JP7708602B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, there is known amusement machines that have an outer frame, an inner frame that is openable and closable relative to the outer frame, and a front frame that is openable and closable relative to the inner frame, with a design unit attached to the front frame and a design member detachably attached to the design unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-202108 A

In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in making it easier for workers to remove the design component from the design unit.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an amusement machine that makes it easy for an operator to remove a design component from a design unit.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a game machine including a game board (e.g., game board 5) and a transparent plate (e.g., transparent plate 11) that can face the game board (e.g., "0014"), the game board having a board surface plate (e.g., acrylic plate 5a), a winning hole forming portion (e.g., starting hole unit 60), and a screw (e.g., screw 71) that fixes the winning hole forming portion to the board surface plate (e.g., "0025", "0027", "0033", "0037"), the winning hole forming portion having a first surface with which the board surface plate is in contact, a second surface opposite to the first surface with which a game ball is in contact, and a third surface (e.g., the front surfaces of first front wall 66a and second front wall 66b) that is located on the transparent plate side of the second surface and can face the transparent plate (e.g., "0034", "0058"), the winning hole forming portion having a positioning protrusion (e.g., , pin 68) and a first screw hole (e.g., screw hole 67) into which the screw is inserted (e.g., "0037"), the face plate has a positioning hole portion (e.g., pin through hole 73) into which the positioning protrusion is inserted and a second screw hole (e.g., screw through hole 72) into which the screw inserted into the first screw hole is inserted (e.g., "0043"), the length (e.g., D1) of the portion where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning hole portion is shorter than the length (e.g., D2) of the portion where the screw is inserted into the second screw hole (e.g., "0048"), and the shortest length (e.g., D3) exceeding 0 mm formed between the third surface of the prize opening forming portion and the transparent plate is shorter than the length (e.g., D1) of the portion where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning hole portion (e.g., "0058", "0066").

This invention makes it easier for workers to remove decorative components from decorative units.

1 is a front view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an oblique view showing a pachinko machine when the front frame is in an open state. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a game board installed in the pachinko machine. 5 is a front perspective view showing a starting hole unit attached to the acrylic plate of the game board shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the starting port unit. 13 is a perspective view showing the attachment of the starting port unit to an acrylic plate. FIG. A front view showing the starting hole base attached to the acrylic plate. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the rectangular area indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 8 . 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8 . FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the starting hole base attached to the game board. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 11. This is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the starting hole base attached to the acrylic plate of the game board and the transparent plate held by the front frame. FIG. A front oblique view of the locking mechanism and slide mechanism provided in the inner frame. 1 is a rear perspective view of the left speaker unit and the left shaft portion attached thereto. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the left shaft portion is engaged with the left speaker unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the left shaft portion is not engaged with the left speaker unit. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the design unit in a first form. FIG. 2 is a top view of the same design unit. 13 is a rear perspective view of the left speaker unit, the logo unit, and the link member connecting them. FIG. FIG. 23 is a top view of the link member shown in FIG. 22 . 23 is an enlarged top view of the periphery of the link member shown in FIG. 22. 11 is a perspective view of the design unit in a second form. FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view of the same design unit. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the logo unit. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the front logo member. 13 is a rear view of the base member with the front logo member attached. FIG. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the base member with the front logo member and lock member attached. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the right speaker unit and the logo unit. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the locking member when the design unit is transformed into a second form; FIG. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a logo unit in a modified example.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front view showing the exterior of a pachinko machine (amusement machine) according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine when the front frame is in an open state.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, pachinko machine P comprises a vertically rectangular outer frame 1 that is installed in an island facility in an amusement facility, an inner frame 2 that is attached to the front of outer frame 1 so that it can be opened and closed like a door, and a front frame 3 that is attached to the front of inner frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed like a door. The outer frame 1 and inner frame 2 form main body 4. Main body 4 holds game board 5.

An upper bearing body 6 and a lower bearing body 7 are fixed to the left frame portion of the outer frame 1. First pins (not shown) are provided at both the top and bottom ends of the left frame portion of the inner frame 2. By supporting these first pins on the upper bearing body 6 and the lower bearing body 7, a first hinge mechanism is formed that supports the inner frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 1. In addition, second pins (not shown) are provided at both the top and bottom ends of the left frame portion of the front frame 3. By supporting these second pins on upper and lower support plates 8, 9 protruding from the left frame portion of the inner frame 2, a second hinge mechanism is formed that supports the front frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the left frame portion of the inner frame 2.

The right frame portion of the inner frame 2 is the free end opposite the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism. A cylinder lock 10 is provided on this right frame portion. Depending on the direction in which the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 10 is turned, the inner frame 2 or the front frame 3 is unlocked.

The front frame 3 holds a transparent plate 11 made of glass, plastic, or the like. When the front frame 3 is closed against the inner frame 2, the transparent plate 11 faces the game board 5. Various devices are provided around the transparent plate 11 of the front frame 3. For example, a design unit 12 is provided above the transparent plate 11, a tray 13 is provided below the transparent plate 11, a performance operation unit 14 is provided in the center front of the tray 13, and an operation handle 15 is provided to the lower right of the performance operation unit 14.

The design unit 12 has a left speaker unit 12a, a right speaker unit 12b, a logo unit 12c arranged between them, and a base unit 12d that supports the logo unit 12c. The left speaker unit 12a is disposed at the upper left of the transparent plate 11. The right speaker unit 12b is disposed at the upper right of the transparent plate 11. The logo unit 12c is disposed above the transparent plate 11. The base unit 12d is disposed above the transparent plate 11, on the rear side of the logo unit 12c. Details will be described later, but the design unit 12 is configured to be deformable in conjunction with the unlocking of the front frame 3.

The tray 13 is capable of containing game balls. Game balls lent out by a game ball lending device (not shown) installed to the side of the pachinko machine P and prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout device (20 in Figure 3) of the pachinko machine P are guided to the tray 13. When the tray 13 becomes full of game balls, the state is detected by a full tank detection unit (23 in Figure 3).

The presentation operation unit 14 allows for the switching of presentations that are executed as the game progresses.

The operating handle 15 is configured so that the player can rotate it in a predetermined direction. When the operating handle 15 is rotated, the game balls stored in the tray 13 are sent to the launching device 16 disposed below the game board 5, and are launched with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the operating handle 15. A rectifier unit 17 is disposed below the transparent plate 11 on the back surface of the front frame 3. The rectifier unit 17 supplies the game balls stored in the tray 13 to the launching device 16.

Figure 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine P. As shown in Figure 3, the pachinko machine P is equipped on its rear side with a main control board 18, a sub-control board 19, a prize ball payout device 20, a payout control board 21, a launch control board (not shown), an external terminal board 22, and a full tank detection unit 23.

The main control board 18 performs the main processing related to the game. The sub-control board 19 receives commands from the main control board 18 and controls various presentation units. The main control board 18 and the sub-control board 19 are covered by a rear cover member 24.

The prize ball payout device 20 pays out prize balls when the game balls enter a predetermined winning hole provided in the game area of the game board 5. The payout control board 21 controls the prize ball payout device 20 in response to commands from the main control board 18.

The launch control board controls the operation of the launch device 16 according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 15. The external terminal board 22 outputs various information such as the number of jackpots to the hall computer of the gaming center. The full tank detection unit 23 detects when the tray 13 is full of game balls.

In this way, the pachinko machine P is equipped with various boards on its back side that control the progress of the game, and these controls allow the game to proceed smoothly.

Next, the game board 5 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a front view showing the game board 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the game board 5 has a substantially rectangular acrylic plate (board plate) 25, a rail base 26, an outer guide rail 27, and an inner guide rail 28. The rail base 26 is curved and fixed to the front surface of the acrylic plate 25. The outer guide rail 27 is also curved and attached along the inner peripheral surface of the rail base 26. The inner guide rail 28 is attached to the inside of the outer guide rail 27 on the acrylic plate 5a. The outer guide rail 27 and the inner guide rail 28 form a curved guide passage 29. The guide passage 29 guides the game balls launched by the launching device 16 (see FIG. 2) to the game area 30.

The play area 30 is an area inside the outer guide rail 27 and the inner guide rail 28, and includes a left-hand hitting area 30a and a right-hand hitting area 30b, which have different degrees of penetration of the play ball depending on the firing strength of the firing device 16. The left-hand hitting area 30a is located on the left side of the play board 5 as seen by a player facing the pachinko machine P. On the other hand, the right-hand hitting area 30b is located on the right side of the play board 5 as seen by the same player.

Various winning holes and the like are provided in the game area 30. For example, a first start winning hole 31 and an outlet 32 are provided in the lower center of the game area 30. A general winning hole 33, a warp passage 34, a windmill 35, and multiple game nails 36 are provided in the left hitting area 30a of the game area 30. A gate 37, a second start winning hole 38, and a large winning hole 39 are provided in the right hitting area 30b of the game area 30. The first start winning hole 31 is formed by attaching a starting hole unit 60 to the acrylic plate 5a, as will be described in detail later.

An opening 40 cut into a predetermined shape is formed in approximately the center of the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5. On the back side of the acrylic plate 5a, in a position that the player can see through the opening 40, there are provided an effect display device 41 that displays various effects related to the game, and a movable role 42 that moves up and down as the game progresses. In addition, although not shown, the game board 5 has a first special pattern display device, a second special pattern display device, a first special pattern reserved display device, a second special pattern reserved display device, a normal pattern display device, a normal pattern reserved display device, and a right hit notification display device, located outside the game area 30 and in positions visible to the player. These displays are devices for displaying various statuses related to the game.

When the player rotates the operating handle 15 (see Figures 1 and 2) to any angle, the launcher 16 launches game balls continuously toward the game area 30. Usually, when the player starts playing, he launches a game ball toward the left-hand hitting area 30a. The launched game ball collides with the windmill 35 and multiple game nails 36 and flows down the left-hand hitting area 30a while changing its direction irregularly. If the game ball that flows down enters the first start winning hole 31, an electronic lottery for a jackpot is held to determine whether or not a special game will be played, and a predetermined number of prize balls (e.g., three balls) are awarded. If the game ball that flows down enters the general winning hole 33, a predetermined number of prize balls (e.g., three balls) are awarded, and if the game ball does not enter either the first start winning hole 31 or the general winning hole 33, it is discharged through the outlet 32 to the back side of the game board 5.

On the other hand, if the player wins the electronic lottery for the big win, the game moves to the special game. In the special game, the player shoots a game ball toward the right-hand shot area 30b. The shot game ball then flows down the right-hand shot area 30b and can enter the large prize opening 39. The large prize opening 39 is provided with a slide plate 39a for the large prize opening that can slide forward and backward. When the slide plate 39a for the large prize opening slides forward, it closes the large prize opening 39, and when it slides backward, it opens the large prize opening 39. In the special game, the slide plate 39a for the large prize opening opens the large prize opening 39 multiple times at a predetermined timing. By having the game ball enter the large prize opening 39 that is opened between the start and end of the special game, a large number of prize balls (for example, 2000 balls) are awarded to the player.

In addition, when the special game ends, the game moves to time-saving game. In time-saving game, the player shoots a game ball toward the right-hand shot area 30b. Then, when the shot game ball passes through the gate 37, an electronic lottery for a normal pattern is executed. If the electronic lottery for a normal pattern is won, the game ball can enter the second start winning hole 38. The second start winning hole 38 is provided with a second start winning hole slide plate 38a that can slide in the forward and backward directions. When the second start winning hole slide plate 38a slides forward, it closes the second start winning hole 38, and when it slides backward, it opens the second start winning hole 38. When the electronic lottery for a normal pattern is won, the second start winning hole slide plate 38a opens the second start winning hole 38 multiple times at a predetermined timing. If the game ball enters the second start winning hole 38, an electronic lottery for the jackpot is held again and a predetermined number of prize balls (e.g., one ball) are awarded. The number of times that the electronic lottery for the jackpot is held in response to the ball entering the second start winning hole 38 is set to a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times). If the electronic lottery for the jackpot is not won within the specified number of times, the time-saving game ends and the player shoots the game ball toward the left hitting area 30a again.

Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned starting port unit (resin member) 60 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a front perspective view showing the starting port unit 60, and Figure 6 is a rear perspective view showing the starting port unit 60.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the starting hole unit 60 is a resin member that has an elongated, curved shape overall to match the shape of the bottom edge of the game board 5 (acrylic plate 5a). The starting hole unit 60 has a starting hole base 61, and a first front decorative part 62 and a second front decorative part 63 that are fixed to the entire surface of the starting hole base 61.

The starting hole base 61 has a first plate-shaped portion 64 that is substantially trapezoidal, a second plate-shaped portion 65 that is substantially triangular, and a connecting portion 66 that connects the first plate-shaped portion 64 and the second plate-shaped portion 65. The front surface (second surface) of the first plate-shaped portion 64 contacts the game balls flowing down the game area 30. The back surface (first surface) of the first plate-shaped portion 64 contacts the acrylic plate 5a via the mounting base portion described below.

The first front decorative part 62 is fixed to the front surface of the first plate-shaped part 64. Although not shown, a fixing pin is formed to protrude from the back surface of the first front decorative part 62, and the first front decorative part 62 is attached to the first plate-shaped part 64 by inserting this fixing pin into a fixing pin through hole formed in the first plate-shaped part 64.

The first front decorative portion 62 has a roughly U-shaped starting hole forming portion 62a that cooperates with the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5 to form the first starting winning hole 31, and a first outlet forming portion 62b and a second outlet forming portion 62c that cooperate with the starting hole base 61 to form the outlet 32. The first outlet forming portion 62b is provided on the left side of the starting hole forming portion 62, and the second outlet forming portion 62c is provided on the right side of the starting hole forming portion 62.

At each of the four corners of the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64, a mounting base portion (first resin portion) 69 having a predetermined thickness is formed. Each mounting base portion 69 is a flat portion that contacts the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a when the first plate-shaped portion 64 is attached to the acrylic plate 5a. Of these mounting base portions 69, three mounting base portions 69 formed at the upper right corner, lower right corner, and lower left corner of the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64 are formed adjacent to each other at a predetermined interval, with a pair of screw holes (first hole portions) 67 into which screws (fixing members) (reference numeral 71 in FIG. 7) are inserted and a pin (positioning protrusion) 68 that determines the mounting position of the starting port base 61 relative to the acrylic plate 5a. The screw holes 67 are recessed from the front surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64 toward the back surface of the mounting base portion 69, and further penetrate from the front surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64 to the back surface of the mounting base portion 69. The pin 68 is formed to protrude rearward from the back surface of the mounting base portion 69. On the other hand, the mounting base portion (fourth resin portion) 69 formed in the upper left corner of the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64 has only a screw hole 67 formed therein, and no pin 68 formed therein.

The first plate-shaped portion 64 has a thin portion (second resin portion) 70 and a thick portion (third resin portion) 75. The thin portion 70 is a portion formed on the peripheral end (upper end in this example) of the first plate-shaped portion 64. In this thin portion 70, the length (dimension) from the front to the back of the first plate-shaped portion 64 is smaller than that of the thick portion 75, and becomes smaller toward the peripheral end of the first plate-shaped portion 64. On the other hand, the thick portion 75 is a portion formed other than the peripheral end of the first plate-shaped portion 64. In this thick portion 75, the length from the front to the back of the first plate-shaped portion 64 is larger than that of the thin portion 70 and is generally constant.

The second front decorative part 63 is fixed to the front surface of the second plate-shaped part 65. The second front decorative part 63 has a passage 63a that cooperates with the second plate-shaped part 65 to guide the game ball to the general winning opening 33. The above-mentioned mounting base part 69 is formed at the right end part on the back surface of the second plate-shaped part 65. Both the screw hole 67 and the pin 68 are formed in this mounting base part 69. In addition, like the first plate-shaped part 64, the second plate-shaped part 65 has a thin part 70 that is a part formed on the peripheral end part (in this example, the upper end part) of the second plate-shaped part 65, and a thick part 75 that is a part formed other than the peripheral end part of the second plate-shaped part 65.

The connecting portion 66 has a first front wall 66a, a second front wall 66b, and multiple curved pieces 66c protruding from the backside of these front walls 66a, 66b. The first front wall 66a, the second front wall 66b, and the multiple curved pieces 66c cooperate with the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5 to form multiple general winning openings 33. In addition, a screw hole 67 is formed in the connecting piece 66d that connects the curved piece 66c protruding from the backside of the first front wall 66a and the curved piece protruding from the backside of the second front wall 66b.

In this way, in the starting port base 61, a set of screw holes 67 and pins 68 are formed in each of the three mounting base parts 69 provided on the back surface of the first plate-shaped part 64, and a set of screw holes 67 and pins 68 are formed in one mounting base part 69 provided on the back surface of the second plate-shaped part 65. In addition, only a screw hole 67 is formed in one mounting base part 69 provided on the back surface of the first plate-shaped part, and one screw hole 67 is formed in the connecting piece 66d of the connecting part 66.

Next, the attachment of the starting hole unit 60 to the game board 5 (acrylic plate 5a) will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the attachment of the starting hole unit 60 to the acrylic plate 5a. Note that for ease of explanation, the first front decorative portion 64 and the second front decorative portion 65 of the starting hole unit 60 are not shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a is formed with a plurality of (six in this example) screw through holes (second hole portion) 72 into which the screws 71 inserted into the screw holes 67 of the starting port base 61 are inserted, and a plurality of (four in this example) pin through holes (positioning hole portion) 73 into which the pins 68 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) of the starting port base 61 are inserted. When attaching the starting port unit 60 (starting port base 61) to the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a, first, the pins 68 of the starting port base 61 are inserted into the pin through holes 73 of the acrylic plate 5a. At this time, the three pins 68 formed on the first plate-shaped portion 64 of the starting port base 61 and one pin formed on the second plate-shaped portion 65 are inserted into the pin through holes 73 of the acrylic plate 5a, respectively, to position the starting port unit 60 relative to the acrylic plate 5a. Next, the screws 71 are screwed into the screw through holes 72 of the acrylic plate 5a through the screw holes 67 of the starting port base 61. At this time, the screw 71 is screwed into the screw through hole 72 of the acrylic plate 5a through the four screw holes 67 formed in the first plate-shaped portion 64, the one screw hole 67 formed in the second plate-shaped portion 65, and the one screw hole 67 formed in the connecting piece 66d of the connecting portion 66. This allows the starting port unit 60 to be fixed to the front surface of the acrylic plate 5a.

Next, the arrangement of the screw holes 67 and pins 68 of the starting hole base 61 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is an enlarged front view of the area around the starting hole unit 60 in the playing area 30 of the game board 5, and Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the dotted frame portion shown in Figure 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the second plate-shaped portion 65, the pin 68 of the mounting base portion 69 is formed in the thick portion 75 and not in the thin portion 70. Specifically, the mounting base portion 69 is formed on the back surface of the thick portion 75 of the second plate-shaped portion 65, and the pin 68 of the mounting base portion 69 is also formed on the back surface of the thick portion 75. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, in the first plate-shaped portion 64, the pin 68 formed in the upper right corner of the back surface is formed in the thick portion 75 and not in the thin portion 70. Specifically, the pin 68 is formed on the back surface of the thick portion 75 so as to be aligned with the screw hole 67 along the boundary between the thick portion 75 and the thin portion 70. Also, the lower left corner and the lower right corner on the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64 are the thick portion 75, and the pin 68 is formed on the mounting base portion 69 on the back surface of the thick portion 75.

No pin is formed in the mounting portion (fourth resin portion) in the upper left corner on the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64. If a pin were formed in this position, it would be subject to a relatively large impact from a game ball flowing down the play area 30 and be damaged. Therefore, to prevent such a situation, no pin is formed in this position.

Next, referring to Figure 10, the diameter of the screw through hole 72 formed in the starting hole base 61, the diameter of the pin through hole 73, and the length (dimension) of the pin 68 will be described in detail. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of line X-X in Figure 8. Note that hatching has not been applied to Figure 10 for ease of explanation.

10, the diameter R1 of the pin through hole 73 is approximately equal to the diameter R2 of the screw through hole 72 (R1≒R2). The diameter R3 of the pin 68 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the second plate-shaped portion 65 of the starting hole base 61 (R3<T1), and more specifically, the diameter R3 of the pin 68 is preferably 70% or less of D1 (R3≦0.7D1). Here, the thickness T1 of the second plate-shaped portion 65 is the length (dimension) from the front surface of the second plate-shaped portion 65 to the rear surface of the mounting base portion 69 in the range where the pin 68 is formed. Furthermore, the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through hole 73 is smaller than the length D2 of the portion where the screw 71 is inserted into the screw through hole 72 (D1<D2).

The game board 5 according to this embodiment, configured in this way, can achieve the following effects:

The diameter R3 of the pin 68 of the starting hole base 61 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the second plate-shaped portion 65, so sink marks are less likely to occur in the starting hole base 61, which is formed by injection molding a resin material. This makes it possible to suppress defects in the starting hole base 61.

In addition, the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through hole 73 is smaller than the length D2 of the portion where the screw 71 is inserted into the screw through hole 72, so even if an unexpected external force is applied to the pin, the possibility of the pin breaking and being damaged is reduced. This makes it possible to prevent defects in the starting port base 61.

In addition, the diameter R2 of the pin through hole 73 in the starting port base 61 is roughly equal to the diameter R1 of the screw through hole 72, so these through holes 72, 73 can be formed together during the manufacturing stage of the acrylic plate 5a, improving work efficiency and reducing work costs.

Next, we will explain modified examples of pachinko machine P.

(Modification)
A modified game board 50 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is an enlarged front view of a starting hole base 61 attached to the game board 50, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 11. For ease of explanation, no hatching is applied in Figure 12. The game board 50 differs from the first embodiment in the position of the pin 68 and the size of the pin through hole 73 in the acrylic plate 5a in the second plate-shaped portion 65 of the starting hole base 61.

11, in the second plate-shaped portion 65, the screw hole 67 and the pin 68 of the mounting base portion 69 are formed at different positions. Specifically, the mounting base portion 69 is formed at the right end of the back surface of the second plate-shaped portion 65 so as to straddle the thin portion 70 and the thick portion 75. The screw hole 67 of the mounting base portion 69 is formed in the thick portion 75, while the pin 68 is formed in the thin portion 70. Although not shown, the mounting base portion 69 at the upper right part of the back surface of the first plate-shaped portion 64 is formed so as to straddle the thin portion 70 and the thick portion 75, and the screw hole 67 of the mounting base portion 69 is formed in the thick portion 75, while the pin 68 is formed in the thin portion 70. Note that the pin 68 only needs to be formed in at least the thin portion 70, and may be formed so as to straddle the thin portion 70 and the thick portion 75, for example. Furthermore, when multiple pins 68 are formed, some of the pins 69 may be formed in the thin-walled portion 70, and the remaining pins 68 may be formed in the thick-walled portion 75.

As shown in FIG. 12, the diameter R1 of the pin through hole 73 is larger than the diameter R2 of the screw through hole 72 (R1>R2), larger than the diameter R4 of the shaft portion 71a of the screw 71 (R1>R4), and smaller than the diameter R5 of the head portion 71b of the screw 71 (R1<R5).

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the starting hole base 61 attached to the acrylic plate 5a of the game board 5 and the transparent plate 11 held by the front frame 3. Note that hatching has not been applied in Figure 13 for ease of explanation.

As shown in Figure 13, when the front frame 3 is closed against the inner frame 2 (see Figure 2), the game board 5 and the transparent plate 11 face each other. In this state, the length (shortest length (dimension)) D3 between the front end of the starting hole base 61 and the transparent plate 11 is smaller than the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through hole 73 (D3 < D1). Specifically, the front end of the starting hole base 61 is the front surface of the first front wall 66a and the second front wall 66b of the connecting portion 66, and the length D3 between these front surfaces and the back surface of the transparent plate 11 is smaller than the above-mentioned length D1.

The modified game board 50 configured in this manner can provide the following effects:

The diameter R3 of the pin 68 of the starting hole base 61 is larger than the diameter of the screw through hole 72 and larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 71a of the screw thread 71 of the screw, improving the strength of the pin 68 and making it less likely to break.

The diameter R1 of the pin through hole 73 is larger than the diameter R2 of the screw through hole 72 and larger than the diameter R4 of the shaft portion 71a of the screw 71, so that a predetermined gap can be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the pin 68 inserted into the pin through hole 73 and the inner peripheral surface of the pin through hole 73, making it difficult for the pin 68 to be damaged during insertion. The diameter R1 of the pin through hole 73 is smaller than the diameter R5 of the head 71b of the screw 71, so that the durability of the acrylic plate 5a can be maintained. In particular, since the screw through hole 72 and the pin through hole 73 are often formed in positions close to each other, the durability of the area of the acrylic plate 5a where these through holes 72 and 73 are formed is likely to decrease. Therefore, if designed in this way, the durability of the acrylic plate 5a can be maintained, which is extremely effective.

In addition, the diameter R3 of the pin 68 is smaller than the thickness of the second plate-shaped portion 65 of the starting port base 61, so sink marks are less likely to occur in the starting port base 61, which is formed by injection molding a resin material.

Furthermore, the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through hole 73 is smaller than the length D2 of the portion where the screw 71 is inserted into the screw through hole 72, so the amount of protrusion of the pin 68 is reduced, making the pin 68 less likely to break or become damaged.

In this way, the starting hole base 61 attached to the acrylic plate 5a has the various characteristics described above, which makes it possible to suppress defects in the starting hole base (resin member) 61.

In addition, a set of screw holes 67 and pins 68 are formed in the mounting base portion 69 of the second plate-shaped portion 65 of the starting hole base 61, of which the screw holes 67 are formed in the thick portion 75, while the pins 68 are formed in the thin portion 70. Therefore, the peripheral end of the starting hole base 61 can be supported and positioned, so that the positioned starting hole base 61 can be sufficiently fixed, and the starting hole base 61 can be easily attached to the acrylic plate (board plate) 5a by the screws 71. In addition, compared to a starting hole base 61 in which the pins 68 are not formed in the thin portion 70 of the peripheral end, the starting hole base 61 can be made smaller by the amount that the pins can be arranged in the thin portion 70 of the peripheral end. Therefore, this miniaturization allows new space to be formed in the play area 30, and the degree of freedom in designing the play area 30 can be increased.

Furthermore, since the shortest length D3 between the front end of the starting hole base 61 and the transparent plate 11 is smaller than the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through hole 73, the front-to-rear width of the play area 30 can be made as small as possible, allowing the game balls to flow down the play area 30 as designed. On the other hand, since the length D1 of the portion where the pin 68 is inserted into the pin through hole 73 is larger than the shortest length D3 between the front end of the starting hole base 61 and the transparent plate 11, a length D1 sufficient to position the starting hole base 61 can be secured, and defects in the starting hole base (resin member) 61 can be suppressed.

As described above, the pachinko machine P is configured so that the design unit 12 can be transformed in conjunction with the unlocking of the front frame 3. The configuration regarding the locking of the pachinko machine P will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the front frame 3, and Figure 15 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism and slide mechanism provided in the inner frame 2. Note that in the following, the up/down, left/right, and front/rear directions are defined with reference to the player facing the pachinko machine P.

As shown in FIG. 14, a right rear panel 80 is provided at the free end (right end) of the front frame 3. The right rear panel 80 is a long member that extends vertically along the free end of the front frame 3. The right rear panel 80 has multiple (three in this example) locked and latched portions 80a-80c formed thereon. The three locked and latched portions 80a-80c are openings, and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction.

An opening 81 is formed in the upper left corner of the front frame 3, and a link lever 82 protrudes from approximately the center of the opening 81. In the normal state, the link lever 82 is rotatably mounted on the left shaft portion (see Figure 17) that regulates the deformation of the design unit 12.

As shown in FIG. 15, the locking mechanism 83 is provided on the right side of the inner frame 2 and is linked to the cylinder lock 10 (see FIG. 1). In addition, a slide mechanism 84 that can slide to the left is provided on the top surface of the inner frame 2. The locking mechanism 83 and the slide mechanism 84 are linked to each other via a cam mechanism 85 provided between them.

The locking mechanism 83 is disposed vertically inside the free end (right end) of the inner frame 2, and has a first interlocking member 83a and a second interlocking member 83b that extend vertically. The first interlocking member 83a and the second interlocking member 83b are stacked horizontally.

The first interlocking member 83a is formed with a plurality of (three in this example) front frame locking claws 830a-830c protruding forward. The three front frame locking claws 830a-830c are engaged with the three locked and locked portions 80a-80c (see FIG. 14) of the front frame 3 when the front frame 3 is closed relative to the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 2. When a key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 10 and rotated in one direction (for example, counterclockwise), the first interlocking member 83a slides upward in conjunction with this rotation. As a result, the three front frame locking claws 830a-830c are no longer engaged with the three locked and locked portions 80a-80c, and the front frame 3 is unlocked and in an unlocked state. Details will be described later, but when the front frame 3 is in an unlocked state, the design unit 12 becomes deformable in conjunction with this.

The second interlocking member 83b is formed with multiple (two in this example) outer frame locking claws 830d, 830e protruding rearward. The two outer frame locking claws 830d, 830e are locked into two locking holes (not shown) provided in the outer frame 1 when the inner frame 2 is closed relative to the outer frame 1. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 10 is rotated in the other direction (for example, clockwise), the second interlocking member 83b slides downward in conjunction with this rotation. As a result, the two outer frame locking claws 830d, 830e are no longer locked into the two locking holes, and the inner frame 2 is unlocked. As with the unlocking of the front frame 3, when the inner frame 2 is unlocked, the design unit 12 is able to deform in conjunction with this.

The slide mechanism 84 is disposed inside the upper end of the inner frame 2 along the left-right direction, and has a first slide member 84a and a second slide member 84b extending in the left-right direction. The first slide member 84a and the second slide member 84b are stacked one above the other. Although not shown in the figure, the link lever 82 (see FIG. 14) protruding from the opening 81 of the front frame 3 described above is located to the left of the first slide member 84a and the second slide member 84b.

The first slide member 84a is configured to be slidable to the left in conjunction with the upward sliding of the first interlocking member 83a of the locking mechanism 83. The second slide member 84b is configured to be slidable to the left in conjunction with the downward sliding of the second interlocking member 83b of the locking mechanism 83.

The cam mechanism 85 has a first cam mechanism 85a connected to the upper end of the first interlocking member 83a of the locking mechanism 83 and the right end of the first slide member 84a of the slide mechanism 84, and a second cam mechanism 85b connected to the upper end of the second interlocking member 83b and the right end of the second slide member 84b. Although detailed explanation is omitted, the first cam mechanism 85a converts the upward sliding of the first interlocking member 83a into a counterclockwise rotational motion, thereby sliding the first slide member 84a to the left. In addition, the second cam mechanism 85b converts the downward sliding of the second interlocking member 83b into a counterclockwise rotational motion, thereby sliding the second slide member 84b to the left. When the first slide member 84a or the second slide member 84b slides to the left in this way, the first slide member 84a or the second slide member 84b presses down and rotates the link lever 82.

Next, the left shaft portion 90 attached to the design unit 12 will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 19. Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of the left speaker unit 12a and the left shaft portion 90 attached thereto, Figure 17 is a perspective view of the left shaft portion 90, Figure 18 is a diagram showing the left shaft portion 90 engaged with the left speaker unit 12a, and Figure 19 is a diagram showing the left shaft portion 90 not engaged with the left speaker unit 12a.

As shown in FIG. 16, the left shaft portion 90 is attached to the rear end of the left speaker unit 12a. With the left shaft portion 90 attached, the left speaker unit 12a is attached to the upper left corner of the front frame 3. The design unit 12 is configured to be deformable by the movement of the left speaker unit 12a and the logo unit 12c as described below, but in the normal state, its deformation is restricted by the left shaft portion 90.

As shown in FIG. 17, the left shaft portion 90 has a link lever 82 and a main body portion 86 to which the link lever 82 is rotatably attached. The link lever 82 is supported rotatably with a protrusion 86a protruding from the upper surface of the main body portion 86 as a rotation axis. The main body portion 86 is provided with a first hook 86b and a second hook 86c that are L-shaped and protrude forward and can move downward. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the main body portion 86 is configured so that the first hook 86b and the second hook 86c move downward in conjunction with the rotation of the link lever 82. A flat plate 86d having a through hole 860d formed therein is fixed to the main body portion 86 so as to protrude. The first shaft portion 88c (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, is inserted into this through hole 860.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the normal state, the first hook 86b of the left shaft portion 90 is engaged with the first hook receiver 125a provided at the rear end of the left speaker unit 12a, and the second hook 86c of the left shaft portion 90 is engaged with the second hook receiver 126a provided at the rear end of the left speaker unit 12a. This restricts the deformation of the design unit 12 by the left shaft portion 90. At this time, when the front frame 3 is unlocked, the above-mentioned first interlocking member 83a moves upward, and the first slide member 84a slides to the left via the first cam mechanism 85a. As a result, the link lever 82 is pressed down by the first slide member 84a and rotates around the protrusion 86a as the rotation axis, and in conjunction with this rotation, the first hook 86b and the second hook 83c move downward. Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the first hook 86b is positioned lower than the first hook receiver 125a, and the second hook 86c is positioned lower than the second hook receiver 126a. Therefore, the first hook 86b is disengaged from the first hook receiver 125a, and the second hook 86c is disengaged from the second hook receiver 126a. In this state, the left speaker unit 12a becomes movable, and the design unit 12 becomes deformable. Note that when the inner frame 2 is unlocked, the design unit 12 becomes deformable in the same way as when the front frame 3 is unlocked.

Next, the configuration of the design unit 12 will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 26. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the design unit 12 in the first form, Figure 21 is a top view of the same design unit 12, Figure 22 is a rear perspective view of the left speaker unit 12a, logo unit 12c, and the link member connecting them, Figure 23 is a top view of the link member, Figure 24 is an enlarged top view of the periphery of the link member shown in Figure 22, Figure 26 is a perspective view of the design unit 12 in the second form, and Figure 27 is a top view of the same design unit 12. Note that for ease of explanation, the rear cover member of the logo unit 12c is not shown in Figure 22.

As shown in Figures 20 and 21, when the design unit 12 is in the first form, the left speaker unit 12a and the right speaker unit 12b are arranged to protrude forward. The logo unit 12c is arranged horizontally between the left speaker unit 12a and the right speaker unit 12b. Furthermore, the base unit 12d is arranged behind the logo unit 12c, and the front surface of the base unit 12d protrudes forward generally from the left side to the right side.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the left speaker unit 12a and the logo unit 12c are connected by a link member 87. The link member 87 has an upper surface portion 87a and a lower surface portion 87b that are formed in an L-shape in a plan view, and a connection portion 87c that connects them. The upper surface portion 87a and the lower surface portion 87b are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined distance between them in the vertical direction via the connection portion 87c.

As shown in FIG. 23, a first through hole 870a is formed at one end of the upper surface portion 87a of the link member 87, and a second through hole 871a is formed closer to the other end than the first through hole 870a. A third through hole 872a is formed at the other end of the upper surface portion 87a. Although not shown, a fourth through hole 870b is formed on the lower surface portion 87b below the first through hole 870a of the upper surface portion 87a, a fifth through hole 871b is formed below the second through hole 871a, and a sixth through hole 872b is formed below the third through hole 872a.

As shown in FIG. 24, a connection plate 88 for connecting the left speaker unit 12a and the link member 87 is fixed to the main body 86 of the left shaft portion 90 with a screw. Two through holes 88a, 88b are formed in the connection plate 88. A first through hole 870a and a fourth through hole 870b of the link member 87 are arranged below one of the through holes 88a, and the first shaft portion 88c is inserted through these through holes 88a, 870a, and 870b. As a result, the link member 87 is rotatably attached to the left speaker unit 12a via the connection plate 88.

In addition, below the first through hole 870a and the fourth through hole 870b of the link member 87, a through hole 860d (see FIG. 17) formed in the flat plate 86d of the left shaft portion 90 is located, and the first shaft portion 88c is inserted into this through hole 860d as well. This allows the link member 87 to be supported rotatably relative to the left shaft portion 90. Therefore, when the restriction by the left shaft portion 90 is released and the left speaker unit 12a becomes movable, the left speaker unit 12a and the link member 87 become rotatable relative to the left shaft portion 90.

The second through hole 871a and the fifth through hole 871b of the link member 87 are disposed below the second through hole 88b of the connection plate 88, and a screw 88d is inserted through these through holes 88b, 871a, and 871b. This fixes the link member 87 to the left speaker unit 12a via the connection plate 88. In this way, the link member 87 is rotatably supported at two points, the first shaft portion 81c and the screw 88d, relative to the connection plate 88.

Returning to FIG. 22, the other end of the link member 87 is connected to a bearing portion 89 provided at the left end of the logo unit 12c. The bearing portion 89 has a first slide hole 89a and a second slide hole 89b, which are elongated holes, at the top and bottom. Between these slide holes 89a and 89b, the third through hole 872a and the sixth through hole 872b of the link member 87 are arranged. The second shaft portion 89c is inserted through the first slide hole 89a, the third through hole 872a, the sixth through hole 872b, and the second slide hole 89b. This allows the other end of the link member 87 to slide left and right through the first slide hole 89a and the second slide hole 89b. Note that fasteners are provided at both ends of the second shaft portion 89c to prevent the second shaft portion 89c from falling off.

The second shaft portion 89c connects the link member 87 to the bearing portion, thereby connecting the link member 87 to the logo unit 12c. In other words, the logo unit 12c is connected to the left speaker unit 12a by the link member 87. As a result, when the left speaker unit 12a rotates, the logo unit 12c also operates.

On the opposite side of the logo unit 12c from the bearing portion 89, a first connection portion 91 and a second connection portion 92 that connect the logo unit 12c and the base unit 12d are provided. The second connection portion 92 is disposed below the first connection portion 91, and these connection portions 91, 92 protrude toward the rear. A through hole 91a is formed at the tip of the first connection portion 91, and a through hole 92a is also formed at the tip of the second connection portion 92. A third shaft portion (not shown) fixed to the base unit 12d is inserted through a through hole (not shown) provided in the base unit 12d, the through hole 91a of the first connection portion 91, and the through hole 92a of the second connection portion 92. This allows the logo unit 12c to be rotatably supported relative to the base unit 12d.

When the design unit 12 becomes deformable, the left speaker unit 12a can be rotated in a direction approaching the logo unit 12c, as shown in FIG. 24. When the left speaker unit 12a rotates, the link member 87 also rotates in the same direction with the first shaft portion 88c as the rotation axis. Specifically, the other end of the link member 87 moves from the right end to the left end of the first slide hole 89a and the second slide hole 89b of the bearing portion 89 of the logo unit 12c, applying a force toward the base unit 12d to the logo unit 12c. Then, the logo unit 12c rotates in a direction toward the base unit 12d with the third shaft portion (not shown) of the base unit 12d as the rotation axis. As a result, the design unit 12 is deformed into the second form, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26. In this state, the left speaker unit 12a is folded inward, and the logo unit 12c is inclined so as to be approximately parallel to the front surface of the base unit 12d. The arrangement of the right speaker unit 12b and base unit 12d remains the same as in the first form.

Next, the configuration of the logo unit 12c will be described with reference to Figure 27. Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of the logo unit 12c.

As shown in FIG. 27, the logo unit 12c has a front logo member 93, a base member 94 to which the front logo member 93 is detachably attached, a lock member 95 that locks the front logo member 93 in a state where it is attached to the base member 94, and a rear cover member 96 that covers the rear sides of these members. The front logo member 93 is attached to the front side of the base member 94, and the lock member 95 is attached to the rear side. When the logo unit 12c is assembled, the top surface of the lock member 95 is exposed from the top surface of the logo unit 12c. The rear cover member 96 is attached by screws to the rear surface of the base member 94 to which the front logo member 93 and lock member 95 are attached.

Next, locking of the front logo member 93 by the lock member 95 will be described with reference to Figures 28 to 30. Figure 28 is a rear view of the front logo member 93, Figure 29 is a rear view of the base member 94 to which the front logo member 93 is attached, and Figure 30 is a rear view of the base member 94 to which the front logo member 93 and lock member 95 are attached.

As shown in FIG. 28, the front logo member 93 is a generally rectangular resin member. Multiple (three in this example) engagement claws 93a-93c are formed on the back side of the front logo member 93. Each of the three engagement claws 93a-93c is formed in an L-shape that protrudes rearward and bends upward. Although not shown in the figure, the front of the front logo member 93 has a predetermined design that corresponds to the model specifications, content, etc.

As shown in FIG. 29, the base member 94 is a substantially rectangular resin member, and is approximately the same size as the front logo member 93. The base member 94 has multiple openings 94a-94c (three in this example). The three openings 94a-94c are formed in positions that correspond to the three engagement claws 93a-93c described above when the front logo member 93 is attached to the base member 94. Each of the openings 94a-94c exposes the corresponding engagement claw 93a-93c on the back side.

As shown in FIG. 30, the locking member 95 is a substantially rectangular resin member that is smaller than the front logo member 93 and the base member 94, and is attached to the upper right portion of the base member 94. The locking member 95 is provided with three engagement pieces 95a to 95c that engage with the three engagement claws 93a to 93c of the front logo member 93 (see also FIG. 27). The engagement piece 95a is formed along the upper end of a rectangular opening 95d formed in the locking member 95. When the front logo member 93 and the locking member 95 are attached to the base member 94, the opening 95d exposes the engagement claw 93a of the front logo member 93 to the back side. The engagement piece 95a is disposed between the exposed engagement claw 93a and the opening 94a of the base member 94, and the engagement claw 93a engages with the engagement piece 95a. The engagement piece 95b is formed at the lower right corner of the locking member 95, and is disposed between the engagement claw 93b of the front logo member 93 and the opening 94b of the base member 94 when the front logo member 93 and the locking member 95 are attached to the base member 94, and the engagement claw 93b engages with the engagement piece 95b. The engagement piece 95c is formed at the lower left corner of the locking member 95, and is disposed between the engagement claw 93c of the front logo member 93 and the opening 94c of the base member 94 when the front logo member 93 and the locking member 95 are attached to the base member 94, and the engagement claw 93c engages with the engagement piece 95c. The right end of the locking member 95 is formed with a recess 95e into which a protruding portion of the right speaker unit 12b, which will be described later, can be fitted. The left end of the upper end of the locking member 95 is formed with an insertion portion 96f into which an operator can insert his or her finger when removing the front logo member 93 from the logo unit 12c.

In this way, when the front logo member 93 and lock member 95 are attached to the base member 94, the engagement claws 93a-93c of the front logo member 93 engage with the engagement pieces 95a-95c of the lock member 95. Therefore, the front logo member 93 is prevented from moving forward by the engagement pieces 95a-95c. In other words, the state in which the front logo member 93 is attached to the base member 94 is locked by the lock member 95.

Next, the unlocking of the front logo member 93 by the locking member 95 will be described with reference to Figures 31 and 32. Figure 31 is a rear perspective view of the right speaker unit 12b and logo unit 12c, and Figure 32 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the locking member 95 when the design unit 12 is transformed into the second form.

As shown in FIG. 31, the recess 95e formed in the locking member 95 is recessed toward the inside of the locking member 95. In addition, the right speaker unit 12b has a protrusion 97 on its left side surface. The protrusion 97 protrudes toward the logo unit 12c. When the design unit 12 is in the first form, the protrusion 97 of the right speaker unit 12b fits into the recess 95e of the locking member 95. Therefore, in this state, the protrusion 97 prevents the locking member 95 from being removed from the logo unit 12c. Therefore, the unlocking operation to unlock the locking member 95 cannot be performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32, when the design unit 12 transforms from the first form to the second form, the logo unit 12c moves so as to tilt so as to be approximately parallel to the front surface of the base unit 12d (see FIG. 26), and in accordance with this movement, the locking member 95 moves to a position where the protrusion 97 does not fit into the recess 95e. Therefore, in this state, the locking member 95 can be unlocked without being prevented from being removed from the logo unit 12c by the protrusion 97. When unlocking, the worker inserts his or her finger into the insertion portion 96f of the locking member 95 to move the locking member 95 upward. As a result, the engagement claws 93a to 93c of the front logo member 93 no longer engage with the engagement pieces 95a to 95c of the locking member 95, so the front logo member 93 can be moved forward and removed from the logo unit 12c. Therefore, the unlocking operation to unlock the locking member 95 can be performed.

The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, configured in this way, can achieve the following effects:

To perform the release operation for removing the front logo member (design member) 93 from the design unit 12 (logo unit 12c), the design unit 12 simply needs to be transformed from the first form to the second form. Therefore, a worker performing the work of removing the front logo member 93 can easily understand the series of operations, such as transforming the design unit 12 to the second form and then performing the release operation. Therefore, the work of removing the front logo member 93 from the design unit 12 (logo unit 12c) can be made easy for a worker to understand.

The logo unit 12c is also provided with a locking member 95 that locks the front logo member 93 in place in the design unit 12 (logo unit 12c), and this locking member 95 is exposed from the top surface of the logo unit 12c, allowing the operator to touch it with his or her fingers before or after the front frame 3 is opened. Thus, compared to gaming machines in which the locking member 95 is located in a position that cannot be seen unless the front frame 3 is opened, this makes it possible to always know which member to operate when removing the front logo member 93. This makes it even easier for the operator to understand the removal of the front logo member 93 from the design unit 12.

Thus, in this embodiment, a gaming machine (pachinko machine P) is provided with an outer frame (in this example, outer frame 1), an inner frame (in this example, inner frame 2) that is arranged so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame, and a front frame (in this example, front frame 3) that is arranged so as to be openable and closable relative to the inner frame, wherein the front frame is provided with a design unit (in this example, design unit 120) that can be transformed into a first form and a second form, the design unit has a design member that can be detachably attached (in this example, front logo member 93) and a locking member (in this example, locking member 95) that locks the design member in an attached state, the design member is removed from the design unit by performing an unlocking operation that releases the lock by the locking member, the unlocking operation can be performed by transforming the design unit from the first form to the second form after the front frame is set to the open state, and the locking member is provided in a position that can be contacted both before and after the front frame is set to the open state. This makes it easier for workers to remove the design component from the design unit.

(Modification)
Next, a pachinko machine according to a modified example will be described. The pachinko machine according to the modified example differs from the above embodiment in that a design unit is provided on the outer frame 1.

The design unit has a logo unit 120a (see FIG. 33), and a first support unit (not shown) and a second support unit (not shown) that are provided on the outer frame 1 and support both ends of the logo unit 120a. In this pachinko machine, the front door is smaller than the front frame 3 of the above embodiment, and is provided below the design unit so that it can be opened and closed relative to the inner frame 2.

As shown in FIG. 33, the logo unit 120a has a front logo member 121a and a base member 122a. The front logo member 121a is a substantially plate-shaped resin member that is detachably attached to the base member 122a. The base member 122a is a substantially plate-shaped resin member having a predetermined thickness, and an opening 124a is formed in its lower surface 123a. The opening surface of the opening 124a is flush with the lower surface of the base member 122a. Although not shown, a locking member that locks the state in which the front logo member 121a is attached to the base member 122a is provided inside the base member 122a, and the locking member is normally biased in the locking direction by a spring. For example, the locking member can be unlocked by inserting a screwdriver (a specified tool) into the opening 124a and moving the locking member in the unlocking direction.

The first support unit has a first support member fixed to the upper left corner of the outer frame 1, and a first sliding member slidably connected to the first support member. The first support member protrudes diagonally upward and forward from the front surface of the pachinko machine. The first sliding member also protrudes diagonally upward and forward from the front surface of the pachinko machine, and is slidable along the protruding direction of the first support member. The first sliding member is connected to the left end of the logo unit 120a.

The second support unit has a second support member fixed to the upper right corner of the outer frame 1, and a second sliding member slidably connected to the second support member. The second support member protrudes diagonally upward and forward from the front of the pachinko machine. The second sliding member also protrudes diagonally upward and forward from the front of the pachinko machine P', and is slidable along the protruding direction of the second support member. The second sliding member is connected to the right end of the logo unit 120a. Because both ends of the logo unit 120a are connected to the first sliding member and the second sliding member as described above, the logo unit 120a is displaced in accordance with the sliding of the first sliding member and the second sliding member.

Like the pachinko machine P according to the above embodiment, the pachinko machine according to the modified example is configured so that the design unit can be transformed from a first form to a second form in conjunction with the unlocking of the front frame 3. When transforming the design unit 120 from the first form to the second form, inserting a key (not shown) into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 10 (see FIG. 33) and rotating it in one direction (e.g. counterclockwise) unlocks the front frame 3. This allows the logo unit 120a, the first sliding member, and the second sliding member to be moved in a lifting manner along the first support member and the second support member.

When the design unit is in the first form, as described above, the logo unit 120a is disposed between the first sliding member protruding diagonally upward and forward along the first support member of the first support unit, and the second sliding member protruding diagonally upward and forward along the second support member of the second support unit 120d. The front surface of the front logo member 121a of the logo unit 120a is slightly inclined so as to face the player facing the pachinko machine. Therefore, the bottom surface of the base member 122a of the logo unit 120a faces the transparent plate 11. As a result, the opening surface of the opening 124a formed in the base member 122a also faces the transparent plate 11.

When the design unit 12 is in the second form, the first sliding member of the first support unit slides against the first support member, protruding diagonally upward and backward from the tip of the first support member. Similarly, the second sliding member of the second support unit slides against the second support member, protruding diagonally upward and backward from the tip of the second support member. The logo unit 120a is disposed between the first sliding member and the second sliding member, and the front surface of the front logo member 121a of the logo unit 120a faces diagonally upward and forward. Therefore, the bottom surface of the base member 122a of the logo unit 120a faces the opposite side to the transparent plate 11 held by the front frame 3. As a result, the opening surface of the opening 124a of the base member 122a also faces the opposite side to the transparent plate 11.

In the pachinko machine according to the modified example, the ease with which an operator can remove the front logo member 121a differs depending on whether the design unit is in the first form or the second form.

When the design unit is in the first form, the opening surface of the opening 124a in the base member 122a faces the transparent plate 11, and the worker cannot see the opening 124a. Therefore, the worker must roughly predict the position of the opening 124a and perform the release operation by inserting, for example, a screwdriver (a specified tool) into the opening 124a diagonally upward and forward from the transparent plate 11 side while bending the wrist.

On the other hand, when the design unit is in the second form, the opening surface of the opening 124a in the base member 122a faces away from the transparent plate 11, i.e., toward the worker, so the worker can fully see the opening 124. Therefore, the worker only needs to perform the release operation by inserting a screwdriver into the opening 124a, which is in the line of sight when looking up. Therefore, when the design unit transforms from the first form to the second form, it becomes easier to perform the release operation, and the removal operation of the front logo member 121a becomes easier for the worker to understand.

The pachinko machine according to the modified example configured in this way can achieve the following effects:

To perform the release operation to remove the front logo member (design member) 121a from the design unit, the design unit simply needs to be transformed from the first form to the second form. Therefore, a worker performing the work of removing the front logo member 121a can easily understand the series of operations, such as transforming the design unit into the second form and then performing the release operation. This makes it possible to make the work of removing the front logo member 121a from the design unit easy for the worker to understand.

When the design unit is transformed into the first form, the opening surface of the opening 124a formed in the base member 122a of the logo unit 120a faces the transparent plate 11 held by the front frame 3, and when the design unit is transformed into the second form, the opening surface of the opening 124a faces the opposite side of the transparent plate 11, that is, toward the worker. Therefore, when removing the front logo member 121a, the worker only needs to transform the design unit from the first form to the second form and insert, for example, a screwdriver (a specified tool) into the opening surface of the opening 124a that has moved into the line of sight to perform the release operation. This makes it even easier for the worker to understand the removal of the front logo member (design member) 121a from the design unit.

Thus, in this modified example, a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine) is provided with an outer frame (in this example, outer frame 1), an inner frame (in this example, inner frame 2) that is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame, and a front frame (in this example, front frame 3) that is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the inner frame, in which a design unit that can be transformed into a first form and a second form is provided on the outer frame, the design unit has a design member that can be detachably attached (in this example, front logo member 121a), and the underside of the design unit has an opening (in this example, In the design unit, an opening 124a is provided, and the design member is removed from the design unit by inserting the specified tool into the opening and performing a release operation, and when the design unit is transformed into the first form, the opening surface of the opening faces the transparent plate (transparent plate 11 in this example) held by the front frame, and when the design unit is transformed into the second form, the opening surface of the opening faces the opposite side to the transparent plate, and the release operation is easier to perform when the design unit is transformed from the first form to the second form. This makes it easier for workers to understand the removal of the design member from the design unit.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. All technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above-described embodiment and various modifications are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art will be able to realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the attached claims.

In the above embodiment and modified examples, the front logo member 93 removably attached to the logo unit 12c of the design unit 12 and the front logo member 121a removably attached to the logo unit 120a of the design unit 120 have been described as examples of design members of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the technical concept of the present invention can be applied to design members removably attached to various design units attached to the front frame 3, as well as design members removably attached to the left speaker unit 12a and the right speaker unit 12b.

The first and second forms of the present invention are not limited to the forms shown in the above embodiment and modified examples, and are within the technical scope of the present invention as long as they are the first form, which is the normal state, and the second form that the design unit can take when the design member is removed.

P Pachinko machine (amusement machine)
1 Outer frame 2 Inner frame 3 Front frame 12 Design unit 93 Front logo member (design member)

Claims (1)

A game board and a transparent plate capable of facing the game board,
The game board has a board plate, a winning hole forming portion, and a screw for fixing the winning hole forming portion to the board plate,
The winning hole forming portion has a first surface with which the game board is in contact, a second surface opposite to the first surface with which the game ball is in contact, and a third surface located closer to the transparent plate than the second surface and capable of facing the transparent plate;
The winning hole forming portion has a positioning protrusion formed on the first surface side and a first screw hole into which the screw is inserted,
the panel face plate has a positioning hole portion into which the positioning protrusion is inserted, and a second screw hole into which the screw to be inserted into the first screw hole is inserted,
a length of a portion of the positioning protrusion that is inserted into the positioning hole portion is shorter than a length of a portion of the screw that is inserted into the second screw hole;
A gaming machine, wherein the shortest length exceeding 0 mm formed between the third surface of the winning hole forming portion and the transparent plate is shorter than the length of the portion where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning hole portion.