mounting piece 197f on the handle 197, and then screwing a mounting screw (not shown) into the mounting hole 197g from the front and tightening it, the front end of the handle return spring 190 can be attached from the front, and the plated layer on the surface of the handle 197 and the handle return spring 190 can be electrically connected. As a result, the handle touch sensor 192 and the handle 197 are electrically connected via the metal handle return spring 190, making it possible to detect contact of the player with the handle 197.

[0294] The four first projections 197a, second projection 197b, third projection 197c, and fourth projection 197d on the handle 197 are arranged in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front.

[0295] As described above, with the handle unit 180 of this embodiment, both ends of the metal handle return spring 190, which electrically connects the handle touch sensor 192 and the handle 197, are attached by mounting screws. Compared to the case where both ends of the handle return spring 190 are simply in contact, a reliable electrical connection can be made, and contact failure (detection failure of the handle touch sensor 192) can be reliably prevented. Therefore, even if chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite used during cleaning enter the handle unit 180 in the gaming hall where this pachinko machine 1 is installed, or if gases are generated from the chemicals and adhere to the handle return spring 190, causing corrosion or oxidation of the surface, contact failure will not occur, and the handle touch sensor 192 can reliably detect the player's touch.

[0296] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the handle unit 180 allows a screwdriver to be accessed from the front through the slit 197e of the handle 197 to turn the mounting screws on the first mounting portion 190a and the second mounting portion 190b, which are both ends of the handle return spring 190. This makes the handle unit 180 easier to assemble and maintain.

[0297] The handle unit 180 is attached to the handle mounting surface of the door frame base 101 via the handle cover unit 290. In a plan view, the handle mounting surface of the door frame base 101 is inclined such that the right end is located further back than the left end and faces outward (towards the open side). Therefore, the handle unit 180 is also inclined outward in a plan view (in other words, its tip is inclined so that it faces outward from the pachinko machine 1 with respect to a line perpendicular to the front of the pachinko machine 1) and is attached and fixed to the door frame 3. This makes it easy for the player to grip the handle 197 of the handle unit 180 and allows them to rotate it without any discomfort.

[0298] [3-4a-1. Modified Handle Unit] Next, we will describe some variations of the handle unit. Note that you may use only one of the following variations, or you may use multiple variations in combination with the above embodiment as appropriate.

[0299] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192 and the second mounting portion 190b of the handle return spring 190 are shown to be attached together with a mounting screw, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a projection may be provided on the handle 197, and the shape of the front end side (first mounting portion 190a) of the handle return spring 190 may be made to conform to a part of the outer circumference of the projection on the handle 197, so that the front end of the handle return spring 190 is locked to the projection. This causes the front end side of the handle return spring 190 to make line contact with the projection, and the contact area is increased compared to point contact, thus preventing contact failure. In this case, it is desirable to provide the projection on the handle 197 in a place where it is not easily exposed to chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite used for cleaning. Alternatively, a cover may be provided on the part to prevent exposure to chemicals such as alcohol.

[0300] (Modification 2) Alternatively, for example, the configuration shown in Figure 54 may be used. Figure 54 is a modified example of the handle unit and is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the handle base, handle, handle return spring, handle touch sensor, and inner base in a perspective view from the rear. In this modified example, the handle 197 is composed of a main body portion 197A and an annular ring portion 197B, and the ring portion 197B is made of metal or resin having a plated layer on its surface. The ring portion 197B of the handle 197 is provided so that its outer circumferential surface is exposed to the outside at the rear end of the handle 197 (the front end of the handle base 181). The ring portion 197B and the handle touch sensor 192 may be electrically connected by an electric wire 198.

[0301] Specifically, one of the ring terminals 198a of the electric wire 198, which has ring terminals 198a at both ends, is screwed in together with the mounting screw between the mounting piece 186a of the inner base 186 and the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192, and the other ring terminal 198a of the electric wire 198 is screwed in to the mounting piece 197h of the ring portion 197B on the handle 197. As a result, when a player grips the handle 197, their fingers come into contact with the ring portion 197B, and contact can be detected via the ring portion 197B and the electric wire 198. Therefore, as described above, poor contact (detection failure of the handle touch sensor 192) can be reliably prevented, and even if chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite are used during cleaning in the amusement hall where this pachinko machine 1 is installed, poor contact will not occur, and the handle touch sensor 192 can reliably detect the player's contact.

[0302] The ring portion 197B of the handle 197 may be fixed to the main body portion 197A and rotatable as an integral part, or it may be guided by the main body portion 197A or the handle base 181 and rotatable relative to it. In addition, although an annular ring portion 197B is shown above, a non-annular ring portion 197B that does not complete a full circle, such as a C shape, is also acceptable.

[0303] Furthermore, although the above example shows a handle 197 composed of a main body 197A and a ring portion 197B, it is not limited to this configuration, and the ring portion 197B may be an independent component with a different structure from the handle 197.

[0304] (Variation 3) Alternatively, for example, the handle touch sensor 192 may be installed in a different location, and a wire 198 with ring terminals 198a at both ends may be used. One ring terminal 198a may be screwed together with the tab-shaped terminal 192a using a mounting screw, while the other ring terminal 198a may be screwed together with the second mounting portion 190b of the handle return spring 190 using a mounting screw. This also reliably prevents poor contact (detection failure of the handle touch sensor 192) in the same way as described above. Therefore, even if chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite are used during cleaning in the amusement hall where this pachinko machine 1 is installed, poor contact will not occur, and the handle touch sensor 192 can reliably detect the player's contact. In this case, the front end (first mounting portion 190a) of the handle return spring 190 may be attached to the handle 197 with a mounting screw, or it may be locked to a projection provided on the handle 197.

[0305] (Modification 4) Alternatively, for example, a mounting hole may be provided on the back of the handle 197, and one of the ring terminals 198a of the electric wire 198, which has ring terminals 198a at both ends, may be screwed in together with the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192 using a mounting screw, while the other ring terminal 198a may be screwed in using a mounting screw that is screwed into the mounting hole of the handle 197. In this case, the length of the electric wire 198 should be such that the handle 197 can rotate. As for the part of the handle 197 to which the ring terminal 198a of the electric wire 198 is screwed in, for example, if the handle 197 has a ring portion 197B as shown in Figure 54, the ring portion 197B may be provided so as to rotate integrally with the main body portion 197A, and the ring terminal 198a may be screwed in to the mounting portion 197h of the ring portion 197B. This also ensures that poor contact (detection failure of the handle touch sensor 192) is reliably prevented, as described above. Therefore, even if chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite are used during cleaning in the amusement hall where this pachinko machine 1 is installed, poor contact will not occur, and the handle touch sensor 192 can reliably detect the player's contact.

[0306] (Other variations) The above example shows the device being screwed to the plating layer on the handle 197, but it is not limited to this. For example, if the handle 197 has a metal part, the device may be screwed to that metal part and electrically connected to the handle touch sensor 192. This metal part could be, for example, the ring part 197B described above, made of metal.

[0307] Furthermore, although the above example shows a handle touch sensor 192 having a tab-shaped terminal 192a, it is not limited to this, and the handle touch sensor may also have a connector. In this case, the end of the wire connected to the connector can be electrically connected to the handle 197 either directly or via the handle return spring 190.

[0308] [3-4a-2.Summary] The handle unit 180 described above has the following technical features: (Background of the technical features) Pachinko machines, as a form of amusement, are equipped with a handle operated by the player to launch game balls into the game area, and a touch sensor to detect when the player is touching the handle (for example, Patent Document: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-137794). In conventional amusement machines like the one described in the above patent document, the touch sensor and the handle are electrically connected via a spring that returns the handle to its original position, thereby detecting contact between the player and the handle. In this type of conventional amusement machine, the spring that returns the handle is designed to bring the end on the touch sensor side and the end on the handle side into contact using the biasing force of the spring.

[0309] Incidentally, in amusement halls where gaming machines are installed, chemicals such as alcohol and sodium hypochlorite are sometimes used when cleaning and disinfecting the machines. If these chemicals used for cleaning enter the handle or if gases are generated and adhere to springs, the surface of the springs may corrode or oxidize, potentially causing electrical contact problems. Such contact problems can lead to unstable ball launching or even prevent ball launching altogether, potentially reducing the enjoyment of the players.

[0310] Therefore, in light of the above circumstances, the objective of the following method is to provide a gaming machine that can reliably detect contact of the handle by the player.

[0311] (Means of resolving technical features) Method 1: In a gaming machine, A gaming machine equipped with a handle unit for launching game balls into the game area, The aforementioned handle unit is A rotatable handle, A handle base that rotatably supports the handle, A touch sensor is provided on the handle base, The device is characterized by comprising a linear metal body, one end of which is screwed together with the electrode tab of the touch sensor, or the tip of a wire connected to the electrode tab or the connector of the touch sensor, and the other end of which is in contact with the plated or metal part of the handle.

[0312] Examples of "linear bodies" here include "springs" and "electric wires."

[0313] According to the configuration of means 1, the game machine is equipped with a handle unit for launching game balls into the game area, and the handle unit comprises a rotatable handle, a handle base that rotatably supports the handle, a touch sensor provided on the handle base, and a linear metal body formed in a linear shape, one end of which is screw-fastened together with the electrode tab of the touch sensor, or the tip of an electric wire connected to the electrode tab or the connector of the touch sensor, and the other end of which is in contact with the plated or metal part of the handle. (See the description in the section [3-4a. Handle Unit], Figures 50 to 54, etc. in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

[0314] In this configuration, in the handle unit for launching game balls into the game area, one end of a metal wire, whose other end is in contact with the plated or metal part of the handle, is screwed together with the electrode tab of the touch sensor provided on the handle base, or the tip of the wire connected to the electrode tab or the connector of the touch sensor. In other words, one end of the wire is screwed to the electrode tab of the touch sensor, or the tip of the wire electrically connected to the touch sensor via the electrode tab or connector. Compared to the case where one end of the wire is simply in contact without being screwed, this prevents contact failure even if chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite used during cleaning of the game machine enter the handle or gases are generated and adhere to springs, causing corrosion or oxidation of the surface, and the touch sensor can reliably detect the player's contact with the handle via the wire. Therefore, a gaming machine can be provided that prevents unstable ball launching or inability to launch game balls due to detection malfunctions by the touch sensor, allowing players to enjoy the game in a good condition and suppressing a decline in players' enjoyment.

[0315] Furthermore, it is desirable that the touch sensor be attached to the handle base by screwing in the electrode tabs of the touch sensor. This allows for simultaneous attachment of one end of the linear body and the touch sensor, reducing the effort required for assembly and disassembly.

[0316] Alternatively, the other end of the linear body may be secured to a projection protruding from the handle. This allows for an electrical connection by securing the other end of the linear body to the projection on the handle, thereby reducing the effort (man-hours) required for assembling and disassembling the handle unit and suppressing the increase in costs associated with the gaming machine.

[0317] Furthermore, the other end of the linear body may be screwed to the handle. This ensures that the other end of the linear body is also screwed to the handle, making it less likely for poor contact to occur at both ends in addition to the one end. Therefore, even if the linear body corrodes or oxidizes due to chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite during cleaning of the gaming machine, poor contact will not occur, and the touch sensor can reliably detect the player's contact with the handle via the linear body.

[0318] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the other end of the linear body is also secured with screws, it is desirable to ensure that a screwdriver or other tool can be accessed from the same direction for each screw (mounting screw) at both ends of the linear body. This allows for screw fastening from the same direction at both ends of the linear body, reducing the effort required to assemble the handle unit and thus suppressing the increase in costs associated with the gaming machine.

[0319] Furthermore, it is desirable that the linear body act as a spring that biases the handle around its axis. This means that the linear body electrically connecting the handle and the touch sensor acts as a spring that biases the handle, thus reducing the number of parts in the handle unit compared to a case where the linear body is a separate component from the spring (for example, an electric wire), and thus suppressing an increase in the cost of the gaming machine.

[0320] Means 2: In the configuration of means 1, "The linear body is secured to a projection at its other end that protrudes from the handle." It is characterized by being such.

[0321] Here, "protrusions" can be categorized into those that are integrally molded with the handle, those that are insert-molded into the handle (e.g., metal pins), and those that are separate from the handle and attached to it (e.g., metal pins, screws, etc.).

[0322] According to the configuration of means 2, the other end of the linear body is locked into a projection that protrudes from the handle. (See Chapter 3-4a. Handle Unit in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention])

[0323] As a result, the other end of the linear body is electrically connected by engaging it with a projection on the handle, which reduces the effort (man-hours) required to assemble and disassemble the handle unit, thereby suppressing the increase in the cost of the gaming machine.

[0324] Alternatively, the other end of the linear body may be secured to the projection on the handle and then screwed in. This makes it less likely for poor contact to occur at both ends of the linear body, and the touch sensor can reliably detect contact with the handle by the player.

[0325] Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 or means 2, "The other end of the linear body is screwed to the handle." It is characterized by being such.

[0326] According to the configuration of means 3, the other end of the linear body is screwed to the handle. (See the description of the handle return spring 190 and Figure 52 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

[0327] As a result, the other end of the linear body is also screwed to the handle, making it less likely for contact failures to occur at both ends in addition to the one end. Therefore, even if the linear body is corroded or oxidized by chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite during cleaning of the gaming machine, contact failures will not occur, and the touch sensor can reliably detect the player's contact with the handle via the linear body.

[0328] Furthermore, since the linear body is secured to both ends with screws, it is desirable that tools such as screwdrivers be able to access each screw (mounting screw) from the same direction. This allows the linear body to be secured to both ends with screws from the same direction, reducing the effort required to assemble the handle unit and thus suppressing the increase in costs associated with the gaming machine.

[0329] Means 4: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 3, "The linear body is a spring that biases the handle around its axis." It is characterized by the following:

[0330] According to the configuration of means 4, the linear body is a spring that biases the handle around its axis. (See the description of the handle return spring 190 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

[0331] As a result, the linear body electrically connecting the handle and the touch sensor acts as the spring that biases the handle. Compared to cases where the linear body is a separate component from the spring (for example, an electric wire), the number of parts in the handle unit can be reduced, thereby suppressing an increase in the cost of the gaming machine.

[0332] Thus, according to the above solution, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reliably detect contact of the handle by the player.

[0333] (Relationship between the means of solving the technical features and the embodiments) In this embodiment, the handle unit 180 in the door frame 3 corresponds to the handle unit of the above solution, the handle base 181 of the handle unit 180 corresponds to the handle base of the above solution, the handle return spring 190 of the handle unit 180 corresponds to the linear body and spring of the above solution, the handle touch sensor 192 of the handle unit 180 corresponds to the touch sensor of the above solution, the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192 corresponds to the electrode tab of the above solution, and the handle 197 of the handle unit 180 corresponds to the handle of the above solution.

[0334] (Characteristic effects of this embodiment) In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in the handle unit 180 for launching the game ball B from the door frame 3 into the game area 5a, one end (second mounting portion 190b) of the handle return spring 190, which is a linear metal body with its other end (first mounting portion 190a side) in contact with the plated portion of the handle 197, is screwed together with the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192 provided on the handle base 181. In other words, one end of the handle return spring 190 is screwed to the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192. As a result, compared to the case where one end of the handle return spring 190 is simply in contact without being screwed in, even if chemicals such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite used during cleaning of the pachinko machine 1 enter the handle unit 180 or gases are generated and adhere to the spring, causing corrosion or oxidation of the surface, contact failure will not occur, and the handle touch sensor 192 can reliably detect the player's contact with the handle 197 via the handle return spring 190. Therefore, the launch of the game balls B will not become unstable or impossible to launch due to detection malfunctions by the handle touch sensor 192, and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that allows players to enjoy the game in good condition and suppresses a decline in the player's enjoyment.

[0335] Furthermore, since the tab-shaped terminal 192a of the handle touch sensor 192 can be screwed in to attach the handle touch sensor 192 to the handle base 181, the attachment of one end of the handle return spring 190 (the second attachment part 190b side) and the attachment of the handle touch sensor 192 can be done simultaneously, reducing the effort required for assembly and disassembly.

[0336] Furthermore, since the other end (first mounting portion 190a) of the handle return spring 190 is screwed to the handle 197, poor contact is less likely to occur at the other end (first mounting portion 190a) in addition to the one end (second mounting portion 190b). Therefore, even if the handle return spring 190 or other parts corrode or oxidize due to chemical solutions such as alcohol or sodium hypochlorite during cleaning of the pachinko machine 1, poor contact will not occur, and the handle touch sensor 192 can reliably detect the player's contact with the handle 197 via the handle return spring 190.

[0337] Furthermore, at both ends of the handle return spring 190 (the second mounting portion 190b side) and the other end (the first mounting portion 190a side), a screwdriver or other tool can be approached from the same direction (in this case, the front) to access the respective screws (mounting screws). Since both ends of the handle return spring 190 can be screwed in from the same direction, the effort required to assemble the handle unit 180 can be reduced, and the increase in cost for the pachinko machine 1 can be suppressed.

[0338] Furthermore, since the linear body electrically connecting the handle 197 and the handle touch sensor 192 is the handle return spring 190 that biases the handle 197, the number of parts in the handle unit 180 can be reduced compared to the case where the linear body is a separate component (for example, an electric wire) from the handle return spring 190, thereby suppressing an increase in the cost of the pachinko machine 1.

[0339] Alternatively, the other end of the handle return spring 190 (the first mounting portion 190a side) may be locked to a projection that protrudes rearward from the handle 197. This allows for an electrical connection between the other end of the handle return spring 190 and the projection on the handle 197, thereby reducing the effort (man-hours) required for assembling and disassembling the handle unit 180 and suppressing an increase in the cost of the pachinko machine 1.

[0340] [3-4b. Handle cover unit] The handle cover unit 290 in the door frame 3 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 48 and 49. The handle cover unit 290 includes a handle cover base 291 that covers the outer circumference of the handle unit 180 behind the handle 197 and whose rear end is attached to the handle mounting surface of the door frame base 101, and a handle cover 295 that covers the outer circumference with a gap between it and the handle cover base 291 and whose rear end is attached to the plate unit body 252 of the plate unit 200.

[0341] The handle cover base 291 comprises a cylindrical rear section extending front to back with an inner diameter into which the base 181a of the handle base 181 can be inserted, and a plurality of (three in this case) protrusions that project inward from the inner circumference of the rear section and extend front to back, and are provided at positions corresponding to the groove 181c of the handle base 181 in the circumferential direction.

[0342] The rear cylinder portion is attached at its rear end to the handle mounting surface of the door frame base 101. This rear cylinder portion is formed to the same length as the base portion 181a of the handle base 181, and the base portion 181a of the handle base 181 is inserted into it. The three protrusions correspond to the three groove portions 181c of the handle base 181, and by being inserted into the groove portions 181c, the handle base 181 can be made non-rotatable relative to the cylinder.

[0343] The handle cover 295 has a front hole 295a at its front end that is larger in diameter than the handle 197, and is formed in a tubular shape like a spindle (igloo-shaped, bowl-shaped, etc.) that bulges towards the rear, with multiple (four in this case) notched openings 295b that are cut out from the rear end toward the front. The rear end of the handle cover 295 is attached to the plate unit body 252 of the plate unit 200.

[0344] In this embodiment, even if liquids such as beverages or game balls B enter the cylinder, the handle cover unit 290 can be discharged downwards through the lower notched opening 295b.

[0345] Furthermore, the notched opening 295b on the lower side of the handle cover 295 is located on the extension of the inclination direction of the fin portion 46b of the grill member 46 in the lower outer frame assembly 40 of the outer frame 2. This allows the wind (wind pressure) released diagonally upward and forward from the grill member 46 via the fin portion 46b due to the vibration of the main frame speaker 622 to enter the cylinder through the notched opening 295b. Therefore, when a player inserts their fingers into the cylinder of the handle cover 295 and rotates the handle 197 (the device for inserting the game ball B), the main frame speaker 622 can be vibrated to send wind into the front cylinder portion 291a, surprising the player and creating an unprecedented effect. In other words, by applying sonic pressure stimulation to the fingers of the player operating the handle 197, it is possible to surprise the player, give them a sense of impending opportunity, or change the amount of steering input, thereby entertaining the player, preventing them from getting bored, and suppressing a decline in interest in the game.

[0346] Furthermore, since sound pressure (sound air) from the main frame speaker 622 can be supplied into the handle cover unit 290 through the notched opening 295b, the inside of the handle cover unit 290 can be cooled, making the environment around the hands and fingers of the player operating the handle 197 more comfortable, thereby reducing stress on the player and preventing a decline in their enjoyment of the game.

[0347] Furthermore, as described above, when a player operates the handle 197 with their fingers inserted into the handle cover unit 290, the sound pressure (sound wind) emitted forward from the port member 47 provided on the lower outer frame assembly 40 of the outer frame 2, which is different from the door frame 3 on which the handle 197 and handle cover unit 290 are installed, is guided by the multiple vane portions 46b of the grill member 46 to provide stimulation to the player's fingers. Compared to the case where a vibration device is installed on the handle 197, this does not damage the various sensors (handle rotation detection sensor 189, handle touch sensor 192, single button operation sensor 194, etc.) and bearing mechanisms provided on the handle 197, making it possible to make the handle unit 180 less prone to damage, thus avoiding causing discomfort to the player due to damage to the handle unit 180, and thus suppressing a decrease in the player's enjoyment of the game.

[0348] Furthermore, since the handle cover 295 has a notched opening 295b, when opening the door frame 3 or the main frame 4, a finger can be placed in the notched opening 295b on the right side and pulled, thus it can be used as a handle when opening the door frame 3, etc.

[0349] Furthermore, because the handle cover 295 has a notched opening 295b, the rotational position of the handle 197 can be easily fixed by gripping the handle 197 and the notched opening 295b with fingers, allowing the player to continuously drive the game balls B into the game area 5a with a constant force without having to continuously twist their hand. In this way, the handle 197 can be rotated in a variety of ways to drive the game balls B, making it possible to provide a pachinko machine 1 that allows the player to select a driving operation that suits them.

[0350] Furthermore, a handle 197 is provided in the lower right corner of the door frame 3, opposite the hinge side, and a notched opening 295b is provided in the right-facing portion of the outer surface of the handle cover 295 of the handle cover unit 290. This notched opening 295b can be used as a handle when opening and closing the door frame 3. Therefore, there is no need to provide an unsightly handle on the door frame 3, and the appearance of the door frame 3 can be improved.

[0351] [3-5. Overall configuration of the plate unit] The tray unit 200 in the door frame 3 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 48 and 49. The tray unit 200 is attached to the front of the door frame base 101 of the door frame base unit 100, below the door window 101a. The tray unit 200 includes an upper tray 201 for storing game balls B to be played into the game area 5a, and a lower tray 202 located below the upper tray 201 and capable of storing game balls B supplied from the upper tray 201 and the foul cover unit 150.

[0352] The plate unit 200 includes a plate base unit 210 having an upper plate 201 and mounted on the front of the door frame base 101 of the door frame base unit 100, a plate decoration unit 250 mounted on the front of the plate base unit 210 and having a lower plate 202, and a performance operation unit 300 mounted on the front of the plate decoration unit 250 and the plate base unit 210 and operable by the player.

[0353] The pan base unit 210 comprises a flat pan unit base 211 extending to the left and right, an upper pan body 212 attached to the upper front of the pan unit base 211 and having an upper pan 201, a mounting base (not shown) attached to the right of the upper pan body 212 and protruding forward, a pan unit relay board (not shown) attached to the right of the mounting base, a ball dispensing operation unit 220 attached to the upper surface of the mounting base, an upper pan ball removal unit (not shown) attached below the mounting base, and an upper pan ball removal unit 240 attached behind the upper pan ball removal unit.

[0354] The plate decoration unit 250 comprises a lower plate body 251 attached to the lower front of the plate unit base 211 and having a lower plate 202, a plate unit body 252 attached to the front of the plate unit base 211 so as to cover the outer circumference of the lower plate body 251, a lower plate ball removal unit 260 attached to the lower surface of the lower plate body 251, and a left plate decoration unit 270 and a right plate decoration unit 275, respectively, attached to the upper front of the plate unit body 252, spaced apart to the left and right.

[0355] The performance control unit 300 includes a performance control section 301 that can be operated by the player, which includes a press operation section 303 that can be pressed by the player, a lever operation section 304 that can be operated by the player in the forward and backward directions, and the performance control section 301 that can be operated by the player. The performance control unit 300 includes a base unit 400 that is attached to the plate base unit 210, and a lever operation section unit 410 that is attached to the base unit 400 so as to be rotatable around an axis that extends in the left and right directions. The press operation section 303 is provided on the upper surface of the base unit 400.

[0356] The entire plate unit 200 bulges forward, and the performance control unit 301 is positioned in the center in the left-right direction such that the upper surface of the performance control unit 301 faces diagonally upward and forward. The upper plate 201 is positioned to the left of the performance control unit 300 on its upper surface, the ball dispensing control unit 220 is positioned to the right of the performance control unit 300, and the lower plate 202 is positioned below the upper plate 201 and to the left of the performance control unit 300.

[0357] [3-5a. Upper plate] The upper tray 201 of the tray unit 200 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 48 and 49. The upper tray 201 is formed by the tray unit base 211 and the upper tray body 212, and is formed in a container shape that bulges significantly forward on the left side from the center when viewed from the front, and is open upward. The upper tray 201 (upper tray body 212) bulges out the most at about 1 / 3 of the distance from the left end to the right of the width of the door frame 3 in the left-right direction. The front end of the upper tray 201 recedes backward as it moves from the most bulging part toward the right side when viewed from the front, and has a guide passage section 201a (see Figure 37) whose depth in the front-rear direction is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the game ball B. The entire bottom surface of the upper tray 201, including the guide passage section 201a, is inclined so that the right end is lower, and the right end of the guide passage section 201a when viewed from the front is recessed below the ball dispensing operation unit 220.

[0358] When assembled with the tray unit 200, the upper tray 201 is inclined such that its bottom surface slopes downward from a position below the upper tray ball supply port 211a of the tray unit base 211 to a position slightly below the outer diameter of the game ball B relative to the upper end of the upper tray ball feeding port (not shown in the figure). This allows game balls B released forward from the upper tray ball supply port 211a to be received and stored in the upper tray 201, and the received game balls B can be supplied to the ball feeding unit 140 side from the right end of the guide passage 201a through the upper tray ball feeding port.

[0359] Furthermore, the guide passage section 201a is equipped with a metal grounding fitting that is electrically grounded (earthed) in the pachinko machine 1, and when the game ball B comes into contact with (rolls over) the grounding fitting, the static electricity charged on the game ball B can be removed.

[0360] [3-5b. Lower plate] The lower tray 202 of the tray unit 200 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 48, etc. The lower tray 202 is located below the upper tray 201 and, in a front view, is positioned to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the tray unit 200 (door frame 3). The lower tray 202 is formed from the lower tray body 251 and the tray unit base 211. The lower tray 202 is formed in the shape of a container capable of storing game balls B and has a lower tray ball release hole 202a that penetrates vertically through the bottom wall, allowing game balls B to be discharged (see Figure 29). The lower tray ball release hole 202a of the lower tray 202 is closed and opened by the lower tray ball release lid of the lower tray ball release unit 260.

[0361] The lower tray 202 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, extending horizontally, with the front end on the left side protruding further forward than the right side, relative to the center in the horizontal direction. The lower tray 202 has a ball outlet 202a that penetrates vertically, located near the front end near the right end. The bottom surface of the lower tray 202 is inclined so that it becomes lower towards the ball outlet 202a. When assembled with the tray unit 200, the ball outlet 202a of the lower tray 202 is located to the left of the front of the ball supply port 211c and below the performance control unit 300.

[0362] The lower tray 202 can store game balls B released forward from the lower tray ball supply port 211c when the lower tray ball release hole 202a is closed, and the stored game balls B can be discharged downwards from the tray unit 200 (for example, to a coin box) by opening the lower tray ball release hole 202a. Furthermore, when the lower tray ball release hole 202a of the lower tray 202 is open, since the lower tray ball release hole 202a is located in front of the lower tray ball supply port 211c, game balls B released forward from the lower tray ball supply port 211c can be quickly discharged downwards from the lower tray ball release hole 202a by moving the shortest distance.

[0363] [3-5c. Dish base unit] The dish base unit 210 in the dish unit 200 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 48 and 49. The dish base unit 210 comprises a flat dish unit base 211 that is attached to the lower front of the door frame base unit 100 and extends to the left and right, an upper dish body 212 that is attached to the upper front of the dish unit base 211 and has an upper dish 201, and a dish unit relay board 214 that is attached to the rear surface of the dish unit base 211 near the lower right corner.

[0364] Furthermore, the pan base unit 210 includes a ball dispensing operation unit 220 mounted on the upper front of the pan unit base 211, an upper pan ball removal unit (not shown) mounted on the front of the pan unit base 211 below the ball dispensing operation unit 220, and an upper pan ball removal unit 240 mounted on the rear side of the pan unit base 211 behind the upper pan ball removal unit.

[0365] [3-5c-1. Plate Unit Base] The dish unit base 211 of the dish base unit 210 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 48 and 49. The dish unit base 211 is attached below the door window 101a on the front surface of the door frame base 101 of the door frame base unit 100, and is formed in a flat plate shape (a shallow box shape with the rear open) that extends left and right across the entire width of the door frame base 101.

[0366] The tray unit base 211 includes an upper tray ball supply port 211a that penetrates from front to back near the upper left corner in a front view and extends cylindrically to the rear, a speaker port 211b that penetrates from front to back below the upper tray ball supply port 211a and has perforated metal attached to the front, a lower tray ball supply port 211c that penetrates from front to back and extends cylindrically to the rear at the lower left of the center in a front view, a notch 211d on the right side wall of the cylindrical portion extending to the rear of the lower tray ball supply port 211c that is cut out to a size that allows game balls B to pass through, and an upper tray ball feeding port (not shown) that penetrates from front to back and extends vertically on the upper right side of the lower tray ball supply port 211c in a front view, with its upper part located at the right end of the upper tray body 212.

[0367] The upper tray ball supply port 211a of the tray unit base 211, when assembled with the door frame 3, has its front end opening into the rear wall of the upper tray 201, and its cylindrical rear end passing through the upper tray ball passage port 101g of the door frame base 101 from the front and connecting to the front end of the ball passage 150a of the foul cover unit 150. As a result, game balls B dispensed from the dispensing device 580 of the dispensing unit 560 are supplied (dispensed) into the upper tray 201 through the upper tray ball supply port 211a.

[0368] When assembled to the door frame 3, the lower tray ball supply port 211c has its front end opening into the rear wall of the lower tray 202, and its cylindrical rear end passes through the lower tray ball passage port 101f of the door frame base 101 from the front and connects to the front end of the ball discharge port 150d of the foul cover unit 150. As a result, game balls B flowing through the storage passage 150e of the foul cover unit 150 are supplied into the lower tray 202 through the lower tray ball supply port 211c. In addition, the downstream end of the ball removal guide path 241c in the rear base 241 of the upper tray ball removal unit 240 is connected to the notch 211d formed in the cylindrical portion of the lower tray ball supply port 211c. As a result, the game balls B stored in the upper tray 201 are discharged into the lower tray 202 from the lower tray ball supply port 211c via the upper tray ball supply port, the entry port 141a and ball release port 141b of the ball supply unit 140, the ball supply guide path and ball release guide path 241c of the upper tray ball release unit 240, and the notch 211d, when the upper tray ball release button 222 is operated.

[0369] The upper tray ball supply port, when assembled with the tray base unit 210, is located in front of the ball receiving port (not shown) of the rear base 241 in the upper tray ball removal unit 240, and the game balls B in the upper tray 201 are supplied from the ball receiving port of the upper tray ball removal unit 240 to the ball supply guide path.

[0370] [3-5c-2. Upper tray body] The upper tray body 212 of the tray base unit 210 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 48 and 49. The upper tray body 212 is attached to the front of the tray unit base 211 and works in cooperation with the tray unit base 211 to form the upper tray 201. The upper tray body 212 is formed in a container shape (dish shape) with the top and rear open. The upper tray body 212 extends to the left and right, with the left side bulging forward more significantly than the center when viewed from the front. The front end of the upper tray body 212 recedes backward as it moves from the most protruding part towards the right when viewed from the front, and the depth in the front-to-back direction is formed to be slightly wider than the outer diameter of the game ball B. The bottom surface of the upper tray body 212 is sloped so that the right end is the lowest. The upper part of the upper tray body 212 near the right end is closed.

[0371] When assembled with the tray unit 200, the upper tray body 212 is mounted such that the closed upper portion near the right end tucks under the ball dispensing operation unit 220. Additionally, the upper tray body 212 has a performance operation unit mounting portion 212a formed in the middle of the upper part in the left-right direction, and a part of the performance operation unit 300 is attached to this performance operation unit mounting portion 212a.

[0372] [3-5c-3. Dish Unit Relay Board] The dish unit relay board 214 of the dish base unit 210 is for relaying connections between the door frame sub-relay board 105 (see Figure 72) in the door frame base unit 100 and the left dish decorative board, the right dish decorative board, and the rotating body decorative board 416, etc. The dish unit relay board 214 is mounted near the lower right corner of the rear surface of the dish unit base 211. When the dish unit relay board 214 is mounted on the dish unit base 211, its rear surface faces the rear side of the dish unit base 211.

[0373] [3-5c-4. Ball dispensing operation unit] The ball lending operation unit 220 of the dish base unit 210 will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 48 and 49. This ball lending operation unit 220 discharges the game balls B stored in the upper dish 201 to the lower dish 202, or after inserting cash or a prepaid card into a ball lending machine (not shown) provided adjacent to the pachinko machine 1, it lends a predetermined number of game balls B into the upper dish 201 of the dish unit 200, displays the remaining amount of cash or prepaid card inserted into the ball lending machine, returns the cash or prepaid card inserted into the ball lending machine after deducting the amount corresponding to the lent game balls B, adjusts the volume, and adjusts the light amount.

[0374] The ball lending operation unit 220 includes an upper dish ball extraction button 222, a ball lending button 224, a return button 225, a ball lending display unit 226, and an adjustment button 229 composed of four buttons arranged in a cross shape.

[0375] The upper dish ball extraction button 222 protrudes upward in a cylindrical shape and can move downward when pressed by the player. The ball lending button 224 is formed in a circular shape with the character "Ball" on its upper surface. The return button 225 is formed in a triangular shape. The ball lending display unit 226 is composed of three 7-segment LEDs and one bullet-shaped LED, and can be clearly visually recognized from the player's side when emitting light.

[0376] By pressing the upper dish ball extraction button 222 of the ball lending operation unit 220, the game balls B stored in the upper dish 201 can be discharged to the lower dish. Also, when a cash or prepaid card with a remaining amount is inserted into the ball lending machine and the ball lending button 224 is pressed, a predetermined number of game balls B are supplied to the upper dish 201. When the return button 225 is pressed, the cash or prepaid card inserted into the ball lending machine is returned after deducting the amount corresponding to the lent game balls B. The remaining amount of cash or prepaid card inserted into the ball lending machine is displayed on the ball lending display unit 226. Also, an error code is displayed on the ball lending display unit 226 when the ball lending machine malfunctions.

[0377] The adjustment button 229 is used to adjust the volume of music, voices, sound effects, and other sounds used for performances, which are output from the top center speaker and top side speaker of the door frame 3 and the main frame speaker 622 for bass frequencies of the main frame 4. It is also used to adjust the light intensity (brightness) of the LEDs on the various decorative circuit boards provided on the door frame 3 and the game board 5, as well as the brightness of the display screen of the performance display device 1600.

[0378] However, if the volume and brightness are adjusted using the press operation unit 303 of the performance operation unit 301, when a player-participation performance requiring operation of the performance operation unit 301 is not being performed, the player must appropriately operate the performance operation unit 301 to display a setting menu for adjusting the volume and brightness on the performance display device 1600, select the item to adjust, and then operate the press operation unit 303 or lever operation unit 304 to change the volume or brightness, which takes time and effort to adjust. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the volume and brightness can be adjusted directly by operating the adjustment button 229, providing a pachinko machine 1 that simplifies the effort required to adjust the volume and brightness and allows for quick adjustment.

[0379] [3-5c-5. Unit after removing the upper tray bulb] The upper tray ball removal unit and the upper tray ball removal unit 240 in the tray base unit 210 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 49. The upper tray ball removal unit 240 works in cooperation with the ball supply unit 140 to discharge the game balls B stored in the upper tray 201 to the lower tray 202 when the upper tray ball removal button 222 of the ball dispensing operation unit 220 is pressed.

[0380] The upper tray bulb removal unit 240 includes a rear base 241 attached to the rear surface of the tray unit base 211 so as to close the upper tray bulb supply port from the rear, an upper tray bulb removal slider 242 attached to the front surface of the rear base 241 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, a spring (not shown) that biases the upper tray bulb removal slider 242 upward, and a rear cover 244 attached to the rear side of the rear base 241.

[0381] The rear base 241 protrudes upward from the portion where the upper tray ball release slider 242 is slidably mounted and has an opening facing forward through which game balls B can pass (not shown), a ball feeding guide path that guides the game balls B received in the ball receiving opening downward on the rear surface of the rear base 241 and then to the rear, and a ball release guide path 241c that guides the game balls B downward from a position below the ball feeding guide path on the rear surface of the rear base 241 and then to the right when viewed from the rear.

[0382] The ball receiving port is formed in the assembled tray base unit 210 at the downstream end (right end in front view) of the guide passage 201a of the upper tray 201, opening forward through the upper tray ball supply port of the tray unit base 211. The ball supply guide path is formed in the assembled door frame 3 such that the entrance port 141a of the ball supply unit 140 is located at the rear of the lower part. As a result, the game balls B supplied to the upper tray 201 enter the entrance port 141a of the ball supply unit 140 through the ball receiving port and the ball supply guide path.

[0383] The portions of the ball removal guideway 241c that extend to the left and right protrude to the right in a rear view from the portion to which the upper pan ball removal slider 242 is slidably mounted, and are inclined so that the right end in a rear view is lower, opening to the right side in a rear view. The rear of the portions of the ball removal guideway 241c that extend to the left and right is closed off by the rear cover 244. When assembled to the door frame 3, the upper part of the portion of the ball removal guideway 241c that extends vertically below the ball supply guideway is located in front of the ball removal opening 141b of the ball supply unit 140, and the right end of the portions that extend to the left and right in a rear view is connected to the notch 211d of the lower pan ball supply opening 211c in the pan unit base 211. As a result, the game balls B discharged from the ball outlet 141b of the ball feeding unit 140 are released into the lower tray 202 from the lower tray ball supply opening 211c via the ball release guide path 241c and the notch 211d.

[0384] The upper tray ball release slider 242 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front and includes an actuation receiving portion (not shown) protruding forward from the upper left corner and an actuation transmission portion 242b protruding rearward from the rear surface behind the actuation receiving portion. The actuation receiving portion has a flat upper surface. The actuation transmission portion 242b is inclined so that its upper surface is positioned downward as it approaches the rear, and its lower surface extends horizontally so as to connect with the rear end of the upper surface.

[0385] When the upper tray ball release slider 242 is assembled to the door frame 3, the operating receiving portion protrudes forward, penetrating the tray unit base 211 from the rear, and the lower end of the upper tray ball release button 222 abuts against the upper surface of the operating receiving portion. Also, when the upper tray ball release slider 242 is assembled to the door frame 3, the operating transmission portion 242b protrudes behind the rear base 241, and the operating rod 143c of the ball release member 143 of the ball supply unit 140 abuts against its upper surface.

[0386] The spring has its upper end attached to the rear base 241 and its lower end attached to the upper plate ball release slider 242, biasing the upper plate ball release slider 242 upward. Therefore, the upper plate ball release slider 242 is positioned at its upward moving end due to the biasing force of the spring, and can move downward by resisting the biasing force of the spring.

[0387] The upper tray ball removal unit 240, by the biasing force of a spring, positions the upper tray ball removal slider 242 at its upward movement end, and also positions the upper tray ball removal button 222 at its upward movement end via the operating receiving portion of the upper tray ball removal slider 242. Furthermore, because the upper tray ball removal slider 242 is positioned at its upward movement end by the biasing force of the spring, downward movement of the operating rod 143c, which is in contact with the upper surface of the operating transmission portion 242b, is prevented, and the partition portion 143a of the ball removal member 143 is positioned between the entrance 141a and the ball removal opening 141b, separating the two.

[0388] Therefore, when the upper tray ball release button 222 is not pressed, the ball feeding unit 140 is partitioned between the entry port 141a and the ball release port 141b, allowing the game balls B sent from the upper tray 201 to the ball receiving port to be sent to the ball launching device 540 side from the ball supply port 142a via the entry port 141a and the ball feeding member 144.

[0389] On the other hand, when the upper tray ball release button 222 is pressed downward against the biasing force of the spring, the upper tray ball release slider 242 moves downward, allowing the operating rod 143c of the ball release member 143, which is in contact with the upper surface of the operating transmission part 242b of the upper tray ball release slider 242, to move downward. The weight portion 143d of the ball release member 143 causes the ball release member 143 to rotate, and the partition portion 143a retracts from between the entry port 141a and the ball release port 141b. As a result, the game balls B that entered the entry port 141a from the upper tray 201 through the ball receiving port and ball feeding guide path are discharged forward from the ball release port 141b which is open below the entry port 141a. Then, the game balls B discharged forward from the ball removal opening 141b are guided through the ball removal guide path 241c to the lower tray ball supply opening 211c from the notch 211d, and then released into the lower tray 202 from the lower tray ball supply opening 211c, so that the game balls B in the upper tray 201 are discharged into the lower tray 202.

[0390] When the downward pressure on the upper tray ball release button 222 is released, the biasing force of the spring causes the upper tray ball release slider 242 to move upward, raising the upper tray ball release button 222. At the same time, the actuation rod 143c, which is in contact with the actuation transmission part 242b, causes the ball release member 143 to rotate, so that the partition part 143a is positioned between the entry point 141a and the ball release opening 141b, returning it to its original state.

[0391] In this way, the upper tray ball removal unit 240 can either send the game balls B in the upper tray 201 to the ball launching device 540 via the ball supply unit 140, or discharge them to the lower tray 202.

[0392] [3-5d. Plate decoration unit] The plate decoration unit 250 in the plate unit 200 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 48, etc. The plate decoration unit 250 has a lower plate 202 and is attached to the front of the plate base unit 210, and the performance operation unit 300 is attached to the center in the left-right direction from the front. The plate decoration unit 250 decorates almost the entire plate unit 200.

[0393] The plate decoration unit 250 comprises a lower plate body 251 attached to the lower front of the plate unit base 211 and working in cooperation with the plate unit base 211 to form the lower plate 202; a plate unit body 252 attached to the front of the plate unit base 211 so as to cover the outer circumference of the lower plate body 251; a lower plate ball removal unit 260 attached to the lower surface of the lower plate body 251; and a left plate decoration unit 270 and a right plate decoration unit 275, respectively, attached to the upper front of the plate unit body 252, spaced apart to the left and right.

[0394] [3-5d-1. Lower tray body] The lower tray body 251 of the plate decoration unit 250 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 48, etc. The lower tray body 251 works in cooperation with the plate unit base 211 of the plate base unit 210 to form the lower tray 202. The lower tray body 251 extends to the left and right and is formed in a container shape (dish shape) with the top and rear open. This lower tray body 251 is attached to the lower front part of the plate unit base 211, to the left of the center in the left-right direction, such that the open rear is closed.

[0395] The lower pan body 251 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape that extends horizontally when viewed from above, with the front end on the left side protruding further forward than the right side from the center in the horizontal direction. In a view from above, the lower pan body 251 has a vertically penetrating lower pan ball release hole 202a formed near the front end on the right side. The bottom surface of the lower pan body 251 is inclined so as to be lower toward the lower pan ball release hole 202a. The lower pan ball release hole 202a is closed and opened by the lower pan ball release cover of the lower pan ball release unit 260.

[0396] When assembled with the tray decoration unit 250, the lower tray body 251 has its outer circumference and part of its bottom surface covered by the tray unit body 252. Also, when assembled with the tray unit 200, the bottom surface of the lower tray body is located below the lower tray ball supply opening 211c of the tray unit base 211, and the lower tray ball release hole 202a is located in front of the lower tray ball supply opening 211c. This allows the game balls B released forward from the lower tray ball supply opening 211c to be stored.

[0397] [3-5d-2. Dish Unit Body] The plate unit body 252 in the plate decoration unit 250 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 48 and 49. The plate unit body 252 is attached to the front of the plate unit base 211 in the plate base unit 210 and decorates the front of the plate unit 200. The plate unit body 252 bulges outwards at the center in the left-right direction on the upper side, and bulges outwards at the left side in the left-right direction on the lower side. In addition, the top surface of the plate unit body 252 is curved so that the center in the left-right direction is the lowest. The plate unit body 252 is formed in a box shape that is open to the rear.

[0398] The plate unit body 252 includes upper side bulges 252a that bulge forward from both left and right ends toward the center in the left-right direction and extend downward, spaced apart to the left and right; a lower front decorative part that bulges forward to the left of the center in the left-right direction so as to cover the outer circumference of the lower plate body 251; and a lower plate opening 252d that penetrates front to back between the left upper side bulge 252a and the lower front decorative part. The left and right upper side bulges 252a are fitted with a left plate decorative unit 270 and a right plate decorative unit 275 on their respective front surfaces.

[0399] Furthermore, although not shown in the illustration, the plate unit body 252 is formed between a pair of upper side bulges 252a that are in the center in the left-right direction and includes a performance control unit mounting section to which the performance control unit 300 is attached. The performance control unit mounting section is formed to be approximately 1 / 3 the width of the left-right width of the plate unit body 252.

[0400] The main body of the dish unit 252, when assembled with the dish unit 200, is formed to completely cover the front of the dish base unit 210, and the speaker opening 211b faces forward through the lower dish opening 252d.

[0401] [3-5d-3. Lower tray bulb removal unit] The lower tray ball removal unit 260 in the tray decoration unit 250 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 48, etc. The lower tray ball removal unit 260 is attached to the lower surface of the lower tray body 251 and opens and closes the lower tray ball removal hole 202a to store game balls B in the lower tray 202 and to discharge game balls B from the lower tray 202.

[0402] The lower tray bulb removal unit 260 includes a lower tray bulb removal button 263 and a lower tray bulb removal cover that opens and closes a through hole when the lower tray bulb removal button 263 is operated.

[0403] In the assembled state of the lower tray ball release unit 260 with the tray decoration unit 250, the lower tray ball release button 263 is aligned with the front surface of the lower front decoration part of the tray unit body 252, and the lower tray ball release cover closes the lower tray ball release hole 202a. In this normal state, the lower tray ball release hole 202a is closed by the lower tray ball release cover, and game balls B can be stored in the lower tray 202.

[0404] In the normal state, pressing the lower tray ball release button 263 backward moves the lower tray ball release cover, opening the lower tray ball release hole 202a, allowing the game balls B in the lower tray 202 to be discharged downward to the tray unit 200 through the lower tray ball release hole 202a.

[0405] Furthermore, when the lower tray ball release button 263 is pressed, the lower tray ball release cover moves, and the lower tray ball release hole 202a remains open, allowing the game balls B in the lower tray 202 to be continuously discharged downwards.

[0406] To close the lower tray ball release hole 202a from this state, the lower tray ball release button 263, which is set back from the front of the lower front decorative part, is pressed backward, and then the pressure is ...

Claims

[Claim 1] A main frame that detachably supports a game board having a game area where the game is played using game balls, from the front, A door frame having a window that allows the game area to be viewed from the front, and a glass unit that closes the window, and which is provided in relation to the main frame so as to be openable and closable from the front. A gaming machine equipped with, The aforementioned door frame is It comprises a first decorative part and a second decorative part, the second decorative part being detachable without removing the first decorative part. At least a portion of the rear end of the second decorative section is provided so as to overlap with the glass unit located at the rear in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the second decorative section is visible from the rear of the door frame through the glass portion of the glass unit. The glass unit is detachable from the door frame. The second decorative part is designed to be fixed to the door frame by a specific fastening means. The mounting state of the second decorative part by the aforementioned specific fixing means is visible from the rear of the door frame with the glass unit installed. Furthermore, the aforementioned game board, A front plate portion is positioned in front of the game balls flowing down the aforementioned game area, with a gap that allows the game balls to flow down, A first protrusion is formed on the back side of the front plate portion and protrudes backward so that it can come into contact with the game balls flowing down the game area, A recess formed on the surface side of the front plate portion and on the back side of the first protrusion, Equipped with, The recess is sized to fit within the formation region where the first protrusion is formed, and has a concave shape substantially similar to the convex shape of the first protrusion. Furthermore, on the back side of the front plate portion, in addition to the first protrusion, a second protrusion is provided on the same side as the first protrusion, which does not have the recess on its back side. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images