JP7836095B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to amusement machines such as pachinko machines (commonly referred to as "pachinko machines").

In recent years, in amusement machines such as pachinko machines, methods to attract players' attention include making the display devices larger, increasing the range of motion of the display devices, and using flashy lighting decorations on the display devices.

Patent Document 1 discloses a side lamp, as an example of a lighting device, which has a circuit board on which LEDs are mounted inside. LEDs are electronic components that generate a lot of heat when they emit light, and the rise in internal temperature can lead to thermal destruction of the LEDs themselves, so there was room for improvement in order to create a spectacular lighting effect.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-264006

In a gaming machine equipped with a decorative circuit board on which LEDs capable of performing illumination decoration with multiple colors are mounted on the front surface,
The decorative substrate is contained within a decorative unit formed by combining a cover portion located on the front side of the decorative substrate and a base portion located on the back side of the decorative substrate.
The decorative unit has a first opening and a second opening at positions that are on the side of the decorative substrate it encloses .
The first and second openings are provided at positions opposite each other, with the LEDs on the decorative substrate enclosed within the decorative unit in between, and when the decorative substrate is viewed from the side, the LEDs on the decorative substrate on which the LEDs are mounted and a portion of the space on the front side of the decorative substrate overlap.
At least the front surface of the decorative substrate on which the LEDs are mounted is covered with a white resist.

In a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board on which heat-generating components are mounted,
The substrate is located between a first member located on the front side of the substrate and a second member located on the back side of the substrate.
The first member and the second member, with the substrate positioned between them, have a contact portion where the outer edge of the first member and the outer edge of the second member touch each other, and a non-contact portion where they do not touch each other.
The substrate is characterized in that it is fixed to either the first member or the second member .

Thus, according to the present invention , it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the effects of heat generated by heat-generating components .

This is a front view of a pachinko machine, which is one embodiment of the design. This is a front view perspective of a pachinko machine, shown with the top tilted forward. This is a front view of a pachinko machine with the door frame removed. This is a front view of a pachinko machine with the door frame and game board removed. Figure 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine, seen from a diagonal front angle. Figure 4 is a disassembled perspective view of the pachinko machine, showing each of its main components from the front. Figure 4 is a disassembled perspective view of the pachinko machine, showing its main components separated and viewed from the rear. Figure 4 is a plan view of the pachinko machine, cut in half vertically down the center. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A. Figure 3 is a front view showing the main components, including the launch unit and foul unit, in cross-section. This is a disassembled perspective view of the main frame base unit, showing each of its main components separated and viewed from the front. This is a disassembled perspective view of the main frame base unit, showing each main component separately from the rear. (a) is a perspective view of the ball launching unit in the main frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball launching unit in the main frame, seen from the rear. (a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball launching unit as seen from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball launching unit as seen from the rear. (a) is a perspective view of the launch unit cover of the ball launching unit, seen from the left rear, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the ball launching unit showing only the launch unit cover in cross-section in a front view. (a) is a perspective view of the foul unit in the main frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the foul unit in the main frame, seen from the rear. (a) is an exploded perspective view of the foul unit as seen from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the foul unit as seen from the rear. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the foul unit with the foul shutter closed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the foul unit with the foul shutter open. (a) is a perspective view of the circulating sphere path unit in the main frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the circulating sphere path unit in the main frame, seen from the rear. This is a disassembled perspective view of the circulating sphere pathway unit, seen from the front. This is an exploded perspective view of the circulating sphere pathway unit, taken from the rear after disassembly. (a) is a plan view showing only the ball meandering member and ball release shutter in the circulating ball path unit, and (b) is a front perspective view showing only the ball meandering member and ball release shutter in the circulating ball path unit. (a1) is an explanatory diagram showing the ball release shutter and ball meandering member in the closed position together with the ball receiving tray in a side cross-section; (a2) is an explanatory diagram showing only the part of the ball release shutter in (a1) from the bottom; (b1) is an explanatory diagram showing the ball release shutter and ball meandering member in the open position together with the ball receiving tray in a side cross-section; and (b2) is an explanatory diagram showing only the part of the ball release shutter in (b1) from the bottom. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball release shutter with the iron ball magnetically attached to it in the closed position, along with the ball meandering member and the ball release tray; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball release shutter with the iron ball magnetically attached to it in the open position, along with the ball meandering member and the ball release tray; and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball release shutter with the ball meandering member and the ball release tray, after sliding the ball release shutter from the state in (b) to the closed position, with the iron ball magnetically attached to its lower surface. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a front cross-section of the circulating ball path unit cut at the out-ball sensor location, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a front cross-section of the circulating ball path unit cut at the safe-ball sensor location. (a) is a front perspective view showing the lower part of the main frame along with the outer frame with the meandering cover of the circulating sphere path unit removed, and (b) is a rear perspective view showing the lower part of the main frame along with the outer frame with the meandering cover of the circulating sphere path unit removed. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the main part of the rear cross-section cut at the out-of-ball sensor in the circulating ball path unit attached to the main frame with the lid member of the ball release mechanism closed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing (a) with the lid member open. (a) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main frame, seen from the front left; (b) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main frame, seen from the front right; and (c) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main frame, seen from the rear. (a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball lifting unit, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball lifting unit, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the rear. This is a front view showing a close-up of the main parts with the Kuma cassette removed from the ball lifting unit attached to the main frame. (a) is a right side view showing the ball lifting mechanism and the main part of the ball lifting mechanism in the ball lifting unit, (b) is a rear view showing the main part of the ball lifting mechanism, and (c) is a plan view of the main part of the ball lifting mechanism as seen from arrow A in (b). (a) is a perspective view of the ball-throwing unit in the main frame, seen from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball-throwing unit in the main frame, seen from the rear. (a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball-throwing unit as seen from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball-throwing unit as seen from the rear. This is a front cross-sectional view of the ball-throwing unit, cut at the pre-launch sensor. This is an explanatory diagram showing the various pathways for the game balls on the rear side of the main frame, viewed from the back. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of game balls within the main frame. This is a block diagram that shows the control configuration of a pachinko machine in general terms. This is a flowchart showing the launch authorization process. This is a flowchart showing the process of subtracting the number of balls held. This is a graph showing the process of adding balls to your hand due to foul balls. This is a flowchart showing the launch control process. This is a flowchart showing how prize balls are processed. This is a flowchart showing the operation process of the lifting motor. This table shows the relationship between the lifting inlet sensor, lifting outlet sensor, and the operation of the lifting motor. This graph shows the relationship between the launching action of the game ball and the operation of the ball lifting unit. This graph shows the operation of the ball lifting mechanism in the ball lifting unit. (a) is a flowchart showing the security process, and (b) is a flowchart showing the security process in a different embodiment than (a). This table shows the relationship between the circulating ball under-sensor, the circulating ball over-sensor, and error notification. This is a front view of the game board, showing the transparent center piece and other elements in an opaque form. Figure 50 is a perspective view of the game board as seen from the front right. Figure 50 is a perspective view of the game board seen from the front left. Figure 50 is a perspective view of the game board from the rear. This is a disassembled perspective view of the game board, showing it broken down into its main components and viewed from the front. This is a disassembled perspective view of the game board, showing it from the rear after being broken down into its main components. 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. (a) is a front view of the lottery mechanism in the center mechanism, and (b) is a perspective view of the lottery mechanism from the front and above. This is a side cross-sectional view of the lottery mechanism in the center of the main mechanism, cut in the middle horizontally. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a state in which the game balls cannot loop in the lottery mechanism, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a state in which the game balls can loop in the lottery mechanism. This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in a lottery mechanism. This is a front view of the game board in its normal state. This is a front view of the game board showing the rear front lifting decorative unit of the rear front performance unit in a state where it has been lowered from the standby position to the performance position, compared to the normal state. This is a front view of the game board showing the rear lifting decorative element of the rear performance unit moved from its retracted position to its appearance position, compared to its normal state. This is a front view of the game board showing the game in a state where the front-rear lifting decorative unit of the front-rear performance unit is lowered from the standby position to the performance position, and the rear-rear lifting decorative unit of the rear-rear performance unit is moved from the retracted position to the appearance position, compared to the normal state. This is a block diagram that shows the control configuration of a pachinko machine in general terms. This is an explanatory diagram showing the center component of the first embodiment, cut in the middle of the vertical direction while attached to the game panel, along with the previous component members. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative element of the center piece from the front, separated into a front decorative element and a rear decorative element, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative element consisting of the front decorative element and the rear decorative element from the front. This is an explanatory diagram showing the center frame of the central component in Figure 66 with its rear end facing downwards and placed on the base. This is an explanatory diagram showing a partial cross-section of a center component equipped with a center frame to which a different decorative element is attached, as shown in Figure 66. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main part of the center component of the second embodiment as seen from inside the frame, (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) cut along the line A-A, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the center component of (a) with the center frame placed on a base with the rear end facing downwards. This is a front view showing a game board equipped with the center feature of the third embodiment, with the rear part of the game panel omitted. Figure 71 is a disassembled perspective view of the center component and game panel as seen from the front. Figure 71 is a disassembled perspective view of the center component, seen from the front. (a) to (g) are explanatory diagrams showing various joining patterns between the first frame and the second frame in the center component of the third embodiment. (a) is a front view showing the main part of a game board equipped with the side unit of the second embodiment, and (b) is a perspective view of (a) from the front. (a) is an exploded perspective view of the game board in Figure 75, showing the side unit separated from the game panel; (b) is an exploded perspective view of the side unit in (a) shown from the front; (c) is an exploded perspective view of the side unit in (b) seen from the rear; and (d) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the game panel and the side unit in a vertical cross-section. Figure 76 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the side unit and the game panel. This is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit with a different configuration from the side unit in Figure 75, along with a game panel, in a vertical cross-section. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit of a different form from the side unit shown in Figure 77, along with the game panel, in a vertical cross-section, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the LED board and board cover of the side unit in (a) in a perspective view. This is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit with a different configuration from the side unit shown in Figure 79, along with the game panel, in a vertical cross-section. This is an explanatory diagram showing a different form of side unit together with the game panel in a vertical cross-section. This is an explanatory diagram showing a different form of side unit together with the game panel in a vertical cross-section. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a side unit of yet another form together with the game panel, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing (a) in a longitudinal section. (a) is a front view showing the main part of a game board equipped with the side unit of the third embodiment, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the out-out area in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing (b) in a vertical cross-section. (a) is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the part of the out-out opening of a game board equipped with a side unit having a finger grip portion of a different form than that shown in Figure 84, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing (a) in a longitudinal cross-section. This is a schematic diagram illustrating a game panel where the opening for the side unit and the output opening are continuously connected. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface is located behind the LED substrate; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface is located behind the LED substrate in a different configuration than (a); (c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface is located so as to overlap the LED substrate; and (d) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface is located around the entire circumference of the unit cover.

[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 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine, which is one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine, shown with the upper side tilted forward.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is intended for use in island-style facilities within amusement halls. This pachinko machine 1 contains a large number of game balls (for example, 40 to 60) that are not discharged to the outside or supplied from an external source. These balls circulate internally, preventing players from touching the game balls. This is a so-called sealed-type or managed game machine. In this pachinko machine 1, the number of balls a player possesses is recorded and processed as game ball data.

The game ball B enclosed in pachinko machine 1 has the same diameter (hereinafter also referred to as diameter D; diameter D = 11 mm) as the game balls used in conventional pachinko machines, but is made of a non-magnetic stainless steel such as SUS304. This prevents game ball B from rusting even when enclosed in pachinko machine 1 for extended periods, and distinguishes it from conventional magnetic game balls (iron balls SB).

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, and a game board 5 that is detachably attached to the main body frame 4 from the front and is visible to the player through the door frame 3, having a game area 5a where the player puts in game balls B.

[2. Outer frame]
The outer frame 2 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Figure 3 is a front view of the pachinko machine with the door frame removed. Figure 4 is a front view of the pachinko machine with the door frame and game board removed. Figure 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4 taken from the front at an angle. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4 taken from the front, disassembled into its main components. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4 taken from the rear, disassembled into its main components. Figure 9 is a plan view of the pachinko machine of Figure 4 cut in the center vertically. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken in Figure 9 along the line A-A.

The outer frame 2 is attached to the island equipment of a gaming hall (not shown) and can be attached to the main frame 4 in a way that allows it to be opened and closed forward and is detachable. The outer frame 2 comprises an outer frame body 10 formed in a vertically elongated frame shape, an outer frame assembly fitting 20 to which the outer frame body 10 is attached, an outer frame hinge mechanism 30 that supports the main frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, an outer frame lock fitting (not shown) for locking the main frame 4 in the closed position, a fascia plate 45 attached to the lower frame body 14 of the outer frame body 10, and a sliding plate 46 attached to the upper surface of the fascia plate 45.

The outer frame body 10 of the outer frame 2 comprises a left frame body 11 and a right frame body 12 that extend vertically and are spaced apart horizontally, an upper frame body 13 connecting the upper ends of the left frame body 11 and the right frame body 12, and a lower frame body 14 connecting the lower ends of the left frame body 11 and the right frame body 12. The left frame body 11 and the right frame body 12 are each formed from extruded metal profiles such as aluminum alloy. The upper frame body 13 and the lower frame body 14 are formed from wood. The left frame body 11, the right frame body 12, the upper frame body 13, and the lower frame body 14 have the same dimensions in the front-to-back direction.

The outer frame assembly fittings 20 of the outer frame 2 include a left upper fitting (not shown) connecting the left frame body 11 and the upper frame body 13, a right upper fitting (not shown) connecting the right frame body 12 and the upper frame body 13, a left lower fitting 23 connecting the left frame body 11 and the lower frame body 14, and a right lower fitting (not shown) connecting the right frame body 12 and the lower frame body 14.

The outer frame hinge mechanism 30 includes an upper outer frame hinge body 31 provided at the upper left end of the outer frame body 10, and a lower outer frame hinge body 35 provided at the lower left end of the outer frame body 10.

The upper hinge body 31 of the outer frame hinge mechanism 30 is attached to the upper left end surface of the upper frame body 13, with its front end protruding forward from the outer frame body 10. The upper hinge body 31 has a bearing groove 31a that penetrates vertically and is open on one side, located in the portion protruding forward from the outer frame body 10, and a locking member 32 provided on the lower surface of the portion protruding forward from the outer frame body 10, capable of opening and closing the open portion of the bearing groove 31a.

The bearing groove 31a of the upper hinge body 31 of the outer frame allows the main frame hinge shaft 411a of the upper hinge body 411 on the main frame 4 to be inserted into the open portion of the bearing groove 31a, thereby supporting the main frame hinge shaft 411a. The locking member 32 of the upper hinge body 31 is normally in a locked position, closing the open portion of the bearing groove 31a due to the biasing force of an elastic piece (not shown). When the locking member 32 is moved to the released position against the biasing force of the elastic piece, the bearing groove 31a is opened to the side, allowing the main frame hinge shaft 411a to be inserted into the bearing groove 31a from the side, or the main frame hinge shaft 411a inserted into the bearing groove 31a to be removed from the bearing groove 31a.

The lower outer frame hinge body 35 of the outer frame hinge mechanism 30 is attached to the upper left end surface of the fascia board 45 where it overlaps with the lower frame body 14 (the upper portion), and its front end protrudes forward from the outer frame body 10. The lower outer frame hinge body 35 has a hinge shaft 35a that protrudes upward from the portion that protrudes forward from the outer frame body 10. By inserting the hinge shaft 35a of the lower outer frame hinge body 35 into the outer frame shaft hole (not shown) of the lower main frame hinge body 412 in the main frame 4, the lower main frame hinge body 412 can be rotatably supported.

The outer frame hinge mechanism 30 supports the main frame 4 in an openable and closable manner by pivoting the main frame hinge shaft 411a of the main frame upper hinge body 411 in the bearing groove 31a of the outer frame upper hinge body 31, and inserting the hinge shaft 35a of the outer frame lower hinge body 35 into the outer frame shaft hole of the main frame lower hinge body 412.

The outer frame locking fittings for the outer frame 2 are provided in two, spaced vertically apart, on the inner surface (left side) of the right frame body 12. The outer frame locking fittings engage with the outer frame locking claws 684 of the locking unit 680 on the main frame 4, thereby locking the main frame 4 to the outer frame 2 in a closed state, preventing it from being opened.

The fascia plate 45 of the outer frame 2 is attached to the lower frame body 14, with its front end protruding forward from the lower frame body 14. The fascia plate 45 is made of synthetic resin. Two sliding plates 46 are provided on the upper surface of the fascia plate 45, spaced apart on the left and right. The sliding plates 46 contact the lower end surface of the main frame 4 when the main frame 4 is closed against the outer frame 2. The sliding plates 46 are made of a low-friction material with low frictional resistance, making the main frame 4 slide easily and facilitating opening and closing.

[3. Door frame]
The door frame 3 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The door frame 3 is formed in a rectangular shape that extends vertically when viewed from the front and is approximately the same size as the inside of the outer frame 2, and is attached to the inside of the outer frame 2 from the front via the main frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. The door frame 3 is provided in relation to the main frame 4 so as to be openable and closable and has a game window 101 that, when closed, faces forward to the game area 5a of the game board 5 attached to the main frame 4, a transparent glass 120 that is detachably attached to the rear side of the door frame 100 and closes the game window 101, a ball count display unit 140 that displays the number of balls the player has, a handle 160 that the player operates to shoot game balls B into the game area 5a of the game board 5, a cylindrical handle cover 170 that surrounds the outer circumference of the handle 160, and a counting button switch 180 that the player can operate.

Furthermore, the door frame 3 comprises a door frame panel 190 extending from the lower end of the front of the door frame body 100 at a constant height across its entire width in the left-right direction, a shelf unit 200 protruding forward from the area between the game window 101 and the door frame panel 190 on the front of the door frame body 100, and a performance operation unit 250 located in the left-right center of the shelf unit 200 and operable by the player. The ball count display unit 140 and the counting button switch 180 are located on the upper surface of the shelf unit 200 (the upper surface of the shelf section 201).

Furthermore, the door frame 3 comprises a door frame top unit 300 located above the game window 101 on the front of the door frame body 100, a door frame left side unit 320 located to the left of the game window 101 on the front of the door frame body 100, and a door frame right side unit 340 located to the right of the game window 101 on the front of the door frame body 100.

The door frame body 100 has a door frame hinge mechanism 110 for attaching it to the main frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed. The door frame hinge mechanism 110 has an upper door frame hinge body (not shown) provided at the upper left end of the door frame body 100 and a lower door frame hinge body 112 provided at the lower left end of the door frame body 100. The upper door frame hinge body has an upper door frame hinge shaft (not shown) that protrudes upward. The door frame hinge mechanism 110 can support the door frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the main frame 4 by inserting the upper door frame hinge shaft of the upper door frame hinge body into the upper shaft hole 411b for the door frame of the upper main frame hinge body 411 (described later) from below, and inserting the lower door frame hinge shaft 112a of the lower door frame hinge body 112 into the lower shaft hole 412b for the door frame of the lower main frame hinge body 412 (described later) from above.

The ball count display unit 140 is composed of a 6-digit 7-segment LED. The ball count display unit 140 is located on the upper surface of the shelf unit 200, to the left of the center in the left-right direction.

The handle 160 is located at the lower right corner of the front surface of the door frame body 100, specifically near the right end between the game window 101 and the door frame panel 190 on the front surface of the door frame body 100. The handle 160 is mounted so that the player can rotate it with its axis of rotation facing forward and backward. The handle 160 is shaped like a car steering wheel and has a central hub portion 160a, multiple (three in this case) spoke portions 160b extending outward from the hub portion 160a, and an annular ring portion 160c connecting the ends of the spoke portions 160b.

The ring portion 160c of the handle 160 is located slightly forward from the front end of the cylindrical handle cover 170, preventing the player from gripping the ring portion 160c. Therefore, when the player rotates the handle 160, they primarily operate it by gripping the hub portion 160a with their fingers passing between the spoke portions 160b. In this state, the player's fingers are inserted into the cylindrical part of the handle cover 170. As a result, when the player operates the handle 160, air vibrations (wind) generated by the drive of the main frame speaker 403 are released forward from the bass reflex duct 401e of the main frame 4. This wind is then blown through the duct grille 191 of the door frame panel 190 and the opening 171 of the handle cover 170 to the player's fingers gripping the handle 160, surprising the player and providing them with an unprecedented experience.

The handle 160 is equipped with a launch stop switch 161 that can be pressed by the player, a handle touch sensor 162 that detects changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the handle 160, and a handle rotation sensor 163 that detects the rotation angle of the handle 160 (see Figure 35).

When the player presses the launch stop switch 161, the frame control board 640 stops the drive of the launch solenoid 453. Therefore, if the player presses the launch stop switch 161 while rotating the handle 160, the launch of the game ball B can be temporarily stopped without having to reverse the rotation of the handle 160. Afterward, if the player releases the pressure on the launch stop switch 161 while keeping the handle 160 in rotation, the game ball B can be launched into the game area 5a again with the same force as before the launch stop switch 161 was pressed (the force corresponding to the rotation of the handle 160).

The handle touch sensor 162 detects static electricity acting on the handle 160. When a player touches the handle 160, the sensor detects the static electricity acting from the player and detects the player's contact (touch) of the handle 160. When the handle touch sensor 162 detects the player's contact, rotating the handle 160 triggers a detection by the handle rotation sensor 163. The drive of the launch solenoid is then controlled with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 160, allowing the game ball B to be launched.

Therefore, even if a player attempts to rotate the handle 160 in some way without touching it to launch the game ball B into the game area 5a, the handle touch sensor 162 will not detect the player's contact, and the launch solenoid 453 will not be driven, preventing the game ball B from being launched. This prevents players from rotating the handle 160 in a way unintended, thereby reducing the load (burden) on the gaming hall where the pachinko machine 1 is installed.

The handle rotation sensor 163 is a variable resistor. When the handle 160 is rotated, the detection shaft rotates, and its internal resistance changes according to the rotation angle of the detection shaft. Therefore, by rotating the handle 160 and changing the internal resistance of the handle rotation sensor 163, the driving force of the launch solenoid 453 in the ball launch unit 450 (described later) changes according to that internal resistance, allowing the game ball B to be launched into the game area 5a with a force corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 160.

The handle cover 170 extends backward from the rear of the annular portion of the handle 160, widening in diameter, and is formed in a conical shape. Openings 171, communicating with the interior, are provided on the right and lower outer surfaces of the handle cover 170. Below the opening 171 on the lower surface of the handle cover 170 is the duct grille 191 of the door frame panel 190. This arrangement allows air vibrations (wind) generated by the drive of the main frame speaker 403 to be released forward from the bass reflex duct 401e of the main frame 4. This wind is then blown through the duct grille 191 of the door frame panel 190 and the opening 171 of the handle cover 170 to the player's fingers gripping the handle 160, surprising the player and providing an unprecedented visual experience.

The counting button switch 180 is located on the upper surface of the shelf unit 200, to the right of the center in the left-right direction. As will be described in detail later, pressing the counting button switch 180 while holding balls allows the balls to be sent to the game ball dispensing device 8 for settlement.

The door frame fascia 190 extends to the left and right at a constant height, with a length equal to the width of the door frame body 100 in the left-right direction, and is attached to the lower end of the front surface of the door frame body 100. The door frame fascia 190 penetrates from front to back near its right end and has a duct grille 191 located in front of the bass reflex duct 401e of the main frame 4, which will be described later.

The duct grille 191 is formed in a grid pattern consisting of vertical and horizontal bars. The horizontal bars of the duct grille 191 are strip-shaped plates of a constant width in the front-to-back direction, and are installed at an angle so that the front end is positioned higher than the rear end. This duct grille 191 is installed below (directly below) the handle 160. As a result, when a player operates the handle 160, air vibrations (wind) caused by the drive of the main frame speaker 403 are released forward from the bass reflex duct 401e of the main frame 4. This wind is then guided diagonally upward and forward by the horizontal bars of the duct grille 191, and through the opening 171 of the handle cover 170, it is sent to the player's fingers gripping the handle 160. This surprises the player and allows them to experience an unprecedented visual effect.

The shelf unit 200 is installed in the area between the game window 101 and the door frame panel 190 on the front of the door frame body 100. A spherical performance control unit 250 is provided in the center of the shelf unit 200 in the left-right direction. The shelf unit 200 includes a shelf section 201 that bulges forward in a shelf-like shape from its upper end along the lower end of the game window 101, a tray section 202 that bulges forward from the left side of the center in the left-right direction at the lower end, a speaker grille 203 provided in the area between the shelf section 201 and the tray section 202, and a setting adjustment button 204 consisting of four push buttons arranged front-to-back and left-to-right on the upper surface of the shelf section 201.

The shelf section 201 has a smooth upper surface. The shelf section 201 has a semi-tubular front end decorative section 201a that extends from the lower ends of the left side unit 320 and the right side unit 340 of the door frame, respectively, at its front edge. The semi-tubular front end decorative section 201a is provided to connect to both the left and right sides of the spherical display operation unit 250. On the upper surface of the shelf section 201, a ball count display section 140 is provided to the left of the center in the left-right direction, a counting button switch 180 is provided to the right of the center in the left-right direction, and a setting adjustment button 204 is provided in front of and to the left of the counting button switch 180.

The tray portion 202 is formed in a shallow, dish-like shape. This allows the player to rest their hand (fingers) on the tray portion 202, or place small items such as pouches, mobile phones, wallets, or car keys on it, making it convenient.

The speaker grille 203 is located in front of the main frame speaker 403 in the main frame 4, which will be described later, and is formed from perforated metal with multiple through-holes.

The performance control unit 250 is located in the center of the shelf unit 200 in the left-right direction, with its front end protruding forward of the shelf unit 200 and its upper end protruding upward of the shelf unit 200. The performance control unit 250 is formed in a spherical shape. The performance control unit 250 has a circular first performance button 251 located near the center of its upper surface, and an annular second performance button 252 surrounding the first performance button 251. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the first performance button 251 is cylindrical, and the second performance button 252 is cylindrical. The first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252 are located coaxially, and their axes are inclined to move forward as they move upward.

The first and second performance buttons 251 and 252 are designed to move upward (pop up) in response to player-participation performances. The first performance button 251 is always pressable, while the second performance button 252 is only pressable when it has popped up.

Although not shown in the diagram, a vibrator (vibration device) is installed inside the first performance button 251.

The door frame top unit 300 is positioned above the game window 101 on the front of the door frame body 100, with both ends in the left-right direction sandwiched between the upper ends of the left side unit 320 and the right side unit 340. The door frame top unit 300 protrudes forward like an overhang. The door frame top unit 300 is equipped with a semi-tubular, translucent door frame top decorative element 301 that extends left and right along its front edge. In a plan view, the door frame top decorative element 301 is curved in the front-back direction such that its left-right center is located furthest forward.

The door frame top unit 300, although not shown in the illustration, includes a door frame top decorative circuit board on which multiple LEDs are mounted for illuminating the door frame top decorative element 301, and a door frame top speaker that outputs sounds such as voice, music, and sound effects.

The left side unit 320 of the door frame is located on the front of the main door frame 100, to the left of the game window 101. It extends vertically from near the upper end of the main door frame 100 to near the speaker grille 203, below the shelf portion 201 of the shelf unit 200. The left side unit 320 extends along its entire vertical length and is equipped with a translucent, semi-tubular decorative element 321. The decorative element 321 curves to the right near its lower end.

The left side unit 320 of the door frame (not shown in the figure) has a door frame left side decorative circuit board on which multiple LEDs are mounted to illuminate the door frame left side decorative element 321.

The right side unit 340 of the door frame is located to the right of the game window 101 on the front of the main door frame 100. It extends vertically from near the top of the main door frame 100 to the handle cover 170, below the shelf section 201 of the shelf unit 200. The right side unit 340 protrudes further forward than the left side unit 320 and is formed as a vertically elongated partition.

The door frame right side unit 340 comprises a semi-tubular door frame right side decorative body 341 that extends vertically along the front end and is translucent; a translucent door frame right side left side decorative body (not shown) located behind the door frame right side decorative body 341 and forming the left side; a translucent door frame right side decorative body (not shown) located behind the door frame right side decorative body 341 and forming the right side; and a door frame right side decorative substrate (not shown) on which multiple LEDs are mounted to illuminate the door frame right side decorative body 341, the door frame right side left side decorative body, and the door frame right side right side decorative body. The door frame right side decorative body 341 is curved to the left near its lower end.

Furthermore, the right side unit 340 of the door frame extends forward and backward near its lower end, and has an opening 342 through which the keyhole 682 of the lock unit 680 faces forward.

[3-1. Counting Button Switch]
The counting button switch 180 is located on the upper surface of the shelf unit 200, to the right of the center in the left-right direction. When the counting button switch 180 is pressed while there are balls remaining (number of balls > 0), the balls are sent to the game ball dispensing device 8 for settlement. As will be described in detail later, the counting button switch 180 can send balls one by one or in predetermined numbers (for example, every 250 balls) depending on the pressing time. The number of balls sent to the game ball dispensing device 8 is sent to the management server 9 via the communication network, and an IC card storing that number of balls is ejected from the game ball dispensing device 8.

Here, the game ball dispensing device 8 is installed adjacent to the pachinko machine 1 in the island setup of the gaming hall (also referred to as a "sand"). The game ball dispensing device 8, although not shown in detail in the illustration, includes an input slot for inserting cash or prepaid cards, a card slot for inserting/removing IC cards, a ball dispensing button switch 8a, a return button switch, a display unit showing the amount inserted and the number of balls counted, etc. When cash or other payment is inserted into the input slot and the ball dispensing button switch 8a is pressed, a predetermined number of game balls B are dispensed within the range of the inserted amount. In this embodiment, the number of game balls B dispensed is transmitted as digital data to the frame control board and also transmitted to the management server 9 via the communication network for management.

To elaborate on the counting button switch 180, if a player has balls and "short-presses" the counting button switch 180 (for example, a single press duration of less than 500ms), one game ball B is counted from the player's balls. If the counting button switch 180 is "long-pressed" (for example, a single press duration of 500ms or more), 250 game balls B are counted at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 300ms) while the switch is long-pressed, until the number of balls falls below 250. Once the number of balls falls below 250 while the switch is long-pressed, game balls B are counted one at a time. Alternatively, if the counting button switch 180 is "long-pressed" (for example, a single press duration of 500ms or more), the entire number of balls in the player's hand may be counted unconditionally, even if the button is not continuously pressed.

When the counting button switch 180 is pressed, the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 140 is subtracted and displayed, and the number of balls counted is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the game ball dispensing device 8.

[4. Main Frame]
The main frame 4 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 11. Figure 11 is a front view of the main parts showing the launch unit and foul unit in cross-section in the front view of Figure 3. The main frame 4 is formed in the shape of a box frame with an open front, and the game board 5 is detachably housed inside from the front. The main frame 4 is attached to a frame-shaped outer frame 2, which is attached to the island equipment of the gaming 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.

The main frame 4 comprises a frame-shaped main frame base unit 400 supported by the outer frame 2 in an openable and closable manner, a ball launching unit 450 for launching game balls B into the game area 5a of the game board 5, a foul unit 470 for recovering game balls B that were launched by the ball launching unit 450 but did not enter the game area 5a, a circulating ball path unit 500 for sending game balls B discharged from the game board 5 and game balls B recovered by the foul unit 470 back to the ball launching unit 450, a ball lifting unit 550 for moving game balls B upward from the downstream end of the circulating ball path unit 500, and a ball delivery unit 600 for sending the game balls B lifted by the ball lifting unit 550 one by one back to the ball launching unit 450.

Furthermore, the main frame 4 includes a ball receiving tray 620 for receiving game balls B discharged from the ball outlet 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500, a frame board unit 630 having a frame control board 640 for controlling the ball launching unit 450 and the ball lifting unit 550, and a locking unit 680 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.

[4-1. Main frame base unit]
The main frame base unit 400 in the main frame 4 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the main frame base unit in the main frame, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front, and Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the main frame base unit in the main frame, disassembled into its main components and viewed from the rear. The main frame base unit 400 is supported on the outer frame 2 so as to be able to open and close forward, and is also capable of supporting the door frame 3 so as to be able to open and close forward. The main frame base unit 400 is fitted with a ball launching unit 450, a foul unit 470, a circulating ball path unit 500, a ball lifting unit 550, a ball delivery unit 600, a ball receiving tray 620, a frame base plate unit 630, a lock unit 680, etc.

The main frame base unit 400 comprises a main frame base 401 that is vertically elongated and rectangular in shape, having a game board insertion section 401a into which the game board 5 is inserted from the front, and a base wall section 401b provided below the game board insertion section 401a, and a side reinforcing plate 402 that reinforces the left side of the main frame base 401.

Furthermore, the main frame base unit 400 includes a main frame speaker 403 attached to the rear side of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401, a box-shaped main frame speaker box 404 attached to the base wall portion 401b so as to cover the main frame speaker 403 from the rear and with the front open, and a rear cover 405 provided on the main frame base 401 so as to be openable and closable from the rear of the game board insertion portion 401a.

Furthermore, the main frame base unit 400 includes a game board locking member 406 attached to the main frame base 401, a door opening switch 407 and a frame opening switch 408 attached to the main frame base 401, and a main frame hinge mechanism 410 attached to the main frame base 401.

The main frame base 401 is a vertically elongated rectangle in front view and is made of synthetic resin. The main frame base 401 includes a game board insertion section 401a that extends from near the top end downwards for approximately two-thirds of its total height, a base wall section 401b located below the game board insertion section 401a, a game board regulating section 401c that protrudes upward (into the game board insertion section 401a) near the center of the upper end surface of the base wall section 401b, a main frame speaker opening 401d that extends from front to back near the left end of the base wall section 401b, allowing the main frame speaker 403 to face forward, and a bass reflex duct 401e that extends from front to back at the lower right corner of the base wall section 401b.

Furthermore, the main frame base 401 includes a tray insertion recess 401f located at the lower center of the base wall portion 401b in the left-right direction, recessed from the front to the rear, into which the ball receiving tray 620 is inserted, and a ball storage passage insertion opening 401g located above the tray insertion recess 401f in the base wall portion 401b, penetrating from front to back, into which the ball meandering member 513 and meandering cover 514 of the circulating ball path unit 500 are inserted.

Furthermore, the main frame base 401 includes a foul unit mounting portion 401h and a ball launching unit mounting portion 401i, which are provided side-by-side on the left and right above the ball storage passage insertion opening 401g on the front surface of the base wall portion 401b; a ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j, which is vertically elongated and opens to the right of the ball launching unit mounting portion 401i on the base wall portion 401b; a ball delivery unit mounting portion 401k, which is provided on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b in the area behind the ball launching unit mounting portion 401i; a circulating ball path unit mounting portion 401l, which is provided on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b; and a cylinder insertion opening 401m, which penetrates from front to back near the upper right corner of the base wall portion 401b and through which the lock cylinder 681 of the lock unit 680 is inserted.

Furthermore, the main frame base 401 is equipped with a locking claw 401n that protrudes forward from the left end of the tray insertion recess 401f and elastically locks to the front end of the ball receiving tray 620 inserted into the tray insertion recess 401f, thereby restricting the forward movement of the ball receiving tray 620.

The game board insertion section 401a of the main frame base 401 allows the game board 5 to be inserted detachably from the front. The game board 5 rests on the upper end surface of the base wall section 401b. The front of the base wall section 401b is fitted with a door opening switch 407, a ball launching unit 450, a foul unit 470, and a ball receiving tray 620. The rear of the base wall section 401b is fitted with a main frame speaker 403, a main frame speaker box 404, a frame opening switch 408, a circulating ball path unit 500, a ball lifting unit 550, and a ball delivery unit 600.

The game board restrictor section 401c restricts the movement of the game board 5 in the left-right and rearward directions when the game board 5 is inserted into the game board insertion section 401a. The main frame speaker opening 401d, as shown in the figure, is formed in a grid pattern and is positioned behind the speaker grille 203 of the door frame 3 when the door frame 3 is closed relative to the main frame 4. The main frame speaker 403 is mounted on the rear surface of the base wall section 401b so as to close the main frame speaker opening 401d from the rear.

The bass reflex duct 401e is formed as a long, elongated cylindrical shape and is provided in two, side by side. As will be described in detail later, the bass reflex duct 401e communicates with the enclosure 404a of the main frame speaker 403, which is composed of the base wall 401b and the main frame speaker box 404. Its purpose is to invert the phase of the sound output from the main frame speaker 403 to the rear and release it forward. In this embodiment, the cylindrical bass reflex duct 401e allows for resonance and amplification of the low-frequency range of the sound output from the main frame speaker 403, resulting in a deeper bass sound. This bass reflex duct 401e is positioned behind the duct grille 191 of the door frame 3 when the door frame 3 is closed relative to the main frame 4.

The tray insertion recess 401f can detachably support the ball receiving tray 620 from the front. The bottom wall of the tray insertion recess 401f is sloped so that the front end is lower (see Figure 10). This allows game balls B to be discharged forward even if they spill into the tray insertion recess 401f when the ball receiving tray 620 is not inserted. Furthermore, because the bottom wall of the tray insertion recess 401f is sloped so that the front end is lower, the ball receiving tray 620 placed on it can be easily slid forward.

The ball storage passage insertion port 401g is provided so that the front portion of the ball meandering member 513 and meandering cover 514 of the circulating ball path unit 500, which is attached to the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b, penetrates and protrudes forward. The foul unit mounting portion 401h is provided near the upper end of the base wall portion 401b, to the right of the main frame speaker opening 401d. The ball launching unit mounting portion 401i is provided to the right of the foul unit mounting portion 401h. The ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j is provided in the area between the upper end of the base wall portion 401b and the bass reflex duct 401e.

The ball-feeding unit mounting section 401k is provided on the rear surface of the base wall section 401b such that the upper surface of the ball-feeding unit 600 faces upward (into the game board insertion section 401a), allowing the ball-feeding unit 600 to be attached and detached from above. When the ball-feeding unit 600 is attached to the ball-feeding unit mounting section 401k, the elastic claw 609b of the ball-feeding unit 600 penetrates the locking hole in the base wall section 401b and faces forward to the right of the ball-launching unit 450. In this state, by pressing the elastic claw 609b backward to elastically deform it, and simultaneously grasping and pulling up the knob 609a provided on the upper surface of the ball-feeding unit 600, the ball-feeding unit 600 can be removed upward.

The circulating ball path unit mounting section 401l is located on the rear surface of the base wall section 401b, in the central left-right direction, above the box extension section 404c of the main frame speaker box 404, which will be described later. The cylinder insertion port 401m is located near the upper end of the base wall section 401b, to the right of the ball lifting unit mounting section 401j.

The side reinforcement plate 402 is formed in a U-shape, opening to the right in plan view, and is attached to the left side of the main frame base 401. The side reinforcement plate 402 is formed from an extruded metal profile, such as an aluminum alloy. The side reinforcement plate 402 has two left position regulating members 402a, spaced apart vertically. The left position regulating members 402a are for positioning the left edge of the game board 5.

The main frame speaker 403 is mounted on the rear side of the base wall 401b so as to close the main frame speaker opening 401d of the main frame base 401 from the rear. The main frame speaker 403 is a cone-type speaker that primarily outputs low frequencies.

The main frame speaker box 404 is formed in a box shape that is open to the front, and is attached to the rear side of the base wall 401b so as to cover the main frame speaker 403 from the rear. By being attached to the base wall 401b, the main frame speaker box 404 forms the enclosure 404a of the main frame speaker 403.

The main frame speaker box 404 comprises a box body portion 404b located behind the main frame speaker 403, a box extension portion 404c connected to the lower end of the box body portion 404b and extending to the right in a front view, and a frame substrate unit pivot support portion 404d provided on the rear surface of the box body portion 404b. The box extension portion 404c of the main frame speaker box 404 extends to the right, covering the rear of the bass reflex duct 401e, and a portion of it extends further rearward than the box body portion 404b.

The enclosure 404a consists of a box body 404b and a box extension 404c, and communicates with the outside through a bass reflex duct 401e. In other words, the bass reflex duct 401e, the main frame speaker 403, and the main frame speaker box 404 constitute a phase-inverting bass reflex speaker.

In detail, the main frame speaker 403 outputs a predetermined sound forward and backward. The sound output forward from the main frame speaker 403 is then released to the front of the pachinko machine 1 through the main frame speaker opening 401d and the speaker grille 203.

On the other hand, the sound output from the main frame speaker 403 to the rear causes the air inside the main frame speaker box 404 (enclosure 404a) to vibrate. Since this enclosure 404a is open to the front (outside) by a cylindrical bass reflex duct 401e, the sound is released forward through the bass reflex duct 401e. At this time, because the bass reflex duct 401e is formed as a cylinder of a predetermined length, the low-frequency range is amplified by resonance caused by the vibration of the air column inside it, and the sound is released forward with its phase inverted.

As a result, the sound output from the main unit speaker 403 to the front and the sound output to the rear do not cancel each other out and attenuate, but rather resonate with each other and amplify each other. This allows the main unit speaker 403 to produce a loud sound with deep bass even with a small diameter, providing players with a rich, bass-heavy sound.

The bass reflex duct 401e is located behind the duct grille 191 below the handle 160 in the door frame 3. Therefore, when air vibrations (wind) caused by the drive of the main frame speaker 403 are released forward from the bass reflex duct 401e, this wind is guided diagonally upward and forward by the horizontal grille of the duct grille 191 and sent into the handle cover 170 through the opening 171. Consequently, when the main frame speaker 403 is driven (sound is output) while the player is operating the handle 160, wind is sent to the player's fingers gripping the handle 160 via the bass reflex duct 401e and duct grille 191, surprising the player and providing them with an unprecedented visual experience.

The box extension 404c of the main frame speaker box 404 is formed with a depth in the front-to-back direction that is longer than its height, and its rear end is positioned to protrude slightly behind the rear end of the frame substrate unit 630 (see Figure 10). When assembled to the main frame 4, the box extension 404c covers the lower part of the frame substrate unit 630 (unit base 670 and power supply board box 672) so that a gap is formed between it and the frame substrate unit 630. This prevents the various wires connected to the frame substrate unit 630 from sagging.

The box extension section 404c is sloped so that its upper surface is lower towards the rear. This allows debris and game balls B that fall from above to be guided to the rear and discharged. Furthermore, the box extension section 404c is sloped so that its lower surface is higher towards the rear. This prevents the box extension section 404c from contacting the lower frame 14 of the main frame 4 when closing the main frame 4 to the outer frame 2.

This main frame speaker box 404, when assembled to the main frame 4, supports the rear end of the tray insertion recess 401f in the main frame base 401 by suspending it. As a result, when the game balls B discharged from the circulating ball path unit 500 are received by the ball receiving tray 620, even if a load (the weight of multiple game balls B) acts on the tray insertion recess 401f from above via the ball receiving tray 620, the tray insertion recess 401f will not deform.

The rear cover 405 is provided to the main frame base 401 so as to cover the rear of the game board 5, which is attached to the main frame 4 when assembled with the pachinko machine 1, and is designed to open and close. The rear cover 405 is made of transparent synthetic resin. In a front view, the left side of the rear cover 405 is rotatably supported relative to the main frame base 401, and the right side is detachably secured to the main frame base 401 by an elastic locking claw.

The game board locking member 406 is mounted on the front surface of the main frame base 401 (base wall portion 401b) so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. By rotating the game board locking member 406 to the locked position while the game board 5 is inserted into the game board insertion portion 401a, the lower end of the game board 5 can be prevented from moving forward.

The door open switch 407 is for detecting the opening and closing of the door frame 3 relative to the main frame 4. The door open switch 407 is mounted below the cylinder insertion opening 401m in the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401.

The frame release switch 408 is for detecting the opening and closing of the main frame 4 relative to the outer frame 2. The frame release switch 408 is mounted below the door release switch 407 on the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401.

The main frame hinge mechanism 410 includes an upper main frame hinge body 411 attached to the upper left edge of the main frame base 401, and a lower main frame hinge body 412 attached to the lower left edge of the main frame base 401.

The main frame upper hinge body 411 comprises a main frame hinge shaft 411a that protrudes upward in a cylindrical shape and is inserted into the bearing groove 31a of the outer frame upper hinge body 31 in the outer frame 2, and an upper shaft hole 411b for the door frame, which is provided adjacent to the main frame hinge shaft 411a and into which the door frame upper hinge shaft of the door frame upper hinge body in the door frame 3 is inserted from below.

The main frame lower hinge body 412 includes an outer frame shaft hole (not shown) into which the hinge shaft 35a of the outer frame lower hinge body 35 in the outer frame 2 is inserted from below, and a door frame lower shaft hole 412b into which the door frame lower hinge shaft 112a of the door frame lower hinge body 112 in the door frame 3 is inserted from above.

The main frame hinge mechanism 410 is supported so that the main frame 4 can open and close relative to the outer frame 2 by inserting the main frame hinge shaft 411a of the upper main frame hinge body 411 into the bearing groove 31a of the upper outer frame hinge body 31 on the outer frame 2, and inserting the hinge shaft 35a of the lower outer frame hinge body 35 on the outer frame 2 into the outer frame shaft hole of the lower main frame hinge body 412.

Furthermore, the main frame hinge mechanism 410 supports the door frame 3 so that it can open and close by inserting the upper hinge shaft of the door frame upper hinge body in the door frame 3 into the upper shaft hole 411b of the main frame upper hinge body 411 from below, and inserting the lower hinge shaft 112a of the door frame lower hinge body 112 in the door frame lower hinge body 412 into the lower shaft hole 412b of the main frame lower hinge body 412 from above.

[4-2. Ball Launching Unit]
The ball launching unit 450 in the main frame 4 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 14 to 16. Figure 14(a) is a perspective view of the ball launching unit in the main frame from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball launching unit in the main frame from the rear. Figure 15(a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball launching unit disassembled and viewed from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball launching unit disassembled and viewed from the rear. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view of the launching unit cover of the ball launching unit viewed from the left rear, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the ball launching unit showing only the launching unit cover in cross-section in a front view.

The ball launching unit 450 is for launching game balls B into the game area 5a of the game board 5. It has a ball inlet 450a for receiving game balls B sent from the ball delivery unit 600, a ball launching port 450b for releasing the launched game balls B to the outside, and a ball discharge port 450c for discharging the game balls B. The ball launching unit 450 can launch game balls B with a force corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 160 located at the lower right corner of the front of the door frame 3. The ball launching unit 450 is mounted on a ball launching unit mounting portion 401i located to the right of the center in the left-right direction on the upper part of the front of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401.

The ball inlet 450a of the ball launching unit 450 is located on the rear and is a rectangular opening large enough for one game ball B to pass through. When assembled to the main frame 4, this ball inlet 450a is located in front of the ball outlet 602 of the ball delivery unit 600 and communicates with the ball outlet 602. The ball launching port 450b is located at the left end of the top surface and opens diagonally, with the left end being lower. When assembled to the main frame 4, this ball launching port 450b communicates with the upper part of the foul right opening 470b of the foul unit 470. The ball discharge port 450c is located on the left side. When assembled to the main frame 4, this ball discharge port 450c communicates with the lower part of the foul right opening 470b of the foul unit 470.

The ball launching unit 450 comprises a flat unit base 451, a launching unit cover 452 mounted to cover the front side of the unit base 451, a launching solenoid 453 mounted on the rear side of the unit base 451 such that its rotating shaft 453a protrudes forward from the unit base 451, a launching countdown sensor 454 capable of detecting whether or not a game ball B has been launched, a launching hammer 455 mounted on the rotating shaft 453a of the launching solenoid 453, a nut 456 attaching the launching hammer 455 to the rotating shaft 453a of the launching solenoid 453, an annular spacer 457 inserted into the rotating shaft 453a of the launching solenoid 453, two contact rubbers 458 that can contact the launching hammer 455, and a contact rubber holder 459 holding one of the contact rubbers 458.

The unit base 451 of the ball launching unit 450 is formed from a metal plate, such as an iron plate. The unit base 451 is provided with a ball inlet 450a, which, when viewed from the front, penetrates in a rectangular shape from the center upwards.

The launch unit cover 452 is formed by injection molding using an opaque synthetic resin with low light transmittance. The launch unit cover 452 comprises a flat front plate 452a positioned forward of the unit base 451, a ball launch platform 452b located behind the front plate 452a and directly below the ball inlet 450a of the unit base 451, with its left end being higher, and a detection port 452c penetrating the ball launch platform 452b vertically.

Furthermore, the launch unit cover 452 includes an upper wall portion 452d of the launch platform that forms a gap between itself and the ball launch platform 452b in the upper right of the front view of the ball launch platform 452b, preventing the game ball B from passing through, located behind the front plate 452a; and a lower sensor mounting portion 452e and an upper sensor mounting portion 452f, which are provided behind the front plate 452a, sandwiching the ball launch platform 452b and the upper wall portion 452d.

Furthermore, the launch unit cover 452 includes a guide wall portion 452g provided to the left of the ball launch platform 452b at the rear of the front plate 452a, along the inclined extension of the ball launch platform 452b, and an ejection guide wall portion 452h extending downward from the left end of the ball launch platform 452b at the rear of the front plate 452a, and then sloping downward to the left.

The ball launcher 452b is on which the game ball B supplied through the ball inlet 450a is placed. The ball launcher 452b is inclined such that the left end is higher when viewed from the front. The ball launcher 452b has a fixed cross-sectional shape (trapezoidal) that narrows downwards along the direction of the inclination. The ball launcher 452b is formed so that only one game ball B is placed on it, with the length in the inclination direction (launching direction) slightly longer than the diameter of the game ball B, and touching the two trapezoidal inclined surfaces. In this embodiment, the ball launcher 452b is inclined at an angle of approximately 27 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

The detection port 452c is located at the bottom of the trapezoidal recess in the ball launcher 452b. The upper wall portion 452d of the launcher is located above the inclined lower end of the ball launcher 452b. The upper wall portion 452d is positioned to form a gap between itself and the ball launcher 452b that prevents the game ball B from passing through, but allows the tip of the launching hammer 455 to pass through. As a result, the game ball B supplied to the ball launcher 452b is placed on the launcher 452b with its movement restricted to the downstream side (to the right in this case) in the inclined direction of the launcher 452b by contacting the left end of the upper wall portion 452d.

The lower sensor mounting section 452e and the upper sensor mounting section 452f are each to which the light-emitting section 454a and light-receiving section 454b, which constitute the emission/subtraction sensor 454, are attached.

The guide wall 452g has its upper surface forming the bottom surface of the ball launching port 450b. The upper surface of the guide wall 452g is inclined at the same angle as the inclination of the ball launching platform 452b, and is located to the left of the ball launching platform 452b at a distance greater than the diameter of the game ball B. In this embodiment, because the ball launching platform 452b is made as short as possible, when the game ball B on the ball launching platform 452b is struck by the launching hammer 455, the launch direction of the game ball B is difficult to determine, and there is a risk that it will not be properly driven between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5. However, because the guide wall 452g is provided, the game ball B launched from the ball launching platform 452b bounces off the upper surface of the guide wall 452g, causing it to fly outward from the ball launching port 450b and be driven between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002.

Furthermore, because the guide wall 452g is positioned away from the ball launcher 452b, even if the game ball B attempts to return towards the ball launcher 452b at the guide wall 452g depending on the force with which it is struck, it will flow down onto the lower discharge guide wall 452h through the space between the guide wall 452g and the ball launcher 452b, and will not return to the ball launcher 452b.

The discharge guide wall 452h forms a ball discharge port 450c with the guide wall 452g. The discharge guide wall 452h is inclined so that its left end is lower, guiding the game ball B, which has flowed down between the ball launching platform 452b and the guide wall 452g, to the left, allowing it to be discharged from the ball discharge port 450c at the left end towards the foul unit 470. As a result, game balls B that were struck by the launching hammer 455 at the ball launching platform 452b but were not launched from the ball launching port 450b are guided by the discharge guide wall 452h and discharged from the ball discharge port 450c to the foul unit 470.

The launch solenoid 453 is composed of a rotary solenoid having a rotating shaft 453a extending in the front-to-back direction.

The launch/subtraction sensor 454 can detect the presence or absence of game balls B on the ball launching platform 452b. The launch/subtraction sensor 454 consists of a light-emitting unit 454a that emits detection light and a light-receiving unit 454b that receives the detection light. These are mounted on the lower sensor mounting portion 452e and the upper sensor mounting portion 452f of the launching unit cover 452, respectively. The detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 454a passes through a detection port 452c located at the bottom of the ball launching platform 452b and is received by the light-receiving unit 454b. If game balls B are placed on the ball launching platform 452b, the detection light is blocked by the game balls B, and the light-receiving unit 454b does not receive the detection light. This allows the presence or absence of game balls B on the ball launching platform 452b to be detected.

The launch/subtraction sensor 454, as will be described in detail later, detects when a game ball B is launched from the ball launcher 452b and subtracts one ball from the player's remaining ball count.

The launching hammer 455 is used to strike and launch the game ball B. The launching hammer 455 is attached to the rotating shaft 453a of the launching solenoid 453 and rotates (moves) together with the rotating shaft 453a. The tip of the launching hammer 455 is positioned to pass between the ball launching platform 452b and the upper wall portion 452d of the launching platform, allowing it to contact the game ball B placed on the ball launching platform 452b.

The nut 456 is screwed onto the rotating shaft 453a of the firing solenoid 453. The spacer 457 is into which the rotating shaft 453a of the firing solenoid 453 is inserted. The rotating shaft 453a of the firing solenoid 453 is inserted from the rear, through the spacer 457, and then the firing hammer 455. The firing hammer 455 is then attached by screwing the nut 456 onto the tip protruding forward from the firing hammer 455 and tightening it.

The rubber part 458 is attached to the unit base 451 to restrict the rotation range (rotation range) of the launching hammer 455. The rubber part 458, located at the rotation end of the launching hammer 455 in the direction in which it strikes the game ball B (in this case, counterclockwise), is attached to the unit base 451 via the rubber holder 459.

According to the ball launching unit 450 of this embodiment, only one game ball B is placed on the ball launching platform 452b, and the launch/subtraction sensor 454 detects when a game ball B has been launched from the ball launching platform 452b. Therefore, the launch of each game ball B can be reliably detected.

Furthermore, in the ball launching unit 450, since the unit base 451 is made of a metal plate and the launching unit cover 452 is formed of an opaque synthetic resin with low light transmittance, it is possible to prevent the launch/subtraction sensor 454, which is a photosensor, from making false detections due to external light.

Furthermore, since the ball launching unit 450 detects the launch of game ball B, when a player stops playing and settles their account, there is no need to automatically empty-fire game ball B, which is placed on the ball launching stand 452b, to make it a foul ball for return to the player.

[4-3. Foul Unit]
The foul unit 470 in the main frame 4 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Figure 17(a) is a perspective view of the foul unit in the main frame from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the foul unit in the main frame from the rear. Figure 18(a) is an exploded perspective view of the foul unit disassembled and viewed from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the foul unit disassembled and viewed from the rear. Figure 19(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the foul unit in a side cross-section with the foul shutter closed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the foul unit in a side cross-section with the foul shutter open.

The foul unit 470 is for collecting game balls B that were launched by the ball launching unit 450 and hit between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 on the game board 5 but did not hit the game area 5a, and game balls B that were launched by the ball launching unit 450 but did not reach the game board 5 (between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002) due to insufficient launch force. The foul unit 470 has a foul upper opening 470a on its top surface, a foul right opening 470b on its right side, and a foul ball outlet 470c that communicates with the foul upper opening 470a and the foul right opening 470b and opens towards the rear at its lower end.

The foul unit 470 is attached to the foul unit mounting portion 401h, which is located in the middle left-right portion of the upper front surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401. When assembled on the main frame 4, the upper end of the foul unit 470 is at approximately the same height as the upper end of the base wall portion 401b, and the right foul opening 470b is closed by the ball launch port 450b and ball discharge port 450c of the ball launch unit 450. In other words, when assembled on the main frame 4, the right foul opening 470b communicates with the ball launch port 450b and ball discharge port 450c. The upper foul opening 470a and the right foul opening 470b are formed by the unit base 472 and front cover 473, which will be described later, and the ball discharge port 450c is formed on the unit base 472.

The foul unit 470 comprises a foul shutter 471 that can open and close the foul upper opening 470a in a way that prevents the game ball B from passing through, a unit base 472 attached to the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401, a front cover 473 attached to the front side of the unit base 472, a rear cover 474 attached to the rear side of the unit base 472 so as to cover the rear of the foul shutter 471, a spring 475 that biases the foul shutter 471 forward, and a foul ball grounding plate 476 provided between the unit base 472 and the front cover 473.

The foul shutter 471 is supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction by the cooperation of the unit base 472 and the front cover 473. The foul shutter 471 has a long, strip-shaped shutter section 471a, two forward projections 471b extending forward from both the left and right ends of the shutter section 471a, and a flat, plate-shaped rear wall section 471c extending downward from the rear end edge of the shutter section 471a.

The foul shutter 471 can close the foul upper opening 470a by the shutter portion 471a, preventing the game ball B from passing through. The two forward projections 471b are provided so that their front ends protrude further forward than the front cover 473, and are positioned so that they can contact the rear surface of the door frame body 100 in the door frame 3. The front end of the spring 475 contacts the rear surface of the rear wall portion 471c.

The unit base 472 has a flat, T-shaped main body portion 472a that is long from left to right and has a portion that extends downward near the right end; a shutter insertion opening 472b that penetrates from front to back and extends from left to right near the upper end of the main body portion 472a; and a plurality of rear support openings 472c that are provided along the lower edge to the left of the portion that extends downward on the main body portion 472a and penetrate from front to back.

The unit base 472 is provided with a foul ball outlet 470c that extends backward and through the main body portion 472a, near the lower end of the downward-extending portion, and extends backward in a rectangular tubular shape. The tubular foul ball outlet 470c is inclined to be lower towards the rear.

The main body portion 472a is inclined such that the lower edge of the portion to the left of the downward-extending portion slopes downward to the right. The shutter insertion opening 472b is sized to allow the shutter portion 471a and the forward-projecting portion 471b of the foul shutter 471 to pass through. Multiple rear support openings 472c are provided horizontally, each extending downward to the right, and are arranged in a row along the inclined lower edge of the main body portion 472a. The rear support openings 472c are provided so that the support piece 476a of the foul ball grounding plate 476 is inserted with a gap.

The front cover 473 comprises a flat, T-shaped front plate 473a that is long from left to right and has a portion extending downward near its right end; a left wall portion 473b extending rearward from the left edge of the front plate 473a; a lower wall portion 473c extending to the right and rearward from the lower end of the left wall portion 473b along the lower edge of the front plate 473a; a hanging wall portion 473d extending downward and rearward from the right end of the lower wall portion 473c along the left edge of the portion extending downward on the front plate 473a; a bottom wall portion 473e extending to the right and rearward from the lower end of the hanging wall portion 473d along the lower edge of the portion extending downward on the front plate 473a; and a right wall portion 473f extending rearward from the upper right end of the front plate 473a.

The upper and right edges of the front panel 473a form the front edges of the foul upper opening 470a and the foul right opening 470b. The right edge of the upper end of the left wall section 473b forms the left edge of the foul upper opening 470a, and the left edge of the upper end of the right wall section 473f forms the right edge of the foul upper opening 470a. The lower edge of the right wall section 473f forms the upper edge of the foul right opening 470b, and the right edge of the bottom wall section 473e forms the lower edge of the foul right opening 470b.

The front cover 473 has a lower wall portion 473c located below the upper foul opening 470a, which guides the game ball B that has flowed down through the upper foul opening 470a to the right, and then allows it to flow down along the hanging wall portion 473d onto the bottom wall portion 473e. This bottom wall portion 473e is inclined such that the part in front of the foul ball outlet 470c is lower towards the rear, and the part to the right of that part is inclined such that it is higher towards the right. Therefore, the game ball B that has flowed down onto the bottom wall portion 473e is guided towards the rear and discharged from the foul ball outlet 470c to the rear. In addition, since the right edge of the bottom wall portion 473e constitutes the lower edge of the right foul opening 470b, the game ball B that enters from the right foul opening 470b will flow down onto the bottom wall portion 473e, be guided by the bottom wall portion 473e, and discharged from the foul ball outlet 470c to the rear.

Furthermore, the front cover 473 has multiple front support openings 473g arranged in a row from left to right along the lower wall portion 473c on the front plate 473a, and extending through from front to back. These multiple front support openings 473g are positioned to face the rear support openings 472c of the unit base 472. The front support openings 473g are also positioned so that the support piece 476a of the foul ball grounding plate 476 is inserted with a gap between them.

The rear cover 474 is formed in a box shape with an open front. The rear portion of the foul shutter 471 is inserted into the interior of the rear cover 474, and a spring 475 is also positioned there. The rear end of the spring 475 abuts against the front surface of the rear wall of the rear cover 474.

The springs 475 are arranged in pairs, spaced apart on the left and right, and are positioned inside the box-shaped rear cover 474. The front end of each spring 475 abuts against the rear surface of the rear wall portion 471c of the foul shutter 471, while the rear end abuts against the front surface of the rear wall of the rear cover 474. The springs 475 bias the foul shutter 471 forward.

The foul ball grounding plate 476 is formed from a metal plate such as an iron plate and is ultimately connected to the game hall's ground via a grounding wire (not shown). The foul ball grounding plate 476 is formed in a long, strip-like shape, with multiple support pieces 476a extending outward from its front and rear long sides. The foul ball grounding plate 476 is placed on the upper surface of the lower wall portion 473c of the front cover 473, and the multiple support pieces 476a are inserted with some play into the rear support opening 472c of the unit base 472 and the front support opening 473g of the front cover 473.

As a result, the game ball B, which has flowed down from the upper foul opening 470a toward the lower wall portion 473c, is guided to the right after contacting the foul ball grounding plate 476, which has discharged any static electricity it has accumulated. At this time, because the support piece 476a is loosely fitted into the rear support opening 472c and the front support opening 473g, the contact of the game ball B causes the foul ball grounding plate 476 to vibrate. This vibration causes dust and debris on the foul ball grounding plate 476 to be discharged to the outside through the gaps in the loosely fitted rear support opening 472c and the front support opening 473g. Furthermore, this foul ball grounding plate 476 also serves as reinforcement against the falling game ball B.

This foul unit 470, when assembled with the pachinko machine 1, is attached to the foul unit mounting section 401h located on the upper part of the front surface of the base wall section 401b of the main frame 4, near the center in the left-right direction. In this state, the ball launching unit 450 is attached adjacent to the right side of the foul unit 470.

As shown in Figure 11, the foul upper opening 470a of the foul unit 470 is located near the upper end of the base wall portion 401b and on the axis of the launch direction of the game ball B in the ball launching unit 450. In other words, the foul upper opening 470a is provided in the area between the lower end opening between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5 and the ball launching port 450b of the ball launching unit 450.

On the other hand, the right foul opening 470b of the foul unit 470 has its upper part communicating with the ball launch port 450b of the ball launch unit 450, and its lower part communicating with the ball discharge port 450c of the ball launch unit 450. Therefore, the upper foul opening 470a and the right foul opening 470b are provided in the area between the lower end opening between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5 and the ball launch port 450b of the ball launch unit 450. As a result, the game ball B launched from the ball launch port 450b of the ball launch unit 450 enters the foul unit 470 through the right foul opening 470b, and then enters the area between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 of the game board 5 through the upper foul opening 470a.

In this embodiment, when the door frame 3 is opened forward relative to the main frame 4, the foul unit 470 slides forward due to the biasing force of the spring 475, as shown in Figure 19(a). The shutter portion 471a of the foul shutter 471 protrudes between the front surface of the unit base 472 and the front plate 473a of the front cover 473, closing the foul upper opening 470a so that the game ball B cannot pass through. In other words, the foul shutter 471 is in the closed position. In this state, the rear wall portion 471c of the foul shutter 471 abuts against the rear surface of the main body portion 472a of the unit base 472, preventing it from sliding further forward.

When the foul shutter 471 is in the closed position and a game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450, the launched game ball B enters the foul unit 470 through the right foul opening 470b, then contacts the lower surface of the shutter portion 471a of the foul shutter 471, and flows down within the foul unit 470 without being launched upward through the upper foul opening 470a. The game ball B that flows down within the foul unit 470 is guided by the lower wall portion 473c (foul ball grounding sheet metal 476), the hanging wall portion 473d, the bottom wall portion 473e, etc., and is supplied to the circulating ball path unit 500 from the rear foul ball outlet 470c. As a result, even if a game ball B is launched while the door frame 3 is open, the game ball B will not leak out of the foul unit 470 to the outside.

Furthermore, when the door frame 3 is opened relative to the main frame 4, the door release switch 407 turns OFF. Therefore, the launch of game balls B from the ball launching unit 450 may be stopped when the door release switch 407 is turned OFF. Alternatively, instead of stopping the launch of game balls B when the door frame 3 is opened, the game may be temporarily paused by the main control board 1310, and the game may be resumed when the door frame 3 is closed.

Furthermore, when the main frame 4 is opened relative to the outer frame 2 (frame release switch 408 is OFF), the door frame 3 is closed and no game balls B leak out. Therefore, the launching of game balls B from the ball launching unit 450 may not be stopped. Alternatively, the same process as when the door frame 3 is opened may be performed when the main frame 4 is opened.

When the door frame 3 is closed relative to the main frame 4, the rear surface of the door frame 3 abuts against the front ends of the two forward projections 471b of the foul shutter 471, causing the foul shutter 471 to slide backward against the biasing force of the spring 475 (see Figure 19(b)). In this state, the shutter portion 471a of the foul shutter 471 is located behind the front surface of the unit base 472, and the foul upper opening 470a is open, allowing the game ball B to pass through. In other words, the foul shutter 471 is in the open position.

When the foul shutter 471 is in the open position and a game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450, the launched game ball B enters the foul unit 470 through the right foul opening 470b, then passes through the upper foul opening 470a and is launched towards the upper game board 5 side (between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002). The launched game ball B then passes over the backflow prevention member 1007 located at the upper end of the inner rail 1002, causing the game ball B to be driven into the game area 5a.

Furthermore, game balls B launched from the ball launching unit 450 but not exceeding the backflow prevention member 1007 at the upper end of the inner rail 1002 (game balls B that were not hit into the game area) flow down between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 as foul balls, enter through the foul upper opening 470a, and are collected by the foul unit 470. The game balls B collected through the foul upper opening 470a flow down onto the foul ball grounding plate 476 placed on the upper surface of the lower wall portion 473c, where static electricity is removed. At this time, because the foul ball grounding plate 476 is loosely fitted, it vibrates when the game ball B contacts it, and this vibration causes dust and debris on the foul ball grounding plate 476 to be discharged from the foul unit 470 through the rear support opening 472c and the front support opening 473g.

The game ball B, having flowed down onto the foul ball grounding sheet metal 476 (lower wall portion 473c), is guided to the right by its inclination, flows down along the hanging wall portion 473d onto the bottom wall portion 473e, and is guided backward by the inclination of the bottom wall portion 473e, where the foul ball outlet 470c discharges the ball into the ball circulation path unit 500.

Furthermore, the foul unit 470 receives the game balls B discharged from the ball discharge port 450c of the ball launching unit 450 at the lower part of the right foul opening 470b. The game balls B that enter the foul unit 470 from the lower part of the right foul opening 470b flow down onto the bottom wall 473e, and are guided backward by the inclination of the bottom wall 473e, where the foul ball outlet 470c discharges the balls to the ball circulation path unit 500.

Thus, the foul unit 470 can collect game balls B that were launched from the ball launching unit 450 but did not land in the game area 5a of the game board 5 without leaking to the outside, and supply them to the ball circulation unit 500. As will be described in detail later, the ball circulation unit 500 detects the game balls B supplied from the foul ball outlet 470c using the foul ball sensor 507. When the foul ball sensor 507 detects a game ball B, it adds one ball to the player's remaining ball count.

Furthermore, in the foul unit 470, the unit base 472, front cover 473, rear cover 474, etc., are formed of transparent synthetic resin, allowing for external visibility of the interior and making it easier to detect ball jams inside.

[4-3a. Second Embodiment of the Foul Unit]
Next, a second embodiment of the foul unit 470 will be described. The foul unit 470 of the second embodiment is the same as the foul unit 470 described above, except that the opening and closing mechanism of the foul shutter 471 is different. The foul unit 470 of the second embodiment is provided with an electric actuator such as a motor or solenoid for opening and closing the foul shutter 471, although this is not shown in the figures.

In this embodiment, when the door frame 3 is opened relative to the main frame 4, the door open switch 407 is turned OFF, and the foul shutter 471 slides to the closed position by an electric actuator. As a result, even if a game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450 with the door frame 3 open, the game ball B will not fly out through the foul upper opening 470a.

Then, when the door frame 3 is closed and the door open switch 407 is turned ON, the electric actuator slides the foul shutter 471 to the open position, allowing the game balls B launched from the ball launching unit 450 to be driven through the foul upper opening 470a towards the game board 5.

Furthermore, even when the frame release switch 408 is turned OFF by opening the main frame 4 relative to the outer frame 2, the foul shutter 471 may be slid to the closed position by the electric actuator. In this case, if the opening and closing process of the foul shutter 471 by the frame release switch 408 is the same as the opening and closing process by the door release switch 407 described above, the software configuration can be simplified.

Furthermore, an opening switch (not shown in the diagram) capable of detecting both the opening of the door frame 3 and the opening of the main frame 4 may be provided, allowing the foul shutter 471 to be opened and closed by an electric actuator, thus simplifying the opening and closing mechanism.

[4-4. Circulating Sphere Pathway Unit]
The circulating ball path unit 500 in the main frame 4 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 20 to 27. Figure 20(a) is a perspective view of the circulating ball path unit in the main frame viewed from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the circulating ball path unit in the main frame viewed from the rear. Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the circulating ball path unit as seen from the front, and Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the circulating ball path unit as seen from the rear. Figure 23(a) is a plan view showing only the ball meandering member and ball release shutter in the circulating ball path unit, and (b) is a perspective view from the front showing only the ball meandering member and ball release shutter in the circulating ball path unit. Figure 24(a1) is an explanatory diagram showing the ball release shutter and ball meandering member in the closed position together with the ball receiving tray in a side cross-section; (a2) is an explanatory diagram showing only the ball release shutter portion in (a1) from the bottom; (b1) is an explanatory diagram showing the ball release shutter and ball meandering member in the open position together with the ball receiving tray in a side cross-section; and (b2) is an explanatory diagram showing only the ball release shutter portion in (b1) from the bottom.

Furthermore, Figure 25(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball-removing shutter with the iron ball magnetically attached in the closed position, along with the ball-removing member and ball-removing tray; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball-removing shutter with the iron ball magnetically attached in the open position, along with the ball-removing member and ball-removing tray; and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a side cross-section of the ball-removing shutter with the ball-removing shutter slid to the closed position from the state in (b), with the iron ball magnetically attached to the lower surface, along with the ball-removing member and ball-removing tray. Figure 26(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a front cross-section of the circulating ball path unit cut at the out-ball sensor; and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a front cross-section of the circulating ball path unit cut at the safe-ball sensor. Figure 27(a) is a front perspective view showing an enlarged view of the lower part of the main frame along with the outer frame with the circulating ball path unit's serpentine cover removed; and (b) is a rear perspective view showing an enlarged view of the lower part of the main frame along with the outer frame with the circulating ball path unit's serpentine cover removed.

The ball circulation unit 500 stores multiple game balls B discharged from the game board 5 and game balls B recovered by the foul unit 470, and sends the stored game balls B to the ball launch unit 450 via the ball lifting unit 550. The ball circulation unit 500 is attached to the ball circulation unit mounting section 401l provided on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401.

The ball circulation unit 500 includes an out-ball receiving port 500a that is long to the left and right and opens upward, a safe-ball receiving port 500b located behind the out-ball receiving port 500a and also long to the left and right and opens upward, a foul-ball receiving port 500c that opens at the front, and a ball discharge port 500d that opens to the right near the lower end. The out-ball receiving port 500a and the safe-ball receiving port 500b are formed with a depth in the front-to-back direction slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball B, and are formed to allow multiple game balls B to pass through in the left-to-right direction. The foul-ball receiving port 500c and the ball discharge port 500d are formed to allow one game ball B to pass through at a time.

The out ball receiving port 500a receives game balls B (out balls) received at the out port of the game board 5. The safe ball receiving port 500b receives game balls B (safe balls) received at the general prize port, start port, major prize port, etc., of the game board 5. The foul ball receiving port 500c receives game balls B (foul balls) discharged from the foul ball outlet 470c of the foul unit 470. The ball discharge port 500d discharges the game balls B received at the out ball receiving port 500a, safe ball receiving port 500b, and foul ball receiving port 500c and stored inside, and hands them over to the ball lifting unit 550.

Furthermore, the ball circulation unit 500 includes an out-ball passage 501 through which game balls B received at the out-ball receiving port 500a flow, a safe-ball passage 502 through which game balls B received at the safe-ball receiving port 500b flow, a foul-ball passage 503 through which game balls B received at the foul-ball receiving port 500c flow, and a ball storage passage 504 that communicates with the downstream ends of the out-ball passage 501, the safe-ball passage 502, and the foul-ball passage 503, with its downstream end being a ball discharge port 500d.

Furthermore, the ball circulation unit 500 includes an out-ball sensor 505 that detects each game ball B (out-ball) circulating in the out-ball passage 501, a safe-ball sensor 506 that detects each game ball B (safe-ball) circulating in the safe-ball passage 502, and a foul-ball sensor 507 that detects each game ball B (foul-ball) circulating in the foul-ball passage 503. The safe-ball sensor 506 is equivalent to a conventional all-entry-port sensor in a pachinko machine, and can be used to determine fraudulent entries by comparing it with the total number of entries in all entry ports.

The circulating ball path unit 500 comprises a flat ball receiving front plate 510, a ball receiving front member 511 attached to the rear side of the ball receiving front plate 510, and a ball receiving rear member 512 attached to the rear side of the ball receiving front member 511. A ball storage passage 504 is provided below the ball receiving front plate 510, the ball receiving front member 511, and the ball receiving rear member 512.

Furthermore, the ball circulation path unit 500 includes a ball meandering member 513 located below the ball receiving front plate 510, the ball receiving front member 511, and the ball receiving rear member 512, and opening upwards; a meandering cover 514 covering the top of the ball meandering member 513; a ball release shutter 515 for discharging game balls B from the ball meandering member 513; a magnet 516 attached to the ball release shutter 515; and a ball circulation path relay board 517 attached to the rear side of the ball receiving front member 511.

The ball-receiving front plate 510 extends to the left and right, and a foul ball receiving opening 500c is provided near the lower part of the center in the left-right direction, penetrating from front to back.

The ball-receiving front member 511, on its upper surface, cooperates with the ball-receiving front plate 510 to form an out-of-bounds ball receiving opening 500a. The ball-receiving front member 511 has out-of-bounds ball passages 501 and foul ball passages 503 formed in an open state toward the front, and these front sides are closed when the ball-receiving front plate 510 is attached. The downstream end of the out-of-bounds ball passage 501 opens downward at the lower left end of the ball-receiving front member 511. The opening at the downstream end of the out-of-bounds ball passage 501 is located in front of the opening at the downstream end of the safe ball passage 502. The downstream end of the foul ball passage 503 opens downward at a location on the ball-receiving front member 511 that is to the lower right of the downstream end of the out-of-bounds ball passage 501.

The ball receiving member 511 has an upper out-ball receiving plate portion 511a that slopes downward to the right from the middle of the vertical wall forming the left edge of the out-ball receiving opening 500a to near the center in the left-right direction; a lower out-ball receiving plate portion 511b that slopes downward to the left from a portion below the upper out-ball receiving plate portion 511a on the vertical wall forming the right edge of the out-ball receiving opening 500a to near the lower left edge of the out-ball receiving opening 500a; and a crank portion 511c that extends in a crank shape downward to the left from the left end of the lower out-ball receiving plate portion 511b with a width that allows game balls B to pass through in a single line.

The height between the right end of the upper 511a of the out-ball receiving plate and the lower 511b of the out-ball receiving plate is approximately twice the diameter of the game ball B. Therefore, the height of the lower 511b of the out-ball receiving plate on the left side decreases towards the left. This allows the game balls B received in the out-ball receiving opening 500a to be aligned in a single row.

The out-of-ball sensor 505 is mounted on the vertically extending portion directly below the downstream end of the lower out-of-ball receiving plate portion 511b in the crank section 511c.

In the ball receiving member 511, the out-ball passage 501 is formed by the upper part 511a of the out-ball receiving plate, the lower part 511b of the out-ball receiving plate, the crank part 511c, etc. Therefore, the out-ball passage 501 is formed to be wide enough to receive many game balls B on the upstream side, and the received game balls B are aligned in a line and passed to the downstream ball storage passage 504 (ball meandering member 513).

Furthermore, in the ball receiving member 511, the foul ball passage 503 slopes downwards to the left from the rear of the foul ball receiving opening 500c to the right of the left end of the lower out ball receiving plate 511b, below the upper out ball receiving plate 511a and below the lower out ball receiving plate 511b, and then extends downwards for a short distance. In the ball receiving member 511, a foul ball sensor 507 is attached to the leftward-extending portion of the foul ball passage 503. This foul ball passage 503 is formed so that game balls b flow in a single line, and game balls B that have flowed through the foul ball passage 503 are passed to a portion downstream of the portion in the ball storage passage 504 (ball meandering member 513) where they are passed from the out ball passage 501.

The ball-receiving member 511 has recesses 511d at the front edge of the upper 511a of the out-ball receiving plate, the front edge of the lower 511b of the out-ball receiving plate, and the front edges of the bottom wall that extends to the left and right, forming the foul ball passage 503. These recesses 511d allow dust and debris from the out-ball passage 501 and the foul ball passage 503 to be discharged to the outside.

Furthermore, the ball receiving member 511 has a ball circulation path relay board 517 attached to the rear portion of the foul ball passage 503 on its rear surface.

The ball-receiving rear member 512, on its upper surface, cooperates with the ball-receiving front member 511 to form a safe ball-receiving opening 500b. The ball-receiving rear member 512 has a safe ball passage 502 formed in an open state towards the front. When the ball-receiving front member 511 is attached, the front side of the safe ball passage 502 is closed. The safe ball passage 502 opens downwards at the lower left end of the ball-receiving rear member 512. The opening at the downstream end of the safe ball passage 502 is located behind the opening at the downstream end of the out ball passage 501. In other words, the opening at the downstream end of the out ball passage 501 and the opening at the downstream end of the safe ball passage 502 are aligned front to back.

The ball receiving member 512 has an upper safe ball receiving plate portion 512a that slopes downward to the right from the middle of the vertical wall forming the left edge of the safe ball receiving opening 500b to near the center in the left-right direction; a lower safe ball receiving plate portion 512b that slopes downward to the left from a point below the upper safe ball receiving plate portion 512a on the vertical wall forming the right edge of the safe ball receiving opening 500b to near the lower part of the left edge of the safe ball receiving opening 500b; and a crank portion 512c that extends downward to the left in a crank shape from the left end of the lower safe ball receiving plate portion 512b with a width that allows game balls B to pass through in a single line.

The height between the right end of the upper 512a of the safe ball receiving plate and the lower 512b of the safe ball receiving plate is approximately twice the diameter of the game ball B. Therefore, the height of the lower 512b of the safe ball receiving plate on the left side decreases towards the left. This allows the game balls B received in the safe ball receiving opening 500b to be aligned in a single row.

The safety ball sensor 506 is attached to the vertically extending portion of the crank section 512c, directly below the downstream end of the lower safety ball receiving plate section 512b.

In the ball receiving member 512, the safe ball passage 502 is formed by the upper safe ball receiving plate section 512a, the lower safe ball receiving plate section 512b, the crank section 512c, etc. Therefore, the safe ball passage 502 is formed to be wide enough to receive many game balls B on the upstream side, and the received game balls B are aligned in a line and passed to the uppermost part of the downstream ball storage passage 504 (ball meandering member 513).

The ball receiving member 512 has recesses 512d at the front edge of the upper 512a and the front edge of the lower 512b of the safe ball receiving plate, which are sized not to obstruct the flow of the game balls B. These recesses 512d allow dust and debris from within the safe ball passage 502 to be discharged to the outside.

The ball meandering member 513 extends in the left-right direction, meandering back and forth, with its right end becoming lower, forming a ball storage passage 504 capable of storing a large number of game balls B. As shown in Figure 23, the ball meandering member 513 has a first straight section 513a that slopes downward toward the front with its rear end as the upstream end, a first folded section 513b that bends to the right from the downstream end (front end) of the first straight section 513a and then bends further toward the rear, a second straight section 513c that extends downward toward the rear from the downstream end (rear end) of the first folded section 513b to a position near the rear end of the first straight section 513a, and a second straight section 513c that bends to the right from the downstream end (rear end) of the second straight section 513c and then A second folded portion 513d that bends downward toward the front, a third perpendicular portion 513e that extends downward toward the front from the downstream end (front end) of the second folded portion 513d to the same position as the front end of the second perpendicular portion 513c, a third folded portion 513f that bends to the right from the downstream end (front end) of the third perpendicular portion 513e and then bends downward toward the rear, and a fourth perpendicular portion 513g that extends downward toward the rear from the downstream end (rear end) of the third folded portion 513f to the same position as the rear end of the third perpendicular portion 513e A fourth folded section 513h is bent to the right from the downstream end (rear end) of the fourth perpendicular section 513g and then bent further forward and downward; a fifth perpendicular section 513i extends from the downstream end (front end) of the fourth folded section 513h to the same position as the front end of the fourth perpendicular section 513g, and bends forward and downward; a first bent section 513j is bent to the right and downward from the downstream end (front end) of the fifth perpendicular section 513i; and a first lateral section 513k extends to the right and downward from the downstream end (right end) of the first bent section 513j. The device comprises: a second bent section 513l that curves downward towards the rear from the downstream end (right end) of the first lateral section 513k; a sixth perpendicular section 513m that extends downward towards the rear from the downstream end (rear end) of the second bent section 513l to a position near the downstream end of the fifth perpendicular section 513i; a third bent section 513n that curves downward to the right from the downstream end (rear end) of the sixth perpendicular section 513m; and a second lateral section 513o that extends downward to the right from the downstream end (right end) of the third bent section 513n. The opening at the downstream end of the second lateral section 513o forms a ball discharge port 500d that opens to the right.

In the ball meandering member 513 (ball storage passage 504), the downstream end opening of the safe ball passage 502 is located above the rear end of the first perpendicular section 513a, and the downstream end opening of the out ball passage 501 is located in front of it. Furthermore, the downstream end opening of the foul ball passage 503 is located above the rear end of the second perpendicular section 513c.

Furthermore, the spherical meandering member 513 includes a spherical opening 513p that penetrates vertically through the first traverse section 513k, a pair of rail sections 513q that extend forward and backward along the left and right edges of the spherical opening 513p on the lower surface of the first traverse section 513k and protrude downward, support pieces 513r that protrude from the lower ends of each of the pair of rail sections 513q so as to approach each other, and locking recesses 513s that are recessed on the mutually facing sides of the pair of rail sections 513q.

The ball release opening 513p of the ball meandering member 513 is closed and opened by the ball release shutter 515, as will be described in detail later. A pair of rail sections 513q extend rearward from the ball release opening 513p. The pair of rail sections 513q support the ball release shutter 515 so that it can slide in the front-rear direction. Two support pieces 513r prevent the ball release shutter 515 from falling. Furthermore, the two support pieces 513r protrude from their respective rail sections 513q at the ball release opening 513p. This ensures that even when the load of the game ball B acts on the ball release shutter 515 through the ball release opening 513p, the ball release shutter 515 is sufficiently supported, preventing it from falling off. The locking recess 513s allows the locking projection 515f of the ball release shutter 515 to be inserted, holding the ball release shutter 515 in the open position.

Furthermore, the ball-swinging member 513 is equipped with a gauge section 520 that allows for visual confirmation of the appropriate amount of game balls B (circulating balls), and a circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and a circulating ball excess sensor 522 that can detect the amount of game balls B in circulation.

This ball-swinging member 513 allows for the formation of a ball storage passage 504 that meanders back and forth and extends laterally, becoming lower to the right. Furthermore, because the ball-swinging member 513 has multiple folded sections (first folded section 513b, second folded section 513d, third folded section 513f, fourth folded section 513h) and multiple bent sections (first bent section 513j, second bent section 513l, third bent section 513n), the flow speed of the game balls B can be suppressed at these sections, thereby mitigating the impact on the entrance side of the ball lifting unit 550.

The meandering cover 514 is attached to the ball meandering member 513 so as to cover the open upper end of the ball meandering member 513. By attaching the meandering cover 514 to the ball meandering member 513, it is possible to prevent game balls B from leaking out of the ball meandering member 513 (ball storage passage 504) and to prevent game balls B that are not compatible with the ball storage passage 504 or illegal game balls B from being inserted from the outside.

The meandering cover 514 is formed so that the length of the portion extending front to back at its left end is shorter rearward than the first perpendicular portion 513a of the spherical meandering member 513. As a result, when the meandering cover 514 is attached to the spherical meandering member 513, the rear of the first perpendicular portion 513a of the spherical meandering member 513 is opened upward, allowing communication with the out-ball passage 501 and the safe-ball passage 502 through that portion.

Furthermore, the meandering cover 514 has an opening 514a that penetrates vertically in the upper part of the ball meandering member 513, near the rear end of the second perpendicular section 513c. Through this opening 514a, the foul ball passage 503 can communicate with the ball storage passage 504.

The ball removal shutter 515 is for removing (discharging) game balls B (circulating game balls) from the circulating ball path unit 500, etc., and is mounted on the lower surface of the ball meandering member 513 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The ball-removal shutter 515 includes a flat door portion 515a capable of closing the ball-removal opening 513p, a knob portion 515b extending vertically and horizontally from the front edge of the door portion 515a, a pair of rod portions 515c extending rearward from the rear ends of both the left and right ends of the door portion 515a, a connecting portion 515e forming an opening 515d that penetrates vertically by connecting the pair of rod portions 515c at the rear of the door portion 515a, locking projections 515f bulging from the outer surfaces of the pair of rod portions 515c between the connecting portion 515e and their rear ends, hook portions 515g extending outward from the rear ends of the pair of rod portions 515c, and a magnet support portion 515h protruding cylindrically from the lower surface of the door portion 515a.

The magnet support portion 515h of the ball-removing shutter 515 can support a cylindrical magnet 516 by inserting the magnet 516 into the cylinder. This magnet support portion 515h is open to the rear such that the rear end of the outer circumferential surface of the supported magnet 516 coincides with the front inner circumferential surface of the opening 515d (see Figure 24, etc.).

When the ball-removing shutter 515 is attached to the ball-swinging member 513, the pair of rail sections 513q of the ball-swinging member 513 are positioned on the left and right outer sides of the door section 515a and the pair of shaft sections 515c, while the lower surface of the first lateral section 513k and the upper surfaces of the pair of support pieces 513r are positioned on the upper and lower sides of the door section 515a and the pair of shaft sections 515c. This allows the ball-removing shutter 515 to slide in the front-rear direction between the closed position and the open position, as described later.

Furthermore, a screw hole is provided on the lower end surface of the magnet support portion 515h of the ball-removing shutter 515. When a screw is screwed into the screw hole with the magnet 516 inserted into the magnet support portion 515h, a portion of the screw head is positioned below the magnet 516, preventing the magnet 516 from falling from the magnet support portion 515h.

In its normal state, the ball release shutter 515 is in a closed position, as shown in Figures 24(a1) and (a2), with the door portion 515a preventing game balls B from passing through the ball release opening 513p. In this state, the rear surface of the knob portion 515b abuts against the front surface of the first lateral portion 513k, and the pair of locking projections 515f contact the respective rear end surfaces of the pair of rail portions 513q. This restricts the movement of the ball release shutter 515 in the forward and backward directions, holding it in the closed position. Therefore, when the ball release shutter 515 is in the closed position, game balls B cannot be discharged from the ball release opening 513p into the ball receiving tray 620 below.

Furthermore, when the ball release shutter 515 is in the closed position, the magnet support portion 515h (magnet 516) is located below the center of the ball release opening 513p. As will be described in detail later, when a steel ball SB (see Figure 25) flows through the ball storage passage 504, the magnetic force of the magnet 516 causes the steel ball SB to magnetically adhere to the door portion 515a, resulting in a ball jam. This makes it possible to detect the presence of the steel ball SB.

In the closed position of the ball-removing shutter 515, when the knob 515b is grasped and pulled forward, the locking projection 515f on the shaft 515c comes into strong contact with the rear end surface of the rail 513q. At this time, the force applied to the locking projection 515f causes the shaft 515c to elastically deform inward, moving the locking projection 515f toward the inner surface of the rail 513q, causing the ball-removing shutter 515 to slide forward from the closed position. When the locking projection 515f reaches the locking recess 513s, the elastic force of the shaft 515c causes the locking projection 515f to be inserted into the locking recess 513s, and the hook portion 515g on the rear end of the shaft 515c approaches the rear end surface of the rail 513q. This restricts the ball-removing shutter 515 from sliding further forward.

In this state, as shown in Figures 24(b1) and (b2), the opening 515d of the ball release shutter 515 coincides with the ball release opening 513p, allowing game balls B to pass through the ball release opening 513p. In other words, the ball release shutter 515 is in the open position. When the ball release shutter 515 is in the open position, game balls B upstream of the ball release opening 513p in the ball storage passage 504 are discharged through the ball release opening 513p and the opening 515d to the ball receiving tray 620 below. This makes it possible to remove the circulating game balls B to the outside.

When the ball receiving tray 620 becomes heavy with accumulated game balls B, it rests on the bottom wall of the tray insertion recess 401f, which is sloped so that the front end is lower. The tray attempts to slide forward due to the slope of the bottom wall, but this forward sliding is prevented by the locking claw 401n. In this state, releasing the locking claw 401n allows the ball receiving tray 620 to automatically slide forward due to the weight of the stored game balls B, making it easy to remove the tray from the tray insertion recess 401f.

Furthermore, when the ball-removal shutter 515 is assembled to the pachinko machine 1, the rear surface of the door frame 3 is close to the front surface of the knob 515b. Therefore, even if the ball-removal shutter 515 attempts to slide forward for any reason, the knob 515b will contact the door frame 3, preventing it from sliding to the open position. This prevents the circulating game balls B from being accidentally removed and lost, and prevents the introduction of illegal game balls B through the ball-removal opening 513p.

The magnet 516 is formed in a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the magnet support portion 515h of the ball-removing shutter 515. This magnet 516 is for attracting the iron ball SB. A magnet with strong magnetic force, such as a neodymium magnet, is used for the magnet 516.

By the way, in a gaming hall or similar establishment, if the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment and conventional pachinko machines where players can touch the game balls (steel balls SB) are mixed together, there is a risk that steel balls SB may be mixed in when the game balls B are replenished or replaced during maintenance of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment.

In contrast, in this pachinko machine 1, if a steel ball SB is mixed in, a magnet 516 is provided in the ball release shutter 515. Therefore, when the steel ball SB flows through the ball storage passage 504, the magnetic force of the magnet 516 causes the steel ball SB to magnetically attach to the upper surface of the door portion 515a of the ball release shutter 515 in the closed position, causing it to stop (see Figure 25(a)). At this time, because a strong magnet 516 is used, even if a force acts to push the steel ball SB downstream due to the accumulation of many game balls B upstream of the magnetically attached steel ball SB, the steel ball SB will not move from the upper surface of the door portion 515a.

Then, with the iron ball SB magnetically attached to the door portion 515a (magnet 516) of the ball release shutter 515 in the ball storage passage 504, if the launching of game balls B from the ball launching unit 450 continues, the game balls B downstream of the magnetically attached iron ball SB will be consumed sequentially, and the consumed (launched) game balls B will be sequentially supplied upstream of the iron ball SB. Consequently, the detection of game balls B will be turned OFF in the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the lifting inlet sensor 553, etc., located downstream of the ball release shutter 515, while the detection of game balls B will be turned ON in the circulating ball excess sensor 522, out ball sensor 505, safe ball sensor 506, foul ball sensor 507, etc., located upstream of the ball release shutter 515. This makes it possible to detect and notify that a ball jam has occurred between the circulating ball shortage sensor 521, etc. and the circulating ball excess sensor 522, etc. In other words, it is possible to detect that the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the door portion 515a.

As shown in Figure 25(a), with the iron ball SB magnetically attached to the upper surface of the door portion 515a of the ball-releasing shutter 515 by the magnetic force of the magnet 516, when the ball-releasing shutter 515 is slid from the closed position to the open position, the front end of the iron ball SB, which is magnetically attached to the upper surface of the door portion 515a, comes into contact with the front wall of the first lateral portion 513k, preventing only the iron ball SB from moving forward. Then, as the ball-releasing shutter 515 slides further forward, the door portion 515a that was supporting the lower end of the iron ball SB disappears, and gravity causes the iron ball SB to move into the lower opening 515d. At this time, since the rear end of the outer surface of the magnet 516 coincides with the front inner surface of the opening 515d, the iron ball SB remains magnetically attached to the outer surface of the magnet 516 (see Figure 25(b)).

Furthermore, while the iron ball SB attempts to move from its outer surface towards the pole side (in this case, the lower end surface) of the magnet 516, when the ball release shutter 515 is in the open position, the upper end surface of the ball receiving tray 620 is located below the magnet 516, preventing the iron ball SB from moving downwards. Therefore, when the ball release shutter 515 is slid to the open position, the iron ball B is located in a position overlapping with the opening 515d, and the game ball B upstream of the iron ball SB is not discharged downwards through the opening 515d, i.e., the ball release port 513p.

After sliding the ball release shutter 515 to the open position, sliding it to the rearward closed position prevents the game ball B upstream of the steel ball SB from passing through the ball release opening 513p, while the steel ball SB, which was magnetized on the outer surface of the magnet 516, moves to the underside of the magnet 516, resulting in the steel ball SB being magnetically attached to the underside of the magnet 516 (see Figure 25(c)). Then, the ball receiving tray 620 is pulled out and removed from the tray insertion recess 401f, and the steel ball SB, which is magnetically attached to the underside of the magnet 516, is removed.

In this manner, with the iron ball SB magnetically attached to the door portion 515a of the ball release shutter 515 by the magnet 516, sliding the ball release shutter 515 back and forth allows only the magnetically attached iron ball SB to be removed from the ball storage passage 504 to the outside.

The ball circulation path relay board 517 is mounted on the rear surface of the ball receiving front member 511, at the rear of the foul ball passage 503, and below the lower part 511b of the out-ball receiving plate of the ball receiving rear member 512. The ball circulation path relay board 517 serves to relay the connections between the out-ball sensor 505, the safe ball sensor 506, the foul ball sensor 507, the ball circulation shortage sensor 521, and the ball circulation excess sensor 522, and the frame control board 640, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the circulating ball path unit 500 consists of a ball receiving front plate 510, a ball receiving front member 511, a ball receiving rear member 512, a ball meandering member 513, and a meandering cover 514, all made of transparent synthetic resin. Therefore, the internal state can be visually observed from the outside.

The ball circulation path unit 500 has an out-of-bounds ball sensor 505 and a foul ball sensor 507 mounted between the front ball receiving plate 510 and the front ball receiving member 511, and a safe ball sensor 506 mounted between the front ball receiving member 511 and the rear ball receiving member 512. The out-of-bounds ball sensor 505 and the safe ball sensor 506 are mounted side-by-side, front and back.

The out ball sensor 505, safe ball sensor 506, foul ball sensor 507, circulating ball shortage sensor 521, and circulating ball excess sensor 522 detect game ball B non-contact, for example, by detecting changes in induced current.

The circulating ball path unit 500 is attached to the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401 from the rear. When assembled to the main frame 4, the circulating ball path unit 500 is mounted so that the out ball receiving opening 500a and the safe ball receiving opening 500b are at the same height as the upper surface of the base wall portion 401b and in contact with the rear edge of the upper surface of the base wall portion 401b.

Furthermore, the circulating ball path unit 500 is mounted on the main frame 4 so that the ball delivery unit 600 is positioned between it and the base wall portion 401b.

Furthermore, when assembled to the main frame 4, the ball circulation path unit 500 has portions of the ball meandering member 513 and the meandering cover 514 that are forward of their center in the front-to-back direction, protruding forward through the ball storage passage insertion opening 401g provided in the base wall portion 401b from the rear. This allows the game balls B inside the ball meandering member 513 (ball storage passage 504) to be visible from the front (outside) when the door frame 3 is opened relative to the main frame 4.

Furthermore, when the circulating ball path unit 500 is assembled to the main frame 4, and the frame base unit 630 is opened to the rear, the interiors of the out-ball passage 501, safe ball passage 502, foul ball passage 503, and the parts of the ball storage passage 504 behind the base wall 401b can be viewed from the rear. This allows for easy identification of the location of a ball jam by opening the frame base unit 630 and checking the inside of the out-ball passage 501, etc., when a ball jam occurs.

Furthermore, when the circulating ball path unit 500 is assembled to the main frame 4, the second traverse portion 513o of the ball meandering member 513 is located behind the base wall portion 401b and below the ball launching unit 450. In other words, the circulating ball path unit 500 has a ball discharge port 500d that opens to the right, behind the base wall portion 401b and lower than the ball launching unit 450. This ball discharge port 500d communicates with the ball lifting inlet passage 551 of the ball lifting unit 550, which will be described later.

The ball circulation path unit 500 of this embodiment includes a gauge section 520 that allows visual confirmation of the appropriate amount of game balls B stored in the ball storage passage 504 (ball meandering member 513), a ball circulating ball shortage sensor 521 for detecting when the amount of stored game balls B (circulating balls) is insufficient, and a ball circulating ball excess sensor 522 for detecting when the amount of stored game balls B (circulating balls) is excessive (see Figure 37).

The gauge section 520 is a region of a predetermined length colored differently from other parts, relative to the flow direction of the ball storage passage 504 in the ball meandering member 513. Here, the appropriate length is defined as the rear end of a row of game balls B stored in a line overlapping the gauge section 520.

The gauge section 520 indicates that if, during maintenance, game balls B cannot be seen in the gauge section 520 (appropriate quantity area), it indicates a shortage of game balls B, meaning the quantity is less than the appropriate amount. To replenish game balls B, insert game balls B into the out port 1008 of the game board 5, or into the out ball receiving port 500a or safe ball receiving port 500b until the appropriate quantity is reached.

On the other hand, when observing the gauge section 520, if game balls B are visible in all parts of the gauge section 520 (i.e., the rear end of the row of game balls B is not visible), it indicates that there is an excess of game balls B, exceeding the appropriate amount. If there is an excess of game balls B, the ball release shutter 515 is pulled forward and slid to the open position, thereby discharging the game balls B from the ball release opening 513p in the ball storage passage 504 to bring the amount to the appropriate level.

The circulating ball under-sensor 521 is located near the downstream end of the gauge section 520 in the ball storage passage 504. The circulating ball over-sensor 522 is located near the upstream end of the gauge section 520 in the ball storage passage 504. Both the circulating ball under-sensor 521 and the circulating ball over-sensor 522 are connected to the frame control board 640 via the circulating ball path relay board 517.

As will be explained in detail later, when the number of game balls B is at an appropriate level, the circulating ball deficiency sensor 521 detects game balls B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or longer, while the circulating ball excess sensor 522 does not detect game balls B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or longer. When the number of game balls B is insufficient, neither the circulating ball deficiency sensor 521 nor the circulating ball excess sensor 522 detects game balls B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or longer. On the other hand, when the number of game balls B is excessive, neither the circulating ball deficiency sensor 521 nor the circulating ball excess sensor 522 detects game balls B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or longer. Furthermore, if the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 fails to detect game ball B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or longer, while the circulating ball excess sensor 522 detects game ball B for a predetermined time (e.g., 80 ms) or longer, a ball jam, including the inclusion of iron ball SB, has occurred between the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522.

Here, we will explain the reason for the predetermined time k80ms as the threshold for detecting the presence or absence of game ball B. For example, on the circulation path R, the positions where sensors such as the circulating ball excess sensor 522, circulating ball insufficiency sensor 521, lifting inlet sensor 553, lifting outlet sensor 554, and launch pre-sensor 604 are located are at the stopping positions of game ball B when the ball lifting unit 550 and ball delivery unit 600 are stopped. This position is where the next game ball B is located each time one game ball B is delivered. Therefore, the detection of game ball B here is based on whether or not it has been detected for 80ms or more. This is because the time it takes to detect a game ball B rolling on a slope of about 5 degrees is about 50ms, so a margin is added to ensure that the presence of game ball B at that position is reliably detected, resulting in detection at 80ms. In other words, this value of 80ms is a practical value obtained through experimentation.

In this way, by combining the detection status of game balls B by the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522, the frame control board 640 can automatically determine and notify the amount of game balls B, ball jams, etc.

In the above embodiment, the gauge portion 520 of the spherical meandering member 513 was shown with the appropriate amount region colored differently from other parts. However, the molding color of the gauge portion 520 of the spherical meandering member 513 may be different, a seal may be attached to the gauge portion, or a gauge portion may be made by drawing colored lines at the downstream and upstream ends of the appropriate amount region.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows a system equipped with a circulating ball under-sensor 521 and a circulating ball over-sensor 522, the circulating ball under-sensor 521 may be replaced with the lift inlet sensor described later, and the circulating ball over-sensor 522 may be replaced with an out-ball sensor 505, a safe-ball sensor 506, or a foul-ball sensor 507.

[4-4a. Ball jamming relief mechanism]
Next, the circulating ball path unit 500 may be provided with a ball jam relief mechanism 530, as shown in Figure 28, to facilitate the relief of ball jams in the out ball sensor 505 and the safe ball sensor 506. Figure 28(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the main part of the rear cross-section cut at the out ball sensor in the circulating ball path unit attached to the main frame with the lid member of the ball relief mechanism closed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the lid member open in (a).

The ball jam relief mechanism 530 is implemented in the ball receiving pre-member 511 and ball receiving post-member 512 of the circulating ball path unit 500, with the upper wall portions of the out-of-ball sensor 505 and safe-ball sensor 506 being made into openable/closable lid members 531. As shown in Figure 28(a), the lid member 531 is normally closed. The lid member 531 is held in the closed state by locking claws (not shown).

This ball jam relief mechanism 530 is used to resolve ball jams that occur in the out ball passage 501 or the safe ball passage 502, or when illegal balls B', which are larger in diameter than game balls B, are inserted as a result of fraudulent activity, blocking the out ball sensor 505, etc.

For example, if an illegal ball B', larger in diameter than the game ball B, is inserted through the out-port 1008 of the game board 5 and the out-ball sensor 505 is blocked, opening the main frame 4 relative to the outer frame 2 and then opening the frame substrate unit 630 reveals the rear of the ball circulation path unit 500. In this embodiment, a gap is formed between the area of the ball jam relief mechanism 530 in the ball circulation path unit 500 and the box body portion 404b of the main frame speaker box 404, allowing a finger to be inserted. By releasing the locking claw of the lid member 531 through this gap and rotating the lid member 531 so that its lower end moves upward, the lid member 531 can be opened (see Figure 28(b)).

Furthermore, by opening the lid member 531, a finger can be inserted into the upper part of the out-of-ball sensor 505 within the out-of-ball passage 501, allowing for easy removal of the illegal ball B' blocking the out-of-ball sensor 505. In this way, the illegal ball B' can be easily removed without having to remove the circulating ball path unit 500, which is secured with screws using a screwdriver.

Furthermore, if the safe ball sensor 506 is blocked by the illegal ball B', the illegal ball B' can be removed using the same procedure as described above.

In the above example, a ball jam relief mechanism 530 is shown with an openable and closable lid member 531. However, for example, elastic claws may be provided on the rear ball receiving member 512 and the front ball receiving member 511, and the rear ball receiving member 512 and the front ball receiving member 511 may be detached to the rear by the locking of the elastic claws. In this case, under normal conditions, the frame base plate unit 630 is located behind the circulating ball path unit 500, and even if the locking of the elastic claws loosens, the rear ball receiving member 512 and the front ball receiving member 511 will not come off to the rear. Furthermore, if the out-of-bounds ball sensor 505 is blocked by an illegal ball B', opening the main frame 4 relative to the outer frame 2 and then opening the frame substrate unit 630 reveals the rear of the circulating ball path unit 500. By releasing the locking of the elastic claws that attach the ball receiving rear member 512 and the ball receiving front member 511, the ball receiving rear member 512 and the ball receiving front member 511 can be easily removed, allowing the illegal ball B' blocking the out-of-bounds ball sensor 505 to be easily extracted.

Alternatively, as a ball jam relief mechanism 530, the ball receiving front member 511, which is sandwiched between the ball receiving front plate 510 and the ball receiving rear member 512, may be designed so that the portion above the out-of-ball sensor 505 can be slid upward and removed. In this case, under normal conditions, the game board 5 is positioned above the circulating ball path unit 500, and gravity prevents the slidable portion of the ball receiving front member 511 from detaching upward. If the out-of-ball sensor 505 is blocked by an illegal ball B', opening the door frame 3 relative to the main frame 4 and removing the game board 5 from the main frame 4 exposes the upper part of the circulating ball path unit 500. By sliding the slidable portion of the ball receiving front member 511 upward and removing it, the illegal ball B' blocking the out-of-ball sensor 505 can be easily removed.

[4-5. Ball Lifting Unit]
The ball lifting unit 550 in the main frame 4 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 29 to 32. Figure 29(a) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main frame viewed from the front left, (b) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main frame viewed from the front right, and (c) is a perspective view of the ball lifting unit in the main frame viewed from the rear. Figure 30(a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball lifting unit disassembled into its main components and viewed from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball lifting unit disassembled into its main components and viewed from the rear. Figure 31 is a front view showing an enlarged view of the main parts of the ball lifting unit with the ball cassette removed from the ball lifting unit attached to the main frame. Figure 32(a) is a right side view showing the ball mechanism and the main parts of the ball lifting mechanism in the ball lifting unit, (b) is a rear view showing the main parts of the ball lifting mechanism, and (c) is a plan view of the main parts of the ball lifting mechanism viewed from arrow A in (b).

The ball lifting unit 550 is for sending game balls B, which have been discharged from the game board 5 and the foul unit 470 and circulated through the ball circulation path unit 500, to the ball launching unit 450 via the ball delivery unit 600. The ball lifting unit 550 is attached to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j, which is provided on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401.

The ball lifting unit 550 comprises a ball lifting mechanism 560 for lifting game balls B, a ball lifting inlet passage 551 for supplying game balls B sent from the circulating ball path unit 500 to the ball lifting mechanism 560, a ball lifting outlet passage 552 for supplying game balls B lifted by the ball lifting mechanism 560 to the ball transport unit 600, a lifting inlet sensor 553 provided in the ball lifting inlet passage 551 for detecting game balls B in circulation, and a lifting outlet sensor 554 provided in the ball lifting outlet passage 552 for detecting game balls B in circulation.

Furthermore, the ball lifting unit 550 includes a ball lifting inlet grounding plate 555 provided in the ball lifting inlet passage 551 so as to be in contact with the game ball B, a ball lifting outlet grounding plate 556 provided in the ball lifting outlet passage 552 so as to be in contact with the game ball B, a ball lifting relay board 557 that relays the connection to the frame control board 640, and a ball polishing mechanism 580 for polishing the game ball B that is being lifted by the ball lifting mechanism 560.

First, the ball lifting mechanism 560 of the ball lifting unit 550 comprises a lifting spiral shaft 561 extending vertically and having a helical lifting groove 561a on its outer circumference, a shaft gear 562 attached to the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561, a motor gear 563 meshing with the shaft gear 562 and rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the lifting spiral shaft 561, a lifting motor 564 with the motor gear 563 attached to its rotating shaft for rotating the lifting spiral shaft 561, a lifting motor index 565 having a detection portion 565a that extends flange-like from the lower end of the shaft gear 562 and is cut out in a part of its circumferential direction, and a lifting motor index sensor 566 capable of detecting the detection portion 565a of the lifting motor index 565.

Furthermore, the ball lifting mechanism 560 includes a motor base sheet metal 567 to which a lifting motor 564 is attached and which rotatably supports a motor gear 563, and a lifting mechanism base 568 and lifting mechanism cover 569 attached to the motor base sheet metal 567 and which rotatably support a lifting spiral shaft 561, and which are attached to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401.

The lifting spiral shaft 561 has a spiral lifting groove 561a on its outer surface, with a depth sufficient to accommodate game balls B in a single row. The lifting groove 561a is formed so that the game balls B can be lifted by rotating the lifting spiral shaft 561 in a clockwise direction when viewed from above in its axial direction (see Figure 32(c)). The spiral pitch of the lifting groove 561a is longer near both the upper and lower ends than in between. The lifting spiral shaft 561 is rotatably supported by a lifting mechanism base 568 and a lifting mechanism cover 569. The axis of rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561 is inclined with respect to the vertical such that, in a front view, the upper end is located to the right of the lower end. This allows the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 to be moved to the right from the ball transport unit, making it possible to relatively increase the length of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 and thus increase the storage capacity of game balls B. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the lifting spiral shaft 561 is inclined at an angle of 12 degrees with respect to the vertical.

The shaft gear 562 is a spur gear. The motor gear 563 is a worm gear. This allows the motor gear 563, which is a worm gear meshed with the shaft gear 562, to prevent rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561 due to the load acting on it from the numerous game balls B housed in the lifting groove 561a of the lifting spiral shaft 561. The lifting motor 564 is a DC motor.

The lifting motor index 565 is integrally molded with the shaft gear 562 in a flange-like manner. The detection portion 565a of the lifting motor index 565 is provided with a cutout at a 45-degree angle to the entire circumference. The lifting motor index sensor 566 is a photosensor. The lifting motor index sensor 566 receives light at the detection portion 565a of the lifting motor index 565, and is shielded from light and does not receive light at other parts of the lifting motor index 565a. This makes it possible to detect the rotational position of the lifting spiral shaft 561 via the lifting motor index 565.

As will be explained in more detail later, the lifting spiral shaft 561 rotates once for every 32 rotations of the lifting motor 564's axis, thanks to the shaft gear 562 and motor gear 563. The lifting motor index sensor 566, after being positioned outside the detection unit 565a and in a non-receiving state, reaches the detection unit 565a and enters a receiving state after 28 rotations of the lifting motor 564. After entering the receiving state, the lifting motor 564 moves away from the detection unit 565a and enters a non-receiving state after another 4 rotations. In this embodiment, the origin is defined as the position two rotations after reaching the detection unit 565a and entering the receiving state. In other words, the center of the detection unit 565a is defined as the origin of rotation for the lifting spiral shaft 561.

The motor base sheet metal 567 has the lifting motor 564 attached to its left end in a front view, and rotatably supports the right end of the motor gear 563 at its right end. The motor base sheet metal 567 is attached to the lifting mechanism base 568 at its upper end and to the lifting mechanism cover 569 at its lower end.

The lifting mechanism base 568, in cooperation with the lifting mechanism cover 569, houses the lifting spiral shaft 561 and rotatably supports the lifting spiral shaft 561. The lifting mechanism base 568 has a ball polishing opening 568a that penetrates from front to back, with a size that prevents the game ball B from passing through, and allowing the lifting spiral shaft 561 to face forward. This ball polishing opening 568a is positioned so that a portion of the game ball B, lifted by the lifting spiral shaft 561, protrudes forward. The portion of the game ball B protruding forward beyond the ball polishing opening 568a comes into contact with the polishing cloth 582 of the ball polishing mechanism 580, thereby polishing the game ball B.

The lifting mechanism base 568 has a downstream portion of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 located to the right of the lifting spiral shaft 561 in a front view, near its lower end. The portion of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 has an upstream end that opens towards the rear and slopes downwards towards the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 on the left. Furthermore, a lifting inlet sensor 553 is mounted on the lifting mechanism base 568 in a location to the right of the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 in a front view.

Furthermore, the lifting mechanism base 568 is provided with an upstream portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 near its upper end. The portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 slopes downwards from the front of the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 towards the left in a front view, then slopes downwards towards the rear, with the downstream end opening towards the rear. The ball lifting outlet passage 552 slopes downwards to the left from the rearward opening portion of the lifting mechanism base 568, then slopes downwards towards the front, opening towards the front at its front end. This portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 is formed through the cooperation of the lifting mechanism base 568 and the lifting mechanism cover 569.

Furthermore, the Kuma motor base 586, to which the Kuma motor 588 of the Kuma mechanism 580 is attached, is rotatably mounted around a vertically extending shaft on the lifting mechanism base 568.

The lifting mechanism cover 569, in cooperation with the lifting mechanism base 568, houses the lifting spiral shaft 561 and rotatably supports the lifting spiral shaft 561. It is attached from the rear to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401. A ball lifting relay board 557 is attached to the rear surface of the lifting mechanism cover 569.

The lifting mechanism cover 569 has a portion upstream of the portion provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 in the ball lifting inlet passage 551. The portion provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 in the ball lifting inlet passage 551 has its downstream end opening forward at a point near the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561, to the right in a front view, then extending rearward, bending to the left to pass behind the lifting spiral shaft 561, and then extending diagonally forward with its upstream end opening to the left. A ball lifting inlet grounding plate 555 is attached to this lifting mechanism cover 569, positioned behind the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561, and is capable of contacting the game ball B flowing through the ball lifting inlet passage 551.

Furthermore, the lifting mechanism cover 569 has a portion downstream of the portion provided on the lifting mechanism base 568 in the ball lifting outlet passage 552. The portion of the lifting mechanism cover 569 in the ball lifting outlet passage 552 has an upstream end that opens rearward, bends to the left in a front view, extends to the left end, then bends forward, and at the front end of the lifting mechanism cover 569, the downstream end opens forward.

Furthermore, a lifting outlet sensor 554 is attached to the lifting mechanism cover 569 near the left end of the portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 that extends to the left in a front view. In addition, a ball lifting outlet grounding plate 556 is attached to the lifting mechanism cover 569 upstream of the lifting outlet sensor 554 in the portion of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 that extends to the left, and is provided to be in contact with the game ball B flowing through the ball lifting outlet passage 552.

Next, the ball lifting inlet passage 551 of the ball lifting unit 550 has an opening (inlet) at its upstream end that opens to the left near the lower part of the left side of the ball lifting unit 550. This opening is positioned to face the ball discharge port 500d of the circulating ball path unit 500 when assembled to the main frame 4. The ball lifting inlet passage 551 slopes downward from the left end inlet toward the right, extends to the right of the lifting spiral shaft 561, bypassing the rear of the lifting spiral shaft 561, then bends back toward the front and extends to the left near the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561. Then, near the lifting spiral shaft 561, it bends in a crank shape, wrapping around to the front of the lifting spiral shaft 561, and communicates with the lifting groove 561a of the lifting spiral shaft 561 near the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561.

The ball lifting inlet passage 551 is positioned so that its upstream end opening faces the ball discharge port 500d, which forms the downstream end opening of the ball storage passage 504 in the circulating ball path unit 500. Game balls B that have circulated through the ball storage passage 504 are passed through and circulated through this passage.

The ball lifting inlet passage 551 has a lifting inlet sensor 553 installed in a section that slopes downwards towards the left near the downstream end where it contacts the lifting spiral shaft 561, and a ball lifting inlet grounding plate 555 is attached to the rear portion of the lifting spiral shaft 561.

The ball lifting outlet passage 552, near the upper end of the ball lifting unit 550, has its upstream end communicating with the lifting groove 561a near the front of the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561. It extends to the left of the lifting spiral shaft 561, then bends rearward, extending to the same position as the rear end of the lifting spiral shaft 561, before bending to the left again. From there, it extends to the left near the left end of the ball lifting unit 550, then bends forward, with its downstream end opening forward on the front surface of the ball lifting unit 550 (lifting mechanism cover 569).

The ball lifting exit passage 552 is positioned so that its downstream end opening faces the ball supply port of the ball transport unit described later, allowing for the supply of game balls B to the ball transport unit 600.

The ball lifting outlet passage 552 extends to the left near the rear end of the ball lifting unit 550. A lifting outlet sensor 554 is installed near the left end of this section, and a ball lifting outlet grounding plate 556 is attached upstream (to the right) of the sensor. The bottom wall of the section of the ball lifting outlet passage 552 where the ball lifting outlet grounding plate 556 is installed has an opening of a size that does not obstruct the flow of game balls B, allowing dust and debris to be discharged to the outside through this opening.

The lifting inlet sensor 553 detects the presence or absence of game balls B to be lifted when the lifting motor 564 rotates the lifting spiral shaft 561 to lift the game balls B. As will be described in detail later, if the lifting inlet sensor 553 does not detect game balls B, the lifting motor 564 will not be driven.

The lifting outlet sensor 554 detects the presence or absence of game balls B being supplied to the ball transport unit. As will be described in detail later, when the lifting inlet sensor 553 detects game balls B, and the lifting outlet sensor 554 no longer detects game balls B, and a predetermined condition is met (in this case, a predetermined number (e.g., 3) of game balls B are subtracted by the launch subtraction sensor 454), the lifting motor 564 drives the lifting spiral shaft 561, causing a predetermined number of game balls B to be lifted.

The lifting inlet sensor 553 and the lifting outlet sensor 554 detect the game ball B non-contactually, for example, by detecting changes in induced current.

The ball lifting inlet grounding plate 555 removes static electricity from the game balls B supplied from the circulating ball path unit 500 to the ball lifting inlet passage 551. The ball lifting inlet grounding plate 555 is located upstream of the lifting inlet sensor 553. This allows for the pre-removal of static electricity from the game balls B passing through the lifting inlet sensor 553, preventing false detections at the lifting inlet sensor 553 or malfunctions of the frame control board 640 due to static electricity from the game balls B.

The ball lifting outlet grounding plate 556 removes static electricity from the game ball B, which is lifted by the ball lifting mechanism 560 and polished by the ball polishing mechanism 580. The ball lifting outlet grounding plate 556 is located upstream of the lifting outlet sensor 554. This allows for the pre-removal of static electricity from the game ball B as it passes through the lifting outlet sensor 554, preventing false detections in the lifting outlet sensor 554 or malfunctions of the frame control board 640 due to static electricity from the game ball B.

The ball lifting relay board 557 is used to relay connections between the lifting inlet sensor 553, lifting outlet sensor 554, lifting motor 564, lifting motor index sensor 566, ball motor 588, etc., and the frame control board 640. The ball lifting relay board 557 is mounted on the rear side of the lifting mechanism cover 569.

The ball grinding mechanism 580 is mounted on the front side of the ball lifting mechanism 560. The ball grinding mechanism 580 comprises a vertically elongated rectangular box-shaped ball grinding cassette 581, an endless ring-belt-shaped grinding cloth 582 with a portion exposed to the outside on the rear surface of the ball grinding cassette 581, a sheet-like ball grinding sponge 583 provided between the exposed portion of the grinding cloth 582 and the rear surface of the ball grinding cassette 581, a ball grinding feed gear 584 rotatably supported around a left-right axis in the lower part of the ball grinding cassette 581, and a ball grinding driven gear 585 meshing with the ball grinding feed gear 584 with the grinding cloth 582 in between, and also rotatably supported around a left-right axis.

Furthermore, the Kuma mechanism 580 includes a flat plate-shaped Kuma motor base 586 located to the left of the Kuma cassette 581, with a constant front-to-back depth and extending vertically, and its rear end rotatably attached to the lifting mechanism base 568; a gear cover 587 attached to the left side of the Kuma motor base 586; a Kuma motor 588 attached to the left side of the gear cover 587, with its rotating shaft protruding between the gear cover 587 and the Kuma motor base 586; a spur gear-shaped motor gear 589 attached to the rotating shaft of the Kuma motor 588; and a gear that meshes with the motor gear 589. The transmission gear 590 has a large-diameter spur-gear-shaped gear section 590a that meshes with the large-diameter gear section 590a, and a small-diameter spur-gear-shaped gear section 590b that rotates integrally with the large-diameter gear section 590a, and is rotatably supported between the Kuma motor base 586 and the gear cover 587. It also includes a spur-gear-shaped transmission gear 591 that meshes with the small-diameter gear section 590b of the transmission gear 590 and is rotatably supported between the Kuma motor base 586 and the gear cover 587, and a rotating connecting section 592 that rotates integrally with the transmission gear 591 and protrudes to the right through the Kuma motor base 586.

Furthermore, the Kuma mechanism 580 includes a flat cassette pressing piece 593 that abuts against the front surface of the Kuma cassette 581, with its left end locked to the front end of the Kuma motor base 586 and its right end attached to the front surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401; and a nylon latch 594 that detachably attaches the right end of the cassette pressing piece 593 to the front surface of the base wall portion 401b.

The Kuma cassette 581 of the Kuma mechanism 580 is formed in a hollow box shape, with slits provided at both the upper and lower edges of the rear surface through which the grinding cloth 582 can pass. The Kuma cassette 581 is detachably attached from the front to the lifting mechanism base 568 of the Kuma lifting mechanism 560, so as to close the Kuma opening 568a.

The polishing cloth 582 is formed in the shape of an endless ring belt with a constant width on both sides. As shown in Figure 32(a), the polishing cloth 582 is housed within the Kuma cassette 581 in a meandering manner, with a portion of it exposed behind the rear surface of the Kuma cassette 581 through the upper and lower slits.

The Kuma sponge 583 is positioned between the rear surface of the Kuma cassette 581 and the rearward-exposed portion of the polishing cloth 582, and is attached to the rear surface of the Kuma cassette 581. The inner surface of the polishing cloth 582 is in contact with the rear surface of the Kuma sponge 583. When assembled with the ball lifting unit 550, the Kuma sponge 583 elastically presses the polishing cloth 582 against the game ball B exposed forward from the Kuma opening 568a of the ball lifting mechanism 560, ensuring that the polishing cloth 582 contacts the spherical surface of the game ball B over a wider area. The Kuma sponge 583 is replaceable and attached to the Kuma cassette 581.

The Kuma drive gear 584 is positioned so that, with the Kuma cassette 581 attached, its axis aligns with the axis of the transmission gear 591 (rotating coupling portion 592). The left end of the rotating shaft is connected to the rotating coupling portion 592, allowing it to rotate integrally with the transmission gear 591.

The Kuma driven gear 585 meshes with the Kuma feed gear 584 such that there is a gap for the abrasive cloth 582 to fit into. As the Kuma feed gear 584 rotates, the Kuma driven gear 585 rotates in the opposite direction, and simultaneously feeds the abrasive cloth 582 that is sandwiched between the Kuma feed gear 584 and the Kuma driven gear 585.

The Kuma motor base 586 extends vertically along the left side of the Kuma cassette 581, and its rear end is rotatably mounted around an axis extending vertically relative to the lifting mechanism base 568. This allows the Kuma motor base 586 to rotate its front end away from the Kuma cassette 581. The Kuma motor base 586 has a locking hole 586a that penetrates horizontally at a portion of its front edge above the vertical center. A locking hook 593a, located at the left end of the cassette pressing piece 593, is inserted into and locked into this locking hole 586a.

The Kuma motor 588 is controlled independently of the operation of the lifting motor 564, and is controlled so that the grinding cloth 582 moves 0.17 mm for every 1000 game balls B launched.

The cassette pressing piece 593 extends to the left and right, and a hook-shaped locking hook portion 593a is provided at its left end, which is inserted into and locked into the locking hole 586a of the Kuma motor base 586. A nylon latch 594 is provided near the right end of the cassette pressing piece 593.

The Nylatch 594 can be locked by pressing the operating part 594a, and unlocked by pulling it towards you.

In this embodiment, the ball lifting unit 550 is attached to the rear side of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401 when assembled to the main frame 4. When assembling this ball lifting unit 550 to the main frame base 401 of the main frame 4, the ball lifting unit 550 is attached to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j provided on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b, with the ball cassette 581 and cassette pressing piece 593 of the ball mechanism 580 removed from the ball lifting mechanism 560. At this time, the ball motor base 586, which protrudes forward from the lifting mechanism base 568, is made to protrude its front end forward of the base wall portion 401b by passing through the portion of the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j that penetrates from front to back. In this state, the ball opening 568a of the ball lifting mechanism base 568 of the ball lifting mechanism 560 is located at the penetrating portion of the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j on the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b. Through the ball opening 568a, the game balls B being lifted onto the lifting spiral shaft 561 can be seen from the front of the base wall portion 401b (main frame 4) (see Figure 31). In other words, by opening the door frame 3 relative to the main frame 4 and removing the ball cassette 581, the lifting spiral shaft 561 and the game balls B being lifted onto the lifting spiral shaft 561 can be viewed from the front.

After attaching the ball lifting mechanism 560 side of the ball lifting unit 550 to the ball lifting unit mounting portion 401j of the base wall portion 401b, the ball cassette 581 is positioned in front of the lifting mechanism base 568, with the surface where the polishing cloth 582 is exposed facing rearward, and the ball opening 568a closed from the front. At this time, the ball motor base 586 is rotated so that its tip is away from the ball cassette 581.

Next, the locking hook portion 593a at the left end of the cassette pressing piece 593 is inserted into the locking hole 586a at the front end of the Kuma motor base 586 and locked in place. The cassette pressing piece 593 is then pushed backward, pressing the Kuma cassette 581 backward. This causes the Kuma motor base 586 to rotate so that it is parallel to the left side of the Kuma cassette 581, and the rotating coupling portion 592 protruding from the right side of the Kuma motor base 586 engages with the left end of the Kuma feed gear 584 supported by the Kuma cassette 581. Finally, by pressing the operating portion 594a of the Nylatch 594 to lock it, the right end of the cassette pressing piece 593 is attached to the front surface of the base wall portion 401b, completing the installation of the Kuma cassette 581.

To remove the Kuma cassette 581, first pull the operating part 594a of the Nylatch 594 towards you to release the lock, and then remove the Kuma cassette 581 by performing the reverse procedure described above.

In this embodiment, the ball lifting unit 550, when assembled to the main frame 4, has an opening at the upstream end of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 facing the ball discharge port 500d of the circulating ball path unit 500. Game balls B that have flowed through the meandering ball storage passage 504 are supplied. The game balls B supplied to the ball lifting inlet passage 551 come into contact with the ball lifting inlet grounding plate 555 to remove static electricity, are detected by the lifting inlet sensor 553, and are supplied to the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561. At this time, the game balls B are inserted into the ball polishing opening 568a, which has its front end penetrating forward. The front end of the game ball B comes into contact with the polishing cloth 582 of the ball polishing mechanism 580, and its movement in the left-right direction is restricted by the vertically elongated ball polishing opening 568a.

In this state, when the lifting motor 564 rotates the lifting spiral shaft 561 in the direction that lifts the game ball B, the game ball B is pushed from below by the lifting groove 561a and moves upward along the ball polishing opening 568a. During this process, the game ball B moves upward while rotating, contacting the vertically extending portion of the inner periphery of the ball polishing opening 568a and the lifting groove 561a. As a result, the portion of the game ball B in contact with the polishing cloth 582 on its front end changes as the game ball B rises (rotates), making it possible to polish the entire surface of the game ball B evenly.

When the game ball B reaches the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561, it enters the ball lifting exit passage 552, contacts the ball lifting exit grounding plate 556, is detected by the lifting exit sensor 554, and is then sent to the ball transport unit from the downstream end of the ball lifting exit passage 552. At this time, even if the game ball B is polished by the polishing cloth 582 while being lifted by the ball lifting mechanism 560 and becomes charged with static electricity, the static electricity is removed by contact with the ball lifting exit grounding plate 556 located upstream of the lifting exit sensor 554. Therefore, no malfunctions due to static electricity from the polished ball occur in the lifting exit sensor 554, the frame control board 640, etc.

On the other hand, in the Kuma mechanism 580, with the Kuma cassette 581 installed, when the Kuma motor 588 rotates the Kuma feed gear 584 clockwise in a right-side view, the portion of the polishing cloth 582 exposed to the outside from the rear surface of the Kuma cassette 581 is retracted into the Kuma cassette 581 through the lower slit. At this time, the portion of the polishing cloth 582 exposed to the outside is pulled downwards, causing the portion of the polishing cloth 582 retracted into the Kuma cassette 581 to be fed out from the outside through the upper slit.

The grinding cloth 582 of the ball grinding mechanism 580 moves intermittently at a slow speed. In this embodiment, the grinding cloth 582 moves 0.17 mm every time 1000 game balls B are launched.

Thus, according to the ball lifting unit 550 of this embodiment, the game balls B discharged from the circulating ball path unit 500 can be supplied to the ball transport unit 600 while the game balls B are being polished.

[4-6. Ball Throwing Unit]
The ball-feeding unit 600 in the main frame 4 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 33 to 35. Figure 33(a) is a perspective view of the ball-feeding unit in the main frame viewed from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball-feeding unit in the main frame viewed from the rear. Figure 34(a) is an exploded perspective view of the ball-feeding unit disassembled and viewed from the front, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the ball-feeding unit disassembled and viewed from the rear. Figure 35 is a front cross-sectional view of the ball-feeding unit cut at the launch sensor.

The ball delivery unit 600 is for supplying the game balls B, lifted by the ball lifting unit 550, one by one to the ball launching unit 450. The ball delivery unit 600 is attached to the ball delivery unit mounting section 401k, which is located on the rear side of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401. The ball delivery unit 600 is positioned between the base wall portion 401b and the circulating ball path unit 500, extending upward from the upper surface of the base wall portion 401b, and is detachably mounted upwards.

The ball delivery unit 600 includes a ball supply port 601 that opens at the rear and into which game balls B supplied from the ball lifting unit 550 can enter; a ball outlet port 602 that opens at the front and delivers game balls B to the ball launching platform 452b of the ball launching unit 450; a ball delivery passage 603 connecting the ball supply port 601 and the ball outlet port 602, through which game balls B can flow; a pre-launch sensor 604 capable of detecting game balls B flowing through the ball delivery passage 603; a movable ball delivery member 605 for releasing game balls B one by one from the ball outlet port 602 as detected by the pre-launch sensor 604; a ball delivery solenoid 606 for moving the movable ball delivery member 605 to deliver game balls B to the ball launching unit 450; and a ball delivery relay board 607 that relays the connection between the ball delivery solenoid 606, the pre-launch sensor 604, and the frame control board 640.

Furthermore, the ball-feeding unit 600 includes a transmission member 608 that transmits the forward and backward movement of the plunger in the ball-feeding solenoid 606 to move the ball-feeding movable member 605, a box-shaped unit base 609 that is open to the rear and contains a pre-launch sensor 604 and the ball-feeding solenoid 606, etc., inside, and a flat unit cover 610 that is attached to close the opening at the rear end of the unit base 609.

The ball supply port 601 of the ball transport unit 600 is provided by penetrating the unit cover 610 that forms the rear surface of the ball transport unit 600, and is located in the upper right portion from the center when viewed from the front. The ball supply port 601 is sized to allow one game ball B to pass through at a time.

The ball outlet 602 is provided by penetrating the unit base 609, which constitutes the front side of the ball feeding unit 600, from front to back, and is located slightly below the center when viewed from the front. The ball outlet 602 is sized to allow one game ball B to pass through at a time.

The ball delivery passage 603 connects the ball supply port 601 and the ball delivery port 602. It extends downwards to the left from the ball supply port 601 to the upper part of the ball delivery port 602, and then extends downwards to the ball delivery port 602. A pre-launch sensor 604 is located near the left end of the leftward-extending portion of the ball delivery passage 603. Furthermore, the ball receiving portion 605a of the movable ball delivery member 605 is located in the vertically extending portion of the ball delivery passage 603 behind the ball delivery port 602.

The launch sensor 604 is located near the left end of the ball transport passage 603, where it extends downwards to the left. In other words, the launch sensor 604 is located directly upstream of the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball transport movable member 605. This launch sensor 604 detects the game ball B non-contactually, for example, by detecting a change in induced current.

The ball-feeding movable member 605 is designed to move in response to the drive of the ball-feeding solenoid 606, thereby releasing the game balls B one by one from the ball-feeding outlet 602 and supplying them to the ball-launching unit 450. The ball-feeding movable member 605 has a ball-receiving section 605a that is U-shaped, open to the right and front and rear, with a bottom wall inclined forward, and capable of accommodating only one game ball B; a rod section 605b extending to the left from the left end of the ball-receiving section 605a; a bearing section 605c that penetrates the left end of the rod section 605b from front to back, into which the first shaft pin 610a of the unit cover 610 is inserted so as to be rotatable relative to the bearing section 605c; and a movable gear section 605d that is fan-shaped and coaxial with the bearing section 605c to the right.

The ball-feeding solenoid 606 is used to move the ball-feeding movable member 605 to supply game balls B one by one from the ball-feeding port 602 to the ball-launching unit 450. The ball-feeding solenoid 606 is located between the unit base 609 and the unit cover 610, with its magnetic pole portion, which generates magnetic force when energized, facing downwards, in the upper left corner of the front view.

The ball-transfer relay board 607 is for relaying the connection between the pre-launch sensor 604 and the ball-transfer solenoid 606 and the frame control board 640. The ball-transfer relay board 607 is located between the unit base 609 and the unit cover 610, in the upper right corner when viewed from the front.

The transmission member 608 transmits the forward and backward movement of the plunger of the ball-feeding solenoid 606 so that the ball-feeding movable member 605 can move. The transmission member 608 includes a sheet metal holding portion 608b to which a magnetically attachable sheet metal 608a is mounted on the magnetic pole portion of the ball-feeding solenoid 606; a rod portion 608c extending to the right from the sheet metal holding portion 608b; a bearing portion 608d that penetrates the right end of the rod portion 608c from front to back, into which the second shaft pin 610b of the unit cover 610 is inserted so as to be rotatable relative to the bearing portion 608d; and a drive gear portion 608e that is fan-shaped and coaxially positioned to the left of the bearing portion 608d, and meshes with the movable gear portion 605d of the ball-feeding movable member 605.

The unit base 609 is formed in a box shape that opens to the rear, with a ball delivery port 602 extending from front to back through the lower center of the front surface. The unit base 609, in cooperation with the unit cover 610, forms the ball delivery passage 603 and holds the pre-launch sensor 604, the ball delivery movable member 605, the ball delivery solenoid 606, the ball delivery relay board 607, and the transmission member 608.

The unit base 609 has a knob portion 609a that is recessed downwards near the center of the upper surface in the left-right direction, and an elastic claw 609b provided at the lower right corner of the front surface. The knob portion 609a is formed so that an operator can grasp it from above, and is used when removing the ball-feeding unit 600 upwards from the main frame base 401 of the main frame 4. The elastic claw 609b is designed to prevent upward removal of the ball-feeding unit 600 when it is attached to the ball-feeding unit mounting portion 401k of the main frame base 401 by engaging with the locking hole of the ball-feeding unit mounting portion 401k.

To remove the ball-feeding unit 600 from the main frame base 401, the elastic claw 609b, which extends forward through the locking hole in the base wall portion 401b, is pressed backward to elastically deform it, and the knob portion 609a provided on the upper surface is grasped and pulled up, allowing the unit to be removed upward from the ball-feeding unit mounting portion 401k of the main frame base 401.

The unit cover 610 has a ball supply port 601 that penetrates from front to back in the upper right portion of the center when viewed from the front. The unit cover 610 works in cooperation with the unit base 609 to form the ball transport passage 603 and holds the pre-launch sensor 604, the ball transport movable member 605, the ball transport solenoid 606, the ball transport relay board 607, and the transmission member 608. The unit cover 610 has a first axis pin 610a and a second axis pin 610b that protrude forward in a cylindrical shape near the lower left corner when viewed from the front. The first axis pin 610a can be inserted into the bearing portion 605c of the ball transport movable member 605 to support the ball transport movable member 605 in a rotatable manner. The second axis pin 610b can be inserted into the bearing portion 608d of the transmission member 608 to support the transmission member 608 in a rotatable manner.

In this embodiment, the ball-feeding unit 600, when assembled, has a first shaft pin 610a inserted into the bearing portion 605c of the ball-feeding movable member 605, and a second shaft pin 610b inserted into the bearing portion 608d of the transmission member 608. The movable gear portion 605d of the ball-feeding movable member 605 and the drive gear portion 608e of the transmission member 608 mesh with each other. In this state, the ball-receiving portion 605a at the right end of the ball-feeding movable member 605 is located in the vertically extending portion behind the ball-feeding outlet 602 within the ball-feeding passage 603. When the ball-feeding movable member 605 rotates around the bearing portion 605c, the ball-receiving portion 605a moves vertically within the vertically extending portion of the ball-feeding passage 603.

In the normal state, the ball-feeding unit 600 has the ball-feeding solenoid 606 de-energized (OFF). Therefore, the sheet metal 608a of the transmission member 608 is separated downward from the magnetic pole of the ball-feeding solenoid 606 due to gravity. In this state, the lower surface of the ball-receiving portion 605a of the ball-feeding movable member 605 abuts against the bottom wall at the downstream end of the ball-feeding passage 603, the front end opening of the ball-receiving portion 605a coincides with the ball-feeding outlet 602, and the right end opening of the ball-receiving portion 605a does not coincide with the ball-feeding passage 603. Consequently, game balls B flowing from upstream toward the ball-receiving portion 605a do not abut against the U-shaped upper portion of the ball-receiving portion 605a and are not received by the ball-receiving portion 605a. Meanwhile, the game ball B, held in the ball receiving section 605a, rolls forward due to the inclination of the bottom wall of the ball receiving section 605a and is released forward from the ball discharge port 602.

In this normal state, when the ball-feeding solenoid 606 is energized (ON), the magnetic force generated at the magnetic pole of the ball-feeding solenoid 606 attracts the sheet metal 608a of the transmission member 608 towards the upper magnetic pole, causing the transmission member 608 to rotate clockwise around its bearing portion 608d. As the transmission member 608 rotates clockwise, the movable gear portion 605d of the ball-feeding movable member 605, which meshes with the drive gear portion 608e of the transmission member 608, causes the ball-feeding movable member 605 to rotate counterclockwise around its bearing portion 605c, resulting in the ball-receiving portion 605a moving upward.

When the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball-feeding movable member 605 moves upward, the front end opening of the ball receiving portion 605a no longer aligns with the ball-feeding outlet 602, and the right end opening of the ball receiving portion 605a aligns with the ball-feeding passage 603. As a result, game balls B are received by the ball receiving portion 605a from the ball-feeding passage 603. In this state, because the right end opening of the ball receiving portion 605a does not align with the ball-feeding outlet 602, the game balls B received by the ball receiving portion 605a will not roll forward and be released from the ball-feeding outlet 602. Furthermore, since the ball receiving portion 605a is sized to accommodate only one game ball B, once one game ball B is received by the ball receiving portion 605a, the game ball B upstream of it will not be received by the ball receiving portion 605a.

Subsequently, when the power to the ball-feeding solenoid 606 is turned off, the attraction of the transmission member 608 from the magnetic pole portion of the ball-feeding solenoid 606 to the sheet metal 608a is released. At this time, since the game ball B is being received by the ball-receiving portion 605a of the ball-feeding movable member 605, the ball-feeding movable member 605 rotates clockwise around its bearing portion 605c so that the ball-receiving portion 605a moves downward due to the weight of the game ball B. Simultaneously, the transmission member 608 rotates counterclockwise around its bearing portion 608d via the drive gear portion 608e, which meshes with the movable gear portion 605d of the ball-feeding movable member 605, returning to its normal state.

Then, when the ball-feeding unit 600 returns to its normal state, the front end opening of the ball-receiving portion 605a of the ball-feeding movable member 605 aligns with the ball-feeding outlet 602. As a result, the game ball B that was being held by the ball-receiving portion 605a rolls forward and is released from the ball-feeding outlet 602 to the ball-launching unit 450.

Thus, with the ball-feeding unit 600 of this embodiment, the game balls B can be sent one by one to the ball-launching unit 450 by turning the ball-feeding solenoid 606 ON and OFF.

[4-7. Ball receiving tray]
The ball receiving tray 620 in the main frame 4 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 7, 8, 10, etc. The ball receiving tray 620 is located below the circulating ball path unit 500 and is for receiving game balls B discharged from the ball outlet 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500. The ball receiving tray 620 is formed in the shape of a container that is open upwards, and its bottom wall is inclined to become lower toward the front.

The ball receiving tray 620 is inserted from the front into the tray insertion recess 401f of the main frame base 401. While attached to the main frame base 401, the ball receiving tray 620 is locked in place by the locking claw 401n of the main frame base 401, preventing it from coming out forward. To remove the ball receiving tray 620, the locking is released by elastically deforming the locking claw 401n to the left, allowing it to be pulled forward.

When attaching the ball receiving tray 620 to the tray insertion recess 401f of the main frame base 401, the ball receiving tray 620 is moved backward from the front of the tray insertion recess 401f and inserted into the tray insertion recess 401f. At this time, because the front end of the locking claw 401n is inclined in an arrowhead shape, when the rear end of the ball receiving tray 620 comes into contact with the locking claw 401n from the front, the arrowhead-shaped inclination causes the locking claw 401n to elastically deform to the left, allowing the ball receiving tray 620 to be inserted into the tray insertion recess 401f. Then, when the front end of the ball receiving tray 620 reaches the area of the locking claw 401n and contact with the front end of the locking claw 401n ceases, the elastically deformed locking claw 401n returns to its original state, locking the front end of the ball receiving tray 620 and preventing it from sliding forward.

The ball receiving tray 620 is placed on the bottom wall of the tray insertion recess 401f, which is sloped so that the front end is lower. Therefore, when game balls B discharged from the ball outlet 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500 accumulate and become heavy, the tray attempts to slide forward due to the slope of the bottom wall. However, this sliding is prevented by the locking claw 401n. When the locking claw 401n is released, the weight of the accumulated game balls B causes the ball receiving tray 620 to slide forward automatically, allowing it to be easily removed from the tray insertion recess 401f.

[4-8. Frame substrate unit]
The frame circuit board unit 630 in the main frame 4 will be explained mainly with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The frame control board 640, as will be described in detail later, is for displaying the number of balls held in the ball count display unit 140, performing settlement processing by operating the counting button switch 180, controlling the ball launching unit 450, ball lifting unit 550, ball delivery unit 600, etc., and managing (monitoring) the game balls B in the circulating ball path unit 500.

The frame base unit 630 is attached to the rear portion of the base wall 401b of the main frame base unit 401 in the main frame base unit 400, so as to be openable and closable. The frame base unit 630 includes a frame control board 640, a power supply board 650, an interface board 660, and a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 665.

Furthermore, the frame base unit 630 includes a unit base 670 that is attached to the rear side of the main frame base unit 400 so as to be openable and closable; a frame control board box 671 attached to the rear side of the unit base 670 and housing the frame control board 640; a power supply board box 672 attached between the frame control board box 671 and the unit base 670 and housing the power supply board 650; an interface board box 673 attached to the unit base 670 on the left side of the front view of the frame control board box 671 and housing the interface board 660 and the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 665; and a nylon latch 674 for fixing the unit base 670 to the main frame base unit 400 in a way that prevents it from opening and closing.

The frame control board 640, although not shown in the diagram, includes a ROM for storing various processing programs and commands, a RAM for temporarily storing data, a CPU for executing processing programs and commands, and other components.

The frame control board 640 includes a RAM clear switch 641 for erasing information stored in the RAM, a ball removal switch 642 used to remove the enclosed game balls B from the ball removal opening 513p of the ball circulation path unit 500 to the outside (ball receiving tray 620), and a ball count memory/display clear switch 643 for clearing the number of balls the player has stored in the RAM, etc., and clearing the display on the ball count display unit 140 of the door frame 3 (see Figure 38).

The frame control board 640 is connected via bidirectional communication to the main control board 1310 (described later) located on the game board 5, and also via bidirectional communication to the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 665. The frame control board 640 is connected to the game ball dispensing device 8 via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 665.

The frame control board 640 is connected to the door frame 3's ball count display unit 140, the launch stop switch 161, the handle touch sensor 162, the handle rotation sensor 163, and the counting button switch 180.

Furthermore, the frame control board 640 is connected to the following: the door open switch 407 of the main frame 4, the frame open switch 408, the launch solenoid 453, the launch subtraction sensor 454, the out ball sensor 505, the safe ball sensor 506, the foul ball sensor 507, the circulating ball shortage sensor 521, the circulating ball excess sensor 522, the lift inlet sensor 553, the lift outlet sensor 554, the lift motor 564, the lift motor index sensor 566, the ball motor 588, the launch pre-sensor 604, and the ball transport solenoid 606.

The power supply board 650 is for supplying power at a predetermined voltage to the frame control board 640, the main control board 1310, the peripheral control board 1510, and the like.

The interface board 660 is used to relay connections between the frame control board 640 and various relay boards located on the door frame 3 side and the game board 5 side.

The game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 665 serves to relay the connection between the frame control board 640 and the game ball dispensing device 8.

The unit base 670 is elongated from left to right. A hinge shaft 670a is provided at the left end, pivotally supported by a frame substrate unit pivot support 404d located on the rear surface of the main frame speaker box 404 of the main frame base unit 400. Two Nylatch 674 are attached to the right end, with their operating sections 674a facing rearward.

The unit base 670 has a rear portion 670b that extends to the right from the left end in a length equal to 1/4 of the total length in the left-right direction when viewed from above, a connecting portion 670c that extends a short distance forward from the right end of the rear portion 670b, and a front portion 670d that extends from the front end of the connecting portion 670c to the right end. As a result, the unit base 670 has a step in the front-rear direction between the rear portion 670b and the front portion 670d.

An interface board box 673 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the rear portion 670b of the unit base 670. Meanwhile, a power supply board box 672 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the front portion 670d of the unit base 670, and a frame control board box 671 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the power supply board box 672.

In this embodiment, the frame base unit 630, in its normal state (usage state), has a hinge shaft 670a located at the left end of the unit base 670, which is pivotally supported by the frame base unit pivot support portion 404d of the main frame base unit 400. Furthermore, a nylon latch 674, attached to the right end of the unit base 670, is attached to the rear surface of the base wall portion 401b of the main frame base 401. In this state, the frame base unit 630 covers the rear of the circulating ball path unit 500 and the ball lifting unit 550, which are mounted on the rear side of the base wall portion 401b, making them inaccessible.

Furthermore, in the normal state, as shown in Figure 10, the front portion 670d of the unit base 670, the power supply board box 672, and the frame control board box 671 of the frame substrate unit 630 are located above the box expansion portion 404c of the main frame speaker box 404. In this configuration, since the front portion 670d and the power supply board box 672 are shorter vertically than the frame control board box 671, a space for accommodating wiring and other components is formed between the power supply board box 672 and the box expansion portion 404c.

By pulling the operating part 674a of the Nylatch 674 backward from its normal position to release the lock, the right end of the unit base 670 is detached. Rotating the hinge around the left end hinge axis 670a allows the frame base unit 630 to be opened backward. Opening the frame base unit 630 backward exposes the circulating ball path unit 500 and the ball lifting unit 550, which are mounted on the rear side of the base wall 401b, allowing access to them.

[4-9. Lock Unit]
The lock unit 680 in the main frame 4 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The lock unit 680 is mounted from the rear along the right edge of the main frame base 401 in the main frame base unit 400 when viewed from the front. The lock unit 680 is 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.

The lock unit 680 includes a cylindrical lock cylinder 681 that penetrates the cylinder insertion opening 401m of the main frame base 401 from the rear and whose front end protrudes forward, a keyhole 682 provided on the front end surface of the lock cylinder 681, a door frame lock claw 683 which, when a key corresponding to the keyhole 682 is inserted and rotated in a predetermined direction, releases the lock between the door frame 3 and the main frame 4, and an outer frame lock claw 684 which, when a key corresponding to the keyhole 682 is inserted and rotated in a direction different from the above, releases the lock between the main frame 4 and the outer frame 2.

[5. A brief explanation of the game board]
The game board 5 of the pachinko machine 1 has the same board configuration as the game board 5 shown in Figure 75, etc., which will be described later, and will be briefly explained here with reference to Figure 3. The game board 5 has prize slots such as a general prize slot 2001, a first start slot 2003, a second start slot 2004, and a large prize slot 2005 within the game area 5a into which the game balls B are shot, and the player is allowed to enjoy shooting the game balls B by operating the handle 160 so that the game balls B are shot into the prize slots. The game board 5 is detachably attached from the front to the game board insertion part 401a of the main frame 4. When assembled in the pachinko machine 1, the game board 5 is visible from the player's side through the game window 101 of the door frame 3 and has a game area 5a into which the game balls B are shot when the player operates the handle 160.

The game board 5 comprises a front component 1000 that demarcates the outer periphery of the game area 5a and has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the front; a plate-shaped game panel 1100 attached to the rear side of the front component 1000 and demarcating the rear end of the game area 5a; and a plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement within the game area 5a on the front surface of the game panel 1100 so as to be able to contact the game ball B.

The front component 1000 of the game board 5 is made entirely of transparent material. The front component 1000 has a roughly square outer shape when viewed from the front, and its inner shape is roughly circular, penetrating in the front-to-back direction. The inner circumference of the inner shape defines the outer perimeter of the game area 5a. The front component 1000 includes an outer rail 1001 that extends in an arc along the circumferential direction clockwise from the lower left end of the left-center direction in a front view, passing the upper center of the front view and extending to the upper right diagonally; an inner rail 1002 positioned inside the front component 1000, roughly parallel to the outer rail 1001, and extending in an arc from the lower center of the front view to the upper left diagonally; and an out-guide section 1003 formed at the lowest point of the game area 5a on the right side of the lower end of the inner rail 1002 in a front view, and sloping downwards toward the rear.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 includes a right-lower rail 1004 that slopes linearly from the right end of the out-guiding section 1003 in a front view to the vicinity of the right edge of the front component 1000, with the right end being slightly higher; a right rail 1005 that extends from the right end of the right-lower rail 1004 along the right edge of the front component 1000 to the lower side of the upper end of the outer rail 1001, with its upper part curving inward from the front component 1000; and a stopper 1006 that connects the upper end of the right rail 1005 to the upper end of the outer rail 1001, and which the game ball B that has rolled along the outer rail 1001 comes into contact with.

Furthermore, the aforementioned component 1000 is pivotally supported at the upper end of the inner rail 1002 and includes a backflow prevention member 1007 that is rotatable only between a closed position extending upward from the upper end of the inner rail 1002 to close the gap between it and the outer rail 1001, and an open position that rotates clockwise in a front view to open the gap between it and the outer rail 1001. The backflow prevention member 1007 is biased by a spring (not shown) to return to the closed position.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 is provided with an out-of-bounds opening 1008 located at the lower center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front within the frame, and extending forward and backward at the rear end of the out-of-bounds guide section 1003. The game balls B received in the out-of-bounds opening 1008 are not returned to the game area 5a but are discharged downward from the game board 5 (to the out-of-bounds ball receiving opening 500a of the circulating ball path unit 500) at the rear of the game panel 1100.

The game board 5 is located behind the game panel 1100 and includes a main control board 1310 that controls the game content, which is performed by hitting game balls B into the game area 5a, and a function display unit 1400 that displays the game status based on control signals from the main control board 1310 and is mounted on the upper left corner of the front component 1000 so that it is visible to the player.

Furthermore, the game board 5 includes a peripheral control board 1510 located behind the game panel 1100, a performance display device 1600 positioned at the rear of the game panel 1100 and in the center of the game area 5a in a front view, capable of displaying predetermined performance images, a front unit 2000 attached to the front of the game panel 1100, and a rear unit 3000 attached to the rear of the game panel 1100.

The game board 5 (front unit 2000) includes: multiple general prize slots 2001 that are always open and capable of receiving game balls B played into the game area 5a; gates 2010 located at predetermined positions within the game area 5a through which game balls B can pass; first and second start slots 2003 and 2004 located at predetermined positions within the game area 5a, through which the first and second special symbols are drawn upon the receipt of game balls B; and a large prize slot 2005 that allows the receipt of game balls B according to the results of the special symbol draws conducted upon the receipt of game balls B into the first and second start slots 2003 and 2004.

The first starting opening 2003 is located below the frame-shaped center mechanism 2500, which is situated in the center of the game area 5a, and directly above the out opening 1008. The second starting opening 2004 is located in the attacker unit 2400 and opens and closes to accept game balls B according to the result of the lottery for the normal symbols drawn when the game balls B pass through the gate 2010.

The large prize slot 2005 is located in the attacker unit 2400, which is installed in the lower right corner of the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the game board 5 is equipped with a general prize slot sensor 3001 for detecting game balls B received into the general prize slot 2001, a gate sensor 2011 for detecting game balls B passing through the gate 2010, a first start slot sensor 2101 for detecting game balls B received into the first start slot 2003, a second start slot sensor 2401 for detecting game balls B received into the second start slot 2004, and a large prize slot sensor 2402 for detecting game balls B received into the large prize slot 2005 (see Figure 38).

Game balls B received into the general prize slot 2001 are detected by the general prize slot sensor 3001 behind the game panel 1100 and then discharged from the game board 5 to the safe ball receiving slot 500b in the ball circulation path unit 500 below. Game balls B received into the first start slot 2003 are detected by the first start slot sensor 2101 behind the game panel 1100 and then discharged from the game board 5 to the safe ball receiving slot 500b in the ball circulation path unit 500 below. Game balls B received into the second start slot 2004 are detected by the second start slot sensor 2401 behind the game panel 1100 and then discharged from the game board 5 to the safe ball receiving slot 500b in the ball circulation path unit 500 below. The game ball B received in the large prize slot 2005 is detected by the large prize slot sensor 2402 behind the game panel 1100, and then discharged from the game board 5 to the safe ball receiving slot 500b in the ball circulation path unit 500 below.

The main control board 1310 controls the gameplay using game balls B within the game area 5a of the pachinko machine 1. The main control board 1310 is connected via bidirectional communication to the frame control board 640 located on the main frame 4, and is also connected via unidirectional output signal only to the peripheral control board 1510.

The main control board 1310 receives detection signals for game ball B from the general prize slot sensor 3001, gate sensor 2011, first start slot sensor 2101, second start slot sensor 2401, large prize slot sensor 2402, etc. The main control board 1310 also outputs drive signals to the start slot solenoid 2412 for opening and closing the second start slot 2004, the attacker solenoid 2414 for opening and closing the large prize slot 2005, etc.

When the main control board 1310 detects a game ball B received into the general prize slot 2001 via the general prize slot sensor 3001, it outputs a predetermined number of prize ball commands (for example, 10 balls). This is the same as conventional pachinko machines, so there is no need to change the software of the main control board 1310. When the frame control board 640 receives this prize ball command, it interprets it as a signal to add to the number of balls held. Furthermore, when a game ball B received into the first start slot 2003 is detected by the first start slot sensor 2101, it outputs a predetermined number of prize ball commands (for example, 1 ball). Furthermore, when a game ball B received into the second start slot 2004 is detected by the second start slot sensor 2401, it outputs a predetermined number of prize ball commands (for example, 1 ball). In addition, when a game ball B received into the large prize slot 2005 is detected by the large prize slot sensor 2402, it outputs a predetermined number of prize ball commands (for example, 10 or 13 balls).

Furthermore, the main control board 1310 outputs signals such as the results of the lottery for regular symbols and the results of the lottery for special symbols to the peripheral control board 1510.

The function display unit 1400 uses multiple LEDs to display the game status (gameplay status), the results of the regular symbol draws, the results of the special symbol draws, etc., based on signals from the main control board 1310.

The function display unit 1400, although not shown in detail, includes a status indicator consisting of three LEDs that displays the game status, a regular symbol indicator consisting of two LEDs that displays the results of the regular symbol lottery conducted when game ball B passes through gate 2010, and a regular symbol reserve indicator consisting of two LEDs that displays the number of regular symbols reserved when game ball B passes through gate 2010.

Furthermore, the function display unit 1400 includes a first special symbol display unit consisting of eight LEDs that displays the result of the lottery for the first special symbol drawn upon the acceptance of game ball B into the first start port 2003; a first special reserved number display unit consisting of two LEDs that displays the number of reserved game balls related to the acceptance of game ball B into the first start port 2003; a second special symbol display unit consisting of eight LEDs that displays the result of the lottery for the second special symbol drawn upon the acceptance of game ball B into the second start port 2004; and a second special reserved number display unit consisting of two LEDs that displays the number of reserved game balls related to the acceptance of game ball B into the second start port 2004.

Furthermore, the function display unit 1400 is equipped with a round indicator consisting of five LEDs that displays the number of repetitions (rounds) of the opening and closing pattern of the main prize slot 2005 when the lottery result for the special symbols (first special symbol or second special symbol) is "win," etc.

This function display unit 1400 can display the number of reserved items, symbols, etc., by appropriately lighting, extinguishing, and flashing the provided LEDs.

The peripheral control board 1510 is mounted on the rear side of the performance display device 1600. Based on signals sent from the main control board 1310, the peripheral control board 1510 causes the performance display device 1600 to display performance images and execute light-emitting and movable effects, etc.

[6. Flow of game balls]
Next, the flow of game balls B in the pachinko machine 1 will be explained, mainly with reference to Figures 36 and 37. Figure 36 is an explanatory diagram showing the various pathways for game balls on the rear side of the main frame from the rear. Figure 37 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow of game balls in the main frame.

In this embodiment of the pachinko machine 1, when the player is not operating the handle 160, a large number (for example, 40 to 60) of circulating game balls B are stored in the part of the main frame 4 below the game board 5, as shown in Figure 37. The circulation path R for the game balls B in the main frame 4 is provided, in order from the upstream side, with a foul unit 470, a circulating ball path unit 500, a ball lifting unit 550, a ball delivery unit 600, and a ball launching unit 450. The circulation path R is composed of an out ball passage 501, a safe ball passage 502, a foul ball passage 503, a ball storage passage 504, a ball lifting inlet passage 551, a ball lifting outlet passage 552, etc.

Multiple sensors for detecting the game balls B circulating in the circulation path R are arranged in the following order from upstream: safe ball sensor 506, out ball sensor 505, foul ball sensor 507, excess circulation ball sensor 522, insufficient circulation ball sensor 521, lift inlet sensor 553, lift outlet sensor 554, pre-launch sensor 604, and launch subtraction sensor 454. Based on signals from these various sensors, the frame control board 640 executes various control processes, which will be described later.

When the player is not operating the handle 160, the safe ball sensor 506, out ball sensor 505, foul ball sensor 507, and circulating ball excess sensor 522 are in the OFF (non-detection) state, while the circulating ball shortage sensor 521, lifting inlet sensor 553, lifting outlet sensor 554, launch pre-sensor 604, and launch subtraction sensor 454 are in the ON (detection) state.

Within the circulation path R of the main frame 4, numerous game balls B are stored in a single line. The leading edge of the line of game balls B is located on the ball launching platform 452b of the launching unit cover 452 of the ball launching unit 450, and the rearmost edge is located within the range of the gauge section 520 in the ball storage passage 504 of the circulating ball path unit 500, upstream of the ball release shutter 515.

In the circulation path R, the section between the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 and the lifting outlet sensor 554 in the ball lifting unit 550 has a specific number of game balls B (e.g., 4) lined up, which is less than the length of a predetermined number (e.g., 5) of game balls B. This is to ensure that when the lifting spiral shaft 561 is returned to its home position, even if one game ball B is lifted, there is space to receive that lifted game ball B.

Furthermore, in the circulation path R, a predetermined number of sensors (for example, 10) are arranged between the pre-launch sensor 604 and the lifting outlet sensor 554. This prevents the situation where, even after the lifting outlet sensor 554 turns OFF (no detection) of game balls B, if the ball launching unit 450 continues to launch game balls B, the system runs out of game balls B before they are lifted and replenished by the rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561.

Then, when the player operates the handle 160 and the launch solenoid 453 of the ball launching unit 450 is driven, the game ball B that was placed on the ball launching platform 452b in the launching unit cover 452 is launched, and the launch subtraction sensor 454 no longer detects (OFF) the game ball B. As a result, the number of balls the player has is reduced by one (see the ball count reduction process described later). Subsequently, the ball transport solenoid 606 of the ball transport unit 600 is energized for a predetermined time, the ball receiving portion 605a of the ball transport movable member 605 moves up and down, and one game ball B is placed on the ball launching platform 452b, and the launch subtraction sensor 454 detects (ON).

When a game ball B is launched one by one by the player operating the handle 160, the number of game balls B stored between the launch sensor 604 and the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 (ball lifting exit passage 552) decreases by one each time, until the lifting exit sensor 554 no longer detects (turns off) the game balls B. Then, after a predetermined number of game balls B (for example, 3) have been launched since the lifting exit sensor 554 stopped detecting them, the lifting motor 564 of the ball lifting unit 550 starts rotating the lifting spiral shaft 561. After three rotations, it supplies 3 game balls B to the ball lifting exit passage 552 and then stops (see the lifting motor operation process described later).

When the lifting spiral shaft 561 rotates due to the lifting motor 564, the game balls B located at the downstream end of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 are moved towards the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 and then upward. This causes the numerous game balls B lined up in the ball lifting inlet passage 551 and the ball storage passage 504 to flow downstream, reducing the number of game balls B stored in the ball storage passage 504.

The game balls B launched from the ball launching unit 450 and placed in the game area 5a of the game board 5 are received into either the out-out port 1008 or one of the prize-winning ports (general prize-winning port 2001, first start-up port 2003, second start-up port 2004, or large prize-winning port 2005). The game balls B received into the out-out port 1008 of the game board 5 are discharged downwards from the game board 5 and passed to the out-ball receiving port 500a of the ball circulation path unit 500. The game balls B passed to the out-ball receiving port 500a pass through the out-ball passage 501, are detected by the out-ball sensor 505, and are sent to the ball storage passage 504.

Meanwhile, the game balls B received into the prize slot of the game board 5 are discharged downwards from the game board 5 and handed over to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the circulating ball path unit 500. The game balls B handed over to the safe ball receiving port 500b pass through the safe ball passage 502, are detected by the safe ball sensor 506, and are sent to the ball storage passage 504.

When a game ball B is detected by the out ball sensor 505, the number of out balls is counted, and when a game ball B is detected by the safe ball sensor 506, the number of safe balls is counted. This makes it possible to calculate the accurate payout rate of game ball B. The calculated payout rate is displayed on the display unit (not shown) on the main control board 1310. Since this payout rate changes depending on the game state, it is calculated as the payout rate within a predetermined period (for example, per unit time, per predetermined time, per day, etc.) using the formula: "(Number of balls added due to winning within the predetermined period - Number of safe balls within the predetermined period) ÷ Number of out balls within the predetermined period = Payout rate within the predetermined period".

Incidentally, game balls B that were launched from the ball launching unit 450 (ball launching stand 452b) but did not land in the game area 5a of the game board 5 are collected as foul balls by the foul unit 470 and then passed to the foul ball receiving port 500c of the ball circulation path unit 500. The game balls B that have been passed to the foul ball receiving port 500c then circulate through the foul ball passage 503, are detected by the foul ball sensor 507, and sent to the ball storage passage 504. When the foul ball sensor 507 detects a game ball B, the player's ball count is increased by one (see the ball count addition process described later).

Thus, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game balls B are sealed within the machine and circulate internally without being discharged or supplied from the outside. Therefore, the player never touches the game balls B.

[7. Various control processes]
Next, various control processes in the frame control board 640 of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 38 to 49. Figure 38 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the pachinko machine in general. Figure 39 is a flowchart showing the launch permission process. Figure 40 is a flowchart showing the ball deduction process, and Figure 41 is a flowchart showing the ball addition process due to foul balls. Figure 42 is a flowchart showing the launch control process. Figure 43 is a flowchart showing the prize ball processing. Figure 44 is a flowchart showing the lifting motor operation process, Figure 45 is a table showing the relationship between the lifting inlet sensor, the lifting outlet sensor and the operation of the lifting motor, and Figure 46 is a graph showing the relationship between the game ball launch operation and the operation of the ball lifting unit. Figure 47 is a graph showing the operation of the ball lifting mechanism in the ball lifting unit. Figure 48(a) is a flowchart showing the security process, and (b) is a flowchart showing the security process of a different embodiment from (a). Figure 49 is a table showing the relationship between the circulating ball shortage sensor, the circulating ball excess sensor and error notification. Note that in Figure 38, some electronic components such as sensors, solenoids, motors, and LEDs connected to the main control board 1310 and peripheral control boards 1510 are omitted from the image.

The main control configuration of the pachinko machine 1, as shown in Figure 38, consists of a frame control board 640 mounted on the main frame 4, and a main control board 1310 and peripheral control board 1510 mounted on the game board 5. The frame control board 640 primarily handles control processing for game balls B, such as launching, circulation, and the number of balls held. The main control board 1310 primarily handles game control processing. The peripheral control board 1510 primarily handles control processing for game effects.

The frame control board 640 receives signals from the following: launch stop switch 161, handle touch sensor 162, handle rotation sensor 163, counting button switch 180, door open switch 407, frame open switch 408, launch subtraction sensor 454, out ball sensor 505, safe ball sensor 506, foul ball sensor 507, circulating ball shortage sensor 521, circulating ball excess sensor 522, lifting inlet sensor 553, lifting outlet sensor 554, lifting motor index sensor 566, launch pre-sensor 604, RAM clear switch 641, ball removal switch 642, ball count memory/display clear switch 643, etc.

Furthermore, the frame control board 640 outputs signals to the ball count display unit 140, the launch solenoid 453, the lifting motor 564, the ball motor 588, the ball feeding solenoid 606, etc.

Furthermore, the frame control board 640 receives and outputs signals from the game ball dispensing device 8 via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 665. The frame control board 640 also receives and outputs signals from the main control board 1310.

The main control board 1310 receives signals from the general prize slot sensor 3001, gate sensor 2011, first start slot sensor 2101, second start slot sensor 2401, large prize slot sensor 2402, etc. The main control board 1310 also outputs signals to the start slot solenoid 2412, attacker solenoid 2414, peripheral control board 1510, etc.

The game ball dispensing device 8 is located outside the pachinko machine 1 and outputs signals to the management server 9 via a communication network. The game ball dispensing device 8 receives signals from the ball dispensing button switch 8a, the return button switch, the frame control board 640, etc. The game ball dispensing device 8 also outputs signals to the display unit, the frame control board 640, etc.

[7-1. Launch Permission Procedure]
The launch permission process will be explained with reference to Figure 39. The launch permission process is the process of determining whether or not to launch the game ball B. When the launch permission process is started, first in step S101, it is checked whether or not the player is touching the handle 160. If the player is touching the handle 160 and the handle touch sensor 162 is ON (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S102. If the handle touch sensor 162 is OFF (NO) in step S101, the process proceeds to step S107, and the frame control launch permission signal is turned OFF to end the process.

In step S102, it is checked whether the launch stop switch 161 is OFF. If the launch stop switch 161 is OFF, the process proceeds to the next step S103, with the response being YES. On the other hand, if the launch stop switch 161 is OFF in step S102, the process proceeds to step S107, with the response being NO, and the frame control launch permission signal is turned OFF, ending the process.

In step S103, the system checks whether the frame control board 640 is connected to the game ball dispensing device 8 via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 665. If it is connected to the game ball dispensing device 8, the system proceeds to the next step S104 with a YES response. On the other hand, if the connection to the game ball dispensing device 8 is not confirmed in step S103, the system proceeds to step S107 with a NO response, and the frame control launch permission signal is turned OFF, ending the process.

In step S104, the system checks whether the main control board 1310 has granted permission for main control firing. If permission is granted, the system proceeds to step S105 with a value of YES. Conversely, if permission is not granted in step S104, the system proceeds to step S107 with a value of NO, where the frame control firing permission signal is turned OFF, ending the process.

In step S105, the system checks whether the player's number of balls is greater than zero. If the number of balls is greater than zero, the system selects YES and proceeds to step S106, turning on the frame control launch permission signal and ending the process. Conversely, if the number of balls is less than zero (0 balls), the system selects NO and proceeds to step S107, turning off the frame control launch permission signal and ending the process.

Thus, the launch permission process authorizes the launch of game ball B. When the player rotates the handle 160 in this state, the launch solenoid 453 is driven with a force corresponding to the rotation angle, and game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450. When the launch solenoid 453 is driven, the launch control process described later is executed.

[7-2. Ball count reduction process]
The ball count reduction process will be explained with reference to Figure 40. The ball count reduction process is a process that reduces the number of balls a player has by launching a game ball B. In the ball count reduction process, first in step S111, it is determined whether the launch reduction sensor 454 of the ball launching unit 450 has changed from an ON state to an OFF state. When a game ball B is placed on the ball launching platform 452b of the ball launching unit 450, the launch reduction sensor 454 detects the game ball B and is in an ON state. From this state, when the launching hammer 455 strikes the game ball B on the ball launching platform 452b by the drive of the launching solenoid 453 and the game ball B is launched, the launch reduction sensor 454 becomes non-detective and turns OFF.

Then, in step S111, when game ball B is launched and the launch subtraction sensor 454 changes from ON to OFF, the system responds with YES and proceeds to the next step S112, where the number of remaining balls is reduced by one, and the process ends.

On the other hand, in step S111, if the launch subtraction sensor 454 remains ON instead of switching from ON to OFF, the process ends without subtracting the number of remaining balls, resulting in a NO response.

Thus, through the ball count reduction process, when a game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450, the player's ball count is reduced by one.

[7-3. Ball counting process]
The process of adding balls due to fouls will be explained with reference to Figure 41. When a game ball B is launched from the ball launching unit 450, the number of balls held by the player is reduced by the ball reduction process. However, if the launched game ball B does not land in the game area 5a of the game board 5, the game will not be played with that game ball B, and if the number of balls remains reduced, it will diminish the player's enjoyment. Therefore, in the ball addition process, the game ball B that did not land in the game area 5a (foul ball) is added to the number of balls held by the player.

In the ball count addition process, step S121 determines whether the foul ball sensor 507 of the ball circulation path unit 500 has switched from OFF to ON based on its detection of game ball B (foul ball). If the foul ball sensor 507 has turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step S122, where the number of balls is increased by one, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the foul ball sensor 507 remains OFF in step S121, the process ends without adding to the number of balls held, and the result is NO.

In this way, the ball counting process prevents the player from being disadvantaged if a game ball B, despite being launched from the ball launching unit 450, does not land in the game area 5a of the game board 5, by adding the foul ball to the number of balls held.

[7-4. Launch Control Processing]
The launch control process will be explained with reference to Figure 42, etc. The launch control process determines whether or not to actually launch the game ball B by driving the launch solenoid 453 after the frame control launch permission signal is turned ON in the launch permission process and the player rotates the handle 160. In the launch control process, first, in step S131, it is determined whether or not frame control launch permission is granted (ON/OFF). If frame control launch permission is granted (ON), the process proceeds to the next step S132 as YES. On the other hand, in step S131, if frame control launch permission is not granted (OFF), the process ends without driving the launch solenoid 453 as NO.

In step S132, it is determined whether the launch/subtraction sensor 454 is ON or OFF. If the launch/subtraction sensor 454 is ON (meaning there is a game ball B on the ball launcher 452b), the process proceeds to step S133, where the launch solenoid 453 is turned ON, and the game ball B is struck with a force corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 160, thus ending the process.

On the other hand, if the launch/subtraction sensor 454 is not ON (OFF) in step S132, the result is NO and the process proceeds to the next step S134. Since the launch/subtraction sensor 454 is OFF, and no game ball B is placed on the ball launcher 452b, the processing from step S134 onwards is performed.

In step S134, it is determined whether the pre-launch sensor 604 is ON or OFF. If the pre-launch sensor 604 is not ON (i.e., no game ball B is detected), the system returns to step S135 with the answer set to NO, turns on the error display indicating "out of launch balls," returns to step S134, and repeats until the pre-launch sensor 604 is ON. The error display is shown, for example, on the display screen of the performance display device.

Furthermore, the error indication may be displayed by illuminating a notification lamp, or by displaying an image on a visual display device. Alternatively, the error signal may be output to the hall computer (Holcon) of the gaming hall via the game ball dispensing device 8, causing a notification lamp installed on the gaming hall side to illuminate.

In step S134, if the pre-launch sensor 604 detects the game ball B and turns ON, the process proceeds to the next step S136, where the ball-feeding solenoid 606 is turned ON (energized) and the ball-feeding movable member 605 is moved. As a result, the game ball B detected by the pre-launch sensor 604 is transferred to the ball-receiving section 605a of the ball-feeding movable member 605. After a predetermined short time, when the ball-feeding solenoid 606 turns OFF, the game ball B transferred to the ball-receiving section 605a is supplied to the ball launching platform 452b. At this time, if there is a game ball B upstream of the game ball B sent to the ball launching platform 452b by the ball-feeding movable member 605 (in the ball lifting exit passage 552), that game ball B moves downstream and the pre-launch sensor 604 turns ON.

In step S136, if the ball-feeding solenoid 606 is turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step S137, where it is again determined whether the launch/subtraction sensor 454 is ON or OFF. If the launch/subtraction sensor 454 is not ON, the result is set to NO, and the process returns to step S134. This flow is repeated until the launch/subtraction sensor 454 is turned ON.

Then, in step S137, if the launch countdown sensor 454 is ON, the system proceeds to the next step S138, where the "out of launchable balls" error display is turned OFF. The system then proceeds to step S133, where the launch solenoid 453 is turned ON, and the game ball B is struck with a force corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 160, thus ending the process.

In this way, the launch control process confirms that the game ball B is placed on the ball launching platform 452b of the ball launching unit 450, and then launches the game ball B.

[7-5. Handling of Prize Balls]
The prize ball processing will be explained with reference to Figure 43, etc. Prize ball processing is performed when game balls B are received into prize slots such as the general prize slot 2001, the first start slot 2003, the second start slot 2004, and the big prize slot 2005, which are provided on the game board 5. As a reward, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the prize slot are awarded, and these prize balls are added to the number of balls held by the player.

In the prize ball processing, when a game ball B is received into a prize slot on the game board 5, a signal (prize ball signal) output from the main control board 1310 is input to the frame control board 640. In step S141, the input prize ball signal is analyzed. The prize ball signal output from the main control board 1310 may be the number of prize balls, or it may be the type of prize slot into which the game ball B was received.

Then, in step S141, once the prize ball signal is analyzed, in the following step S142, the number of prize balls corresponding to the analyzed prize ball signal is added to the player's remaining ball count, and the process ends.

In this way, through the prize ball processing, the number of game balls B (prize balls) corresponding to the winning slots in the game board 5 can be added to the player's waiting ball count.

[7-6. Lifting Motor Operation Processing]
The lifting motor operation process will be explained with reference to Figures 44 to 47, etc. The lifting motor operation process works as follows: when the number of game balls B in the ball lifting exit passage 552 decreases due to the launching of game balls B by the ball launching unit 450, the game balls B in the ball lifting inlet passage 551 are lifted by the rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561 of the ball lifting unit 550 and supplied to the ball lifting exit passage 552.

The lifting motor operation process first clears the retry counter 1 in step S201 and proceeds to the next step S202. In step S202, it is determined whether the lifting motor index sensor 566, which detects the lifting motor index 565 attached to the lower end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 in the ball lifting mechanism 560 of the ball lifting unit 550, is ON or OFF.

The lifting motor index 565 has a detection section 565a that is provided by cutting out a portion of the circumferential direction of a disc-shaped (flange-shaped) surface. When the detection section 565a of the lifting motor index 565 is positioned over the lifting motor index sensor 566 due to the rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561, the lifting motor index sensor 566 turns ON, and the lifting motor index sensor 566 turns OFF in areas other than the detection section 565a.

In step S202, if the lifting motor index sensor 566 is ON, the system proceeds to the next step S203, where it is determined whether the lifting outlet sensor 554 has been ON for 80 ms or more. In step S203, if it is determined that the lifting outlet sensor 554 has not been ON for 80 ms or more (i.e., the lifting outlet sensor 554 is OFF), the system proceeds to the next step S204, where it is determined to be NO.

On the other hand, if the lifting outlet sensor 554 is determined to be ON for 80 ms or more in step S203, the response is YES, and the process returns to step S203. This process is repeated until the lifting outlet sensor 554 is no longer ON for 80 ms or more (until the lifting outlet sensor 554 turns OFF). In other words, this process is repeated until the last of the rows of game balls B in the ball lifting outlet passage 552 decreases due to the launch of game balls B and is downstream of the lifting outlet sensor 554. When the lifting outlet sensor 554 turns OFF, the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, it is determined whether the lifting inlet sensor 553 has been ON for 80 ms or more. If it is determined that the lifting inlet sensor 553 has not been ON for 80 ms or more (i.e., the lifting inlet sensor 553 is OFF), the system proceeds to step S205 with the value set to NO, and the error display indicating "Lifting Inlet Bulb Burned Out" is turned ON, returning to step S204. This notifies the system of a bulb burned out in the bulb lifting inlet passage 551 and prompts the system to resolve the bulb burnout.

In step S204, if the lifting inlet sensor 553 is determined to be ON for 80 ms or more, the process proceeds to the next step S206, where the error display indicating "lifting inlet ball out" is turned OFF. Then, in the following step S207, after 1800 ms, the lifting motor 564 is activated to rotate the lifting spiral shaft 561. This initiates the lifting of the game balls B within the ball lifting inlet passage 551. The lifting spiral shaft 561 dispenses one game ball B with each rotation.

To rephrase the start of operation of the lifting motor 564, as shown in Figure 46, when the lifting inlet sensor 553 is ON for 80 ms or more (continuously ON), the lifting motor 564 is stopped, the lifting outlet sensor 554 is ON for 80 ms or more (continuously ON), and the pre-launch sensor 604 is ON for 80 ms or more (continuously ON), the game balls B are launched continuously at predetermined time intervals (600 ms in this case) by operating the handle 160. Then, when the lifting outlet sensor 554 turns OFF, after t1 hours (1800 ms in this case) has elapsed, the lifting motor 564 starts operating, and the discharge of game balls B from the upper end of the lifting spiral shaft 561 to the ball lifting outlet passage 552 side (ball discharge from the lifting device) begins.

In this embodiment, after the lifting outlet sensor 554 is turned OFF, when three game balls B are launched, the lifting motor 564 activates and the lifting spiral shaft 561 begins to rotate. The time interval for discharging game balls B by the rotation of the lifting spiral shaft 561 is set to be shorter than the time interval for continuous launching of game balls B. This ensures that the supply of game balls B to the ball launching unit 450 does not fall behind the launching of game balls B.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 46, the ball lifting unit 550 is controlled independently of the operation of the lifting motor 564, and operates so that the grinding cloth 582 moves 0.17 mm every 1000 game balls B are launched.

As shown in Figure 45, the lifting motor 564 does not operate and remains stopped except when the lifting inlet sensor 553 is ON and the lifting outlet sensor 554 is OFF.

Returning to the explanation of the lifting motor operation process, when the lifting motor 564 starts operating in step S207, the retry counter 2 is cleared in the following step S208, and in the subsequent step S209, it is determined whether the lifting motor index 565 (lifting motor index sensor 566) turned ON again within 600 ms after being OFF.

In step S209, if it is determined that the lifting motor index 565 turned ON again within 600 ms after turning OFF (indicating that the lifting spiral shaft 561 is rotating), the system proceeds to the next step S210, where it is determined whether the lifting outlet sensor 554 has been ON for 80 ms or more. If it is not ON, the system returns to step S208, and the operation of the lifting motor 564 continues.

On the other hand, if in step S210 it is determined that the lifting outlet sensor 554 has been ON for 80 ms or more, the process proceeds to the next step S211 as YES. The lifting motor 564 is stopped at the third detection position of the lifting motor index 565 by the detection unit 565a, and the process returns to step S201, repeating the lifting motor operation process.

In other words, as shown in Figures 46 and 47, after the lifting outlet sensor 554 is turned ON (continuously ON), the lifting motor 564 stops on the third time that the lifting motor index 565 rotates and does not block light (the lifting motor index sensor 566 is turned ON by the detection unit 565a). At this time, the lifting spiral shaft 561, which rotates integrally with the lifting motor index 565, discharges one game ball B per rotation towards the ball lifting outlet passage 552 (lifting device ball discharge). Therefore, three game balls B are discharged between the time the lifting outlet sensor 554 is turned ON and the lifting motor 564 stops. In other words, when the lifting outlet sensor 554 is turned ON, three game balls B are discharged towards the ball lifting outlet passage 552 and the lifting motor 564 stops. As a result, a sufficient number of game balls B are stored in the ball lifting outlet passage 552. Furthermore, to ensure that the lifting motor return process, described later, is executed smoothly, the ball lifting exit passage 552 is not completely filled with game balls B, leaving a predetermined number of empty spaces.

In this lifting motor operation process, if it is determined in step S202 that the lifting motor index 565 is not ON (the lifting motor index sensor 566 is OFF), the process proceeds to the next step S212, where it is determined whether the retry counter 1 is less than 3.

In step S212, if the retry counter 1 is less than 3, the system selects YES and executes the lifting motor origin return process in the next step S213. Then, in step S214, "1" is added to the retry counter 1, and the system returns to step S202.

In step S213, the lifting motor origin return process involves, if the lifting motor index sensor 566 is OFF, activating the lifting motor 564 to rotate the lifting motor index 565 together with the lifting spiral shaft 561. While the lifting motor index sensor 566 is OFF, the detection unit 565a reaches the sensor, turning it ON. After this, the lifting motor 564 rotates twice and stops, returning the lifting motor 564 (lifting motor index 565) to its origin.

More specifically, the lifting motor index 565 (lifting spiral shaft 561) is configured such that it rotates once for every 32 rotations of the lifting motor 564, based on the gear ratio of the shaft gear 562 and the motor gear 563. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the detection section 565a of the lifting motor index 565 is formed to correspond to four rotations of the lifting motor 564. Therefore, the position where the lifting motor 564 stops after two rotations from the time the lifting motor index sensor 566 is turned ON is located at the center of the detection section 565a. In other words, the center of the detection section 565a in the lifting motor index 565 is considered the origin of the lifting motor 564 (lifting spiral shaft 561, lifting motor index 565) (see Figure 47).

When the lifting motor return process is executed, the lifting spiral shaft 561 rotates approximately once, causing one game ball B to be discharged into the ball lifting exit passage 552. However, since the ball lifting exit passage 552 has a predetermined number of empty spaces for accommodating game balls B, the discharge of game balls B from the lifting spiral shaft 561 is not obstructed, allowing the lifting motor 564 to return to its home position.

In step S212 above, if it is determined that the retry counter 1 is not less than 3, the system proceeds to step S215, where the error display indicating "Lifting Ball Jam Error" is turned ON, and the system stops operating in the subsequent step S216. This operation stop can be released by turning on a power switch (not shown) located on the power supply board 650 in the main unit frame 4.

On the other hand, in step S209, if it is determined that the lifting motor index 565 did not turn ON again within 600 ms after turning OFF (i.e., the lifting spiral shaft 561 is not rotating), the system proceeds to step S217, where it is determined whether the retry counter 2 is less than 3. If it is determined that the retry counter 2 is not less than 3, the system proceeds to step S215, where the error display indicating "lifting ball jamming error" is turned ON, and the system stops operating in the subsequent step S216.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S217 that the retry counter 2 is less than 3, the response is YES, and the ball jam release process in the next step S218 is executed. Then, in the following step S219, "1" is added to the retry counter 2, and the process returns to step S209.

In step S218, the ball jam release process involves stopping the lifting motor 564 without monitoring the ON/OFF status of the lifting outlet sensor 554, then reversing the rotation of the lifting motor 564, stopping the lifting motor 564 after a predetermined time (e.g., 100 ms), and then restarting the lifting motor 564 (forward rotation).

Thus, when the number of game balls B in the ball lifting exit passage 552 decreases due to the launch of game balls B by the lifting motor operation process, the lifting motor 564 rotates the lifting spiral shaft 561, lifting the game balls B in the ball lifting inlet passage 551 from the lower end and discharging them from the upper end to supply them to the ball lifting exit passage 552.

The operating time of the lifting motor 564 and the number of game balls B dispensed, as described above, are merely examples and may be adjusted to suit your needs.

[7-7. Security Processing]
The security process will be explained with reference to Figure 48, etc. The security process is for monitoring whether or not there is any fraudulent activity. As shown in Figure 48(a), the security process clears the inconsistency counter in step S301, and in the following step S302, calculates the number of balls recovered within a predetermined time in the ball circulation path unit 500. The number of balls recovered is calculated by the sum of the number of outs, the number of safes, and the number of fouls.

After calculating the number of recovered balls in step S302, the process proceeds to the next step, S303, where it is determined whether the number of balls fired and the number of recovered balls, as measured by the launch subtraction sensor 454, are the same. If they are the same, the process returns to step S302 with a value of YES. On the other hand, if the number of balls fired and the number of recovered balls are not the same, the process proceeds to step S304 with a value of NO, where "1" is added to the contradiction counter and the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S305, it is determined whether the contradiction counter is greater than n (for example, 50). If it is determined to be less than n, the response is NO and the process returns to step S302. On the other hand, if it is determined that the contradiction counter is greater than n, the response is YES and the process proceeds to the next step S306. After turning on an error message indicating that fraudulent activity has occurred, the process ends in the following step S307 by executing a game stop process.

The error display in step S306 can be cleared by switching on a power switch (not shown) located on the power supply board 650 in the main unit frame 4.

Furthermore, the game stopping process in step S307 includes stopping the launch of game balls B by the ball launching unit 450, stopping the lifting of game balls B by the ball lifting unit 550 (stopping circulation), and stopping the game on the main control board 1310 side.

As a security process, the process shown in Figure 48(b) may also be used. In this security process, first, in step S311, the inconsistency counter is cleared, and in the following step S312, it is determined whether the number of balls fired by the firing subtraction sensor 454 is equal to or greater than the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball sensor 507.

In step S312, if it is determined that the number of balls fired is equal to or greater than the number of foul balls, the response is YES and the process returns to step S312. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of balls fired is not equal to or greater than the number of foul balls, the response is NO and the process proceeds to the next step S313, where "1" is added to the contradiction counter and the process proceeds to the following step S314.

In step S314, it is determined whether the contradiction counter is greater than n (for example, 50). If it is determined to be less than n, the response is NO and the process returns to step S312. On the other hand, if it is determined that the contradiction counter is greater than n, the response is YES and the process proceeds to the next step S315. After turning on an error message indicating that fraudulent activity has occurred, the process ends in the following step S316 by executing a game stop process.

The error display in step S315 can be cleared by switching a power switch (not shown) located on the power supply board 650 in the main unit frame 4.

Furthermore, the game stopping process in step S316 includes stopping the launch of game balls B by the ball launching unit 450, stopping the lifting of game balls B by the ball lifting unit 550 (stopping circulation), and stopping the game on the main control board 1310 side.

In this way, the presence or absence of fraudulent activity can be determined by the number of balls launched, the number of game balls B discharged from the game board 5 (number of balls recovered), the number of foul balls, etc.

[7-8. Enclosed Ball Quantity Detection Process]
The sealed ball quantity detection process will be explained with reference to Figure 49, etc. The sealed ball quantity detection process detects whether the quantity (number of balls) of sealed game balls B is appropriate. The sealed ball quantity detection process determines whether the quantity of game balls B is appropriate by combining the ON/OFF status of the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522. The circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522 are turned ON when the detection of game balls B continues for a predetermined time (for example, 80 ms) or longer.

Specifically, in the ball storage passage 504 of the circulating ball path unit 500, which is upstream of the ball lifting inlet passage 551 in the ball lifting unit 550, if the last of the game balls B arranged in a line is located between the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522, the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 will be ON and the circulating ball excess sensor 522 will be OFF. In this combination, the system determines that the amount of game balls B is appropriate, and no related errors are reported.

On the other hand, if the last of the game balls B lined up in a row in the ball storage passage 504 is located downstream of the circulating ball shortage sensor 521, then both the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522 will be OFF. In this combination, the system determines that the number of game balls B is insufficient and an error message indicating "insufficient game balls" is issued.

Furthermore, if the last of the game balls B lined up in a row in the ball storage passage 504 is located upstream of the circulating ball excess sensor 522, beyond the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522, then both the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 and the circulating ball excess sensor 522 will turn ON. In such a combination, the system determines that there is an excess of game balls B and an error message indicating "excess game balls" is issued.

Incidentally, depending on the environment (amusement hall) in which the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is installed, it may be installed together with conventional pachinko machines that use steel balls SB as game balls. In such cases, when game balls B are replenished or replaced during maintenance of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, there is a risk that steel balls SB may become mixed in. Furthermore, if steel balls SB become mixed into this pachinko machine 1, because a strong magnet 516 is provided on the ball release shutter 515 of the ball storage passage 504 in the circulation path R, the mixed-in steel balls B will be magnetized by the magnet 516 and remain stopped on the ball release shutter 515.

With the steel ball SB magnetically attached to the ball release shutter 515, if the ball launching unit 450 continues to launch game balls B, the game balls B downstream of the ball release shutter 515 in the ball storage passage 504 will be lifted up by the ball lifting unit 550 and decrease in number, eventually causing the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 to turn OFF. On the other hand, the game balls B launched from the ball launching unit 450 are collected by the out ball receiving port 500a, safe ball receiving port 500b, foul unit 470, etc. of the circulating ball path unit 500 and supplied to the upstream side of the ball storage passage 504, accumulating upstream of the ball release shutter 515 (steel ball SB), eventually causing the circulating ball excess sensor 522 to turn ON. Thus, in the case where the circulating ball shortage sensor 521 is OFF and the circulating ball excess sensor 522 is ON, the system determines that the iron ball SB is magnetically attached to the ball removal shutter 515, and an error message indicating "iron ball contamination" is issued.

Furthermore, if a ball jam occurs between the under-circulating ball sensor 521 and the over-circulating ball sensor 522 due to ball jamming, the same combination as described above will result in an error message indicating "iron ball contamination."

Furthermore, error notifications may be made by illuminating a notification lamp, or by displaying an image on a visual display device. Alternatively, the error signal may be output to the hall computer (Holcon) of the gaming hall via the game ball dispensing device 8, causing a notification lamp installed on the gaming hall side to illuminate.

In this way, the sealed ball quantity detection process allows for the appropriate management of the amount of sealed game balls B, and also enables the detection of the presence of iron balls SB.

[7-9. Ball Removal Procedure]
The ball removal process will now be explained. The ball removal process is performed in the circulating ball path unit 500 when the ball removal shutter 515 opens the ball removal opening 513p and removes the game balls B into the ball receiving tray 620. The ball removal process is performed by opening the door frame 3 relative to the main frame 4, turning off the door open switch 407, pulling the ball removal shutter 515 forward to open the ball removal opening 513p, and turning on the ball removal switch 642 provided on the frame control board 640.

During the ball release process, the ON/OFF function of the lifting inlet sensor 553 is disabled, causing the launch solenoid 453 in the ball launching unit 450 to repeatedly switch ON/OFF at predetermined time intervals, while the lifting motor 564 remains in operation.

In this case, even if the launch solenoid 453 is turned ON and the game ball B is launched, the door frame 3 is open, keeping the foul shutter 471 in the closed position. Therefore, the ball is not launched out of the foul unit 470 but is sent to the ball circulation unit 500 as a foul ball.

Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, or when the power switch on the power supply board 650 is turned OFF, the bulb removal process is completed.

In this way, the enclosed game balls B can be removed by the ball removal process. When refilling game balls B, they can be inserted through the out port 1008 of the game board 5, or by removing the game board 5 from the main frame 4 and inserting (replenishing) them through the out ball receiving port 500a or the safe ball receiving port 500b, which are opening upwards.

[8. Overall configuration of the game board]
The overall configuration of the game board 5 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 56. Figure 50 is a front view of the game board showing the transparent center mechanism and other elements made opaque. Figure 51 is a perspective view of the game board of Figure 50 from the front right, Figure 52 is a perspective view of the game board of Figure 50 from the front left, and Figure 53 is a perspective view of the game board of Figure 50 from the rear. Figure 54 is an exploded perspective view of the game board from the front, disassembled into its main components, and Figure 55 is an exploded perspective view of the game board from the rear, disassembled into its main components. Figure 56 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.

The game board 5 of the pachinko machine 1 has a game area 5a into which game balls B are played when the player operates the handle 160. The game area 5a is equipped with a general prize slot 2001, a normal prize slot 2002, a first start slot 2003, a second start slot 2004, a big prize slot 2005, a special prize slot 2006, and a second V prize slot 2008, which grant the player predetermined benefits (for example, an increase in the number of balls held) upon acceptance or passage of game balls B. This game board 5 is designed to allow players to enjoy a game where game balls B are received into the general prize slots 2001, regular prize slots 2002, first start slots 2003, second start slots 2004, large prize slots 2005, and special prize slots 2006, etc., within the game area 5a, by operating the handle 160 to insert the balls and circulating the game balls B within the game area 5a.

The game board 5 comprises a front component 1000 that demarcates the outer perimeter of the game area 5a and has a roughly rectangular shape 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 plurality of magnetic sensors 1030 (see Figure 65) that detect magnetic fields acting improperly within the game area 5a; and a vibration sensor 1040 (see Figure 65, etc.) that detects vibrations acting on the game board 5 (pachinko machine 1). Multiple obstacle pins that come into contact with the game balls B are planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement in the portion of the front of the game panel 1100 that is within the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the game board 5 includes a circuit board holder 1200 attached to the lower rear side of the game panel 1100, and a main control unit 1300 attached to the rear surface of the circuit board holder 1200, which has a main control board 1310 (see Figure 65, etc.) that controls the game content performed by driving game balls B into the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the game board 5 includes a function display unit 1400 that displays the game status based on control signals from the main control board 1310 and is mounted on the upper left corner of the front component 1000 so that it is visible to the player; a peripheral control unit 1500 located behind the game panel 1100; an effect display device 1600 located in the center of the game area 5a in a front view and capable of displaying predetermined effect images; a panel relay board (not shown) located behind the game panel 1100 and relaying the connection between the main control board 1310 and the peripheral control board 1510; a front unit 2000 mounted on the front of the game panel 1100; and a rear unit 3000 mounted on the rear of the game panel 1100.

A display device 1600 is provided on the rear surface of the rear unit 3000, and a peripheral control unit 1500 is provided on the rear surface of the display device 1600.

The front unit 2000 has multiple (three in this case) general prize slots 2001 that are always open and capable of receiving game balls B that have been driven into the game area 5a, a normal prize slot 2002 that is always open and capable of receiving game balls B and is located at a predetermined position within the game area 5a, a first start slot 2003 that is always open and capable of receiving game balls B and is located in the center in the left-right direction below the center mechanism 2500, and a lottery is held when game balls B are received into the normal prize slot 2002. The game board 5 includes a second starting port 2004 that allows game balls B to be received according to the result of the lottery for the regular symbols, a large prize port 2005 or a special prize port 2006 that allows game balls B to be received according to the result of the lottery for the first special symbol drawn by the acceptance of game balls B into the first starting port 2003, or the second special symbol drawn by the acceptance of game balls B into the second starting port 2004, and a first V prize port 2007 and a second V prize port 2008 that allow game balls B received into the special prize port 2006 to be received. Furthermore, the game board 5 is equipped with multiple magnetic sensors 1030 (see Figure 65) that detect magnetic fields acting improperly within the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the front unit 2000 is located at the downstream end of the game area 5a and is equipped with an outlet 2020 that is always open to receive game balls B and discharges the received game balls B outside the game area 5a without returning them. It also includes two sub-outlets 2021 located upstream of the outlet 2020 within the game area 5a, which are also always open to receive game balls B and discharge the received game balls B outside the game area 5a without returning them. The outlet 2020 is provided on the left and right sides of the first start port 2003. The two sub-outlets 2021 are located to the left of the center of the game area 5a and to the right of the center of the game area 5a, respectively.

Furthermore, the front unit 2000 includes a start-up unit 2100 mounted in the center of the left-right direction within the game area 5a, directly above the lower end of the game area 5a, and having a first start-up opening 2003 and an out-up opening 2020; a side unit 2200 provided to the left of the start-up unit 2100 in a front view, along the inner rail 1002, and having three general prize-winning openings 2001 and one sub-out-up opening 2021; and a side upper left unit 2300 provided slightly above the left of the side unit 2200 in a front view. The machine comprises: an attacker unit 2400 located to the right of the starter unit 2100 and having a second starter opening 2004, a large prize opening 2005, and one sub-out opening 2021; a frame-shaped center prize opening 2500 located slightly above the center of the front view within the game area 5a and having a prize opening 2006, a first V prize opening 2007, and a second V prize opening 2008; and a normal prize opening unit 2600 located above the right end of the attacker unit 2400 and having a normal prize opening 2002.

The center mechanism 2500 comprises a frame-shaped main unit 2510 having a mechanism entry opening 2006 and a first V-entry opening 2007, and a lottery mechanism 2550 located at the lower part of the frame of the main unit 2510 and having a second V-entry opening 2008.

The back unit 3000 comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors 1030 for detecting magnetic fields acting improperly within the game area 5a, a vibration sensor 1040 for detecting vibrations acting on the game board 5 (pachinko machine 1), a back box 3010 attached to the rear surface of the panel holder 1120 on the game panel 1100, a box-shaped back box with an open front and a square opening 3010a in its rear wall, a lock slider 3020 for detachably attaching the performance display device 1600 to the rear wall of the back box 3010, and a back circuit board unit 3040 positioned behind the performance display device 1600 and attached to the rear wall of the back box 3010.

Furthermore, the back unit 3000 includes a back ball guidance unit 3100 located at the lower part near the front end of the back box 3010, through which the game ball B guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 flows; a back decoration unit 3200 located behind the back ball guidance unit 3100 within the back box 3010; a back front performance unit 3300 located to the left and above the back ball guidance unit 3100 near the front end within the back box 3010; and a back rear performance unit 3400 located behind the back front performance unit 3300 within the back box 3010.

[8-1. Front Components]
The front component 1000 of the game board 5 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The front component 1000 is made entirely of transparent material. The front component 1000 has an outer shape that is approximately square when viewed from the front, and an inner shape that is approximately circular and penetrates in the front-to-back direction, with the inner circumference of the inner shape defining the outer periphery of the game area 5a. This front component 1000 includes an outer rail 1001 that extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction clockwise from the lower end slightly to the left of the center in the front view, passing over the upper end of the center in the front view and extending to the upper right diagonally; an inner rail 1002 that is positioned inside the front component 1000, approximately along the outer rail 1001, and extends in an arc shape from the lower center in the front view to the upper left diagonally; and an out-guide section 1003 formed at the lowest point of the game area 5a on the right side of the lower end of the inner rail 1002 in the front view, and is inclined to be lower toward the rear.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 includes a right-lower rail 1004 that slopes linearly from the right end of the out-guiding section 1003 in a front view to the vicinity of the right edge of the front component 1000, with the right end being slightly higher; a right rail 1005 that extends from the right end of the right-lower rail 1004 along the right edge of the front component 1000 to the lower side of the upper end of the outer rail 1001, with its upper part curving inward from the front component 1000; and a stopper 1006 that connects the upper end of the right rail 1005 to the upper end of the outer rail 1001, and which the game ball B that has rolled along the outer rail 1001 comes into contact with.

Furthermore, the aforementioned component 1000 is pivotally supported at the upper end of the inner rail 1002 and includes a backflow prevention member 1007 that is rotatable only between a closed position extending upward from the upper end of the inner rail 1002 to close the gap between it and the outer rail 1001, and an open position that rotates clockwise in a front view to open the gap between it and the outer rail 1001. The backflow prevention member 1007 is biased by a spring (not shown) to return to the closed position.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 has an outlet opening 1008 located at the lower center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front within the frame, and which penetrates from front to back at the rear end of the outlet guide section 1003. This outlet opening 1008 is closed from the front by the starter unit 2100.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 is provided with anti-theft recesses 1009 that are recessed from the front end to the rear at the outer side of the parts of the outer rail 1001 and inner rail 1002 that extend approximately vertically from the lower ends, the underside of the out guide section 1003 and the lower right rail 1004, and the outer side of the right rail 1005. When the game board 5 is attached to the main frame 4 and the door frame 3 is closed relative to the main frame 4, the rear projection (not shown) of the anti-theft cover (not shown) on the door frame 3 is inserted into these anti-theft recesses 1009. As a result, the space between the security cover and the game board 5 (front component 1000) is intricately bent by the rear projection of the security cover and the security recess 1009 of the front component 1000. Therefore, even if someone attempts to insert an unauthorized tool such as piano wire into the game area 5a from below the front of the game board 5 through the space between the security cover and the front component 1000, it will be blocked by the rear projection and the security recess 1009, thus preventing the unauthorized tool from entering the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 has a notch 1010 cut out upward from the lower end at the lower left corner when viewed from the front. This notch 1010 coincides with the notch 1122 of the game panel 1100. This notch 1010 is designed so that, when attached to the main frame of a pachinko machine that dispenses game balls to the player, the front end openings of the lower normal dispensing passage and the lower full-ball dispensing passage of the lower full-ball path unit face forward, supplying game balls to the upper and lower trays of the door frame.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 includes a function display unit mounting portion 1011 formed in the upper left corner when viewed from the front, to which the function display unit 1400 is attached, and a sticker attachment portion 1012 formed in the lower right corner.

Furthermore, the front component 1000 is formed to be almost entirely transparent, allowing the game panel 1100 and the rear unit 3000, which are located on the rear side, to be visible from the front.

[8-2. Game Panel]
The game panel 1100 in the game board 5 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The game panel 1100 is attached to the rear surface of the front component 1000, and the front unit 2000 and the back unit 3000 are attached to it. The game panel 1100 comprises a flat panel plate 1110 made of transparent synthetic resin, the outer circumference of which is formed to be slightly larger than the inner circumference of the frame-shaped front component 1000, and a frame-shaped panel holder 1120 which holds the outer circumference of the panel plate 1110 and is attached to the rear side of the front component 1000, and the back unit 3000 is attached to its rear surface. Multiple obstacle nails are planted on the front surface of the game panel 1100 in a predetermined gauge arrangement.

The panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100 is formed from synthetic resin boards such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polyarylate resin, or methacrylic resin, or from inorganic boards such as glass or metal. The thickness of this panel board 1110 is thinner than that of a wooden game panel, which is approximately 20 mm. The minimum thickness required to adequately support obstacle nails planted on the front and the mounting of the front unit 2000 is approximately 10 mm. In this embodiment, the panel board 1110 is formed from a transparent synthetic resin board.

The panel 1110 is located at the lowest position within the game area 5a, and the position corresponding to the out-hole 1008 of the front component 1000 is recessed upward from the lower end. In other words, in this embodiment, the out-hole 1008 of the panel 1110 is not a hole, but rather a notch that opens downwards. However, the out-hole 1008 may also be formed as a hole. Furthermore, the panel 1110 has multiple openings 1112 that penetrate from front to back, for attaching the front unit 2000. In this embodiment, the openings 1112 are formed as holes, but they may also be formed as notches that open outwards from the outer circumferential surface of the panel 1110.

Furthermore, the panel plate 1110, although not shown in the illustration, includes a plurality of positioning holes formed as through-holes and short elongated holes, and a plurality of engagement steps that are spaced apart in the left-right direction at the upper and lower edges, respectively, and are formed with a thin plate thickness. The positioning holes are for positioning relative to the panel holder 1120 by inserting the protruding pins (not shown) of the panel holder 1120. The engagement steps are for detachably attaching to the panel holder 1120 by engaging with the engagement claws (not shown) and engagement pieces (not shown) of the panel holder 1120.

The panel 1110 has a large opening 1112 for mounting the center mechanism 2500, which is offset above the center when viewed from the front. This gives the panel 1110 a frame-like shape. When viewed from the front, the width perpendicular to the direction of movement of the game balls B (the circumferential direction of the frame) is such that the left, right, and bottom sides are wide enough to accommodate multiple game balls B, while the top side is narrow enough that multiple game balls B cannot be arranged side by side.

The panel holder 1120 of the game panel 1100 is sized to enclose the panel board 1110 and has a roughly rectangular shape. It is thicker than the panel board 1110 (in this embodiment, approximately 38 mm, the same thickness as a wooden game panel). This is to allow gameplay by attaching the game panel 1100, whether made of wood or transparent synthetic resin, to the main frame 4 of the same pachinko machine 1 (game machine).

This panel holder 1120 is made of a transparent synthetic resin (for example, a thermoplastic synthetic resin). The panel holder 1120 has a retaining step (not shown) that is approximately the same size as the panel plate 1110 and recessed from the front to the rear, and a through-hole 1121 that penetrates the retaining step in the front-to-back direction and is approximately the same size as the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the panel holder 1120 has a notch 1122 cut out upward from the lower end at the lower left corner when viewed from the front. This notch 1122 is formed to coincide with the notch 1010 of the previous component 1000. This notch 1122 is designed to allow the front end openings of the lower normal payout passage and the lower full payout passage of the lower full ball path unit to face forward when the panel holder is attached to the main frame of a pachinko machine that dispenses game balls to the player, by passing through the notch 1010 and the notch 1122, thereby supplying game balls to the upper and lower trays of the door frame.

Furthermore, the panel holder 1120 has an outlet recess 1123 that extends upward from its lower end to a position corresponding to the outlet opening 1008, and is recessed from the rear surface toward the front. The upper part of the outlet recess 1123 is in communication with the outlet opening 1008.

Furthermore, the panel holder 1120, although not shown in the illustration, includes a plurality of protruding pins that protrude forward from the retaining step and are inserted into a plurality of positioning holes in the panel plate 1110, three engaging claws that are positioned outside the retaining step and elastically engage with the engaging steps on the upper and lower left inclined portions of the panel plate 1110, and a pair of engaging pieces that protrude upward from the lower outer side of the retaining step and engage with the two engaging steps on the lower edge of the panel plate 1110. The panel holder 1120 can be detachably attached to the panel plate 1110 while it is housed in the retaining step by engaging the engaging steps on the lower edge of the panel plate 1110 with the engaging pieces from diagonally above the front, and then moving the upper part of the panel plate 1110 backward to elastically engage the engaging steps on the upper and lower left inclined portions with the engaging claws. At this point, the protruding pins of the panel holder 1120 are inserted into the positioning holes of the panel plate 1110, thereby positioning the panel plate 1110 in a predetermined position relative to the panel holder 1120.

Since this game panel 1100, along with the front component 1000 attached to the front, is made of transparent material, when assembled with the game board 5, it reduces the visibility of the boundary of the game area 5a, giving the player a sense of openness. Furthermore, although the actual size of the game area 5a remains unchanged, it makes the game area 5a appear larger (wider) to the player.

Furthermore, since the game panel 1100 is transparent along with the front component 1000, light from the display device 1600, the front unit 2000, the back unit 3000, etc., can be reflected or refracted forward (towards the player), making it appear as if it is emitting light, thereby further enhancing the overall decorative appeal of the game board 5.

[8-3. Circuit board holder]
The circuit board holder 1200 in the game board 5 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The circuit board holder 1200 is formed in a horizontally elongated box shape with the top and front open, and the bottom surface is inclined to become lower towards the center in the left-right direction. The circuit board holder 1200 has an ejection section 1201 that is cut out from the front end toward the rear at the center in the left-right direction of the bottom surface. When assembled to the game board 5, the circuit board holder 1200 covers the lower part of the back unit 3000 attached to the rear side of the game panel 1100 from below and from the rear, and the main control board box 1320 of the main control unit 1300 is attached to its rear surface.

When assembled to the pachinko machine 1, the circuit board holder 1200 has its discharge section 1201 positioned directly above the out ball receiving port 500a and the safe ball receiving port 500b in the circulation ball path unit 500 of the main frame 4. As a result, the game balls B discharged to the rear of the game panel 1100 through the out port 2020 and the sub-out port 2021 are discharged to the out ball receiving port 500a in the circulation ball path unit 500, and after being received by the out ball receiving port 500a, they flow through the out ball passage 501 and are detected (counted) one by one by the out ball sensor 505. On the other hand, game balls B that are received into prize slots such as the general prize slot 2001, the regular prize slot 2002, the first start slot 2003, the second start slot 2004, the large prize slot 2005, and the special prize slot 2006, and discharged downward from the front unit 2000 and the back unit 3000, are discharged to the safe ball receiving slot 500b in the circulating ball path unit 500. Upon receiving the safe ball receiving slot 500b, they circulate through the safe ball passage 502 and are detected (counted) one by one by the safe ball sensor 506.

[8-4. Main Control Board Unit]
The main control unit 1300 in the game board 5 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 53 to 55, etc. The main control unit 1300 is detachably attached to the rear surface of the board holder 1200. The main control unit 1300 comprises a main control board 1310 (see Figure 65) that controls the game content and the granting of benefits to the player, and a main control board box 1320 that houses the main control board 1310 and is attached to the board holder 1200.

The main control board box 1320 consists of a board base 1330, which is attached to the board holder 1200 and to which the main control board 1310 is attached at the rear, and a board cover 1340, which is attached to the board base 1330 so as to cover the main control board 1310 from the rear. The board base 1330 and the board cover 1340 are made of transparent polycarbonate. The main control board 1310 is housed in the internal space formed by the board base 1330 and the board cover 1340. Because the board base 1330 and the board cover 1340 are made of transparent polycarbonate, the condition of the front and back sides of the main control board 1310 (whether or not unauthorized modifications have been made, or whether or not unauthorized ICs are mounted) can be checked from the outside of the main control board box 1320.

Furthermore, the main control board box 1320 is equipped with multiple sealing mechanisms 1350 corresponding to the board base 1330 and the board cover 1340, respectively. When the main control board box 1320 is closed using one sealing mechanism 1350, opening the box requires destroying that sealing mechanism 1350, leaving a trace of the opening and closing. Therefore, by examining these traces, unauthorized opening and closing of the main control board box 1320 can be detected, thus enhancing the deterrent against unauthorized actions against the main control board 1310.

The main control board 1310 of the main control unit 1300 is connected to the interface board 660, the out-of-bounds sensor 505, the peripheral control board 1510, and the like. Furthermore, the main control board 1310 is connected to the function display unit 1400, general prize entry sensor 3001, normal prize entry sensor 3002, first start entry sensor 2101, second start entry sensor 2401, large prize entry sensor 2402, special prize entry sensor 2501, first V prize entry sensor 2502, second V prize entry sensor 2503, losing entry sensor 2504, start entry solenoid 2412, attacker solenoid 2414, special prize entry solenoid 2516, first distribution solenoid 2534, second distribution solenoid 2544, lottery loop solenoid 2558, striking piece drive motor 2561, gutter oscillating drive motor 2564, oscillating piece solenoid 2565, magnetic sensor 1030, vibration sensor 1040, etc.

Furthermore, the main control board 1310 has a base monitor consisting of four 7-segment LEDs (not shown in the figure). The base monitor can be viewed from the rear through a transparent board cover 1340. This base monitor displays the number of game balls B launched by the ball launching unit 450 that have entered the game area 5a, been discharged downwards from the game board 5, and detected by the out-ball sensor 505 located in the circulating ball path unit 500 of the main frame 4. In this embodiment, the base monitor displays the number of balls counted by the out-ball sensor 505 after 100 balls have been launched (the number of balls that have returned to the game hall side) as a percentage.

[8-5. Function Display Unit]
The function display unit 1400 in the game board 5 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 50, etc. The function display unit 1400 is attached to the upper left corner of the front component 1000 outside the game area 5a. When assembled in the pachinko machine 1, the function display unit 1400 can be seen from the front (player side) through the game window 101 of the door frame 3. Based on control signals from the main control board 1310, the function display unit 1400 uses multiple LEDs to display the game status, the results of the lottery for normal symbols, the results of the lottery for special symbols, etc.

The function display unit 1400, although not shown in detail, includes a status indicator consisting of three LEDs that displays the game status, a regular symbol indicator consisting of two LEDs that displays the lottery result of regular symbols drawn when game balls B are received into the regular prize slot 2002, and a regular reserve indicator consisting of two LEDs that displays the number of reserved game balls B received into the regular prize slot 2002.

Furthermore, the function display unit 1400 includes a first special symbol display unit consisting of eight LEDs that displays the result of the lottery for the first special symbol drawn upon the acceptance of game ball B into the first start port 2003; a first special reserved number display unit consisting of two LEDs that displays the number of reserved game balls related to the acceptance of game ball B into the first start port 2003; a second special symbol display unit consisting of eight LEDs that displays the result of the lottery for the second special symbol drawn upon the acceptance of game ball B into the second start port 2004; and a second special reserved number display unit consisting of two LEDs that displays the number of reserved game balls related to the acceptance of game ball B into the second start port 2004.

Furthermore, the function display unit 1400 includes a round indicator consisting of five LEDs that displays the number of repetitions (rounds) of the opening and closing pattern of the large prize slot 2005 when the lottery result for the first special symbol or the second special symbol is "win," etc.

This function display unit 1400 can display the number of reserved items, symbols, etc., by appropriately lighting, extinguishing, and flashing the provided LEDs.

[8-6. Peripheral Control Units]
The peripheral control unit 1500 in the game board 5 will be described mainly with reference to Figure 53, etc. The peripheral control unit 1500 is located behind the performance display device 1600, which is located on the rear side of the back box 3010 of the back unit 3000. More specifically, the peripheral control unit 1500 is mounted on the rear side of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 to which the performance display device 1600 is attached to the rear surface of the back box 3010. The peripheral control unit 1500 comprises a peripheral control board 1510 (see Figure 65) that controls the performances presented to the player based on control signals from the main control board 1310, and a peripheral control board box 1520 that houses the peripheral control board 1510. The peripheral control board 1510 comprises a peripheral control unit 1511 for controlling light-emitting effects, sound effects, and movable effects, etc., and a performance display control unit 1512 for controlling performance images.

The peripheral control board 1510 of the peripheral control unit 1500 is connected to the main control board 1310, the performance operation unit 250, various decorative boards on the door frame 3 side, the performance display device 1600, etc. (see Figure 65). The peripheral control unit 1500 is mounted on the rear side of the performance display device 1600, as will be described in detail later.

[8-7. Performance display device]
The performance display device 1600 in the game board 5 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The performance display device 1600 is positioned in the center of the game area 5a when viewed from the front, and is attached to the rear side of the game panel 1100 via the back box 3010 of the back unit 3000. The performance display device 1600 is attached to the front of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 which is attached to the rear wall of the back box 3010. Since the liquid crystal spacer 1610 is detachable from the back box 3010, the performance display device 1600 can be attached to and detached from the back box 3010 via the liquid crystal spacer 1610. When the game board 5 is assembled, the performance display device 1600 can be seen from the front (player side) through the transparent game panel 1100 and the frame of the frame-shaped center mechanism 2500.

The display device 1600 is a 15-inch full-color liquid crystal display with a white LED backlight, mounted horizontally on the front of the liquid crystal spacer 1610. The display device 1600 is connected to the peripheral control board 1510 and can display predetermined still images and videos.

The display device 1600 is mounted offset (eccentrically) from the center of the liquid crystal spacer 1610, so that space is created above and to the left of the spacer.

The liquid crystal spacer 1610 is formed in the same size as a 19-inch liquid crystal display device and is a transparent, flat plate. The liquid crystal spacer 1610 comprises two upper fixing pieces 1611 protruding upward from its upper end surface and one lower fixing piece 1612 protruding downward from its lower end surface. With the liquid crystal screen of the display device 1600 facing forward, the liquid crystal spacer 1610 is attached to the back box 3010 (described later) by inserting the two upper fixing pieces 1611 into two fixing grooves 3010c opening on the upper inner circumferential surface of the opening 3010a of the back box 3010 from the diagonal rear of the back box 3010, then moving the lower fixing piece 1612 forward, inserting the lower fixing piece 1612 into the opening of the lock slider 3020, and sliding the lock slider 3020 to the left in a rear view.

[8-8. Overall structure of the table unit]
The front unit 2000 in the game board 5 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The front unit 2000 is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front, with its front end protruding forward beyond the front surface of the game panel 1100, and a portion of its rear end protruding into the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100.

The front unit 2000 includes a plurality (three in this case) of general prize slots 2001 that are always open to receive game balls B that have been driven into the game area 5a, a normal prize slot 2002 located at a predetermined position within the game area 5a and that is always open to receive game balls B, a first start slot 2003 located at a predetermined position within the game area 5a and that is always open to receive game balls B, and a normal symbol that is drawn when a game ball B is received into the normal prize slot 2002. The machine includes a second starting port 2004 that allows the acceptance of game ball B according to the lottery results, a large prize port 2005 and a special prize port 2006 that allow the acceptance of game ball B according to the first special symbol drawn by the acceptance of game ball B into the first starting port 2003 or the second special symbol drawn by the acceptance of game ball B into the second starting port 2004, and a first V prize port 2007 and a second V prize port 2008 that allow the acceptance of game ball B that has been accepted into the special prize port 2006.

Furthermore, the front unit 2000 is further equipped with an outlet 2020 and a sub-outlet 2021 for discharging game balls B that have been played into the game area 5a to the outside of the game area 5a. The outlet 2020 and sub-outlet 2021 are always open to receive game balls B. The outlet 2020 is located at the downstream end of the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the front unit 2000 includes a first start-up sensor 2101 for detecting game balls B received in the first start-up opening 2003, a second start-up sensor 2401 for detecting game balls B received in the second start-up opening 2004, a large prize-winning opening sensor 2402 for detecting game balls B received in the large prize-winning opening 2005, a first V-prize-winning opening sensor 2502 for detecting game balls B received in the first V-prize-winning opening 2007, a second V-prize-winning opening sensor 2503 for detecting game balls B received in the second V-prize-winning opening 2008, a losing-prize-winning opening sensor 2504 for detecting game balls B received in the losing-prize-winning opening 2009, and a magnetic sensor 1030 for detecting unauthorized magnetism acting within the game area 5a.

Multiple (three in this case) general prize entry points 2001 are located to the left of the center in the lower part of the game area 5a. The regular prize entry point 2002 is located near the right edge of the game area 5a (when viewed from the front) and below the center in the vertical direction. The first start entry point 2003 is located in the center of the game area 5a (left-right direction) between the two out entry points 2020. The second start entry point 2004 is located near the right edge of the game area 5a and below the regular prize entry point 2002. The large prize entry point 2005 is located to the right of the first start entry point 2003 within the game area 5a. The special prize entry point 2006 is located near the right edge of the game area 5a and above the regular prize entry point 2002.

The out-out opening 2020 is located at the downstream end of the game area 5a, below both the left and right sides of the first start-up opening 2003. One of the sub-out-out openings 2021 is located to the left of the three general prize-winning openings 2001, while the other is located below the second start-up opening 2004.

The front unit 2000 comprises a start-up unit 2100 mounted in the center of the game area 5a in the left-right direction, directly above the lower end of the game area 5a, and having a first start-up opening 2003 and an out-up opening 2020; a side unit 2200 provided to the left of the start-up unit 2100 in a front view, along the inner rail 1002, and having three general prize-winning openings 2001 and one sub-out-up opening 2021; and a side upper left unit 2300 provided slightly above and to the left of the side unit 2200 in a front view.

Furthermore, the front unit 2000 further comprises an attacker unit 2400 located to the right of the starter unit 2100 and having a second starter opening 2004, a large prize opening 2005, and one sub-out opening 2021; a frame-shaped center prize opening 2500 located slightly above the center of the front view within the game area 5a and having a prize opening 2006, a first V prize opening 2007, a second V prize opening 2008, and a losing opening 2009; and a normal prize opening unit 2600 located above the attacker unit 2400 and having a normal prize opening 2002.

[8-8a. Starter Unit]
Next, the start port unit 2100 of the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and Figure 56. The start port unit 2100 of the front unit 2000 is located within the game area 5a, near the lower end of the center in the left-right direction, directly above the out port 1008, and is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front. The start port unit 2100 has a first start port 2003 that is always open upward with a width that can accept only one game ball B, and two out ports 2020 that are always open to accept game balls B and discharge the accepted game ball B outside the game area 5a without returning it. The start port unit 2100 also has a first start port sensor 2101 that detects the game ball B received in the first start port 2003 (see Figure 65).

The outlet 2020 is located at a lower position than the first start 2003. The two outlets 2020 of the start unit 2100 are located symmetrically on either side of the first start 2003. The first start 2003 opens upward with a width sufficient for one game ball B to pass through. The outlet 2020 opens upward with a width sufficient for two game balls B and is located at the lowest position within the game area 5a.

The starting port unit 2100 is designed so that the height difference between the first starting port 2003 and the out port 2020 is smaller (lower) than the height difference between the first starting port and the out port (out port 1008) in conventional pachinko machines. This creates the illusion for the player that the first starting port 2003 is located lower than the conventional first starting port, making the game area 5a appear relatively wider.

The start-up unit 2100 is located below the first start-up opening 2003 and has a start-up display unit 2110 capable of displaying a predetermined pattern. The start-up display unit 2110 is composed of a single 7-segment LED. This start-up display unit 2110 can display a predetermined pattern (including numbers) according to the progress of the game. When assembled to the game board 5, the start-up unit 2100 closes the out-up opening 1008 from the front using the start-up display unit 2110, making the out-up opening 1008 invisible to the player. This allows the player to recognize that the out-up opening 2020 is at the lowest end of the game area 5a.

When assembled to the game board 5, the start port unit 2100 has its first start port 2003 located directly below the central discharge section 2513a on the stage 2513 of the center mechanism 2500, allowing it to receive game balls B released from the central discharge section 2513a with a high probability. The game balls B received in this first start port 2003 are detected by the first start port sensor 2101, guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, and then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, before being discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the lower circulating ball path unit 500.

The game ball B received at the out exit 2020 is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and then discharged from the back ball guidance unit 3100 to the out ball receiving opening 500a of the lower circulating ball path unit 500.

[8-8b. Side Unit]
Next, the side unit 2200 of the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and Figure 56, etc. The side unit 2200 of the front unit 2000 extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the start opening unit 2100 within the game area 5a and is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front. The side unit 2200 is equipped with three general prize openings 2001 that are open to receive game balls B at all times, and one sub-out opening 2021 that is open to receive game balls B at all times.

The three general prize entry openings 2001 of the side unit 2200 are arranged in an arc shape along the inner rail 1002, and are positioned higher towards the left. Each general prize entry opening 2001 has an opening (width) the size of one game ball B. To the left of the leftmost general prize entry opening 2001, there is a sub-out opening 2021. The sub-out opening 2021 has an opening (width) the size of one game ball B.

Furthermore, the side unit 2200 has a shelf section 2201 that slopes downwards towards the right, extending to the right of the rightmost general prize entry opening 2001. The shelf section 2201 extends to the right, near the right end of the left-side out opening 2020 in the starting opening unit 2100. In other words, when the game ball B rolls along the shelf section 2201, it is received by the left-side out opening 2020.

When assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2200 has three general prize slots 2001 and one sub-out slot 2021 that protrude forward from the front of the game panel 1100. This side unit 2200 can guide the game balls B received in the general prize slots 2001 to the rear of the game panel 1100 and hand them over to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000. The game balls B, after being handed over to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000, are detected by the general prize slot sensor 3001 and then discharged downwards.

Furthermore, the side unit 2200 can guide the game balls B received in the sub-out port 2021 to the rear of the game panel 1100 and hand them over to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000. The game balls B handed over to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000 are then discharged to the safe ball receiving port 500b of the lower circulating ball path unit 500.

[8-8c. Upper left side unit]
Next, the upper left side unit 2300 of the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and Figure 56, etc. The upper left side unit 2300 of the front unit 2000 is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front so as to the left of the side unit 2200 and in contact with the inner rail 1002 within the game area 5a. The upper left side unit 2300 has a shelf section 2301 that slopes downward to the right.

When assembled to the game board 5, the upper left side unit 2300 has a shelf section 2301 that protrudes forward beyond the front of the game panel 1100. The upper left side unit 2300 can guide the game balls B, which have flowed down the left side of the center mechanism 2500, to the right side, below the center mechanism 2500, via the shelf section 2301.

[8-8d. Attacker Unit]
Next, the attacker unit 2400 of the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and Figure 56, etc. The attacker unit 2400 of the front unit 2000 is located to the right of the start opening unit 2100, which is in the lower right corner when viewed from the front, within the game area 5a, and is attached to the front of the game panel 1100 from the front. This attacker unit 2400 is equipped with a second start opening 2004, a large prize opening 2005, and one sub-out opening 2021 (see Figure 56, etc.).

In a front view, the attacker unit 2400 has a second starting port 2004 located slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction, a large prize port 2005 located to the left of the center in the left-right direction and lower than the second starting port 2004, and one sub-out port 2021 located below the second starting port 2004 and lower than the large prize port 2005.

Furthermore, the attacker unit 2400 includes a second start port sensor 2401 for detecting game balls B received into the second start port 2004, a large prize port sensor 2402 for detecting game balls B received into the large prize port 2005, and a magnetic sensor 1030 for detecting fraudulent magnetism (see Figure 65). Two large prize port sensors 2402 are provided side-by-side.

Furthermore, the attacker unit 2400 has a dummy sensor 2403 located behind the sub-out port 2021 and visible from the front. While this dummy sensor 2403 cannot detect game balls B, it is formed in the same manner as a through sensor that detects the passage of game balls B, such as the large prize port sensor 2402. This configuration allows the dummy sensor 2403 to be replaced with a sensor capable of actually detecting game balls B, making it possible to switch between counting out balls in the main frame 4 and not counting them. Although the dummy sensor 2403 is formed in the same manner as a through sensor, it could also be used as a spacer to eliminate any steps that could cause ball jams in that area.

The attacker unit 2400 includes a second starter door 2411 capable of opening and closing the second starter opening 2004, a starter solenoid 2412 that opens and closes the second starter door 2411 according to the result of a normal lottery determined by the acceptance of game balls B into the normal prize winning opening 2002, a large prize winning opening door 2413 capable of opening and closing the large prize winning opening 2005, and an attacker solenoid 2414 that opens and closes the large prize winning opening door 2413 according to the result of a first special lottery determined by the acceptance of game balls B into the first starter opening 2003 or the second starter opening 2004, according to the result of a second special lottery.

The second starting opening 2004 of the attacker unit 2400 opens upwards with a width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball B in the left-right direction. The large prize opening 2005 opens upwards with a width 4 to 6 times the diameter of the game ball B in the left-right direction. The second starting opening door 2411, which allows the second starting opening 2004 to be opened and closed, is provided to move back and forth in the front-rear direction and is inclined so that the left end is lower. The large prize opening door 2413, which allows the large prize opening 2005 to be opened and closed, is provided to move back and forth in the front-rear direction by rotating around an axis extending in the left-right direction and is inclined so that the left end is lower.

The second start port door 2411 is designed to move in the front-rear direction. When the start port solenoid 2412 is not energized, the second start port door 2411 moves forward due to the spring biasing force of the plunger of the start port solenoid 2412, closing the second start port 2004. When the start port solenoid 2412 is energized, the second start port door 2411 moves backward due to the spring biasing force of the plunger of the start port solenoid 2412, opening the second start port 2004.

The large prize opening door 2413 is a long, flat plate located below the large prize opening sensor 2402. It rotates around a horizontally extending axis, allowing it to move back and forth. The large prize opening door 2413 can open and close the large prize opening 2005 by the forward and backward movement of the plunger of the attacker solenoid 2414. When the attacker solenoid 2414 is not energized, the plunger of the attacker solenoid 2414 protrudes due to the biasing force of a spring, moving the large prize opening door 2413 forward and closing the large prize opening 2005. When the attacker solenoid 2414 is energized, the plunger of the attacker solenoid 2414 retracts against the biasing force of a spring, moving the large prize opening door 2413 backward and opening the large prize opening 2005.

The attacker unit 2400 has an upper shelf portion 2421 at its upper end, which forms a space between the second start opening 2004 and the large prize opening 2005 through which game balls B can flow. The upper shelf portion 2421 is sloped downwards towards the left and covers the area above these openings. The upper shelf portion 2421 extends horizontally from the upper right end of the second start opening 2004 to the upper left end of the large prize opening 2005.

The attacker unit 2400 comprises: a first shelf section 2422 that slopes downward toward the second starter opening 2004 to the left from a point above the second starter opening 2004, with a gap large enough for one game ball B to pass through from the right end (right rail 1005) of the attacker unit 2400; a second shelf section 2423 that slopes downward toward the left from the left end of the second starter opening 2004; a third shelf section 2424 that slopes downward toward the large prize opening 2005 to the left from a point to the left and below the second shelf section 2423, with a gap large enough for one game ball B to pass through between it and the second shelf section 2423; and a fourth shelf section 2425 that slopes downward toward the left from the left end of the large prize opening 2005.

When a game ball B enters the gap to the right of the first shelf section 2422, or the gap between the second shelf section 2423 and the third shelf section 2424, the attacker unit 2400 receives the ball in the sub-outlet 2021 and discharges the game ball B outside the game area 5a.

The attacker unit 2400, although not shown in detail, has multiple triangular contact points protruding from the front and rear walls forming the space between the upper shelf 2421 and the large prize opening 2005, in an alternating leftward direction. These contact points allow the game balls B rolling on the large prize opening door 2413 to move in a large zigzag pattern in the front-to-back direction when the large prize opening 2005 is closed, thereby increasing the time the game balls B move on the large prize opening door 2413.

In the normal state, the attacker unit 2400 has its starter solenoid 2412 and attacker solenoid 2414 both de-energized (OFF). In this normal state, the plunger of the starter solenoid 2412 protrudes forward due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown), and the second starter door 2411 also protrudes forward. In this state, the second starter door 2411 is located above the second starter opening 2004, preventing the acceptance of game balls B into the second starter opening 2004. In other words, the second starter opening 2004 is closed by the second starter door 2411.

Furthermore, in the normal state, the plunger of the attacker solenoid 2414 protrudes forward due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown), and the large prize opening door 2413 also protrudes forward. In this state, the large prize opening door 2413 is located above the large prize opening 2005, making it impossible to receive game balls B into the large prize opening 2005. In other words, the large prize opening 2005 is closed by the large prize opening door 2413.

In this normal state, when a game ball B flows down onto the first shelf 2422, the inclination of the first shelf 2422 causes the game ball B to roll to the left, then rolls along the upper surface of the second start door 2411 and the second shelf 2423, before being released to the left from the left end of the second shelf 2423. The game ball B released to the left from the second shelf 2423 falls onto the third shelf 2424 or the large prize door 2413, depending on its momentum, and rolls to the left due to their inclinations. Furthermore, if the game ball B released to the left from the second shelf 2423 hits the lower surface of the upper shelf 2421 and bounces back to the right, it may enter the gap between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424.

Then, the game ball B, rolling on the large prize opening door 2413 that is closing the large prize opening 2005, alternately strikes against multiple contact points provided in the space between the upper shelf 2421 and the large prize opening 2005, causing it to roll to the left in a zigzag pattern in the front-back direction. After rolling to the left on the large prize opening door 2413, the game ball B rolls along the fourth shelf 2425 and is then released from its left end to the outside of the attacker unit 2400. Since the left end of the fourth shelf 2425 is lower than the first start opening 2003, the game ball B released to the left from the fourth shelf 2425 is received by the out opening 2020.

When a game ball B flows down onto the upper shelf 2421 of the attacker unit 2400, it is guided to the left due to its incline and released to the left of the attacker unit 2400 without being given the opportunity to be received by the second starting opening 2004 or the large prize opening 2005. Since the left end of the upper shelf 2421 is located higher than the first starting opening 2003, there is a possibility that the game ball B released to the left from the upper shelf 2421 could be received by the first starting opening 2003.

In this attacker unit 2400, when a game ball B flows down to the right of the first shelf 2422, it enters the sub-out port 2021. Also, when a game ball B enters the gap between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424, it enters the sub-out port 2021. The game ball B that enters the sub-out port 2021 is not returned to the game area 5a, but is discharged onto the lower circuit board holder 1200 through the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and is handed over to the out ball receiving port 500a of the circulation ball path unit 500. In this attacker unit 2400, the game balls B that circulate on the right side of the first shelf section 2422 and the game balls B that pass through the gap between the second shelf section 2423 and the third shelf section 2424 are both configured to enter the sub-outlet 2021, effectively providing two sub-outlet 2021s.

In this normal state, when a game ball B is received into the normal prize slot 2002, and the result of the normal lottery is determined, the start slot solenoid 2412 is energized (ON). Against the biasing force of the spring, the plunger retracts, and the second start slot door 2411 moves backward. As the second start slot door 2411 moves backward, the upper part of the second start slot 2004 becomes open, allowing the game ball B to be received into the second start slot 2004. In other words, the second start slot 2004 becomes open.

When the second start port 2004 is open, and a game ball B is received into the second start port 2004, it is detected by the second start port sensor 2401 and then discharged backward from the attacker unit 2400. The game ball B received into the second start port 2004 and discharged backward from the attacker unit 2400 is then passed to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 and discharged into the safe ball receiving port 500b of the lower circulating ball path unit 500.

On the other hand, under normal conditions, when a game ball B is received into the first start port 2003 or the second start port 2004, and the result of the special lottery (first special lottery result or second special lottery result) is determined, the attacker solenoid 2414 is energized (ON), causing the plunger to retract against the biasing force of the spring, and the large prize opening door 2413 to move backward. As the large prize opening door 2413 moves backward, the large prize opening 2005 opens upward, making it possible to receive game ball B into the large prize opening 2005. In other words, the large prize opening 2005 becomes open.

When the large prize slot 2005 is open, and a game ball B is received into the large prize slot 2005, it is detected by one of the two large prize slot sensors 2402 located below, and then released backward from the attacker unit 2400. The game ball B received into the large prize slot 2005 and released backward from the attacker unit 2400 is then passed to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 and discharged into the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower ball circulation path unit 500.

Thus, according to the attacker unit 2400 of this embodiment, the game balls B received in the large prize opening 2005 are detected by one of the two large prize opening sensors 2402 before being released backward. This prevents the game balls B from becoming stuck between the large prize opening 2005 and the large prize opening sensor 2402, and allows for the reception of a large number of game balls B in a short time.

[8-8e. Center piece]
Next, the center mechanism 2500 in the table unit 2000 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52, 56, 57 to 60, etc. Figure 57(a) is a front view of the lottery mechanism in the center mechanism, and (b) is a perspective view of the lottery mechanism viewed from the front and above. Figure 58 is a side cross-sectional view of the lottery mechanism in the center mechanism, cut in the middle in the left-right direction. Figure 59(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the state in which the game balls cannot loop in the lottery mechanism, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the state in which the game balls can loop in the lottery mechanism. Figure 60 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in the lottery mechanism.

The center component 2500 of the front unit 2000 is positioned within the game area 5a, above the start unit 2100, and slightly above the center when viewed from the front. It is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. The center component 2500 is formed in the shape of a transparent frame.

The center mechanism 2500, as detailed below, includes a mechanism entry opening 2006 that opens and closes to accept game balls B according to the lottery results of the first special symbol drawn by the acceptance of game balls B into the first start opening 2003 and the second special symbol drawn by the acceptance of game balls B into the second start opening 2004; a second V-entry opening 2008 that can only accept game balls B accepted into the mechanism entry opening 2006; and a losing opening 2009 that accepts game balls B that were accepted into the mechanism entry opening 2006 but not into the second V-entry opening 2008.

The center mechanism 2500 includes a mechanism entry sensor 2501 that detects game ball B received into the mechanism entry opening 2006, a first V-entry sensor 2502 that detects game ball B received into the first V-entry opening 2007, a second V-entry sensor 2503 that detects game ball B received into the second V-entry opening 2008, and a losing slot sensor 2504 that detects game ball B received into the losing slot 2009.

The center mechanism 2500 comprises a frame-shaped main unit 2510 and a lottery mechanism 2550 located at the lower part of the frame of the main unit 2510. The main unit 2510 has a mechanism entry opening 2006 and a first V-entry opening 2007. The lottery mechanism 2550 has a second V-entry opening 2008 and a losing opening 2009.

[8-8e-1. Main Unit]
The main unit 2510 of the center mechanism 2500 will now be described in detail. The main unit 2510 has a mechanism entry opening 2006. The main unit 2510 includes a transparent frame-shaped center frame 2511 attached to the front of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), warp passages 2512 that can guide game balls B from the outside of the center frame 2511 to the inside of the frame, and a stage 2513 provided at the lower edge inside the frame of the center frame 2511 that rolls the game balls B that have flowed through the warp passages 2512 in the left and right directions before releasing them into the game area 5a.

The center frame 2511 includes a frame-shaped insertion portion 2511a that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and is provided to follow the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, extending in the front-rear direction; a flat plate-shaped flange portion 2511b that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a and abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100; an inflow restricting portion 2511c that extends forward from the flange portion 2511b and restricts the inflow of game balls B flowing down the game area 5a into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100; and a flat plate-shaped support portion 2511d that protrudes from the inner circumference of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a.

The insertion portion 2511a is positioned so that, when assembled on the game board 5, its rear end coincides with the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. The inflow restriction portion 2511c, when assembled on the game board 5, has its front end (excluding the lower edge of the frame-shaped (annular) portion) protruding forward beyond the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. This allows the inflow restriction portion 2511c to prevent (restrict) the entry (inflow) of game balls B from the outside of the center mechanism 2500 (center frame 2511) into the inside of the frame when assembled on the game board 5.

The flange portion 2511b and the support portion 2511d are thinner than the thickness of the panel plate 1110 (1/4 to 1/5 the thickness of the panel plate 1110). The flange portion 2511b and the support portion 2511d protrude from the insertion portion 2511a at the same position in the front-rear direction.

The support portion 2511d is partially and in multiple locations on the inner circumference of the insertion portion 2511a. Furthermore, the support portion 2511d is also provided on the non-protruding parts of the flange portion 2511b of the insertion portion 2511a, reinforcing the insertion portion 2511a (center frame 2511). The protruding edges of the support portion 2511d are formed to conform to the front shape of the insertion portion 2511a, or to be straight, making the support portion 2511d inconspicuous. The amount of protrusion of the support portion 2511d from the insertion portion 2511a is within a range (1 mm to 10 mm) from the thickness of the support portion 2511d to the thickness of the panel plate 1110, thus providing reinforcement while remaining inconspicuous to the player.

The warp passage 2512 is open at the left-hand side of the inflow restriction section 2511c in a front view, allowing game balls B within the game area 5a to enter. The warp passage 2512 can guide the entered game balls B to the stage 2513. A portion of the warp passage 2512 is formed by the center frame 2511.

The stage 2513 is attached to the insertion portion 2511a of the center frame 2511. The stage 2513 has a curved shape with a recessed central section in the left-right direction. It is positioned directly above the first start port 2003 of the start port unit 2100. That is, when the center component 2500 is attached to the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the approximately center position in the left-right direction is slightly higher than both sides. This stage 2513 has a central release section (central release section 2513a) that is slightly higher than both sides of the center, and the lowest sections on both sides (side release sections 2513b) are inclined downwards towards the front. Game balls B can be released into the game area 5a from these sections.

When assembled to the game board 5, the raised central portion of the stage 2513 (central release section 2513a) is positioned directly above the first start opening 2003 of the start opening unit 2100. This ensures that when game balls B are released from the central release section 2513a of the stage 2513, they are received by the first start opening 2003 with extremely high probability.

Furthermore, the main unit 2510 of the center mechanism 2500 is located in the upper right corner of the center frame 2511 and is equipped with a group of guide passages 2520 consisting of two passages through which the game balls B can flow. The group of guide passages 2520 guides the game balls B above the normal prize entry opening 2002 and the attacker unit 2400.

As shown in Figure 56, the guide passage group 2520 is provided outside the inflow restriction section 2511c of the center frame 2511. It consists of a first guide passage 2521, whose upper entrance is located at the stopper section 1006, and a second guide passage 2522, whose upper entrance is located adjacent to the left side of the entrance of the first guide passage 2521. Both the guide passage group 2520 (first guide passage 2521 and second guide passage 2522) are made of colorless, transparent material, allowing the game balls B circulating inside to be visible from the front.

The first guide passage 2521 extends vertically and briefly downward from the stopper portion 1006 of the front component 1000, then bends at a right angle to the right. Approaching the right rail 1005, it bends downward and extends along the right rail 1005. At approximately 3/4 of the height below the height of the game area 5a, it bends to the left, gradually decreasing in angle. At a position to the left of the entrance to the second guide passage 2522, it bends downward to the height of the center of the game area 5a, then bends to the right to the vicinity of the right rail 1005, and subsequently bends downward, forming an exit that opens downwards.

The first guide passage 2521 does not bend in the front-to-back direction and guides the game ball B downwards on approximately the same plane as the front of the game panel 1100. A prize entry opening 2006 is provided in the upper left-extending portion of the first guide passage 2521. Furthermore, a regular prize entry opening 2002 opens upwards below the exit of the first guide passage 2521.

On the other hand, the second guide passage 2522 is located to the left of the entrance to the first guide passage 2521, with its entrance opening upwards. The second guide passage 2522 extends almost straight downward from the entrance at the top end, then bends backward at a height lower than the first rightward bend of the first guide passage 2521, then bends downward behind the front of the game panel 1100, aligning with the first guide passage 2521 in the front-to-back direction. It extends downward so that its left-to-right direction roughly coincides with the leftmost downward-extending portion of the first guide passage 2521, then bends to the right in a crank shape at the height of the center of the game area 5a, then bends downward, and after bending forward at a point below the lower rightward-extending portion of the first guide passage 2521, it bends to the right so as to extend along the lower side of the lower rightward-extending portion of the first guide passage 2521, while being on the same plane in the front-to-back direction as the first guide passage 2521, and then bends downward adjacent to the left side of the exit of the first guide passage 2521, forming a shape in which the exit opens downward.

Furthermore, the main unit 2510 is installed in the middle of one of the guide passages 2520 (in this case, the first guide passage 2521), and has a prize entry opening 2006 into which game balls B can be received according to the results of the first special lottery and the second special lottery, which are drawn when game balls B are received into the first start opening 2003 and the second start opening 2004, and a chance opening into which game balls B received into the prize entry opening 2006 are placed. The system includes a first distribution device 2530 that distributes the game balls to 2531, a second distribution device 2540 that distributes the game balls B distributed to the chance opening 2531 by the first distribution device 2530 to the first V-prize opening 2007, and a lottery guidance passage 2545 that guides the game balls B that were not distributed to the first V-prize opening 2007 (game balls B distributed to the second miss opening 2541) to the lottery mechanism 2550.

The prize entry opening 2006 in the main unit 2510 (center prize mechanism 2500) is located in the upper left-extending portion of the first guide passage 2521. It extends horizontally along approximately the entire length of this portion and opens upwards. The prize entry opening door 2515 extends front to back and is formed as a plate-like shape extending horizontally with the left end being lower. By moving it back and forth, it can open and close the prize entry opening 2006, which opens upwards. The prize entry opening door 2515 can close the prize entry opening 2006 by moving forward. When the prize entry opening 2006 is closed, it forms the bottom surface of the left-extending portion of the first guide passage 2521, guiding the game balls B flowing from the upstream side towards the exit side of the first guide passage 2521.

The prize entry door 2515 retracts when driven by the prize entry solenoid 2516, opening the prize entry opening 2006 and allowing the game ball B that has been flowing through the first guide passage 2521 to be received into the prize entry opening 2006. When the prize entry solenoid 2516 is OFF (not energized), the prize entry door 2515 closes the prize entry opening 2006, and when the prize entry solenoid 2516 is ON (energized), it opens the prize entry opening 2006.

The first distribution device 2530 includes a chance opening 2531 and a first empty opening 2532 into which game balls B, received in the prize entry opening 2006 and detected by the prize entry opening sensor 2501, can enter; a distribution rotating body 2533 having a housing section 2533a on its outer circumference capable of accommodating only one game ball B and rotatable around an axis in the front-rear direction; and a first distribution solenoid 2534 (see Figure 65) for rotating the distribution rotating body 2533 between a state where the housing section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 is facing to the right and a state where it is facing upward. The distribution rotating body 2533 is formed in the shape of a frustoconical cone with its outer circumference tapering towards the rear.

The chance opening 2531 of the first distribution device 2530 is located downstream of the distribution rotating body 2533 relative to the flow of game balls B, and is designed to allow game balls B housed in the housing section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 to enter. It is located to the right of the distribution rotating body 2533. The chance opening 2531 is connected to the second distribution device 2540. The first empty opening 2532 is located upstream of the distribution rotating body 2533 relative to the flow of game balls B, and is designed to allow game balls B not housed in the housing section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 to enter. It is located above the distribution rotating body 2533. The first empty opening 2532 opens forward and guides the entered game balls B behind the game panel 1100.

In the first distribution device 2530, when the first distribution solenoid 2534 is OFF (not energized), the housing portion 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 faces to the right. In this state, when a game ball B received into the prize entry opening 2006 is detected by the prize entry opening sensor 2501 and flows down from above into the distribution rotating body 2533, it comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the distribution rotating body 2533. Since the outer circumferential surface of the distribution rotating body 2533 is formed in a frustoconical shape that narrows towards the rear, the inclination of the outer circumferential surface guides the game ball B backward, causing it to enter the first slit opening 2532.

On the other hand, when the first distribution solenoid 2534 is ON (energized), the distribution rotating body 2533 rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise, so that the housing section 2533a faces upward. In this state, when a game ball B received into the prize entry opening 2006 is detected by the prize entry opening sensor 2501 and flows down from above into the distribution rotating body 2533, only one ball is housed in the housing section 2533a. With a game ball B housed in the housing section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533, if another game ball B flows down from above into the distribution rotating body 2533 from the prize entry opening 2006 side, the game ball B will come into contact with the game ball B housed in the housing section 2533a before entering the first gap opening 2532 at the rear. Game ball B, upon entering the first slot 2532, is detected by a sensor and then transferred to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. From the back ball guidance unit 3100, the ball is discharged into the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower circulating ball path unit 500.

With the game balls B contained in the storage section 2533a, the first distribution solenoid 2534 rotates the distribution rotating body 2533 90 degrees clockwise, so that the storage section 2533a faces to the right. The game balls B contained in the storage section 2533a then roll to the right and are received into the chance opening 2531. The game balls B received into the chance opening 2531 are then sent to the second distribution device 2540.

Thus, the first distribution device 2530 can distribute the game balls B received in the prize entry opening 2006 to either the chance opening 2531 side (second distribution device 2540 side) or the first miss opening 2532 side.

The second distribution device 2540 distributes the game balls B, which have been allocated to the chance opening 2531 by the first distribution device 2530, to either the second miss opening 2541 or the first V-prize opening 2007. In a front view, the second distribution device 2540 is located at the height between the first distribution device 2530 and the exit of the guide passage group 2520. The second distribution device 2540 is located behind the distribution rotating body 2533 of the first distribution device 2530.

The second distribution device 2540 includes a second slot 2541 and a first V-prize slot 2007, into which game balls B, which are housed in the housing section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 in the first distribution device 2530 and distributed to the chance slot 2531, can enter; a distribution piece 2543 that can open and close the second slot 2541 by moving back and forth; and a second distribution solenoid 2544 (see Figure 65) for moving the distribution piece 2543 back and forth.

The second slot 2541 opens upward at a position to the right of the distribution rotating body 2533, and the game balls B distributed to the chance slot 2531 are supplied from above. The first V-prize slot 2007 is located adjacent to the right side of the second slot 2541 and also opens upward. The distribution piece 2543 is a flat plate that slopes downward to the right, and by protruding forward, it can close the upper end opening of the second slot 2541, preventing the game balls B from being received into the second slot 2541. At the same time, it can guide the game balls B that are in contact with the upper surface to the right and receive them into the first V-prize slot 2007.

In the second distribution device 2540, when the second distribution solenoid 2544 is OFF (not energized), the distribution piece 2543 is advanced, closing the second opening 2541. In this state, when game balls B distributed to the chance opening 2531 in the first distribution device 2530 flow down, they contact the upper surface of the distribution piece 2543 and are guided to the right by the inclination of the distribution piece 2543, and received (distributed) into the first V-entry opening 2007. The game balls B distributed into the first V-entry opening 2007 are detected by the first V-entry opening sensor 2502 and then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. From the back ball guidance unit 3100, they are discharged into the safe ball receiving opening 500b of the lower circulation ball path unit 500.

On the other hand, when the second distribution solenoid 2544 is ON (energized), the distribution piece 2543 retracts, opening the second opening 2541 upwards, making it possible to receive game balls B into the second opening 2541. In this state, when game balls B that have been distributed to the chance opening 2531 by the first distribution device 2530 flow down, these game balls B pass in front of the retracted distribution piece 2543 and are received (distributed) into the second opening 2541. Then, the game balls B distributed into the second opening 2541 are guided by the lottery guidance passage 2545 to the lottery mechanism 2550 on the left.

Thus, the second distribution device 2540 can distribute the game balls B, which were stored in the housing section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 in the first distribution device 2530—that is, the game balls B distributed to the chance opening 2531—to either the second loss opening 2541 (lottery mechanism 2550) side or the first V-prize opening 2007 side.

The lottery guidance passage 2545 is equipped with a lottery mechanism ball entry sensor 2546 that detects the flow of game balls B. When game balls B are detected by this lottery mechanism ball entry sensor 2546, the peripheral control unit 1511 of the peripheral control board 1510 controls the performance display device 1600, the main frame speaker 403, the top center speaker, the top side speakers, and LEDs provided on the game board 5 and door frame 3, etc., to execute a performance that enhances the excitement of the lottery (distribution) of game balls B within the lottery mechanism 2550. As a result, game balls B are distributed to the second slot 2541 in the second distribution device 2540, dispelling the player's disappointment and increasing their anticipation for the lottery mechanism 2550.

[8-8e-2. Lottery mechanism]
The lottery mechanism 2550 in the center mechanism 2500 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 57 to 60. The lottery mechanism 2550 of the center mechanism 2500 is located in the lower part of the frame of the frame-shaped main unit 2510 and has a second V-prize entry opening 2008 and a losing opening 2009. The lottery mechanism 2550 is supplied with game balls B that have been received into the mechanism entry opening 2006. More specifically, the game balls B that have been received into the mechanism entry opening 2006, distributed to the chance opening 2531 by the first distribution device 2530, and then distributed to the second losing opening 2541 by the second distribution device 2540 are supplied to this lottery mechanism 2550. Furthermore, the lottery mechanism 2550 includes a second V-entry slot sensor 2503 that detects game balls B received into the second V-entry slot 2008, and a losing slot sensor 2504 that detects game balls B received into the losing slot 2009.

The lottery mechanism 2550 of the center mechanism 2500 is supplied with game balls B that have been distributed to the second disqualification opening 2541 by the second distribution device 2540 and have flowed through the lottery guidance passage 2545, and has a guide path 2551 that slopes downward toward the left, a distribution unit 2552 that distributes the game balls B that have flowed through the guide path 2551 to either the loop side or the non-loop side (losing opening 2009 side), a striking unit 2553 that can strike the game balls B that have been distributed to the loop side by the distribution unit 2552 toward the rear, and the game balls B that have been struck toward the rear by the striking unit 2553 are supplied toward the front The device comprises: a swinging trough 2554 that slopes downwards toward the front and is capable of reciprocating rotation so as to swing about an axis in the vertical direction; a table 2555 on which game balls B guided by the swinging trough 2554 roll, with a wide surface in the front, back and sides that slopes downwards toward the front guide path 2551, and a second V-prize opening 2008 provided near the downstream end; and a pair of swinging pieces 2556 provided between the second V-prize opening 2008 and the swinging trough 2554 on the table 25555, which are capable of swinging about an axis in the vertical direction.

As will be explained in detail later, this lottery mechanism 2550 allows the game balls B to loop between the striking section 2553 and the striking section 2553, as long as the game balls B are distributed to the loop side by the distribution section 2552.

The guide path 2551 of the lottery mechanism 2550 extends along the right edge of the lottery mechanism 2550 from near the rear end to the front end, with the front end being lower, and then extends along the front edge of the lottery mechanism 2550 to near the left end, with the left end being lower, forming an L-shape in plan view. This guide path 2551 extends with a width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball B. The game ball B is supplied to the guide path 2551 from the lottery guidance passage 2545 in the portion extending in the front-rear direction along the right edge.

The distribution section 2552 of the lottery mechanism 2550 is located near the downstream end (left end) of the portion of the guideway 2551 that extends in the left-right direction. The distribution section 2552 includes a losing opening 2009 that penetrates the guideway 2551 and opens upward, a cantilevered distribution bridge 2557 located near the left end of the losing opening 2009 that extends in the front-rear direction and is rotatable around an axis, allowing the losing opening 2009 to be opened and closed, and a lottery loop solenoid 2558 (see Figure 65) for rotating the distribution bridge 2557. The guideway 2551 is divided into an upstream side and a downstream side, with the losing opening 2009 as the boundary.

The split bridge 2557, in a plan view, is formed as a long, flat plate extending from left to right. The left side is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis in the front-to-back direction, while the right side is a free end. The split bridge 2557 is rotatably positioned between a loop position (see Figure 59(a)) where the right side approaches the right side of the exit gate 2009 and extends horizontally, tilted, and a non-loop position (see Figure 59(b)) where the right side is positioned above the left side and extends vertically, standing upright.

When the splitting bridge 2557 is in the loop position, it bridges the two sections of the guideway 2551, which are divided into upstream and downstream sides by the exit gate 2009. This allows the game balls B to roll from the upstream side to the downstream side across the splitting bridge 2557. In other words, when the splitting bridge 2557 is in the loop position, it can close the exit gate 2009, preventing the game balls B from being received. On the other hand, when the splitting bridge 2557 is in the non-loop position, the exit gate 2009 is opened upwards, allowing the game balls B rolling from upstream to be received into the exit gate 2009 without passing to the downstream side. Thus, the distribution unit 2552 can distribute the game balls B to either the loop side or the non-loop side using the splitting bridge 2557.

This distribution bridge 2557 has a distribution indicator section 2557a, which is formed in a flag shape with an "X" mark, on the side opposite to the rolling surface of the game ball B. This distribution indicator section 2557a becomes visible to the player when the distribution bridge 2557 is in a non-loop position, opening the losing opening 2009. This allows the player to recognize that the game ball B cannot reach the downstream striking section 2553 (cannot loop).

Furthermore, the left end of the split bridge 2557, which is rotatably supported, is positioned to the left of the left end of the downstream end (front edge) of the table 2555. Therefore, the game balls B released from the table 2555 toward the guideway 2551 are released to the right of the split bridge 2557 in the non-loop position. Thus, when the table 2555 is in the non-loop position, the game balls B do not go downstream of the split guideway 2551 (downstream of the split bridge 2557), but are instead received by the open losing slot 2009.

The striking section 2553 of the lottery mechanism 2550 includes a rising section 2559, which is inclined so that its front end is lower than the downstream end of the guide path 2551 and rises towards the rear, and to which game balls B distributed to the loop side by the distribution section 2552 are supplied; a fan-shaped striking piece 2560 provided at the downstream end of the rising section 2559 and capable of striking the game balls B; and a striking piece drive motor 2561 (see Figure 65) that rotates the striking piece 2560 around an axis perpendicular to the rising section 2559.

The fan-shaped striking piece 2560 is rotated at a relatively high speed by the striking piece drive motor 2561. Therefore, the strength with which the game ball B is struck varies depending on the timing of when the game ball B reaches the part of the striking piece 2560 and the timing of the rotation position of the striking piece 2560. As a result, if the game ball B is struck hard enough, it can overcome the climbing section 2559 and go to the rear oscillating trough 2554 side, but if the strike is weak, it will not be able to overcome the climbing section 2559 and will return to the front. This makes it possible to create suspense and excitement for the player depending on whether the game ball B is struck hard enough to go to the oscillating trough 2554 (table 2555) side or not, thus entertaining the player. Also, since the game ball B returns when the strike by the striking piece 2560 is weak, the time until the game with that game ball B is confirmed can be extended, and the player can feel that they have gained something, thus entertaining the player and preventing a decline in interest.

This lottery mechanism 2550 has a swinging passage 2562 between the striking section 2553 and the swinging trough 2554. The swinging passage 2562 is curved so that the left and right ends are higher and the center is lower. A discharge port 2563 is located in the center of the swinging passage 2562 and discharges the game balls B into the swinging trough 2554. Multiple irregularities are provided near the higher left and right ends of the swinging passage 2562 to reduce the rolling speed of the game balls B. This swinging passage 2562 is located along the rear edge of the lottery mechanism 2550 and behind the table 2555. The game balls B supplied from the striking section 2553 to the swinging passage 2562 roll in the left-right direction, similar to the stage 2513, before being discharged from the central discharge port 2563 into the swinging trough 2554.

The oscillating trough 2554 of the lottery mechanism 2550 is formed in a disc shape and has a trough-shaped recessed trough portion 2554a extending from the center outward. The axis of rotation of the disc-shaped oscillating trough 2554 is inclined so that the rear side is higher. The lottery mechanism 2550 has a trough oscillating drive motor 2564 (see Figure 65) for reciprocating the oscillating trough 2554 within a predetermined angular range. The oscillating trough 2554 is reciprocated by the trough oscillating drive motor 2564 so that the tip of the trough portion 2554a faces the second V-prize opening 2008 at the front, and its tip faces left and right within a predetermined angular range.

The oscillating trough 2554 is located at the rear end (upper end) of the table 2555, in the center of the left-right direction. Game balls B released from the discharge port 2563 are transferred to the trough 2554a. Because the oscillating trough 2554 reciprocates, the game balls B received by the trough 2554a can be released within a fan-shaped range corresponding to the direction of rotation of the tip of the trough 2554a on the table 2555. During this process, the oscillating trough 2554 continues to rotate as the received game ball B rolls along the trough 2554a before being released from its tip. This rotation creates an inertial force on the game ball B. Therefore, the game ball B released from the tip of the trough 2554a does not roll straight across the table 2555 in the direction the trough 2554a is facing, making its direction of rolling unpredictable.

The table 2555 of the lottery mechanism 2550 is sloped so that the front end is lower, and the length in the left-right direction of the front end, which is the downstream end, is shorter than the length in the left-right direction of the rear end. The table 2555 has a swinging channel 2554 at the upper end of the left-right center, and a second V-prize opening 2008 near the lower end of the left-right center. The table 2555 has a central groove 2555a extending from the swinging channel 2554 to the second V-prize opening 2008 at the left-right center, and a recess 2555b that is recessed from the surrounding area near the lower end of the left-right center. The recess 2555b is recessed in the shape of a pentagonal home plate, and the second V-prize opening 2008 is located at its bottom.

This table 2555 has a central groove 2555a leading to the second V-prize opening 2008, and a recess 2555b at the bottom where the second V-prize opening 2008 is located. Therefore, it can give the player the impression that when the game ball B enters these grooves, it will be received by the second V-prize opening 2008, allowing them to enjoy the movement of the game ball B rolling on the table 2555.

The front end of the table 2555, which is the downstream end, is positioned higher than the forward guideway 2551. Therefore, the game balls B flowing through the guideway 2551 cannot be supplied onto the table 2555 without passing through the striking section 2553 and the oscillating trough 2554.

The oscillating pieces 2556 of the lottery mechanism 2550 are provided in pairs symmetrically on both sides of the table 2555, between the oscillating trough 2554 and the second V-prize opening 2008, with the table 2555's left-right center as the dividing line. The oscillating pieces 2556 are formed in a teardrop shape, with a circular base portion facing forward and a pointed tip pointing backward, and are rotatable around the circular base end.

The lottery mechanism 2550 is equipped with a oscillating piece solenoid 2565 that causes a pair of oscillating pieces 2556 to reciprocate within a predetermined angular range around a vertical axis. The pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are arranged to rotate in opposite directions by a single oscillating piece solenoid 2565.

The pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are rotated by the oscillating piece solenoid 2565, resulting in a faster rotation speed compared to when they are rotated by a drive motor. Therefore, when a game ball B comes into contact with the oscillating piece 2556 while it is oscillating, the game ball B can be strongly deflected. Thus, depending on the rotation direction of the oscillating piece 2556, the game ball B that has come into contact can be sent towards the center of the table 2555 or to either end of the table, thereby altering the flow of the game balls B.

When the pointed tips of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are close together, the distance between them narrows, and the rearward-facing surfaces of the oscillating pieces 2556 are inclined to move away from the center in the left-right direction as they move forward, resulting in a state where the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are narrowed towards the rear. This increases the likelihood that game balls B flowing down from the rear of the oscillating trough 2554 and table 2555 will be received by the second V-prize opening 2008 when they pass between the pair of oscillating pieces 2556. Conversely, when the balls contact the rearward-facing surfaces of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556, the inclination guides them away from the center in the left-right direction, thus reducing the likelihood of them being received by the second V-prize opening 2008.

On the other hand, when the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are in a state where their pointed tips are moving away from each other (shown by dashed lines in Figure 60), the rearward-facing surfaces of the oscillating pieces 2556 are inclined to approach the center in the left-right direction as they move forward, resulting in a state where the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are expanded backward. As a result, when a game ball B flowing down from the rear of the oscillating trough 2554 or table 2555 strikes the rearward-facing surfaces of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556, the inclination guides it towards the center in the left-right direction, potentially allowing it to be received into the second V-prize opening 2008.

Therefore, when the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are expanded backward, the game ball B that comes into contact with the oscillating pieces 2556 is guided towards the center in the left-right direction. Compared to when the pair of oscillating pieces 2556 are narrowed backward, the probability of the game ball B flowing down from the rear being received into the second V-prize opening 2008 is higher. In other words, the probability of the game ball B being received into the second V-prize opening 2008 can be changed depending on the state of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556.

The lottery mechanism 2550 in this embodiment is equipped with a transparent cover 2566 that covers the entire mechanism from above (see Figures 50 to 52, etc.). This cover 2566 prevents the game balls B supplied through the lottery guidance passage 2545 from flying out of the lottery mechanism 2550, and also prevents game balls B from being supplied (entering) from outside the lottery guidance passage 2545.

Next, the flow of game balls B in the lottery mechanism 2550 will be explained. In the lottery mechanism 2550, one of the game balls B received into the prize entry opening 2006, which opens and closes in a predetermined pattern according to the results of the first and second special lottery draws (for example, "prize win"), is supplied to the upstream area of the guide path 2551 via the lottery guidance passage 2545. The game ball B supplied to the upstream area of the guide path 2551 rolls towards the distribution section 2552 on the left, following the slope of the guide path 2551.

In the distribution section 2552, the distribution bridge 2557 is tilted for a predetermined period of time, creating a loop. The game ball B, rolling from the upstream side, passes through the distribution bridge 2557 and rolls to the striking section 2553 on the downstream side. The game ball B supplied to the striking section 2553 is then struck backward by the rotating striking piece 2560, causing it to roll upward up the ascending section 2559 extending to the rear.

In this process, because the striking piece 2560 is formed in a fan shape and rotates at a relatively high speed, depending on the timing of contact between the game ball B and the rotational position of the striking piece 2560, the game ball B may be struck strongly or only grazed, resulting in varying force of the game ball B being struck backward. Therefore, if the strike by the striking piece 2560 is weak, the game ball B may not be able to climb the rising section 2559, causing it to return along the section 2559 and move back and forth along it.

Then, when the game ball B, struck by the striking piece 2560, overcomes the rising section 2559, it enters the oscillating passage 2562 located at the rear, and rolls from side to side along the oscillating passage 2562, which is lower in the center in the left-right direction. At this time, since multiple bumps and grooves are provided near both ends of the oscillating passage 2562, the rolling speed of the game ball B is reduced by the impact of these bumps as it passes over them. This reduces the momentum of the game ball B after it has been struck by the striking piece 2560 and overcome the rising section 2559.

The game ball B, which rolls along the oscillating passage 2562 in a left-right direction, is finally released onto the table 2555 from the central release port 2563 via the oscillating trough 2554. At this time, the oscillating trough 2554 is oscillating and rotating within a predetermined angle range by the trough oscillating drive motor 2564. Therefore, depending on the timing of the game ball B being released from the release port 2563 into the oscillating trough 2554 and the rotational position of the oscillating trough 2554, the game ball B will be released from the oscillating trough 2554 in various directions.

The game ball B, released from the oscillating trough 2554 to the table 2555, rolls forward according to the inclination of the table 2555 and is released from the front edge into the guide path 2551. At this time, a pair of oscillating pieces 2556, spaced apart on the left and right sides near the center of the table 2555 in the front-to-back direction, oscillate. These oscillating pieces 2556 can deflect the game ball B upon contact, changing its rolling direction. Furthermore, a second V-prize entry point 2008 is provided near the front end of the table 2555 in the left-to-right center; therefore, the game ball B rolling on the table 2555 may be received by the second V-prize entry point 2008.

The game ball B received in the second V-entry slot 2008 is detected by the second V-entry slot sensor 2503, then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and finally discharged to the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower ball circulation path unit 500. When game ball B is received in the second V-entry slot 2008, a "jackpot game" is executed, which is a favorable game state that opens and closes the large entry slot 2005 in a predetermined pattern. Therefore, when game ball B is supplied to the lottery mechanism 2550, the player can be kept on edge and excited depending on whether or not the game ball B is received in the second V-entry slot 2008, thus entertaining the player and preventing a decline in enjoyment.

The game ball B released from the front edge of the table 2555 onto the guideway 2551 will be supplied to the hitting section 2553 via the distribution bridge 2557 of the distribution section 2552, as long as it is within a predetermined time, because the distribution bridge 2557 of the distribution section 2552 is in a loop position. Therefore, as long as the distribution bridge 2557 is in the loop position, the game ball B can loop between the hitting section 2553 and the table 2555 any number of times, unless the game ball B is received into the second V-prize opening 2008. In other words, as long as the distribution bridge 2557 is in the loop position, there will be multiple opportunities for the game ball B to be received into the second V-prize opening 2008. As a result, even if the game ball B rolling on the table 2555 is not received into the second V-prize opening 2008, it will pass through the loop-positioned distribution bridge 2557, giving the player another opportunity to receive it into the second V-prize opening 2008, thus allowing the player to continue enjoying the game.

Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the distribution bridge 2557 of the distribution unit 2552 moves from the loop position to an upright non-loop position, and the losing opening 2009, which was closed by the distribution bridge 2557, opens upward. In this state, the game balls B released from the front edge of the table 2555 and the game balls B that have rolled along the guide path 2551 are received by the losing opening 2009, and the lottery at the lottery mechanism 2550 ends without the game balls B looping. At this time, the distribution indicator unit 2557a, which resembles an "X" flag, rises up due to the upright distribution bridge 2557 and becomes visible, so the distribution indicator unit 2557a can make it clear to the player that the game balls B will not loop.

The game ball B received in the losing slot 2009 is detected by the losing slot sensor 2504, then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and finally discharged to the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower ball circulation path unit 500.

Thus, according to the lottery mechanism 2550 of this embodiment, the game ball B supplied from the mechanism's prize entry point 2006 can create suspense and excitement in the player depending on whether or not it is accepted into the second V-entry point 2008, thus entertaining the player. Furthermore, even if the game ball B is not accepted into the second V-entry point 2008, when the distribution bridge 2557 of the distribution unit 2552 is in the loop position, the game ball B is sent again via the striking unit 2553 to the oscillating chute 2554 located upstream of the second V-entry point 2008, creating another loop. This gives the player another chance to be accepted into the second V-entry point 2008, thereby creating a sense of anticipation in the player and preventing a decline in their enjoyment.

[8-8f. Standard Prize Entry Unit]
Next, the regular prize winning slot unit 2600 in the front unit 2000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and Figure 56, etc. The regular prize winning slot unit 2600 has a regular prize winning slot 2002 and is located near the left end of the game area 5a, below the center in the vertical direction. This regular prize winning slot unit 2600 is located between the attacker unit 2400 and the guide passage group 2520 in the center mechanism 2500, and is positioned so that the regular prize winning slot 2002 is located directly below the exit of the first guide passage 2521.

The normal prize entry opening 2002 of the normal prize entry unit 2600 is always open upwards to receive game balls B. Game balls B received in the normal prize entry opening 2002 are guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, detected by the normal prize entry sensor 3002, and then discharged to the safe ball receiving opening 500b of the lower ball circulation path unit 500.

[8-9. Flow of game balls within the game area]
Next, the flow of game balls B within the game area 5a will be explained in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 56, etc. When assembled on the game board 5, the center mechanism 2500 is located approximately in the center of the game area 5a. Although not shown in the illustration, within the game area 5a, multiple obstacle pins are planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement on the left and right outer parts and the lower part of the center mechanism 2500, and in the area between the attacker unit 2400 and the guide passage group 2520 in the center mechanism 2500. In addition, a windmill (not shown) that rotates upon contact with game balls B is provided on the left side of the center mechanism 2500, above the side upper left unit 2300.

To the left of the center mechanism 2500, multiple obstacle pins are provided, planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement between it and the inner rail 1002. To the left of the center mechanism 2500 within the game area 5a, at a point below the vertical center of the inflow restriction section 2511c of the center frame 2511, the entrance to the warp passage 2512 opens slightly upward from the left. A windmill is provided between the warp passage 2512 and the shelf section 2301 of the side upper left unit 2300.

A game ball B that is shot to the left of the center mechanism 2500 enters the warp passage 2512 with a certain probability. The game ball B that enters the warp passage 2512 is supplied to the stage 2513 located within the frame of the center mechanism 2500, rolls on the stage 2513 in the left-right direction, and is released back into the game area 5a from either the central release section 2513a or the side release section 2513b. The central release section 2513a of the stage 2513 is located in the left-right center of the game area 5a and directly above the first start opening 2003, so the game ball B released from the central release section 2513a is received by the first start opening 2003 with a high probability. The game ball B released from the side release sections 2513b on both the left and right sides of the central release section 2513a is also received by the first start opening 2003 with a certain probability.

The game ball B received in the first start port 2003 is detected by the first start port sensor 2101 of the start port unit 2100, then guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, and handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, from which it is discharged downwards. When the game ball B is detected by the first start port sensor 2101, a predetermined number of game balls B are added to the player's ball count, and a lottery for the first special symbol is performed, enabling a favorable game state for the player if predetermined conditions are met (for example, the number of reserved first special symbols is less than 4). The first special symbol drawn is also referred to as the first special symbol lottery result.

Game balls B released from stage 2513 and not received by the first start opening 2003 are received by the out opening 2020 and discharged outside the game area 5a. Game balls B received by the out opening 2020 are guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and then discharged from the back ball guidance unit 3100 to the out ball receiving opening 500a of the lower circulation ball path unit 500.

Game balls B that are driven to the left outer edge of the center mechanism 2500 and do not enter the warp passage 2512 will, with a high probability, flow to the right along multiple obstacle pins arranged diagonally along the lower edge of the center mechanism 2500 if they circulate to the right of the center of the windmill. Game balls B that circulate to the right of the center of the windmill may be received by the first start opening 2003 or the general prize opening 2001 provided in the side unit 2200. Also, game balls B that circulate to the right of the center of the windmill may be received by the sub-out opening 2021 provided in the side unit 2200. Game balls B that are not received by the first start opening 2003, the general prize opening 2001, and the sub-out opening 2021 are received by the out opening 2020 and discharged outside the game area 5a.

The game ball B, received into the general prize slot 2001, is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 and then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. After being detected by the general prize slot sensor 3001, it is discharged downwards. When the general prize slot sensor 3001 detects game ball B, a bonus is awarded, adding a predetermined number of balls to the player's total.

On the other hand, if the balls circulate to the left of the windmill's center, they flow down onto the shelf 2301 of the upper left side unit 2300 and then flow down the shelf 2301 to the right. Game balls B that circulate to the left of the windmill's center may be received by the general prize entry opening 2001 and the sub-out opening 2021 located in the side unit 2200. Game balls B received by the sub-out opening 2021 are guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and discharged downwards from the back ball guidance unit 3100. Game balls B that are not received by the general prize entry opening 2001 and the sub-out opening 2021 are received by the out opening 2020 and discharged outside the game area 5a.

Next, to the right of the center mechanism 2500, the following are arranged from top to bottom: guide passage group 2520, mechanism entry opening 2006, regular entry opening 2002, second start opening 2004, large entry opening 2005, and sub-out opening 2021. Multiple obstacle pins are planted between the guide passage group 2520 and the second start opening 2004.

In the game board 5 of this embodiment, when a game ball B is struck with enough force to enter the upper part of the inflow restriction section 2511c of the center frame 2511 of the center mechanism 2500, specifically the part that slopes downward from near the center in the left-right direction toward the right, the game ball B will flow through either the first guide passage 2521 or the second guide passage 2522 of the guide passage group 2520.

To be more specific, when a game ball B is struck with enough force to contact the impact point 1006, which protrudes inward from the outer rail 1001 that forms part of the periphery of the game area 5a (so-called "right-handed shot"), the game ball B that has contacted the impact point 1006 enters the first guide passage 2521. Having entered this first guide passage 2521, the game ball B rolls along the upper surface of the prize entry door 2515, which closes the prize entry opening 2006 located midway through the first guide passage 2521, before being released from the right-hand exit at the lower end of the guide passage group 2520 towards the lower ordinary prize entry unit 2600.

Meanwhile, when the game ball B, which is launched above the center mechanism 2500, enters the entrance of the second guide passage 2522 and flows through it, it is twisted backward and aligned with the first guide passage 2521 in the front-to-back direction. Then, it is twisted forward and released from the left exit of the first guide passage 2521 towards the lower normal prize winning unit 2600.

The regular prize entry point 2002 of the regular prize entry unit 2600 is located directly below the exit of the first guide passage 2521. Therefore, game balls B that have circulated through the first guide passage 2521 are more likely to be accepted into the regular prize entry point 2002 than game balls B that have circulated through the second guide passage 2522.

The game ball B received in the regular prize slot 2002 is guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 and then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. After being detected by the regular prize slot sensor 3002, it is discharged to the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower ball circulation path unit 500. When the regular prize slot sensor 3002 detects the game ball B, a bonus is granted, adding a predetermined number of balls to the player's ball count. Furthermore, if predetermined conditions are met (for example, the number of reserved regular symbols is less than 4), a lottery for regular symbols is performed, enabling the acceptance of game ball B into the second start slot 2004. The drawn regular symbols are also referred to as the regular lottery results.

After being shot to the right within the game area 5a and circulating through the guide passage group 2520, game balls B that are not accepted into the normal prize entry opening 2002 flow down onto the attacker unit 2400, contacting multiple obstacle pins along the way. When game balls B flow down to the upper shelf section 2421 of the attacker unit 2400, they are guided to the left and downward according to the slope of the upper shelf section 2421, and are discharged to the left from the attacker unit 2400 without having the opportunity to be accepted into the second start opening 2004 or the large prize entry opening 2005. Note that since the downstream end (left end) of the upper shelf section 2421 of the attacker unit 2400 is located above the first start opening 2003, there is a possibility that game balls B that have circulated through the upper shelf section 2421 could be accepted into the first start opening 2003.

Meanwhile, when the game ball B flows down to the first shelf 2422 of the attacker unit 2400, it rolls to the left due to its inclination, and after rolling along the upper surface of the second start door 2411 and the second shelf 2423, it is released to the left from the left end of the second shelf 2423. The game ball B released to the left from the second shelf 2423 then falls onto the third shelf 2424 or the large prize door 2413, and due to their inclination, it rolls to the left, rolls along the fourth shelf 2425 from the large prize door 2413, and is released to the left from the fourth shelf 2425, outside the attacker unit 2400. The game ball B released from the fourth shelf 2425 is received by the out opening 2020.

Furthermore, if the game ball B does not flow down to either the upper shelf 2421 or the first shelf 2422 of the attacker unit 2400, but flows to the right of the first shelf 2422, it is received by the sub-out port 2021. Also, even if the game ball B flows down onto the first shelf 2422, if it enters the gap between the second shelf 2423 and the third shelf 2424, it is received by the sub-out port 2021. The game ball B received by the sub-out port 2021 is not returned to the game area 5a, but is instead passed to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 and discharged to the out ball receiving port 500a of the lower circulation ball path unit 500.

When a game ball B flows down into the first shelf section 2422 of the attacker unit 2400, the game ball B rolls through the second start-up door 2411. Therefore, when a game ball B is received into the normal prize-winning opening 2002, resulting in a "normal win" being drawn as a normal symbol (normal lottery result), and the second start-up door 2411 retracts due to the start-up solenoid 2412, opening the second start-up opening 2004, if a game ball B flows (rolls) from the first shelf section 2422 side, it is received into the second start-up opening 2004.

The game ball B received in the second start port 2004 is detected by the second start port sensor 2401, then handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and subsequently discharged downwards from the back ball guidance unit 3100. When the game ball B is detected by the second start port sensor 2401, a bonus is granted, adding a predetermined number of balls to the player's ball count. Furthermore, if predetermined conditions are met (for example, the number of reserved second special symbols is less than 4), a lottery for the second special symbol is performed, enabling a favorable game state for the player. The second special symbol drawn is also referred to as the second special symbol lottery result.

Furthermore, game balls B that flow down to the first shelf section 2422 of the attacker unit 2400 and roll along the second start-up door 2411 and the second shelf section 2423 will roll along the big prize door 2413. Therefore, depending on the first special symbol (first special draw result) drawn upon the acceptance of game ball B into the first start-up opening 2003, and the second special symbol (second special draw result) drawn upon the acceptance of game ball B into the second start-up opening 2004 (for example, when the drawn special symbol (special draw result) is "Big Win," "Medium Win," "Small Win," etc.), when the attacker solenoid 2414 retracts the big prize door 2413 and opens the big prize opening 2005, if game ball B flows (rolls) from the second shelf section 2423 side, the game ball B will be accepted into the big prize opening 2005.

The game ball B, received in the large prize slot 2005, is detected by one of the two large prize slot sensors 2402 located below it. It is then guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, and finally discharged into the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower ball circulation path unit 500. When game ball B is detected by the large prize slot sensor 2402, a bonus is awarded, adding a predetermined number of balls to the player's ball count.

Incidentally, when a game ball B is received into the first start opening 2003 or the second start opening 2004 and a "prize win" is drawn as the first or second special symbol, the prize entry opening 2006, located in the middle of the first guide passage 2521, opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, and the distribution rotating body 2533 of the first distribution device 2530 and the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 operate in a predetermined pattern. Therefore, when a "prize win" is drawn, the prize entry opening 2006 opens and closes, allowing the player to perform a "right-handed shot" so that the game ball B flows through the first guide passage 2521 where the prize entry opening 2006 is located, in order to receive the game ball B into the prize entry opening 2006.

In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "prize" is higher than that of a "jackpot," and three patterns of "prize wins" are set: "first prize win," "second prize win," and "third prize win." In each pattern, the prize entry opening 2006 opens and closes twice.

First, the opening and closing of the prize entry opening 2006 in each "prize win" will be described in detail. In the "first prize win," after a certain period of time (3000 ms) has elapsed since the start of execution, the prize entry opening 2006 will be open for a short time (80 ms), then closed for a short period of time (1252 ms), then open again for a short period of time (80 ms) before closing to complete the win. In the "second prize win," after a certain period of time (3000 ms) has elapsed since the start of execution, the prize entry opening 2006 will be open for a short time (80 ms), then closed for a longer period of time (5420 ms) than in the "first prize win," then open for a longer period of time (9414 ms) before closing to complete the win. The "Third Prize Win" occurs after a certain period of time (3000ms) has elapsed since the start of execution. The prize entry opening 2006 then opens for a short time (80ms), then closes. After a longer period (19366ms) than the "Second Prize Win," it remains open for a longer period (9404ms) before closing, completing the win.

The second opening of the prize entry slot 2006 during the "first prize win" begins after the time from the start of execution until the completion of the "first prize win." Similarly, the second opening of the prize entry slot 2006 during the "third prize win" begins after the time from the start of execution until the completion of the "second prize win."

Furthermore, during the second extended opening period in the "Second Prize Win" and "Third Prize Win," eight openings (80 ms) are repeated at regular intervals (1252 ms). In other words, the prize entry point 2006 opens and closes (remains open) twice during the "First Prize Win," and nine times during the "Second Prize Win" and "Third Prize Win."

Next, in the case of a "bonus item win," the operation of the distribution rotating body 2533 of the first distribution device 2530 is as follows: Immediately upon the start of execution, it rotates counterclockwise, and for a predetermined time (3020 ms), it enters the first storable state with the housing section 2533a facing upwards. Then, it rotates clockwise, entering the unstorable state with the housing section 2533a facing to the right. After a predetermined time (4560 ms), it enters the second storable state for a longer period than the first (13446 ms), then enters the unstorable state for a short period (500 ms), and finally enters the third storable state for the same period as the second (13446 ms), before returning to the unstorable state.

The first retractable state of the distribution rotating body 2533 ends during the first opening state of the prize entry opening 2006 in the "prize hit" and becomes unretractable. Furthermore, the distribution rotating body 2533 enters its second retractable state after the time from the start of execution until the completion of the "first prize hit." Therefore, during the "first prize hit," control of the distribution rotating body 2533 ends before the second retractable state, and the second and third retractable states are not executed. In this distribution rotating body 2533, the second retractable state begins before the second opening state of the prize entry opening 2006 in the "second prize hit," and becomes unretractable after the second opening state closes.

Furthermore, the distribution rotating body 2533 enters its third retractable state after the time from the start of execution until the completion of the "second prize win." Therefore, during the "second prize win," control of the distribution rotating body 2533 ends before it enters its third retractable state, and the third retractable state is not executed. In other words, the distribution rotating body 2533 enters its retractable state once during the "first prize win," twice during the "second prize win," and three times during the "third prize win." The third retractable state of the distribution rotating body 2533 begins before the second opening state of the prize entry opening 2006 during the "third prize win," and enters the unretractable state after the second opening state ends and the opening state closes.

Next, in the case of a "prize win," the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 operates as follows: Upon execution, it immediately protrudes forward, closing the second slot 2541 for a predetermined time (3020 ms), entering a first closed state (a state where distribution to the first V-prize slot 2007). Afterward, it retracts, opening the second slot 2541 (a state where distribution to the lottery prize 2550). After a predetermined time (23006 ms), it enters a second closed state for a longer period (13446 ms) than the first open state, before returning to the open state.

The first closing state of the distribution piece 2543 ends midway through the first opening state of the prize entry opening 2006 during a "prize win," and it becomes open. Furthermore, in the second distribution device 2540, the second closing state of the distribution piece 2543 begins midway through the second opening state of the prize entry opening 2006 during a "third prize win," and after the second opening state of the prize entry opening 2006 has closed, the distribution piece 2543 changes from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, in the second distribution device 2540, the second closing state of the distribution piece 2543 is executed only during a "third prize win," and not during a "first prize win" or a "second prize win."

For these reasons, in the "first prize win," the prize entry opening 2006 opens and closes twice in a short period of time, making it unlikely that the game ball B circulating in the first guide passage 2521 via "right-hand shooting" will be accepted into the prize entry opening 2006. Similarly, in the "second prize win" and "third prize win," the first opening of the prize entry opening 2006 is also short, making it unlikely that the game ball B will be accepted into the prize entry opening 2006. Furthermore, since the time during which the first ready-to-receive state of the distribution rotating body 2533 in the first distribution device 2530 overlaps with the first open state of the prize entry opening 2006 during a "prize win" is shorter than the time the prize entry opening 2006 is open for the first time, the possibility of the game ball B received into the prize entry opening 2006 being stored in the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 when the prize entry opening 2006 is open for the first time is even lower. Moreover, since the time during which the first ready-to-receive state of the distribution rotating body 2533 ends and the time during which the first closed state of the distribution piece 2543 in the second distribution device 2540 ends is the same, the game ball B stored in the storage section 2533a when the distribution rotating body 2533 is in its first ready-to-receive state will not be distributed to the first V prize entry opening 2007 side.

On the other hand, in the "second prize win" and "third prize win," the second opening of the prize entry opening 2006 is longer, making it highly likely that the game ball B will be received into the prize entry opening 2006 via the first guide passage 2521. At this time, the distribution rotating body 2533 of the first distribution device 2530 becomes receptive before the prize entry opening 2006 opens, and then becomes unreceptable after the prize entry opening 2006 closes. Therefore, it is highly likely that the game ball B received into the prize entry opening 2006 during its second opening will be receptive to the receptacle section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533.

Thus, in this example, the probability of game ball B being received by the prize entry opening 2006 during the first opening state of the prize entry opening 2006 in the "second prize win" and "third prize win" is low. Furthermore, the probability of game ball B received by the prize entry opening 2006 being stored in the storage section 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 during the first opening state of the prize entry opening 2006 is even lower. Nevertheless, simultaneously with the start of the prize win game state, the distribution rotating body 2533 is rotated counterclockwise to position the storage section 2533a upwards, creating a storage-ready state. After a predetermined period (3020 ms) with the storage section 2533a facing upwards, it is rotated clockwise to position the storage section 2533a to the right, creating a non-storage state. In other words, although the probability of the distribution rotating body 2533 distributing game balls B towards the chance opening 2531 is low immediately after the start of the bonus game state, the distribution rotating body 2533 performs the action of distributing game balls B towards the chance opening 2531, thus demonstrating the distribution action by the distribution rotating body 2533 in advance.

Similarly, immediately after the start of the bonus game state, the probability of the distribution rotating body 2533 distributing game ball B to the chance opening 2531 is low. However, simultaneously with the start of the bonus game state, the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 extends forward to close the second empty opening 2541, making it possible to distribute to the first V-entry opening 2007. After a predetermined time (3020 ms), it retracts, opening the second empty opening 2541 and making it possible to distribute to the lottery bonus device 2550. In other words, immediately after the start of the bonus game state, the probability of the distribution piece 2543 distributing game ball B to the first V-entry opening 2007 is low. However, the distribution piece 2543 performs an action to distribute game ball B to the first V-entry opening 2007, and the distribution action by the distribution piece 2543 is shown in advance.

In this example, the distribution rotating body 2533 and the distribution piece 2543 operate simultaneously with the start of the prize-winning game state, that is, during the execution of the opening sequence for the prize-winning game state (an opening sequence for the prize-winning game state in which explanations of the game in the prize-winning game state are given, such as "Aim for the prize-winning slot 2006"). After the distribution rotating body 2533 and the distribution piece 2543 operate, the prize-winning slot 2006 opens for the first time. This reduces the possibility of the distribution rotating body 2533 distributing the game ball B to the chance slot 2531 side and the distribution piece 2543 distributing the game ball B to the second miss slot 2541 side. Furthermore, if the possibility of the distribution of game ball B to the chance opening 2531 side by the distribution rotating body 2533 and the distribution of game ball B to the second miss opening 2541 side by the distribution piece 2543 is nonexistent or extremely low, the prize entry opening 2006 may be opened for the first time simultaneously with the operation of the distribution rotating body 2533 and the distribution piece 2543.

Furthermore, it is also possible to pre-operate only one of the distribution rotating body 2533 and the distribution piece 2543, while not pre-operating the other. That is, among the multiple movable parts (distribution rotating body 2533, distribution piece 2543) that distribute the game balls B that have entered the prize winning opening 2006, it is possible to pre-operate some of the movable parts to indicate the distribution operation, while not pre-operating the other movable parts. For example, the distribution piece 2543, which has a high probability of causing game balls B to enter the V prize winning opening (first V prize winning opening 2007 in this example) when it is operated (high V prize winning expectation), may not be pre-operated, while the distribution rotating body 2533, which has a lower probability of causing game balls B to enter the V prize winning opening (second V prize winning opening 2008 in this example) than the distribution piece 2543 (low V prize winning expectation), may be pre-operated. This allows the player to know in advance some of the destinations for game ball B that enter the prize slot 2006, while keeping the other destinations unknown. When the other destinations are revealed, the increased number of destinations will surprise the player, heightening their anticipation. Furthermore, it draws attention to the movement of game ball B as it is distributed, allowing players to enjoy the game and preventing a decline in enjoyment.

Furthermore, by not activating the movable part (distribution piece 2543) with a high probability of V-entry beforehand, its existence is concealed, leading the player to believe that game ball B will enter the lottery mechanism 2550. When the "third mechanism win" is executed, the movable part (distribution piece 2543) with a high probability of V-entry activates, causing game ball B to enter the V-entry opening (the first V-entry opening 2007 in this example), creating an element of surprise and enhancing the enjoyment of the game by having game ball B enter an unexpected distribution destination. Additionally, the distribution to the first V-entry opening 2007 is concealed, leading the player to believe there are only two distribution destinations: the first empty opening 2532 and the lottery mechanism 2550. This prevents disappointment if the "second mechanism win," which has a lower probability of V-entry than the "third mechanism win," is executed and game ball B is distributed to the lottery mechanism 2550.

Furthermore, in this example, the distribution rotating body 2533 is positioned in a manner that is easily visible to the player, while the distribution piece 2543 is a flat plate that moves back and forth in front of the game board 5, and because its front surface area is small, its operation is difficult to notice. Consequently, the player is less likely to notice the passage on the first V-entry opening 2007 side that becomes accessible when the distribution piece 2543 protrudes forward. Therefore, when a "third prize win" occurs, the player is less likely to notice the behavior of game ball B when the distribution piece 2543 operates and the game ball B enters the first V-entry opening 2007. This gives the player the feeling that a V-entry has suddenly occurred and a 15R jackpot has been executed without them realizing that game ball B has entered the first V-entry opening 2007.

Furthermore, by operating the distribution rotating body 2533 in advance during the opening sequence of the bonus prize game state, the player can easily recognize the target area, i.e., the position to aim for during the bonus prize game state, in addition to the instructions given during the opening sequence, such as "Aim for the bonus prize entry point 2006," through the operation of the distribution rotating body 2533.

As described above, when a "prize win" is drawn, the prize entry opening 2006 opens. When the game ball B, which has flowed down the first guide passage 2521, is received by the prize entry opening 2006, it is detected by the prize entry opening sensor 2501 and then sent to the first distribution device 2530. When the prize entry opening sensor 2501 detects the game ball B, a bonus is awarded, such as adding a predetermined number of balls to the player's ball count.

In the case of a "second prize win," when the prize entry opening 2006 is open for the second time, the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 is also open. Therefore, when the distribution rotating body 2533 rotates from a storable state to an unstorable state, the game balls B stored in the storage section 2533a flow down through the chance opening 2531 to the second distribution device 2540 side, then through the lottery guidance passage 2545 from the second empty opening 2541, are detected by the lottery prize ball entry sensor 2546, and are sent to the lottery prize 2550.

In the lottery mechanism 2550, the distribution bridge 2557, which is in a non-loop position, becomes a loop position. For example, in response to the opening of the second opening 2541 due to the retraction of the distribution piece 2543 in the second distribution device 2540, the distribution bridge 2557 is set to the loop position. Then, the game balls B sent from the second distribution device 2540 to the lottery mechanism 2550 roll to the left along the guide path 2551, pass through the loop-positioned distribution bridge 2557, and are sent to the striking section 2553. The game balls B sent to the striking section 2553 are then struck by the rapidly rotating striking piece 2560 and supplied to the oscillating trough 2554 located at the central rear end of the table 2555, and are released from the oscillating trough 2554 onto the table 2555.

The game ball B, released onto the table 2555, rolls forward due to its inclination and either enters the second V-prize opening 2008 located at the central front end of the table 2555, or is released forward (towards the guideway 2551) from the front edge of the table 2555. If the distribution bridge 2557 is still in the loop position when the game ball B is released forward from the front edge of the table 2555, the game ball B will be supplied to the striking section 2553 via the distribution bridge 2557. Therefore, when the distribution bridge 2557 is in the loop position, the game ball B will loop through the striking section 2553, the swinging chute 2554, the table 2555, and the guideway 2551 in that order until it is received by the second V-prize opening 2008.

Then, the lottery for a V-win in the lottery mechanism 2550 ends when either the game ball B is received into the second V-winning slot 2008, or when the distribution bridge 2557 opens to a non-loop position after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, allowing the game ball B to be received into the losing slot 2009.

Game balls B received in the second V-entry slot 2008 are detected by the second V-entry slot sensor 2503 and then discharged to the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower ball circulation path unit 500 via the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. On the other hand, game balls B received in the losing slot 2009 are detected by the losing slot sensor 2504 and then discharged to the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower ball circulation path unit 500 via the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. When game ball B is detected by the second V-entry slot sensor 2503, the large prize slot 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, granting a special bonus.

By the way, in the "third prize win," when the prize entry opening 2006 is in the open state for the second time, the distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540 is in the closed state. As a result, when the distribution rotating body 2533 rotates from a storable state to an unstorable state, the game ball B stored in the storage section 2533a passes through the chance opening 2531, contacts the upper surface of the closed distribution piece 2543 of the second distribution device 2540, is guided to the right, and enters (is received) into the first V prize entry opening 2007. The game ball B that enters the first V prize entry opening 2007 is detected by the first V prize entry opening sensor 2502 and then discharged to the safe ball receiving opening 500b of the lower circulation ball path unit 500 via the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. When the first V-prize entry sensor 2502 detects a game ball B, the main prize entry opening 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, granting a special bonus.

In this embodiment, during the drawing of special symbols for the first and second special symbols, where the large prize slot 2005 and the special prize slot 2006 open and close to create an advantageous game state for the player, the first start slot 2003 is always open to receive game balls B, whereas the second start slot 2004 is configured to accept game balls B in a predetermined pattern only when the normal drawing, which is conducted by receiving game balls B into the normal prize slot 2002, results in a "normal win". As a result, the first start slot 2003 has a higher probability of receiving game balls B than the second start slot 2004.

Therefore, under normal conditions, the player can be instructed to insert the game ball B so that it flows down the left side of the center mechanism 2500, allowing the game ball B to be received into the first start opening 2003. This allows the player to observe the movement of the game ball B guided by multiple obstacle pins, enabling them to enjoy the original gameplay of the pachinko machine 1 using the game ball B, while also increasing their anticipation for the game ball B to be received into the first start opening 2003.

Then, when game ball B is received into the first starting opening 2003, if a "win" (for example, "minor win," "medium win," "big win," "prize win," etc.) is drawn as the result of the first special symbol lottery, the large prize opening 2005 or the prize opening 2006 will open and close in a predetermined pattern. This allows players to enjoy the operation of shooting game ball B towards the right side of the center prize 2500 (so-called "right-handed shooting") so that game ball B is received into the large prize opening 2005 or the prize opening 2006, and also increases the anticipation of game ball B being received into the large prize opening 2005 or the prize opening 2006.

When shooting game balls B to the right of the center mechanism 2500, a group of guide passages 2520, consisting of a first guide passage 2521 and a second guide passage 2522, is provided to the right of the center mechanism 2500. Because it has various flow paths, the force with which game balls B are shot can be adjusted so that they flow through the desired path, allowing the player to enjoy the game ball shooting operation.

Furthermore, a regular prize entry point 2002 is provided to the right of the center mechanism 2500. When a game ball B is received into the regular prize entry point 2002, a regular lottery is held to determine whether the second start entry point 2004 becomes available. Therefore, players can be entertained by whether or not the game ball B, shot to the right, passes through the regular prize entry point 2002, and also by whether or not the game ball B is received into the second start entry point 2004 when it becomes available. In this case, since the regular prize entry point 2002 is located directly below the exit of the first guide passage 2521 in the guide passage group 2520, players can enjoy the operation of shooting game ball B towards the first guide passage 2521.

Furthermore, in the prize entry opening 2006, one game ball B, which has been received and selected by the first distribution device 2530, is distributed by the second distribution device 2540 to either the first V prize entry opening 2007 or the second empty opening 2541. This allows the player to feel suspense and excitement depending on whether or not the game ball B is distributed to the first V prize entry opening 2007. Even if the game ball B is distributed to the second empty opening 2541 by the second distribution device 2540, the game ball B is supplied to the lottery mechanism 2550, which is conspicuously located in the lower center of the center prize entry opening 2500. This allows the player to feel anticipation for the game ball B to be received by the second V prize entry opening 2008 in the lottery mechanism 2550. Subsequently, the game ball B, which is rolling along table 2555 of the lottery mechanism 2550, can be used to excite and thrill the player again depending on whether or not it is accepted into the second V-entry slot 2008, thus entertaining the player and preventing a decline in their enjoyment.

Furthermore, when game ball B is received into the first V-entry slot 2007 or the second V-entry slot 2008, or when a "jackpot" is drawn as the first special symbol or second special symbol by receiving game ball B into the first start slot 2003 and the second start slot 2004, the large entry slot 2005 of the attacker unit 2400 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, creating an opportunity for many game balls B to be added to the player's ball count. Therefore, the player can be instructed to aim their shots at the right side of the center mechanism 2500 so that game ball B is received into the opening and closing large entry slot 2005, thereby entertaining the player and preventing a decline in enjoyment.

[8-10. Overall configuration of the hidden unit]
Next, the overall configuration of the back unit 3000 in the game board 5 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The back unit 3000 includes a vibration sensor 1040 (see Figure 65) that detects vibrations acting on the game board 5 (pachinko machine 1), a general prize entry sensor 3001 that detects game balls B that have been received into the general prize entry 2001 and guided to the rear of the game panel 1100, and a normal prize entry sensor 3002 that detects game balls B that have been received into the normal prize entry 2002 and guided to the rear of the game panel 1100. The general prize entry sensor 3001 and the normal prize entry sensor 3002 are provided in the back ball guidance unit 3100.

The back unit 3000 comprises a back box 3010, which is attached to the rear surface of the panel holder 1120 of the game panel 1100, is box-shaped with an open front and has a square opening 3010a in its rear wall, a lock slider 3020 that is slidably mounted on the rear wall of the back box 3010 in the left-right direction and is used for attaching and detaching the display device 1600, and a back circuit board unit 3040 that is hinge-rotatably mounted on the rear wall of the back box 3010.

The back circuit board unit 3040 comprises a thin, box-shaped circuit board box 3041 with an L-shape when viewed from the front, and a panel relay board and a performance drive board (not shown) housed within the circuit board box 3041. The circuit board box 3041 has two shaft portions 3041a on the outer edges of the vertically extending L-shaped portion, which are rotatably supported by the pivot portion 3010f of the back box 3010. Furthermore, the circuit board box 3041 has locking claws 3041b at the ends of the horizontally extending L-shaped portions, which engage with the locking portion 3010g of the back box 3010.

Furthermore, the back unit 3000 includes a back ball guidance unit 3100 located at the lower part near the front end of the back box 3010, through which the game ball B guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 flows; a back decoration unit 3200 located behind the back ball guidance unit 3100 within the back box 3010; a back front performance unit 3300 located to the left and above the back ball guidance unit 3100 near the front end within the back box 3010; and a back rear performance unit 3400 located behind the back front performance unit 3300 within the back box 3010.

The back ball guidance unit 3100 is mounted on the front of the back decoration unit 3200. The back decoration unit 3200 is mounted on the front of the rear wall of the back box 3010 via a mounting support (not shown in the diagram). The front back display unit 3300 is mounted on its left end near the front end of the back box 3010, and on its right end on the front of the right end of the rear back display unit 3400. The rear back display unit 3400 is mounted on its upper part to the front of the rear wall of the back box 3010 via a mounting support (not shown in the diagram), and its lower part is mounted on the back decoration unit 3200.

The hidden decoration unit 3200, the hidden pre-effect unit 3300, and the hidden post-effect unit 3400 in the hidden unit 3000 are capable of showing predetermined movable and illuminating effects to the player in accordance with the progress of the game.

[8-10a. Back of the box]
Next, the back box 3010 of the back unit 3000 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55. The back box 3010 is attached to the rear side of the game panel 1100 (panel holder 1120), and the performance unit is mounted inside the box, while the performance display device 1600 and the back circuit board unit 3040 are mounted on the rear surface. The back box 3010 is made of transparent material. This allows the inside to be seen from the outside even when assembled on the game board 5.

The back box 3010 is box-shaped with an open front and a rectangular opening 3010a penetrating the rear wall; a mounting surface 3010b provided on the lower edge of the opening 3010a on which the display device 1600 is placed; two fixing grooves 3010c recessed upward from the inside of the frame on the upper edge of the opening 3010a; and a locking mechanism 3010d provided on the lower side near the center in the left-right direction of the mounting surface 3010b on which the lock slider 3020 is mounted so as to be slidable from side to side.

The opening 3010a of the back box 3010 is formed as a rectangle with a length-to-width ratio of 3:4 when viewed from the front. The opening 3010a is formed to be approximately the same size as the left-to-right dimension of the back wall of the back box 3010. Furthermore, the opening 3010a is positioned offset (eccentrically) upward from the vertical center of the back box 3010. The opening 3010a is formed to be the same size as the liquid crystal spacer 1610 (a 19-inch liquid crystal display device).

The upper fixing piece 1611 of the liquid crystal spacer 1610, to which the display device 1600 is attached, is inserted into the two fixing grooves 3010c of the back box 3010 from below. Furthermore, the lower fixing piece 1612 of the liquid crystal spacer 1610, to which the display device 1600 is attached, can be inserted from the rear into the locking mechanism 3010d of the back box 3010 when the lock slider 3020 is slid to the left in a rear view. With the lower fixing piece 1612 of the liquid crystal spacer 1610 inserted into the locking mechanism 3010d, sliding the lock slider 3020 to the right in a rear view prevents the lower fixing piece 1612 from moving backward, allowing the liquid crystal spacer 1610 (display device 1600) to be attached.

Furthermore, the back box 3010 is equipped with a flat, plate-shaped fixing piece 3010e extending outward from its front end. This fixing piece 3010e is attached to the game panel 1100 with its front surface in contact with the rear surface of the game panel 1100.

Furthermore, the back box 3010 includes a pair of shaft support portions 3010f on its rear surface, capable of rotatably supporting the shaft portion 3041a of the back circuit board unit 3040 around an axis extending in the vertical direction, and a locking portion 3010g provided on the rear surface opposite to the pair of shaft support portions 3010f in the left-right direction, into which the locking claw 3041b of the back circuit board unit 3040 is locked.

The back box 3010, with its pair of pivot points 3010f and locking portion 3010g, allows the back circuit board unit 3040 to be attached to the rear side, straddling the opening 3010a (LCD spacer 1610 and display device 1600). When assembled to the game board 5, the L-shaped vertically extending portion of the back circuit board unit 3040 is located to the left of the peripheral control unit 1500 in a rear view. The L-shaped horizontally extending portion of the back circuit board unit 3040 is located below the peripheral control unit 1500.

With the back box 3010 assembled to the game board 5, the locking claw 3041b of the back circuit board unit 3040, which is locked to the locking part 3010g, can be released. By rotating the locking claw 3041b so that it moves backward around the shaft part 3041a, the rear of the LCD spacer 1610 attached to the back box 3010 can be opened. This allows the LCD spacer 1610, or the display device 1600, to be attached and detached without removing the back circuit board unit 3040 from the back box 3010.

Furthermore, the back box 3010 has multiple functional holes, each consisting of two through-holes arranged vertically or horizontally, on the front-to-back facing surface excluding the fixing piece 3010e, and a functional surface facing front-to-back that can be used during the assembly of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5). The two through-holes in the functional holes have the same diameter. The functional holes are for attaching the performance unit to the back box 3010 directly or via a mounting support.

[8-10b. Reverse Ball Guidance Unit]
Next, the back ball guidance unit 3100 in the back unit 3000 will be described mainly with reference to Figure 54, etc. The back ball guidance unit 3100 is provided at the lower part near the front end inside the back box 3010 and is attached to the back box 3010 via the back decoration unit 3200. The back ball guidance unit 3100 includes a general prize slot sensor 3001 that detects game balls B received into the general prize slot 2001, a normal prize slot sensor 3002 that detects game balls B received into the normal prize slot 2002, and a plurality of magnetic sensors 1030 that can detect illegal magnetism acting within the game area 5a.

The reverse ball guidance unit 3100 receives game balls B received in the general prize slot 2001, normal prize slot 2002, first start slot 2003, second start slot 2004, big prize slot 2005, first V prize slot 2007, second V prize slot 2008, losing slot 2009, and first empty slot 2532 of the front unit 2000 at the rear of the game panel 1100, guides them to the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction, and then discharges them to the safe ball receiving slot 500b of the lower circulation ball path unit 500. Furthermore, the reverse ball guidance unit 3100 receives game balls B received in the out slot 2020 and sub-out slot 2021 of the front unit 2000 at the rear of the game panel 1100, guides them to the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction, and then discharges them to the out ball receiving slot 500a of the lower circulation ball path unit 500.

[8-10c. Reverse Decorative Unit]
Next, the back decorative unit 3200 in the back unit 3000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55, etc. The back decorative unit 3200 is located behind the back ball guide unit 3100 inside the back box 3010 and is attached to the front of the rear wall of the back box 3010 via a mounting supporter. A vibration sensor 1040 is attached to the back decorative unit 3200. The back ball guide unit 3100 is attached to the front of this back decorative unit 3200.

The rear decoration unit 3200, when assembled on the game board 5, comprises a rear lower left decorative element 3210 and a rear lower right decorative element 3220 that decorate the rear of both the left and right outer sides of the lottery element 2550 in the center element 2500, and a rear lower left decorative circuit board and a rear lower right decorative circuit board (not shown) on which multiple LEDs are mounted to illuminate the rear lower left decorative element 3210 and the rear lower right decorative element 3220, respectively.

The lower left decorative element 3210 and the lower right decorative element 3220 are translucent, and multiple miniature town-like protrusions are formed on their respective upper surfaces. The lower left decorative substrate and the lower right decorative substrate are located below the lower left decorative element 3210 and the lower right decorative element 3220, respectively, and multiple LEDs (full-color LEDs) are mounted on their upper surfaces. By appropriately illuminating the LEDs mounted on the lower left decorative substrate and the lower right decorative substrate, the lower left decorative element 3210 and the lower right decorative element 3220 can be illuminated.

[8-10d. Behind-the-scenes production unit]
Next, the front-reverse performance unit 3300 in the back unit 3000 will be explained mainly with reference to Figures 50 to 52 and Figure 54, etc. The front-reverse performance unit 3300 is provided to the left and above the back ball guidance unit 3100 near the front end inside the back box 3010, with its left end attached near the front end of the back box 3010 and its right end attached to the right end of the rear-reverse performance unit 3400.

The back-front display unit 3300 comprises a long, flat, plate-shaped back-front left decorative element 3301 located on the left end, a back-front lifting decorative element unit 3310 that is vertically movable and located to the right of the back-front left decorative element 3301, and a back-front lifting mechanism 3350 for raising and lowering the back-front lifting decorative element unit 3310.

The front left decorative element 3301 of the front-back display unit 3300 is equipped with a magnetic sensor 1030 located slightly below the center in the vertical direction. The front left decorative element 3301 extends vertically to approximately the same length as the total height inside the back box 3010 and is translucent. Behind the front left decorative element 3301 is a front left decorative circuit board (not shown in the diagram) with multiple LEDs mounted on its front surface. By appropriately illuminating the LEDs on this front left decorative circuit board, the front left decorative element can be illuminated.

The rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 is formed to be elongated in the left-right direction. The rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 comprises a long, transparent, flat rear front lifting base 3311, a rear front central decorative unit 3320 mounted on the front center of the rear front lifting base 3311 and having a performance count display unit 3005, a rear front center left decorative unit 3330 mounted to the left of the rear front central decorative unit 3320 on the front of the rear front lifting base 3311, and a rear front center right decorative unit 3340 mounted to the right of the rear front central decorative unit 3320 on the front of the rear front lifting base 3311.

The rear-front central decorative element 3320 comprises a rear-front central decorative section 3321 formed in a predetermined three-dimensional shape, a rear-front central decorative substrate (not shown) provided behind the rear-front central decorative section 3321 and on which multiple LEDs are mounted, and a rear-front central base 3323 that supports the rear-front central decorative substrate and the rear-front central decorative section 3321 from the rear and is attached to the rear-front lifting base 3311. The rear-front central decorative section 3321 has a portion that three-dimensionally imitates a pine tree pattern, and a performance count display section 3005 consisting of four 7-segment displays is provided in this portion. The performance count display section 3005 uses some of the multiple LEDs mounted on the rear-front central decorative substrate.

The rear front-center-left decorative body 3330 comprises a rear front-center-left decorative section 3331 formed in a relief shape resembling the head of a predetermined character and possessing light-transmitting properties; a rear front-center-left decorative substrate (not shown) provided behind the rear front-center-left decorative section 3331 and equipped with multiple LEDs; and a rear front-center-left base 3333 that supports the rear front-center-left decorative substrate and the rear front-center-left decorative section 3331 from the rear and is attached to the rear front lifting base 3311. The rear front-center-left decorative body 3330 can illuminate the rear front-center-left decorative section 3331 by appropriately illuminating the LEDs on the rear front-center-left decorative substrate.

The rear front center-right decorative body 3340 comprises a rear front center-right decorative section 3341 formed in a relief shape resembling the head of a predetermined character and possessing light-transmitting properties; a rear front center-right decorative substrate (not shown) provided behind the rear front center-right decorative section 3341 and equipped with multiple LEDs; and a rear front center-right base 3343 that supports the rear front center-right decorative substrate and the rear front center-right decorative section 3341 from the rear and is attached to the rear front lifting base 3311. The rear front center-right decorative body 3340 can illuminate the rear front center-right decorative section 3341 by appropriately illuminating the LEDs on the rear front center-right decorative substrate.

The front-rear lifting mechanism 3350 comprises a front-rear left lifting rail (not shown) located behind the front-rear left decorative element 3301, which supports the left end of the front-rear lifting decorative element unit 3310 so that it can move up and down; a front-rear right lifting rail 3352 located behind the front-rear right decorative element unit 3310 so that it can move up and down; and a front-rear lifting drive unit (not shown) located behind the front-rear left decorative element 3301 for raising and lowering the front-rear lifting decorative element unit 3310. The front-rear lifting mechanism 3350 also includes, although not shown, a drop solenoid for lowering the front-rear lifting decorative element unit 3310 from its raised standby position, and a front-rear lifting drive motor for raising the front-rear lifting decorative element unit 3310 from its lowered performance position to its upper standby position.

The rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 of the rear front performance unit 3300 is positioned so that it can be seen from the front through the frame of the center mechanism 2500 when assembled on the game board 5. In its normal state, the rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 of the rear front performance unit 3300 is in a standby position at its upper moving end, and downward falling is prevented by the locking claw. In its normal state, the rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 is located near the upper edge of the display screen of the performance display device 1600, as shown in Figure 50, etc.

Furthermore, in the normal standby position, the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 of the rear-front performance unit 3300 is positioned behind the retracted rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 of the rear-back performance unit 3400, making the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 invisible from the front.

The front-facing display unit 3300, from its normal state, moves the lifting slider to the lower end using the front-facing lifting drive motor, allowing the front-facing lifting decorative unit 3310 to drop from its standby position to the lower display position. Then, from this state, the locking mechanism is released by the drop solenoid, allowing the front-facing lifting decorative unit 3310 to freefall towards the standby position. When the front-facing lifting decorative unit 3310 has fallen to the display position, it is positioned above the lottery mechanism 2550 of the center mechanism 2500, and slightly below the vertical center of the game area 5a.

When the rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 drops to its display position, the rear rear lifting decorative unit 3410 of the rear display unit 3400, located at the rear, becomes visible from the front. This can surprise the player and make them think that something good might happen (that an opportunity has arrived).

Furthermore, a damper is provided at the lower part of the rear front lifting mechanism 3350 to absorb or mitigate the impact caused by the falling rear front lifting decorative unit 3310.

The rear-facing lifting decorative unit 3310, which has fallen to the performance position, rises to the upper standby position due to the upward movement of the lifting slider by the rear-facing lifting drive motor, and returns to the standby position when the locking claw automatically engages.

This front-rear performance unit 3300 has a performance count display unit 3005 consisting of four 7-segment displays on the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 (front-rear central decorative unit 3320). Therefore, by executing a countdown display where the number displayed on the performance count display unit 3005 decreases, the player can be shown a countdown performance in which the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 falls. In the countdown performance, the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 may be moved to a lower appearance position without dropping the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310, or the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 may be dropped while the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 is moved to a lower appearance position.

[8-10e. Behind-the-scenes production unit]
Next, the rear-view performance unit 3400 in the rear unit 3000 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 54 and 55, etc. The rear-view performance unit 3400 is located behind the front-view performance unit 3300 inside the rear box 3010, with its upper part attached to the rear wall of the rear box 3010 via a mounting supporter, and its lower part attached to the rear decorative unit 3200. The rear-view performance unit 3400 comprises a rear-view lifting decorative body 3410 that is long from left to right, and a rear-view lifting mechanism 3450 for lifting and lowering the rear-view lifting decorative body 3410.

The rear-facing lifting decorative element 3410 in the rear-facing performance unit 3400 comprises a rear-facing lifting decorative section 3411 that is long and translucent from left to right, a rear-facing lifting decorative substrate (not shown) provided behind the rear-facing lifting decorative section 3411 and equipped with multiple LEDs, and a rear-facing lifting base (not shown) that supports the rear-facing lifting decorative substrate and the rear-facing lifting decorative section from the rear and is raised and lowered by the rear-facing lifting mechanism 3450. The rear-facing lifting decorative section 3411 has a logo section 3411a that extends along its entire length in the left-right direction and consists of a predetermined logo, and a character section 3411b provided above the logo section 3411a in a relief shape, with multiple characters different from those on the rear-facing lifting decorative unit 3310 arranged in rows on the left and right. By appropriately illuminating the LEDs on the rear-facing lifting decorative substrate, the rear-facing lifting decorative section 3411 can be illuminated.

The rear lifting mechanism 3450 in the rear display unit 3400 comprises a U-shaped rear base 3451 that opens downwards, a translucent, flat rear fixing decorative part 3452 provided on the front surface of the upper edge of the rear base 3451, and a rear fixing decorative substrate 3453 provided between the rear fixing decorative part 3452 and the rear base 3451, on which multiple LEDs are mounted. The rear fixing decorative part 3452 is formed to be approximately the same length as the rear lifting decorative body 3410 in the left-right direction, and a predetermined pattern is applied to its front surface. By appropriately illuminating the LEDs on the rear fixing decorative substrate 3453, the rear fixing decorative part 3452 can be illuminated.

Furthermore, the rear lifting mechanism 3450, although not shown in the illustration, includes a rear left rail provided on the left side of the rear base 3451, which supports the left end of the rear lifting decorative element 3410 so that it can be raised and lowered; a rear right rail provided on the right side of the rear base 3451, which supports the right end of the rear lifting decorative element 3410 so that it can be raised and lowered; and a rear lifting drive unit provided on the left side of the rear base for raising and lowering the rear lifting decorative element 3410.

The rear lifting drive unit has a rear lifting drive motor, which allows the rear lifting decorative element 3410 to be raised and lowered between a retracted position (the upper end of movement) and an exposed position (the lower end of movement). Furthermore, the rear lifting decorative element 3410 can be stopped at any position between the retracted and exposed positions.

In its normal state, the rear-view display unit 3400 has its rear-view lifting decorative element 3410 in the retracted position, which is its upper moving end. In this state, the rear-view lifting decorative element 3410 is located in front of the rear-view fixed decorative element 3452 of the rear-view lifting mechanism 3450. Therefore, the rear-view fixed decorative element 3452 is hidden from view from the front by the retracted rear-view lifting decorative element 3410.

When assembled on the game board 5, the rear-view display unit 3400 is located behind the front-view display unit 3300. Therefore, in the normal state, the front-view display unit 3310, which is in the standby position for the front-view display unit 3300, is positioned in front of the rear-view lifting decorative unit 3410. The rear-view lifting decorative unit 3310 hides the rear-view display unit 3400, making it invisible from the front.

The rear-view display unit 3400, when moved from its normal state to the appearance position (the lower end of the movement) by the rear-view lifting drive motor of the rear-view lifting mechanism 3450, positions itself below the standby position of the front-view lifting display unit 3310 and slightly above the vertical center of the game area 5a. This makes the rear-view lifting display unit 3410 visible to the player.

Furthermore, even when the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 is moved downward from its retracted position, if the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 is in its standby position, the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 is positioned in front of the rear-rear fixed decorative unit 3452, and therefore the rear-rear fixed decorative unit 3452 is not visible from the front. Consequently, only when the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 is moved downward (to its appearance position) from its retracted position, and the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 is dropped from its standby position to the lower performance position, does the rear-rear fixed decorative unit 3452 become visible from the front. This adds a sense of premium quality to the visibility of the rear-rear fixed decorative unit 3452.

When the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 is moved to its lower appearance position, and the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 is dropped to its performance position, the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 is positioned in front of the logo section 3411a of the rear-rear lifting decorative section 3411 of the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410. This hides the logo section 3411a, and simultaneously, the character section 3411b, which consists of multiple characters arranged in a row, is positioned above and facing forward from above the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 (see Figure 64).

With the rear-mounted lifting decorative element 3410 moved to its appearance position, reversing the rear-mounted lifting drive motor of the rear-mounted lifting mechanism 3450 allows the rear-mounted lifting decorative element 3410 to rise and return to its retracted position.

[8-11. Game board-based presentation]
Next, the effects provided by the game board 5 will be explained in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 61 to 64. Figure 61 is a front view of the game board in its normal state. Figure 62 is a front view of the game board in the state where the front-rear lifting decorative unit of the front-rear effect unit has been dropped from the standby position to the effect position. Figure 63 is a front view of the game board in the state where the rear-rear lifting decorative unit of the rear-rear effect unit has been moved from the retracted position to the appearance position. Figure 64 is a front view of the game board in the state where the front-rear lifting decorative unit of the front-rear effect unit has been dropped from the standby position to the effect position, and the rear-rear lifting decorative unit of the rear-rear effect unit has been moved from the retracted position to the appearance position.

As shown in Figure 61 and other figures, the game board 5 of this embodiment allows the rear unit 3000 and the display screen of the performance display device 1600 to be visible mainly through the frame of the center mechanism 2500. In this game board 5, the lottery mechanism 2550 and the rear lower left decorative element 3210 and rear lower right decorative element 3220 of the rear decorative unit 3200, located near the lower edge of the center mechanism 2500, are always visible through the frame. Furthermore, the rear front left decorative element 3301 of the rear front performance unit 3300 is always visible near the left edge of the frame of the center mechanism 2500.

In the normal state, the game board 5 has the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 of the front-rear performance unit 3300 in the back unit 3000 in a standby position, which is its upper moving end, and the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 of the rear-rear performance unit 3400 in a retracted position, which is its upper moving end. The front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310, which is in the standby position, is visible from the upper edge within the frame of the center mechanism 2500, facing forward. The rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410, which is in the retracted position, is located behind the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310, at the same height as the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 in the standby position, and is hidden by the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310, making it invisible from the front.

Furthermore, in the normal state, the rear lifting decorative body 3410, in its retracted position, is located in front of the rear fixed decorative part 3452 of the rear display unit 3400. Further in front of that, the front lifting decorative body unit 3310, in its standby position, is located, concealing the rear unit from view from the front.

In this normal state, the rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 is moved to an upper standby position. Therefore, the performance count display unit 3005, located on the rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 (rear front central decorative unit 3320), is positioned above the center of the display screen of the performance display device 1600. This allows it to be easily seen by the player without obstructing the performance image displayed on the performance display device 1600.

In this embodiment, the game board 5 can perform the effects shown in Figure 62 using the front-rear performance unit 3300 of the back unit 3000. In this effect, in the normal state where the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 is in an upper standby position, the front-rear lifting mechanism 3350 moves the lifting slider to the lower end using the front-rear lifting drive motor, then releases the locking claw with a drop solenoid, allowing the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 to free-fall and reach the performance position. When the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 has fallen to the performance position, it is positioned above the lottery mechanism 2550 of the center mechanism 2500 and slightly below the vertical center of the game area 5a, obscuring the area near the vertical center of the display screen of the performance display device 1600. Furthermore, when the rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 drops to its performance position, the rear rear lifting decorative unit 3410, which is in its retracted position, becomes visible near the upper edge within the frame of the center feature 2500. This causes the rear front lifting decorative unit 3310 to appear to be free-falling, surprising the player and making them believe that something good might happen (that a chance has arrived).

Next, the game board 5 can execute the effects shown in Figure 63 using the rear-view effect unit 3400 of the rear-view unit 3000. In this effect, while the rear-view lifting decorative element 3410 is in its normal state, moved to its upper retracted position, the rear-view lifting drive motor of the rear-view lifting mechanism 3450 moves the rear-view lifting decorative element 3410 to its lower end, bringing it to the appearance position. This makes the rear-view lifting decorative element 3410, which was previously obscured by the rear-view front lifting decorative element unit 3310, visible, surprising the player and increasing their anticipation for the game by making them believe a chance has arrived. Furthermore, when the rear-view lifting decorative element 3410 moves to the appearance position, it is positioned approximately in the vertical center of the display screen of the effect display device 1600. Therefore, the rear-view lifting decorative element 3410 can divide the display screen vertically, allowing the player to see an effect where the effect image is physically divided vertically.

Furthermore, as a performance using the rear-view performance unit 3400, since the rear-view lifting decorative body 3410 can be moved to any height between the retracted position and the appearance position by the rear-view lifting drive motor, as a pre-announcement performance, the rear-view lifting decorative body 3410 may be moved slightly downward from the retracted position or vibrated up and down.

Next, the game board 5 can execute the effects shown in Figure 64 using both the front-rear effect unit 3300 and the rear-rear effect unit 3400 of the rear unit 3000. In this effect, the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 is lowered from its standby position to the effect position, and the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 is moved downward from its retracted position to the appearance position. As a result, the front-rear lifting decorative unit 3310 and the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 cover the display screen of the effect display device 1600, creating a strong impact on the player. Furthermore, the rear-rear fixed decorative unit 3452, located above the display screen and previously invisible, becomes visible, giving the player a sense of premium quality and increasing their anticipation for the occurrence of advantageous game states (e.g., jackpot games).

In this performance, the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 and the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 may be moved downward simultaneously, or the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 may be dropped first, followed by the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 being moved downward, or the rear-rear lifting decorative unit 3410 may be moved downward first, followed by the rear-front lifting decorative unit 3310 being dropped.

Furthermore, since the game board 5 has a performance count display unit 3005 that is always visible from the front on the back unit 3000, it is possible to execute performances using this performance count display unit 3005. For example, a countdown display that continuously decreases the number shown on the performance count display unit 3005 may be used to count down the timing when the back front lifting decorative unit 3310 falls or the back rear lifting decorative unit 3410 moves downward. Alternatively, for example, the detection of game ball B by the lottery mechanism ball entry sensor 2546 may be used to count down until the game ball B can no longer loop in the lottery mechanism 2550.

Furthermore, the performance count display unit 3005 may display (suggest) as a number the expected probability of a special symbol being drawn by receiving game balls B into the first start port 2003 or the second start port 2004. Alternatively, since the performance count display unit 3005 has four 7-segment displays, the performance symbol may be constructed by combining the illumination of each segment, and after displaying the performance symbol in a variable manner, it may be stopped, and the expected probability may be suggested by the stopped performance symbol.

[9. Control Configuration]
Next, the control configuration for various operations of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 38 and 65. Figure 65 is a block diagram that schematically shows the control configuration of the pachinko machine. Note that in Figure 65, some electronic components such as sensors, solenoids, motors, and LEDs connected to the frame control board 640 are omitted.

The main control configuration of the pachinko machine 1, as shown in the figure, consists of a main control board 1310 and a peripheral control board 1510 mounted on the game board 5, and a frame control board 640 mounted on the main frame 4, with each board responsible for a specific control function. The main control board 1310 controls the game operation (progress of the game). The peripheral control board 1510 includes a peripheral control unit 1511 that controls various effects during gameplay based on commands from the main control board 1310, and an effect display control unit 1512 that controls the display of effect images on the effect display device 1600 based on commands from the peripheral control unit 1511.

[9-1. Main Control Board]
The main control board 1310, which controls the progress of the game, is not shown in detail in the illustration, but it includes a main control MPU, which is a microprocessor with built-in ROM for storing various processing programs and commands, and RAM for temporarily storing data; a main control I/O port as an input/output device (I/O device); a main control input circuit to which detection signals from various detection switches are input; a main control solenoid drive circuit for driving various solenoids; a RAM clear switch for completely erasing information stored in the RAM built into the main control MPU; a setting display for displaying setting values and error displays; and a base monitor for displaying the number of game balls B collected by the out port 2020 and sub-out port 2021 provided in the game area 5a partitioned in the game board 5. In addition to its built-in ROM and RAM, the main control MPU also has built-in watchdog timers to monitor its operation (system) and functions to prevent fraud.

The main control MPU includes not only its built-in RAM (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in RAM") and ROM (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in ROM"), but also a watchdog timer (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in WDT") for monitoring its operation (system), and functions to prevent fraud.

Furthermore, the main control MPU incorporates non-volatile RAM. This non-volatile RAM pre-stores a unique ID code (a code unique to each unit in the world) assigned by the manufacturer of the main control MPU for individual identification. Because this ID code is stored in non-volatile RAM, it cannot be overwritten even with external devices. The main control MPU is designed to retrieve and reference the ID code from the non-volatile RAM.

Furthermore, the main control MPU also has a built-in circuit that forcibly resets itself via hardware if it is affected by electrical noise (hereinafter referred to as the "built-in reset circuit"). The built-in reset circuit monitors the contents of a predetermined register of the main control MPU and, if the register changes to an inconsistent state, it forcibly resets the main control MPU, assuming it has been affected by electrical noise. This forced reset by the built-in reset circuit cannot be controlled or disabled by a user program. Therefore, when the main control MPU is forcibly reset by the built-in reset circuit, it resets without executing the main control side power-off processing described later, and then executes the main control side power-on processing described later again. In this case, since the main control side power-off processing is not executed, a checksum (sum value) error will inevitably occur in the main control's built-in RAM, as described later, and the contents of the main control's built-in RAM will be completely erased (cleared). Furthermore, even if the main control MPU is forcibly reset by its built-in reset circuit, the main control MPU's built-in reset circuit does not output a reset signal to the frame control board 640. Therefore, only the main control board 1310 (main control MPU) restarts, while the frame control board 640 remains in its powered-up state.

Furthermore, the main control MPU incorporates a hardware random number circuit (hereinafter referred to as the "main control built-in hardware random number circuit") that updates the random number used for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot state, among the various random numbers related to the game. This main control built-in hardware random number circuit generates random numbers within a predetermined numerical range (in this embodiment, a numerical range of 0 as the minimum value and 65535 as the maximum value is predetermined), and the circuit is configured so that a different value is set each time the main control MPU is reset, rather than the predetermined initial value being fixed (i.e., the initial value is not fixed). Specifically, when the main control MPU is reset, the main control's built-in hardware random number circuit first uses a value of 1 within a predetermined numerical range as its initial value. Based on the clock signal input to the main control MPU (a clock signal output from a crystal oscillator, not shown, that is separate from the main control MPU), it rapidly extracts other values within the predetermined numerical range without repetition. Once all values within the predetermined numerical range have been extracted, it again extracts a value of 1 within the predetermined numerical range and rapidly extracts other values within the predetermined numerical range without repetition based on the clock signal input to the main control MPU. This high-speed lottery is repeatedly performed by the main control's built-in hardware random number circuit, and the main control MPU sets the value extracted by the main control's built-in hardware random number circuit at the time of obtaining the value from it as the random number for determining the jackpot.

The main control input circuit lacks a reset terminal to forcibly reset the information received from detection signals from various sensors at its various input terminals, and therefore does not have a reset function. For this reason, the main control input circuit is configured as a circuit that does not receive a system reset signal from the main control system reset (not shown). In other words, the main control input circuit is configured as a circuit where various signals based on the detection signals from various sensors input to its various input terminals are output from its various output terminals, because the information based on that information is not reset by the main control system reset.

The main control MPU of the main control board 1310 is equipped with a first start port sensor 2101 that detects game balls B received into the first start port 2003, a second start port sensor 2401 that detects game balls B received into the second start port 2004, a general prize port sensor 3001 that detects game balls B received into the general prize port 2001, a general prize port sensor 3002 that detects game balls B received into the general prize port 2002, a large prize port sensor 2402 that detects game balls B received into the large prize port 2005, a special prize port sensor 2501 that detects game balls B received into the special prize port 2006, and a first V prize port 2007 Detection signals from the first V-entry port sensor 2502 (which detects inserted game balls B), the second V-entry port sensor 2503 (which detects game balls B received in the second V-entry port 2008), the losing port sensor 2504 (which detects game balls B received in the losing port 2009), the out-ball sensor 505 and safe-ball sensor 506 (which detect game balls B ejected from the game board 5), the magnetic sensor 1030 (which detects unauthorized magnetism within the game area 5a), and the vibration sensor 1040 (which detects vibrations acting on the game board 5), etc., are input to the input terminals of predetermined input ports of the main control MPU via the main control input circuit.

Furthermore, the detection signals from the door open switch 407 and the frame open switch 408 are input to the main control board 1310 via the frame control board 640, and then input to the input terminals of predetermined input ports of the main control MPU via the main control input circuit.

Furthermore, the detection signals from the out-ball sensor 505, the first start-up sensor 2101, and the second start-up sensor 2401 are input directly to the main control board 1310 without going through other boards, and are then input to the input terminals of predetermined input ports on the main control MPU via the main control input circuit. In contrast, the detection signals from the general prize-winning sensor 3001, the normal prize-winning sensor 3002, the large prize-winning sensor 2402, the special prize-winning sensor 2501, the first V-prize-winning sensor 2502, the second V-prize-winning sensor 2503, the losing-prize sensor 2504, the magnetic sensor 1030, and the vibration sensor 1040 are input indirectly to the main control board 1310 via the panel relay board, and are then input to the input terminals of predetermined input ports on the main control MPU via the main control input circuit.

Based on these detection signals, the main control MPU outputs control signals to the main control solenoid drive circuit from the output terminals of its predetermined output ports. This allows the main control solenoid drive circuit to output drive signals to the start-up solenoid 2412, attacker solenoid 2414, prize-winning slot solenoid 2516, first distribution solenoid 2534, second distribution solenoid 2544, lottery loop solenoid 2558, striking piece drive motor 2561, gutter swing drive motor 2564, and swing piece solenoid 2565, indirectly via the panel relay board. Alternatively, it may output drive signals to the status indicator, normal symbol indicator, normal hold indicator, first special symbol indicator, first special hold number indicator, second special symbol indicator, second special hold number indicator, and round indicator of the function display unit 1400 directly, without going through other boards. Furthermore, the main control MPU outputs a drive signal from the output terminal of its designated output port based on these detection signals, thereby outputting a drive signal to the setting change permission lamp on the setting change board.

Furthermore, the main control MPU outputs various information related to the game (game information) from the output terminals of its predetermined output ports to the frame control board 640, outputs a signal (power outage clear signal) from the output terminals of its predetermined output ports to the power outage monitoring circuit, and outputs a launch permission signal from the output terminals of its predetermined output ports to the frame control board 640 to indicate permission to launch game ball B. The logic of this launch permission signal, which indicates permission to launch, is set to launch permission logic when launching is permitted, and to launch stop logic (launch non-permission logic), which is the inverse of the launch permission logic, when launching is not permitted. The logic of the launch permission signal is configured by hardware including a main control output circuit with a reset function so that, as an initial value (default), it is set to launch stop logic (launch non-permission logic), which is the inverse of the launch permission logic, from the time the pachinko machine 1 is powered on (after power is restored) until the launch permission signal setting process in the main control side timer interrupt processing described later is started.

In this embodiment, the first start port sensor 2101, the second start port sensor 2401, the regular prize port sensor 3002, the big prize port sensor 2402, the special prize port sensor 2501, the first V prize port sensor 2502, the second V prize port sensor 2503, the losing port sensor 2504, the out ball sensor 505, the safe ball sensor 506, and the foul ball sensor 507 use non-contact type electromagnetic proximity switches, while the regular prize port sensor 3001 uses a contact type ON/OFF mechanical switch. This is because game balls B frequently enter the first start port 2003, the second start port 2004, and the regular prize port 2002, so the detection of game balls B by the first start port sensor 2101, the second start port sensor 2401, and the regular prize port sensor 3002 also occurs frequently. Therefore, the first start port sensor 2101, the second start port sensor 2401, and the regular prize entry port sensor 3002 utilize proximity switches with high durability and a long lifespan.

Furthermore, when a favorable game state occurs that is advantageous to the player (such as a "jackpot" game), the large prize entry point 2005 and the special prize entry point 2006 open, and game balls B enter frequently, resulting in frequent detection of game balls B by the large prize entry point sensor 2402 and the special prize entry point sensor 2501. For this reason, highly durable and long-lasting proximity switches are used for both the large prize entry point sensor 2402 and the special prize entry point sensor 2501. In addition, a large number of game balls B launched into the game area 5a are collected by the out-out openings 2020 and sub-out-out openings 2021 provided in the game area 5a partitioned on the game board 5, resulting in frequent detection of game balls B by the out-ball sensor 505. For this reason, a highly durable and long-lasting proximity switch is also used for the out-ball sensor 505. In contrast, the general prize slot 2001, into which game ball B does not frequently enter, does not experience frequent detection by the general prize slot sensor 3001. Therefore, the general prize slot sensor 3001 uses a mechanical switch, which has a shorter lifespan than a proximity switch. However, regardless of whether game ball B frequently enters the general prize slot 2001 or not, a proximity switch with high durability and a long lifespan may also be used.

Furthermore, the main control MPU transmits various information related to the game (game information) and various commands related to the granting of benefits to the frame control board 640, and receives various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 from the frame control board 640. In addition, the main control MPU transmits various commands related to the control of game effects and various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 to the peripheral control unit 1511 of the peripheral control board 1510 via the main control I/O ports. As will be explained in detail later, when the main control MPU receives various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 from the frame control board 640, it formats these commands and transmits them to the peripheral control unit 1511.

The main control board 1310 receives various voltages from the power supply board 650 of the frame board unit 630, although a detailed explanation will follow later. This power supply board 650, which supplies various voltages to the main control board 1310, is equipped with an electric double-layer capacitor (hereinafter simply referred to as "capacitor") as a backup power supply to provide power to the main control board 1310 for a predetermined time even when the power supply is cut off. This capacitor allows the main control MPU to store various information in the RAM during power-off processing, even when the power supply is cut off. This stored information is completely erased (cleared) from the RAM when the RAM clear switch on the main control board 1310 is operated when the power is turned on. The operation signal (detection signal) for this RAM clear switch is also output to the frame control board 640.

Furthermore, the main control board 1310 is equipped with a power outage monitoring circuit. This power outage monitoring circuit monitors the decrease in various voltages supplied from the power supply board 650, and when these voltages fall below the power outage warning voltage, it outputs a power outage warning signal. This power outage warning signal is input to the main control MPU via the main control I/O port, and is also output to the frame control board 640, etc.

[9-2. Frame control board]
The frame control board 640, which controls the number of game balls B held by the player, includes a RAM clear switch 641 for erasing information stored in RAM, a ball removal switch 642 used when removing the enclosed game balls B from the ball removal opening 513p of the circulating ball path unit 500 to the outside (ball receiving tray 620), and a ball count memory/display clear switch 643 for clearing the number of game balls held by the player stored in RAM, etc., and clearing the display on the game ball count display unit 140 of the door frame 3.

[9-3. Peripheral Control Board]
As shown in Figure 65, the peripheral control board 1510 includes a peripheral control unit 1511 that performs performance control based on commands from the main control board 1310, and a performance display control unit 1512 that performs drawing control of the performance display device 1600 based on control data from the peripheral control unit 1511.

[9-3a. Peripheral Control Unit]
The peripheral control unit 1511, which controls the performance on the peripheral control board 1510, is not shown in detail in the illustration, but it includes a peripheral control IC on which a CPU, RAM, VDP, VRAM, sound source, SATA controller, and various I/O interfaces are integrated on a single semiconductor chip, a peripheral control ROM that stores various processing programs and commands, a sound source IC that performs high-quality performance, and a sound ROM that stores sound information such as music, voice, and sound effects referenced by the sound source IC.

The peripheral control IC integrates multiple parallel I/O ports, serial I/O ports, etc., on a single semiconductor chip. When it receives various commands from the main control board 1310, the CPU of the peripheral control IC transmits game board-side light emission data from the serial I/O port for the lamp drive board to each decorative board of the game board 5 to output lighting signals, blinking signals, or gradation lighting signals to the color LEDs, etc., provided on each decorative board of the game board 5. It also transmits game board-side drive data from the serial I/O port for the game board decoration drive board to the drive motors of the game board 5 to output drive signals to the drive motors that operate the various performance units provided on the game board 5. The system transmits door-side drive data, consisting of door-side drive data for sending to a drive solenoid or to a vibrator or other device provided on the door frame 3, and door-side light-emitting data for outputting lighting signals, blinking signals, or gradation lighting signals to color LEDs or other devices provided on each decorative board of the door frame 3, from the serial I/O port for the frame decorative drive board to the door frame 3. It also transmits control data (display commands) indicating the screen to be displayed on the display device 1600 from the serial I/O port for the display control unit to the display control unit 1512. Furthermore, it outputs control signals (sound commands) for extracting sound information from the sound ROM to the sound source IC.

The detection signals from the first and second effect buttons 251 and 252 of the effect control unit 250, located on the door frame 3, are input to the peripheral control IC.

Furthermore, the CPU of the peripheral control IC receives a signal (operation signal) from the performance display control unit 1512 indicating that the unit is functioning normally, and monitors the operation of the performance display control unit 1512 based on this operation signal.

The sound source IC extracts sound information from the sound ROM based on control data (sound commands) from the CPU of the peripheral control IC, and controls the playback of music and sound effects, etc., from the top center speaker, top side speakers, and main frame speaker 403 of the main frame 4, which are located on the door frame 3 and main frame 4, to match various effects. The volume can be adjusted by rotating a volume adjustment switch that protrudes rearward from the peripheral control board box housing the peripheral control board 1510. In this embodiment, by sending acoustic signals (e.g., 2-channel stereo signal, 4-channel stereo signal, 2.1-channel surround signal, or 4.1-channel surround signal, etc.) as sound information to the top center speaker and top side speakers on the door frame 3 and the main frame speaker 403 for bass on the main frame 4, it is possible to present more realistic sound effects (sound effects) than before.

Furthermore, the peripheral control unit 1511 is equipped with an external WDT (watchdog timer), not just the internal WDT built into the peripheral control IC's CPU. The peripheral control IC's CPU uses both the internal and external WDTs to diagnose whether its system is malfunctioning.

The display commands output from the peripheral control IC's CPU to the display control unit 1512 are performed via a serial input/output port. In this embodiment, the bitrate (the amount of data that can be transmitted per unit time) is set to 19.2 kilobits per second (bps). On the other hand, the initial data, door frame side illumination/flashing commands, game board side illumination/flashing commands, movable body drive commands, etc., output from the peripheral control IC's CPU to the game board 5 are performed via multiple serial input/output ports different from those used for the display commands. In this embodiment, the bitrate is set to 250 kbps.

[9-3b. Production display control section]
The performance display control unit 1512 controls the drawing of the performance display device 1600. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the performance display control unit 1512 includes a display control MPU as a microprocessor, a display control ROM that stores various processing programs, various commands and various data, a VDP (abbreviation for Video Display Processor) that controls the display of the performance display device 1600, an image ROM that stores various data of the screen displayed on the performance display device 1600, and an image RAM to which the various data stored in this image ROM is transferred and copied.

This display control MPU incorporates parallel I/O ports, serial I/O ports, etc., and controls the VDP based on control data (display commands) from the peripheral control unit 1511 to control the drawing of the display device 1600. When the display control MPU is operating normally, it outputs an operation signal to the peripheral control unit 1511 to indicate this. Furthermore, the display control MPU receives an execution signal from the VDP, and triggers an interrupt process every 16ms when this execution signal stops.

The display control ROM stores various programs for generating the screen to be drawn on the performance display device 1600, as well as schedule data corresponding to control data (display commands) from the peripheral control unit 1511, and non-resident area transfer schedule data corresponding to that control data (display commands). The schedule data is composed of screen data that defines the screen configuration arranged in chronological order, and defines the order in which the screen to be drawn on the performance display device 1600 is determined. The non-resident area transfer schedule data is composed of non-resident area transfer data arranged in chronological order that defines the order in which various data stored in the image ROM are transferred to the non-resident area of the image RAM. This non-resident area transfer data pre-defines the order in which various data are transferred from the image ROM to the non-resident area of the image RAM in accordance with the progress of the schedule data, so that the screen data to be drawn on the performance display device 1600 is determined in advance.

The display control MPU extracts the first screen data from the display control ROM and outputs it to the VDP, based on the control data (display command) from the peripheral control unit 1511 and the corresponding schedule data. Then, it extracts the screen data following the first screen data from the display control ROM and outputs it to the VDP. In this way, the display control MPU extracts the screen data, which is arranged chronologically in the schedule data, one by one from the display control ROM, starting from the first screen data, and outputs it to the VDP.

The VDP, upon receiving screen data output from the display control MPU, extracts sprite data from the image RAM based on this input screen data to generate drawing data to be displayed on the performance display device 1600, and outputs this generated drawing data to the performance display device 1600. Furthermore, if the performance display device 1600 does not accept screen data from the display control MPU, the VDP outputs an execution signal to the display control MPU to indicate this. The VDP employs a line buffer system. This "line buffer system" is a method in which drawing data for one line representing the left-right direction of the performance display device 1600 is held in a line buffer, and this line of drawing data held in the line buffer is output to the performance display device 1600.

The image ROM stores a very large amount of sprite data, resulting in a large capacity. As the image ROM capacity increases, that is, as the number of sprites to be drawn on the display device 1600 increases, the access speed of the image ROM becomes significant, affecting the drawing speed on the display device 1600. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sprite data stored in the image ROM is transferred and copied to the image RAM, which has a faster access speed, and the sprite data is extracted from this image RAM. Note that the sprite data is the base data, which is the data before the sprite is expanded into bitmap format, and is stored in the image ROM in a compressed state.

To explain "sprites" here, a "sprite" is an image displayed as a unified unit on the visual display device 1600. For example, when displaying various people (characters) on the visual display device 1600, the data used to draw each person is called a "sprite." Therefore, when displaying multiple people on the visual display device 1600, multiple sprites are used. In addition to people, elements that make up the background, such as houses, mountains, and roads, are also sprites, and the entire background can be treated as a single sprite. These sprites are drawn on the visual display device 1600 after their positions on the screen and their overlapping order (hereinafter referred to as "sprite overlapping order") are set.

A sprite is composed of multiple rectangular areas, each 64 pixels wide and 64 pixels high. The data used to draw these rectangular areas is called a "sprite character." Small sprites can be represented using a single sprite character, while larger sprites, such as those of people, can be represented using a total of six sprite characters, for example, arranged in a 2x3 grid. Even larger sprites, like backgrounds, can be represented using even more sprite characters. Thus, the number and arrangement of sprite characters can be arbitrarily specified for each sprite.

The display device 1600 is driven by a main scan, which sets the display state of each pixel in one direction along the pixels, sequentially from left to right when viewed from the front, and a sub-scan, which repeats the main scan in a direction intersecting that direction. When the display device 1600 receives drawing data for one line output from the display control unit 1512, it performs a main scan, sequentially outputting to each pixel of that line, from left to right when viewed from the front. Once the output for one line is complete, the display device 1600 moves to the line directly below as a sub-scan. Similarly, when drawing data for the next line is received, it performs a main scan based on this next line's drawing data, sequentially outputting to each pixel of that line, from left to right when viewed from the front.

[10. Game Details]
The gameplay of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 56, etc. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a player rotates the handle 160 located at the lower right corner of the front of the door frame 3, the game balls B sealed in the circulation path R are driven through the space between the outer rail 1001 and the inner rail 1002 on the game board 5 into the upper part of the game area 5a, and the game with the game balls B begins. The game balls B driven into the upper part of the game area 5a flow down either to the left or to the right of the center mechanism 2500 depending on the force with which they are driven. The force with which the game balls B are driven can be adjusted by the amount of rotation of the handle 160, and the more clockwise it is rotated, the stronger the balls are driven, and it is possible to continuously drive up to 100 game balls B per minute, that is, at intervals of 0.6 seconds.

Furthermore, within the game area 5a, multiple obstacle pins are planted on the front of the game panel 1100 at appropriate positions in a predetermined gauge arrangement. When the game ball B strikes these obstacle pins, its flow velocity is suppressed, and various movements are imparted to the game ball B, allowing players to enjoy these movements. In addition to the obstacle pins, a windmill that rotates upon contact with the game ball B is also provided within the game area 5a, above the upper left side unit 2300 and to the left of the center mechanism 2500.

When a game ball B is driven into the upper part of the center mechanism 2500, it enters the left side of the center mechanism 2500's outer surface, beyond the highest point when viewed from the front. It then flows along the left side of the center mechanism 2500, that is, between the inner rail 1002 and the center mechanism 2500, while abutting against multiple obstacle pins. On the left side of the center mechanism 2500, the entrance to the warp passage 2512 is always open to receive the game ball B.

The game ball B that enters the warp passage 2512 is supplied to the stage 2513 located within the frame of the center mechanism 2500. It rolls horizontally across the stage 2513 and is released back into the game area 5a from either the central release section 2513a or the side release sections 2513b. Since the central release section 2513a of the stage 2513 is located in the center of the game area 5a, directly above the first start opening 2003, game ball B released from the central release section 2513a is received by the first start opening 2003 with a high probability. Game ball B released from the side release sections 2513b on either side of the central release section 2513a may also be received by the first start opening 2003 with a certain probability.

When a game ball B is received into the first starting opening 2003, a predetermined number of game balls B (for example, 3) are added to the number of balls held by the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310. Simultaneously, the main control board 1310 conducts a lottery for the first special symbol (for example, "Miss," "Small Win," "Feature Win," "2R Big Win," "5R Big Win," "15R Big Win," "Probability Change Win," "Time Reduction Win," "Probability Change Time Reduction Win," "Probability Change No Time Reduction Win," "Second Big Win," etc.). If the result of the lottery for the first special symbol is anything other than "Miss," a favorable game state is entered, giving the player an advantage. The result of the lottery for the first special symbol is then indicated to the player over a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.1 to 360 seconds, also referred to as the special variation time).

In this embodiment, if a game ball B is received into the first start port 2003 between the start of the special lottery and the indication of the lottery result for the first special symbol (special variation time), the indication of the lottery result for the first special symbol cannot be started. Therefore, the indication of the lottery result for the first special symbol is withheld until the indication of the previously drawn first special symbol is completed. The number of withheld lottery results for the first special symbol is limited to four for each of the first start ports 2003. Any results exceeding this limit are discarded without being withheld, even if game ball B is received into the first start port 2003. This suppresses the increase in the burden on the gaming hall due to the accumulation of withheld results.

Incidentally, if the game ball B that flows down to the left side of the center mechanism 2500 does not enter the warp passage 2512, it will be pushed towards the center in the left-right direction by the shelf section 2301 of the upper left side unit 2300 and the obstructing pins, and may be received by the general prize entry opening 2001 or sub-out opening 2021 of the side unit 2200, or the first start opening 2003 of the start opening unit 2100, etc. When the game ball B is received by the general prize entry opening 2001, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game ball B is added to the number of balls held by the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310.

On the other hand, if a game ball B, which is driven into the upper part of the center mechanism 2500 within the game area 5a, enters to the right of the highest point of the inflow restriction section 2511c of the center frame 2511 of the center mechanism 2500, it will pass through either the first guide passage 2521 or the second guide passage 2522 of the guide passage group 2520 of the center mechanism 2500. A game ball B that enters the first guide passage 2521 will roll along the upper surface of the mechanism entry door 2515, which closes the mechanism entry opening 2006, before being released above (directly above) the normal entry opening unit 2600. A game ball B that enters the second guide passage 2522 will be released above and to the left of the normal entry opening 2002. Therefore, if a game ball B enters the first guide passage 2521, there is a possibility that it will be received by the mechanism entry opening 2006.

The prize entry opening 2006 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern to accept game balls B when the special symbol lottery result, which is determined by receiving game balls B into the first start opening 2003 or the second start opening 2004, is a "minor win" or "prize win," etc. When game balls B are accepted into the prize entry opening 2006, a predetermined number of game balls B (for example, 10 or 13) are added to the number of game balls held by the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310.

The game ball B received in the prize entry opening 2006 is sent to the first distribution device 2530, where it is distributed by the distribution rotating body 2533 to either the chance opening 2531 or the first empty opening 2532. Game ball B distributed to the first empty opening 2532 is discharged. Game ball B distributed to the chance opening 2531 is sent to the second distribution device 2540. Game ball B sent to the second distribution device 2540 is distributed to either the first V prize entry opening 2007 or the second empty opening 2541. When game ball B is received into the first V prize entry opening 2007 by the distribution of the second distribution device 2540, a "jackpot" game is executed, in which the large prize entry opening 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined opening and closing pattern.

When the game ball B is distributed to the second slot 2541 in the second distribution device 2540, it is sent to the lottery mechanism 2550. The game ball B sent to the lottery mechanism 2550 loops between the table 2555, where the second V-prize slot 2008 is located, and the striking unit 2553, which supplies the game ball B to the table 2555, while the distribution bridge 2557 of the distribution unit 2552 moves to its loop position. When the game ball B is received by the second V-prize slot 2008, a "jackpot" game is executed, in which the large prize slot 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined opening and closing pattern.

On the other hand, once a predetermined time has elapsed and the splitting bridge 2557 has moved from the loop position to the non-loop position, opening the losing slot 2009, the game balls B that were not accepted into the second V-prize slot 2008 of the table 2555 are accepted into the losing slot 2009. The game balls B accepted into the losing slot 2009 are then discharged.

The regular prize entry point 2002, located downstream of the guide passage group 2520, is situated directly below the exit of the first guide passage 2521. Therefore, game balls B that have circulated through the first guide passage 2521 are more likely to be accepted into the regular prize entry point 2002 than game balls B that have circulated through the second guide passage 2522. Game balls B that are not accepted into the regular prize entry point 2002 flow down to the attacker unit 2400.

When a game ball B is received into the regular prize slot 2002 and detected by the regular prize slot sensor 3002, a regular lottery is performed on the main control board 1310. If the result of the lottery for the selected regular symbols is a "regular win," the second start slot 2004, which is closed by the second start slot door 2411, opens for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 to 10 seconds), allowing the game ball B to be received into the second start slot 2004.

In this embodiment, in the normal lottery conducted when a game ball B is received into the normal prize slot 2002, a certain amount of time is set between the start of the normal lottery and the indication of the normal symbol lottery result (for example, 0.01 to 60 seconds, also referred to as the normal variation time). This indication of the normal symbol lottery result is displayed on the function display unit 1400 of the game board 5. The second start slot 2004 opens after the normal variation time has elapsed.

Furthermore, if another game ball B is received by the regular prize slot 2002 between the time the game ball B is received and the result of the regular symbol draw is indicated, the indication of the regular symbol draw cannot begin. Therefore, the indication of the regular symbol draw is delayed until the previous indication of the regular symbol draw has finished. Also, the number of reserved regular symbol draw results is capped at four; any additional game balls B received by the regular prize slot 2002 are discarded without being reserved. This prevents an increase in the burden on the arcade due to an accumulation of reserved results.

Game balls B that are not received by the regular prize slot 2002 and instead flow down will flow to one of the following locations in the attacker unit 2400: the upper shelf 2421, the first shelf 2422, or to the right of the first shelf 2422. Game balls B that flow down to the upper shelf 2421 are guided to the left and released to the left of the large prize slot 2005. Therefore, game balls B that flow down onto the upper shelf 2421 will not be received by the second start slot 2004 or the large prize slot 2005.

The game ball B, having flowed down to the first shelf section 2422 of the attacker unit 2400, rolls to the left due to its inclination, and after rolling through the second start opening door 2411 (which closes the second start opening 2004), the second shelf section 2423, the large prize opening door 2413 (which closes the large prize opening 2005), and the fourth shelf section 2425, it is released to the left. The game ball B released from the fourth shelf section 2425 is received and discharged into the out opening 2020. Therefore, when game ball B flows down to the first shelf section 2422, there is a possibility that it will be received into the second start opening 2004 or the large prize opening 2005.

Game balls B that flow down to the right of the first shelf section 2422 of the attacker unit 2400 are received and discharged through the sub-outlet 2021. Although rare, if game balls B that flow down to the first shelf section 2422 enter the gap between the second shelf section 2423 and the third shelf section 2424, they are also received and discharged through the sub-outlet 2021.

When a game ball B is received into the second start port 2004 of the attacker unit 2400, a predetermined number (for example, 1) of game balls B are added to the number of balls held by the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310, and the main control board 1310 also performs a lottery for a second special symbol (for example, "miss", "minor win", "special item win", "2R jackpot", "5R jackpot", "15R jackpot", "probability change win", "time reduction win", "probability change time reduction win", "probability change no time reduction win", "second jackpot", etc.). If the result of the lottery for the second special symbol is anything other than "miss", a favorable game state is entered which is advantageous to the player. The result of the second special symbol draw is then hinted to the player over a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.1 to 360 seconds, also referred to as the special variation time) that is longer than the special variation time for the first special symbol draw.

In this embodiment, if a game ball B is received into the second starting port 2004 between the start of the special lottery and the indication of the lottery result for the second special symbol (special variation time), the indication of the lottery result for the second special symbol cannot be started. Therefore, the indication of the lottery result for the second special symbol is withheld until the indication of the previously drawn second special symbol is completed. The number of withheld lottery results for the second special symbol is limited to four for each second starting port 2004. Any results exceeding this limit are discarded without being withheld, even if game ball B is received into the second starting port 2004. This suppresses the increase in the burden on the gaming hall due to the accumulation of withheld results.

The special variation time for the second special symbol lottery result, determined by the acceptance of game ball B into the second starting port 2004, is set longer than the special variation time for the first special symbol lottery result, determined by the acceptance of game ball B into the first starting port 2003. Because the second special symbol lottery result takes longer to consume the reserved balls, even if the number of game balls B accepted per unit time into the first starting port 2003 and the second starting port 2004 is the same, the second starting port 2004 will execute fewer second special symbol lottery results. Therefore, under normal conditions, even if game ball B is shot to the right of the center mechanism 2500, there is only a possibility of it being accepted into the second starting port 2004. Since the frequency of the second special symbol lottery result being executed is low, players can be encouraged to actively perform shooting operations that cause game ball B to circulate to the left of the center mechanism 2500.

As described above, when game ball B is received into the first start opening 2003 or the second start opening 2004, the result of the lottery for the first special symbol or the second special symbol determines whether the main prize opening 2005 or the prize opening 2006 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, making them ready to receive game ball B.

Then, in the attacker unit 2400, when the large prize slot 2005 becomes available for receiving game balls B due to the results of the lottery for the first special symbol, the lottery for the second special symbol, or the acceptance of game balls B into the first V prize slot 2007 or the second V prize slot 2008, the game balls B are received into the large prize slot 2005. Once the game balls B are received into the large prize slot 2005, a predetermined number of game balls B (for example, 10 or 13) are added to the number of game balls held by the frame control board 640 via the main control board 1310.

The large prize slot 2005 opens to accept game balls B, and then, after a predetermined time (for example, 20 to 40 seconds) has elapsed, or after a predetermined number of game balls B (for example, 10) have been accepted into the large prize slot 2005, it closes to a state where it cannot accept game balls B. This opening and closing pattern (one opening and closing pattern is referred to as one round) is repeated a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds). For example, if it's a "2R jackpot," it repeats for 2 rounds; if it's a "5R jackpot," it repeats for 5 rounds; and if it's a "15R jackpot," it repeats for 15 rounds, creating a favorable game state for the player.

Furthermore, in the case of a "jackpot," there are "wins" that change the probability of drawing the first or second special symbols (such as the "jackpot") after the jackpot game ends ("probability-changing win"), or change the display time of the visual effects that hint at the results of the first or second special symbol draws ("time-saving win").

If the result of the lottery for the first special symbol or the second special symbol (for example, the result of the lottery for the second special symbol) is "Second Jackpot," the large prize slot 2005 or the prize slot 2006 will become capable of accepting game balls B in a predetermined pattern, and then a special time (ST) will be generated as a favorable game state. This ST maintains a state of probability variation or time reduction for a predetermined number of spins.

In this way, when the large prize slot 2005 and the special prize slot 2006 are capable of accepting game ball B, allowing game ball B to be accepted into the large prize slot 2005 and the special prize slot 2006 allows a large number of game ball B to be added to the player's ball count, thus entertaining the player and preventing a decline in the player's enjoyment of the game.

In this embodiment, the results of the lottery for the first special symbol and the results of the lottery for the second special symbol are indicated by the function display unit 1400 and the performance display device 1600. The function display unit 1400 is directly controlled by the main control board 1310 to indicate the lottery results for the special symbols (the lottery results for the first special symbol and the lottery results for the second special symbol). The function display unit 1400 indicates the lottery results for the special symbols by repeatedly switching multiple LEDs on and off for a predetermined time, and then indicating the lottery results for the special symbols based on the combination of the lit LEDs.

Meanwhile, the performance display device 1600, based on control signals from the main control board 1310, is indirectly controlled by the peripheral control board 1510 and displays an image indicating the result of the special symbol lottery. The performance image indicating the special symbol lottery result on the performance display device 1600 displays three rows of symbols arranged horizontally. Each row of symbols is then manipulated, and the manipulated rows are sequentially stopped. The three stopped rows of symbols are then displayed so that their combinations correspond to the special symbol lottery result. If the special symbol lottery result is anything other than "miss," after the three rows of symbols stop and each symbol is displayed, a confirmation image indicating the special symbol lottery result is displayed on the performance display device 1600, and a favorable game state (e.g., "minor win" game, "big win" game, etc.) corresponding to the special symbol lottery result occurs.

Furthermore, the time indicated by the function display unit 1400 for suggesting the special symbol lottery result (LED blinking time (special variation time)) and the time indicated by the performance display device 1600 for suggesting the special symbol lottery result (the time from when the symbol sequence changes until the confirmed image is displayed) are different, with the function display unit 1400 having a longer time setting.

Furthermore, the peripheral control board 1510, in addition to displaying performance images to indicate the results of the special symbol lottery by the performance display device 1600, can also perform player-participation performances in which the player operates the first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252 on the performance operation unit 250 in the door frame 3, depending on the results of the special symbol lottery. In player-participation performances, the first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252 can be made prominent by popping them up, allowing players to enjoy the player-participation performance by operating the first performance button 251 and the second performance button 252.

Furthermore, the peripheral control board 1510 can appropriately utilize the decorative boards provided on the door frame 3, the decorative boards provided on the game board 5, the performance display device 1600, the start gate display unit 2110, the performance count display unit 3005, the back decoration unit 3200, the front back performance unit 3300, the rear back performance unit 3400, etc., to perform lighting effects, display effects, movable effects, etc. This allows the player to be entertained through various effects, and helps to prevent a decline in the player's interest in the game.

Furthermore, in player-participation events where the player operates the first performance button 251 or the second performance button 252, the peripheral control board 1510 notifies the player if they make a mistake or fail to perform the required operation, prompting them to perform the correct operation.

According to this embodiment, when a game ball B is played into the game area 5a by a player, and a predetermined condition is met, the prize winning slot 2006 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern according to the result of the lottery for special symbols drawn by the acceptance of the game ball B into the first starting slot 2003 and the second starting slot 2004. The game ball B that has been accepted into the prize winning slot 2006 passes through the first distribution device 2530 and the second distribution device 2540 and is supplied to the guide path 2551 of the lottery prize device 2550 in the center prize device 2500, and the game ball B flows toward the downstream distribution section 2552. In the distribution unit 2552, when the losing gate 2009 opening into the guideway 2551 is closed by the distribution bridge 2557, the game ball B is distributed to the first side, the striking unit 2553. When the distribution bridge 2557 is rotated by the lottery loop solenoid 2558 and the losing gate 2009 is opened, the game ball B is distributed to the losing gate 2009 (second side). The distribution status of the game ball B is indicated by the distribution display unit 2557a of the distribution bridge 2557. When the game ball B is distributed to the first side in the distribution unit 2552, it is supplied to the striking unit 2553. On the other hand, when the game ball B is distributed to the second side (losing gate 2009) in the distribution unit 2552, it is not supplied to the striking unit 2553 and is discharged from the lottery mechanism 2550.

The game ball B supplied from the distribution unit 2552 to the striking unit 2553 is struck backward by the rotating striking piece 2560 of the striking unit 2553, causing it to circulate (roll) as it ascends the rising section 2559, which rises towards the rear. In this striking unit 2553, depending on the timing of when the game ball B is supplied and when the striking piece 2560 strikes the game ball B, the game ball B may be struck strongly or hardly struck at all. As a result, the momentum of the game ball B being struck backward varies, and if the momentum of the struck game ball B is weak, the game ball B may not be able to climb the rising section 2559 and will return to the striking unit 2553, causing the game ball B to move back and forth along the rising section 2559. Then, when the game ball B is struck forcefully by the striking section 2553 and overcomes the climbing section 2559, it is supplied to the oscillating trough 2554 located at the center of the rear end of the table 2555 in the left-right direction, and released from the oscillating trough 2554 onto the table 2555. At this time, because the oscillating trough 2554 reciprocates and oscillates around its vertical axis, the timing of the supply of the game ball B and the rotational position of the oscillating trough 2554 determine how the game ball B is released from the trough section 2554a of the oscillating trough 2554 onto the table 25555 in various directions.

The game ball B released from the oscillating trough 2554 to the table 2555 rolls forward according to its inclination and is released from the front end of the table 2555 into the guideway 2551. At this time, there is a possibility that the game ball B will be received by the second V-entry opening 2008, which is located on the central axis in the front-to-back direction passing through the center of the oscillating trough 2554 near the front end of the table 2555. At the same time, the game ball B will come into contact with the oscillating piece 2556, which is located symmetrically on both sides of the central axis between the oscillating trough 2554 and the second V-entry opening 2008, causing the direction of flow of the game ball B to either move towards the second V-entry opening 2008 or away from the second V-entry opening 2008. When the game ball B is received by the second V-entry opening 2008 of the table 2555, a favorable game state (for example, a jackpot game) is generated. On the other hand, if game ball B is not received by the second V-entry slot 2008 and is instead released from the front end of table 2555 into the guide path 2551, and then distributed to one side by the distribution unit 2552, game ball B is supplied to the oscillating trough 2554 by the striking unit 2553. Therefore, as long as game ball B is distributed to one side (striking unit 2553) by the distribution unit 2552, game ball B loops through the guide path 2551, distribution unit 2552, striking unit 2553, oscillating trough 2554, and table 2555 in that order until it is received by the second V-entry slot 2008.

Therefore, when the prize entry opening 2006 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, making it possible to supply the game ball B to the lottery prize mechanism 2550, the player can confirm whether the distribution display unit 2557a of the distribution unit 2552 is in a state to distribute the game ball B to the first side (hitting unit 2553) by looking at it. This allows the player to be excited by whether or not the game ball B received in the prize entry opening 2006 (in this case, the game ball B housed in the housing unit 2533a of the distribution rotating body 2533 in the first distribution device 2530) is supplied to the lottery prize mechanism 2550 (guidance path 2551) when the distribution display unit 2557a indicates that the distribution unit 2552 is in a state to distribute to the first side (hitting unit 2553, and consequently to the second V prize entry opening 2008). Subsequently, when the game ball B received into the prize entry opening 2006 is supplied to the lottery mechanism 2550 (guidance path 2551), the distribution unit 2552 can make the player feel excited and on edge depending on whether or not it is distributed to the first side (hitting unit 2553 side). Then, when the game ball B is distributed to the first side and supplied to the hitting unit 2553, depending on the timing of when the game ball B is struck, the game ball B may move back and forth on the climbing unit 2559, so the player can be entertained depending on whether or not the game ball B is struck with enough force to overcome the climbing unit 2559. Furthermore, since the game ball B that overcomes the climbing section 2559 is supplied to the reciprocating oscillating trough 2554, the timing of when the oscillating trough 2554 can release the game ball B toward the second V-prize opening 2008 can be used to supply the game ball B to the oscillating trough 2554. The player can be thrilled and entertained by whether or not the game ball B is struck with enough force to overcome the climbing section 2559.

When the game ball B, struck by the striking section 2553, passes over the climbing section 2559 and is supplied to the oscillating trough 2554, the player can be thrilled and excited depending on whether or not the game ball B is released from the reciprocating oscillating trough 2554 toward the second V-prize opening 2008. Even if the game ball B is released from the oscillating trough 2554 toward the central axis (second V-prize opening 2008), depending on the oscillation of the pair of oscillating pieces 2556, which are provided symmetrically on both sides of the central axis, the game ball B that comes into contact with the oscillating pieces 2556 may be pushed toward the central axis and toward the second V-prize opening 2008. Therefore, the player will not be disappointed, and the excitement will be kept high. Furthermore, the game can create suspense and excitement for the player depending on whether or not the game ball B is accepted into the second V-entry slot 2008 located near the downstream end of table 2555. If the ball is accepted into the second V-entry slot 2008, a favorable game state (a jackpot game where the main entry slot 2005 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern) is triggered, providing the player with great enjoyment.

On the other hand, even if the game ball B is not accepted into the second V-prize opening 2008, it is released into the guideway 2551 from the downstream end of the table 2555. Therefore, the distribution unit 2552 located downstream of the guideway 2551 can raise the player's expectations depending on whether or not the game ball B is distributed back to the first side (hitting unit 2553). If it is distributed back to the first side by the distribution unit 2552, it is supplied to the oscillating chute 2554 upstream of the table 2555 via the hitting unit 2553 and the climbing unit 2559, so the chance to be accepted into the second V-prize opening 2008 comes again, and the player will not be disappointed. At this point, when the distribution indicator 2557a of the distribution bridge 2557 indicates that the distribution unit 2552 is distributing to the first side (hitting unit 2553), the player can be excited by whether or not the game ball B is released from the front end of the table 2555 into the guide path 2551. Therefore, since the lottery mechanism 2550 can create suspense and excitement for the player in various situations, it is possible to keep the player from getting bored, prevent a decline in interest, and provide a pachinko machine equipped with a lottery mechanism 2550 that can entertain the player.

Furthermore, the lottery mechanism 2550 of the center mechanism 2500 has a wide, flat table 2555 extending in the front, back, left, and right directions, and a guide path 2551 is provided in front of the front end of the table 2555. Because the lottery mechanism 2550 is large, it makes the pachinko machine 1 stand out, strongly attracting the attention of players. It also increases players' anticipation for games using the lottery mechanism 2550, making it easier for players to choose this pachinko machine 1 to play, thus providing a highly appealing pachinko machine 1.

Furthermore, because the second V-prize entry point 2008 is located on the central axis in the left-right direction of the table 2555, which is tilted so that its rear end is higher, the second V-prize entry point 2008 can be made more prominent, making it easier to direct the player's gaze towards it. This also makes it easier to create anticipation for the acceptance of game balls B into the second V-prize entry point 2008, thus making it easier to encourage the player to choose this pachinko machine 1 as their preferred pachinko machine to play.

Furthermore, since a swinging chute 2554 is provided near the rear end of the table 2555, which has a raised rear end, and a pair of swinging pieces 2556 are provided symmetrically on either side of the central axis, the visibility of the rear swinging chute 2554 is not obstructed by the swinging pieces 2556. This allows the player to clearly see the second V-prize opening 2008, the pair of swinging pieces 2556, and the swinging chute 2554 on the table 2555. Therefore, the rotation and swinging of the pair of swinging pieces 2556 and the swinging chute 2554 become easier to recognize, making it easier to predict the rolling path of the game ball B. This allows the player to enjoy the movement of the game ball B depending on whether or not it rolls as predicted.

Furthermore, since the distribution unit 2552 has a losing opening 2009 in the guideway 2551 that communicates with the second side, when the distribution bridge 2557 is rotated by the lottery loop solenoid 2558 from a closed state by the distribution bridge 2557 to a state where the losing opening 2009 is opened upwards in the guideway 2551, the losing opening 2009 becomes visible to the player, making it easier for the player to recognize that the game ball B circulating in the guideway 2551 is being distributed to the second side (losing opening 2009), that is, that it is not being distributed to the first side (hitting unit 2553, and consequently, the second V-prize opening 2008). Therefore, if the conspicuous diverting exit 2009 is closed by the diverting bridge 2557, it is easy to recognize that the traffic is being diverted to the first side (hitting section 2553), and it is easy to determine which side the traffic is being diverted to simply by looking at the taxiway 2551.

Furthermore, depending on the timing of the striking of the game ball B by the striking unit 2553, the game ball B may move back and forth on the ascending unit 2559. This allows for an extended stay time for the game ball B in the lottery mechanism 2550, preventing the game from ending too quickly and disappointing the player. Additionally, the time gained by the ascending unit 2559 allows for sufficient display of the effects, such as the images on the effects display device 1600, to the player, thus providing a more enjoyable pachinko machine 1.

Furthermore, since a climbing section 2559 is provided between the striking section 2553 and the oscillating trough 2554 (oscillating passage 2562), even if the game ball B is struck hard by the striking section 2553, its momentum can be attenuated by climbing the climbing section 2559, and its momentum can be further attenuated by oscillating it left and right in the oscillating passage 2562. As a result, even though the oscillating trough 2554 is reciprocating and rotating to change the discharge direction, the momentum of the game ball B causes it to be discharged from the oscillating trough 2554 in a direction different from the discharge direction of the oscillating trough 2554, which can cause discomfort to the player. Also, the force with which the game ball B is discharged from the oscillating trough 2554 onto the table 2555 can shorten the time the game ball B stays on the table 2555. Therefore, it is possible to allow players to enjoy the release of game balls B from the oscillating trough 2554 without causing them discomfort, and to easily allow them to enjoy the movement of game balls B rolling on the table 2555.

Furthermore, if the timing of the supply of game balls B to the lottery mechanism 2550 can be selected by the player through the operation of inserting the game balls B, then it becomes possible to insert the game balls B at the timing when the distribution display unit 2557a indicates that the game balls B are being distributed to the first side. This allows players to enjoy not only the movement of the game balls B within the lottery mechanism 2550, but also the operation of inserting the game balls B, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that can suppress a decline in the player's enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, when the losing gate 2009 is opened, the distribution bridge 2557 is positioned with its tip above its base, creating an upright position from the guideway 2551. Therefore, even if the game ball B flows rapidly along the guideway 2551 and attempts to jump over the losing gate 2009, the upright distribution bridge 2557 prevents it from jumping over and entering the first side (hitting section 2553), ensuring that the game ball B is reliably distributed to the losing gate 2009 (second side).

Furthermore, when the losing gate 2009 is opened, the distribution bridge 2557 will be positioned with its tip above its base, appearing to stand upright from the guideway 2551. This makes the distribution bridge 2557 highly visible to the player, and the distribution indicator 2557a on the bridge 2557 becomes visible. Therefore, the distribution bridge 2557 (distribution indicator 2557a) can also be used to determine that the game ball B is being distributed to the second side.

[11. Details of the center mechanism on the game board]
Next, we will explain the details of the center mechanism 2500 provided on the game board 5 described above.

[11-1. Center component of the first embodiment]
The center component 2500 of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 66 to 69, etc. Figure 66 is an explanatory diagram showing the center component of the first embodiment attached to the game panel, cut in the middle in the vertical direction, and shown together with the front components. Figure 67(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative body of the center component separated into a front decorative part and a rear decorative part, viewed from the front, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative body consisting of the front decorative part and the rear decorative part, viewed from the front. Figure 68 is an explanatory diagram showing the center component of Figure 66 with the center frame placed on the base with the rear end facing downwards. Figure 69 is an explanatory diagram showing a partial cross-section of a center component equipped with a center frame to which a different decorative body from that of Figure 66 is attached.

The center mechanism 2500 of the first embodiment is provided on the game board 5 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 50 to 55, etc. This center mechanism 2500 comprises a transparent frame-shaped center frame 2511 attached to the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), warp passages 2512 that can guide game balls B from the outside of the center frame 2511 to the inside of the frame, and a stage 2513 provided at the lower edge within the frame of the center frame 2511, which causes the game balls B that have flowed through the warp passages 2512 to roll in the left-right direction before being released into the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the center component 2500 is further equipped with a decorative body 2570, which is attached to the center frame 2511 and has a predetermined decoration.

The center frame 2511 includes a frame-shaped insertion portion 2511a that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and is provided to follow the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, extending in the front-rear direction; a flat plate-shaped flange portion 2511b that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a and abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100; an inflow restricting portion 2511c that extends forward from the flange portion 2511b and restricts the inflow of game balls B flowing down the game area 5a into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100; and a flat plate-shaped support portion 2511d that protrudes from the inner circumference of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a.

The rear end of the center frame 2511 (insertion portion 2511a) is positioned forward of the rear end (rear surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel holder 1120). The rear end of the center frame 2511 may or may not protrude beyond the rear surface of the game panel 1100.

As shown in Figure 66, the decorative body 2570 comprises a flat, transparent front plate 2571 attached to the front end of the center frame 2511, a front decorative portion 2572 attached to the front surface of the front plate, and a rear decorative portion 2573 provided in front of the rear end of the center frame 2511 (insertion portion 2511a). In other words, the decorative body 2570 is provided to extend within the frame of the center frame 2511 and has a rear decorative portion 2573 provided in front of the rear end of the center frame 2511, and a front decorative portion 2572 provided to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative portion 2573. The front decorative portion 2572 and the rear decorative portion 2573 are decorated in a way that coordinates with each other.

The front plate 2571 is positioned so that its rear surface abuts against the front end surface of the inflow restriction section 2511c. This front plate 2571 forms a ball passage 2517 through which game balls B can flow between it and the support section 2511d.

As shown in Figure 67, the front decorative portion 2572 of the decorative body 2570 is decorated with a predetermined pattern (in this case, a pattern of cloud-like designs surrounding a demon's face). The front decorative portion 2572 has a transparent, translucent portion 2572a located in front of the spherical passage 2517, and a plurality of opaque, dot-like portions 2572b located on the translucent portion 2572a, which constitute part of the decorative pattern (see Figure 67(a)).

The transparent portion 2572a of the front decorative portion 2572 is formed to be either colorless and transparent or colored and transparent. In the colored and transparent portion 2572a, it is colored to a color similar to the color of the design, so as to constitute a part of the design. In this embodiment, the transparent portion 2572a of the demon's face is colored and transparent, while the transparent portion 2572a of the cloud design is colorless and transparent.

Each dot portion 2572b of the front decorative portion 2572 is colored in the same color as the pattern. As shown in the enlarged view in Figure 67(a), each of the multiple dot portions 2572b is formed in a circular shape and is arranged at an angle of 45 degrees vertically to the horizontal, with spacing equal to the diameter of each dot.

The rear decorative section 2573 is attached to the rear side of the transparent support section 2511d of the center frame 2511. The rear decorative section 2573 is provided so as to extend within the frame of the frame-shaped insertion section 2511a of the center frame 2511. The decoration on the rear decorative section 2573 is the same pattern as the front decorative section 2572, but applied opaquely. Note that if the game panel 1100 is made of a transparent material, the rear decorative section 2573 may be located on the back surface of the game panel 1100. In this case, there is an effect of increasing the area of decoration.

The front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573 are made of a transparent resin film with a decorative pattern printed on it. In this embodiment, the front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573 are formed in film form.

As shown in Figure 67(b), when viewed from the front, the decorative element 2570 allows the decoration (pattern) of the rear decorative element 2573 to be seen through the transparent, translucent portion 2572a of the front decorative element 2572. Therefore, the pattern of the rear decorative element 2573 compensates for the translucent portion 2572a, resulting in the original pattern being visible as if the translucent portion 2572a were absent.

On the other hand, when the game ball B flows through the ball passage 2517 provided between the front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573, the game ball B becomes visible through the transparent translucent section 2572a of the front decorative section 2572. This prevents the game ball B from becoming temporarily invisible, thus avoiding causing distrust or anxiety in the player, and allows them to enjoy the game with the game ball B, thus preventing a decline in enjoyment.

In this embodiment, the decorative element 2570 is attached to the center frame 2511 at a point forward of the rear end of the insertion portion 2511a. That is, when the decorative element 2570 is attached to the center frame 2511, no part of the decorative element 2570 protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame 2511. As a result, as shown in Figure 68, when the center frame 2511 is placed on the base TA with its rear end facing downwards, only the rear end surface of the insertion portion 2511a contacts (touches) the base TA.

In this embodiment, the center mechanism 2500, although details are omitted, includes, in addition to the decorative body 2570, a symbol display 2518, a first distribution device 2530, a second distribution device 2540, a lottery mechanism 2550, etc., which are mounted on the center frame 2511. The symbol display 2518 displays special symbols, fourth symbols, etc., that are drawn by receiving game balls B into the first start port 2003 and the second start port 2004.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the solenoids, such as the first distribution solenoid 2534 of the first distribution device 2530 and the second distribution solenoid 2544 of the second distribution device 2540, which are attached to the center frame 2511, are mounted so that their metal cases are located at the rear end. This ensures that when the center frame 2511 (center component 2500) is placed on the base TA with its rear end facing downwards, the sturdy metal cases of the solenoids touch the base TA, making them less susceptible to damage during assembly. In this case, a resin cover that conceals the metal cases of the solenoids may also be provided.

Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the center component 2500 is provided with wiring connected to the LED board, relay board, solenoid, etc. This wiring is routed along the insertion portion 2511a of the center frame 2511 of the center component 2500, and is concealed by the decorative element 2570. This prevents the wiring from being visible to the player, thus minimizing the visual deterioration. Alternatively, the insertion portion 2511a of the center frame 2511 could be formed as a double wall, with the wiring passed between the walls. In this case, it is desirable to use flexible flat cable (FFC) for the wiring.

In the above embodiment, the transparent portion 2572a and the dot portion 2572b may be reversed. More specifically, the transparent portion 2572a may be an opaque portion with a pattern, while the dot portion 2572b may be a transparent portion.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows the transparent portion 2572a as a transparent area, it is not limited to this, and may also be a portion that penetrates from front to back.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows a decorative body 2570 consisting of a front decorative body 2572 having a transparent portion 2572a and a dot portion 2572b in the applied decoration (pattern), and a rear decorative body 2573 having decoration (pattern) that complements the transparent portion 2572a, provided on the center frame 2511 of the center mechanism 2500, the invention is not limited to this. The decorative body 2570 may also be provided on the starter unit 2100, side unit 2200, attacker unit 2400, back unit 3000, etc.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 and rear decorative part 2573 constituting the decorative body 2570 was shown as a transparent film with a printed pattern. However, it is not limited to this, and a center component 2500 with a center frame 2511 to which the decorative body 2570A is attached, as shown in Figure 69, may also be used. This decorative body 2570A comprises a flat plate-shaped front decorative part 2572 attached to the front end of the inflow restricting part 2511c of the center frame 2511, and a three-dimensionally formed rear decorative part 2573 attached within the frame of a frame-shaped insertion part 2511a behind the front decorative part 2572.

The front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573 of the decorative body 2570A, although detailed illustrations are omitted, are each adorned with three-dimensionally molded decorations. The front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573 are each adorned with decorations that harmonize with each other. Furthermore, the front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573 are positioned so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the front.

The decorative element 2570A (rear decorative element 2573) is positioned forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511. Therefore, when the decorative element 2570A is attached to the center frame 2511, no portion of the decorative element 2570A protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame 2511.

The decorative element 2570A may be molded from pre-colored resin, or it may be painted or have stickers applied after molding. Furthermore, metallic pigments or plating may be used as decoration for the decorative element 2570A, allowing for a sparkling decoration that strongly attracts the player's attention and provides a highly appealing pachinko machine 1.

Furthermore, as part of the decorative element 2570A, a portion of the rear decorative element 2573 may be made to protrude forward to the same position as the front decorative element 2572. This makes it easier to create a sense of depth in the decorative element 2570A, thereby enhancing the decorative effect.

According to this embodiment, a decorative body 2570 is provided on a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the game panel 1100 of the game board 5. This decorative body 2570 consists of a rear decorative part 2573 provided in front of the rear end of the center frame 2511, and a front decorative part 2572 provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative part 2573. Because the center frame 2511 is transparent, it is less conspicuous, making the decorative body 2570 stand out relatively. Furthermore, because a portion of the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 of the decorative body 2570 overlap, it is possible to make the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 and the decoration of the rear decorative part 2573 difficult to discern, allowing the decoration of the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 to be shown to the player in good condition. As a result, the front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573 can be used to form a decorative body 2570 with a high decorative effect. This decorative body 2570 can strongly attract the player's attention, making it less likely for them to get bored, and thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that can suppress a decline in the player's enjoyment.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the decoration of a portion of the front decorative section 2572 constituting the decorative body 2570 (the portion in front of the ball passage 2517) is composed of a transparent section 2572a and multiple dot sections 2572b. Additionally, a rear decorative section 2573 is provided behind this section, featuring decoration that coordinates with the decoration of the front decorative section 2572 (the same pattern). Therefore, the rear decorative section 2573, visible through the transparent section 2572a, compensates for the transparent section 2572a, creating the illusion of a single, excellent decoration (pattern) that appears as if the transparent section 2572a were not present. This excellent decoration provides a highly effective decorative effect, entertaining the player.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, the decoration of the front portion of the ball passage 2517 in the front decorative section 2572 is composed of a transparent section 2572a and multiple dot sections 2572b. Therefore, the game ball B circulating in the ball passage 2517 can be viewed from the front through the transparent section 2572a. This allows players to enjoy the excellent decoration of the front decorative section 2572 and rear decorative section 2573 when no game ball B is circulating in the ball passage 2517, as the decoration of the rear decorative section 2573 is visible through the transparent section 2572a. When game ball B is circulating in the ball passage 2517, the game ball B can be viewed through the transparent section 2572a, preventing the game ball B from becoming invisible and thus avoiding causing distrust or anxiety to the player. This allows players to enjoy the game with the game ball B and prevents a decline in enjoyment.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rear decorative portion 2573 of the decorative body 2570 is positioned in front of the rear end of the center frame 2511, when the decorative body 2570 is attached to the center frame 2511 and the center frame 2511 is placed on the base TA with its rear end facing downwards, only the rear end surface of the insertion portion 2511a contacts the base TA. Therefore, when assembling or disassembling the center frame 2511 with its rear end facing downwards on the base TA, the center frame 2511 does not wobble, making assembly and disassembly easier.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rear decorative portion 2573 of the decorative body 2570 is positioned forward of the rear end of the center frame 2511, the decorative body 2570 is prevented from protruding further rearward than the rear end of the center frame 2511. This makes it easier to secure space behind the center frame 2511 (game panel 1100). Therefore, it becomes possible to install large decorative bodies or movable decorative bodies behind the center frame 2511, making it easier to construct a pachinko machine 1 that can provide greater enjoyment to players.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the symbol display unit 2518 for displaying special symbols is attached to the center frame 2511, the symbol display unit 2518 can be attached to the game panel 1100 together with the center frame 2511. This reduces the effort required to assemble the pachinko machine 1 compared to the case where the symbol display unit 2518 is attached separately.

Furthermore, the decoration of the center frame 2511 (decorative elements 2570 and 2570A) may be coordinated with the decoration applied to the game panel 1100.

[11-2. Center component of the second embodiment]
The center component 2500 of the second embodiment will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figure 70. Figure 70(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main part of the center component of the second embodiment as seen from inside the frame, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the center component of (a) with the center frame placed on a base with the rear end facing downwards.

The center mechanism 2500 of the second embodiment, although not shown in detail, is similar to the center mechanism 2500 of the first embodiment in that it comprises a transparent frame-shaped center frame 2511 attached to the front of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), warp passages 2512 that can guide game balls B from the outside of the center frame 2511 to the inside of the frame, and a stage 2513 provided at the lower edge within the frame of the center frame 2511, which causes the game balls B that have flowed through the warp passages 2512 to roll in the left-right direction before being released into the game area 5a.

Furthermore, the center component 2500 also includes a decorative body 2580, which is attached to the center frame 2511 and has a predetermined decoration applied to it.

The center frame 2511 includes a frame-shaped insertion portion 2511a that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and is provided to follow the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112, extending in the front-rear direction; a flat plate-shaped flange portion 2511b that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a and abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100; an inflow restricting portion 2511c that extends forward from the flange portion 2511b and restricts the inflow of game balls B flowing down the game area 5a into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100; and a flat plate-shaped support portion 2511d that protrudes from the inner circumference of the front end of the insertion portion 2511a.

The rear end of the center frame 2511 (insertion portion 2511a) is positioned forward of the rear end (rear surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel holder 1120). The rear end of the center frame 2511 may or may not protrude beyond the rear surface of the game panel 1100.

The decorative body 2580 comprises a front decorative section 2581, a rear decorative section 2582, a transparent front cover 2583 covering the front side of the rear decorative section 2582, a flat diffuser lens 2584 provided on the rear side of the rear decorative section 2582 and capable of irradiating light incident from the side forward, a transparent rear cover 2585 attached to the rear side of the front cover 2583 so as to cover the diffuser lens 2584 from behind, and an LED substrate 2586 on which LEDs 2586a that irradiate light onto the side of the diffuser lens 2584 are mounted.

The front decorative section 2581 is positioned further forward than the rear decorative section 2582. The front decorative section 2581 is attached to the rear side of the transparent support section 2511d on the center frame 2511.

The rear decorative portion 2582 extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, and a portion of it protrudes further rearward than the rear end of the center frame 2511 (insertion portion 2511a).

The front decorative section 2581 and the rear decorative section 2582 are decorated in a harmonious manner, and are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the front. Although not shown in the illustration, the decoration of the front decorative section 2581 and the decoration of the rear decorative section 2582 are each applied to the corresponding portion of a single design, with the overlapping portion in the front view serving as the boundary.

The front decorative section 2581 and the rear decorative section 2582 are formed entirely of opacity. That is, the front decorative section 2581 and the rear decorative section 2582 are composed of opaque parts. Furthermore, the front decorative section 2581 and the rear decorative section 2582 are translucent. Alternatively, a transparent (transparent) portion may be provided in part of the decoration of the front decorative section 2581 or the rear decorative section 2582.

The front decorative section 2581 and the rear decorative section 2582 are made of a transparent resin film with a decorative pattern printed on it. In this embodiment, the front decorative section 2581 and the rear decorative section 2582 are formed in film form.

The LED board 2586 is located behind the front decorative section 2581. This ensures that the LED board 2586 and the wiring connected to it are hidden from view by the front decorative section 2581. The LED board 2586 can illuminate the rear decorative section 2582 by illuminating the multiple LEDs 2586a mounted on it.

In this embodiment, when the decorative element 2580 is attached to the center frame 2511, a portion of it protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame 2511. As a result, as shown in Figure 70(c), when the center frame 2511 is placed on the base TA with its rear end facing downwards, the rear end of the decorative element 2580 (rear decorative portion 2582) contacts (touches) the base TA, and a portion of the rear end of the center frame 2511 also contacts the base TA.

In this embodiment, the center mechanism 2500, although details are omitted, includes, in addition to the decorative body 2580, a symbol display 2518, a first distribution device 2530, a second distribution device 2540, a lottery mechanism 2550, etc., which are mounted on the center frame 2511. The symbol display 2518 displays special symbols, fourth symbols, etc., that are drawn by receiving game balls B into the first start port 2003 and the second start port 2004.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the solenoids, such as the first distribution solenoid 2534 of the first distribution device 2530 and the second distribution solenoid 2544 of the second distribution device 2540, which are attached to the center frame 2511, are mounted so that their metal cases are located at the rear end. This ensures that when the center frame 2511 (center component 2500) is placed on the base TA with its rear end facing downwards, the sturdy metal cases of the solenoids touch the base TA, making them less susceptible to damage during assembly. In this case, a resin cover that conceals the metal cases of the solenoids may also be provided.

In the above embodiment, the insertion portion 2511a of the center frame 2511 may be formed as a double wall, and the wiring of the LED substrate 2586 may be passed between the two walls. In this case, it is desirable to use a flexible flat cable (FFC) for the wiring.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 were shown as decorations made by printing a pattern on a transparent film. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 may be three-dimensionally molded. Alternatively, the configuration of the decorative body 2570 shown in Figure 67 may be applied to this embodiment.

According to this embodiment, a decorative body 2580 is provided on a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the game panel 1100 of the game board 5. This decorative body 2580 consists of a rear decorative part 2582 that partially protrudes further back than the rear end of the center frame 2511, and a front decorative part 2581 that is located in front of the rear decorative part 2582. As a result, the transparent center frame 2511 is less conspicuous, making the decorative body 2580 stand out relatively. Furthermore, the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 of the decorative body 2580 create a decorative effect with depth that can be shown to the player. In this configuration, the rear decorative section 2582 and the front decorative section 2581 are adorned with decorations that coordinate with each other, and are designed so that parts of each overlap when viewed from the front. This makes it difficult to discern the boundary between the decorations of the front decorative section 2581 and the rear decorative section 2582 when viewed from the front. This allows the large decorations of the front and rear decorative sections 2581 and 2582 to be clearly visible to the player, and the rear and front decorative sections 2582 and 2581 can form a large, deep, and highly decorative decorative body 2580. Therefore, since a highly decorative decorative body 2580 can be provided on the center frame 2511, this decorative body 2580 can strongly attract the player's attention, making it less likely for them to become bored, and thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that can suppress a decline in the player's enjoyment.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rear decorative portion 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, the rear decorative portion 2582 does not narrow the game area 5a on the front of the game panel 1100 or make it difficult to see the game balls B flowing down the game area 5a. This allows players to enjoy playing with the game balls B in the game area 5a in a good condition.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rear decorative part 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, it is possible to decorate the area around the display device 1600 (display screen) or to display a more decorative effect (performance) in cooperation with the decorative body (movable decorative body) of the rear display unit 3300 and the rear performance unit 3400, which are located behind the game panel 1100. This provides a highly appealing pachinko machine 1 that can strongly attract the player's attention.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the opaque portion of the decorative body 2580 makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components such as the LED substrate 2586 from the front. Since the wiring can be hidden by the opaque portion, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of appearance due to visible wiring, and thus the decorative effect of the decorative body 2580 can be more easily achieved.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the decorative element 2580 (front decorative element 2581) is provided in front of the LED substrate 2586, the decorative element 2580 (decoration) can conceal the LED substrate 2586. This avoids the unsightly appearance caused by the LED substrate 2586 being visible, and makes it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative element 2580.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the symbol display unit 2518 for displaying special symbols is attached to the center frame 2511, the symbol display unit 2518 can be attached to the game panel 1100 together with the center frame 2511. This reduces the effort required to assemble the pachinko machine 1 compared to the case where the symbol display unit 2518 is attached separately.

Furthermore, the decoration of the center frame 2511 (decorative element 2580) may be coordinated with the decoration applied to the game panel 1100.

[11-3. Center component of the third embodiment]
Next, the center mechanism 2500A of the third embodiment will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 71 to 74. Figure 71 is a front view showing the game board in which the center mechanism of the third embodiment is installed, with the rear part of the game panel omitted. Figure 72 is an exploded perspective view from the front, with the center mechanism and game panel of Figure 71 separated. Figure 73 is an exploded perspective view from the front, with the center mechanism of Figure 71 separated. Figures 74(a) to (g) are explanatory diagrams showing various joining patterns between the first frame and the second frame of the center mechanism. In the following, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as those of the center mechanism 2500 described above, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the center component 2500A is positioned within the game area 5a, above the start unit 2100, slightly above the center in a front view, as shown in Figure 71, and is attached to the front of the game panel 1100. The game panel 1100 in this embodiment is constructed from a single plate, as shown in Figure 72.

The center component 2500A comprises a transparent, frame-shaped center frame 2700, warp passages 2512 that guide game balls B from the outside to the inside of the center frame 2700, and a stage 2513 located at the lower edge within the frame of the center frame 2700, which causes the game balls B that have flowed through the warp passages 2512 to roll left and right before being released into the game area 5a. As will be described in detail later, the frame-shaped center frame 2700 is divided into multiple frames in the circumferential direction of the frame. In this embodiment, decorative elements 2570 (shown in Figure 67) and 2580 (shown in Figure 70) may also be provided. Furthermore, the decoration of the center frame 2700 (decorative elements 2570, 2570A, and 2580) may be coordinated with the decoration applied to the game panel 1100.

Furthermore, the center component 2500A has connecting and holding parts 2710 that connect adjacent frames to each other, for the multiple frames that make up the center frame 2700.

Furthermore, the center mechanism 2500A includes a symbol display 2518 that displays the lottery results of special symbols drawn by receiving game balls B into the first start opening 2003 and the second start opening 2004; a second start opening unit 2720 having a gate 2010 and the second start opening 2004; an attacker unit 2730 having a large prize opening 2005; and a prize opening unit 2740 having a prize opening 2006.

[11-3a. Center Frame]
In the third embodiment, the center frame 2700 in the center mechanism 2500A is provided corresponding to the edge of the opening 1112 formed in the game panel 1100, and has an inflow restricting portion 2700a that restricts game balls B flowing down the game area 5a from flowing into the interior of the opening 1112, and a flange portion 2700b that extends from the rear end of the inflow restricting portion 2700a in a direction parallel to the front surface of the game panel 1100.

The inflow restriction portion 2700a of the center frame 2700 protrudes forward from the front of the game panel 1100 when the center frame 2700 is attached to the game panel 1100.

The flange portion 2700b extends in a flat, plate-like manner to the outside or inside of the frame, depending on its circumferential location on the center frame 2700. When the center frame 2700 is attached to the front surface of the game panel 1100, a portion of the rear surface of the flange portion 2700b abuts against the front surface of the game panel 1100.

Furthermore, the center frame 2700 has a non-flanged portion 2700c from the rear end of the inflow restriction portion 2700a on at least one side of the frame (outside or inside) where the flange portion 2700b does not extend, and an insertion portion (not shown) that extends further rearward than the flange portion 2700b and is inserted into the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100. In this non-flanged portion 2700c, the rear surface of the inflow restriction portion 2700a coincides with the rear surface of the flange portion 2700b. The insertion portion is provided in part around the entire circumference of the center frame 2700.

The frame-shaped center frame 2700 of this embodiment is divided into multiple sections in the circumferential direction. More specifically, the center frame 2700 is divided into five sections: the first frame 2701, the second frame 2702, the third frame 2703, the fourth frame 2704, and the fifth frame 2705, each formed with a similar configuration. This center component 2500A has connecting and holding sections 2710 that connect adjacent frames.

The first frame 2701 constitutes the upper part of the center frame 2700, from the upper and lower midpoint to the left edge. The second frame 2702 constitutes the lower part of the center frame 2700, from the upper and lower midpoint to the bottom edge, continuing from the lower end of the left edge of the first frame 2701. The third frame 2703 constitutes the upper part of the right edge of the center frame 2700, continuing from the right edge of the first frame 2701. The fourth frame 2704 continues from the lower end of the third frame 2703, constituting the middle part of the right edge of the center frame 2700. The fifth frame 2705 constitutes the lower part of the center frame 2700, continuing from the lower end of the fourth frame 2704 and also from the right edge of the second frame 2702.

The second frame 2702 has the warp passage 2512 and stage 2513 installed. The third frame 2703 has the prize entry unit 2740 installed. The fourth frame 2704 has the second start-up unit 2720 installed. The fifth frame 2705 has the attacker unit 2730 installed.

Below, we will describe in detail the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, as representative examples of the multiple frames that make up the center frame 2700.

First, the first frame 2701 of the center frame 2700 is made of transparent material. This first frame 2701 is formed to constitute the upper edge portion and the upper vertical portion of the left edge portion of the center frame 2700 (center component 2500A).

The first frame 2701 is provided to correspond to the edge of the opening 1112 formed in the game panel 1100 and includes a first inflow restricting portion 2701a that restricts the flow of game balls B flowing down the game area 5a into the opening 1112, a flat plate-shaped first flange portion 2701b connected to the rear end of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a and extending along the front surface of the game panel 1100, and a first non-flange portion 2701c at the rear end of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a where the first flange portion 2701b is not provided on at least one side of the frame, either the outside or the inside.

The first inflow restricting portion 2701a of the first frame 2701 is linearly inclined from near the center in the left-right direction on the upper edge so that the right side becomes lower towards the right. The left side of this portion then bends in multiple stages, becoming lower towards the left, and transitions to the left edge, with the lower end of the left edge extending vertically downwards.

One end of the connecting and holding portion 2710 is detachably attached to the inner portion of the frame near the right end of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a, and to the inner portion of the frame in the portion extending vertically downward at the lower left end.

The first flange portion 2701b is provided to extend both to the outside and inside of the frame in the portion of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a that slopes linearly downwards to the right of the upper edge. Furthermore, in the portion of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a that bends in multiple stages downwards towards the left, the first flange portion 2701b extends to the outside of the frame, except near the left end. Near the left end (above the portion extending vertically downwards from the lower left end of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a), it also extends to the inside of the frame.

The first flange portion 2701b is provided with mounting holes at appropriate positions for attachment to the game panel 1100.

The first non-flange portion 2701c is provided only on the inside of the frame at the right end of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a, and on both the outside and inside of the frame at the portion that extends vertically downward from the lower left end of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a.

Next, the second frame 2702 of the center frame 2700 is formed transparently. This second frame 2702 is formed to constitute the lower vertical portion and the lower edge portion on the left side of the center frame 2700 (center component 2500A). The warp passage 2512 and the stage 2513 are attached to the second frame 2702.

The second frame 2702 of the center frame 2700 is provided to correspond to the edge of the opening 1112 formed in the game panel 1100, and has a second inflow restricting portion 2702a that restricts the flow of game balls B flowing down the game area 5a into the interior of the opening 1112, a flat plate-shaped second flange portion 2702b connected to the rear end of the second inflow restricting portion 2702a and extending along the front surface of the game panel 1100, and a second non-flanged portion 2702c at the rear end of the second inflow restricting portion 2702a where the second flange portion 2702b is not provided on at least one side of the frame, either the outside or the inside.

The second inflow restriction section 2702a of the second frame 2702 is divided into left and right portions: a portion extending vertically along the left edge and a portion at the right end of the lower edge. There is no section between these two portions. More specifically, the left-side second inflow restriction section 2702a extends downward along the left edge from the upper end, then transitions to the lower edge, and extends briefly to the right (down-right) along the lower edge, with the right end becoming lower. The right-side second inflow restriction section 2702a extends vertically along the right end of the lower edge.

One end of the connecting and holding portion 2710 is detachably attached to the inner portion of the frame at the upper end of the left-side second inflow restriction portion 2702a, and to the right-side (right-side surface) portion of the right-side second inflow restriction portion 2702a.

The second inflow restriction section 2702a on the left side is provided with an entrance to the warp passage 2512, and a stage 2513 is provided between the left and right second inflow restriction sections 2702a.

The second flange portion 2702b is provided to extend inward from the frame in the portion that extends vertically (the left-side portion) of the left-side second inflow restricting portion 2702a, and to extend both outward and inward from the frame in the portion that extends downward to the right along the lower edge of the left-side second inflow restricting portion 2702a. This second flange portion 2702b extends significantly outward from the frame at the lower edge, connecting the two second inflow restricting portions 2702a, which are separated into left and right sections by this portion.

The second flange portion 2702b is provided with mounting holes at appropriate positions for attachment to the game panel 1100.

The second non-flange portion 2702c is located outside the frame in the portion that extends vertically along the left edge of the left-side second inflow restricting portion 2702a, and is located on the right side (right side surface) of the right-side second inflow restricting portion 2702a.

This second frame 2702 extends rearward from the second flange portion 2702b and further has a second insertion portion (not shown) that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100. The second insertion portion protrudes rearward from the second flange portion 2702b, connecting the two second inflow restricting portions 2702a, which are separated to the left and right. The stage 2513 is attached to this second insertion portion.

Next, the attachment of the center frame 2700 to the game panel 1100 will be explained using the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 as examples. The first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 are attached to the game panel 1100 by mounting screws through mounting holes provided in the first flange portion 2701b and the second flange portion 2702b.

For example, between the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, as shown in Figures 71 and 74(a), the first inflow restriction section 2701a of the first frame 2701 and the second inflow restriction section 2702a of the second frame 2702 are attached to the game panel 1100 so that they are adjacent to each other.

More specifically, the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 are mounted on the front of the game panel 1100 with the second inflow restricting section 2702a of the second frame 2702 positioned to the right of the first inflow restricting section 2701a of the first frame 2701, so that their vertical positions slightly overlap. In other words, the right side of the first inflow restricting section 2701a, where the first non-flange section 2701c is located, and the left side of the second inflow restricting section 2702a, where the second non-flange section 2702c is located, are mounted facing each other. This allows the first inflow restricting section 2701a and the second inflow restricting section 2702a to be brought as close together as possible by the first non-flange section 2701c and the second non-flange section 2702c.

By the way, in the case of the center component 2500 of the first embodiment, which uses a center frame 2511 that is not divided in the circumferential direction, if the size of the game area 5a on the front of the game panel 1100 needs to be changed due to design changes or other reasons, the center frame 2511 needs to be remade, which may increase costs.

In contrast, the center frame 2700 of this embodiment is divided into multiple frames (in this case, five frames: the first frame 2701 to the fifth frame 2705) in the circumferential direction of the frame. Therefore, the size of the game area 5a can be freely changed by changing the mounting position of each frame.

Specifically, for example, to enlarge the area below the second frame 2702 in the game area 5a, the second frame 2702 is mounted in a position moved upward compared to the state shown in Figure 74(a), as shown in Figure 74(b). This allows for expansion and contraction of the game area 5a (the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100) in the vertical direction.

Alternatively, to reduce the area to the left of the second frame 2702 in the game area 5a, as shown in Figure 74(c), the second inflow restriction section 2702a of the second frame 2702 is positioned to the left of the first inflow restriction section 2701a of the first frame 2701. This allows the second frame 2702 to be mounted in a position further to the left than in Figure 74(a). This enables expansion and contraction of the game area 5a (the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100) in the left-right direction.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 74(d), the lower end of the first inflow restriction section 2701a of the first frame 2701 and the upper end of the second inflow restriction section 2702a of the second frame 2702 may be positioned opposite each other and then butted together before being attached to the game panel 1100. This allows the left and lower areas of the second frame 2702 in the game area 5a to be reduced compared to the state shown in Figure 74(a). Also, in this case, because the first inflow restriction section 2701a and the second inflow restriction section 2702a are butted together, the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 can be made to appear as a single unit.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 74(e), a gap C may be formed between the first inflow restriction section 2701a of the first frame 2701 and the second inflow restriction section 2702a of the second frame 2702. In this case, it is desirable that the gap C be smaller than the diameter of the game ball B. If the gap C is larger than the diameter of the game ball B, obstruction pins can be installed to prevent the game ball B from passing through the gap C.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 74(f), the second non-flange portions 2702c, where the second flange portion 2702b is not formed, may also be provided on both the left and right sides of the second inflow restricting portion 2702a side of the second frame 2702. This allows the first non-flange portions 2701c to be provided on both the left and right sides of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a, and the second non-flange portions 2702c to be provided on both the left and right sides of the second inflow restricting portion 2702a, thus enabling the first inflow restricting portion 2701a and the second inflow restricting portion 2702a to be brought as close as possible in the left-right direction. Therefore, the degree of freedom in positioning the second frame 2702 relative to the first frame 2701 can be increased, allowing for adaptation to various sizes of the game area 5a due to design changes, etc. In other words, it becomes easier to accommodate expansion and contraction of the game area 5a (the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100) in the vertical and left-right directions.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 74(g), the first flange portion 2701b may be provided in the first frame 2701 up to the lower end of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a. This increases the rigidity of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a due to the presence of the first flange portion 2701b, making it less susceptible to damage even when the game ball B comes into contact with the first inflow restricting portion 2701a.

In this center frame 2700, a margin is provided between adjacent frames. This margin, although not specifically labeled, is a portion (the area around the frame ends) that allows relative movement between the ends of adjacent frames, as illustrated in Figure 74. If the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100 may expand or contract in the left-right direction, at least two margins are required to allow movement in the left-right direction. Similarly, if the opening 1112 may expand or contract in the up-down direction, at least two margins are required to allow movement in the up-down direction. Furthermore, if the opening 1112 may expand or contract in the up-down, left-right, and right-right directions, at least two margins are required in the up-down direction, and at least two in the left-right direction.

Specifically, vertical clearance is provided at both ends of the second frame 2702, that is, between the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, and between the second frame 2702 and the fifth frame 2705 (see Figures 71 to 73). Similarly, horizontal clearance is provided at both ends of the third frame 2703, that is, between the first frame 2701 and the third frame 2703, and between the third frame 2703 and the fourth frame 2704. While the vertical clearance is shown in Figure 74, the horizontal clearance is similar.

Incidentally, regarding the left-right margin, for example, in the area between the first frame 2701 and the third frame 2703, since the game ball B rolls on the upper surface of the left-right extending portion of the first inflow restricting portion 2701a of the first frame 2701, if the first frame 2701 is moved to the left and installed, a gap will be formed between the first frame 2701 and the third frame 2703, and this gap may obstruct the flow of game ball B. In such cases, spacers or obstruction pins can be provided in the margin area to prevent obstruction of the flow of game ball B. For these reasons, expanding the game area 5a (opening 1112 of the game panel 1100) in the left-right direction is more difficult than expanding it in the vertical direction, due to reasons such as the flow of game ball B.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the frame-shaped center frame 2700 in the center mechanism 2500A is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 in the circumferential direction of the frame. Therefore, when it is desired to change the size of the game area 5a due to design changes, etc., the mounting position of the divided frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 can be changed, making it easy to accommodate the change without having to remake the entire center frame 2700. This provides a pachinko machine 1 with a high degree of design flexibility.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the center frame 2700 in the center mechanism 2500A is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, when partially changing the design of the center mechanism 2500A, the center mechanism 2500A can be easily changed to the desired design by changing only the frame corresponding to the part to be changed. This reduces the cost of changing models and provides a pachinko machine 1 that can easily adapt to model changes.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the frame-shaped center frame 2700 is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 in the circumferential direction of the frame, the size of the game area 5a can be easily changed without having to remake the entire center frame 2700 by changing the mounting position of each frame to the game panel. Therefore, the cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the frame-shaped center frame 2700 in the center mechanism 2500A is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 in the circumferential direction of the frame, when a malfunction occurs in the symbol display unit 2518, the second start unit 2720, the attacker unit 2730, etc., provided in the center mechanism 2500A, it is not necessary to remove the entire center frame 2700 from the game panel 1100. Instead, only the frame containing the malfunctioning unit needs to be removed, thus simplifying maintenance work.

[11-3b. Connection holding part]
The connecting and holding section 2710 connects adjacent frames in each frame of the center frame 2700, which is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 in the circumferential direction of the frame.

By the way, in the center frame 2700 of this embodiment, as described above, the frame is divided into multiple frames in the circumferential direction. Therefore, there is a risk that some frames may fall and be damaged during assembly, maintenance, or other detachment work. To address this, this embodiment provides connecting and holding parts 2710 that connect adjacent frames. As shown in Figures 71 to 73, the connecting and holding parts 2710 are formed from flexible linear (string-like) members. From the viewpoint of fall protection, the length of these connecting and holding parts 2710 should be such that, for example, when the center frame 2700 is removed with the game board 5 standing upright, it does not reach the lower end of the game board 5.

The connecting and holding portion 2710 in this embodiment uses a decorative ball chain. This allows the connecting and holding portion 2710 to serve a decorative purpose even when visible, thus maintaining the overall appearance of the game board 5.

The connecting and holding portion 2710 is, for example, detachably attached at one end to the first inflow restricting portion 2701a of the first frame 2701 and at the second frame 2702, and detachably attached at the other end to the second inflow restricting portion 2702a of the second frame 2702. This attachment of the connecting and holding portion 2710 is similar between other frames.

Figures 71 to 73 show how the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, the first frame 2701 and the third frame 2703, and the second frame 2702 and the fifth frame 2705 are connected by a connecting and holding part 2710. However, the third frame 2703 and the fourth frame 2704, and the fourth frame 2704 and the fifth frame 2705 are also connected by a similar connecting and holding part 2710.

This connecting and holding section 2710 connects adjacent frames to each other in the multiple frames that make up the center frame 2700, such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702. Therefore, even if one frame is removed during attachment/detachment work, the removed frame will not fall onto the workbench or floor, preventing damage to the frame due to falling.

In the above embodiment, the connecting and holding portion 2710 is shown as also serving a decorative purpose, but it is not limited to this, and may be a separate portion that does not serve a decorative purpose. In this case, it is desirable to provide the connecting and holding portion 2710 in a location that is difficult to see from the front, hidden by the center frame 2700 or decorative elements.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows the connecting and holding portion 2710 visible to the player, it is not limited to this configuration. It may also be designed to be completely invisible to the player under normal conditions. In other words, if the connecting and holding portion 2710 is provided in a part of the center frame 2700 that is not visible to the player, it will not be seen by the player during normal gameplay.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows all adjacent frames connected by the connecting and holding part 2710, it is not limited to this configuration. Frames that do not need to be removed from the game panel 1100 for maintenance, etc., do not need to be connected to adjacent frames by the connecting and holding part 2710. For example, the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 have no movable parts and therefore do not require maintenance, and are also light in weight, so there is no risk of damage even if they fall, and thus they do not need to be connected. Conversely, the third frame 2703 to the fifth frame 2705 have movable parts and are heavier, so the need for connection increases. Therefore, it is desirable to simplify the system by not connecting the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, and to detachably connect the third frame 2703 to the fifth frame 2705 to other sturdy members on the back of the game board 5 (game panel 1100) rather than to other frames.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, multiple connecting and holding parts 2710 may be provided. In this case, it is desirable to bundle multiple connecting and holding parts 2710 together to prevent the connecting and holding parts 2710 from becoming entangled with obstacle nails or the like and bending them during manufacturing or maintenance.

Furthermore, by providing multiple connecting and holding parts 2710 and connecting them to multiple locations on the back of the game board 5 (game panel 1100), it becomes possible to maintain the orientation of the center frame 2700 (each frame) even when the mounting screws attaching the center frame 2700 to the game panel 1100 are removed. Therefore, during manufacturing and maintenance, it is not necessary to support the center frame 2700, improving work efficiency.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the center frame 2700 is divided into multiple frames such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 in the circumferential direction of the frame, and adjacent frames are connected to each other by connecting and holding parts 2710. Therefore, during assembly or maintenance, even if some frames detach from the game panel 1100 and attempt to fall when the mounting screws attached to the game panel 1100 are removed, the flexible, string-like connecting and holding parts 2710 connect them to the other frames, causing the connecting and holding parts 2710 to act like a safety line, keeping the detached frames suspended. As a result, the detached frames will not fall onto the workbench or floor, and will not be damaged.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the connecting and holding portion 2710 is detachably attached to the first inflow restricting portion 2701a, the second inflow restricting portion 2702a, etc., the first frame 2701, etc. can be removed from the game panel 1100 as a standalone unit by removing the attachment portion of the connecting and holding portion 2710 from the first inflow restricting portion 2701a, etc.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since adjacent frames are connected by a flexible, string-like connecting and holding portion 2710, even if the position of the second frame 2702 is changed relative to the first frame 2701 due to design changes, the connecting and holding portion 2710 can deform and follow, thus accommodating the change in position. This provides a pachinko machine 1 with a high degree of design flexibility.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 74(a), when the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702 are attached to the game panel 1100 such that a gap C is formed between the first inflow restricting portion 2701a of the first frame 2701 and the second inflow restricting portion 2702a of the second frame 2702, the connecting and holding portion 2710 that connects (connects) the first inflow restricting portion 2701a and the second inflow restricting portion 2702a may be provided with a function as a restricting portion to prevent game balls B from passing through the gap C.

[12. Details of the side unit on the game board]
Next, the details of the side unit 2200 provided on the game board 5 described above will be explained. The side unit 2200 extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the start port unit 2100 within the game area 5a and is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front. The side unit 2200 includes three general prize slots 2001 that are open to receive game balls B at all times, and one sub-out slot 2021 that is open to receive game balls B at all times.

The side unit 2200, although not shown in detail, has a general prize-winning opening 2001 and a sub-out opening 2021, and has a U-shaped cross-section that extends short in the front-to-back direction and is open upwards and to the rear, and is arranged in rows in the left-to-right direction. It also has a shelf section 2201 that extends short in the front-to-back direction in a frame-like shape, the same length as the ball-receiving sections, and is located to the right of the ball-receiving section at the right end of the front view. A flat front plate connects the front ends of the multiple ball-receiving sections and the shelf section. Flange sections extend outward in a flat shape from the rear ends of the ball-receiving section and shelf section 2201 at the left end of the front view, and trough sections extend rearward in a trough-like shape from the rear end of each ball-receiving section.

Furthermore, the side unit 2200 has two positioning protrusions projecting rearward from the flange portion and two mounting holes penetrating the flange portion. The positioning protrusions are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 (see Figure 76) of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 to position the side unit 2200 relative to the panel plate 1110. The mounting holes are for attaching the side unit 2200 to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 by inserting mounting screws from the front and screwing them into the mounting holes 1114 (see Figure 76) of the panel plate 1110 with the flange portion in contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110.

When assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2200 has multiple ball receiving sections—namely, three general prize entry points 2001 and one sub-out entry point 2021—that protrude forward from the front surface of the game panel 1100. Furthermore, the troughs extending rearward from the ball receiving sections have their rear ends located within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and do not protrude beyond the rear surface of the panel plate 1110.

This side unit 2200 guides the game balls B received in the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section) to the rear of the game panel 1100 via the trough section, and hands them over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000. The game balls B, after being handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, are detected by the general prize entry opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downwards. Meanwhile, game balls B received in the sub-out opening 2021 are similarly handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 and discharged to the safe ball receiving opening 500b of the lower circulating ball path unit 500.

This side unit 2200 connects the front ends of multiple ball-receiving sections, each with a U-shaped cross-section, to the front end of the frame-shaped shelf section 2201 with a flat front plate. Therefore, compared to conventional side units where multiple ball-receiving sections protrude forward from a flat base plate, it has higher rigidity. Consequently, during disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling, when the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2200 to the panel plate 1110 are removed and the side unit 2200 is pulled forward, the increased rigidity of the side unit 2200 prevents it from bending. This prevents the positioning projections of the side unit 2200 from tilting relative to the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110, allowing for easy removal of the side unit 2200 from the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

Furthermore, since a portion of the front panel of the side unit 2200 protrudes upward from the shelf section 2201 at its front end, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1, the worker can easily pull the side unit 2200 forward by hooking their fingers onto the protruding portion from the shelf section, thus improving the efficiency of the disassembly process.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2200 is assembled to the game board 5, the flat base plate covers the opening 1112 from the front, thus preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

[12-1. Side unit of the second embodiment]
Next, the side unit 2800 of the second embodiment will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 75 to 77. Figure 75(a) is a front view showing the main part of a game board in which the side unit of the second embodiment is installed, and (b) is a perspective view of (a) from the front. Figure 76(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the side unit separated from the game panel in the game board of Figure 75, (b) is an exploded perspective view showing the side unit of (a) separated from the front, (c) is an exploded perspective view of the side unit of (b) viewed from the rear, and (d) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the game panel and the side unit in a longitudinal section. Figure 77 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the side unit and the game panel of Figure 76 in a cross section.

In the game board 5 equipped with the side unit 2800 of this embodiment, parts with the same configuration as those shown in Figure 50 of the game board 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In the second embodiment, the side unit 2800 extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the start port unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is launched when the player operates the handle 160, and is attached to the game panel 1100 from the front. The side unit 2800 is equipped with three general prize slots 2001 that are open to receive the game ball B at all times.

As shown in Figure 76 and other figures, the side unit 2800 consists of a first component 2811 attached from the front to the flat panel plate 1110 on which the obstacle nails in the game panel 1100 are planted, and a second component 2812 attached from the rear to the first component 2811. In this embodiment, the second component 2812 is attached to the rear of the first component 2811.

The first component 2811 of the side unit 2800 has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a plurality of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a, are open at the top and rear, and form a general prize entry opening 2001.

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. The three ball-receiving portions 2811b are spaced apart from each other to the left and right, and are positioned so that the rightmost ball-receiving portion 2811b is positioned lower than the leftmost portion. The front end surface of the leftmost ball-receiving portion 2811b is formed parallel to the base plate 2811a all the way to its lower end. The remaining (center and rightmost) ball-receiving portions 2811b are inclined so that their front end surfaces move backward towards their lower ends.

Furthermore, the first component 2811 has two positioning protrusions 2811c projecting rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality (three in this case) of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attachment to the game panel 1100, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear end surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b (base plate 2811a) for attaching the second component 2812.

The two positioning protrusions 2811c are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, the two positioning protrusions 2811c are of the same length.

The three mounting holes 2811d are located near the positioning projection 2811c on the base plate 2811a and on the upper part near the left-right center of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have countersunk recesses on the front side, allowing countersunk mounting screws (not shown) to be inserted from the front into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110. When mounted on the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the heads of the mounting screws do not protrude beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

The mounting holes are into which mounting screws are screwed, which are inserted through the mounting holes (not shown) of the second component 2812, described later.

The second component 2812 is formed in a container shape that opens forward and has a ball passage 2812a that allows game balls B received in the general prize opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a passage outlet 2812b that opens towards the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2812a, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811.

As shown in Figures 76(d) and 77, the second component 2812 of this embodiment is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth fits within the thickness of the panel plate 1110. Note that Figure 76(d) is a cross-section at the ball receiving portion 2811b in the center in the left-right direction.

The spherical passage 2812a of the second component 2812 follows the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000 and is formed to become lower towards the right along the surface of the panel plate 1110. The passage exit 2812b opens towards the rear at the right end of the second component 2812, which is the downstream end of the spherical passage 2812a.

The mounting holes of the second component 2812 are provided in the same locations as the mounting holes of the first component 2811. By inserting mounting screws through the mounting holes of the second component 2812 from the rear and screwing them into the mounting holes of the first component 2811, the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

As shown in Figure 77, the side unit 2800 of this embodiment has a branch section 2801 (the area shown with light shading in Figure 77) that communicates with the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), and a main section 2802 (the area shown with dark shading in Figure 77) that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. The ball passage 2812a is composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and the main section 2802.

The branch section 2801 extends rearward from a point in front of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 to a point behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110, above the main section 2802 (within the thickness of the panel plate 1110).

The main channel 2802 runs along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and extends from near the left end to near the right end of the base plate 2811a, sloping downwards to the right. The length of the main channel 2802 is at least twice the diameter of the game ball B (in this embodiment, 8 to 10 times).

In this embodiment, the side unit 2800 is assembled by positioning the second component 2812 behind the first component 2811 and screwing mounting screws from the rear of the second component 2812 through the mounting holes in the second component 2812 into the mounting holes of the first component 2811. This constructs the side unit 2800, in which the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

As shown in the figure, the ball passage 2812a of the second component 2812 is open to the front. However, when the first component 2811 is attached to the front side for construction on the side unit 2800, the front end of the ball passage 2812a is closed by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811, preventing the game balls B from spilling forward from the ball passage 2812a. In other words, the ball passage 2812a is formed by the first component 2811 and the second component 2812. To put it another way, the ball passage 2812a is provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812.

This side unit 2800 brings the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 into contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, so that the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 closes the opening 1112 through which the panel plate 1110 penetrates. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 coincides with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, by screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening them from the front, the side unit 2800 is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. At this time, because the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 are provided near the positioning projection 2811c, screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100 allows the positioning projection 2811c to be firmly pressed towards the panel plate 1110 side, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113, and preventing the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

When the side unit 2800 is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 (the assembled game board 5), the second component 2812 is located within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and within the thickness of the panel board 1110, and is located in front of the rear surface of the panel board 1110. In other words, when assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2800 does not protrude beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110, making it possible to secure ample space behind the panel board 1110.

In this embodiment, the side unit 2800 and the panel board 1110 are made of transparent synthetic resin, allowing the decoration of the performance unit located behind the panel board 1110 to be viewed from the front through the side unit 2800, etc. Here, a lower performance unit 3500 is provided behind the side unit 2800, having a lower movable decorative element 3510 that can be raised and lowered according to the progress of the game. This lower movable decorative element 3510 is provided so as to be able to move up and down between a standby position where most of it is located below the frame of the center feature 2500, and an advanced position where it rises from the standby position and is located within the frame of the center feature 2500. When the lower movable decorative element 3510 is in the lowered standby position, it can be viewed from the front through the transparent side unit 2800 and panel board 1110.

In the side unit 2800, when a game ball B is received into the general prize opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving section 2811b, which forms the general prize opening 2001, to the ball passage 2812a located behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110. After flowing down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 via the ball passage 2812a, it is handed over from the passage exit 2812b to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000, which is located behind the side unit 2800. The game ball B handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 is detected by the general prize opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downwards.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the passage exit 2812b of the second component 2812 is located below the lower movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general prize entry sensor 3001, which detects the game ball B received in the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), is located below the lower movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800, the general prize entry sensor 3001, etc., do not obstruct the lower movable decorative body 3510.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side unit 2800 does not have a general prize entry sensor 3001, while the back unit 3000 (back ball guidance unit 3100) has the general prize entry sensor 3001. In other words, the side unit 2800 has a wiring-free structure. In this way, by providing electronic components such as ball sensors and magnetic sensors, which require wiring, on the back unit 3000 for various units attached to the front of the panel board 1110 in the game panel 1100, when the mounting screws attached to the panel board 1110 are removed and the unit is pulled forward, the unit remains connected by wiring through the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110. Therefore, there is no need to cut the wiring or disconnect the connectors, and the unit can be removed from the panel board 1110 without worrying about the wiring, allowing for efficient disassembly.

According to the side unit 2800 of this embodiment, since the first component 2811 is provided with a flat base plate 2811a, mounting screws are screwed through mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a into mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, thereby attaching the first component 2811 to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. This allows the base plate 2811a to cover the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 from the front, making it possible to hide the rear of the panel plate 1110 (game panel 1100) through the opening 1112 from the front (player side), thereby improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5). On the other hand, since the second component 2812 is provided with a ball passage 2812a that allows the game ball B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110, the cross-section of the ball passage 2812a is U-shaped, and the rigidity of the second component 2812 can be increased by the presence of the ball passage 2812a. Furthermore, although the rigidity of the first component 2811 may be low because the base plate 2811a is flat, the rigidity of the first component 2811 may be low because the second component 2812, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage 2812a, is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811 from the mounting holes using mounting screws to form the side unit 2800, and therefore the rigidity of the side unit 2800 can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, when the mounting screws screwed into the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 via the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 are removed and the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the increased rigidity of the side unit 2800 prevents it from bending. As a result, the positioning projection 2811c of the side unit 2800 (first component 2811) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110. This allows the side unit 2800 to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), thus reducing the disassembly work required for sorting and recycling.

However, since the two positioning protrusions 2811c on the first component 2811 are positioned to be separated in the longitudinal direction of the first component 2811, when the first component 2811 is pulled forward during disassembly, the center of the first component 2811 will bend forward, causing it to curve. This bending will cause a force to act on the positioning protrusions 2811c so that their tips, which are separated in the longitudinal direction, tend to move closer together, potentially causing the positioning protrusions 2811c to become stuck in the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the side unit 2800 is formed by attaching the second component 2812 to the rear side of the first component 2811. Because the rigidity of the side unit 2800 is increased, even when the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the side unit 2800 does not bend, and the positioning projection 2811c, which is separated in the longitudinal direction, does not tilt. This allows the side unit 2800 to be easily removed from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for separation.

Furthermore, because multiple ball-receiving portions 2811b protrude forward beyond the front surface of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1, the ball-receiving portions 2811b can be grasped and pulled forward when removing the side unit 2800 from the panel plate 1110, making the removal of the side unit 2800 easier.

Furthermore, since the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 blocks the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, since the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear side using mounting screws via mounting holes (not shown), the mounting screws attaching the second component 2812 can be made less visible from the front, thereby improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5).

Furthermore, since a ball passage 2812a is provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812 to guide the game ball B that has entered the ball receiving section 2811b (general prize entry opening 2001) down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and this passage protrudes into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, compared to conventional side units where the game ball B that has entered the general prize entry opening 2001 is guided behind the rear surface of the game panel 1100 and the ball passage is provided behind the rear surface of the game panel 1100 to guide it down, the thickness of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) can be effectively utilized, and it is easier to secure empty space behind the panel plate 1110. Therefore, it becomes possible to install a performance device such as the back-side performance unit 3500 (back-side movable decorative body 3510) in this empty space, and a pachinko machine 1 with a higher appeal to players can be provided.

Furthermore, since the two positioning protrusions 2811c on the first component 2811 are positioned to be separated in the longitudinal direction of the first component 2811, when the side unit 2800 is attached to the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the side unit 2800 does not rotate along the surface of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2800 can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the game panel 1100.

In the above embodiment, the game panel 1100 is shown to be made of a transparent resin panel board 1110, but it is not limited to this, and the game panel 1100 may also be made of wood. By using wood for the game panel 1100, the thickness of the board is increased compared to that of a resin board, making it easier to utilize the thickness of the game panel 1100 more effectively.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800 is shown having a ball passage 2812a composed of multiple branch sections 2801 communicating with each ball receiving section 2812c, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 merge, it is not limited to this configuration. The ball passage 2812a may also be independent for each ball receiving section 2811b.

Furthermore, although the above-described side unit 2800 does not include a ball sensor for detecting the game ball B received in the ball receiving section 2811b, it is not limited to this configuration, and a ball sensor may be included. If a ball sensor is included in the side unit 2800, it is desirable to place the ball sensor within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, or to place the ball sensor below the rear display device (rear lower display unit 3500).

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800 does not have an LED board on the rear side, it is not limited to this configuration, and LEDs for illumination decoration may also be provided. When an LED board is provided in the side unit 2800, it is desirable to provide a unit cover that covers the LED board from the rear and whose front end surface abuts against the rear surface of the side unit 2800 (second component 2812), and to provide non-contact surfaces that do not touch the contact surfaces where the unit cover and the side unit come into contact. This allows the LEDs on the LED board to illuminate the side unit 2800, and allows heat from the LEDs to be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surfaces.

[12-2. Modifications of the side unit]
Next, various modifications of the side unit 2800 of the above embodiment will be described in detail.

[12-2a. Modification of the side unit 1]
Next, a side unit 2800A, which has a different configuration from the side unit 2800 shown in Figure 75 above, will be described mainly with reference to Figure 78. Figure 78 is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit with a different configuration from the side unit in Figure 75, together with a game panel in a vertical cross-section. Here, components that are the same as those in the side unit 2800 above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800A extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starter unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is launched when the player operates the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (two to four) general prize entry openings 2001 that are open to receive game ball B at all times.

The side unit 2800A consists of a first component 2811, which is attached from the front to the flat panel plate 1110 on which the obstacle nails in the game panel 1100 are planted, and a second component 2813, which is provided behind the first component 2811.

The first component 2811 of the side unit 2800A has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a plurality of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a and are open at the top and rear, forming a general prize entry opening 2001. Furthermore, the first component 2811 has a plurality of positioning projections 2811c that protrude rearward from the base plate 2811a, and a plurality of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attachment to the game panel 1100 (see Figure 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. Multiple positioning protrusions 2811c are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning protrusion 2811c is the same length. Multiple mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning protrusions 2811c on the base plate 2811a and in the upper part near the left-right center of the base plate 2811a. Countersunk recesses are formed on the front side of these mounting holes 2811d, and countersunk mounting screws (not shown) that are screwed into mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 are inserted from the front. When mounted on the front of panel 1110, the heads of the mounting screws do not protrude beyond the front surface of base plate 2811a.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the base plate 2811a and the front surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811.

The second component 2813 of the side unit 2800A has a ball passage 2813a that allows game balls B that have entered the ball entry opening of the ball receiving portion 2811b (general prize entry opening 2001) of the first component 28111 to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 within an opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 so as to be within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, and a ball sensor 2813b that detects game balls B flowing through the ball passage 2813a.

The second component 2813 may be composed of a single component or may be composed of a combination of multiple components.

As shown in the figure, the spherical passageway 2813a is positioned near the lower end of the opening 1112, bends backward, and then bends downward along the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, with its downstream end extending below the opening 1112. In other words, the spherical passageway 2813a bends backward at a point below the rearward-facing display unit 3500 (rearward-facing movable decorative element 3510). This allows for sufficient space for the rearward-facing display unit 3500, enabling a wider range of motion (up/down range) of the rearward-facing movable decorative element 3510, or allowing the rearward-facing movable decorative element 3510 to be made larger.

The sphere sensor 2813b is located in a portion of the sphere passage 2813a that extends along the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. In other words, the sphere sensor 2813b is located below the rearward-facing display unit 3500 (rearward-facing movable decorative element 3510) located in the sphere passage 2813a, and therefore does not obstruct the rearward-facing movable decorative element 3510.

The first component 2811 of the side unit 2800A is attached to the front surface of the panel 1110 of the game panel 1100 by screwing mounting screws into mounting holes 1114 of the panel 1110 via mounting holes 2811d, while simultaneously inserting the base plate 2811a into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel 1110, with the base plate 2811a abutting against the front surface of the panel 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the corresponding opening 1112 in the panel 1110, and tightening the mounting screws into mounting holes 1114 of the panel 1110 via mounting holes 2811d.

On the other hand, the second component 2813 of the side unit 2800A is attached to the back box 3010 of the back unit 3000. When the second component 2813 is attached to the back unit 3000, although not shown in the illustration, a portion of the spherical passage 2813a (the part housed within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110) protrudes forward from the back box 3010.

Then, when the rear unit 3000 is attached to the rear side of the game panel 1100, the portion of the second component 2813 that protrudes forward from the rear box 3010 is inserted from the rear into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and this portion is positioned behind the first component 2811, thus constructing the side unit 2800A.

When assembled to the game board 5, the rear surface of the portion of the second component 2813 that extends into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the ball passage 2813a protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. This protrusion amount TL is set to be less than or equal to half the diameter D of the game ball B.

By the way, when the game panel 1100 is formed by injection molding, the thickness of the game area 5a where the obstacle nails are planted tends to be thinner than when the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made of wooden plywood or a resin plate that has been cut. Therefore, the portion of the second component 2813 that is aligned with the surface of the panel plate 1110 in the ball passage 2813a may not fit within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 and may protrude behind the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. If the amount of protrusion of the second component 2813 behind the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 is large, it becomes impossible to secure sufficient space behind it. In contrast, in this embodiment, the amount TL protruding from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 at the ball passage 2813a portion of the second component 2813 is set to 1/2 or less of the diameter D of the game ball B. Therefore, sufficient space can be secured at the rear, and a rear-facing display unit 3500 (rear-facing movable decorative element 3510) of the desired size can be provided.

In the side unit 2800A, when a game ball B is received into the general prize opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811, which forms the general prize opening 2001, to the ball passage 2813a located behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110, and then transferred to the ball passage 2813a of the second component 2813. The game ball B, having been transferred to the ball passage 2813a of the second component 2813, first flows down along the surface of the panel plate 1110, staying within the thickness of the panel plate 1110. Near the lower end of the opening 1112, it flows behind the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, and then flows downward along the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. Afterward, the game ball B is detected by the ball sensor 2813b and then discharged downward from an outlet (not shown).

The side unit 2800A of this embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the side unit 2800 described above.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800A, the second component 2813, which is equipped with the ball sensor 2813b, is attached to the rear unit 3000 located behind the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110). Therefore, the first component 2811, which is attached to the panel board 1110, does not have the ball sensor 2813b. Consequently, electronic components such as the ball sensor 2813b are grouped together in the rear unit 3000, and the wiring from the ball sensor 2813b does not extend from the game panel 1100. Therefore, during the manufacturing of the game board 5, when assembling the game panel 1100 and the rear unit 3000, the wiring from the ball sensor 2813b will not get caught on obstacles such as pins, thus avoiding wire breakage due to snagging and improving the efficiency of the assembly work.

Furthermore, with the side unit 2800A, by assembling it with the game board 5, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 closes the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front. This prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, the side unit 2800A may be provided with an independent ball passage 2813a for each ball receiving section 2811b, or, similar to the ball passage 2812a of the side unit 2800, a single ball passage 2813a may be provided downstream of the ball receiving section 2811b to merge the game balls B that have entered each ball receiving section 2811b.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800A shows the second component 2813 attached to the rear unit 3000, it is not limited to this configuration; the second component 2813 may also be attached to the rear side of the first component 2811.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows a game panel 1100 equipped with a transparent resin panel board 1110, it is not limited to this, and a wooden game panel 1100 may also be used. By using wood for the game panel 1100, the board thickness is increased compared to a resin one, making it easier to utilize the board thickness of the game panel 1100 more effectively.

[12-2b. Modification of the side unit 2]
Next, a side unit 2800B, which has a different configuration from the side unit 2800 and side unit 2800A described above, will be explained mainly with reference to Figure 79. Figure 79(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit with a different configuration from the side unit shown in Figure 77, along with the game panel, in a vertical cross-section, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the LED board and board cover of the side unit in (a) in a perspective view. Here, components with the same configuration as the side unit 2800 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800B extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starter unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is launched when the player operates the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (two to four) general prize entry openings 2001 that are open to receive the game ball B at all times.

The side unit 2800B comprises a unit body 2810 attached from the front to a flat panel plate 1110 on which obstacle nails are planted in the game panel 1100; a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear of the unit body 2810; and an LED board 2825 provided between the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820, on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted. The unit body 2810 and unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800B are made of transparent synthetic resin.

Furthermore, the side unit 2800B has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 provided on a part of the contact surface portion 2830 that is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800B includes a first component 2811 attached from the front to the flat panel plate 1110 on which obstacle nails are planted in the game panel 1100; a second component 2812 attached from the rear to the first component 2811; and a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811. Also in this embodiment, the support frame portion 2814 protrudes from the rear surface of the second component 2812.

The first component 2811 of the unit body 2810 has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a plurality of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a, are open at the top and rear, and form a general prize entry opening 2001. Furthermore, the first component 2811 has a plurality of positioning protrusions 2811c that protrude rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a and are for attachment to the game panel 1100, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear end surface of the base plate 2811a for attaching the second component 2812 (see Figure 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. Multiple positioning protrusions 2811c are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning protrusion 2811c is the same length. Multiple mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning protrusions 2811c on the base plate 2811a and in the upper part near the left-right center of the base plate 2811a. Countersunk recesses are formed on the front side of these mounting holes 2811d, and countersunk mounting screws (not shown) that are screwed into mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 are inserted from the front. When mounted on the front of panel 1110, the heads of the mounting screws do not protrude beyond the front surface of base plate 2811a.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the base plate 2811a and the front surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811.

The second component 2812 is formed in a container shape that opens forward and has a ball passage 2812a that allows game balls B received in the general prize opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a passage outlet (not shown) that opens towards the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2812a, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811, and mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear surface for attaching the unit cover 2820.

The second component 2812 has a support frame portion 2814 on its rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the second component 2812 has a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer peripheral edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. The rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 abuts against the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later, when assembled with the side unit 2800B. That is, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The support frame portion 2814 (contact surface portion 2830) of the second component 2812 is located above the exit of the spherical passage 2812a, which is not shown. In other words, the exit of the passage of the second component 2812 is located below the support frame portion 2814 (contact surface portion 2830).

The unit body 2810 is assembled by positioning the second component 2812 behind the first component 2811, and then screwing mounting screws from the rear of the second component 2812 through the mounting holes in the second component 2812 into the mounting holes of the first component 2811. This constructs the unit body 2810, in which the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

As shown in Figure 79, the second component 2812 of this embodiment is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth fits within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800B is formed in a shallow, open container shape, and houses the LED substrate 2825 inside. As shown in Figure 79, the unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b protruding forward from the outer edge of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c recessed from the front end in a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Multiple ventilation slits may be provided in the cover portion 2820a.

Furthermore, the unit cover 2820 has multiple boss portions 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a, shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED substrate 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a, through which mounting screws for attaching it to the unit body 2810 are inserted.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is sized to cover the LED substrate 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has the same outer shape as the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810. The front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b contacts the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810 when assembled to the side unit 2800B. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The notches 2820c are provided on the upper and lower sides of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. By assembling the notches 2820c to the side unit 2800B, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame portion 2814 on the unit body 2810. In other words, the notches 2820c form a non-contact surface portion 2831 on a part of the contact surface portion 2830, which is formed by the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. These notches 2820c allow ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, enabling heat from the LED substrate 2825 mounted inside to be dissipated to the outside, preventing heat buildup in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800B is mounted inside the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface in contact with the front end of the boss portion 2820d on the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800B, the side unit 2800B can be illuminated and decorated with various colors.

This side unit 2800B can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, bringing the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 into contact with the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810, and then screwing mounting screws into the mounting holes of the second component 2812 of the unit body 2810 through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 from the rear of the unit cover 2820 and tightening them.

To attach the side unit 2800B to the game panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 is brought into contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 through which the panel plate 1110 penetrates. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 coincides with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, by screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening them from the front, the side unit 2800B is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. At this time, because the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 are provided near the positioning projection 2811c, screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 allows the positioning projection 2811c to be firmly pressed towards the panel plate 1110 side, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113, and preventing the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

In the side unit 2800B, the second component 2812 of the unit body 2810 is provided with a ball passage 2812a that allows the game balls B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110. Since the cross-section of the ball passage 2812a portion of the second component 2812 is U-shaped, the presence of the ball passage 2812a increases the rigidity of the second component 2812. Furthermore, since the second component 2812, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage 2812a, is attached to the first component 2811, which may have low rigidity due to having a flat base plate 2811a, from the rear side to form the side unit 2800B, the rigidity of the side unit 2800B can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, when the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800B to the panel board 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800B is pulled forward, the rigidity of the side unit 2800B is increased, preventing it from bending. As a result, the positioning projection 2811c of the side unit 2800B (first component 2811) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel board 1110, allowing the side unit 2800B to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800B is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 (the assembled game board 5), the second component 2812 of the unit body 2810 is located within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and within the thickness of the panel board 1110, and is located in front of the rear surface of the panel board 1110.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800B is assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820 protrudes further rearward than the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, and a portion of the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) of the unit cover 2820 also protrudes further rearward than the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. In this case, since the notches 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) are provided both above and below, the upper notch 2820c allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 to be discharged upward, while the lower notch 2820c allows outside air to be drawn in. Also, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the portion of the unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800B that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, that is, between the outer circumference of the second component 2812 and the inner circumference of the opening 1112. These features make it easier to release heat from the LED substrate 2825 to the outside through the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831), allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is positioned behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831) in the side unit 2800B. In other words, in a plan view, the LED board 2825 is positioned so as not to overlap with the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831). This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to enter the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c and thus minimizes the impact of dust and dirt. In addition, since a notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enter from the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downwards from the lower notch 2820c.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side unit 2800B, when assembled to the game board 5, uses the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 to block the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front. This prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800B is assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820, which is attached to the rear side of the second component 2813 of the unit body 2810, protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. This protrusion is set to be less than or equal to half the diameter D of the game ball B, similar to the side unit 2800A in Figure 78.

Incidentally, when the game panel 1100 is formed by injection molding, the thickness of the game area 5a where the obstacle nails are planted tends to be thinner than when the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made of wooden plywood or a cut resin plate. As a result, the part of the unit body 2810 that is aligned with the surface of the panel plate 1110 in the ball passage 2812a, and the unit cover 2820 attached to the rear of the unit body 2810, may not fit within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 and may protrude further back than the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. Furthermore, if the amount of protrusion behind the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800B is large, it becomes impossible to secure sufficient space behind it. In contrast, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 of the side unit 2800B, which extends within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 in the ball passage 2813a and along the surface of the panel plate 1110, is set to be 1/2 or less of the diameter D of the game ball B. Therefore, sufficient space can be secured at the rear, and a rear-facing display unit 3500 (rear-facing movable decorative element 3510) of the desired size can be provided.

In the side unit 2800B, when a game ball B is received into the general prize opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving section 2811b, which forms the general prize opening 2001, to the ball passage 2812a located behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110. After flowing down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 via the ball passage 2812a, it is transferred to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000, which is located at the rear via a passage exit (not shown). The game ball B transferred to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 is detected by the general prize opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downwards.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the side unit 2800B has a passage exit (not shown) of the second component 2812 in the unit body 2810 that is positioned below the movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general prize slot sensor 3001, which detects the game ball B received in the general prize slot 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), is positioned below the movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800B, the general prize slot sensor 3001, etc., do not obstruct the movable decorative body 3510.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the side unit 2800B has the same unit body 2810 as the side unit 2800 in Figure 76, and includes a branch section 2801 communicating with the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), and a main section 2802 that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100. The ball passage 2812a is composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and the main section 2802.

The side unit 2800B of this embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above-described side unit 2800B, a notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820. However, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the notch 2820c may be provided in the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810, extending from the rear end to the front. Alternatively, notches (non-contact surfaces) may be provided in both the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800B shows a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 projecting rearward from the unit body 2810, with its rear end surface serving as a contact surface portion 2830, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the unit body 2810 may be designed without the support frame portion 2814, with the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) contacting the rear surface of the unit body 2810, thus serving as the contact surface portion 2830. This eliminates the need for the rearward-projecting support frame portion 2814, reducing the amount of projection from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800B, and allowing for a wider space behind the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800B shows the LED board 2825 mounted on the unit cover 2820, it is not limited to this configuration. The LED board 2825 may also be mounted on the rear side of the unit body 2810 (second component 2812).

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800B described above, a diffusion lens portion consisting of multiple protrusions and indentations that diffuse light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED substrate 2825. This diffusion lens portion may be provided on the rear surface of the unit body 2810 (second component 2812), or on a separate component from the unit body 2810.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800B is shown to have a ball passage 2812a composed of multiple branch sections 2801 communicating with each ball receiving section 2811b, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 merge, it is not limited to this configuration. The ball passage 2812a may also be independent for each ball receiving section 2811b.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows a game panel 1100 equipped with a transparent resin panel board 1110, it is not limited to this, and a wooden game panel 1100 may also be used. By using wood for the game panel 1100, the thickness of the board will be greater compared to a resin one, making it easier to make more effective use of the thickness of the game panel 1100. However, if the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 will enter the panel board 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and diffuse inside the panel board 1110, reducing the amount of light irradiated forward, which may weaken the effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the game panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 does not enter the interior of the game panel 1100 from the inner surface of the opening 1112. Instead, it can be reflected by the inner surface of the opening 1112, thereby suppressing the reduction in the amount of light emitted forward and making it easier to fully realize the effects of the light emission.

[12-2c. Modification of the side unit 3]
Next, a side unit 2800C, which has a different configuration from the one described above, will be explained, mainly with reference to Figure 80. Figure 80 is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit with a different configuration from the side unit shown in Figure 79, along with the game panel, in a vertical cross-section. Here, components with the same configuration as the side unit 2800B described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800C extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starter unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is launched when the player operates the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (two to four) general prize entry openings 2001 that are open to receive the game ball B at all times.

The side unit 2800C comprises a unit body 2810 attached from the front to a flat panel plate 1110 on which obstacle nails are planted in the game panel 1100; a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear of the unit body 2810; and an LED board 2825 provided between the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820, on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted. The unit body 2810 and unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800B are formed from transparent synthetic resin.

Furthermore, the side unit 2800C has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 provided on a part of the contact surface portion 2830 that is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800B includes a first component 2811 attached from the front to a flat panel plate 1110 on which obstacle nails are planted in the game panel 1100; a second component 2812 attached from the rear to the first component 2811; a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting the front end surface of the unit cover 2820; and a ball sensor 2815 (general prize slot sensor 3001) provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812 for detecting game balls B received into the general prize slot 2001. In this embodiment, the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811. Also in this embodiment, the support frame portion 2814 protrudes from the rear surface of the second component 2812.

The first component 2811 of the unit body 2810 has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a plurality of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a, are open at the top and rear, and form a general prize entry opening 2001. Furthermore, the first component 2811 has a plurality of positioning protrusions 2811c that protrude rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a and are for attachment to the game panel 1100, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear end surface of the base plate 2811a for attaching the second component 2812 (see Figure 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. Multiple positioning protrusions 2811c are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning protrusion 2811c is the same length. Multiple mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning protrusions 2811c on the base plate 2811a and in the upper part near the left-right center of the base plate 2811a. Countersunk recesses are formed on the front side of these mounting holes 2811d, and countersunk mounting screws (not shown) that are screwed into mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 are inserted from the front. When mounted on the front of panel 1110, the heads of the mounting screws do not protrude beyond the front surface of base plate 2811a.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the base plate 2811a and the front surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811.

The second component 2812 is formed in a container shape that opens forward and has a ball passage 2812a that allows game balls B received in the general prize opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a passage outlet 2812b that opens towards the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2812a, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811, and mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear surface for attaching the unit cover 2820.

The second component 2812 has a support frame portion 2814 on its rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the second component 2812 has a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer peripheral edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. The rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 abuts against the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later, when assembled with the side unit 2800C. That is, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The support frame portion 2814 (contact surface portion 2830) of the second component 2812 is positioned above the passage exit 2812b of the sphere passage 2812a and the sphere sensor 2815. In other words, the passage exit 2812b and the sphere sensor 2815 of the second component 2812 are positioned below the support frame portion 2814 (contact surface portion 2830). This makes it less likely for the sphere sensor 2815 to interfere with the illumination decoration by the LEDs 2825a of the LED substrate 2825.

The unit body 2810 is assembled by positioning the second component 2812 behind the first component 2811, and screwing mounting screws from the rear of the second component 2812 through the mounting holes of the second component 2812 into the mounting holes of the first component 2811. At this time, the ball sensor 2815 is positioned and assembled in a predetermined location in the ball passage 2812a so that it is sandwiched between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812. This constructs the unit body 2810 with the second component 2812 attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

As shown in Figure 80, the second component 2812 of this embodiment is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth fits within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800C is formed in a shallow, open container shape, and houses the LED substrate 2825 inside. This unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b protruding forward from the outer edge of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c recessed from the front end in a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Multiple ventilation slits may be provided in the cover portion 2820a.

Furthermore, the unit cover 2820 has multiple boss portions 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a, shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED substrate 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a, through which mounting screws for attaching it to the unit body 2810 are inserted.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is sized to cover the LED substrate 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has the same outer shape as the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810. The front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b contacts the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810 when assembled to the side unit 2800C. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The notches 2820c are provided on the upper and lower sides of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. By assembling the notches 2820c to the side unit 2800C, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame portion 2814 on the unit body 2810. In other words, the notches 2820c form a non-contact surface portion 2831 on a part of the contact surface portion 2830, which is formed by the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. These notches 2820c allow ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, enabling heat from the LED substrate 2825 mounted inside to be dissipated to the outside, preventing heat buildup in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800C is mounted inside the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface in contact with the front end of the boss portion 2820d on the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800C, the side unit 2800C can be illuminated and decorated with various colors.

This side unit 2800C can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, bringing the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 into contact with the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810, and then screwing mounting screws into the mounting holes of the second component 2812 of the unit body 2810 through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 from the rear of the unit cover 2820 and tightening them.

To attach the side unit 2800C to the game panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 is brought into contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 through which the panel plate 1110 penetrates. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 coincides with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, by screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening them from the front, the side unit 2800C is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. At this time, because the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 are provided near the positioning projection 2811c, screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 allows the positioning projection 2811c to be firmly pressed towards the panel plate 1110 side, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113, and preventing the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

In the side unit 2800C, the second component 2812 of the unit body 2810 is provided with a ball passage 2812a that allows the game balls B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110. Since the cross-section of the ball passage 2812a portion of the second component 2812 is U-shaped, the presence of the ball passage 2812a increases the rigidity of the second component 2812. Furthermore, since the second component 2812, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage 2812a, is attached to the first component 2811, which may have low rigidity due to having a flat base plate 2811a, from the rear side to form the side unit 2800C, the rigidity of the side unit 2800C can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, when the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800C to the panel board 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800C is pulled forward, the rigidity of the side unit 2800C is increased, preventing it from bending. As a result, the positioning projection 2811c of the side unit 2800C (first component 2811) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel board 1110, allowing the side unit 2800C to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800C is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 (the assembled game board 5), the second component 2812 and the ball sensor 2815 of the unit body 2810 are located within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and within the thickness of the panel board 1110, and are located in front of the rear surface of the panel board 1110.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800C is assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820 protrudes further rearward than the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, and a part of the notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) of the unit cover 2820 also protrudes further rearward than the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. In this case, since the notches 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) are provided both above and below, the upper notch 2820c allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 to be discharged upward, while the lower notch 2820c allows outside air to be drawn in. Also, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the portion of the unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800C that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, that is, between the outer circumference of the second component 2812 and the inner circumference of the opening 1112. These features make it easier to release heat from the LED substrate 2825 to the outside through the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831), allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is positioned behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831) in the side unit 2800C. In other words, in a plan view, the LED board 2825 is positioned so as not to overlap with the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831). This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to reach the LED board 2825 even if they enter the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, thus minimizing the impact of dust and dirt. Additionally, since a notch 2820c is provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters through the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downwards through the lower notch 2820c.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side unit 2800C, when assembled to the game board 5, uses the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 to block the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front. This prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800C is assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820, which is attached to the rear side of the second component 2813 of the unit body 2810, protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. This protrusion is set to be less than or equal to half the diameter D of the game ball B, similar to the side unit 2800A in Figure 78.

By the way, when the game panel 1100 is formed by injection molding, the thickness of the game area 5a where the obstacle nails are planted tends to be thinner than when the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made of wooden plywood or a cut resin plate. As a result, the part of the unit body 2810 that is aligned with the surface of the panel plate 1110 in the ball passage 2812a, and the unit cover 2820 attached to the rear of the unit body 2810, may not fit within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 and may protrude behind the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. Furthermore, if the amount of protrusion behind the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800C is large, it becomes impossible to secure sufficient space behind it. In contrast, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 of the side unit 2800C, which extends within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 in the ball passage 2813a and along the surface of the panel plate 1110, is set to 1/2 or less of the diameter D of the game ball B. Therefore, sufficient space can be secured at the rear, and a rear-facing display unit 3500 (rear-facing movable decorative element 3510) of the desired size can be provided.

In the side unit 2800C, when a game ball B is received in the general prize opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving section 2811b, which forms the general prize opening 2001, to the ball passage 2812a located behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110. The ball then flows down the ball passage 2812a along the surface of the panel plate 1110 within its thickness, is detected by the ball sensor 2815, and is discharged from the passage outlet 2812b, which opens towards the rear.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the side unit 2800C has a passage exit 2812b of the second component 2812 in the unit body 2810 positioned below the lower movable decorative element 3510 in the standby position. Furthermore, the ball sensor 2815 (general prize slot sensor 3001), which detects the game ball B received in the general prize slot 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), is provided within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110. Therefore, the side unit 2800C, the ball sensor 2815, etc., do not interfere with the lower movable decorative element 3510.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the side unit 2800C has the same unit body 2810 as the side unit 2800 in Figure 76, and has a branch section 2801 that communicates with the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), and a main section 2802 that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100. The ball passage 2812a is composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and the main section 2802.

The side unit 2800C of this embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above-described side unit 2800C, a notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820. However, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the notch 2820c may be provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, while a notch (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810, cut from the rear end to the front. Alternatively, notches (non-contact surfaces) may be provided in both the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800C shows a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 projecting rearward from the unit body 2810, with its rear end surface serving as a contact surface portion 2830, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the unit body 2810 may be designed without the support frame portion 2814, with the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) contacting the rear surface of the unit body 2810, thus serving as the contact surface portion 2830. This eliminates the need for the rearward-projecting support frame portion 2814, reducing the amount of projection from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800C, and allowing for a wider space behind the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800C shows the LED board 2825 mounted on the unit cover 2820, it is not limited to this configuration. The LED board 2825 may also be mounted on the rear side of the unit body 2810 (second component 2812).

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800C described above, a diffusion lens portion consisting of multiple protrusions and indentations that diffuse light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED substrate 2825. This diffusion lens portion may be provided on the rear surface of the unit body 2810 (second component 2812), or on a separate component from the unit body 2810.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800C is shown to have a ball passage 2812a composed of multiple branch sections 2801 communicating with each ball receiving section 2811b, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 merge, it is not limited to this configuration. The ball passage 2812a may also be independent for each ball receiving section 2811b.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows a game panel 1100 equipped with a transparent resin panel board 1110, it is not limited to this, and a wooden game panel 1100 may also be used. By using wood for the game panel 1100, the thickness of the board will be greater compared to a resin one, making it easier to make more effective use of the thickness of the game panel 1100. However, if the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 will enter the panel board 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and diffuse inside the panel board 1110, reducing the amount of light irradiated forward, which may weaken the effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the game panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 does not enter the interior of the game panel 1100 from the inner surface of the opening 1112. Instead, it can be reflected by the inner surface of the opening 1112, thereby suppressing the reduction in the amount of light emitted forward and making it easier to fully realize the effects of the light emission.

[12-2d. Modification of the side unit 4]
Next, a side unit 2800D, which has a different configuration from the one described above, will be explained mainly with reference to Figure 81, etc. Figure 81 is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit of yet another configuration in a vertical cross-section together with the game panel. Here, the same reference numerals are used to describe the same components as in the side unit 2800, side unit 2800B, and side unit 2800C described above.

The side unit 2800D extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starter unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is launched when the player operates the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (two to four) general prize entry openings 2001 that are open to receive the game ball B at all times.

The side unit 2800D comprises a unit body 2810A attached from the front to a flat panel plate 1110 on which obstacle nails are planted in the game panel 1100; a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear of the unit body 2810A; and an LED board 2825 provided between the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820, on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted. The unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800D are made of transparent synthetic resin.

Furthermore, the side unit 2800D has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 provided on a part of the contact surface portion 2830 that is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800D has a first component 2811A attached from the front to the flat panel plate 1110 on which the obstacle nails in the game panel 1100 are planted, a second component 2812A attached from the rear to the first component 2811A, and a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the second component 2812A is attached to the front side of the first component 2811A. Also, the support frame portion 2814 protrudes from the rear surface of the first component 2811A.

The first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a ball passage 2811e that penetrates the base plate 2811a and through which game balls B can flow. The upstream end of the ball passage 2811e of the first component 2811A is located behind the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A, which will be described later.

Furthermore, the first component 2811A has a plurality of positioning protrusions 2811c projecting rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attachment to the game panel 1100, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attaching the second component 2812A, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear surface for attaching the unit cover 2820 (see Figure 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. Multiple positioning protrusions 2811c are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning protrusion 2811c is the same length. Multiple mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning protrusions 2811c on the base plate 2811a and in the upper part near the left-right center of the base plate 2811a. Countersunk recesses are formed on the front side of these mounting holes 2811d, and countersunk mounting screws (not shown) that are screwed into mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 are inserted from the front. When mounted on the front of panel 1110, the heads of the mounting screws do not protrude beyond the front surface of base plate 2811a.

The first component 2811A has a support frame portion 2814 on its rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the first component 2811A has a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer peripheral edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. The support frame portion 2814 is located on the rear surface of the base plate 2811a, below the spherical passage 2811e. The rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 abuts against the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later, when assembled with the side unit 2800D. That is, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The second component 2812A has several ball-receiving portions 2812c that extend short in the front-rear direction and are open at the top and rear, forming a general prize-winning opening 2001; a flat front plate 2812d connecting the front ends of the several ball-receiving portions 2812c; and several mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811A. The ball-receiving portions 2812c are located in front of the ball passage 2811e of the first component 2811A.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the front plate 2812d of the second component 2812A.

The unit body 2810A is assembled by positioning the second component 2812A in front of the first component 2811A, and then screwing mounting screws into the mounting holes of the second component 2812A from the rear through the mounting holes of the first component 2811A. This constructs the unit body 2810A, in which the second component 2812A is attached to the first component 2811A from the rear. In this unit body 2810A, the ball-receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A protrudes forward from the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A.

As shown in Figure 81, the first component 2811A of this embodiment is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth fits within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800D is formed in a shallow, open container shape, and houses the LED substrate 2825 inside. This unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b protruding forward from the outer edge of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c recessed from the front end in a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Multiple ventilation slits may be provided in the cover portion 2820a.

Furthermore, the unit cover 2820 has multiple boss portions 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a, shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED substrate 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a, through which mounting screws for attaching it to the unit body 2810A are inserted.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is sized to cover the LED substrate 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has the same outer shape as the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A. The front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b contacts the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A when assembled to the side unit 2800D. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The notches 2820c are provided on the upper and lower sides of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. By assembling the notches 2820c to the side unit 2800D, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame portion 2814 on the unit body 2810A. In other words, the notches 2820c form a non-contact surface portion 2831 on a part of the contact surface portion 2830, which is formed by the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. These notches 2820c allow ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, enabling heat from the LED substrate 2825 mounted inside to be dissipated to the outside, preventing heat buildup in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800D is mounted inside the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface in contact with the front end of the boss portion 2820d on the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800D, the side unit 2800D can be illuminated and decorated with various colors.

This side unit 2800D can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, bringing the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 into contact with the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, and then screwing mounting screws into the mounting holes of the first component member 2811A of the unit body 2810A through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 from the rear of the unit cover 2820 and tightening them.

To attach the side unit 2800D to the game panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A is brought into contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 through which the panel plate 1110 penetrates. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811A are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A coincides with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, by screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811A into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening them from the front, the side unit 2800D is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. At this time, because the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811A are provided near the positioning projection 2811c, screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 allows the positioning projection 2811c to be firmly pressed towards the panel plate 1110 side, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113, and preventing the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

In the side unit 2800D, when assembled to the unit body 2810A, the multiple ball receiving portions 2812c of the second component 2812A are sandwiched at their front and rear ends between the front plate 2812d of the second component 2812A and the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A. This structure allows for increased rigidity compared to conventional side units. Therefore, during disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, when the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800D to the panel plate 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800D is pulled forward, the increased rigidity of the side unit 2800D prevents it from bending. As a result, the positioning projection 2811c of the side unit 2800D (first component 2811A) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel board 1110, allowing the side unit 2800D to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800D is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 (the assembled game board 5), the ball passage 2811e of the first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 (LED board 2825) are located within the thickness of the panel board 1110 within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110, and are located in front of the rear surface of the panel board 1110. Because the LED board 2825 is provided within the thickness of the panel board 1110 in the game panel 1100, the thickness of the panel board 1110 is effectively utilized, making it easier to secure empty space behind the LED board 2825 (unit cover 2820). Therefore, it becomes possible to install part of the display device in this empty space, providing a pachinko machine 1 with a higher appeal to players.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800D of this embodiment, the unit cover 2820 has notches 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) at the top and bottom. Therefore, the upper notch 2820c allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 to be expelled upwards, while the lower notch 2820c allows outside air to be drawn in. Also, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the portion of the unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800D that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, and the inner circumference of the opening 1112. These features facilitate the release of heat from the LED substrate 2825 to the outside through the notches 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), enabling efficient heat dissipation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is positioned behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831) in the side unit 2800D. In other words, in a plan view, the LED board 2825 is positioned so as not to overlap with the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831). This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to enter the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c and thus minimizes the impact of dust and dirt. In addition, since a notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enter from the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downwards from the lower notch 2820c.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800D is assembled to the game board 5, the notch 2820c of the unit cover 2820 is located within the opening 1112 in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110. Therefore, dust and dirt are less likely to enter the unit cover 2820 from above through the notch 2820c.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800D is assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the inner surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100. The opening 1112 is also covered from the front by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811. This allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 inside the unit cover 2820 to be dissipated towards the rear of the panel plate 1110 through the gap between the notch 2820c and the inner surface of the opening 1112. It also prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

In the side unit 2800D, when a game ball B is received into the general prize opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A, which forms the general prize opening 2001, to the ball passage 2811e of the rear first component 2811A. After flowing backward through the ball passage 2811e within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, it is handed over to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000, which is located behind the panel plate 1110 (game panel 1100). The game ball B handed over to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 is detected by the general prize opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downward.

The side unit 2800D of this embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above-described side unit 2800D, a notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820. However, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the notch 2820c may be provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, while a notch (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, cut from the rear end to the front. Alternatively, notches (non-contact surfaces) may be provided in both the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800D shows a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 projecting rearward from the unit body 2810A, with its rear end surface serving as a contact surface portion 2830, the design is not limited to this. Alternatively, the support frame portion 2814 may be omitted from the unit body 2810A, and the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) may contact the rear surface of the unit body 2810A, with the contact area serving as the contact surface portion 2830. This eliminates the need for the rearward-projecting support frame portion 2814, allowing the LED board 2825 to be positioned further forward, thus enabling a brighter luminous decoration (luminous effect) to be displayed to the player.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800D shows the LED board 2825 mounted on the unit cover 2820, it is not limited to this configuration. The LED board 2825 may also be mounted on the rear side of the unit body 2810A (first component 2811A).

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800D described above, a diffusion lens portion consisting of multiple protrusions and indentations to diffuse light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED substrate 2825. This diffusion lens portion may be provided on the rear surface of the unit body 2810A (the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A), or it may be provided on a component separate from the unit body 2810A.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows a game panel 1100 equipped with a transparent resin panel board 1110, it is not limited to this, and a wooden game panel 1100 may also be used. By using wood for the game panel 1100, the thickness of the board will be greater compared to a resin one, making it easier to make more effective use of the thickness of the game panel 1100. However, if the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 will enter the panel board 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and diffuse inside the panel board 1110, reducing the amount of light irradiated forward, which may weaken the effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the game panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 does not enter the interior of the game panel 1100 from the inner surface of the opening 1112. Instead, it can be reflected by the inner surface of the opening 1112, thereby suppressing the reduction in the amount of light emitted forward and making it easier to fully realize the effects of the light emission.

[12-2e. Modification 5 of the side unit]
Next, a side unit 2800E with a different configuration from the one described above will be explained, mainly with reference to Figure 82. Figure 82 is an explanatory diagram showing a side unit with a different configuration in a vertical cross-section together with the game panel. Here, components with the same configuration as the side unit 2800D described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800E extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starter unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is launched when the player operates the handle 160, and is equipped with multiple (two to four) general prize entry openings 2001 that are open to receive the game ball B at all times.

The side unit 2800E comprises a unit body 2810A attached from the front to a flat panel plate 1110 on which obstacle nails are planted in the game panel 1100; a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear of the unit body 2810A; and an LED board 2825 provided between the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820, on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted. The unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800E are made of transparent synthetic resin.

Furthermore, the side unit 2800E has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 provided on a part of the contact surface portion 2830 that is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800E has a first component 2811A that is attached from the front to the flat panel plate 1110 on which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a second component 2812A that is attached from the rear to the first component 2811A, and a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the second component 2812A is attached to the front side of the first component 2811A. Also, the support frame portion 2814 protrudes from the rear surface of the first component 2811A.

The first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A includes a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a ball passage 2811e that penetrates the base plate 2811a and opens forward, allowing game balls B received in the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a passage outlet (not shown) that opens towards the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2811e.

Furthermore, the first component 2811A has a plurality of positioning protrusions 2811c projecting rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attachment to the game panel 1100, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attaching the second component 2812A, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear surface for attaching the unit cover 2820 (see Figure 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. Multiple positioning protrusions 2811c are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning protrusion 2811c is the same length. Multiple mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning protrusions 2811c on the base plate 2811a and in the upper part near the left-right center of the base plate 2811a. Countersunk recesses are formed on the front side of these mounting holes 2811d, and countersunk mounting screws (not shown) that are screwed into mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 are inserted from the front. When mounted on the front of panel 1110, the heads of the mounting screws do not protrude beyond the front surface of base plate 2811a.

The first component 2811A has a support frame portion 2814 on its rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the first component 2811A has a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer peripheral edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. The support frame portion 2814 is provided on the rear surface of the base plate 2811a. The rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 abuts against the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later, when assembled with the side unit 2800E. That is, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The second component 2812A has a plurality of ball-receiving portions 2812c that extend short in the front-rear direction and are open at the top and rear, forming a general prize-winning opening 2001; a flat rear plate 2812e connecting the rear ends of the plurality of ball-receiving portions 2812c; and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811A.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative seal 2803 is attached to the front surface of the ball-receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A and to the front surface of the rear plate 2812e.

The unit body 2810A is assembled by positioning the second component 2812A in front of the first component 2811A, and then screwing mounting screws into the mounting holes of the second component 2812A from the rear through the mounting holes of the first component 2811A. This constructs the unit body 2810A, in which the second component 2812A is attached to the first component 2811A from the rear. In this unit body 2810A, the ball-receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A protrudes forward from the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800E has a branch section 2801 that communicates with the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c), and a main section 2802 that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100. The ball passage 2811e is composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and the main section 2802.

The branch section 2801 extends rearward from a point in front of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 to a point behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110, above the main section 2802 (within the thickness of the panel plate 1110).

The main channel 2802 runs along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and extends from near the left end to near the right end of the base plate 2811a, sloping downwards to the right. The length of the main channel 2802 is at least twice the diameter of the game ball B (in this embodiment, 8 to 10 times).

Furthermore, when assembled to the unit body 2810A, the ball passage 2811e, which is open to the front in the first component 2811A, is closed off by the rear plate 2812e of the second component 2812A, except for the area behind the ball receiving portion 2812c. This prevents game balls B from spilling forward from the ball passage 2811e. In other words, the ball passage 2811e is formed by the first component 2811A and the second component 2812A. To put it another way, the ball passage 2811e is provided between the first component 2811A and the second component 2812A.

As shown in Figure 82, the first component 2811A of this embodiment is formed such that the portion excluding the base plate 2811a is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and its depth fits within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800E is formed in a shallow, open container shape, and houses the LED substrate 2825 inside. This unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b protruding forward from the outer edge of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c recessed from the front end in a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Multiple ventilation slits may be provided in the cover portion 2820a.

Furthermore, the unit cover 2820 has multiple boss portions 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a, shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED substrate 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a, through which mounting screws for attaching it to the unit body 2810A are inserted.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is sized to cover the LED substrate 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has the same outer shape as the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A. The front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b contacts the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A when assembled to the side unit 2800E. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The notches 2820c are provided on the upper and lower sides of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. By assembling the notches 2820c to the side unit 2800D, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame portion 2814 on the unit body 2810A. In other words, the notches 2820c form a non-contact surface portion 2831 on a part of the contact surface portion 2830, which is formed by the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. These notches 2820c allow ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, enabling heat from the LED substrate 2825 mounted inside to be dissipated to the outside, preventing heat buildup in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800E is mounted inside the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface in contact with the front end of the boss portion 2820d on the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800E, the side unit 2800E can be illuminated and decorated with various colors.

This side unit 2800E can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, bringing the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 into contact with the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, and then screwing mounting screws into the mounting holes of the first component member 2811A of the unit body 2810A through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 from the rear of the unit cover 2820 and tightening them.

To attach the side unit 2800E to the game panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A is brought into contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 through which the panel plate 1110 penetrates. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811A are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A coincides with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, by screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811A into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening them from the front, the side unit 2800E is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. At this time, because the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811A are provided near the positioning projection 2811c, screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 allows the positioning projection 2811c to be firmly pressed towards the panel plate 1110 side, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113, and preventing the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

In the side unit 2800E, the first component 2811A is provided with a ball passage 2811e that allows game balls B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110. Since the cross-section of the ball passage 2811e is U-shaped, the rigidity of the first component 2811A is increased by the presence of the ball passage 2811e. On the other hand, the second component 2812A has a form in which multiple ball receiving parts 2812c protrude forward from a flat rear plate 2812e, so it is similar to a conventional side unit and has low rigidity. However, by assembling it with the unit body 2810A, the rigidity can be increased compared to a conventional side unit due to the increased rigidity of the first component 2811A. Therefore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, when the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800E to the panel board 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800E is pulled forward, the increased rigidity of the side unit 2800E prevents it from bending. As a result, the positioning projection 2811c of the side unit 2800E (first component 2811A) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel board 1110, allowing the side unit 2800E to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800E is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 (the assembled game board 5), the first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A is located within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and within the thickness of the panel board 1110, and is located in front of the rear surface of the panel board 1110.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800E is assembled to the game board 5, the unit cover 2820 protrudes further rearward than the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. In this case, since notches 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) are provided at the top and bottom, the upper notch 2820c allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 to be discharged upward, while the lower notch 2820c allows outside air to be drawn in. Also, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the portion of the unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800E that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110, that is, between the outer circumference of the ball passage 2811e of the first component member 2811A and the inner circumference of the opening 1112. These features make it easier to release heat from the LED substrate 2825 to the outside through the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831), allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is positioned behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831) in the side unit 2800E. In other words, in a plan view, the LED board 2825 is positioned so as not to overlap with the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831). This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to reach the LED board 2825 even if they enter the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, thus minimizing the impact of dust and dirt. In addition, since a notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enter from the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downwards from the lower notch 2820c.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800E is assembled to the game board 5, the notch 2820c of the unit cover 2820 is located within the opening 1112 in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110. Therefore, dust and dirt are less likely to enter the unit cover 2820 from above through the notch 2820c.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800E is assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the inner surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100. The opening 1112 is also covered from the front by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811. This allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 inside the unit cover 2820 to be dissipated towards the rear of the panel plate 1110 through the gap between the notch 2820c and the inner surface of the opening 1112. It also prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800E is assembled to the game board 5, as shown in Figure 82, a portion (the front end) of the ball passage 2811e provided on the unit body 2810A protrudes forward beyond the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. Here, the ball passage 2811e protrudes forward by the thickness of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A. This reduces the amount of protrusion of the unit cover 2820 (LED substrate 2825) that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110, thus ensuring sufficient space behind the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and allowing for the installation of a rear-facing display unit 3500 (rear-facing movable decorative element 3510) of the desired size.

Furthermore, the amount of projection from the panel 1110 to the rear is set to be less than or equal to half the diameter D of the game ball B, similar to the side unit 2800A in Figure 78.

By the way, when the game panel 1100 is formed by injection molding, the thickness of the game area 5a where the obstacle nails are planted tends to be thinner than when the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) is made of wooden plywood or a cut resin plate. As a result, the part of the unit body 2810A that is aligned with the surface of the panel plate 1110 in the ball passage 2811e, and the unit cover 2820 attached to the rear side of the unit body 2810A, may not fit within the thickness of the panel plate 1110 and may protrude behind the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. Furthermore, if the amount of protrusion behind the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800E is large, it becomes impossible to secure sufficient space behind it. In contrast, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800E is set to 1/2 or less of the diameter D of the game ball B. Therefore, sufficient space can be secured at the rear, and a rear-facing display unit 3500 (rear-facing movable decorative element 3510) of the desired size can be installed.

In the side unit 2800E, when a game ball B is received into the general prize opening 2001, it is guided to the rear ball passage 2811e by the ball receiving section 2812c that forms the general prize opening 2001. The ball then flows down along the surface of the panel plate 1110, staying within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, before being passed to the rear ball guidance unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000 via a passage exit (not shown). After being passed to the rear ball guidance unit 3100, the game ball B is detected by the general prize opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downwards.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the side unit 2800E has a passage exit (not shown) of the first component 2811A in the unit body 2810A that is positioned below the movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general prize slot sensor 3001, which detects the game ball B received in the general prize slot 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c), is positioned below the movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800E, the general prize slot sensor 3001, etc., do not obstruct the movable decorative body 3510.

The side unit 2800E of this embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above-described side unit 2800E, a notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820. However, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the notch 2820c may be provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, while a notch (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, cut out from the rear end to the front. Alternatively, notches (non-contact surfaces) may be provided in both the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800E shows a frame-shaped support frame portion 2814 projecting rearward from the unit body 2810A, with its rear end surface serving as a contact surface portion 2830, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the support frame portion 2814 may be omitted from the unit body 2810A, and the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) may abut against the rear surface of the unit body 2810A, with the abutting portion serving as the contact surface portion 2830. This eliminates the need for a rearward-projecting support frame portion 2814, thereby reducing the amount of projection from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 in the side unit 2800E, and allowing for a wider space behind the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800E shows the LED board 2825 mounted on the unit cover 2820, it is not limited to this configuration. The LED board 2825 may also be mounted on the rear side of the unit body 2810A (first component 2811A).

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800E described above, a diffusion lens portion consisting of multiple protrusions and indentations that diffuse light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED substrate 2825. This diffusion lens portion may be provided on the rear surface of the unit body 2810A (first component 2811A), or it may be provided on a separate component from the unit body 2810A.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800E has a ball passage 2811e composed of multiple branch sections 2801 communicating with each ball receiving section 2812c, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 merge, the design is not limited to this configuration. The ball passage 2811e may also be independent for each ball receiving section 2812c.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows a game panel 1100 equipped with a transparent resin panel board 1110, it is not limited to this, and a wooden game panel 1100 may also be used. By using wood for the game panel 1100, the thickness of the board will be greater compared to a resin one, making it easier to make more effective use of the thickness of the game panel 1100. However, if the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 will enter the panel board 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and diffuse inside the panel board 1110, reducing the amount of light irradiated forward, which may weaken the effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the game panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 does not enter the interior of the game panel 1100 from the inner surface of the opening 1112. Instead, it can be reflected by the inner surface of the opening 1112, thereby suppressing the reduction in the amount of light emitted forward and making it easier to fully realize the effects of the light emission.

[12-2f. Modification 6 of the side unit]
Next, a side unit 2800F with a different configuration from the one described above will be explained, mainly with reference to Figure 83. Figure 83(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of a side unit with a different configuration together with the game panel, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing (a) in a longitudinal section. Here, the same reference numerals are used to describe the same components as in the side unit 2800D described above.

The side unit 2800F extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the starter unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is launched when the player operates the handle 160. It is equipped with multiple (two to four) general prize entry openings 2001 that are open to continuously receive the game ball B.

The side unit 2800F comprises a unit body 2810A attached from the front to a flat panel plate 1110 on which obstacle nails are planted in the game panel 1100; a unit cover 2820 attached from the rear of the unit body 2810A; and an LED board 2825 provided between the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820, on which multiple LEDs 2825a are mounted. The unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800F are made of transparent synthetic resin.

Furthermore, the side unit 2800F has a contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other, and a non-contact surface portion 2831 provided on a part of the contact surface portion 2830 that is not in contact with each other.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800F has a first component 2811A that is attached from the front to the flat panel plate 1110 on which the obstacle nails of the game panel 1100 are planted, a second component 2812A that is attached from the rear to the first component 2811A, and a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the second component 2812A is attached to the front side of the first component 2811A. Also, the support frame portion 2814 protrudes from the rear surface of the first component 2811A.

The first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A includes a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a ball passage 2811e that penetrates the base plate 2811a and opens forward, allowing game balls B received in the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a passage outlet (not shown) that opens towards the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2811e.

Furthermore, the first component 2811A has a plurality of positioning protrusions 2811c projecting rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attachment to the game panel 1100, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attaching the second component 2812A, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear surface for attaching the unit cover 2820 (see Figure 76).

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. Furthermore, in the side unit 2800F, the spherical passage 2811e of the first component 2811A is located below the vertical center of the base plate 2811a.

Multiple positioning protrusions 2811c are provided spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, each positioning protrusion 2811c is the same length. Multiple mounting holes 2811d are provided near the positioning protrusions 2811c on the base plate 2811a and at the upper part near the left-right center of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have countersunk recesses on the front side, and countersunk mounting screws (not shown) that are screwed into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 are inserted from the front. When mounted on the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the heads of the mounting screws do not protrude beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

The first component 2811A has a support frame portion 2814 on its rear side, the rear end of which abuts against the front end of the unit cover 2820. In other words, the first component 2811A has a support frame portion 2814 that protrudes rearward in a frame shape along the outer peripheral edge of the unit cover 2820, with its rear end surface abutting against the front end surface of the unit cover 2820. The support frame portion 2814 is provided above the spherical passage 2811e and on the rear surface of the base plate 2811a. The rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 abuts against the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, which will be described later, when assembled with the side unit 2800F. That is, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The second component 2812A has a plurality of ball receiving sections 2812c that extend short in the front-rear direction and are open at the top and bottom, forming a general prize entry opening 2001; a flat front plate 2812d connecting the front ends of the plurality of ball receiving sections 2812c; a ball passage 2812f located behind the front plate 2812d and below the ball receiving sections 2812c, open to the rear, through which the game balls B received in the ball receiving sections 2812c flow; and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811A.

In this embodiment, a translucent decorative sticker 2803 is attached to the front surface of the front plate 2812d of the second component 2812A.

The unit body 2810A is assembled by positioning the second component 2812A in front of the first component 2811A, and then screwing mounting screws into the mounting holes of the second component 2812A from the rear through the mounting holes of the first component 2811A. This constructs the unit body 2810A, in which the second component 2812A is attached to the first component 2811A from the rear. In this unit body 2810A, the ball-receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812A protrudes forward from the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A.

The unit body 2810A of the side unit 2800F has a branch section 2801 (shown with light shading in Figure 83) that communicates with the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c), and a main section 2802 (shown with dark shading in Figure 83) that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. The ball passages 2811e and 2812f are composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and the main section 2802.

In a front view, the branch portion 2801 extends downward in front of the panel plate 1110 at the ball-receiving portion 2812c in the left-right direction and at the ball-receiving portion 2812c at its left end, while the ball-receiving portion 2812c at its right end extends backward from the portion in front of the panel plate 1110 to the portion within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The main channel 2802 extends along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, from below the leftmost ball receiving portion 2812c in a front view to below the center ball receiving portion 2812c in the left-right direction. It then bends backward at the center ball receiving portion 2812c, extends within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, and continues along the surface of the panel plate 1110 to the rear of the rightmost ball receiving portion 2812c within the panel plate thickness. The length of the main channel 2802 is at least twice the diameter of the game ball B (in this embodiment, 8 to 15 times).

When assembled to the main unit 2810A, the ball passage 2811e, which is open to the front in the first component 2811A, is closed by the ball passage 2812f and rear surface of the second component 2812A. Similarly, the ball passage 2812f, which is open to the rear in the second component 2812A, is closed by the base plate 2811a and ball passage 2811e of the first component 2811A. As a result, game balls B will not spill out of the ball passages 2811e and 2812f. In other words, the ball passages 2811e and 2812f are formed by the first component 2811A and the second component 2812A. To put it another way, the ball passages 2811e and 2812f are provided between the first component 2811A and the second component 2812A.

As shown in Figure 83, the first component 2811A of this embodiment is formed such that the portion excluding the base plate 2811a is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and its depth fits within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800F is formed in a shallow, open container shape, and houses the LED substrate 2825 inside. This unit cover 2820 has a flat cover portion 2820a, a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 2820b protruding forward from the outer edge of the cover portion 2820a, and a notch portion 2820c recessed from the front end in a part of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. Multiple ventilation slits may be provided in the cover portion 2820a.

Furthermore, the unit cover 2820 has multiple boss portions 2820d that protrude forward from the front surface of the cover portion 2820a, shorter than the peripheral wall portion 2820b, for mounting the LED substrate 2825, and multiple mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate the cover portion 2820a, through which mounting screws for attaching it to the unit body 2810A are inserted.

The cover portion 2820a of the unit cover 2820 is sized to cover the LED substrate 2825 from the rear. The peripheral wall portion 2820b has the same outer shape as the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A. The front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b contacts the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A when assembled to the side unit 2800F. In other words, the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b constitute the contact surface portion 2830.

The notches 2820c are provided on the upper and lower sides of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. By assembling the notches 2820c to the side unit 2800D, a gap can be formed between the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b and the front end surface of the support frame portion 2814 on the unit body 2810A. In other words, the notches 2820c form a non-contact surface portion 2831 on a part of the contact surface portion 2830, which is formed by the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b. These notches 2820c allow ventilation inside the container-shaped unit cover 2820, enabling heat from the LED substrate 2825 mounted inside to be dissipated to the outside, preventing heat buildup in the unit cover 2820.

The LED board 2825 of the side unit 2800F is mounted inside the unit cover 2820 with its rear surface in contact with the front end of the boss portion 2820d on the unit cover 2820. The multiple LEDs 2825a mounted on the LED board 2825 are full-color LEDs, and by assembling them into the side unit 2800F, the side unit 2800F can be illuminated and decorated with various colors.

This side unit 2800F can be assembled by attaching the LED board 2825 to the boss portion 2820d inside the unit cover 2820, bringing the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 into contact with the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, and then screwing mounting screws into the mounting holes of the first component member 2811A of the unit body 2810A through the mounting holes of the unit cover 2820 from the rear of the unit cover 2820 and tightening them.

To attach the side unit 2800F to the game panel 1100, first, from the front of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A is brought into contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a closes the opening 1112 through which the panel plate 1110 penetrates. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811A are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811A coincides with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, by screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811A into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening them from the front, the side unit 2800F is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. At this time, because the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811A are provided near the positioning projection 2811c, screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100 allows the positioning projection 2811c to be firmly pressed towards the panel plate 1110 side, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113, and preventing the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

In the side unit 2800F, the first component 2811A is provided with a ball passage 2811e that allows game balls B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110. Since the cross-section of the ball passage 2811e is U-shaped, the rigidity of the first component 2811A is increased by the presence of the ball passage 2811e. On the other hand, the second component 2812A is also provided with a ball passage 2812f that allows game balls B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110. Since the cross-section of the ball passage 2812f is U-shaped, the rigidity of the second component 2812A is increased by the presence of the ball passage 2812f. As a result, the side unit 2800F is constructed by combining the first component 2811A and the second component 2812A, which have increased rigidity, making it possible to increase the rigidity compared to conventional side units. Therefore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, when the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800F to the panel board 1110 are removed and the side unit 2800F is pulled forward, the rigidity of the side unit 2800F is increased, preventing it from bending. As a result, the positioning projection 2811c of the side unit 2800F (first component 2811A) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel board 1110, allowing the side unit 2800F to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

When the side unit 2800F is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 (the assembled game board 5), the ball passage 2811e and the unit cover 2820 (LED substrate 2825) of the first component 2811A of the unit body 2810A are located within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and within the thickness of the panel board 1110, and are located in front of the rear surface of the panel board 1110. In other words, when assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2800 does not protrude behind the rear surface of the panel board 1110, making it possible to secure ample space behind the panel board 1110.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800F of this embodiment, the unit cover 2820 has notches 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) at the top and bottom. Therefore, the upper notch 2820c allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 to be expelled upwards, while the lower notch 2820c allows outside air to be drawn in. Also, when assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the portion of the side unit 2800F inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the unit body 2810A, that is, between the outer circumference of the support frame portion 2814 of the first component 2811A and the inner circumference of the opening 1112. These features facilitate the release of heat from the LED substrate 2825 to the outside through the notches 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831), enabling efficient heat dissipation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the LED board 2825 is attached to the unit cover 2820, the LED board 2825 is positioned behind the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831) in the side unit 2800F. In other words, in a plan view, the LED board 2825 is positioned so as not to overlap with the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831). This makes it difficult for dust and dirt to reach the LED board 2825 even if they enter the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, thus minimizing the impact of dust and dirt. Additionally, since a notch 2820c is provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters through the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downwards through the lower notch 2820c.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800F is assembled to the game board 5, the notch 2820c of the unit cover 2820 is located within the opening 1112 in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110. Therefore, dust and dirt are less likely to enter the unit cover 2820 from above through the notch 2820c.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side unit 2800F is assembled to the game board 5, a gap is provided between the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the inner surface of the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100. The opening 1112 is also covered from the front by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811. This allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 inside the unit cover 2820 to be dissipated towards the rear of the panel plate 1110 through the gap between the notch 2820c and the inner surface of the opening 1112. It also prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, when assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2800F, as shown in Figure 83, has a ball passage 2812f through which the game balls B received in the ball receiving section 2812c flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. This passage is located in front of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. This allows the unit cover 2820 (LED substrate 2825), located on the rear side of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811A, to be housed within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 and within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, preventing it from protruding beyond the rear surface of the panel plate 1110. Therefore, sufficient space can be secured behind the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) in the side unit 2800F, allowing for the installation of a rear-facing display unit 3500 (rear-facing movable decorative element 3510) of the desired size.

In the side unit 2800F, when a game ball B is received into the general prize opening 2001, it flows down into the ball passage 2812f below via the ball receiving section 2812c that forms the general prize opening 2001. The ball flows down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 in front of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 via the ball passage 2812f, then bends backward in a crank shape and flows down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, before being handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 of the back unit 3000, which is located at the rear via a passage exit (not shown). The game ball B handed over to the back ball guidance unit 3100 is detected by the general prize opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downward. On the other hand, if a game ball B flowing down toward the side unit 2800F is not received by the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c) of the side unit 2800F, the game ball B flows down through the space between the base plate 2811a and the front plate 2812d to the out opening 1008, and is discharged through the out opening 1008 to the rear and downward of the game panel 1100.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 83(b), the side unit 2800F has a passage exit (not shown) of the first component 2811A in the unit body 2810A positioned below the lower movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general prize slot sensor 3001, which detects the game ball B received in the general prize slot 2001 (ball receiving section 2812c), is positioned below the lower movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800F, the general prize slot sensor 3001, etc., do not obstruct the lower movable decorative body 3510.

The side unit 2800F of this embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the side unit 2800 described above.

In the above-described side unit 2800F, a notch 2820c (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820. However, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the notch 2820c may be provided in the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820, while a notch (non-contact surface portion 2831) is provided in the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A, cut from the rear end to the front. Alternatively, notches (non-contact surfaces) may be provided in both the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820 and the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800F shows a frame-shaped support portion 2814 projecting rearward from the unit body 2810A, with its rear end surface serving as a contact surface portion 2830, the design is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the support portion 2814 may be omitted from the unit body 2810A, and the front end of the unit cover 2820 (peripheral wall portion 2820b) may abut against the rear surface of the unit body 2810A, with the abutting portion serving as the contact surface portion 2830. This eliminates the need for the rearward-projecting support portion 2814, thereby reducing the amount of rearward projection in the side unit 2800F.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800F shows the LED board 2825 mounted on the unit cover 2820, it is not limited to this configuration. The LED board 2825 may also be mounted on the rear side of the unit body 2810A (first component 2811A).

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800F described above, a diffusion lens portion consisting of multiple protrusions and indentations to diffuse light from the LED 2825a may be provided in front of the LED substrate 2825. This diffusion lens portion may be provided on the rear surface of the unit body 2810A (first component 2811A), or it may be provided on a separate component from the unit body 2810A.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800F is shown to have a ball passage 2811e composed of multiple branch sections 2801 communicating with each ball receiving section 2812c, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 merge, it is not limited to this configuration. The ball passage 2811e may also be independent for each ball receiving section 2812c.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows a game panel 1100 equipped with a transparent resin panel board 1110, it is not limited to this, and a wooden game panel 1100 may also be used. By using wood for the game panel 1100, the thickness of the board will be greater compared to a resin one, making it easier to make more effective use of the thickness of the game panel 1100. However, if the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110) is transparent, the light from the LED 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 will enter the panel board 1110 from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and diffuse inside the panel board 1110, reducing the amount of light irradiated forward, which may weaken the effect of the light emission. In contrast, by making the game panel 1100 out of wood (opaque), the light from the LEDs 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 does not enter the interior of the game panel 1100 from the inner surface of the opening 1112. Instead, it can be reflected by the inner surface of the opening 1112, thereby suppressing the reduction in the amount of light emitted forward and making it easier to fully realize the effects of the light emission.

[12-3. Side Unit, etc., of the Third Embodiment]
Next, the side unit 2800G of the third embodiment will be described mainly with reference to Figures 84 and 86. Figure 84(a) is a front view showing the main part of a game board in which the side unit of the third embodiment is installed, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the out-out opening in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing (b) in a vertical cross-section. Figure 85(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the out-out opening in a game board in which a side unit having a finger grip portion of a different form than that in Figure 84 is installed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing (a) in a vertical cross-section. Figure 86 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a panel plate of a game panel in which the opening to which the side unit is installed and the out-out opening are continuously connected. Here, the same components as described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The side unit 2800G of the third embodiment extends along the inner rail 1002 to the left of the start port unit 2100 within the game area 5a where the game ball B is launched when the player operates the handle 160, and is attached to the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) from the front. The side unit 2800G is equipped with three general prize entry openings 2001 that are open to receive game ball B at all times.

In this embodiment, the game panel 1100 has an opening region 1101 that penetrates the panel plate 1110, allowing game balls B to flow from the front to the rear of the panel plate 1110. This opening region 1101 consists of a normal opening region 1102 through which game balls B received into the general prize-winning opening 2001 of the side unit 2800G can flow, and a specific opening region 1103 through which game balls B not received into the general prize-winning opening 2001 can flow. The normal opening region 1102 is the opening 1112 at the location where the side unit 2800G is attached, and the specific opening region 1103 is the out-out opening 1008. This out-out opening 1008 is formed in the panel plate 1110 as a notch that opens downwards.

In the embodiments shown in Figure 84 and Figure 85 (described later), the ordinary opening region 1102 and the specific opening region 1103 constituting the opening region 1101 are independent of each other and not connected. That is, the specific opening region 1103 is formed separately from the ordinary opening region 1102 on the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In other words, the out opening 1008 is composed of the specific opening region 1103 formed separately from the ordinary opening region 1102 into which the side unit 2800G is fitted, on the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. This makes it possible to reduce the area of the portion of the panel plate 1110 that is notched outward from the outer periphery, thereby suppressing the reduction in the strength of the panel plate 1110 caused by forming the opening region 1101.

This side unit 2800G has a finger grip portion 2816 whose outer edge partially overlaps the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103) that penetrates the panel 1110 when attached to the panel 1110. In other words, the side unit 2800G is attached to the panel 1110 such that a portion of its outer edge overlaps the outlet 1008 (specific opening area 1103).

Because the side unit 2800G is provided with a finger grip portion 2816, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, with the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800G to the panel board 1110 removed, a finger or tool can be inserted into the outlet 1008 to hook the finger grip portion 2816 and pull the side unit 2800G forward. This allows for easy removal of the side unit 2800G from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

To further explain the side unit 2800G of this embodiment, the side unit 2800G, like the side unit 2800 shown in Figure 76, etc., consists of a first component 2811 attached from the front to a flat panel plate 1110 on which obstacle nails are planted in the game panel 1100, and a second component 2812 attached from the rear to the first component 2811. In this embodiment, the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811.

The first component 2811 of the side unit 2800G has a flat base plate 2811a that can abut against the front surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), and a plurality of ball receiving portions 2811b that protrude forward from the base plate 2811a, are open at the top and rear, and form a general prize entry opening 2001.

The base plate 2811a extends along the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 84, the right end of the base plate 2811a extends to the right of the ball receiving portion 2811b at the right end, approaching the start port unit 2100. This base plate 2811a is provided such that a portion of its outer edge overlaps the outlet port 1008 (specific opening region 1103). In other words, when attached to the panel plate 1110, a portion of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a is formed to protrude forward of the outlet port 1008 (specific opening region 1103) in a front view, overlapping the outlet port 1008. In this embodiment, the portion of the base plate 2811a that protrudes forward of the outlet port 1008 is the finger rest portion 2816.

The outer edge of the base plate 2811a is inclined such that the front surface moves backward as it approaches the outer edge. Therefore, the portion of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a corresponding to the outlet 1008, that is, the front end surface of the finger rest 2816, is inclined toward the outlet 1008.

The three ball-receiving sections 2811b are spaced apart from each other to the left and right, and are positioned so that the rightmost ball-receiving section 2811b is positioned lower than the leftmost section. The front end surface of the leftmost ball-receiving section 2811b is formed parallel to the base plate 2811a all the way to its lower end. The remaining (center and rightmost) ball-receiving sections 2811b have front end surfaces that are inclined so that they move backward as they approach their lower ends.

Furthermore, the first component 2811 has two positioning protrusions 2811c projecting rearward from the base plate 2811a, a plurality (three in this case) of mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a for attachment to the game panel 1100, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) provided on the rear end surface of the ball receiving portion 2811b (base plate 2811a) for attaching the second component 2812.

The two positioning protrusions 2811c are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2811a. Here, the two positioning protrusions 2811c are located near the out opening 1008 and farther away from the out opening 1008. The positioning protrusions 2811c are inserted into positioning holes 1113 provided in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. In this embodiment, the two positioning protrusions 2811c are of the same length.

The three mounting holes 2811d are located near the positioning projection 2811c on the base plate 2811a and on the upper part near the left-right center of the base plate 2811a. These mounting holes 2811d have countersunk recesses on the front side, allowing countersunk mounting screws (not shown) to be inserted from the front into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110. When mounted on the front surface of the panel plate 1110, the heads of the mounting screws do not protrude beyond the front surface of the base plate 2811a.

The mounting holes are into which mounting screws are screwed, which are inserted through the mounting holes (not shown) of the second component 2812, described later.

The second component 2812 is formed in a container shape that opens forward and has a ball passage 2812a that allows game balls B received in the general prize opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b) to flow down along the surface (plate surface) of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110), a passage outlet 2812b that opens towards the rear at the downstream end of the ball passage 2812a, and a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) for attachment to the first component 2811.

The second component 2812 of this embodiment is inserted (fitted) into the opening 1112 (normal opening area 1102) of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and is formed so that its depth fits within the thickness of the panel plate 1110.

The spherical passage 2812a of the second component 2812 follows the inner rail 1002 of the front component 1000 and is formed to become lower towards the right along the surface of the panel plate 1110. The passage exit 2812b opens towards the rear at the right end of the second component 2812, which is the downstream end of the spherical passage 2812a.

The mounting holes of the second component 2812 are provided in the same locations as the mounting holes of the first component 2811. By inserting mounting screws through the mounting holes of the second component 2812 from the rear and screwing them into the mounting holes of the first component 2811, the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

The side unit 2800G of this embodiment has a branch section 2801 that communicates with the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), and a main section 2802 that merges with the branch section 2801 and extends along the surface (board surface) of the panel plate 1110 on the game panel 1100. The ball passage 2812a is composed of multiple branch sections 2801 and the main section 2802.

The branch section 2801 extends rearward from a point in front of the front surface of the panel plate 1110 to a point behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110, above the main section 2802 (within the thickness of the panel plate 1110).

The main channel 2802 runs along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and extends from near the left end to near the right end of the base plate 2811a, sloping downwards to the right. The length of the main channel 2802 is at least twice the diameter of the game ball B (in this embodiment, 8 to 10 times).

In this embodiment, the side unit 2800G is assembled by positioning the second component 2812 behind the first component 2811 and screwing mounting screws from the rear of the second component 2812 through the mounting holes in the second component 2812 into the mounting holes of the first component 2811. This constructs the side unit 2800G in which the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear.

The ball passage 2812a of the second component 2812 is open to the front. However, when the first component 2811 is attached to the front side, the front end of the ball passage 2812a is closed by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811, preventing the game balls B from spilling out of the ball passage 2812a. In other words, the ball passage 2812a is formed by the first component 2811 and the second component 2812. To put it another way, the ball passage 2812a is provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812.

This side unit 2800G, from the front of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, brings the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 into contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110 so that the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 closes the opening 1112 (normal opening area 1102 of the opening area 1101) that penetrates the panel plate 1110. At this time, the two positioning protrusions 2811c of the first component 2811 are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110. In this state, the mounting hole 2811d of the first component 2811 coincides with the mounting hole 1114 of the panel plate 1110.

Then, by screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 and tightening them from the front, the side unit 2800G is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110. At this time, because the mounting holes 2811d of the first component 2811 are located near the positioning projection 2811c, screwing the mounting screws through the mounting holes 2811d into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 allows the positioning projection 2811c to be firmly pressed towards the panel plate 1110 side, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113, and preventing the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

In this embodiment, when the side unit 2800G is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 (when the game board 5 is assembled), the finger rest portion 2816 of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 protrudes forward of the out opening 1008 (specific opening area 1103 of the opening area 1101).

Furthermore, when the side unit 2800G is attached to the front of the panel board 1110 (the assembled game board 5), the second component 2812 is located within the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 and within the thickness of the panel board 1110, and is located in front of the rear surface of the panel board 1110. In other words, when assembled to the game board 5, the side unit 2800G does not protrude beyond the rear surface of the panel board 1110, making it possible to secure ample space behind the panel board 1110.

In the side unit 2800G, when a game ball B is received into the general prize opening 2001, it is guided by the ball receiving section 2811b, which forms the general prize opening 2001, to the ball passage 2812a located behind the front surface of the panel plate 1110. After flowing down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 via the ball passage 2812a, it is handed over from the passage exit 2812b to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 of the rear unit 3000. The game ball B handed over to the rear ball guiding unit 3100 is detected by the general prize opening sensor 3001 and then discharged downwards.

In this embodiment, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the passage exit 2812b of the second component 2812 is located below the lower movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. In other words, the general prize entry sensor 3001, which detects the game ball B received in the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b), is located below the lower movable decorative body 3510 in the standby position. Therefore, the side unit 2800G, the general prize entry sensor 3001, etc., do not obstruct the lower movable decorative body 3510.

The side unit 2800G of this embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the side unit 2800 described above.

In this embodiment, the side unit 2800G is provided with a ball passage 2812a in the second component 2812 that allows the game balls B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110. Since the cross-section of the ball passage 2812a is U-shaped, the rigidity of the second component 2812 can be increased by the presence of the ball passage 2812a. Furthermore, since the side unit 2800G is formed by attaching the second component 2812, which has increased rigidity, from the rear side of the first component 2811, the rigidity of the side unit 2800 can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, and the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800G to the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 are removed and the side unit 2800G is pulled forward, the side unit 2800 will not bend due to its increased rigidity. As a result, the positioning projection 2811c of the side unit 2800G (first component 2811) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel board 1110, allowing the side unit 2800G to be easily removed from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side unit 2800G has a finger-grip portion 2816 on a part of its outer edge that overlaps with the outlet opening 1008 of the panel board 1110. Therefore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, with the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800G to the panel board 1110 removed, a finger or tool can be inserted into the outlet opening 1008, allowing the finger to hook onto the finger-grip portion 2816 and pull the side unit 2800G forward. This allows for easy removal of the side unit 2800G from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800G of this embodiment, the finger rest portion 2816 is provided so as to overlap with the outlet opening 1008 (specific opening area 1103). Since the outlet opening 1008 is the size of two or more game balls B, the worker's fingers can be easily inserted into the outlet opening 1008, and their fingers can be easily hooked onto the finger rest portion 2816.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800G, the finger grip portion 2816 of the base plate 2811a is positioned to protrude forward of the out-out opening 1008 so as to overlap with the out-out opening 1008. This prevents game balls B, which have flowed down the game area 5a, from entering the out-out opening 1008 by flowing down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 from above the out-out opening 1008, or from bouncing upwards at the out-guide portion 1003 in front of the out-out opening 1008 and hitting the front corner. In other words, the finger grip portion 2816 protects the game balls B from hitting the front corner of the out-out opening 1008 on the panel plate 1110. This prevents the front end of the out-out opening 1008 from being chipped.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800G, the front surface of the finger grip portion 2816 on the base plate 2811a is inclined toward the outlet opening 1008, resulting in an obtuse angle at the outer edge. Therefore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, if the worker's fingers or other body parts come into contact with the corner of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G, the obtuse angle makes it less likely to injure the fingers or other body parts compared to a case where the corner is a right angle, allowing for safe removal of the side unit 2800G by hand.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800G, the front surface of the finger grip portion 2816 on the base plate 2811a is inclined toward the out-out opening 1008. This allows the game balls B flowing down along the front surface of the base plate 2811a toward the out-out opening 1008, smoothly guiding them toward the out-out opening 1008 and preventing the game balls B from becoming stuck near the out-out opening 1008. Additionally, because the front surface of the finger grip portion 2816 is inclined, the front corner of the finger grip portion 2816 is obtuse, making it less prone to chipping.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800G, by assembling it with the game board 5, the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 closes the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100 from the front. This prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the game area 5a on the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110.

Incidentally, since the side unit 2800G is provided with two positioning protrusions 2811c, each of which is inserted into a positioning hole 1113 in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 during disassembly, attempting to pull out both positioning protrusions 2811c simultaneously from the positioning holes 1113 would require pulling the side unit 2800G forward with considerable force, potentially increasing the burden on the worker. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the positioning projection 2811c is provided in both a portion close to the out opening 1008 and a portion far from it, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the worker can hook their fingers or the like onto the finger-grip portion 2816 on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800 that overlaps with the out opening 1008 and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning projection 2811c closer to the out opening 1008. This allows the two positioning protrusions 2811c to be removed first from the positioning hole 1113, while the remaining positioning protrusion 2811c, which is further away from the outlet 1008, can be removed from the positioning hole 1113. Compared to removing both positioning protrusions 2811c simultaneously, this requires less force, reducing the burden on the worker.

In the above-described side unit 2800G, the finger rest portion 2816 is shown as a flat plate-shaped portion along the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. However, it is not limited to this, and a finger rest portion 2817 in the form shown in Figure 85 may also be used.

The finger rest portion 2817, when the side unit 2800G is attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110, overlaps with the outlet 1008 that penetrates the panel plate 1110 in a front view, and extends from the front surface of the panel plate 1110 to the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 along the inner surface of the outlet 1008. This finger rest portion 2817 is provided on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811 of the side unit 2800G. Furthermore, the front surface of the finger rest portion 2817 is inclined toward the outlet 1008.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 85, the depth of the finger grip portion 2817, which overlaps with the outlet opening 1008 (specific opening region 1103) at the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G, is increased, and the portion inserted into the outlet opening 1008 has a certain thickness. Therefore, the thickness of the finger grip portion 2817 reduces the size of the outlet opening 1008 (the passage volume for discharging the game balls B becomes smaller). However, in this embodiment, the size of the outlet opening 1008 is increased to account for the thickness of the finger grip portion 2817 (the passage volume for discharging the game balls B is increased). This allows the game balls B to be discharged smoothly through the outlet opening 1008.

This finger-grip portion 2817 provides the same functionality and effect as the finger-grip portion 2816 described above. Therefore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling, etc., with the mounting screws attaching the side unit 2800G to the panel board 1110 removed, inserting a finger or tool into the outlet opening 1008 allows the finger to hook onto the finger-grip portion 2817 and pull the side unit 2800G forward. This allows for easy removal of the side unit 2800G from the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110), reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

Furthermore, since the finger rest portion 2817 protrudes further back than the rear surface of the panel board 1110 along the inner surface of the outlet opening 1008, the finger rest portion 2817 can protect the inner surface of the outlet opening 1008. Also, when using a wooden game panel 1100, the finger rest portion 2817 can conceal the inner surface of the outlet opening 1008 where the wood is exposed, improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5).

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows the side unit 2800G equipped with finger rests 2816 and 2817, it is not limited to this configuration. As shown in Figures 84 and 85, the starter unit 2100 and attacker unit 2400, which are attached to the front surface of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, may also be equipped with finger rests 2816 and 2817, with a portion of their outer edges overlapping the out-of-out

More specifically, the start-up unit 2100 has a flat base plate 2103 that abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. Finger rests 2816 and 2817 are provided on the base plate 2103 in the area overlapping with the out-out opening 1008. Although not shown in the illustration, the start-up unit 2100 also has multiple positioning protrusions that project rearward from the base plate 2103 and are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, the attacker unit 2400 has a flat base plate 2431 that abuts against the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. Finger rests 2816 and 2817 are provided on the base plate 2431 in the portion that overlaps with the out opening 1008. Although not shown in the illustration, the attacker unit 2400 has multiple positioning protrusions that project rearward from the base plate 2431 and are inserted into the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110.

These starting port units 2100 and attacker units 2400 can also achieve the same effects as the side unit 2800G described above.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 was shown to have an opening 1112 that is closed by the side unit 2800G and an out opening 1008 that are not connected but provided separately. However, the invention is not limited to this, and as shown in Figure 86, the opening 1112 and the out opening 1008 may be connected in a continuous manner. In other words, the panel plate 1110 may have an opening region 1101 in which the ordinary opening region 1102 that is closed by the side unit 2800G and the specific opening region 1103 that constitutes the out opening 1008 are connected. To put it another way, the out opening 1008 may be formed in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 so as to be continuous with the ordinary opening region 1102 into which the side unit 2800G is fitted, but may also be composed of a specific opening region 1103 into which the side unit 2800G is not fitted.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 86, the side unit 2800G is provided with a finger rest 2816 such that a portion of the base plate 2811a overlaps the outlet 1008 (specific opening region 1103). This provides the same effects as described above. Furthermore, since the specific opening region 1103 is formed on the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 so as to be continuous with the normal opening region 1102, when forming the normal opening region 1102 and the specific opening region 1103 on the panel plate 1110 using a cutting tool such as an end mill, the normal opening region 1102 and the specific opening region 1103 can be cut continuously, thereby reducing the cost of the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows a finger rest 2816 (finger rest 2817) on the base plate 2811a (base plate 2103, base plate 2431) that abuts against the front surface of the panel board 1110 in the game panel 1100, overlapping with the out opening 1008, the embodiment is not limited to this. The finger rest 2816 (finger rest 2817) may also be provided on a portion of the panel board 1110 that is separated from the board surface in the front-rear direction (for example, the front plate 2812d that is separated from the panel board 1110 in the front direction).

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows a game panel 1100 equipped with a transparent resin panel board 1110, it is not limited to this, and a wooden game panel 1100 may also be used. By using wood for the game panel 1100, the board thickness is increased compared to a resin one, making it easier to utilize the board thickness of the game panel 1100 more effectively.

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800G is shown having a ball passage 2812a composed of multiple branch sections 2801 communicating with each ball receiving section 2812c, and a main section 2802 where the multiple branch sections 2801 merge, the design is not limited to this configuration. The ball passage 2812a may also be independent for each ball receiving section 2811b.

Furthermore, although the above-described side unit 2800G does not include a ball sensor for detecting the game ball B received in the ball receiving section 2811b, it is not limited to this configuration, and a ball sensor may be included. If a ball sensor is included in the side unit 2800G, it is desirable to place the ball sensor within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, or to place the ball sensor below the rear display device (rear lower display unit 3500).

Furthermore, while the above-described side unit 2800G does not have an LED board on the rear side, it is not limited to this configuration, and LEDs for illumination decoration may also be provided. When an LED board is provided in the side unit 2800G, it is desirable to provide a unit cover that covers the LED board from the rear and whose front end surface abuts against the rear surface of the side unit 2800G (second component 2812), and to provide non-contact surfaces that do not touch the contact surfaces where the unit cover and the side unit come into contact. This allows the LEDs on the LED board to illuminate the side unit 2800G, and allows heat from the LEDs to be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surfaces.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the side units 2800 (side units 2800A, 2800B, 2800C, 2800D, 2800E, 2800F, and 2800G) were shown as effective uses of the thickness of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. However, the invention is not limited to these, and the thickness of the panel plate 1110 may also be effectively utilized in the start-up unit 2100, attacker unit 2400 (attacker unit 2730), normal prize-winning unit 2600, second start-up unit 2720, special prize-winning unit 2740, etc.

[12-4. Relationship between the LED substrate and the non-contact surface in the side unit]
Next, the relationship between the LED substrate 2825 and the non-contact surface portion 2831 in the side units 2800B to 2800F, where the LED substrate 2825 is provided, will be explained mainly with reference to Figure 87. Figure 87(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided behind the LED substrate, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided behind the LED substrate in a different form than (a), (c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided so as to overlap the LED substrate, and (d) is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the non-contact surface portion is provided around the entire circumference of the unit cover. In Figures 87(a) and (c), the side unit 2800B of Figure 79 is shown as an example, and in Figures 87(c) and (d), the side unit 2800D of Figure 81 is shown as an example. Here, the same components as described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The LED substrate 2825 shown in Figures 79 to 83 has a resistor mounted on a separate substrate to limit the current driving the mounted LED 2825a. Therefore, the LED 2825a generates the most heat on this LED substrate 2825. In other words, a large amount of heat is released from the front side of the LED substrate 2825 where the LED 2825a is mounted. In the embodiment shown in Figures 79 to 83, a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch 2820c) is provided near the front side of the LED substrate 2825 where heat generation is greatest. This allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 to be quickly dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch 2820c), preventing heat from accumulating inside the unit cover 2820.

In the above embodiment, the resistor (current-limiting resistor) is shown mounted on a separate board from the LED board 2825. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and the resistor may also be mounted on the LED board 2825. For example, the resistor may be mounted on the same side of the LED board 2825 as the LED 2825a is mounted. In this case, similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 79 to 83, a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) should be provided on the side of the LED board 2825 closest to the side where the LED 2825a and the resistor are mounted (in this case, the front).

Furthermore, when mounting the LED 2825a and resistor on the same side of the LED substrate 2825, it is desirable to ensure that the LED 2825a and resistor do not overlap in the vertical direction. This prevents the heat emitted from the LED 2825a and resistor from affecting each other.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 87, the LED 2825a and the resistor 2825b for limiting the current supplied to the LED 2825a may be mounted on different sides of the LED substrate 2825. In other words, the resistor 2825b is mounted on the side of the LED substrate 2825 opposite to the side on which the LED 2825a is mounted. In this case, since the heat generated by the resistor 2825b is greater than that of the LED 2825a, a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) should be provided on the side of the LED substrate 2825 closest to the side on which the resistor 2825b is mounted (in this case, the rear side), as shown in Figure 87.

More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 87(a), the boss portion 2820d of the unit cover 2820 is extended forward so that the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is located closer to the resistor 2825b mounted on the rear surface of the LED 2825a. This ensures that the LED substrate 2825 is positioned within the frame of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810. This allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 to be quickly dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c), preventing heat buildup inside the unit cover 2820.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 87(a), the LED substrate 2825 is positioned so as not to overlap with the notch 2820c (non-contact surface 2831) in a plan view. Therefore, even if dust or dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2820c, it is less likely to come into contact with the LED substrate 2825, thus minimizing the impact of dust and dirt. Furthermore, since a notch 2820c is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters through the upper notch 2820c can be discharged downwards through the lower notch 2820c.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 87(a), the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is shown on the unit cover 2820 side. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration; it may also be provided on the unit body 2810 (support frame portion 2814) side, or on both the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 87(b), the unit body 2810 has multiple boss portions 2814a that protrude rearward from within the frame of the support frame portion 2814 on its rear surface, to which the LED substrate 2825 is attached, and a notch portion 2814b that is cut out forward from the rear end surface of the frame-shaped support frame portion 2814. In this embodiment, the unit cover 2820 has only a flat cover portion 2820a, but it may also have a peripheral wall portion 2820b, as described above.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 87(b), the LED 2825a is mounted on the front of the LED substrate 2825, and the resistor 2825b is mounted on the rear. When the LED substrate 2825 is attached to the boss portion 2814a, the notch 2814b is located behind the rear surface of the LED substrate 2825. In other words, the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch 2814b) is provided on the side of the LED substrate 2825 closest to the side on which the resistor 2825b is mounted (in this case, the rear surface). This allows heat from the LED substrate 2825 to be quickly dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch 2814b), preventing heat from accumulating inside the unit cover 2820.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 87(b), the LED substrate 2825 is positioned so as not to overlap with the notch 2814b (non-contact surface 2831) in a plan view. Therefore, even if dust or dirt enters the unit cover 2820 through the notch 2814b, it is less likely to come into contact with the LED substrate 2825, thus minimizing the impact of dust and dirt. Furthermore, since a notch 2814b is also provided on the lower side of the unit cover 2820, dust and dirt that enters through the upper notch 2814b can be discharged downwards through the lower notch 2814b.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 87(b), the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2814b) is provided on the unit body 2810 (support frame portion 2814) side. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration; it may also be provided on the unit cover 2820 side, or on both the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the LED substrate 2825 is shown not overlapping with the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notches 2814b and 2820c) in a plan view. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and as shown in Figure 87(c), the LED substrate 2825 may overlap with the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notches 2820c). More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 87(c), the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820 attached to the support frame portion 2814 are provided to be located within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100, within the thickness of the panel plate 1110. In other words, the space formed by the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820, in which the LED substrate 2825 is housed, is provided within the thickness of the panel plate 1110. As a result, even if the LED substrate 2825 is positioned to overlap with the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c), the notch portion 2820c is located within the thickness of the panel plate 1110's opening 1112. Therefore, the possibility of foreign matter such as dust and dirt from the outside of the panel plate 1110 entering the opening 1112 and then further entering the unit cover 2820 through the notch portion 2820c is minimized. This makes it less likely for dust and dirt to come into contact with the LED substrate 2825, thus minimizing the impact of dust and dirt.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 87(c), a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is provided so as to extend over the LED substrate 2825. Therefore, both the heat from the LED 2825a mounted on the front of the LED substrate 2825 and the heat from the resistor 2825b mounted on the rear can be efficiently dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831, preventing heat from accumulating inside the unit cover 2820.

Note that while Figure 87(c) shows the LED 2825a and resistor 2825b mounted on different sides of the LED substrate 2825, the design is not limited to this configuration. The LED 2825a and resistor 2825b may also be mounted on the same side of the LED substrate 2825.

Furthermore, while Figure 87(c) shows a non-contact surface portion 2831 with a notch 2820c provided in the unit cover 2820, the design is not limited to this. The non-contact surface portion 2831 may also be provided on the unit body 2810A (support frame portion 2814) side, or on both the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 87(c), a portion of the LED substrate 2825 may be inserted into the non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) between the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A and the unit cover 2820, or it may protrude outward as long as it does not block the opening of the non-contact surface portion 2831. By inserting the LED substrate 2825 into the non-contact surface portion 2831, or by allowing it to protrude outward through the non-contact surface portion 2831, the LED substrate 2825 can be exposed to the outside air, further enhancing the heat dissipation effect.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) provided on a part of the contact surface portion 2830 between the unit body 2810A (support frame portion 2814) and the unit cover 2820, the embodiment is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 87(d), the non-contact surface portion 2831 may be provided around the entire circumference of the unit cover 2820. In other words, a gap is provided around the entire circumference between the rear end surface of the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A and the front end surface of the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820. In this embodiment, the unit cover 2820 is attached to a boss portion 2814a that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the unit body 2810A.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 87(d), a portion of the LED substrate 2825 is either inserted into or protrudes from the non-contact surface portion 2831 (gap) between the support frame portion 2814 of the unit body 2810A and the peripheral wall portion 2820b of the unit cover 2820. Even in this case, the LED substrate 2825 is kept within a range that does not block the opening of the non-contact surface portion 2831. According to this embodiment, the LED substrate 2825 can be more easily exposed to the outside air, thereby improving heat dissipation. Furthermore, since it prevents the intrusion of foreign matter such as dust and dirt, utilizing the opening of the non-contact surface portion 2831 becomes more useful.

The LED substrate 2825 described above, although not shown in the illustration, uses a light-colored (e.g., white) solder resist on at least the substrate surface on which the LED 2825a is mounted. This resist prevents solder from adhering to unnecessary areas during the mounting of electronic components and protects the circuit pattern from oxidation and provides insulation. This allows for increased luminous efficiency by reflecting light from the LED 2825a using the light-colored solder resist. Alternatively, when using a full-color LED as the LED 2825a, the white solder resist allows for synchronization with the viewer's color perception across various light colors, resulting in a natural-looking illuminated decoration.

On this LED board 2825, information such as the part numbers and mounting locations of the electronic components to be mounted, the name of the LED board 2825, its mounting position, and mounting direction (in characters and symbols) are printed (e.g., using silk screen printing) in a similar color (e.g., yellow) so that they can be easily read when needed.

Incidentally, electronic components such as resistors and LED drivers mounted on LED boards are often packaged in black resin. Therefore, if the LED board is located close to the player, these electronic components become conspicuous, even when the LEDs are off, potentially affecting the appearance of the gaming machine. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 87, the resistor 2825b is mounted on the rear surface of the LED board 2825, thus concealing the resistor 2825b from the player and improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in Figures 79 to 83, when the resistor 2825b is mounted on the front surface of the LED substrate 2825, it is desirable to ensure that the resistor 2825b is not conspicuous to the player. In this embodiment, a translucent decorative seal 2803 with a predetermined decoration is provided on the front of the LED substrate 2825, making the resistor 2825b less noticeable.

Alternatively, when mounting the resistor 2825b on the front of the LED board 2825, a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped diffusion lens that diffuses light may be provided in front of the LED board 2825 to make the resistor 2825b less conspicuous. Alternatively, a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped decorative element with a partially opaque design may be provided in front of the LED board 2825, so that the design of the decorative element hides the resistor 2825b and makes it unnoticeable. Furthermore, the resistor 2825b mounted on the front of the LED board 2825 may be colored with a light-colored paint or ink. These decorative stickers 2803, diffusion lenses, decorative elements, etc., may be used in appropriate combinations.

Furthermore, the game panel 1100 can be made of wood, which does not transmit light, or of resin, which does transmit light. In the case of wood, the opening 1112 is a dark tunnel shape, thus blocking a certain amount of external light. However, in the case of transparent resin, even if the opening 1112 is the same tunnel shape, the outside can be seen through. Therefore, by using the above-mentioned configuration to improve the appearance, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved when utilizing the thickness of the game panel 1100 (panel board 1110).

[13. Relationship between the present invention and its embodiments]
In this embodiment, the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 in the game board 5 corresponds to the game board of the present invention, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the present invention, the positioning hole 1113 in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning hole of the present invention, the general prize entry opening 2001 and the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component member 2811 in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry opening of the present invention, and the side unit 2800, side unit 2800A, side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, and side unit 2800G in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry unit of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first component 2811 of the unit body 2810 corresponds to the first component of the present invention, the positioning projection 2811c corresponds to the positioning projection of the present invention, the mounting hole 2811d corresponds to the mounting hole of the present invention, the second component 2812 and the second component 2813 correspond to the second component of the present invention, the ball passages 2812a and 2813a correspond to the ball passages of the present invention, the ball sensors 2813b and 2815 correspond to the ball sensors of the present invention, the back unit 3000 (back box 3010) corresponds to the back member of the present invention, and the back display unit 3500 corresponds to the movable mechanism of the present invention.

[14. Characteristic effects of this embodiment]
Here, the features of side unit 2800, side unit 2800A, side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, and side unit 2800G in this embodiment will be described using side unit 2800 as a representative example. According to this embodiment, in the game board 5, the positioning projection 2811c of the first component 2811 of the side unit 2800 is inserted from the front into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and then the mounting screws are screwed into the panel plate 1110 through the mounting holes 2811d and tightened, thereby allowing the first component 2811 (side unit 2800) to be attached to the front of the panel plate 1110. Furthermore, the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110 is closed by the first component 2811, making it difficult to see the rear of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112, thereby improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1, and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front of the panel plate 1110 (game area 5a) from the rear through the opening 1112. Furthermore, since the second component 2812, which is provided on the rear side of the first component 2811, is provided with a ball passage 2812a that extends within the opening 1112 along the surface of the panel plate 1110 so as to overlap with the thickness of the panel plate 1110, the game balls B that have entered the ball receiving section 2811b (general prize entry opening 2001) can be allowed to flow down through the ball passage 2812a so as to overlap with the thickness of the panel plate 1110. By utilizing the thickness of the panel plate 1110, the amount of the side unit 2800 protruding rearward from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 can be made as small as possible, and a wider space can be secured behind the side unit 2800. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide a large performance device such as the back performance unit 3500 or a performance device with a wide range of motion behind the side unit 2800, so that a more impactful performance can be presented to the player, and a pachinko machine 1 with high appeal to the player can be provided.

Furthermore, since the portion of the lower-back display unit 3500 in the ball passage 2812a is positioned within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, sufficient space can be secured in the front-to-back direction of the area where the lower-back display unit 3500 is installed. This also allows for a wider range of motion for the lower-back display unit 3500, resulting in a pachinko machine 1 capable of presenting players with more impactful visual effects.

Furthermore, as described above, sufficient space can be secured in the front-to-back direction of the area where the rear-side display unit 3500 is located on the rear side of the panel board 1110. For example, a decorative element can be placed between the side unit 2800 and the rear-side display unit 3500, and this decorative element can conceal the lowered rear-side movable decorative element 3510 from the player's view. This allows for a visual effect where the rear-side movable decorative element 3510 appears when raised from its lowered position, providing a pachinko machine 1 that delivers a strong and enjoyable experience for the player.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800, since each branch section 2801, which is connected at each ball receiving section 2811b, is merged into the main section 2802 and flows downstream, there is no need to provide a separate ball passage 2812a for each of the multiple ball receiving sections 2811b. The balls can be discharged together through a single ball passage 2812a, and it is also easier to secure space behind the side unit 2800.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800A, the ball sensor 2813b, which detects the game ball B that has entered the ball receiving section 2811b (general prize entry opening 2001), is located below the rear-facing display unit 3500. Therefore, the ball sensor 2813b does not obstruct the rear-facing display unit 3500, allowing the desired display effects of the rear-facing display unit 3500 to be fully realized.

Furthermore, by attaching the second component 2812 to the rear side of the first component 2811, as in the side unit 2800, the rigidity of the first component 2811 can be increased by the second component 2812. More specifically, for example, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling, when the first component 2811 is pulled forward to remove it from the panel plate 1110, if the rigidity of the first component 2811 is low, the first component 2811 will bend, and this bending will cause the positioning projection 2811c, which was inserted into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, to tilt, making it difficult to remove from the positioning hole 1113, which may make the disassembly process more difficult. In contrast, if the second component 2812 is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811, the second component 2812 is provided with a ball passage 2812a, and since the cross-section of this ball passage 2812a is U-shaped, the rigidity of the second component 2812 is increased by the presence of the ball passage 2812a. Therefore, by attaching this second component 2812, the rigidity of the first component 2811 (side unit 2800) can be increased. Consequently, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling, etc., when the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the rigidity of the side unit 2800 is increased, so the first component 2811, on which the positioning projection 2811c protrudes, does not bend. Therefore, the positioning projection 2811c does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2800 can be easily removed from the panel plate 1110, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800A, the second component 2813 is attached to a rear member such as the rear unit 3000 behind the panel board 1110, making it possible to extend the spherical passage 2813a below the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel board 1110 on the rear side of the panel board 1110. In detail, if the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811, the first component 2811 closes the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 from the front, so the second component 2812, on which the spherical passage 2812a is provided, must be smaller than the opening 1112, making it difficult to extend a part of the spherical passage 2812a below the opening 1112 on the rear side of the panel board 1110. In contrast, in the side unit 2800A, the second component 2813 is attached to a rear member such as the rear unit 3000, which is located behind the panel plate 1110. Therefore, a portion of the ball passage 2813a can be extended downwards below the opening 1112 on the rear side of the panel plate 1110. Consequently, the ball passage 2813a can be extended to the lower end of the panel plate 1110, thereby lowering the drop height of the game balls B being discharged downwards and reducing the impact caused by the discharged game balls B. Furthermore, because a portion of the ball passage 2813a can be extended downwards below the opening 1112 on the rear side of the panel plate 1110, there is no need to extend the opening 1112, which penetrates the panel plate 1110, downwards to the lower end of the panel plate 1110, and the strength of the panel plate 1110 is not reduced.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800A, the second component 2813 is attached to the rear member such as the rear unit 3000 behind the panel board 1110. Therefore, electronic components such as the ball sensor 2813b, which is provided in the ball passage 2813a, are located on the rear member side behind the panel board 1110. This allows the electronic components to be grouped together on the rear member side, eliminating the need to provide electronic components such as the ball sensor 2813b on the panel board 1110 side. Consequently, during the assembly and disassembly of the pachinko machine 1, since the wiring of the electronic components does not extend from the panel board 1110 side, the wiring will not get caught on obstacles such as nails, hindering work or causing the wiring to break.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800, the mounting hole 2811d for attaching the first component 2811 to the panel plate 1110 is provided near the positioning projection 2811c. Therefore, by screwing the mounting screw into the panel plate 1110 through the mounting hole 2811d and tightening it, the positioning projection 2811c can be strongly pressed towards the panel plate 1110, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110. This prevents the positioning projection 2811c from lifting due to incomplete insertion.

[15. Regarding other features included in this embodiment]
[15-1. First Technical Features]
This specification has the following technical features, which differ from those described above.

[15-1a. Background of the First Technical Feature]
In recent years, the efficient use of resources has become increasingly important due to environmental concerns. From this perspective, development is underway to create more parts for gaming machines using recyclable materials. On the other hand, the replacement cycle of gaming machines at amusement halls (amusement parlors) has shortened, and the number of machines being discarded and dismantled is on the rise. As a result, the burden of dismantling and sorting gaming machines is increasing, and there is a demand to reduce this workload as much as possible.

For example, in conventional gaming machines like the one shown in Patent Document A (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-018185), when attempting to remove the side unit (ball entry unit), which has multiple general prize entry slots, from the gaming panel by pulling it forward for disassembly, the ball entry unit bends, causing the positioning projections inserted into the positioning holes of the gaming panel to tilt, resulting in a time-consuming disassembly process.

Therefore, in light of the above circumstances, the objective of the following measures is to provide gaming machines that can reduce the disassembly work required when sorting them for recycling, etc.

[15-1b. Means for solving the first technical feature]
Method 1: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine having multiple ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered, and equipped with a ball entry unit attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow down,
The aforementioned ball entry unit is
A first component member having a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a first mounting hole for attaching to the game panel, and attached to the game panel so as to close the opening provided that penetrates the game panel from the front,
A second component having a second mounting hole for attachment to the first component, and being attached from the rear side of the first component,
It is characterized by having "a feature that

Here, "entry slots" include "entry slots that award predetermined benefits upon entry of game balls (e.g., general entry slots, regular entry slots, start-up entry slots (start-up slots), large entry slots, special feature entry slots, V-entry slots, etc.)" and "out slots that discharge game balls outside the game machine without awarding any benefits or returning them to the player."

Furthermore, the "ball entry opening" may be provided on either the first component or the second component.

Furthermore, examples of "game panels" include those made from wooden plywood such as veneer, those consisting of a panel made by cutting a transparent resin sheet and a panel holder that holds the outer edge of the panel, and those made by injection molding transparent resin.

According to the configuration of Means 1, in a game machine equipped with a ball entry unit having multiple ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered, and the front surface of the ball entry unit being attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow, the ball entry unit comprises a first component having a positioning projection inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a first mounting hole for attachment to the game panel, and being attached to the game panel so as to close the opening provided to penetrate the game panel from the front; and a second component having a second mounting hole for attachment to the first component, and being attached from the rear of the first component (see Chapter 12-1. Side Unit of the Second Embodiment and Figures 75 to 77 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, the first component, which is attached to the front of the game panel via mounting screws through the first mounting holes, is attached to the second component via mounting screws through the second mounting holes. This increases the rigidity of the ball entry unit, which is composed of the first and second components. Therefore, during disassembly of the game machine for recycling, etc., when the mounting screws screwed into the game panel via the first mounting holes are removed and the ball entry unit is pulled forward, the ball entry unit does not bend due to its increased rigidity. Consequently, the positioning projection of the ball entry unit (first component) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole in the game panel, allowing the ball entry unit to be easily removed from the game panel, thus reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

Furthermore, since the second component is attached to the first component from the rear side using mounting screws via the second mounting hole, the mounting screws attaching the second component can be made less visible from the front, thus improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide the first mounting hole for attaching the first component to the game panel near the positioning projection. This allows the mounting screw to be screwed into the game panel through the first mounting hole, firmly pressing the positioning projection toward the game panel and ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole on the game panel, thereby preventing the projection from lifting due to incomplete insertion.

Furthermore, the second component may be attached from the rear of the first component so as to protrude into the opening. This allows the second component, attached from the back of the first component, to protrude into the opening of the game panel. Compared to cases where the second component protrudes from the front or rear of the game panel, this allows for more effective use of the game panel's thickness and makes it easier to secure empty space in front of and behind the game panel. Therefore, it becomes possible to install decorative elements, LED boards, or movable parts in this empty space, providing a game machine with a higher appeal to players.

Furthermore, the second component may be attached from the rear of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and may have a ball passage between it and the first component that allows game balls that have entered the ball entry opening to flow down along the surface of the game panel. Because the second component has a ball passage that allows game balls to flow down along the surface of the game panel, the cross-section of the ball passage is U-shaped, thus increasing the rigidity of the second component. Since the second component, whose rigidity is enhanced by the ball passage, is attached from the rear of the first component to form the ball entry unit, the rigidity of the ball entry unit can be further increased, making it possible to provide a game machine that reliably achieves the above-mentioned effects.

Furthermore, as described above, the second component, which is attached from the back of the first component, protrudes into the opening of the game panel. Additionally, a ball passage is provided between the first and second components to allow game balls that enter the ball entry point to flow down along the surface of the game panel. Compared to cases where the ball passage is located behind the rear surface of the game panel, this design allows for more effective use of the game panel's thickness and makes it easier to secure empty space behind the game panel. Therefore, it becomes possible to install decorative elements, LED boards, and movable parts in this empty space, providing a game machine with a higher appeal to players.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide at least two positioning protrusions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component. This ensures that the multiple positioning protrusions on the first component are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component. Therefore, when the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel, the ball entry unit will not rotate along the surface of the game panel, and the ball entry unit can be reliably positioned at the desired location on the game panel.

Incidentally, when a conventional ball entry unit with low rigidity has multiple positioning protrusions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, pulling the ball entry unit forward during disassembly causes the center of the unit to bend and move forward. This bending causes a force to act on the positioning protrusions, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, causing them to tilt towards each other, making it impossible to remove the positioning protrusions from the positioning holes in the game panel. In contrast, as described above, when multiple positioning protrusions on the first component are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component, the rigidity of the ball entry unit is increased by attaching the second component to the first component. Therefore, even when the ball entry unit is pulled forward, the ball entry unit does not bend, and the positioning protrusions, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, do not tilt. This allows the ball entry unit to be easily removed from the game panel, and a game machine that reduces the disassembly work required for separation can be provided.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide the ball entry openings on the first component so that they protrude forward beyond the front of the game panel. This allows multiple ball entry openings to protrude forward beyond the front of the game panel, making it easier to remove the ball entry unit during disassembly by allowing the ball entry openings to be grasped and pulled forward when removing the unit from the game panel.

Furthermore, the second component may have multiple ball entry openings that protrude forward from the front surface of the first component, and a flat front plate connecting the front ends of the multiple ball entry openings. This allows the second component, which connects the front ends of the multiple forward-protruding ball entry openings with the flat front plate, to be attached to the rear of the first component (which is mounted on the front surface of the game panel) via the first mounting holes, thereby forming the ball entry unit. This increases the rigidity compared to conventional ball entry units, achieving the same effects as described above.

Furthermore, the first component may have a flat base plate that can abut against the front of the game panel. This allows the first component to be attached to the front of the game panel via the first mounting hole, thereby covering the opening of the game panel from the front. This allows the rear of the game panel to be concealed by the base plate through the opening from the front (player side), improving the appearance of the game machine. While the flat base plate may reduce the rigidity of the first component, the second component is attached from the rear of the first component. Therefore, the rigidity of the ball entry unit, formed by the first and second components, can be increased compared to conventional ball entry units, achieving the same effects as described above.

Means 2: In the configuration of means 1,
"The second component is attached from the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 2, the second component is attached from the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening (see the description regarding the second component 2812 of the side unit 2800 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, the second component, which is attached from the back of the first component, protrudes into the opening of the game panel. Compared to cases where the second component protrudes from the front or rear of the game panel, this allows for more effective use of the game panel's thickness, making it easier to secure empty space in front of and behind the game panel. Therefore, it becomes possible to install decorative elements, LED boards, and movable parts in this empty space, providing a game machine with a higher appeal to players.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 or means 2,
"The second component is attached from the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and has a ball passage between it and the first component that allows game balls that have entered the ball entry opening to flow down along the surface of the game panel."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 3, the second component is attached from the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and has a ball passage between it and the first component that allows game balls that have entered the ball entry opening to flow down along the surface of the game panel (see the description of the second component 2812 of the side unit 2800 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, the second component is provided with a ball passage that allows game balls to flow down along the surface of the game panel. Because the cross-section of this ball passage is U-shaped, the rigidity of the second component can be increased by the presence of the ball passage. Furthermore, since the second component, whose rigidity has been enhanced by the ball passage, is attached to the rear of the first component to form the ball entry unit, the rigidity of the ball entry unit can be further increased, thus providing a game machine that reliably achieves the aforementioned effects.

Furthermore, since the second component, which is attached from the back of the first component, protrudes into the opening of the game panel, and a ball passage is provided between the first and second components to allow game balls that enter the ball entry opening to flow down along the surface of the game panel, the thickness of the game panel can be used more effectively compared to cases where the ball passage is located behind the rear surface of the game panel, making it easier to secure empty space behind the game panel. Therefore, it becomes possible to install decorative elements, LED boards, and other display devices such as movable parts in this empty space, providing a game machine with a higher appeal to players.

Furthermore, when installing a ball sensor to detect game balls circulating in the ball passage, it is desirable to install the ball sensor within the thickness of the game panel (within the opening). Alternatively, it is desirable to install the ball sensor below the display device (movable mechanism) located at the rear. This prevents the ball sensor from interfering with the display device and allows for a larger range of motion for the movable mechanism.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 3,
"At least two of the positioning protrusions are provided so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 4, at least two positioning protrusions are provided so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component (see the description regarding the first component 2811 of the side unit 2800 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, the multiple positioning protrusions on the first component are arranged to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component. Therefore, when the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel, the ball entry unit does not rotate along the surface of the game panel, and the ball entry unit can be reliably positioned at the desired location on the game panel.

Incidentally, in conventional ball entry units with low rigidity, when multiple positioning protrusions are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, pulling the ball entry unit forward during disassembly causes the center of the unit to bend forward. This bending causes a force to act on the positioning protrusions, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, causing them to tilt towards each other, preventing them from being removed from the positioning holes in the game panel. In contrast, in this configuration, as described above, the rigidity of the ball entry unit is increased by attaching the second component to the first component. Therefore, even when the ball entry unit is pulled forward, the unit does not bend, and the positioning protrusions, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, do not tilt. This allows the ball entry unit to be easily removed from the game panel, and a game machine that reduces the disassembly work required for separation can be provided.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 5,
"The ball entry opening is provided on the first component so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the game panel."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 5, the ball entry opening is provided on the first component so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the game panel (see the description regarding the first component 2811 of the side unit 2800 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This design, with multiple ball entry points protruding forward from the front of the game panel, makes it easier to remove the ball entry unit during disassembly. The ball entry points can be grasped and pulled forward to detach the unit from the game panel.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 5,
"The second component has a plurality of ball entry openings that protrude forward from the front surface of the first component, and a flat front plate that connects the front ends of the plurality of ball entry openings."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 6, the second component has a plurality of ball entry openings that protrude forward from the front surface of the first component, and a flat front plate connecting the front ends of the plurality of ball entry openings (see the description of the second component 2812A of the side unit 2800D in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, the second component, which connects the front ends of multiple ball entry openings protruding forward with a flat front plate, is attached to the rear of the first component, which is mounted on the front of the game panel via the first mounting hole, thereby forming the ball entry unit. This allows for increased rigidity compared to conventional ball entry units, achieving the same effects as described above.

Means 7: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 6,
"The first component has a flat base plate that can be in contact with the front surface of the game panel."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 7, the first component has a flat base plate that can abut against the front surface of the game panel (see the description of the first component 2811 of the side unit 2800 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, since the first component is equipped with a flat base plate, attaching the first component to the front of the game panel via the first mounting hole allows the base plate to cover the opening of the game panel from the front. This makes it possible to conceal the rear of the game panel from the front (player side) through the opening, improving the appearance of the game machine. While the flat base plate may reduce the rigidity of the first component, attaching the second component from the rear of the first component allows the combined rigidity of the ball entry unit (combined by the first and second components) to be higher than that of conventional ball entry units, thus achieving the same effects as described above.

Means 8: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine having multiple ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered, and equipped with a ball entry unit attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow down,
The aforementioned ball entry unit is
A first component member having a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a first mounting hole for attachment to the game panel, and attached to the game panel so as to close the opening provided that penetrates the game panel from the front,
A second component having a second mounting hole for attachment to the first component, and being attached from the rear side of the first component,
Equipped with,
The first component has a flat base plate through which the positioning projection protrudes and the first mounting hole penetrates, and which can abut against the front surface of the game panel, and at least two of the positioning projections are provided so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, and the ball entry opening is provided so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the base plate.
The second component is attached from the rear side of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and has a ball passage between it and the first component that allows game balls that have entered the ball entry opening to flow down along the surface of the game panel.
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 8, in a game machine having a ball entry unit attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow, the ball entry unit has a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a first mounting hole for attaching to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel so as to close the opening provided so as to penetrate the game panel from the front, and a second mounting hole for attaching to the first component, which is attached from the rear of the first component The system comprises a first component and a second component. The first component has a flat base plate with positioning projections and a first mounting hole through it, allowing it to abut against the front surface of the game panel. At least two positioning projections are provided on the base plate, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and an entry opening is provided so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the base plate. The second component is attached from the rear of the first component so as to protrude into the opening, and has a ball passage between it and the first component that allows game balls that have entered the entry opening to flow down along the surface of the game panel.

As a result, since the first component is provided with a flat base plate, the mounting screws are screwed into the game panel through the first mounting holes that penetrate the base plate, thereby attaching the first component to the front of the game panel. This allows the opening of the game panel to be covered from the front by the base plate, and the rear of the game panel to be hidden by the base plate through the opening from the front (player side), improving the appearance of the game machine. On the other hand, since the second component is provided with a ball passage that allows game balls to flow down along the surface of the game panel, the cross-section of the ball passage is U-shaped, and the rigidity of the second component can be increased by the presence of the ball passage. Furthermore, although the rigidity of the first component may be low because the base plate is flat, the second component, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage, is attached to the rear of the first component with mounting screws through the second mounting holes to form a ball entry unit, thus increasing the rigidity of the ball entry unit compared to conventional ball entry units. Therefore, during the disassembly of a gaming machine for recycling or other purposes, when the mounting screws screwed into the game panel through the first mounting hole are removed and the ball entry unit is pulled forward, the ball entry unit's increased rigidity prevents it from bending. As a result, the positioning projection of the ball entry unit (first component) does not tilt relative to the positioning hole in the game panel, allowing for easy removal of the ball entry unit from the game panel and reducing the disassembly work required for sorting.

Incidentally, since the multiple positioning protrusions on the first component are arranged to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component, when the first component is pulled forward during disassembly, the center of the first component will bend and move forward. This bending causes a force to act on the positioning protrusions, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, causing them to tilt towards each other. This could potentially prevent the positioning protrusions from being removed from the positioning holes in the game panel. However, in this configuration, as described above, the second component is attached to the rear of the first component to form the ball entry unit. Because the rigidity of this ball entry unit is increased, even when the ball entry unit is pulled forward, the unit does not bend, and the positioning protrusions, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, do not tilt. Therefore, the ball entry unit can be easily removed from the game panel, and a game machine that reduces the disassembly work required for separation can be provided.

Furthermore, because multiple ball entry points protrude forward beyond the front of the game panel, during the disassembly of the game machine, the ball entry points can be grasped and pulled forward when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel, making the removal of the ball entry unit easier.

Furthermore, since the second component is attached to the first component from the rear side using mounting screws via the second mounting hole, the mounting screws attaching the second component can be made less visible from the front, thus improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, since a ball passage is provided between the first and second components to guide the game balls that enter the ball entry opening down along the surface of the game panel, projecting into the opening of the game panel, compared to conventional ball entry units where the game balls that enter the ball entry opening are guided behind the rear surface of the game panel and then guided downwards through a ball passage located behind the rear surface of the game panel, the thickness of the game panel can be used more effectively, and it is easier to secure empty space behind the game panel. Therefore, it becomes possible to install decorative elements, LED boards, and movable parts in this empty space, providing a game machine with a higher appeal to players.

Furthermore, since the multiple positioning protrusions on the first component are arranged to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component, when the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel, the ball entry unit does not rotate along the surface of the game panel, and the ball entry unit can be reliably positioned at the desired location on the game panel.

Furthermore, by positioning the first mounting hole for attaching the first component to the game panel near the positioning projection, screwing the mounting screw into the game panel through the first mounting hole firmly presses the positioning projection toward the game panel, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole of the game panel. This prevents the positioning projection from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

Thus, the above solution makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting for recycling, etc.

[15-1c. Relationship between the means of solving the first technical feature and the embodiment]
In this embodiment, the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 in the game board 5 corresponds to the game panel of the above solution, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the above solution, the positioning hole 1113 in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning hole of the above solution, the general prize entry opening 2001, the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component 2811, and the ball receiving portion 2812c of the second component 2812 in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry opening of the above solution, and the side units 2800, 2800B, 2800C, 2800D, 2800E, 2800F, and 2800G in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry units of the above solution.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first component 2811 and the first component 2811A correspond to the first component of the solution, the base plate 2811a corresponds to the base plate of the solution, the positioning projection 2811c corresponds to the positioning projection of the solution, the mounting hole 2811d corresponds to the first mounting hole of the solution, the second component 2812 and the second component 2812A correspond to the second component of the solution, the ball passage 2812a and the ball passage 2812f correspond to the ball passage of the solution, the front plate 2812d corresponds to the front plate of the solution, and the mounting hole of the second component 2812 corresponds to the second mounting hole of the solution.

[15-1d. Characteristic effects of the first technical feature]
Here, the features of side unit 2800, side unit 2800B, side unit 2800C, side unit 2800D, side unit 2800E, side unit 2800F, and side unit 2800G in this embodiment will be described using side unit 2800 as a representative example. According to this embodiment, in the side unit 2800 attached to the front surface of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, a flat base plate 2811a is provided on the first component 2811. By screwing mounting screws into the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100 through mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a, the first component 2811 can be attached to the front surface of the panel board 1110. This allows the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 to be covered from the front by the base plate 2811a, and the rear components of the game panel 1100 can be hidden by the base plate 2811a through the opening 1112 from the front (player side), thereby improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1. On the other hand, since the second component 2812 is provided with a ball passage 2812a that allows game balls B to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100, the cross-section of the ball passage 2812a is U-shaped, and the rigidity of the second component 2812 can be increased by the presence of the ball passage 2812a. Furthermore, although the rigidity of the first component 2811 may be low because the base plate 2811a is flat, the rigidity of the first component 2811 may be low because the second component 2812, whose rigidity is increased by the ball passage 2812a, is attached to the rear side of the first component 2811 from the mounting hole using mounting screws to form the side unit 2800, and therefore the rigidity of the side unit 2800 can be increased compared to conventional side units. Therefore, in the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5) for recycling, etc., when the mounting screws screwed into the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 are removed through the mounting holes 2811d and the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the increased rigidity of the side unit 2800 prevents the side unit 2800 from bending. As a result, the positioning projection 2811c of the first component 2811 on the side unit 2800 does not tilt relative to the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110, allowing the side unit 2800 to be easily removed from the panel plate 1110, thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

By the way, in the side unit 2800, the multiple positioning protrusions 2811c on the first component 2811 are arranged to be separated in the longitudinal direction of the first component 2811. Therefore, when the first component 2811 is pulled forward during disassembly, the center of the first component 2811 will bend forward, causing it to curve. This bending causes a force to act on each positioning protrusion 2811c so that the tips of the longitudinally separated positioning protrusions 2811c tend to move closer together, which may cause the positioning protrusions 2811c to become stuck in the positioning holes 1113 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the side unit 2800 is formed by attaching the second component 2812 to the rear side of the first component 2811. Because the rigidity of the side unit 2800 is increased, even when the side unit 2800 is pulled forward, the side unit 2800 does not bend, and the positioning projection 2811c, which is separated in the longitudinal direction, does not tilt. This allows the side unit 2800 to be easily removed from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, thus providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for separation.

Furthermore, because the side unit 2800 has multiple ball receiving sections 2811b (general prize entry points 2001) that protrude forward beyond the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1, the ball receiving sections 2811b can be grasped and pulled forward when removing the side unit 2800 from the panel plate 1110, making the removal of the side unit 2800 easier.

Furthermore, since the second component 2812 is attached to the first component 2811 from the rear side using mounting screws through its mounting holes, the mounting screws attaching the second component 2812 can be made less visible from the front, thereby improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1.

Furthermore, with the side unit 2800, a ball passage 2812a is provided between the first component 2811 and the second component 2812, which allows the game ball B that enters the ball receiving portion 2811b (general prize opening 2001) to flow down along the surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. This passage protrudes into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110. Compared to conventional side units, which guide the game ball B that enters the general prize opening 2001 to a position behind the rear surface of the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110) and provide a ball passage behind the rear surface of the game panel 1100 to flow downward, the thickness of the panel plate 1110 can be effectively utilized, and it is easier to secure empty space behind the game panel 1100 (panel plate 1110). Therefore, it becomes possible to install decorative elements, LED circuit boards, and movable components (under-cabinet performance unit 3500) in the empty space, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that is more appealing to players.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800, since the multiple positioning protrusions 2811c on the first component 2811 are arranged to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first component 2811, when the side unit 2800 is attached to the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the side unit 2800 does not rotate along the surface of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2800 can be reliably positioned at the desired position on the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800, the mounting hole 2811d for attaching the game panel 1100 to the panel plate 1110 of the first component 2811 is provided near the positioning projection 2811c. Therefore, by screwing the mounting screw into the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 through the mounting hole 2811d and tightening it, the positioning projection 2811c can be strongly pressed towards the panel plate 1110, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110. This prevents the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

[15-2. Second Technical Features]
This specification has the following technical features, which differ from those described above.

[15-2a. Background of the Second Technical Feature]
In recent years, the efficient use of resources has become increasingly important due to environmental concerns. From this perspective, development is underway to create more parts for gaming machines using recyclable materials. On the other hand, the replacement cycle of gaming machines at amusement halls (amusement parlors) has shortened, and the number of machines being discarded and dismantled is on the rise. As a result, the burden of dismantling and sorting gaming machines is increasing, and there is a demand to reduce this workload as much as possible.

For example, in conventional gaming machines like the one shown in Patent Document A (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-018185), when attempting to remove the side unit (ball entry unit), which has multiple general prize entry slots, from the gaming panel by pulling it forward for disassembly, the positioning projections of the ball entry unit are inserted into the positioning holes of the gaming panel. This creates resistance against the inner surface of the positioning holes, making the disassembly process cumbersome.

Therefore, in light of the above circumstances, the objective of the following measures is to provide gaming machines that can reduce the disassembly work required when sorting them for recycling, etc.

[15-2b. Solution to the second technical feature]
Method 1: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine having multiple ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered, and equipped with a ball entry unit attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow down,
The aforementioned game panel is
It has an opening area that allows game balls to flow from the front to the rear.
The aforementioned ball entry unit is
The device has a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole for attaching it to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel such that it closes the normal opening area from the front, where game balls that have entered the ball entry slot can flow, and is attached to the game panel such that a part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit overlaps with a specific opening area, where game balls that have not entered the ball entry slot can flow.
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "entry slots" include "entry slots that award predetermined benefits upon entry of game balls (e.g., general entry slots, regular entry slots, start-up entry slots (start-up slots), large entry slots, special feature entry slots, V-entry slots, etc.)" and "out slots that discharge game balls outside the game machine without awarding any benefits or returning them to the player."

Furthermore, examples of "game panels" include those made from wooden plywood such as veneer, those consisting of a panel made by cutting a transparent resin sheet and a panel holder that holds the outer edge of the panel, and those made by injection molding transparent resin.

Furthermore, examples of "opening regions" include "hole-shaped openings that penetrate the game panel and have an inner surface that is connected around its entire circumference," and "notch-shaped openings that penetrate the game panel and have a portion that is open to the side of the game panel." Also, the "opening region" may have a normal opening region through which game balls that enter the entry slot can flow, and a specific opening region (outlet) through which game balls that do not enter the entry slot can flow. The specific opening region may be connected to the normal opening region, or it may be independent and not connected to the normal opening region.

Furthermore, examples of "ball entry units" include: "a unit comprising at least a first component attached to the front of the game panel so as to close the normal opening area penetrating the game panel from the front, and a second component attached from the rear of the first component, with a ball entry opening provided in either the first or second component"; "a unit comprising at least a flat base plate attached to the front of the game panel so as to close the normal opening area penetrating the game panel from the front, and a ball receiving portion protruding forward from the base plate and open upward and backward, forming a ball entry opening"; and "a unit comprising at least a flat base plate attached to the front of the game panel so as to close the normal opening area penetrating the game panel from the front, and a ball entry opening penetrating the base plate."

Furthermore, "a portion of the outer edge of the ball entry unit that overlaps the ball discharge opening" only needs to overlap with the ball discharge opening when viewed from the front. The outer edge constituting this portion may or may not be in contact with the front surface of the game panel.

According to the configuration of Means 1, in a game machine equipped with a ball entry unit attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow, the game panel has an opening region through which game balls can flow from the front to the rear. The ball entry unit has a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole for attaching it to the game panel. The ball entry unit is attached to the game panel so as to close the normal opening region through which game balls that have entered the ball entry slots can flow from the front, and is attached to the game panel such that a part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit overlaps with a specific opening region through which game balls that have not entered the ball entry slots can flow (see Chapter 12-3. Side Unit, etc. of the Third Embodiment, Figures 84 and 86, etc., in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel by inserting the positioning projection of the ball entry unit into the positioning hole of the game panel from the front, and then screwing the mounting screws into the game panel through the mounting holes. At the same time, game balls that enter the ball entry opening of the ball entry unit can be guided to the rear of the game panel through the normal opening area of the game panel. In this case, since the normal opening area of the game panel is blocked from the front by the ball entry unit, the rear of the game panel can be made difficult to see through the normal opening area and hidden, improving the appearance of the game machine. When this ball entry unit is attached to the front of the game panel, a part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit overlaps with a specific opening area of the opening area (in a front view, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projection range of the specific opening area), so that part of the outer edge protrudes toward the center of the specific opening area. Furthermore, during the disassembly of a gaming machine for recycling or other purposes, when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel, the worker's fingers or tools can be hooked onto the area overlapping with a specific opening on the outer edge of the ball entry unit. This allows the ball entry unit to be pulled forward with considerable force. Therefore, the ball entry unit can be easily removed from the game panel against the resistance between the positioning hole and the positioning projection, thereby reducing the disassembly work required for sorting and recycling.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide mounting holes for attaching the ball entry unit to the game panel near the positioning projection. This allows the mounting screws to be screwed into the game panel through the mounting holes, firmly pressing the positioning projection toward the game panel and ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole on the game panel, thus preventing the projection from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

Furthermore, the front edge of the outer rim of the ball entry unit may be sloped toward the rear. Because the front edge of the outer rim of the ball entry unit is sloped toward the rear, the corners of the outer rim are obtuse. Therefore, when disassembling the gaming machine and removing the ball entry unit from the gaming panel, if a worker hooks their fingers or other body parts onto the part of the outer rim of the ball entry unit that overlaps with a specific opening area, even if the fingers or other body parts come into contact with the corners of the outer rim, the obtuse angle makes it less likely to injure the fingers or other body parts compared to a case where the corners are right angles, allowing for safe removal of the ball entry unit by hand.

Furthermore, as described above, when the front surface of the outer edge is sloped, the corner of the outer edge in the ball entry unit becomes obtuse. Compared to the case where the corner is right angle, even if the game ball rolls along the outer edge to enter a specific opening area, the corner of the outer edge will not chip, thus improving the durability of the ball entry unit.

Furthermore, as described above, tilting the outer edge of the ball entry unit backward allows for smoother guidance of the game balls into the specific opening area, thus preventing ball congestion within that area.

Furthermore, it is desirable to make the outer edge of the ball-receiving unit transparent. This allows the size of the specific opening area to appear smaller, even if a portion of the outer edge overlaps with the specific opening area, because the outer edge of the ball-receiving unit is transparent.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide positioning protrusions at both the portion close to the specific opening region and the portion farther from the specific opening region. This ensures that the two positioning protrusions are spaced apart from each other, preventing the ball entry unit from rotating along the surface of the game panel when attached, thus reliably positioning the ball entry unit at the desired location on the game panel.

Incidentally, if the ball entry unit is provided with two positioning protrusions, each of which is inserted into a positioning hole in the game panel, then when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel during disassembly, attempting to pull both positioning protrusions out of the positioning holes simultaneously would require pulling the ball entry unit forward with considerable force, potentially increasing the burden on the worker. In contrast, as described above, if the positioning protrusions are provided at both points close to and far from the specific opening area, one positioning protrusion is located near the specific opening area. Therefore, when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel during disassembly for recycling or other purposes, the worker can hook their fingers or other body parts onto the part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit that overlaps with the specific opening area and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning protrusion closer to the specific opening area. This allows for easier removal during disassembly. The positioning projection closest to the specific opening region can be removed first, followed by the remaining projection further away. This requires less force compared to simultaneously removing both projections, thus reducing the burden on the worker.

Furthermore, the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area may be made to protrude beyond the rear surface of the game panel, penetrating the specific opening area. However, during the disassembly of the game machine, when a worker hooks their fingers or the like onto the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area and pulls it forward in order to remove the ball entry unit from the game panel, if the strength of that portion is weak, the outer edge may crack, and the ball entry unit may remain on the game panel side. In contrast, as described above, by increasing the depth of the portion overlapping the specific opening area on the outer edge of the ball entry unit, the size of the specific opening area (ball discharge port) becomes smaller (the passage volume for discharging game balls becomes smaller) compared to the method of overlapping a portion of the outer edge (extended portion) on the front of the game panel. Alternatively, the size of the specific opening area (ball discharge port) can be widened beforehand (the passage volume for discharging game balls becomes larger). However, because the strength of this portion can be increased, it will not crack (break) even if an operator hooks their finger or other object into this portion and pulls it forward, allowing the ball entry unit to be reliably removed from the game panel.

Furthermore, as described above, by extending the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area through the specific opening area and protruding behind the rear surface of the game panel, this portion can cover the inner surface of the specific opening area, making it less visible to the player and improving the appearance of the game machine.

Furthermore, the ball entry unit may have a base plate that forms an outer edge and has a positioning projection and mounting holes that penetrate it, allowing it to abut against the front of the game panel. This allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel via the mounting holes, thereby blocking the normal opening area of the game panel from the front. This also allows the rear of the game panel to be hidden from the front (player side) through the normal opening area, improving the appearance of the game machine.

Method 2: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming panel from which game balls can flow down,
An entry unit having an entry opening into which game balls can be inserted,
The system includes a ball discharge port into which game balls that did not enter the aforementioned ball entry port can be entered,
The ball entry unit has a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole for attaching it to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel so as to fit into a normal opening area formed in the game panel.
The ball discharge port is formed by a specific opening region in the game panel, separate from the ordinary opening region into which the ball entry unit is fitted.
An extended portion is formed on the outer edge of the ball-receiving unit.
The extended portion is formed such that, when the positioning projection of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the game panel, at least a portion of it overlaps with the edge of the specific opening region."
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "ordinary opening area" and "specific opening area" include "a hole-like opening that penetrates the game panel and whose inner surface is connected around its entire circumference," and "a notch-like opening that penetrates the game panel and is partially open to the side of the game panel," etc.

According to the configuration of means 2, in a game machine equipped with a game panel through which game balls can flow, the machine comprises a ball entry unit having a ball entry port into which game balls can enter, and a ball discharge port into which game balls that did not enter the ball entry port can enter. The ball entry unit has a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole for attaching it to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel so as to fit into a normal opening region formed in the game panel. The ball discharge port is composed of a specific opening region formed in the game panel, separate from the normal opening region into which the ball entry unit is fitted, and an extended portion is formed on the outer edge of the ball entry unit, and the extended portion is formed so that at least a part of it overlaps with the edge of the specific opening region when the positioning projection of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the game panel (see the description of the embodiment shown in Figures 84 and 85 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel by inserting the positioning projection of the ball entry unit into the positioning hole of the game panel from the front, and then screwing the mounting screws into the game panel through the mounting holes. At the same time, game balls that enter the ball entry opening of the ball entry unit can be guided to the rear of the game panel through the normal opening area of the game panel. In this case, since the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel so as to fit into the normal opening area of the game panel, the rear of the game panel can be obscured and hidden through the normal opening area, improving the appearance of the game machine. When this ball entry unit is attached to the front of the game panel, the extended portion of the outer edge of the ball entry unit is formed so that a part of it overlaps with the edge of a specific opening area (in a front view, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projected range of the specific opening area), so that a part of the extended portion protrudes toward the center of the specific opening area. Furthermore, during the disassembly of a gaming machine for recycling or other purposes, when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel, the worker's fingers or tools can be hooked onto the portion (extended portion) that overlaps with the edge of a specific opening area on the outer edge of the ball entry unit. This allows the ball entry unit to be pulled forward with considerable force. Therefore, the ball entry unit can be easily removed from the game panel against the resistance between the positioning hole and the positioning projection, thereby reducing the disassembly work required for sorting and recycling.

Furthermore, because the ball discharge port (specific opening area) is formed separately from the normal opening area in the game panel, the reduction in the strength of the game panel can be suppressed compared to cases where the normal opening area and the specific opening area are connected.

Method 3: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine equipped with a gaming panel from which game balls can flow down,
An entry unit having an entry opening into which game balls can be inserted,
The system includes a ball discharge port into which game balls that did not enter the aforementioned ball entry port can be entered,
The ball entry unit has a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole for attaching it to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel so as to be inserted into a normal opening area formed in the game panel.
The ball discharge port is formed in the game panel so as to be continuous with the normal opening region into which the ball entry unit is fitted, but is composed of a specific opening region into which the ball entry unit is not fitted.
An extended portion is formed on the outer edge of the ball-receiving unit.
The extended portion is formed such that, when the positioning projection of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the game panel, at least a portion of it overlaps with the edge of the specific opening region."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 3, in a game machine equipped with a game panel through which game balls can flow, the machine comprises a ball entry unit having a ball entry port into which game balls can enter, and a ball discharge port into which game balls that did not enter the ball entry port can enter. The ball entry unit has a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole for attaching it to the game panel, and is attached to the game panel so as to be inserted into a normal opening region formed in the game panel. The ball discharge port is formed in the game panel so as to be continuous with the normal opening region into which the ball entry unit is fitted, but is composed of a specific opening region into which the ball entry unit is not fitted. An extended portion is formed on the outer edge of the ball entry unit, and the extended portion is formed so that at least a part of it overlaps with the edge of the specific opening region when the positioning projection of the ball entry unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the game panel (see the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 86 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel by inserting the positioning projection of the ball entry unit into the positioning hole of the game panel from the front, and then screwing the mounting screws into the game panel through the mounting holes. At the same time, game balls that enter the ball entry opening of the ball entry unit can be guided to the rear of the game panel through the normal opening area of the game panel. In this case, since the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel so as to fit into the normal opening area of the game panel, the rear of the game panel can be obscured and hidden through the normal opening area, improving the appearance of the game machine. When this ball entry unit is attached to the front of the game panel, the extended portion of the outer edge of the ball entry unit is formed so that a part of it overlaps with the edge of a specific opening area (in a front view, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projected range of the specific opening area), so that a part of the extended portion protrudes toward the center of the specific opening area. Furthermore, during the disassembly of a gaming machine for recycling or other purposes, when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel, the worker's fingers or tools can be hooked onto the portion (extended portion) that overlaps with the edge of a specific opening area on the outer edge of the ball entry unit. This allows the ball entry unit to be pulled forward with considerable force. Therefore, the ball entry unit can be easily removed from the game panel against the resistance between the positioning hole and the positioning projection, thereby reducing the disassembly work required for sorting and recycling.

Furthermore, because the ball discharge port (specific opening area) is formed in the game panel so as to be continuous with the normal opening area, when forming the normal and specific opening areas on the game panel using a cutting tool such as an end mill, the normal and specific opening areas can be machined continuously, thereby reducing the cost of the game panel.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 3,
"The ball-catching unit is inclined such that the front surface of its outer edge is directed towards the rear."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 4, the ball-entry unit has an outer edge that is inclined so that the front surface is directed towards the rear (see the description of the base plate 2811a, finger rest portion 2816, and finger rest portion 2817 of the first component member 2811 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, the front edge of the outer edge of the ball entry unit is sloped toward the rear, making the corners of the outer edge obtuse. Therefore, when disassembling the game machine and removing the ball entry unit from the game panel, if a worker hooks their fingers or other body parts onto the part of the outer edge (extended portion) of the ball entry unit that overlaps with a specific opening area, even if the fingers or other body parts come into contact with the corners of the outer edge, the obtuse angle makes it less likely to injure the fingers or other body parts compared to when the corners are right angles, allowing the ball entry unit to be safely removed by the fingers or other body parts.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, because the outer edge corners of the ball entry unit are obtuse, compared to cases where these corners are right angles, even if the game ball rolls along the outer edge to enter a specific opening area, the outer edge corners will not chip, thus improving the durability of the ball entry unit.

Furthermore, because the outer edge of the ball entry unit is sloped backward, the game balls can be smoothly guided into the specific opening area, preventing them from becoming stuck in that area.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 4,
"The ball-receiving unit has a transparent outer edge."
It is characterized by the following:

According to the configuration of means 5, the ball entry unit is characterized by having a transparent outer edge (see the description regarding the base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This allows the outer edge of the ball entry unit to be made transparent, thus preventing the specific opening area from appearing smaller even if a portion of the outer edge overlaps with it.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 5,
"The positioning projection is provided in a portion that is close to the specific opening region and in a portion that is far from the specific opening region."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 6, the positioning projection is provided in a portion close to the specific opening region and in a portion far from the specific opening region (see the description regarding the positioning projection 2811c of the first component member 2811 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, since the two positioning protrusions are positioned apart from each other, when the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel, the ball entry unit does not rotate along the surface of the game panel, and the ball entry unit can be reliably positioned at the desired location on the game panel.

Incidentally, if the ball entry unit is provided with two positioning protrusions, each of which is inserted into a positioning hole in the game panel, then when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel during disassembly, attempting to pull both positioning protrusions out of the positioning holes simultaneously would require pulling the ball entry unit forward with considerable force, potentially increasing the burden on the worker. In contrast, with this configuration, since one positioning protrusion is provided near the specific opening area, when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel during disassembly of the game machine for recycling or other purposes, the worker can hook their fingers or other body parts onto the part of the outer edge (extended portion) of the ball entry unit that overlaps with the specific opening area and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning protrusion closest to the specific opening area. This allows for easier removal during disassembly. The positioning projection closest to the specific opening region can be removed first, followed by the remaining projection further away. This requires less force compared to simultaneously removing both projections, thus reducing the burden on the worker.

Means 7: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 6,
"The portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening region penetrates the specific opening region and protrudes further back than the rear surface of the game panel."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 7, the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening region extends through the specific opening region and protrudes further rearward than the rear surface of the game panel (see the description regarding the finger grip portion 2817 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

Incidentally, during the disassembly of a gaming machine, when removing the ball entry unit from the gaming panel, if the strength of the part where the outer edge (extended portion) overlaps with a specific opening area is weak, the outer edge may crack, and the ball entry unit may remain attached to the gaming panel. In contrast, this configuration increases the depth of the part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit that overlaps with the specific opening area. Compared to the method of overlapping a portion of the outer edge (extended portion) on the front of the gaming panel, this results in a smaller size for the specific opening area (ball discharge port) (a smaller passage volume for discharging gaming balls), or a larger size for the specific opening area (ball discharge port) beforehand (a larger passage volume for discharging gaming balls). However, this increases the strength of the part, preventing cracking (damage) even when the worker hooks their fingers or other objects into the part and pulls it forward, allowing for reliable removal of the ball entry unit from the gaming panel.

Furthermore, because the portion of the outer edge that overlaps with the specific opening area is extended through the specific opening area and protrudes further back than the rear surface of the game panel, this portion can cover the inner surface of the specific opening area, making it less visible to the player and improving the appearance of the game machine.

Means 8: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 7,
The ball entry unit is characterized in that "the positioning projection protrudes from the base plate that forms the outer edge of the game panel, and the mounting hole penetrates through it, and the base plate is flat and can abut against the front surface of the game panel."

According to the configuration of means 8, the ball entry unit has a base plate that forms an outer edge and has a positioning projection that protrudes and a mounting hole that penetrates it, and is in the shape of a flat plate that can abut against the front surface of the game panel (see the description of the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, since the ball entry unit is equipped with a flat base plate, by attaching the ball entry unit to the front of the game panel via mounting holes, the base plate can block the normal opening area of the game panel from the front. This allows the rear of the game panel to be hidden by the base plate through the normal opening area from the front (player side), improving the appearance of the game machine.

Means 9: In any one configuration of means 1 and means 4 through 8,
"The specified opening region is provided to penetrate the game panel independently of the ordinary opening region and is not connected to it."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 9, the specific opening region is provided to penetrate the game panel independently of the normal opening region (see the description of the embodiment shown in Figures 84 and 85 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This provides the same effects as described above, but because the specific opening area is provided independently on the game panel without being connected to the normal opening area, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the strength of the game panel compared to when the normal opening area and the specific opening area are connected.

Means 10: In any one configuration of means 1 and means 4 to 8,
"The aforementioned specific opening region is provided to connect with the aforementioned ordinary opening region."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 10, the specific opening region is provided so as to be connected to the ordinary opening region (see the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 86 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This provides the same effects as described above, and because it connects the specific opening area and the normal opening area, when forming the opening areas (normal and specific opening areas) on the game panel using a cutting tool such as an end mill, the normal and specific opening areas can be machined continuously, thereby reducing the cost of the game panel.

Means 11: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine having multiple ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered, and equipped with a ball entry unit attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow down,
The aforementioned game panel is
The game balls are able to flow from the front to the rear, and the game panel has an opening area that is either an ordinary opening area through which game balls that have entered the ball entry opening can flow, or a specific opening area through which game balls that have not entered the ball entry opening can flow, wherein the specific opening area penetrates the game panel independently without being connected to the ordinary opening area, or the specific opening area is connected to the ordinary opening area.
The aforementioned ball entry unit is
A flat base plate that can abut against the front surface of the game panel, a positioning projection that protrudes from the base plate and is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a mounting hole that penetrates the base plate and is attached to the game panel such that it closes the ordinary opening area of the opening region from the front, and a part of the transparent outer edge of the base plate overlaps the specific opening area of the opening region.
Furthermore, the front surface of the outer edge of the base plate is inclined toward the rear, and the positioning projection is provided in both a portion close to the ball discharge port and a portion farther away from the ball discharge port.
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 11, in a gaming machine equipped with a ball entry unit attached to the front of a gaming panel through which gaming balls can flow, the gaming panel is configured such that gaming balls can flow from the front to the rear, and consists of a normal opening area through which gaming balls that have entered the ball entry area can flow, and a specific opening area through which gaming balls that have not entered the ball entry area can flow, and the specific opening area penetrates the gaming panel independently without being connected to the normal opening area, or the specific opening area is connected to the normal opening area, and the ball entry unit is a gaming machine The device has a flat base plate that can abut against the front of the panel, positioning projections that protrude from the base plate and are inserted into positioning holes provided in the game panel, and mounting holes that penetrate the base plate for attachment to the game panel. It is attached to the game panel so as to close the normal opening area from the front, and so as to overlap a portion of the transparent outer edge of the base plate with a specific opening area. Furthermore, the front surface of the outer edge of the base plate is inclined toward the rear, and the positioning projections are provided at both the portion close to the ball discharge port and the portion farther from the ball discharge port.

This allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel by inserting the positioning projection protruding from the base plate of the ball entry unit into the positioning hole of the game panel from the front, and then tightening the mounting screws through the mounting holes that penetrate the base plate into the game panel. At the same time, game balls that enter the ball entry opening of the ball entry unit can be guided to the rear of the game panel through the normal opening area of the game panel's opening region. In this case, since the normal opening area of the game panel is covered from the front by the base plate of the ball entry unit, the rear of the game panel can be made difficult to see through the normal opening area and hidden, improving the appearance of the game machine. When this ball entry unit is attached to the front of the game panel, a part of the transparent outer edge of the base plate of the ball entry unit overlaps with a specific opening area of the opening region (in a front view, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projection range of the specific opening area), so that a part of the outer edge protrudes toward the center of the specific opening area. Furthermore, during the disassembly of gaming machines for recycling, etc., when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel, the worker's fingers or tools can be hooked onto the area overlapping with a specific opening on the outer edge of the base plate. This allows the ball entry unit to be pulled forward with considerable force along with the base plate. Therefore, the ball entry unit can be easily removed from the game panel against the resistance between the positioning hole and the positioning projection, providing a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

Incidentally, if the ball entry unit is provided with two positioning protrusions, each of which is inserted into a positioning hole in the game panel, then when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel during disassembly, attempting to pull both positioning protrusions out of the positioning holes simultaneously would require pulling the ball entry unit forward with considerable force, potentially increasing the burden on the worker. In contrast, with this configuration, the positioning protrusions are provided at both points: one close to the specific opening region and the other far from it. Therefore, when disassembling a game machine for recycling or other purposes, when removing the ball entry unit from the game panel, the worker can hook their fingers or other body parts onto the part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit that overlaps with the specific opening region and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning protrusion closer to the specific opening region. This allows for easier removal during disassembly. The positioning projection closest to the specific opening region can be removed first, followed by the remaining projection further away. This requires less force compared to simultaneously removing both projections, thus reducing the burden on the worker.

Furthermore, because the front edge of the outer edge of the ball entry unit's base plate is sloped toward the rear, the corners of the outer edge are obtuse. Therefore, when disassembling the gaming machine and removing the ball entry unit from the gaming panel, if a worker hooks their fingers or other body parts onto the part of the outer edge of the ball entry unit that overlaps with a specific opening area, even if the fingers or other body parts come into contact with the corners of the outer edge, the obtuse angle makes it less likely to injure the fingers or other body parts compared to a case where the corners were right angles, allowing for safe removal of the ball entry unit by hand.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, because the outer edge corners of the ball entry unit are obtuse, compared to cases where these corners are right angles, even if the game ball rolls along the outer edge to enter a specific opening area, the outer edge corners will not chip, thus improving the durability of the ball entry unit.

Furthermore, because the front edge of the outer edge of the ball entry unit's base plate is sloped toward the rear, the corners of the outer edge are obtuse. Therefore, even if the game ball rolls along the outer edge to enter a specific opening area, the obtuse corners prevent chipping, thus improving the durability of the ball entry unit.

Furthermore, because the outer edge of the base plate in the ball entry unit is tilted backward, the game balls can be smoothly guided into the specific opening area, preventing them from becoming stuck in that area.

Furthermore, because the outer edge of the base plate in the ball-in unit is transparent, even if a portion of the outer edge overlaps with the specific opening area, it is possible to avoid the specific opening area appearing smaller than it actually is.

Furthermore, because the two positioning protrusions are positioned apart from each other, when the ball entry unit is attached to the game panel, the ball entry unit does not rotate along the surface of the game panel, ensuring that the ball entry unit is reliably positioned at the desired location on the game panel.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide mounting holes for attaching the ball entry unit to the game panel near the positioning projection. This allows the mounting screws to be screwed into the game panel through the mounting holes, firmly pressing the positioning projection toward the game panel and ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole on the game panel, thus preventing the projection from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

Thus, the above solution makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting for recycling, etc.

[15-2c. Relationship between the means for solving the second technical feature and the embodiment]
In this embodiment, the out port 1008 and specific opening area 1103 in the game board 5 correspond to the ball discharge port (specific opening area) of the above solution, the opening area 1101 of the game panel 1100 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening area of the above solution, the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 in this embodiment corresponds to the game panel of the above solution, the opening 1112 and normal opening area 1102 of the panel plate 1110 in this embodiment correspond to the normal opening area of the above solution, the positioning hole 1113 in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning hole of the above solution, the general prize entry port 2001 and the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component member 2811 in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry port of the above solution, and the side unit 2800G in this embodiment corresponds to the ball entry unit of the above solution.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base plate 2811a corresponds to the base plate (extension portion) of the above-described solution, the positioning projection 2811c corresponds to the positioning projection of the above-described solution, and the mounting hole 2811d corresponds to the mounting hole of the above-described solution. Moreover, in this embodiment, the finger rests 2816 and 2817 correspond to the portion where a part of the outer edge (base plate, extension portion) of the ball entry unit (side unit 2800G) overlaps with the ball discharge port (outlet 1008, specific opening area 1103) of the above-described solution.

[15-2d. Characteristic effects of the second technical feature]
According to this embodiment, the positioning projection 2811c protruding from the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G in the game board 5 is inserted from the front into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100, and the base plate 2811a is brought into contact with the front surface of the panel plate 1110. Then, mounting screws are screwed into the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 through mounting holes 2811d that penetrate the base plate 2811a and tightened. This allows the side unit 2800G to be attached to the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, and also allows game balls B that have entered the general prize entry opening 2001 (ball receiving section 2811b) of the side unit 2800G to be guided to the rear of the game panel 1100 through the opening 1112 (normal opening area 1102 of the opening area 1101) of the panel plate 1110. In this case, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 is covered from the front by the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G, making it difficult to see the rear of the game panel 1100 through the opening 1112 and thus improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1 (game board 5). When the side unit 2800G is attached to the front of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, a part of the transparent outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G (finger grip portion 2816 or finger grip portion 2817) overlaps with the out opening 1008 (a specific opening area 1103 within the opening area 1101) (in a front view, a part of the outer edge overlaps with the projection range of the out opening 1008), so the finger grip portion 2816 (finger grip portion 2817) protrudes toward the center of the out opening 1008. Furthermore, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or other purposes, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the finger grip portion 2816 (finger grip portion 2817) overlapping with the out opening 1008 on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a allows the worker to hook their fingers or tools onto it, enabling them to pull the side unit 2800G forward with considerable force together with the base plate 2811a. Consequently, the side unit 2800G can be easily removed from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 against the resistance between the positioning hole 1113 and the positioning projection 2811c, thereby providing a pachinko machine 1 that reduces the disassembly work required for sorting.

Incidentally, since the side unit 2800G is provided with two positioning protrusions 2811c, each of which is inserted into a positioning hole 1113 in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 during disassembly, attempting to pull out both positioning protrusions 2811c simultaneously from the positioning holes 1113 would require pulling the side unit 2800G forward with considerable force, potentially increasing the burden on the worker. In contrast, in this embodiment, the positioning projection 2811c is provided in both a portion close to the out opening 1008 and a portion far from it. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1 for recycling or the like, when removing the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the worker can hook their fingers or the like onto the finger grip portion 2816 (finger grip portion 2817) on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800 that overlaps with the out opening 1008 and pull it forward, thereby applying a strong pulling force to the positioning projection 2811c closer to the out opening 1008. This allows the two positioning protrusions 2811c to be removed first from the positioning hole 1113, while the remaining positioning protrusion 2811c, which is further away from the outlet 1008, can be removed from the positioning hole 1113. Compared to removing both positioning protrusions 2811c simultaneously, this requires less force, reducing the burden on the worker.

Furthermore, since the front edge of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G is inclined toward the rear, the corners of the outer edge are obtuse. Therefore, when disassembling the pachinko machine 1, in order to remove the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, if the worker's fingers or other body parts come into contact with the corners of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G, the obtuse angle of these corners makes it less likely to injure the fingers or other body parts compared to a case where the corners were right angles, allowing the side unit 2800G to be safely removed by the fingers or other body parts.

Furthermore, as described above, because the outer edge corner of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G is obtuse, compared to the case where the corner is right-angled, even if the game ball B rolls along the outer edge of the base plate 2811a to enter the out opening 1008, the outer edge will not chip, thus improving the durability of the side unit 2800G.

Furthermore, because the outer edge of the base plate 2811a in the side unit 2800G is tilted backward, the game balls B can be smoothly guided to the out opening 1008, thus preventing congestion of the game balls B at the out opening 1008.

Furthermore, because the outer edge of the base plate 2811a in the side unit 2800G is made transparent, even if a portion of the outer edge overlaps with the outlet 1008, such as the finger rest 2816 (finger rest 2817), it is possible to avoid the outlet 1008 appearing smaller than it actually is.

Furthermore, because the two positioning protrusions 2811c are positioned apart from each other, when the side unit 2800G is attached to the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, the side unit 2800G does not rotate along the surface of the panel plate 1110, and the side unit 2800G can be reliably positioned at the desired location on the panel plate 1110.

Furthermore, since the mounting holes 2811d for attaching the game panel 1100 to the panel plate 1110 of the side unit 2800G are provided near the positioning projection 2811c, screwing the mounting screws into the mounting holes 1114 of the panel plate 1110 via the mounting holes 2811d and tightening them firmly presses the positioning projection 2811c toward the panel plate 1110, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110. This prevents the positioning projection 2811c from lifting up due to incomplete insertion.

By the way, during the disassembly of the pachinko machine 1, when the worker hooks their fingers or the like onto the part of the outer edge of the base plate 2811a that overlaps with the out opening 1008 in order to remove the side unit 2800G from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 and pulls it forward, if the strength of that part is weak, there is a risk that the outer edge will crack and the side unit 2800G will remain on the game panel 1100 side. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 85, the depth of the finger grip portion 2817, which overlaps with the out-opening 1008 at the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G, is increased. Compared to the method of overlapping a portion of the outer edge (extended portion) of the base plate 2811a on the front surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100, this results in either a smaller size for the specific opening area 1103 (out-opening 1008) (a smaller passage volume for discharging the game balls B), or a larger size for the specific opening area 1103 (out-opening 1008) beforehand (a larger passage volume for discharging the game balls B). However, this increases the strength of the finger grip portion 2817. Therefore, even if an operator hooks their finger or the like onto the finger grip portion 2817 and pulls it forward, it will not break (be damaged), and the side unit 2800G can be reliably removed from the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100.

Furthermore, the finger grip portion 2817 on the outer edge of the base plate 2811a of the side unit 2800G, which overlaps with the out-opening 1008, is designed to penetrate the out-opening 1008 and protrude further back than the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. This allows the finger grip portion 2817 to cover the inner surface of the out-opening 1008, making it less visible to the player and improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1.

[15-3. Third Technical Feature]
This specification has the following technical features, which differ from those described above.

[15-3a. Background of the Third Technical Feature]
In recent years, in amusement machines such as pachinko machines, methods have been used to create effects that can attract the attention of players, such as making the effect devices larger, increasing the range of motion of the effect devices, and decorating the effect devices with flashy lights.

By the way, in conventional gaming machines such as those described in Patent Document A (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-018185), a ball entry unit is attached to the front of the gaming panel, through which the game balls flow. This unit has multiple ball entry openings (for example, general prize entry openings). Game balls that enter these entry openings are guided to the rear of the gaming panel, where they are detected by a ball sensor in a ball guidance unit located behind the gaming panel, and then discharged downwards. To illuminate and decorate such a ball entry unit, it is necessary to install LEDs mounted on the rear side of the ball guidance unit located behind the ball entry unit. However, installing an LED substrate reduces the space behind the ball entry unit, making it difficult to secure more space for the display device.

Therefore, the following measures aim to provide a gaming machine that can present a more impactful presentation by making it easier to secure space behind the ball entry unit, taking into account the above-mentioned circumstances.

[15-3b. Solution to the third technical feature]
Method 1: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine having multiple ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered, and equipped with a ball entry unit attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow down,
The aforementioned ball entry unit is
A first component is attached to the game panel such as having a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a first mounting hole for attachment to the game panel, and closing an opening provided so as to penetrate the game panel from the front,
The second component has a second mounting hole for attachment to the first component, and is attached from the rear side of the first component such that it forms a predetermined space within the opening together with the first component,
An LED substrate on which LEDs are mounted is provided in the space formed by the first component and the second component."
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "entry slots" include "entry slots that award predetermined benefits upon entry of game balls (e.g., general entry slots, regular entry slots, start-up entry slots (start-up slots), large entry slots, special feature entry slots, V-entry slots, etc.)" and "out slots that discharge game balls outside the game machine without awarding any benefits or returning them to the player."

Furthermore, examples of "game panels" include those made from wooden plywood such as veneer, those consisting of a panel made by cutting a transparent resin sheet and a panel holder that holds the outer edge of the panel, and those made by injection molding transparent resin.

Furthermore, the "LED substrate" may be attached to the first component or to the second component. Also, the "non-contact surface" may be provided on the first component, on the second component, or on both the first and second components.

According to the configuration of Means 1, in a game machine equipped with a ball entry unit having multiple ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered, and the front of the ball entry unit being attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow, the ball entry unit comprises: a first component having a positioning projection inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a first mounting hole for attachment to the game panel, and attached to the game panel so as to close the opening provided to penetrate the game panel from the front; and a second component having a second mounting hole for attachment to the first component, and attached from the rear of the first component so as to form a predetermined space within the opening with the first component, and an LED substrate on which LEDs are mounted is provided in the space formed by the first component and the second component (see Chapter 12-2b. Modification 2 of the Side Unit, Figure 79, etc. in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel by attaching the second component to the rear of the first component via the second mounting hole using mounting screws, inserting the positioning projection of the first component into the positioning hole of the game panel from the front, and then screwing the mounting screws into the game panel via the first mounting hole. Furthermore, the opening that penetrates the game panel can be covered by the first component, making it difficult to see the rear of the game panel through the opening, thus improving the appearance of the game machine, and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front of the game panel from the rear through the opening. In addition, the first component and the second component, which is attached to the rear of the first component via the second mounting hole using mounting screws, form a space within the opening of the game panel, and since an LED board is installed in this space, the ball entry unit can be illuminated and decorated with LEDs on the LED board. In this design, a space for the LED circuit board is formed within the opening of the game panel. This allows the space and the LED circuit board to be housed within the thickness of the game panel, minimizing the amount of protrusion from the rear of the game panel and allowing for more space behind the ball entry unit. Consequently, it becomes possible to install large display devices or devices with a wide range of motion behind the ball entry unit, enabling the presentation of more impactful visuals to players and providing a highly appealing gaming machine.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide the first mounting hole for attaching the ball entry unit to the game panel near the positioning projection. This allows the positioning projection to be firmly pressed against the game panel by screwing the mounting screw into the game panel through the first mounting hole, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole on the game panel and preventing the projection from lifting due to incomplete insertion.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a non-contact surface area in the ball entry unit where the first and second components are in contact with each other, on a portion of the contact surface area where they are in contact. This allows the LED substrate to be placed in the space between the first and second components, and because a non-contact surface area is provided on a portion of the contact surface area where the first and second components are in contact, heat from the LED substrate can be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface area, thus avoiding thermal effects.

Furthermore, when a non-contact surface is provided as described above, the front end of the opening in the game panel is blocked by the first component. Therefore, the heat released from the non-contact surface to the outside does not flow to the front of the game panel, but can instead be dissipated to the rear of the game panel.

Furthermore, when a non-contact surface is provided as described above, it is desirable to form the ball entry unit so that a gap is provided between it and the inner circumference of the opening in the game panel, and to provide the non-contact surface at least on the upper contact surface. This ensures that the non-contact surface, capable of dissipating heat from the LED substrate located within the space formed by the first and second components, is provided at least on the upper part of the contact surface. Therefore, the heat from the LED substrate can be reliably dissipated to the outside by this non-contact surface, preventing heat buildup within the space. In this case, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the part of the ball entry unit inserted into the opening in the game panel and the inner circumference of the opening. In other words, because a gap is provided between the non-contact surface and the inner circumference of the opening, heat from the LED substrate can be reliably dissipated from the non-contact surface to this gap, and heat can be exhausted from within the opening through this gap.

Furthermore, when a non-contact surface is provided as described above, it is desirable to position the LED substrate so that it does not overlap the non-contact surface in a plan view. This makes it less likely for foreign matter such as dust and dirt to enter the space where the LED substrate is located through the non-contact surface, thus minimizing the impact of foreign matter.

Furthermore, it is desirable to make the game panel opaque. Because the game panel is opaque, light from the LEDs on the LED substrate does not enter the interior of the game panel from the inner surface of the opening. Instead, it is reflected by the inner surface of the opening, which suppresses the reduction in the amount of light projected forward and makes it easier to fully realize the visual effects produced by the LED light emission.

Furthermore, when a non-contact surface is provided as described above, it may be positioned behind the rear surface of the game panel. This allows heat from the LED substrate located in the space between the first and second components to be reliably dissipated through the non-contact surface to the rear of the game panel, thereby avoiding heat-related effects.

Furthermore, the first component may have a flat base plate with a positioning projection and a mounting hole that penetrates it, allowing it to contact the front of the game panel. This means that by providing the ball entry unit with a flat base plate, the ball entry unit can be attached to the front of the game panel via the mounting hole. This allows the base plate to cover the opening of the game panel from the front, concealing the rear of the game panel from the front (player side) through the opening, thus improving the appearance of the game machine.

Furthermore, as described above, by providing a base plate in the first component, the base plate of the ball entry unit can close the opening of the game panel from the front. This allows heat from the LED substrate located in the space between the first and second components to be dissipated to the rear of the game panel through the non-contact surface, and prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front of the game panel through the opening.

Means 2: In the configuration of means 1,
"The ball entry unit is,
The first component and the second component are provided with non-contact surfaces that do not come into contact with each other, on a portion of the contact surface where they come into contact with each other.
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 2, the ball-entry unit has a non-contact surface portion that does not come into contact with the contact surface portion where the first component and the second component come into contact with each other (see the description of the side unit 2800B, the contact surface portion 2830, and the non-contact surface portion 2831 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, the LED substrate is placed in the space between the first and second components, and a non-contact surface is provided on a portion of the contact surface where the first and second components are in contact with each other. Therefore, heat from the LED substrate can be dissipated to the outside through this non-contact surface, thus avoiding thermal effects.

Furthermore, because the front end of the opening in the game panel is sealed by the first component, the heat released to the outside from the non-contact surface does not flow to the front side of the game panel, but can instead be dissipated to the rear side of the game panel.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 2,
"The ball entry unit is formed such that a gap is provided between it and the inner circumference of the opening in the game panel,
The non-contact surface portion is provided on at least the upper contact surface portion.
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 3, the ball entry unit is formed such that a gap is provided between it and the inner circumference of the opening in the game panel, and the non-contact surface is provided at least on the upper contact surface (see the description of the side unit 2800B and the non-contact surface 2831 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, a non-contact surface portion, capable of dissipating heat from the LED substrate located within the space formed by the first and second components, is provided at least on the upper part of the contact surface portion. Therefore, heat from the LED substrate can be reliably dissipated to the outside by this non-contact surface portion, preventing heat buildup within the space. In this case, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the portion of the ball entry unit inserted into the opening of the game panel and the inner circumference of the opening. In other words, because a gap is provided between the non-contact surface portion and the inner circumference of the opening, heat from the LED substrate can be reliably dissipated from the non-contact surface portion into this gap, and heat can be exhausted from within the opening through this gap.

Means 4: In the configuration of means 2 or means 3,
"The LED substrate is provided so as not to overlap with the non-contact surface in a plan view."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 4, the LED substrate is provided so as not to overlap the non-contact surface portion in a plan view (see the description of the LED substrate 2825 and the non-contact surface portion 2831 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This makes it difficult for foreign matter such as dust and dirt to enter the space where the LED substrate is installed through the non-contact surface, thus minimizing the impact of foreign matter on the LED substrate.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 4,
"The aforementioned game panel is opaque."
It is characterized by the following:

Incidentally, if the game panel is made transparent, the light from the LED substrate may enter the interior of the game panel from the inner surface of the opening and diffuse, reducing the amount of light projected forward. This could potentially weaken the visual effects produced by the LED light.

According to the configuration of means 5, the game panel is made opaque (see the description of the game panel 1100 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

As a result, since the game panel is made opaque, light from the LEDs on the LED substrate does not enter the interior of the game panel from the inner surface of the opening. Instead, it is reflected by the inner surface of the opening, which suppresses the reduction in the amount of light projected forward and makes it easier to fully realize the visual effects of the LED illumination.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations from means 2 to means 5,
"The non-contact surface is located behind the rear surface of the game panel."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 6, the non-contact surface is located behind the rear surface of the game panel (see the description regarding side unit 2800B in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This allows heat from the LED substrate, located in the space between the first and second components, to be reliably dissipated through the non-contact surface to a point behind the rear surface of the game panel, thereby avoiding the effects of heat.

Means 7: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 6,
"The first component has a flat base plate through which the positioning projection protrudes and the mounting hole penetrates, and which can abut against the front surface of the game panel."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 7, the first component has a positioning projection and a mounting hole that penetrates it, and has a flat base plate that can abut against the front surface of the game panel (see the description of the unit body 2810 of the side unit 2800B in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]).

This design, which includes a flat base plate on the ball entry unit, allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel via mounting holes. The base plate then covers the opening of the game panel from the front, concealing the rear of the game panel from the player's side through the opening. This improves the overall appearance of the game machine.

Furthermore, because the base plate of the ball entry unit can close the opening of the game panel from the front, heat from the LED substrate located in the space between the first and second components can be dissipated to the rear of the game panel through the non-contact surface. At the same time, it prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front of the game panel through the opening from the rear.

Means 8: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine having multiple ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered, and equipped with a ball entry unit attached to the front of a game panel through which game balls can flow down,
The aforementioned ball entry unit is
A first component is attached to the game panel such as having a positioning projection that is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the game panel, and a first mounting hole for attachment to the game panel, and closing an opening provided so as to penetrate the game panel from the front,
A second component having a second mounting hole for attachment to the first component, and attached from the rear side of the first component such that together with the first component, a predetermined space is formed within the opening,
It is equipped with and formed such that a gap is provided between the inner circumference of the opening of the game panel and the game panel,
A non-contact surface portion is provided at least on the upper side of the contact surface portion where the first component and the second component are in contact with each other, and
An LED substrate is provided in the space formed by the first component and the second component so as not to overlap with the non-contact surface in a plan view."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 8, in a gaming machine equipped with a ball entry unit that has multiple ball entry openings into which gaming balls can be entered and is attached to the front of a gaming panel through which gaming balls can flow, the ball entry unit comprises: a first component having a positioning projection inserted into a positioning hole provided in the gaming panel and a first mounting hole for attachment to the gaming panel, and attached to the gaming panel so as to close the opening provided to penetrate the gaming panel from the front; and a second component having a second mounting hole for attachment to the first component, and attached from the rear of the first component so as to form a predetermined space within the opening with the first component. Furthermore, a gap is provided between the first and second components and the inner circumference of the opening in the gaming panel. At least the upper portion of the contact surface where the first and second components touch each other is provided with a non-contact surface, and an LED substrate on which LEDs are mounted is provided in the space formed by the first and second components so as not to overlap the non-contact surface in a plan view.

This allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel by attaching the second component to the rear of the first component via mounting screws through the second mounting holes, inserting the positioning projection protruding from the flat base plate of the first component into the positioning hole of the game panel from the front, and then screwing the mounting screws into the game panel via the first mounting holes so that the base plate abuts against the front of the game panel. This also allows the ball entry unit to be attached to the front of the game panel, and because the base plate of the first component can close the opening that penetrates the game panel, it is possible to make it difficult to see the rear of the game panel through the opening, improving the appearance of the game machine, and preventing foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front of the game panel from the rear of the game panel through the opening. Furthermore, the first component and the second component, which is attached to the rear of the first component via mounting screws through the second mounting holes, form a space within the opening of the game panel, and since an LED board is installed in this space, the ball entry unit can be illuminated and decorated with LEDs on the LED board. In this design, a space for the LED circuit board is formed within the opening of the game panel. This allows the space and the LED circuit board to be housed within the thickness of the game panel, minimizing the amount of protrusion from the rear of the game panel and allowing for more space behind the ball entry unit. Consequently, it becomes possible to install large display devices or devices with a wide range of motion behind the ball entry unit, enabling the presentation of more impactful visuals to players and providing a highly appealing gaming machine.

Furthermore, an LED substrate is provided in the space between the first and second components, and a non-contact surface is provided at least on the upper part of the contact surface where the first and second components are in contact with each other. Therefore, heat from the LED substrate can be dissipated to the outside through this non-contact surface, thus avoiding thermal effects. In this case, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the part of the ball entry unit inserted into the opening of the game panel and the inner circumference of the opening. In other words, a gap is provided between the non-contact surface and the inner circumference of the opening, allowing heat from the LED substrate to be reliably dissipated from the non-contact surface to this gap. And, since the front end of the opening of the game panel is closed by the base plate of the first component, the heat released from the non-contact surface to the gap can be guided to the rear side of the game panel instead of flowing to the front side of the game panel through the gap, thus reliably dissipating heat from the LED substrate.

Furthermore, because the LED substrate is positioned so as not to overlap with the non-contact surface in a plan view, even if foreign matter such as dust or dirt enters the space where the LED substrate is located through the non-contact surface, it is less likely to come into contact with the LED substrate, thus minimizing the impact of foreign matter.

Furthermore, because the game panel is opaque, light from the LEDs on the LED substrate does not enter the interior of the game panel from the inner surface of the opening. Instead, it is reflected by the inner surface of the opening, which suppresses the reduction in the amount of light projected forward, making it easier to fully realize the visual effects produced by the LEDs.

Furthermore, because the base plate of the ball entry unit blocks the opening of the game panel from the front, heat from the LED substrate located in the space between the first and second components can be dissipated to the rear of the game panel through the non-contact surface. This also prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the front of the game panel through the opening.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the first mounting hole, which penetrates the base plate for attachment to the game panel, be provided near the positioning projection in the first component of the ball entry unit. This allows the positioning projection to be firmly pressed against the game panel by screwing the mounting screw into the game panel through the first mounting hole, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole on the game panel and preventing the projection from lifting due to incomplete insertion.

Thus, by using the above solution, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can present a more impactful visual effect by making it easier to secure space behind the ball entry unit.

[15-3c. Relationship between the means for solving the third technical feature and the embodiment]
In this embodiment, the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 in the game board 5 corresponds to the game panel of the above solution, the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the above solution, the positioning hole 1113 in this embodiment corresponds to the positioning hole of the above solution, the general prize entry opening 2001 and the ball receiving portion 2811b of the first component member 2811 in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry opening of the above solution, and the side units 2800B, 2800C, 2800D, 2800E, and 2800F in this embodiment correspond to the ball entry units of the above solution.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the unit body 2810 and unit body 2810A correspond to the first component of the solution, the base plate 2811a corresponds to the base plate of the solution, the positioning projection 2811c corresponds to the positioning projection of the solution, the mounting hole 2811d corresponds to the mounting hole of the solution, the unit cover 2820 corresponds to the second component of the solution, and the LED substrate 2825 corresponds to the LED substrate of the solution. Also, the contact surface portion 2830 (the portion where the support frame portion 2814 and the unit cover 2820 are in contact) corresponds to the contact surface portion of the solution, and the non-contact surface portion 2831 (the notch portion 2814b of the support frame portion 2814 and the notch portion 2820c of the unit cover 2820) corresponds to the non-contact surface portion of the solution.

[15-3d. Characteristic effects of the third technical feature]
Here, the features of side units 2800B, 2800C, 2800D, 2800E, and 2800F in this embodiment will be described using side unit 2800B as a representative example. According to this embodiment, in side unit 2800B which is attached to the front surface of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, the unit cover 2820 is attached from the rear side of the unit body 2810 by mounting screws through mounting holes, and then the positioning projection 2811c protruding from the flat base plate 2811a of the first component member 2811 of the unit body 2810 is inserted from the front into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel board 1110 of the game panel 1100, and then the mounting screws are inserted through mounting holes 2811d so that the base plate 2811a abuts against the front surface of the panel board 1110. By screwing and tightening the side unit 2800B into the mounting plate 1110, the side unit 2800B can be attached to the front of the panel plate 1110. Furthermore, the base plate 2811a can close the opening 1112 that penetrates the panel plate 1110, making it difficult to see the rear of the game panel 1100 through the opening 1112, thereby improving the appearance of the pachinko machine 1. In addition, foreign matter such as dust and dirt can be prevented from entering the front side (game area 5a) of the panel plate 1110 from the rear side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112. The unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820, which is attached to the rear of the unit body 2810 from the rear side of the unit body 2810 by mounting screws via mounting holes, form a space within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110. Since the LED board 2825 is provided in this space, the LEDs 2825a of the LED board 2825 can illuminate and decorate the side unit 2800B. In this case, a space for the LED substrate 2825 is formed within the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 in the game panel 1100. This makes it possible to house the space and the LED substrate 2825 within the thickness of the panel plate 1110, minimizing the amount of rearward protrusion from the rear surface of the panel plate 1110 and allowing for a wider space to be secured behind the side unit 2800B. Consequently, it becomes possible to install large display devices or display devices with a wide range of motion behind the side unit 2800B, enabling the presentation of more impactful displays to players and providing a pachinko machine 1 with high appeal to players.

Furthermore, the LED substrate 2825 is provided in the space between the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 of the side unit 2800B. In addition, a non-contact surface portion 2831 (notch portion 2820c) is provided at least on the upper part of the contact surface portion 2830 where the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820 are in contact with each other. As a result, heat from the LED substrate 2825 can be dissipated to the outside through the non-contact surface portion 2831, thus avoiding the effects of heat. In this case, a gap is provided between the outer circumference of the portion of the side unit 2800B that is inserted into the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 and the inner circumference of the opening 1112. In other words, a gap is provided between the non-contact surface portion 2831 and the inner circumference of the opening 1112, so that heat from the LED substrate 2825 can be reliably dissipated from the non-contact surface portion 2831 into this gap. Furthermore, since the front end of the opening 1112 in the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 is closed by the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 in the unit body 2810, the heat released from the non-contact surface portion 2831 into the gap can be guided to the rear side of the panel plate 1110 without flowing through the gap to the front side of the panel plate 1110, thereby reliably dissipating heat from the LED substrate 2825.

Furthermore, since the LED substrate 2825 is positioned so as not to overlap with the non-contact surface portion 2831 in a plan view, even if foreign matter such as dust or dirt enters the space where the LED substrate 2825 is located through the non-contact surface portion 2831, it is difficult for it to come into contact with the LED substrate 2825, thus minimizing the impact of foreign matter.

Furthermore, by making the game panel 1100 opaque, light from the LED 2825a of the LED substrate 2825 does not enter the interior of the game panel 1100 from the inner surface of the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100. Instead, it can be reflected by the inner surface of the opening 1112, thereby suppressing the reduction in the amount of light emitted forward and making it easier to fully realize the visual effects produced by the light emission of the LED 2825a.

Furthermore, since the base plate 2811a of the first component 2811 in the side unit 2800B closes the opening 1112 of the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 from the front, heat from the LED substrate 2825, which is located in the space between the unit body 2810 and the unit cover 2820, can be dissipated to the rear of the panel plate 1110 through the non-contact surface portion 2831. At the same time, foreign matter such as dust and dirt can be prevented from entering the front side of the panel plate 1110 through the opening 1112.

Furthermore, in the side unit 2800B, the first component 2811 of the unit body 2810 has a mounting hole 2811d that penetrates the base plate 2811a for attachment to the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100. This mounting hole 2811d is located near the positioning projection 2811c. By screwing the mounting screw into the panel plate 1110 of the game panel 1100 through the mounting hole 2811d and tightening it, the positioning projection 2811c can be strongly pressed towards the panel plate 1110, ensuring secure insertion into the positioning hole 1113 of the panel plate 1110. This prevents the positioning projection 2811c from lifting due to incomplete insertion.

[15-4. Fourth Technical Feature]
This specification has the following technical features, which differ from those described above.

[15-4a. Background of the Fourth Technical Feature]
As a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, there is a known type of machine that includes a center component, which is attached from the front to an opening in a game panel where a game area is formed through which game balls can flow, and has a decorative body that is decorated with a predetermined ornament (for example, Patent Document B: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-074434). In the technology of Patent Document B, the appearance of the gaming machine is improved by the decorative body provided on the center component.

However, in the technology described in Patent Document B, a flat decorative element is placed near the front end of the center component. Therefore, even if the decorative element has relief-like decorations, it lacks a sense of depth, potentially causing players to quickly tire of it and diminishing their enjoyment.

Therefore, in light of the above circumstances, the objective of the following method is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress the decline in player interest by incorporating decorative elements with a higher decorative effect.

[15-4b. Solution to the fourth technical feature]
Method 1: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine equipped with a game board having a game panel that forms a game area in which game balls can flow down,
The RE game board is
A frame-shaped center frame is attached from the front to an opening formed in the aforementioned gaming panel,
A decorative body attached to the center frame and having a predetermined decoration,
Equipped with,
The decorative element is
The center frame has a rear decorative portion that extends within the frame and a portion of which protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative portion that is provided in front of the rear decorative portion.
The aforementioned rear decorative section and the aforementioned front decorative section are decorated in a way that coordinates with each other.
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "game panel" can refer to various types of panels, including: "opaque panels such as plywood," "panel boards made of transparent resin," and "panel boards made of transparent resin and frame-shaped panel holders that hold the outer edge of the panel board."

Furthermore, examples of "center frames" include: "a flat flange portion that can abut against the front surface of the game panel, and an inflow restricting portion that extends forward from the flange portion and restricts the flow of game balls flowing down the game area into the opening of the game panel," and "an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening of the game panel and provided along the inner circumferential surface of the opening, a flat flange portion that extends from the front end of the insertion portion in a direction along the surface of the game panel and can abut against the front surface of the game panel, and an inflow restricting portion that extends forward from the flange portion and restricts the flow of game balls flowing down the game area into the opening of the game panel."

Furthermore, "decorative elements" include items with decorations consisting of patterns created by printing or painting, items with three-dimensionally sculpted decorations, and items with decorations that have a metallic luster, such as plating.

Furthermore, examples of "decorative elements" include: "those that are illuminated by the light emitted by LEDs mounted on an LED board," "those that have opaque sections to make the wiring of electronic components (e.g., LED boards, relay boards, sphere sensors, magnetic sensors, displays (special pattern displays), solenoids, etc.) located at the rear difficult to see from the front," and "those that have electronic components (e.g., LED boards, relay boards, sphere sensors, magnetic sensors, displays (special pattern displays), solenoids, etc.) that protrude further rearward than the rear end of the center frame."

Furthermore, examples of "harmonious decorations" include: "decorations where the decorations of the front and back sections form a single decoration (pattern)," "decorations with patterns (figures) where the decorations of the front and back sections are continuous with each other," and "decorations where the decorations of the front or back section enhance (emphasize) the decorations of the back or front section."

According to the configuration of Means 1, in a game machine equipped with a game board having a game panel in which a game area is formed through which game balls can flow, the game board comprises a frame-shaped center frame attached from the front to an opening formed in the game panel, and a decorative body attached to the center frame and having predetermined decorations. The decorative body has a rear decorative part that extends within the frame of the center frame and a portion of which protrudes further rearward than the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative part provided in front of the rear decorative part, and the rear decorative part and the front decorative part are decorated in a manner that coordinates with each other. (See Chapter 11-2. Center Mechanism of the Second Embodiment and Figure 70, etc., in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

As a result, the center frame attached to the game panel of the game board is fitted with a decorative body consisting of a rear decorative section that partially protrudes beyond the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative section positioned in front of the rear decorative section. This allows the player to see a decorative body with depth, created by the front and rear decorative sections. Because the rear and front decorative sections are designed to coordinate with each other, a large decorative effect can be presented to the player, creating a large, deep, and highly effective decorative body. Therefore, by providing a highly effective decorative body on the center frame, it is possible to strongly attract the player's attention and prevent them from becoming bored, thus providing a game machine that can suppress a decline in the player's enjoyment.

Furthermore, because the decorative rear section, which constitutes the decorative element, extends within the frame of the center frame, it does not narrow the game area on the front of the game panel or obscure the view of the game balls flowing through the game area. This allows players to enjoy the game with the game balls in a good condition.

Furthermore, because the rear decorative section constituting the decorative element extends within the frame of the center frame, when a performance display device, movable decorative element, or other decorative element is provided behind the game panel, the rear decorative element can be used to decorate the area around the performance display device (display screen) or to work in conjunction with the decorative element (movable decorative element) to create a more effective decorative effect (performance), thereby providing a highly appealing game machine that can strongly attract the player's attention.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the front and rear decorative sections overlap at least partially when viewed from the front. This allows the front and rear decorative sections, which feature harmonious decorations, to partially overlap when viewed from the front. As a result, the boundary between the front and rear decorative sections becomes less noticeable when viewed from the front, allowing the large decorative elements of both sections to be displayed to the player in a more favorable state and enhancing the decorative effect of the ornament.

Furthermore, it is desirable to make the center frame transparent. This makes the center frame less visible and less conspicuous to the player, allowing the decorative elements (front and rear decorative parts) to stand out more, thereby enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative elements.

Furthermore, the decorative element may have an opaque portion that makes the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame difficult to see from the front. This allows the wiring to be hidden by the opaque portion, preventing the wiring from being visible and thus preventing a deterioration in appearance, thus allowing the decorative effect of the decorative element to be more easily achieved.

Furthermore, the decorative element may be placed in front of the LED board on which the LEDs are mounted. This allows the decorative element to conceal the LED board, thus avoiding the unsightly appearance caused by the visible LED board and allowing the decorative element to more effectively enhance its decorative effect.

Furthermore, a display unit capable of showing the results of the special symbol draw, which is determined by the initial ball entry of game balls within the game area, may be attached to the center frame. This allows the display unit for showing the special symbols to be attached to the center frame, enabling it to be mounted to the game panel together with the center frame. Compared to cases where the display unit is mounted separately, this reduces the effort required for assembling the game machine.

Means 2: In the configuration of means 1,
"The front decorative section and the rear decorative section are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the front."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 2, the front decorative part and the rear decorative part are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the front. (See the description regarding decorative body 2580 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design, which features coordinated decorations on the front and rear sections, allows them to partially overlap when viewed from the front. This makes the boundary between the front and rear decorations less noticeable when viewed from the front, allowing the large decorative elements of both sections to be more clearly displayed to the player and enhancing the decorative effect of the ornament.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 and means 2,
The center frame is characterized by being made of transparent material.

According to the configuration of means 3, the center frame is formed transparently. In other words, the center frame is formed from a transparent material. (See the description regarding the center frame 2511 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This makes the center frame less visible and less conspicuous to the player because it is transparent, allowing the decorative elements (front and rear decorative parts) to stand out more and enhancing their decorative effect.

Furthermore, because the center frame is transparent, when the game panel is also transparent and decorative elements or display devices are installed behind the game panel, the center frame becomes less conspicuous. This makes the decorative elements and display images visible through the transparent game panel more noticeable, thus providing a game machine that can entertain players more.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 3,
"The aforementioned decorative body is,
The center frame has an opaque section that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to it from the front.
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "electronic components" include "LED boards," "relay boards," "ball sensors for detecting game balls," "magnetic sensors," "display units for showing special patterns," "solenoids for opening and closing variable prize slots," and "solenoids or drive motors for moving movable decorative elements," etc.

According to the configuration of means 4, the decorative body has an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front. (See the description of decorative body 2580 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components from the front due to the opaque portion of the decorative element. Because the wiring can be hidden by the opaque portion, it prevents the appearance from deteriorating due to visible wiring, and allows the decorative effect of the element to be more easily achieved.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 4,
"The aforementioned decorative body is,
It is located in front of the LED circuit board on which the LEDs are mounted.
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 5, the decorative element is provided in front of the LED substrate on which the LEDs are mounted. (See the description regarding the LED substrate 2586 of the decorative element 2580 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design, which places the decorative element in front of the LED circuit board, allows the LED board to be concealed by the decorative element. This avoids the unsightly appearance caused by the visible LED board, and makes it easier to maximize the decorative effect of the element.

Furthermore, by directing the light from the LEDs mounted on the LED board onto the decorative object, the LED board can illuminate the decorative object, making it appear brighter and more beautiful, thus entertaining the player and preventing a decline in enjoyment.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 5,
"The aforementioned center frame includes,
A display unit capable of showing the results of a lottery for special symbols drawn by a game ball entering the game area is installed."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 6, a display unit capable of displaying the lottery results of special symbols drawn by game balls entering the game area is attached to the center frame. (See the description regarding the symbol display unit 2518 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design allows the display unit for showing special symbols to be attached to the center frame, enabling the display unit to be mounted to the game panel together with the center frame. This reduces the effort required for assembling the game machine compared to a system where the display unit is mounted separately.

Means 7: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine equipped with a game board having a game panel that forms a game area in which game balls can flow down,
The RE game board is
A display unit capable of displaying the results of a special symbol lottery, which is drawn by a game ball entering the game area, is installed, and a frame-shaped transparent center frame is attached from the front to an opening formed in the game panel,
A decorative body is attached to the center frame, has a predetermined decoration, and has an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front, and is provided in front of the LED board on which the LEDs are mounted,
Equipped with,
The decorative element is
The center frame has a rear decorative portion that extends within the frame and a portion of which protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative portion that is provided in front of the rear decorative portion.
The rear decorative section and the front decorative section are decorated in a way that coordinates with each other, and are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the front.
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 7, the gaming machine comprises a game board having a game panel forming a game area through which game balls can flow. The game board has a display unit attached capable of displaying the results of a special symbol draw determined by game ball entry within the game area. It includes a frame-shaped transparent center frame mounted from the front into an opening formed in the game panel, and a decorative body attached to the center frame, which is decorated and has an opaque portion that makes the wiring of electronic components attached to the center frame difficult to see from the front. The decorative body is located in front of an LED substrate on which LEDs are mounted. The decorative body has a rear decorative portion extending within the frame of the center frame and a portion projecting further back than the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative portion located in front of the rear decorative portion. The rear and front decorative portions are decorated in a coordinated manner and are arranged so that at least a portion overlaps when viewed from the front.

As a result, a decorative body is provided on the transparent center frame attached to the game panel of the game board. This decorative body consists of a rear decorative part that protrudes further back than the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative part that is positioned in front of the rear decorative part. Because the center frame is transparent, it is less conspicuous, making the decorative body stand out relatively. At the same time, the front and rear decorative parts of the decorative body create a decorative effect with depth, which can be seen by the player. In this case, the decorations on the rear and front decorative parts are coordinated with each other, and parts of each overlap when viewed from the front. Therefore, when viewed from the front, it is possible to make the boundary between the decorations of the front and rear decorative parts difficult to discern, allowing the large decorative effect created by the front and rear decorative parts to be seen by the player in good condition, and creating a large, deep decorative body with a high decorative effect. Consequently, a decorative body with a high decorative effect can be provided on the center frame, which can strongly attract the player's attention and prevent them from getting bored, thus providing a game machine that can suppress the decline in the player's interest.

Furthermore, because the decorative rear section, which constitutes the decorative element, extends within the frame of the center frame, it does not narrow the game area on the front of the game panel or obscure the view of the game balls flowing through the game area. This allows players to enjoy the game with the game balls in a good condition.

Furthermore, because the rear decorative section constituting the decorative element extends within the frame of the center frame, when a performance display device, movable decorative element, or other decorative element is provided behind the game panel, the rear decorative element can be used to decorate the area around the performance display device (display screen) or to work in conjunction with the decorative element (movable decorative element) to create a more effective decorative effect (performance), thereby providing a highly appealing game machine that can strongly attract the player's attention.

Furthermore, the opaque portion of the decorative element makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components from the front. Because the wiring can be hidden by the opaque portion, the aesthetic deterioration caused by visible wiring can be prevented, and the decorative effect of the element can be more easily achieved.

Furthermore, since the decorative element is positioned in front of the LED circuit board, it can conceal the LED circuit board, thus avoiding the unsightly appearance caused by the visible LED circuit board and allowing the decorative element to more effectively enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Furthermore, since the display unit for showing special symbols is mounted on the center frame, the display unit can be attached to the game panel together with the center frame. This reduces the effort required for assembling the game machine compared to when the display unit is attached separately.

Thus, according to the above solution, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can suppress the decline in player interest by providing decorative elements with a higher decorative effect.

[15-4c. Relationship between the means of solving the fourth technical feature and the embodiment]
In this embodiment, the game panel 1100, consisting of a panel board 1110 and a panel holder 1120 in the game board 5, corresponds to the game panel of the above solution; the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the game panel of the above solution; the center frame 2511 of the center mechanism 2500 in this embodiment corresponds to the center frame of the above solution; the pattern display 2518 in this embodiment corresponds to the display of the above solution; the decorative body 2580 in this embodiment corresponds to the decorative body of the above solution; the front decorative part 2581 in this embodiment corresponds to the front decorative part of the above solution; the rear decorative part 2582 in this embodiment corresponds to the rear decorative part of the above solution; and the LED substrate 2586 in this embodiment corresponds to the LED substrate of the above solution.

[15-4d. Characteristic effects of the fourth technical feature]
According to this embodiment, a decorative body 2580 is provided on a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the game panel 1100 of the game board 5. This decorative body 2580 consists of a rear decorative part 2582 that partially protrudes further back than the rear end of the center frame 2511, and a front decorative part 2581 that is provided in front of the rear decorative part 2582. As a result, the transparent center frame 2511 is made less conspicuous, making the decorative body 2580 stand out relatively, and the front decorative part 2581 and the rear decorative part 2582 of the decorative body 2580 create a decorative effect with depth that can be shown to the player. In this case, the rear decorative section 2582 and the front decorative section 2581 are decorated in a way that coordinates with each other, and parts of each overlap when viewed from the front. As a result, when viewed from the front, the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative section 2581 and the decoration of the rear decorative section 2582 is made indistinguishable, allowing the large decoration of the front decorative section 2581 and the rear decorative section 2582 to be shown to the player in good condition, and the rear decorative section 2582 and the front decorative section 2581 can be used to form a large, deep decorative body 2580 with a high decorative effect. Therefore, since a highly decorative body 2580 can be provided on the center frame 2511, the decorative body 2580 can strongly attract the player's attention and make it difficult for them to get bored, and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that can suppress a decline in the player's enjoyment.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rear decorative portion 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, the rear decorative portion 2582 does not narrow the game area 5a on the front of the game panel 1100 or make it difficult to see the game balls B flowing down the game area 5a. This allows players to enjoy playing with the game balls B in the game area 5a in a good condition.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rear decorative part 2582 constituting the decorative body 2580 extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, it is possible to decorate the area around the display device 1600 (display screen) or to display a more decorative effect (performance) in cooperation with the decorative body (movable decorative body) of the rear display unit 3300 and the rear performance unit 3400, which are located behind the game panel 1100. This provides a highly appealing pachinko machine 1 that can strongly attract the player's attention.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the opaque portion of the decorative body 2580 makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components such as the LED substrate 2586 from the front. Since the wiring can be hidden by the opaque portion, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of appearance due to visible wiring, and thus the decorative effect of the decorative body 2580 can be more easily achieved.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the decorative element 2580 (front decorative element 2581) is provided in front of the LED substrate 2586, the decorative element 2580 (decoration) can conceal the LED substrate 2586. This avoids the unsightly appearance caused by the LED substrate 2586 being visible, and makes it easier to achieve the decorative effect of the decorative element 2580.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the symbol display unit 2518 for displaying special symbols is attached to the center frame 2511, the symbol display unit 2518 can be attached to the game panel 1100 together with the center frame 2511. This reduces the effort required to assemble the pachinko machine 1 compared to the case where the symbol display unit 2518 is attached separately.

[15-5. Fifth Technical Feature]
This specification has the following technical features, which differ from those described above.

[15-5a. Background of the Fifth Technical Feature]
As a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, there is a known type of machine that includes a center component, which is attached from the front to an opening in a game panel where a game area is formed through which game balls can flow, and has a decorative body that is decorated with a predetermined ornament (for example, Patent Document B: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-074434). In the technology of Patent Document B, the appearance of the gaming machine is improved by the decorative body provided on the center component.

However, in the technology described in Patent Document B, a flat decorative element is placed near the front end of the center component. Therefore, even if the decorative element has relief-like decorations, it lacks a sense of depth, potentially causing players to quickly tire of it and diminishing their enjoyment.

In response to this, one might consider enhancing the decorative aspect by adding a three-dimensional decorative element to the center component in the front-to-back direction. However, if the rear end of the decorative element protrudes further back than the center component (center frame), this protruding part can easily get in the way during the manufacturing of the gaming machine, potentially increasing manufacturing costs due to poor handling.

Therefore, in light of the above circumstances, the objective of the following measures is to provide a gaming machine that can improve handling during manufacturing while maintaining its decorative appeal.

[15-5b. Solution to the fifth technical feature]
Method 1: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine equipped with a game board having a game panel that forms a game area in which game balls can flow down,
The RE game board is
A frame-shaped center frame is attached from the front to an opening formed in the aforementioned gaming panel,
A decorative body attached to the center frame and having a predetermined decoration,
Equipped with,
The decorative element is
A rear decorative portion extending within the frame of the aforementioned center frame and provided in front of the rear end of the center frame,
It is characterized by having a front decorative part that overlaps at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative part.

Here, "game panel" can refer to various types of panels, including: "opaque panels such as plywood," "panel boards made of transparent resin," and "panel boards made of transparent resin and frame-shaped panel holders that hold the outer edge of the panel board."

Furthermore, examples of "center frames" include: "a flat flange portion that can abut against the front surface of the game panel, and an inflow restricting portion that extends forward from the flange portion and restricts the flow of game balls flowing down the game area into the opening of the game panel," and "an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening of the game panel and provided along the inner circumferential surface of the opening, a flat flange portion that extends from the front end of the insertion portion in a direction along the surface of the game panel and can abut against the front surface of the game panel, and an inflow restricting portion that extends forward from the flange portion and restricts the flow of game balls flowing down the game area into the opening of the game panel."

Furthermore, "decorative elements" include items with decorations consisting of patterns created by printing or painting, items with three-dimensionally sculpted decorations, and items with decorations that have a metallic luster, such as plating.

Furthermore, examples of "decorative elements" include: "those that are illuminated by the light emitted by LEDs mounted on an LED board," "those that have opaque sections to make the wiring of electronic components (e.g., LED boards, relay boards, sphere sensors, magnetic sensors, displays (special pattern displays), solenoids, etc.) located at the rear difficult to see from the front," and "those that have electronic components (e.g., LED boards, relay boards, sphere sensors, magnetic sensors, displays (special pattern displays), solenoids, etc.) that protrude further rearward than the rear end of the center frame."

Furthermore, regarding the relationship between the rear and front decorative parts that constitute the decorative body, examples include: "the rear decorative part having decorations that coordinate with the decorations of the front decorative part," "the rear decorative part having the same decorations as the front decorative part in a way that coordinates with the decorations of the front decorative part," "the rear decorative part having decorations different from those of the front decorative part," "the front decorative part having a transparent section that allows the rear decorative part to be visible," and "the front decorative part having a transparent section that allows the rear decorative part to be visible, and multiple dot sections in the transparent section that have decorations that form part of the front decorative part."

According to the configuration of Means 1, in a game machine equipped with a game board having a game panel in which a game area is formed through which game balls can flow, the game board comprises a frame-shaped center frame attached from the front to an opening formed in the game panel, and a decorative body attached to the center frame and having predetermined decorations. The decorative body extends within the frame of the center frame and has a rear decorative portion provided in front of the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative portion provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative portion. (See Chapter 11-1. Center Mechanism of the First Embodiment and Figures 66 to 69 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design provides a decorative element on the center frame attached to the game panel of the game board. The decorative element consists of a rear decorative section positioned in front of the rear end of the center frame, and a front decorative section overlapping at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative section. This allows the player to see a decorative element with depth, created by the overlapping front and rear decorative sections. Because the rear and front decorative sections overlap, the boundary between them is less noticeable when viewed from the front. This allows the player to see a large decorative element created by the front and rear decorative sections, resulting in a large, deep, and highly effective decorative element. Therefore, by providing a highly effective decorative element on the center frame, it is possible to strongly attract the player's attention, preventing boredom and thus providing a game machine that can suppress a decline in player interest.

Furthermore, by positioning the rear decorative section in front of the rear end of the center frame, and by preventing any parts from protruding backward from the center frame, there are no parts that would get in the way during the manufacturing of the gaming machine. This improves handling during manufacturing, enhancing work efficiency and thus suppressing increases in manufacturing costs. Specifically, for example, when the center frame is placed on a workbench with the rear end facing downward, the center frame will not wobble. Alternatively, when handling the center frame during assembly or transportation, since no part of the decorative section protrudes backward from the rear end of the center frame, there is no risk of the protruding part hitting and damaging other components. Therefore, it is not necessary to work with extreme caution, improving work efficiency.

Furthermore, because the decorative rear section, which constitutes the decorative element, extends within the frame of the center frame, it does not narrow the game area on the front of the game panel or obscure the view of the game balls flowing through the game area. This allows players to enjoy the game with the game balls in a good condition within the game area.

Furthermore, because the rear decorative section, which constitutes the decorative element, extends within the frame of the center frame, when a performance display device, movable decorative element, or other decorative element is provided behind the game panel, the rear decorative section can decorate the area around the performance display device (display screen) or work in conjunction with the decorative element (movable decorative element) to create a more effective decorative effect (performance), thereby providing a highly appealing game machine that can strongly attract the player's attention.

Furthermore, it is desirable to apply decorations to the rear decorative section that coordinate with the decorations of the front decorative section. This allows the decorations of the rear and front decorative sections to present a single, large decorative element to the player, thereby enhancing the decorative effect of the ornament.

Furthermore, it is desirable to make the center frame transparent. This makes the center frame less visible and less conspicuous to the player, allowing the decorative elements (front and rear decorative parts) to stand out more, thereby enhancing the decorative effect of the decorative elements.

Furthermore, the decorative element may have an opaque portion that makes the wiring of electronic components mounted on the center frame difficult to see from the front. This allows the wiring to be hidden by the opaque portion, preventing the wiring from being visible and thus preventing a deterioration in appearance, thus allowing the decorative effect of the decorative element to be more easily achieved.

Furthermore, the rear decorative section is adorned with the same decorative decoration as the portion of the front decorative section that overlaps with the front decorative section in a front view. The front decorative section may also have a transparent portion in front of the ball passage through which game balls flow, located at least in a portion between the front and rear decorative sections of the front decorative section, allowing the rear decorative section and the game balls flowing through the ball passage to be visible from the front. This allows the rear decorative section to be visible through the transparent portion in front of the ball passage when no game balls are flowing through the ball passage between the front and rear decorative sections. In this case, since the rear decorative section has the same decoration as the front decorative section, the rear decorative section complements the transparent portion of the front decorative section, allowing the player to see the original decoration as if the front decorative section did not have a transparent portion, thus ensuring that the decorative effect of the decorative body is reliably achieved. On the other hand, when the game balls are circulating through the ball passage between the front and rear decorative sections, the game balls are visible through the transparent section of the front decorative section. Therefore, even a temporary loss of sight of the game balls can prevent feelings of distrust or anxiety from being caused to the player, thus allowing them to enjoy the game and preventing a decline in enjoyment.

Furthermore, as described above, when a transparent section is provided in the front part of the front decoration section in front of the ball passage, and the same rear decoration is applied to the rear decoration section behind the transparent section, the front decoration section may have multiple dot sections, which are smaller than the game balls and form part of the front decoration, and are provided in the transparent section. This allows the player to see the game balls in the ball passage while preventing the decoration from looking unsightly, thus fully demonstrating the decorative effect of the decoration.

Furthermore, the decorative element may be placed in front of the LED board on which the LEDs are mounted. This allows the decorative element to conceal the LED board, thus avoiding the unsightly appearance caused by the visible LED board and allowing the decorative element to more effectively enhance its decorative effect.

Furthermore, a display unit capable of showing the results of the special symbol draw, which is determined by the initial ball entry of game balls within the game area, may be attached to the center frame. This allows the display unit for showing the special symbols to be attached to the center frame, enabling it to be mounted to the game panel together with the center frame. Compared to cases where the display unit is mounted separately, this reduces the effort required for assembling the game machine.

Means 2: In the configuration of means 1,
"The rear decorative section is adorned with decorations that coordinate with the decorations of the front decorative section."
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "harmonious decorations" include examples such as: "decorations where the decorations of the front and back parts form a single decoration (pattern)," "decorations with patterns (figures) where the decorations of the front and back parts are continuous with each other," and "decorations where the decorations of the front or back parts enhance (emphasize) the decorations of the back or front parts."

According to the configuration of means 2, the rear decorative section is fitted with decorations that coordinate with the decorations of the front decorative section. (See the description of decorative body 2570 and decorative body 2570A in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design allows the rear decoration to be coordinated with the front decoration, creating a single, large decorative element that the player can see, thus enhancing the decorative effect of the ornament.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 1 or means 2,
"The aforementioned center frame is made of transparent material."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 3, the center frame is formed transparently. In other words, the center frame is formed from a transparent material. (See the description regarding the center frame 2511 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This makes the center frame less visible and less conspicuous to the player because it is transparent, allowing the decorative elements (front and rear decorative parts) to stand out more and enhancing their decorative effect.

Furthermore, because the center frame is transparent, when the game panel is also transparent and decorative elements or display devices are installed behind the game panel, the center frame becomes less conspicuous. This makes the decorative elements and display images visible through the transparent game panel more noticeable, thus providing a game machine that can entertain players more.

Means 4: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 3,
"The aforementioned decorative body is,
The center frame has an opaque section that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to it from the front.
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "electronic components" include "LED boards," "relay boards," "ball sensors for detecting game balls," "magnetic sensors," "display units for showing special patterns," "solenoids for opening and closing variable prize slots," and "solenoids or drive motors for moving movable decorative elements," etc.

According to the configuration of means 4, the decorative body has an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see the wiring of the electronic components attached to the center frame from the front. (See the description of decorative body 2570 and decorative body 2570A in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components from the front due to the opaque portion of the decorative element. Because the wiring can be hidden by the opaque portion, it prevents the appearance from deteriorating due to visible wiring, and allows the decorative effect of the element to be more easily achieved.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations from Means 1 to Means 4,
"The rear decorative section is fitted with the same decorative trim as the portion of the front decorative section that overlaps with the front decorative section in a front view."
The front decorative section has a transparent section in the front of the ball passage through which game balls flow, which is provided in at least a portion of the front decorative section and the rear decorative section, allowing the rear decorative section and the game balls flowing through the ball passage to be visible from the front.
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "transparent areas" can include "colorless and transparent areas," "colored and transparent areas," and "through-hole areas," among others.

According to the configuration of means 5, the rear decorative section is fitted with the same decorative trim as the portion of the front decorative section that overlaps with the front decorative section in a front view. The front decorative section has a transparent portion in the front of the ball passage through which the game balls flow, located at least in a portion between the front and rear decorative sections of the front decorative section, allowing the rear decorative section and the game balls flowing through the ball passage to be visible from the front. (See the description regarding decorative body 2570 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This allows the player to see the rear decoration of the rear decoration through the transparent section located in front of the ball passage in the front decoration of the front decoration when no game balls are flowing through it. Since the rear decoration of the rear decoration is the same as the front decoration of the front decoration, the rear decoration of the rear decoration compensates for the transparent section in the front decoration of the front decoration, allowing the player to see the original decoration as if there were no transparent section in the front decoration of the front decoration, thus ensuring that the decorative effect of the decoration is fully realized.

On the other hand, when the game balls are circulating through the ball passage between the front and rear decorative sections, the game balls are visible through the transparent section of the front decorative section. Therefore, even a temporary loss of sight of the game balls can prevent causing distrust or anxiety among players, thus allowing them to enjoy the game and preventing a decline in enjoyment.

Means 6: In the configuration of means 5,
"The aforementioned front decorative part is,
The transparent portion has multiple dots that are smaller than the game balls and are decorated with ornaments that form part of the front decoration."
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 6, the front decorative part has multiple dots provided in the transparent section, which are smaller than the game balls and form part of the front decorative part. (See the description regarding the decorative body 2570 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This allows the decoration of the rear decorative element to be fully realized even if the decoration of the rear decorative element, visible through the transparent portion of the front decorative element, is obscured by the game balls circulating in the ball passage between the front and rear decorative elements. This ensures that the player can still see the game balls in the ball passage while the decorative element remains visually appealing, thus fully realizing its decorative effect.

Means 7: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine equipped with a game board having a game panel that forms a game area in which game balls can flow down,
The RE game board is
A transparent, frame-shaped center frame is attached from the front to an opening formed in the aforementioned gaming panel,
A decorative body is attached to the center frame and has a predetermined decoration, and has an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components attached to the center frame from the front,
Equipped with,
The decorative element is
A rear decorative portion extending within the frame of the aforementioned center frame and provided in front of the rear end of the center frame,
It has a front decorative portion that is provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative portion,
The rear decorative portion is fitted with the same decorative trim as the front decorative portion of the front decorative portion, in coordination with the front decorative portion, and in a front view, the portion of the front decorative portion that overlaps with the front decorative portion of the front decorative portion.
The front decorative portion includes, at least a portion of the front decorative portion between the front decorative portion and the rear decorative portion, a transparent portion in front of the ball passage through which game balls flow, which allows the rear decorative portion and the game balls flowing through the ball passage to be visible from the front, and a plurality of dot portions provided in the transparent portion, which are decorated to be smaller than the game balls and constitute a part of the front decorative portion.
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 7, in a game machine equipped with a game board having a game panel in which a game area is formed through which game balls can flow, the game board comprises a frame-shaped transparent center frame that is attached from the front to an opening formed in the game panel, and a decorative body that is attached to the center frame and has predetermined decorations, and has an opaque portion that makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components attached to the center frame from the front, the decorative body extending into the frame of the center frame and provided in front of the rear end of the center frame, and at least one in the rear decorative portion The rear decorative section has a front decorative section that overlaps the front of the rear decorative section, and the rear decorative section is decorated in coordination with the front decorative section, and in a front view, it is decorated in the same way as the part of the front decorative section that overlaps the front decorative section of the front decorative section. The front decorative section has a transparent section in the front of the ball passage through which the game balls flow, provided in at least a portion between the front decorative section and the rear decorative section, which allows the rear decorative section and the game balls flowing through the ball passage to be visible from the front, and a plurality of dot sections provided in the transparent section, which are decorated to be smaller than the game balls and constitute part of the front decorative section.

As a result, the transparent center frame attached to the game panel of the game board is fitted with a decorative body consisting of a rear decorative part positioned in front of the rear end of the center frame and a front decorative part positioned to overlap at least a portion of the front of the rear decorative part. Because the center frame is transparent, it is less conspicuous, making the decorative body stand out relatively, and the front and rear decorative parts of the decorative body allow the player to see a decorative body with depth. In this case, the rear and front decorative parts are decorated in a harmonious manner, and parts of each overlap when viewed from the front, making it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the decorative parts of the front and rear decorative parts when viewed from the front. This allows the player to see the large decorative body formed by the front and rear decorative parts in good condition, and the rear and front decorative parts can be used to form a decorative body with a large, deep, and highly decorative effect. Therefore, since a highly decorative element can be provided on the center frame, this element can strongly attract the player's attention, making it less likely for them to get bored, and thus providing a gaming machine that can suppress a decline in the player's enjoyment.

Furthermore, the rear decoration section is adorned with the same decoration as the portion of the front decoration section that overlaps with the front decoration section in a front view. The front decoration section has a transparent section in front of the ball passage through which game balls flow, located at least in a portion between the front and rear decoration sections. This transparent section allows the rear decoration and the game balls flowing through the ball passage to be visible from the front, and includes multiple dot sections, smaller than the game balls, that form part of the front decoration. Therefore, when no game balls are flowing through the ball passage between the front and rear decoration sections, the rear decoration section can be viewed through the transparent section in front of the ball passage in the front decoration section. In this case, since the rear decoration section is the same as the front decoration section, the rear decoration section complements the transparent section in the front decoration section, allowing the player to see the original decoration as if there were no transparent section in the front decoration section, thus ensuring the decorative effect of the decoration is fully realized.

On the other hand, when game balls are circulating in the ball passage between the front and rear decorative sections, the game balls are visible through the transparent section of the front decorative section. Therefore, even if the game balls are temporarily hidden, this prevents causing distrust or anxiety among players, allowing them to enjoy the game and preventing a decline in interest. In this case, because multiple dots constituting part of the front decorative section are provided in the transparent section, even if the decoration of the rear decorative section, visible through the transparent section of the front decorative section, is obscured by the game balls circulating in the ball passage between the front and rear decorative sections, the multiple dots in the transparent section in front of the game balls remain visible. This allows players to see the game balls in the ball passage while preventing the decorative elements from looking unsightly, thus allowing the decorative elements to fully exert their decorative effect.

Furthermore, by positioning the rear decorative section in front of the rear end of the center frame, and by preventing any parts from protruding backward from the center frame, there are no parts that would get in the way during the manufacturing of the gaming machine. This improves handling during manufacturing, enhancing work efficiency and thus suppressing increases in manufacturing costs. Specifically, for example, when the center frame is placed on a workbench with the rear end facing downward, the center frame will not wobble. Alternatively, when handling the center frame during assembly or transportation, since no part of the decorative section protrudes backward from the rear end of the center frame, there is no risk of the protruding part hitting and damaging other components. Therefore, it is not necessary to work with extreme caution, improving work efficiency.

Furthermore, because the decorative rear section, which constitutes the decorative element, extends within the frame of the center frame, it does not narrow the game area on the front of the game panel or obscure the view of the game balls flowing through the game area. This allows players to enjoy the game with the game balls in a good condition.

Furthermore, because the rear decorative section constituting the decorative element extends within the frame of the center frame, when a performance display device, movable decorative element, or other decorative element is provided behind the game panel, the rear decorative element can be used to decorate the area around the performance display device (display screen) or to work in conjunction with the decorative element (movable decorative element) to create a more effective decorative effect (performance), thereby providing a highly appealing game machine that can strongly attract the player's attention.

Furthermore, the opaque portion of the decorative element makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components from the front. Because the wiring can be hidden by the opaque portion, the aesthetic deterioration caused by visible wiring can be prevented, and the decorative effect of the element can be more easily achieved.

Thus, the above solution makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that maintains its decorative appeal while improving handling during manufacturing.

[15-5c. Relationship between the means of solving the fifth technical feature and the embodiment]
In this embodiment, the game panel 1100, consisting of a panel board 1110 and a panel holder 1120 in the game board 5, corresponds to the game panel of the above solution; the opening 1112 of the panel board 1110 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the game panel of the above solution; the center frame 2511 of the center mechanism 2500 in this embodiment corresponds to the center frame of the above solution; the ball passage 2517 in this embodiment corresponds to the ball passage of the above solution; the decorative body 2570 and decorative body 2570A in this embodiment correspond to the decorative body of the above solution; the front decorative body 2572 in this embodiment corresponds to the front decorative body of the above solution; the transparent body 2572a in this embodiment corresponds to the transparent body of the above solution; the dot body 2572b in this embodiment corresponds to the dot body of the above solution; and the rear decorative body 2573 in this embodiment corresponds to the rear decorative body of the above solution.

[15-5d. Characteristic effects of the fifth technical feature]
According to this embodiment, a decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) is provided on a transparent center frame 2511 attached to the game panel 1100 of the game board 5. This decorative body 2570 consists of a rear decorative part 2573 provided in front of the rear end of the center frame 2511 and a front decorative part 2572 provided so as to overlap with at least a part of the front of the rear decorative part 2573. As a result, the transparent center frame 2511 is made less conspicuous, making the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) stand out relatively, and the front decorative part 2572 and the rear decorative part 2573 of the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) provide the player with a decorative effect that gives depth. In this case, the rear decorative section 2573 and the front decorative section 2572 are decorated in a way that coordinates with each other, and are arranged so that parts of each overlap when viewed from the front. As a result, when viewed from the front, the boundary between the decoration of the front decorative section 2572 and the decoration of the rear decorative section 2573 is made indistinguishable, allowing the large decoration of the front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573 to be shown to the player in good condition, and the rear decorative section 2573 and the front decorative section 2572 can be used to form a large, deep decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) with a high decorative effect. Therefore, since a decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) with a high decorative effect can be provided on the center frame 2511, the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) can strongly attract the player's attention and make it difficult for them to get bored, and a pachinko machine 1 can be provided that can suppress a decline in the player's interest.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the decorative body 2570, the rear decorative portion 2573 is decorated with the same decorative (rear decoration) as the portion of the front decorative portion 2572 that overlaps in front of the decorative portion (front decoration) when viewed from the front, and the front decorative portion 2572 is provided with a transparent portion 2 in front of the ball passage 2517 through which the game ball B flows, which is provided in at least a part of the decoration between the front decorative portion 2572 and the rear decorative portion 2573, allowing the decoration of the rear decorative portion 2573 and the game ball B flowing through the ball passage 2517 to be visible from the front. The decoration has 572a and multiple dot sections 2572b provided on the transparent section 2572a, which are smaller in size than the game ball B and form part of the decoration of the front decoration section 2572. Therefore, when the game ball B is not flowing through the ball passage 2517 provided between the front decoration section 2572 and the rear decoration section 2573, the decoration of the rear decoration section 2573 can be seen through the transparent section 2572a provided in the front part of the decoration of the front decoration section 2572. In this case, since the decoration of the rear decoration section 2573 is the same as the decoration of the front decoration section 2572, the decoration of the rear decoration section 2573 complements the transparent section 2572a in the decoration of the front decoration section 2572, allowing the player to see the original decoration of the front decoration section 2572 as if there were no transparent section 2572a, thus ensuring that the decorative effect of the decoration body 2570 is reliably achieved.

On the other hand, when the game ball B is circulating in the ball passage 2517 provided between the front decorative section 2572 and the rear decorative section 2573, the game ball B is visible through the transparent section 2572a in the decoration of the front decorative section 2572. Therefore, it is possible to avoid causing distrust or anxiety to the player by temporarily making the game ball B invisible, thereby allowing the player to enjoy the game with the game ball B and preventing a decline in enjoyment. In this case, since the transparent portion 2572a is provided with multiple dot portions 2572b that constitute part of the decoration of the front decorative portion 2572, even if the decoration of the rear decorative portion 2573, which is visible through the transparent portion 2572a of the decoration of the front decorative portion 2572, is obscured by the game ball B circulating in the ball passage 2517 provided between the front decorative portion 2572 and the rear decorative portion 2573, the decoration of the multiple dot portions 2572b provided on the transparent portion 2572a in front of the game ball B remains visible. This allows the player to see the game ball B in the ball passage 2517 while avoiding a deterioration in the appearance of the decorative body 2570, thus allowing the decorative effect of the decorative body 2570 to be fully realized.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A), the rear decorative portion 2573 is provided in front of the rear end of the center frame 2511. Because there are no parts that protrude rearward from the center frame 2511 and would get in the way during the manufacturing of the pachinko machine 1, handling (manageability) during manufacturing can be improved, and the increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed by improving work efficiency. Specifically, for example, when the center frame 2511 is placed on a workbench TA with its rear end facing downwards, the center frame 2511 will not wobble. Alternatively, when handling the center frame 2511 during assembly or transportation, since no part of the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) protrudes rearward from the rear end of the center frame 2511, there is no risk of the protruding part from the center frame 2511 contacting and damaging other components. Therefore, it is not necessary to work with extreme caution, and work efficiency can be improved.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rear decorative portion 2573 constituting the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, the rear decorative portion 2573 does not narrow the game area 5a on the front of the game panel 1100 or make it difficult to see the game balls B flowing down the game area 5a. This allows players to enjoy playing with the game balls B in the game area 5a in a good condition.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the rear decorative part 2573 constituting the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) extends within the frame of the center frame 2511, it is possible to decorate the area around the display screen of the performance display device 1600 (display screen) or to display a more decorative effect (performance) in cooperation with the decorative body (movable decorative body) of the rear performance unit 3300 and the rear performance unit 3400, which are located behind the game panel 1100. This provides a highly appealing pachinko machine 1 that can strongly attract the attention of players.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the opaque portion of the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) makes it difficult to see the wiring of electronic components such as LED substrates from the front. Since the wiring can be hidden by the opaque portion, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of appearance due to visible wiring, and thus the decorative effect of the decorative body 2570 (decorative body 2570A) can be more easily achieved.

[15-6. Sixth Technical Feature]
This specification has the following technical features, which differ from those described above.

[15-6a. Background of the sixth technical feature]
As a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, there is a known type of center mechanism that is attached from the front to the opening of a gaming panel in which a gaming area is formed through which gaming balls can flow down, and which serves as an inflow restricting part that restricts the flow of gaming balls flowing down the gaming area into the opening of the gaming panel (for example, Patent Document B: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-074434). According to the technology of Patent Document B, it is possible to divide the gaming area into a desired size using the center mechanism.

However, in the technology described in Patent Document B, if the size of the opening in the game panel differs depending on the model of the gaming machine, it is necessary to manufacture a separate center component (inflow restriction section), making it difficult to reuse the inflow restriction section.

Therefore, in light of the above circumstances, the objective of the following method is to provide a gaming machine that allows the use of the inflow restriction section even if the opening of the gaming panel differs depending on the model.

[15-6b. Solution to the sixth technical feature]
Method 1: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine equipped with a game board having a game area in which game balls can flow down,
The RE game board is
A game panel in which the game area is formed on the front side,
An inflow restricting section is provided corresponding to the edge of an opening formed in the game panel, and restricts game balls flowing down the game area from flowing into the interior of the opening,
Equipped with,
The inflow restriction unit comprises at least a first inflow restriction unit and a second inflow restriction unit.
The first inflow restriction section and the second inflow restriction section each have a flange portion formed along the front surface of the game panel, and at least one of the ends of each section has a non-flanged portion where the flange portion is not formed. The first inflow restriction section and the second inflow restriction section are attached to the front surface of the game panel by mounting portions provided on the flange portion so that the ends of the first inflow restriction section and the ends of the second inflow restriction section are adjacent to each other.
It is characterized by being such.

Here, "game panel" can refer to various types of panels, including: "opaque panels such as plywood," "panel boards made of transparent resin," and "panel boards made of transparent resin and frame-shaped panel holders that hold the outer edge of the panel board."

Furthermore, "flange portions" can include those that "extend outward from the opening in the game panel, separated by the inflow restriction portion," those that "extend inward from the opening in the game panel, separated by the inflow restriction portion," and those that "extend both outward and inward from the opening in the game panel, separated by the inflow restriction portion."

Furthermore, the "non-flange portion" may be provided on the side facing the center of the game panel in the inflow restriction section, on the side facing outward opposite the center of the game panel in the inflow restriction section, or on both sides of the inflow restriction section.

Furthermore, configurations in which "the end of the first inflow restriction section and the end of the second inflow restriction section are attached adjacent to each other" include: "the end face of the end of the first inflow restriction section and the end face of the end of the second inflow restriction section are attached facing each other," "the inner side surface of the end of the first inflow restriction section and the outer side surface of the end of the second inflow restriction section are attached facing each other," and "the outer side surface of the end of the first inflow restriction section and the inner side surface of the end of the second inflow restriction section are attached facing each other." Also, the ends of the first inflow restriction section and the ends of the second inflow restriction section may be in contact with each other or separated from each other.

According to the configuration of Means 1, in a game machine equipped with a game board having a game area through which game balls can flow, the game board comprises a game panel with a game area formed on its front side, and an inflow restricting section provided corresponding to the edge of an opening formed in the game panel, which restricts game balls flowing down the game area from flowing into the opening. The inflow restricting section comprises at least a first inflow restricting section and a second inflow restricting section, each having a flange portion formed along the front surface of the game panel, and at least one of the ends of each having a non-flanged portion without a flange portion. The ends of the first inflow restricting section and the second inflow restricting section are attached to the front surface of the game panel by mounting portions provided on the flange portions so that they are adjacent to each other. (See Chapter 11-3. Center Mechanism of the Third Embodiment and Figures 71 to 74 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design allows for the installation of an inflow restriction section, which is provided corresponding to the edge of the opening in the game panel where the game area is formed on the front side. This inflow restriction section, which restricts the flow of game balls into the opening, consists of at least a first inflow restriction section and a second inflow restriction section. The two sections are attached to the front of the game panel via flange mounting sections, so that the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections are adjacent to each other. By appropriately selecting the mounting positions of the first and second inflow restriction sections on the game panel, the inflow restriction section can be installed on game panels with openings of various sizes and shapes without the need to manufacture a new one, and the inflow restriction section can be reused even across different models.

To elaborate, for example, by installing the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections so that they are separated from each other, it is possible to accommodate game panels with large openings. In this case, it is desirable that the gap between the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections be large enough that game balls cannot pass through. However, if the gap is large enough for game balls to pass through, obstruction pins may be installed to prevent game balls from passing through.

Alternatively, by mounting the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections so that their respective sides face each other, it is possible to accommodate game panels with small openings. In this case, since a non-flange portion is provided at least one end of the first and second inflow restriction sections, it becomes possible to bring the sides of the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections as close together as possible. This increases the flexibility in the placement of the first and second inflow restriction sections, making it easier to accommodate game panels with openings of various sizes.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, since it is possible to accommodate game panels with openings of various sizes, if the size of the game area needs to be changed due to design modifications, the size of the game area can be easily changed by altering the relationship between the mounting positions of the first and second inflow restriction units, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the game machine. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture a new inflow restriction unit to match the changed size of the game area, which helps to suppress increases in the cost of the game machine.

Furthermore, the game board may be further equipped with multiple frames, from the first frame on which the first inflow restriction section is located to the nth frame on which the nth inflow restriction section (where n is an integer of two or more) is located, and a connecting and holding section that prevents at least one frame from falling from the game panel. This allows the inflow restriction section to be composed of multiple frames, and by appropriately setting the mounting position of each frame on the game panel, the same effects as described above can be achieved. Also, because the inflow restriction section is composed of multiple frames, if a malfunction occurs in some frames, only that frame needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, the presence of the connecting and holding section prevents the frames from falling from the game panel and being damaged or broken during assembly or maintenance of the game machine.

Furthermore, as described above, when a connecting and holding portion is provided, it is desirable that the connecting and holding portion be formed in the shape of a flexible string. Because the connecting and holding portion is made of a flexible string, even if the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction portion (first frame) and the second inflow restriction portion (second frame) is changed, the connecting and holding portion can flexibly deform to accommodate this change, preventing the frame from falling from the game panel while accommodating the size and shape of the opening in the game panel.

Furthermore, as described above, by providing a flexible, string-like connecting and holding part, when the frame attempts to detach from the game panel, the connecting and holding part will flexibly deform, creating resistance and preventing immediate detachment from the game panel. If the frame does detach from the game panel, the flexible deformation of the connecting and holding part can reduce the falling speed and absorb the impact, thus preventing damage to the frame.

Furthermore, as described above, when a connecting and holding section is provided, it is desirable to connect adjacent frames using the connecting and holding section. This makes it easier to handle multiple frames as a single unit compared to connecting one end of the connecting and holding section to the game panel or other components, thereby improving work efficiency during the manufacturing of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, when a connecting and holding part is provided, it is desirable to make the connecting and holding part detachable from the frame. This allows for easier handling and management of the frames, and thus improves work efficiency, for example, when attaching multiple frames to the game panel sequentially, or when removing some frames from the game panel for maintenance. By attaching or detaching the connecting and holding part, the frame can be easily moved and reattached.

Furthermore, as described above, making the connecting and holding parts detachable allows the frame to be connected by the connecting and holding parts until it is attached to the game panel, and then the connecting and holding parts can be removed once the frame is attached to the game panel. This avoids the unsightly appearance caused by the presence of the connecting and holding parts.

Furthermore, as described above, when multiple frames are provided, the game board may also be equipped with electronic components attached to at least one of the frames. This ensures that at least one frame has electronic components attached. While the weight of the frame with the electronic components increases, making it more susceptible to damage if it detaches from the game panel and falls during assembly, a connecting and holding mechanism is provided to prevent the frame from falling onto a workbench or floor, thus preventing damage. Therefore, a game machine can be provided that reliably utilizes the effects of the electronic components attached to the frame.

Means 2: In the configuration of means 1,
"The aforementioned game board is,
A plurality of frames from the first frame in which the first inflow restriction unit is provided to the nth frame in which the nth inflow restriction unit (where n is an integer of two or more) is provided,
The invention is characterized by further comprising a connecting and holding part that prevents at least one of the frames from falling from the game panel.

Here, the number of frames "n" should preferably be within the range of 2 to 6. If the number of frames exceeds this range, the assembly of the frames during the manufacturing of the gaming machine becomes more time-consuming, potentially increasing costs. It is acceptable for some of the frames to have electronic components, such as LED boards, attached.

Furthermore, examples of "connecting and holding parts" include "flexible string-like materials" and "flexible strip-like materials." Other examples of "connecting and holding parts" include "materials that connect adjacent frames," "materials that connect a frame to other components," and "materials that connect a frame to a game panel." Moreover, "connecting and holding parts" may or may not have decorative properties. Ideally, the length of the "connecting and holding parts" should be such that, when the game board is upright, the frame detaches from the game panel and falls, preventing it from contacting the table, floor, etc.

According to the configuration of means 2, the game board further comprises a plurality of frames, from the first frame on which the first inflow restriction unit is provided to the nth frame on which the nth inflow restriction unit (n is an integer of two or more) is provided, and a connecting and holding unit that prevents at least one frame from falling from the game panel. (See the description of the center frame 2700 and the connecting and holding unit 2710 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

As a result, since the inflow restriction section is composed of multiple frames, the same effects as described above can be achieved by appropriately setting the mounting position of each frame on the game panel. Furthermore, because the inflow restriction section is composed of multiple frames, if a malfunction occurs in some frames, only that frame needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. In addition, because a connecting and holding section is provided, it is possible to prevent the frames from falling from the game panel and being damaged or broken during assembly or maintenance of the game machine.

Means 3: In the configuration of means 2,
"The aforementioned connecting and holding portion is,
It is characterized by being "formed in a flexible, string-like shape."

According to the configuration of means 3, the connecting and holding portion is formed in a flexible, string-like shape. (See the description regarding the connecting and holding portion 2710 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

As a result, the connecting and holding portion is made of a flexible, string-like material. Therefore, even if the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction portion (first frame) and the second inflow restriction portion (second frame) is changed, the connecting and holding portion can adapt through flexible deformation. This prevents the frame from falling from the game panel while accommodating the size and shape of the game panel's opening.

Furthermore, because the connecting and holding portion is made of a flexible, string-like material, when the frame attempts to detach from the game panel, the connecting and holding portion will flexibly deform, providing resistance and preventing immediate detachment. If the frame does detach from the game panel, the flexible deformation of the connecting and holding portion reduces the falling speed and absorbs the impact, thus preventing damage to the frame.

Means 4: In the configuration of means 2 or means 3,
"The aforementioned connecting and holding portion is,
It is characterized by "connecting adjacent frames."

According to the configuration of means 4, the connecting and holding portion connects adjacent frames. (See the description regarding the connecting and holding portion 2710 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This makes it easier to handle multiple frames as a single unit compared to connecting one end of the connecting and holding part to the game panel or other components, thereby improving work efficiency during the manufacturing of gaming machines.

Means 5: In any one of the configurations from means 2 to means 4,
"The aforementioned connecting and holding portion is,
It is characterized by being "detachably provided to the frame."

According to the configuration of means 5, the connecting and holding portion is detachably provided to the frame. (See the description regarding the connecting and holding portion 2710 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This allows for improved handling and management of the frames, and thus enhances work efficiency, for example, when attaching multiple frames to the game panel in sequence, or when removing some frames from the game panel for maintenance. By allowing the connecting and holding parts to be removed or attached, the frame's maneuverability and handling can be improved.

Furthermore, because the connecting and holding parts are detachable, it is possible to connect the frame using the connecting and holding parts until the frame is attached to the game panel, and then remove the connecting and holding parts once the frame is attached to the game panel. This avoids the aesthetic problem caused by the presence of the connecting and holding parts.

Means 6: In any one of the configurations from means 2 to means 5,
"The aforementioned game board is,
At least one of the electronic components mounted on the frame,
It is characterized by having "additional features."

Here, "electronic components" include "LED boards," "intermediate boards," "sphere sensors," "magnetic sensors," "displays (displays with special patterns)," "solenoids," and "motors," among others.

According to the configuration of means 6, the game board further comprises electronic components mounted on at least one frame. (See the description of the symbol display 2518 and the center frame 2700 in [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention].)

This design ensures that electronic components are mounted on at least one frame. While the weight of the frame with the electronic components increases, making it more susceptible to damage if it detaches from the game panel and falls during assembly, a connecting and holding mechanism is provided to prevent the frame from falling onto a workbench or floor and being damaged. Therefore, this design allows for the reliable performance of the electronic components mounted on the frame, providing a truly functional gaming machine.

Means 7: In a gaming machine,
In a gaming machine equipped with a game board having a game area in which game balls can flow down,
The RE game board is
A game panel in which the game area is formed on the front side,
The game panel is provided with respect to the edge of the opening formed therein, and restricts the flow of game balls flowing down the game area into the interior of the opening, and has an inflow restricting section from the first inflow restricting section to the nth inflow restricting section (where n is an integer of two or more),
A plurality of frames from the first frame in which the first inflow restriction unit is provided to the nth frame in which the nth inflow restriction unit (where n is an integer of two or more) is provided,
A connecting and holding part that prevents at least one of the frames from falling from the game panel,
At least one of the aforementioned frames is equipped with an electronic component,
Equipped with,
The inflow restriction unit is,
The m-inflow restriction portion (where m is an integer between 1 and n-1) and the (m+1) inflow restriction portion each have a flange portion formed along the front surface of the game panel, and at least one end of each has a non-flanged portion where the flange portion is not formed, and the end of the m-inflow restriction portion and the end of the (m+1) inflow restriction portion are attached to the front surface of the game panel by mounting portions provided on the flange portion so that they are adjacent to each other.
The aforementioned connecting and holding portion is
It is formed in a flexible, string-like shape, connecting adjacent frames and being detachably attached to the frames.
It is characterized by being such.

According to the configuration of means 7, in a game machine equipped with a game board having a game area through which game balls can flow, the game board comprises: a game panel in which a game area is formed on the front side; an inflow restricting section provided corresponding to the edge of an opening formed in the game panel, which restricts game balls flowing down the game area from flowing into the opening, and which has an inflow restricting section from the first inflow restricting section to the nth inflow restricting section (n is an integer of two or more); a plurality of frames from the first frame in which the first inflow restricting section is provided to the nth frame in which the nth inflow restricting section (n is an integer of two or more) is provided; a connecting and holding section that prevents at least one frame from falling from the game panel; and at least one frame The system includes electronic components mounted on the frame, and the inflow restriction section has a flange portion formed along the front surface of the game panel on the m-th inflow restriction section (where m is an integer between 1 and n-1) and the (m+1)-th inflow restriction section. At least one end of each section has a non-flanged portion where no flange portion is formed. The ends of the m-th inflow restriction section and the (m+1)-th inflow restriction section are attached to the front surface of the game panel by mounting portions provided on the flange portions, so that they are adjacent to each other. The connecting and holding portion is formed in the shape of a flexible string, connecting adjacent frames and being detachably attached to the frame.

This design allows for the construction of multiple inflow restriction sections, at least from the first to the nth inflow restriction section (where n is an integer of two or more), which are provided corresponding to the edges of the opening in the game panel where the game area is formed on the front side, and which restrict the flow of game balls into the opening. Each of these sections is attached to the front of the game panel via flange mounting sections, so that the end of the mth inflow restriction section (where m is an integer between 1 and n-1) and the end of the (m+1) inflow restriction section are adjacent. By appropriately selecting the relationship between the mounting positions of the mth and (m+1) inflow restriction sections on the game panel, the inflow restriction section can be attached to game panels with openings of various sizes and shapes without the need to manufacture new sections, and the inflow restriction section can be reused even between different models.

In the following, assuming m = 1, for example, by installing the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections so that they are separated from each other, it is possible to accommodate game panels with large openings. In this case, it is desirable that the gap between the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections be large enough that game balls cannot pass through. However, if the gap is large enough for game balls to pass through, obstruction pins may be installed to prevent game balls from passing through.

Alternatively, by mounting the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections so that their respective sides face each other, it is possible to accommodate game panels with small openings. In this case, since a non-flange portion is provided at least one end of the first and second inflow restriction sections, it becomes possible to bring the sides of the ends of the first and second inflow restriction sections as close together as possible. This increases the flexibility in the placement of the first and second inflow restriction sections, making it easier to accommodate game panels with openings of various sizes.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, since it is possible to accommodate game panels with openings of various sizes, if the size of the game area needs to be changed due to design modifications, the size of the game area can be easily changed by altering the relationship between the mounting positions of the first and second inflow restriction units, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the game machine. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture a new inflow restriction unit to match the changed size of the game area, which helps to suppress increases in the cost of the game machine.

Furthermore, since the inflow restriction section is composed of multiple frames, the same effects as described above can be achieved by appropriately setting the mounting position of each frame on the game panel. Also, because the inflow restriction section is composed of multiple frames, if a malfunction occurs in one frame, only that frame needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, because a connecting and holding section is provided, it is possible to prevent the frame from falling from the game panel and being damaged or broken during assembly or maintenance of the game machine.

Furthermore, because the connecting and holding portion is made of a flexible, string-like material, even if the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction portion (first frame) and the second inflow restriction portion (second frame) is changed, the connecting and holding portion can adapt through flexible deformation. This prevents the frame from falling from the game panel while accommodating the size and shape of the opening in the game panel.

Furthermore, because a flexible, string-like connecting and holding portion is provided, when the frame attempts to detach from the game panel, the connecting and holding portion will flexibly deform, creating resistance and preventing immediate detachment from the game panel. If the frame does detach from the game panel, the flexible deformation of the connecting and holding portion reduces the falling speed and absorbs the impact, thus preventing damage to the frame.

Furthermore, because the connecting and holding parts connect adjacent frames, compared to cases where one end of the connecting and holding part is connected to the game panel or other components, multiple frames can be handled as a single unit, improving work efficiency during the manufacturing of gaming machines.

Furthermore, because the connecting and holding parts are detachably attached to the frame, for example, when attaching multiple frames to the game panel in sequence, or when removing some frames from the game panel for maintenance, the connecting and holding parts can be attached or detached to improve the handling and maneuverability of the frames, thereby enhancing work efficiency.

Furthermore, because the connecting and holding parts are detachable, it is possible to connect the frame using the connecting and holding parts until the frame is attached to the game panel, and then remove the connecting and holding parts once the frame is attached to the game panel. This avoids the aesthetic problem caused by the presence of the connecting and holding parts.

Furthermore, since electronic components are mounted on at least one frame, and the weight of the frame with the electronic components mounted increases, if the frame detaches from the game panel and falls during assembly work, it is more likely to break due to its weight. However, a connecting and holding mechanism is provided to prevent the frame from falling, so it will not fall onto a workbench or floor and be damaged. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine that can reliably achieve the effects of the electronic components mounted on the frame.

Thus, according to the above solution, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reuse the inflow restriction section even if the opening of the gaming panel differs depending on the model.

[15-6c. Relationship between the means of solving the sixth technical feature and the embodiment]
In this embodiment, the game panel 1100 (see Figure 72) in the game board 5 corresponds to the game panel of the above solution, the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100 in this embodiment corresponds to the opening of the game panel of the above solution, the symbol display unit 2518, the second start port unit 2720, the attacker unit 2730, and the prize winning port unit 2740 in this embodiment correspond to the electronic components of the above solution, and the inflow restricting portion 2700a of the center frame 2700 in the center prize 2500A in this embodiment corresponds to the above solution In this embodiment, the flange portion 2700b of the center frame 2700, the first flange portion 2701b of the first frame 2701, and the second flange portion 2702b of the second frame 2702 correspond to the flange portion of the solution in the inflow restricting portion of the solution, while the non-flange portion 2700c of the center frame 2700, the first non-flange portion 2701c of the first frame 2701, and the second non-flange portion 2702c of the second frame 2702 correspond to the non-flange portion of the solution.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first frame 2701, second frame 2702, third frame 2703, fourth frame 2704, and fifth frame 2705 correspond to the frames of the above-mentioned solution; the first inflow restricting portion 2701a corresponds to the first inflow restricting portion of the above-mentioned solution; the second inflow restricting portion 2702a corresponds to the second inflow restricting portion of the above-mentioned solution; the mounting holes provided in the flange portions 2700b, such as the first flange portion 2701b and the second flange portion 2702b, correspond to the mounting portions of the above-mentioned solution; and the connecting and holding portion 2710 corresponds to the connecting and holding portion of the above-mentioned solution.

[15-6d. Characteristic effects of the sixth technical feature]
According to this embodiment, in the center frame 2700 of the center mechanism 2500A of the game board 5, an inflow restricting portion 2700a is provided corresponding to the edge of the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100 in which the game area 5a is formed on the front side, and which restricts the inflow of game balls B into the opening 1112, and is composed of at least a plurality of first inflow restricting portions 2701a and second inflow restricting portions 2702a, and the game panel 1100 is connected via the mounting portions of the flange portions 2700b (first flange portion 2701b and second flange portion 2702b) provided on each Since the end of the first inflow restriction section 2701a and the end of the second inflow restriction section 2702a are mounted adjacent to each other on the front, by appropriately selecting the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction section 2701a and the second inflow restriction section 2702a on the game panel 1100, the inflow restriction section 2700a (center frame 2700) can be attached to game panels 1100 having openings 1112 of various sizes and shapes without having to newly manufacture a new inflow restriction section 2700a (center frame 2700), and the inflow restriction section 2700a (center frame 2700) can be reused even if the model is different.

More specifically, for example, by installing the ends of the first inflow restriction section 2701a and the second inflow restriction section 2702a so that they are separated from each other, it is possible to accommodate a game panel 1100 with a large opening 1112. In this case, it is desirable that the gap C between the end of the first inflow restriction section 2701a and the end of the second inflow restriction section 2702a be large enough that the game ball B cannot pass through. However, if the gap is large enough for the game ball B to pass through, obstruction pins may be installed to prevent the game ball B from passing through.

Alternatively, by attaching the end of the first inflow restriction section 2701a and the end of the second inflow restriction section 2702a so that their respective sides face each other, it is possible to accommodate game panels 1100 with small openings 1112. In this case, since a non-flange section 2700c (first non-flange section 2701c or second non-flange section 2702c) is provided at least one end of the first inflow restriction section 2701a and the second inflow restriction section 2702a, it becomes possible to bring the side of the end of the first inflow restriction section 2701a and the side of the end of the second inflow restriction section 2702a as close together as possible. This increases the degree of freedom in the placement of the first inflow restriction section 2701a (first frame 2701) and the second inflow restriction section 2702a (second frame 2702), making it easier to accommodate game panels 1100 with openings 1112 of various sizes.

Furthermore, as described above, since it is possible to accommodate game panels 1100 having openings 1112 of various sizes, if the size of the game area 5a needs to be changed due to design modifications, the size of the game area 5a can be easily changed by altering the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction section 2701a (first frame 2701) and the second inflow restriction section 2702a (second frame 2702), thereby increasing the design flexibility of the pachinko machine 1. Therefore, there is no need to newly manufacture an inflow restriction section 2700a (center frame 2700) to match the changed size of the game area 5a, thus suppressing an increase in the cost of the pachinko machine 1.

Furthermore, since the inflow restriction section 2700a (center frame 2700) is composed of multiple frames, such as the first frame 2701 to the fifth frame 2705, the same effects as described above can be achieved by appropriately setting the mounting position of each frame to the game panel 1100. Also, because the inflow restriction section 2700a is composed of multiple frames, if a malfunction occurs in one of the frames, only that frame needs to be replaced, thus reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, because a connecting and holding section 2710 is provided, it is possible to prevent the frame from being damaged or broken by falling from the game panel 1100 during assembly or maintenance of the pachinko machine 1.

Furthermore, because the connecting and holding portion 2710 is made of a flexible, string-like material, even if the relationship between the mounting positions of the first inflow restriction portion 2701a (first frame 2701) and the second inflow restriction portion 2702a (second frame 2702) is changed, the connecting and holding portion 2710 can flexibly deform to accommodate the change. This prevents the frame from falling from the game panel 1100 while accommodating the size and shape of the opening 1112 of the game panel 1100.

Furthermore, because a flexible, string-like connecting and holding portion 2710 is provided, when a frame such as the first frame 2701 attempts to detach from the game panel 1100, the connecting and holding portion 2710 will resist by flexibly deforming, thereby preventing immediate detachment from the game panel 1100. If a frame does detach from the game panel 1100, the flexible deformation of the connecting and holding portion 2710 reduces the falling speed and absorbs the impact, thus preventing damage to the frame.

Furthermore, since the connecting and holding portion 2710 connects adjacent frames, such as the first frame 2701 and the second frame 2702, compared to the case where one end of the connecting and holding portion 2710 is connected to the game panel 1100 or other components, multiple frames can be handled as a single unit, improving work efficiency during the manufacturing of the pachinko machine 1.

Furthermore, since the connecting and holding portion 2710 is detachably attached to the frame, for example, when attaching multiple frames to the game panel 1100 in sequence, or when removing some frames from the game panel for maintenance, the connecting and holding portion 2710 can be detached or attached, improving the handling and maneuverability of the frames and enhancing work efficiency.

Furthermore, since the connecting and holding part 2710 is detachable, it is possible to connect the frame using the connecting and holding part 2710 until the frame is attached to the game panel 1100, and then remove the connecting and holding part 2710 once the frame is attached to the game panel 1100. This avoids the aesthetic problem caused by the presence of the connecting and holding part 2710.

Furthermore, since at least one frame is equipped with an electronic component such as a pattern display 2518, the weight of the frame with the electronic component attached increases. Therefore, if the frame detaches from the game panel 1100 and falls during assembly of the pachinko machine 1, it is prone to damage due to its weight. However, a connecting and holding part 2710 is provided to prevent the frame from falling, thus preventing damage to the frame upon impact with a workbench or floor. Therefore, a pachinko machine 1 is provided that can reliably achieve the effects of the electronic components attached to the frame.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various improvements and design modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, as described below.

In other words, while the above embodiment shows the application to pachinko machines 1 and slot machines as gaming machines, it is not limited to these. It may also be applied to pachislo machines or gaming machines that combine pachinko and pachislo machines, and in this case, the same effects and advantages as described above can be achieved.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is shown as a sealed-type game machine or a managed game machine, where the player does not touch the game balls B. However, it is not limited to this, and it may also be applied to game machines where the player can touch the game balls B, and in this case as well, the same effects and advantages as described above can be achieved. An example of such a game machine is a pachinko machine in which, by the player's operation, game balls stored in a tray on the door frame are driven into the game area of the game board, and the driven game balls are received into prize slots provided within the game area, thereby dispensing a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the prize slots into the tray on the door frame.

1 Pachinko machine 2 Outer frame 3 Door frame 4 Main body frame 5 Game board 5a Game area 1000 Front component 1100 Game panel 1110 Panel board (Game board)
1112 Opening
1113 Positioning hole 1114 Mounting hole 1120 Panel holder 2000 Front unit 2001 General prize entry opening (ball entry opening)
2800A Side Unit (Ball Entry Unit)
2800B Side Unit (Ball Entry Unit)
2800C Side Unit (Ball Entry Unit)
2800G Side Unit (Ball Entry Unit)
2801 Tributary section 2802 Main section 2810 Unit body 2811 First component (first component)
2811b Ball receiving part (ball entrance)
2811c Positioning protrusion (positioning protrusion)
2811d Mounting hole (mounting hole)
2812 Second component (second component)
2812a Ball passage (ball passage)
2812b Passageway exit 2813 Second component (second component)
2813a Ball passage (ball passage)
2813b Ball Sensor (Ball Sensor)
3000 Rear unit 3500 Rear lower performance unit (movable mechanism)
3510 Movable decorative part on the underside

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine equipped with a decorative circuit board on which LEDs capable of performing illumination decoration with multiple light colors are mounted on the front surface,
The decorative substrate is contained within a decorative unit formed by combining a cover portion located on the front side of the decorative substrate and a base portion located on the back side of the decorative substrate.
The decorative unit has a first opening and a second opening at positions that are on the side of the decorative substrate it encloses .
The first and second openings are provided at positions opposite each other, with the LEDs on the decorative substrate enclosed within the decorative unit in between, and when the decorative substrate is viewed from the side, the LEDs on the decorative substrate on which the LEDs are mounted and a portion of the space on the front side of the decorative substrate overlap.
A gaming machine characterized in that at least the front surface of the decorative substrate on which the LEDs are mounted is covered with a white resist.