Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of exhibiting improvement regarding the placement of light reception means.SOLUTION: Positioning of a front side plate member A730 with regard to a light emission substrate A720 can be performed by bringing the light emission substrate A720 and the front side plate member A730 into contact with each other. Therefore, a structure for positioning the front side plate member A730 can be simplified. This means that improvement regarding the placement of the front side plate member A730 can be improved. Furthermore, also regarding a rear side plate member A740, positioning with regard to the light emission substrate A720 can be performed by contacting with the light emission substrate A720. Therefore, a structure for positioning the front side plate member A730 and the rear side plate member A740 can be simplified.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 48

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines. [Background technology]

[0002] Among gaming machines such as pachinko machines, there is a gaming machine that includes a plate-shaped member on which a light-emitting means is arranged, and a light-receiving means having a plate-shaped portion that is arranged opposite the light-emitting means of the plate-shaped member and is configured so that light from the light-emitting means is incident thereon (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-198675 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines have a problem that there is room for improvement in the arrangement of the light receiving means. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which the arrangement of the light receiving means can be improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine described in claim 1 comprises a first means consisting of a plate-shaped member, a first light-emitting means arranged on a predetermined surface side of the first means, and a plate-shaped first light-receiving means capable of receiving light from the first light-emitting means, wherein the side of the first light-receiving means that is positioned opposite the predetermined surface abuts against the predetermined surface of the first means.

[0006] The gaming machine described in claim 2 is the gaming machine described in claim 1, further comprising a second light-emitting means arranged on the opposite side of the first means opposite the specified side, and a plate-shaped second light-receiving means capable of receiving light from the second light-emitting means, and the second light-receiving means has a side surface arranged opposite to the opposite side abutted against the opposite side.

[0007] A gaming machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the second aspect, wherein the first light receiving means and the second light receiving means can be fixed to the first means by pressing from a predetermined pressing means. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the gaming machine of claim 1, the arrangement of the light receiving means can be improved.

[0009] According to the gaming machine recited in claim 2, in addition to the effects achieved by the gaming machine recited in claim 1, further improvements can be made in terms of the arrangement of the light receiving means.

[0010] According to the gaming machine of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the gaming machine of claim 2, the number of fixing points for fixing a plurality of members can be reduced, and the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board and the operating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board and the operating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first operating unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of a first operating unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 19] 13(a) and (b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 20] 13(a) and (b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Diagram 23] FIG. 4 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Diagram 25] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 26] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a second operating unit. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the second operating unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of a second operating unit. [Diagram 30] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the second operating unit. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotational motion unit. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotational motion unit. [Diagram 33] 13(a) and (b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit. [Diagram 34] 13(a) and (b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit. [Diagram 35] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a third operating unit. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the third operating unit. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is an exploded front perspective view of a third operating unit. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is an exploded rear perspective view of the third operating unit. [Figure 39] FIG. [Diagram 40] FIG. [Diagram 41] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the opening / closing operation unit of the third operation unit. [Diagram 42] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the opening / closing operation unit of the third operation unit. [Diagram 43] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the light guide plate unit. [Diagram 44] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the light guide plate unit. [Diagram 45] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 46] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 47] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 48] 47, (a) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit taken along line XLVIIIa-XLVIIIa in FIG. 47, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit taken along line XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb in FIG. [Figure 49] 13(a) to 13(f) are schematic front views of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 50] FIG. [Figure 51]FIG. [Figure 52] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Diagram 53] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 54] FIG. 4 is a front view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 55] 55 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit taken along line LV-LV in FIG. 54. [Figure 56] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of a downstream guide member. [Figure 57] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the downstream guide member. [Figure 58] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a visual appearance changing sheet. [Figure 59] 5(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing how the downstream guide member appears when viewed from different directions. [Figure 60] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the first operating unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 61] FIG. 13 is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 62] FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 63] FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 64] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of a ball guide unit in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 65] 13(a) and (b) are rear views of a rotational motion unit in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 66] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path front component in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 67] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the pachinko machine in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 68] FIG. [Figure 69] FIG. [Figure 70] FIG. [Figure 71]71(a) is a rear view of the board box, and (b) is a side view of the board box as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXIb in FIG. 71(a). [Figure 72] FIG. 2A is a partial front perspective view of the board box, and FIG. 2B is a partial rear perspective view of the board box. [Figure 73] 1A and 1B are partial front views of the board box, and 1C and 1D are partial rear views of the board box. [Figure 74] 73(b), (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXIVa-LXXIVa in FIG. 73(b), and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in FIG. 73(b). [Figure 75] FIG. 2A is a partial front view of the board box, and FIG. 2B is a partial rear view of the board box. [Figure 76] 75(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXVI-LXXVI in FIG. [Figure 77] FIG. 2A is a partial front view of the board box, and FIG. 2B is a partial rear view of the board box. [Figure 78] 78(a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the eighth embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXVIIIb-LXXVIIIb in FIG. 78(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 79] 79(a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the tenth embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along line LXXIXb-LXXIXb in Figure 79(a), (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along line LXXIXc-LXXIXc in Figure 79(a), and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along line LXXIXd-LXXIXd in Figure 79(a). [Figure 80] 12(a) to 12(c) are partial cross-sectional views of a board box according to an eleventh embodiment, and FIG. 12(d) is a partial cross-sectional view of a board box according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 81]81(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the thirteenth embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXXIb-LXXXLb in FIG. 81(a). [Figure 82] 82(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of a substrate box in the 14th embodiment, (b) is a partial rear view of a substrate box in the 15th embodiment, and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXXIIc-LXXXIIc in Figure 82(b). [Figure 83] 83(a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a substrate box in the 16th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXXIIIc-LXXXIIIc in FIG. 83(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box. [Figure 84] 84(a) is a front view of the protective cover of the substrate box in the 17th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the protective cover as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXXIVb in Figure 84(a), and (c) is a back view of the protective cover as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXXIVc in Figure 84(b). [Figure 85] 85(a) is a rear view of the board box, (b) is a side view of the board box as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXXVb in Figure 85(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box along line LXXXVc-LXXXVc in Figure 85(b). [Figure 86] 73(a) is a side view of a protective cover of a board box in the eighteenth embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in FIG. 73(b). FIG. [Figure 87] 87(a) is a front view of the protective cover of the substrate box in the 19th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the protective cover as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXXVIIb in Figure 87(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in Figure 73(b). [Figure 88]73(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in FIG. 73(b); FIG. 73(c) is a partial back view of the protective cover taken along line LXXXViiid-LXXXVIIId in FIG. 88(c); and FIG. 73(d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover taken along line LXXXViiid-LXXXVIIId in FIG. 88(c). [Figure 89] 89(a) is a partial rear view of the protective cover Wg500 in the 22nd embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover taken along line LXXXIXb-LXXXIXb in FIG. 89(a), and (c) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 23rd embodiment. [Figure 90] 90(a) is a side view of a protective cover of a board box in the 24th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the board box, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line XCc-XCc in FIG. 90(b). [Figure 91] 91(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 25th embodiment, (b) is a partial side view of the board box as viewed in the direction of arrow XCIb in FIG. 91(a), and (c) is a rear view of the protective cover. [Figure 92] (a) and (c) are rear views of the substrate box at part XCIIa in Figure 91(a), (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box Wj100 at line XCIIb-XCIIb in Figure 92(a), and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box at line XCIId-XCIId in Figure 92(c). [Figure 93] 93(a) is a rear view of the board box at part XCIIa in FIG. 91(a), and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box at line XCIIIb-XCIIIb in FIG. 93(a). [Figure 94] 94(a) is a partial front view of a substrate box in the 26th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along line XCIVb-XCIVb in FIG. 94(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along line XCIVc-XCIVc in FIG. 94(a). [Figure 95]94(a) and (c) are partial cross-sectional views of the substrate box taken along line XCIVb-XCIVb in FIG. 94(a), and (b) and (d) are partial cross-sectional views of the substrate box taken along line XCIVc-XCIVc in FIG. 94(a). [Figure 96] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 27th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along line XCVIb-XCVIb in Figure 96(a), (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along line XCVIc-XCVIc in Figure 96(a), (d) is a rear view of the protective cover, and (e) is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover taken along line XCVIe-XCVIe in Figure 96(d). [Figure 97] 96(a) is a rear view of the substrate box at part XCVIIa of FIG. 96(a), (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box at line XCVIb-XCVIb of FIG. 96(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box at line XCVIc-XCVIc of FIG. 96(a). [Figure 98] 98(a) is a partial front view of a board box in the twenty-eighth embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line XCVIIIb-XCVIIIb in FIG. 98(a). [Figure 99] 99(a) is a partial front view of the substrate box in the 29th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the protective cover as viewed in the direction of arrow XCIXb in Figure 99(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line XCIXc-XCIXc in Figure 99(a). [Figure 100] 100(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 30th embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line Cb-Cb in FIG. 100(a). [Figure 101] FIG. 31 is a rear view of the protective cover in the thirty-first embodiment. [Figure 102] 102(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the thirty-second embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line CIIb-CIIb in FIG. 102(a). [Figure 103]3(a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a board box in a thirty-third embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of a board box in a thirty-fourth embodiment. [Figure 104] 104(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the thirty-fifth embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line CIVb-CIVb in FIG. 104(a). [Figure 105] A partial rear view of the board box in the thirty-sixth embodiment. [Fig. 106] 106(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the thirty-seventh embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line CVIb-CVIb in FIG. 106(a). [Figure 107] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a substrate box in the thirty-eighth embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of a substrate box in the thirty-ninth embodiment, and (c) is a partial rear view of a protective cover of the substrate box in the fortieth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. First, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 55, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 will be described as a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of the game board A13 of the pachinko machine 10, and Fig. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

[0013] In the following description, the front side of the paper will be referred to as the front (front) side and the back side of the paper will be referred to as the rear (rear) side with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in Fig. 1. Also, with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in Fig. 1, the upper side will be referred to as the upper (upper) side, the lower side will be referred to as the lower (lower) side, the right side will be referred to as the right (right) side, and the left side will be referred to as the left (left) side. Furthermore, the arrows UD, LR, and FB in the figure (see Fig. 2, for example) indicate the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction of the pachinko machine 10, respectively.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, a pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 in which an outer shell is formed by wooden frames assembled into a substantially rectangular shape, and an inner frame 12 formed in substantially the same external shape as the outer frame 11 and supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 11. Metal hinges 18 are attached to the outer frame 11 at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side as viewed from the front (see Fig. 1) in order to support the inner frame 12, and the inner frame 12 is supported so as to be openable and closable toward the front side, with the side where the hinges 18 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing.

[0015] A game board A13 (see FIG. 2) having a number of nails and winning holes 63, 64, etc., is detachably attached to the back side of the inner frame 12. A pinball game is played by balls (game balls) flowing down the front of the game board A13. The inner frame 12 is equipped with a ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) that launches balls to the front area of ​​the game board A13, a launching rail (not shown) that guides the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a to the front area of ​​the game board A13, and the like.

[0016] On the front side of the inner frame 12, there is provided a front frame 14 that covers the upper side of the front, and a lower plate unit 15 that covers the lower side. Metal hinges 19 are attached to two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), in order to support the front frame 14 and the lower plate unit 15, and the front frame 14 and the lower plate unit 15 are supported so that they can be opened and closed toward the front front side, with the side where the hinges 19 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing. The locks on the inner frame 12 and the front frame 14 can be released by inserting a special key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a specified operation.

[0017] The front frame 14 is fitted with decorative resin parts, electrical parts, etc., and has a window 14c formed in a substantially elliptical shape at its approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass sheets is disposed on the rear side of the front frame 14, and the front of the game board A13 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0018] In the front frame 14, the upper tray 17 for storing balls is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top that protrudes to the front side, and prize balls and loan balls are discharged into this upper tray 17. The bottom surface of the upper tray 17 is formed with a downward inclination to the right side when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), and the balls inserted into the upper tray 17 are guided to the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) by this inclination. In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the upper surface of the upper tray 17. This frame button 22 is operated by the player, for example, when changing the stage of the performance displayed on the third pattern display device 81 (see FIG. 2) or when changing the content of the performance of the super reach.

[0019] The front frame 14 is provided with various light-emitting means such as lamps around it (for example, at the corners). The light-emitting modes of these light-emitting means are changed and controlled by lighting or blinking in response to changes in the game state such as when a jackpot is hit or when a predetermined reach is reached, and they play a role in enhancing the presentation effect during the game. The periphery of the window portion 14c is provided with illumination units 29-33 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs. In the pachinko machine 10, these illumination units 29-33 function as presentation lamps such as jackpot lamps, and when a jackpot is hit or when a reach is reached, each illumination unit 29-33 lights up or blinks by lighting or blinking the built-in LEDs, thereby informing the player that a jackpot is being hit or that the player is in a reach just before a jackpot is being hit. In addition, the upper left part of the front frame 14 when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1) is provided with an indicator lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs and capable of indicating that prize balls are being paid out and that an error has occurred.

[0020] Also, a small window 35 is formed by attaching transparent resin to the underside of the right-side illumination unit 32 from the back side so that the back side of the front frame 14 can be seen, and the certificate stamps and the like affixed to the attachment space K1 (see FIG. 2) on the front of the game board A13 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Also, in the pachinko machine 10, a plated member 36 made of chrome-plated ABS resin is attached to the area around the illumination units 29-33 to create a more brilliant appearance.

[0021] A ball lending operation unit 40 is disposed below the window portion 14c. The ball lending operation unit 40 is provided with a number display unit 41, a ball lending button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball lending operation unit 40 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are lent out in response to the operation. Specifically, the number display unit 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc. is displayed, and a built-in LED is lit to display the remaining balance in numbers as the remaining balance information. The ball lending button 42 is operated to obtain loan balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and loan balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a remaining balance on the card, etc. The return button 43 is operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. In addition, in pachinko machines where balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispenser to the upper tray 17 without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is not necessary, but in this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation part of the ball dispensing operation unit 40 to make the parts configuration common. It is possible to commonize pachinko machines using a card unit and cash machines.

[0022] The lower tray unit 15, located below the upper tray 17, has a lower tray 50 on the left side formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top for storing balls that could not be stored in the upper tray 17. On the right side of the lower tray 50, an operating handle 51 is provided which is operated by the player to shoot the ball into the front of the game board A13.

[0023] The operation handle 51 includes a touch sensor 51a for permitting the driving of the ball launching unit 112a, a launch stop switch 51b for stopping the launch of balls while the switch is being pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the rotation amount (rotation position) of the operation handle 51 by the change in electrical resistance. When the operation handle 51 is rotated clockwise by the player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes corresponding to the rotation amount, and the ball is launched with a strength (launch strength) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, so that the ball is shot into the front of the game board A13 with a flight amount corresponding to the operation of the player. When the operation handle 51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the launch stop switch 51b are turned off.

[0024] A ball removal lever 52 is provided on the lower front part of the lower tray 50 to be operated when discharging the balls stored in the lower tray 50 downward. This ball removal lever 52 is always biased to the right, and by sliding it to the left against this bias, a bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 50 opens, and the balls fall naturally from the bottom opening and are discharged. This ball removal lever 52 is usually operated with a box (commonly called a "senryo box") for receiving the balls discharged from the lower tray 50 placed below the lower tray 50. As described above, the operating handle 51 is disposed on the right side of the lower tray 50, and an ashtray 53 is attached to the left side of the lower tray 50.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the game board A13 is constructed by assembling a number of nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) for guiding balls on a base plate A60 machined into a roughly square shape when viewed from the front, as well as rails 61, 62, a general winning port 63, a first winning port 64, a second winning port 640, a variable winning device 65, a through gate 67, a variable display device unit 80, etc., and the peripheral portion is attached to the back side (or front side) of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1).

[0026] The base plate A60 is formed from a wooden plate member. The general winning opening 63, the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 640, and the variable display unit 80 are arranged in through holes formed in the base plate A60 by router processing, and are fixed from the front side of the game board A13 with tapping screws or the like. The base plate A60 may be made of a light-transmitting resin material. In this case, it becomes possible for the player to visually recognize various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate A60 from the front side.

[0027] The front central portion of the game board A13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 12 through a window portion 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14. The configuration of the game board A13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0028] An outer rail 62 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a substantially arc shape is set up on the front of the game board A13, and an inner rail 61 formed of a strip-shaped metal plate similar to the outer rail 62 is set up on the inside of the outer rail 62. The inner rail 61 and the outer rail 62 surround the front outer periphery of the game board A13, and the game board A13 and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1) surround the front and rear, forming a game area in front of the game board A13 where games are played based on the behavior of the ball. The game area is an area (an area where winning holes and the like are arranged and where shot balls flow down) that is formed in front of the game board A13 and is partitioned by the two rails 61, 62 and the resin outer edge member 73 that connects the rails.

[0029] The two rails 61, 62 are provided to guide the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) to the upper part of the game board A13. A return ball prevention member 68 is attached to the tip part of the inner rail 61 (upper left part of FIG. 2) to prevent the ball once guided to the upper part of the game board A13 from returning back into the ball guide passage. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip part of the outer rail 62 (upper right part of FIG. 2) at a position corresponding to the maximum flight part of the ball, and a ball launched with a certain momentum or more hits the return rubber 69 and bounces back toward the center while its momentum is reduced.

[0030] The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, which are equipped with a plurality of LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means, are arranged in the lower left side of the game area when viewed from the front (lower left side of FIG. 2). The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are used to display information according to the controls performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and mainly display the game status of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be used differently depending on whether the ball has won the first winning hole 64 or the second winning hole 640. Specifically, when the ball has won the first winning hole 64, the first symbol display device 37A is activated, and when the ball has won the second winning hole 640, the first symbol display device 37B is activated.

[0031] The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a special probability, time-saving, or normal state, whether it is fluctuating, whether the stopped symbols correspond to a special probability jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a miss, and the number of reserved balls, while displaying the number of rounds during a jackpot and errors using a 7-segment display device. The LEDs are configured to have different light colors (e.g., red, green, and blue), and the combination of light colors can suggest various game states of the pachinko machine 10 with a small number of LEDs.

[0032] In this pachinko machine 10, a lottery is held when a prize is won in the first prize slot 64 and the second prize slot 640. In the lottery, the pachinko machine 10 judges whether or not a jackpot has been won (jackpot lottery), and if a jackpot has been determined, it also judges the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be judged here include a 15R variable jackpot, a 4R variable jackpot, and a 15R normal jackpot. The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stopped symbol after the variation ends, but also show a symbol according to the type of jackpot if a jackpot has been won.

[0033] Here, a "15R probability jackpot" refers to a probability jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and a "4R probability jackpot" refers to a probability jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 4. Also, a "15R normal jackpot" refers to a jackpot that transitions to a low probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and is in a time-saving state for a predetermined number of variations (for example, 100 variations).

[0034] In addition, the "high probability state" refers to a state in which the probability of a subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value after the jackpot is ended, that is, during a so-called probability fluctuation (during a probability change), in other words, a state of play in which it is easy to transition to a special game state. The high probability state (during a probability change) in this embodiment includes a game state in which the probability of a hit of the second symbol described later is increased and the ball is likely to enter the second winning hole 640. The "low probability state" refers to a time when the probability change is not in progress, and refers to a state in which the probability of a jackpot is in a normal state, that is, a state in which the probability of a jackpot is lower than that in a probability change. In addition, the time-saving state (during time-saving) in the "low probability state" refers to a game state in which the probability of a jackpot is in a normal state and the probability of a jackpot remains the same, only the probability of a hit of the second symbol is increased, and the ball is likely to enter the second winning hole 640. On the other hand, the normal state of the pachinko machine 10 refers to a game state in which the probability of a jackpot is not in a probability change state or a time-saving state (a state in which neither the probability of a jackpot nor the probability of a hit of the second symbol is increased).

[0035] During the probability variation or time reduction, not only does the probability of winning the second symbol increase, but the time for which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning port 640 is opened is also changed and set to a longer time than during normal play. When the electric device 640a is in an open state (open state), the ball is more likely to win the second winning port 640 than when the electric device 640a is in a closed state (closed state). Therefore, during the probability variation or time reduction, the ball is more likely to win the second winning port 640, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0036] The state change between the open state and the closed state of the electric role 640a occurs by the opening and closing operation of an opening and closing plate that can slide back and forth. When the electric role 640a is in the open state, the opening and closing plate is retreated behind the front surface of the base plate A60, and the game ball can enter the second winning hole 640 side, and when the electric role 640a is in the closed state, the opening and closing plate blocks the space between the game area and the second winning hole 640, making it difficult for the ball to enter the second winning hole 640 (the ball is swept to the left).

[0037] The state change between the open state and the closed state of the electric role 640a may be caused by the opening and closing operation of an opening and closing plate that has a rotation axis at the lower end and rotates and displaces in a manner that tilts or stands up toward the play area. In this case, when the electric role 640a is in the open state, the ball is easily guided along the upper surface of the opening and closing plate to the second winning hole 640, and when the electric role 640a is in the closed state, the opening and closing plate closes the gap between the play area and the second winning hole 640, making it difficult for the ball to enter the second winning hole 640.

[0038] In addition, during the probability variation or time reduction, instead of changing the opening time of the electric role 640a associated with the second winning port 640, or in addition to changing the opening time, the number of times the electric role 640a opens with one win may be increased compared to normal. Also, during the probability variation or time reduction, the winning probability of the second symbol may not be changed, and at least one of the time when the electric role 640a associated with the second winning port 640 is opened and the number of times the electric role 640a opens with one win may be changed. Also, during the probability variation or time reduction, the time when the electric role 640a associated with the second winning port 640 is opened and the number of times the electric role 640a opens with one win may not be changed, and only the winning probability of the second symbol may be changed to be increased compared to normal.

[0039] In the game area, a plurality of general winning holes 63 are arranged, through which 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball wins. In addition, a variable display unit 80 is arranged at a position visible through the center part of the game area (behind the window part of the base plate A60). The variable display unit 80 is provided with a third pattern display device 81 composed of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply abbreviated as "display device") that performs a variable display of a third pattern while synchronizing with the variable display in the first pattern display device 37A, 37B, triggered by winning (initial winning) in the first winning hole 64 and the second winning hole 640, and a second pattern display device (not shown) composed of an LED that displays a variable display of a second pattern, triggered by the passage of a ball through the through gate 67. In addition, a center frame A86 is arranged on the base plate 60 so as to surround the third pattern display device 81 in a front view.

[0040] The third symbol display device 81 is composed of a large liquid crystal display of about 9 inches to 19 inches, and the display contents are controlled by the display control device 114 (see FIG. 4), so that, for example, three symbol rows, upper, middle, and lower, are displayed. Each symbol row is composed of a plurality of symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols are scrolled horizontally for each symbol row, so that the third symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 81. The third symbol display device 81 of this embodiment performs decorative display according to the display of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, while the display of the game state accompanying the control of the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B. Note that, instead of a display device, the third symbol display device 81 may be configured using, for example, a reel or the like.

[0041] The second symbol display device performs a variable display in which a "circle" symbol and an "x" symbol as display symbols (second symbol (not shown)) are alternately lit for a predetermined period of time each time the ball passes through the through gate 67. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the through gate 67, a winning lottery is held. If the winning lottery results in a winning, the second symbol display device displays a static "circle" symbol after the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner. If the winning lottery results in a losing, the second symbol display device displays a static "x" symbol after the third symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

[0042] The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that when the varying display in the second pattern display device stops at a predetermined pattern (in this embodiment, a "circle" pattern), the electric device 640a attached to the second winning port 640 is activated (opened) for a predetermined period of time.

[0043] The time required for the second symbol to change is set to be shorter during the probability change or time reduction than during the normal game state. As a result, during the probability change and time reduction, the second symbol changes and is displayed in a short time, so that more winning lotteries can be held than during the normal game state. Therefore, since there are more chances to win in the winning lottery, the player can be given more chances to open the electric role 640a of the second winning hole 640. Therefore, during the probability change and time reduction, the second winning hole 640 can be easily entered.

[0044] In addition, if the state is made such that the ball is likely to enter the second winning slot 640 during the probability variation or time reduction by other methods such as increasing the probability of winning or increasing the opening time or number of openings of the electric device 640a for one win during the probability variation or time reduction, the time taken for the second symbol to be displayed may be constant regardless of the game state. On the other hand, if the time taken for the second symbol to be displayed is set shorter during the probability variation or time reduction than during normal play, the probability of winning may be constant regardless of the game state, and the opening time or number of openings of the electric device 640a for one win may be constant regardless of the game state.

[0045] The through gate 67 is attached to the game board A13 in the area to the right of the variable display unit 80, and is configured to allow a part of the ball shot to the game board A13 to pass through. When the ball passes through the through gate 67, a lottery for a second symbol is held. After the lottery for a second symbol is held, a variable display is performed on the second symbol display device, and if the lottery for a second symbol is a win, a "○" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol of the variable display, and if the lottery for a second symbol is a miss, a "×" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol of the variable display.

[0046] The number of times that the balls pass through the through gate 67 is reserved up to a maximum of four times in total, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the above-mentioned first symbol display device 37A, 37B, and is also displayed by lighting the second symbol reserved lamp (not shown). Four second symbol reserved lamps are provided, the maximum number of reserved balls, and are arranged symmetrically below the third symbol display device 81.

[0047] In addition, the variable display of the second symbol may be performed by switching on and off a plurality of lamps in the second symbol display device as in this embodiment, or may be performed by using a part of the first symbol display device 37A, 37B and the third symbol display device 81. Similarly, the lighting of the second symbol reservation lamp may be performed by a part of the third symbol display device 81.

[0048] In addition, the maximum number of balls that can be reserved for passing through the through gate 67 is not limited to four, but may be set to three or less, or five or more (e.g., eight). In addition, the number of through gates 67 that can be installed is not limited to one, but may be, for example, two.

[0049] In addition, the installation position of the through gate 67 is not limited to the right side of the variable display unit 80, but may be, for example, on the left or right side or below the variable display unit 80. In addition, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol reserved lamp may not be turned on.

[0050] A first winning hole 64 into which a ball can win is disposed below the variable display unit 80. When a ball wins into this first winning hole 64, a first winning hole switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board A13 is turned on, and when the first winning hole switch is turned on, a lottery for a big win is performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37A.

[0051] On the other hand, a second winning hole 640 into which a ball can win is disposed on the lower right side of the through gate 67 as viewed from the front. When a ball wins into this second winning hole 640, a second winning hole switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and when the second winning hole switch is turned on, a lottery for a big win is performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37B. The arrangement of the second winning hole 640 is not limited to this. For example, it may be below the first winning hole 64 as viewed from the front, or may be to the left of the center of the game area.

[0052] In addition, each of the first winning port 64 and the second winning port 640 is also one of the winning ports into which five balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the winning port. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 is the same as the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 640, but the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 640 may be different numbers, for example, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 may be three, and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 640 may be five.

[0053] The second winning port 640 is provided with an electric device 640a. This electric device 640a is configured to be openable and closable, and is usually in a closed state (reduced state), making it difficult for the ball to win the second winning port 640. On the other hand, when the second pattern display device displays a "○" pattern as a result of the variable display of the second pattern, which is performed in response to the passage of the ball through the through gate 67, the electric device 640a is in an open state (expanded state), making it easy for the ball to win the second winning port 640.

[0054] As described above, during the probability of winning and the time-saving period, the probability of winning the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time it takes for the second symbol to change is also shorter, so the symbol "○" is more likely to be displayed in the change display of the second symbol, and the number of times that the electric device 640a is in the open state (expanded state) increases. Furthermore, during the probability of winning and the time-saving period, the time that the electric device 640a is open is also longer than during normal play. Therefore, during the probability of winning and the time-saving period, it is possible to create a state in which the ball is more likely to win the second winning hole 640 than during normal play.

[0055] Here, the probability of winning a jackpot when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 is the same in both low and high probability states. However, the probability of a 15R variable jackpot being selected as the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs is set higher when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 than when a ball enters the first winning slot 64. On the other hand, the first winning slot 64 does not have the electric device 640a that the second winning slot 640 has, and the ball is always in a state where it can win a jackpot.

[0056] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is often in a closed state, making it difficult to win at the second winning slot 640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for a jackpot by shooting the ball toward the first winning slot 64, which does not have the electric device 640a, so that the ball passes to the left of the variable display unit 80 (the so-called "left shot") and having the ball win at the first winning slot 64, thereby gaining more opportunities to win the jackpot lottery.

[0057] On the other hand, during the special bonus period or the time-saving period, the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is likely to be opened by passing the ball through the through gate 67, making it easier to win at the second winning slot 640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the ball toward the second winning slot 640 so that it passes to the right of the variable display device 80 (the so-called "right hit"), passing the ball through the through gate 67 to open the electric device 640a, and aiming for a 15R special bonus jackpot by winning at the second winning slot 640.

[0058] Unlike the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, when the game board 13 is symmetrically configured, the first winning hole 64 can be aimed at by "hitting to the right" and the second winning hole 640 can be aimed at by "hitting to the left". Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment does not require the player to change the way of shooting the ball between "hitting to the left" and "hitting to the right" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a special mode, in a time-saving mode, or in a normal mode). Therefore, the hassle of changing the way of shooting the ball can be eliminated.

[0059] On the other hand, the pachinko machine 10 in this embodiment is configured so that the first winning hole 64 cannot be targeted by "right hit" and the ball shot by "left hit" does not pass through the through gate 67. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 in this embodiment can request the player to change the way the ball is shot to "left hit" or "right hit" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability hit, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). Therefore, adding a game feature that changes the way the ball is shot can prevent the game from becoming sluggish.

[0060] A variable winning device 65 (see FIG. 2) is provided to the right of the first winning port 64, and a specific winning port 65a is provided in the approximate center of the variable winning device 65. In the pachinko machine 10, when a jackpot lottery performed due to winning in the first winning port 64 or the second winning port 640 results in a jackpot, after a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is turned on to show a jackpot stop pattern, and a stop pattern corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device 81 to indicate the occurrence of the jackpot. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which a ball is likely to win. In this special game state, the specific winning port 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed or until 10 balls win).

[0061] This specific winning opening 65a is closed after a predetermined time has passed, and after the closing, the specific winning opening 65a is opened again for a predetermined time. The opening and closing operation of this specific winning opening 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds). The state in which this opening and closing operation is being performed is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player is paid out a larger amount of prize balls than usual as an addition of game value (game value).

[0062] The special game state is not limited to the above-mentioned form. A large opening opening that is opened and closed separately from the specific winning opening 65a is provided in the game area, and when an LED corresponding to a big win is lit in the first pattern display device 37A, 37B, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time, and a large opening opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when a ball enters the specific winning opening 65a while the specific winning opening 65a is open. In addition, the specific winning opening 65a is not limited to one, and one or more than two (for example, three) may be arranged, and the arrangement position is not limited to the right of the first winning opening 64, but may be, for example, the lower right side of the first winning opening 64, the lower left side of the first winning opening 64, the left or right side of the variable display unit 80, or above.

[0063] An attachment space K1 for attaching stamps, identification labels, etc. is provided in the lower right corner of the game board A13, and the stamps, etc. attached to the attachment space K1 can be viewed through a small window 35 in the front frame 14 (see Figure 1).

[0064] The game board A13 is provided with an outlet 71. A ball that flows down the game area and does not win in any of the winning holes 63, 64, 65a, 640 is guided through the outlet 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown).

[0065] A large number of nails are set on the game board A13 in order to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and various components (gimmicks) such as windmills are also provided.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly equipped with control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is unitized with a main board (main control device 110), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 113) and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is unitized with a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115) and a card unit connection board 116.

[0067] The back pack unit 94 is a unit formed by the back pack 92 forming the protective cover and the payout unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each part, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. as necessary.

[0068] The main control device 110, the voice lamp control device 113 and the display control device 114, the payout control device 111 and the launch control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are each stored in the board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 each include a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to store the respective control devices and boards.

[0069] In addition, the board box 100 (main control device 110) and the board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) are connected (connected by a crimping structure) between the box base and the box cover by a sealing unit (not shown). In addition, a sealing seal (not shown) is affixed to the connection between the box base and the box cover, spanning the box base and the box cover. This sealing seal is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing seal to open the board box 100, 102 or to forcefully open the board box 100, 102, it will be cut into the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or the sealing seal, it is possible to know whether the board box 100, 102 has been opened.

[0070] The payout unit 93 includes a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upward, a tank rail 131 connected to the bottom of the tank 130 and gently inclined toward the downstream side, a case rail 132 connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 132 and paying out balls by a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4). The tank 130 is successively replenished with balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall, and the payout device 133 appropriately pays out the required number of balls. A vibrator 134 for applying vibration to the tank rail 131 is attached to the tank rail 131.

[0071] In addition, the payout control device 111 is provided with a state recovery switch 120, the launch control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 121, and the power supply device 115 is provided with a RAM erase switch 122. The state recovery switch 120 is operated to resolve ball jams (return to normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as ball jamming in the payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the launch force of the launch solenoid. The RAM erase switch 122 is operated when the power is turned on to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

[0072] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0073] The main control device 110 is equipped with an MPU 201 as a one-chip microcomputer that is a calculation device. The MPU 201 has a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 202, and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. In the main control device 110, the MPU 201 executes the main processes of the pachinko machine 10, such as a jackpot lottery, display settings in the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and the third symbol display device 81, and a lottery for the display result in the second symbol display device.

[0074] In addition, in order to instruct sub-control devices such as the dispensing control device 111 and the voice lamp control device 113 to operate, various commands are sent from the main control device 110 to the sub-control devices via a data transmission / reception circuit, but such commands are sent only in one direction, from the main control device 110 to the sub-control devices.

[0075] The RAM 203 has various areas, counters, flags, a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 201 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 201 are stored, and a work area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored. The RAM 203 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up.

[0076] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the stack pointer and the values ​​of each register at the time of the power outage (including the time of the power outage; the same applies below) are stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power supply is turned on (including the time of the power supply being turned on due to the power outage being resolved; the same applies below), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power supply was cut off based on the information stored in the RAM 203. Writing to the RAM 203 is executed by the main processing (not shown) when the power supply is cut off, and the restoration of each value written to the RAM 203 is executed in the start-up processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned on. Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 201 is configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 201, an NMI interrupt processing (not shown) is immediately executed as a processing during a power outage.

[0077] An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 via a bus line 204 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 205 is connected to the payout control device 111, the voice lamp control device 113, the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, the second symbol display device, the second symbol reservation lamp, a solenoid 209 consisting of a large opening solenoid for driving the opening / closing plate of the specific winning port 65a to open and close in the forward and backward directions, and a solenoid for driving the electric role 640a, and the like, and the MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0078] In addition, the input / output port 205 is connected to various switches 208 consisting of a group of switches not shown and a group of sensors including a slide position detection sensor S and a rotation position detection sensor R, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 described below that is provided in the power supply device 115, and the MPU 201 performs various processes based on the signals output from the various switches 208 and the RAM erasure signal SG2 output from the RAM erasure switch circuit 253.

[0079] The payout control device 111 drives a payout motor 216 to control the payout of prize balls and loan balls. The MPU 211, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 212 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 211, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 213 used as a work memory, etc.

[0080] The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and the return address of the control program executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (working area) in which the values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured to be able to hold (back up) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. In addition, like the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage process.

[0081] An input / output port 215 is connected to the MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 via a bus line 214 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 215 is connected to the main control device 110, the payout motor 216, the launch control device 112, and the like. Although not shown, the payout control device 111 is connected to a prize ball detection switch for detecting the paid-out prize balls. The prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but is not connected to the main control device 110.

[0082] The launch control device 112 controls the ball launch unit 112a so that the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51 when the main control device 110 issues an instruction to launch a ball. The ball launch unit 112a is equipped with a launch solenoid and an electromagnet (not shown), and the launch solenoid and the electromagnet are permitted to be driven when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operating handle 51, and on condition that the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the launch of the ball is off (not operated), the launch solenoid is excited in response to the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51, and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the operating handle 51.

[0083] The voice lamp control device 113 controls the output of voice in the voice output device (such as a speaker not shown) 226, the output of turning on and off the lamp display device (such as the illumination unit 29 to 33 and the display lamp 34) 227, and the setting of the display mode of the third pattern display device 81 performed by the display control device 114, such as variable performance (variable display) and advance notice performance. The MPU 221, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 222 that stores the control program executed by the MPU 221, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0084] An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the voice and lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device 110, the display control device 114, a voice output device 226, a lamp display device 227, other devices 228, the frame button 22, etc. are connected to the input / output port 225. The other devices 228 include the drive motors AMT1, AMT2, AMT3, AMT4, etc.

[0085] The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 based on various commands (variation pattern command, stop type command, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode by commands (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). In addition, the voice lamp control device 113 monitors input from the frame button 22, and when the frame button 22 is operated by the player, instructs the display control device 114 to change the stage displayed on the third symbol display device 81 or change the performance content at the time of super reach. When the stage is changed, a back image change command including information on the changed stage is sent to the display control device 114 so that the third symbol display device 81 displays a back image corresponding to the changed stage. Here, the back image is an image displayed on the back side of the third symbol, which is the main image to be displayed on the third symbol display device 81. The display control device 114 displays various images on the third symbol display device 81 according to the command sent from this voice lamp control device 113.

[0086] Also, the voice lamp control device 113 receives a command (display command) representing the display content of the third pattern display device 81 from the display control device 114. Based on the display command received from the display control device 114, the voice lamp control device 113 outputs a sound corresponding to the display content of the third pattern display device 81 from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content, and also controls the turning on and off of the lamp display device 227 in accordance with the display content.

[0087] The display control device 114 is connected to the voice lamp control device 113 and the third pattern display device 81, and controls the display of the third pattern display device 81, such as the variable performance of the third pattern, based on the command received from the voice lamp control device 113. The display control device 114 also transmits a display command to notify the display content of the third pattern display device 81 to the voice lamp control device 113 as appropriate. The voice lamp control device 113 can match the display of the third pattern display device 81 with the audio output from the audio output device 226 by outputting audio from the audio output device 226 in accordance with the display content indicated by the display command.

[0088] The power supply device 115 has a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruption due to a power failure or the like, and a RAM deletion switch circuit 253 provided with a RAM deletion switch 122 (see FIG. 3). The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltage to each of the control devices 110-114, etc. through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 251 takes in an AC voltage of 24 volts supplied from the outside, generates a voltage of 12 volts for driving various switches such as the various switches 208, solenoids such as the solenoid 209, motors, etc., a voltage of 5 volts for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies the necessary voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc.

[0089] The power failure monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 and the MPU 211 of the dispensing control device 111 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 252 monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and when this voltage becomes less than 22 volts, it judges that a power failure (power failure, power cut) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SG1 to the main control device 110 and the dispensing control device 111. By outputting the power failure signal SG1, the main control device 110 and the dispensing control device 111 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute NMI interrupt processing. Note that the power supply unit 251 is configured to maintain the output of the voltage of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the NMI interrupt processing, even after the voltage of 24 volts DC becomes less than 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control unit 111 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown).

[0090] The RAM clear switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM clear signal SG2 to the main control device 110 to clear the backup data when the RAM clear switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM clear signal SG2 when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, it clears the backup data and transmits a payout initialization command to the payout control device 111 to clear the backup data in the payout control device 111.

[0091] Next, the structure of the game board A13 and the operation unit A200 will be described. Fig. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board A13 and the operation unit A200, and Fig. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board A13 and the operation unit A200. Note that in Figs. 5 and 6, the liquid crystal display device (variable display unit 80) disposed in the opening A211a of the rear case A210 is omitted, and the rear side is shown visible through the opening A211a. In addition, Fig. 2 will be referred to as appropriate in the description of Figs. 5 and 6.

[0092] The operating unit A200 includes a bottom wall A211 and an outer wall A212 standing from the outer edge of the bottom wall A211, forming a box-like rear case A210 with the front side open. The rear case A210 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front by forming a rectangular opening A211a in the center of the bottom wall A211. The opening A211a is formed to a size corresponding to the outer shape (outer edge) of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 (i.e., capable of dividing the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 when viewed from the front).

[0093] The rear case A210 is provided as a flat plate extending from the front end of the outer wall portion A212 along the rear surface of the game board A13 (e.g., arranged parallel to the rear surface) and is provided with a support plate portion A213 that is supported by a surface of the game board A13 in the assembled state (see FIG. 2).

[0094] With the support plate portion A213 supported by a surface on the game board A13, a fastening screw can be screwed into the base plate A60 of the game board A13, thereby fixing the game board A13 and the operating unit A200 together, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the game board A13 and the operating unit A200.

[0095] A pair of displacement restriction devices A214 are disposed on the rear side of the rear case A210. The displacement restriction device A214 is configured to be able to change between a protruding state and a immersed state by manual operation from the rear of the rear case A210, and in the protruding state, restricts the movable props (first operating unit A400 and second operating unit A500) described later from starting to move from the performance standby state.

[0096] By adopting the displacement control device A214, it is possible to facilitate shipping and transporting the pachinko machine 10 even when the central opening of the base plate A60 is blocked by the light guide plate unit A700, as in this embodiment.

[0097] In more detail, in the past, the displacement of the movable part was suppressed by packing the area where the movable part displaces with a cushioning material (cushioning material such as cotton) and removing the cushioning material after the game arrives at the game hall, so that the displacement of the movable part during shipping or transportation was prevented. However, if the central opening of the base plate A60 is closed as in this embodiment, there is no penetration for removing the cushioning material, so the cushioning material cannot be removed without disassembling the game board A13 and the back case A210, which may cause a great burden on the game hall.

[0098] As a countermeasure to this, the present embodiment employs a displacement restriction device A214. This allows the state of the displacement restriction device A214 to be switched between a protruding state in which the movement of the movable role object is restricted and a recessed state in which the restriction is released, without releasing the fixation of the game board A13 and the back case A210.

[0099] In addition, the pair of displacement restriction devices A214 are arranged as members that restrict the movement of different movable parts. In other words, if the number of movable parts increases or decreases, it can be handled by increasing or decreasing the number of displacement restriction devices A214.

[0100] The base plate A60 is formed in a plate shape from a light-transmitting resin material, and is configured so that the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate A60 can be easily seen by the player from the front side. This allows the structures arranged on the back side to be seen regardless of the shape and arrangement of the base plate A60, and can be used for various effects. If there are any parts that you do not want the player to see, you can deal with this by attaching a seal member with low light transmittance (or no light transmittance), etc.

[0101] The operation unit A200 is disposed on the rear side of the game board A13, and various light emitting means and various operation units are disposed inside. That is, the operation unit A200 includes a rear case A210, a first operation unit A400 disposed on the inner right part and the inner upper part of the rear case A210 as viewed from the front and disposed near the front side of the rear case A210, a second operation unit A500 disposed on the inner left part and the inner upper part of the rear case A210 as viewed from the front and disposed between the first operation unit A400 and the bottom wall part A211 of the rear case A210, a third operation unit A600 disposed on the inner lower part of the rear case A210 as viewed from the front, and a light guide plate unit A700 fastened and fixed to the front end surface of the outer wall part A212 of the rear case A210 in front of the first operation unit A400.

[0102] Specifically, the third operating unit A600 is fastened to the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 at a lower position of the opening A211a, and the second operating unit A500 is fastened to the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 at a left position and an upper position of the opening A211a. The first operating unit A400 is fastened to the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 at a right position of the opening A211a, and is fastened to the front side surface of the second operating unit A500 at an upper position of the opening A211a. First, an overview of the operation control of this operating unit A200 will be described.

[0103] 7 to 12 are front views of the operating unit A200 showing an example of the operation control of the operating unit A200. In Fig. 7, the first operating unit A400, the second operating unit A500, and the third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state are illustrated, and in Fig. 8, the first operating unit A400 in a stretched state, and the second operating unit A500 and the third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state are illustrated.

[0104] In addition, Figure 9 illustrates the second operating unit A500 in an extended state, and the first operating unit A400 and third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state, Figure 10 illustrates the first operating unit A400 and second operating unit A500 in an extended state, and the third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state, and Figure 11 illustrates the third operating unit A600 in an extended state, and the first operating unit A400 and second operating unit A500 in a performance standby state.

[0105] Figure 12 also illustrates the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 after rotating from the performance standby state without causing any change in external shape, and the third operating unit A600 after rising while maintaining its external shape in the performance standby state.

[0106] 7 to 12, the shape surrounded by the edge of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b of the light guide plate unit A700, the edge of the decorative member A808, and the edge of the center frame A86 is illustrated by imaginary lines. The shape surrounded by this imaginary line is the actual size at which the third pattern display device 81 can be seen in a front view, and outside the shape surrounded by this imaginary line (especially on the left and right sides), the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b of the light guide plate unit A700 and the decorative member A808 are hidden, so that the visibility of the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 in the retreated state can be reduced.

[0107] 8 to 10, the displacement trajectory of the first operating unit A400 and the displacement trace of the second operating unit A500 partially overlap when viewed from the front, but the displacement trajectory of the first operating unit A400 and the displacement trajectory of the second operating unit A500 are shifted forward and backward (do not overlap when viewed from above), so the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 do not collide with each other during operation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, both the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 can be in a protruding state.

[0108] 8 to 11, the displacement trajectory of the first operating unit A400 or the second operating unit A500 partially overlaps with the displacement trajectory of the third operating unit A600 in a front view. Therefore, for example, when the first operating unit A400 or the second operating unit A500 is in the extended state, if the third operating unit A600 changes state from the performance standby state, there is a possibility of collision.

[0109] In contrast, in this embodiment, the state change of the first operation unit A400 or the second operation unit A500 from the performance standby state is controlled to be executable on the condition that the third operation unit A600 is in the performance standby state, and the state change of the third operation unit A600 from the performance standby state is controlled to be executable on the condition that the first operation unit A400 is in the performance standby state and the second operation unit A500 is in the performance standby state, thereby preventing the first operation unit A400 or the second operation unit A500 from colliding with the third operation unit A600. This improves the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first operation unit A400, the second operation unit A500, and the third operation unit A600 (it is possible to allow the displacement trajectories to overlap in a front view).

[0110] The operation of the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 is configured to be performed in such a manner that the length and width of the rotated rotation operating units A400b, A500b change during the rotation operation, and will be described in detail later.

[0111] The operation mode of the third operating unit A600 is configured so that the lifting and lowering operation of the opening and closing operating unit A600b and the opening and closing operation of the moving member A650 can be performed at different timings. That is, the opening and closing operation of the moving member A650 is controlled to be performed when the opening and closing operating unit A600b is disposed at the upper end position.

[0112] As described above, in this embodiment, the operation timing of each operating unit A400, A500, A600 may be controlled to be staggered in anticipation of the possibility of a collision, but if the possibility of a collision can be eliminated from the beginning, it is naturally possible to drive them simultaneously, and Figure 12 corresponds to a case in which each operating unit A400, A500, A600 is driven simultaneously from a performance standby state and moved to a position where they will not collide with each other.

[0113] In other words, the state change that moves each operating unit A400, A500, A600 from a standby state for performance to the state shown in FIG. 12 can be realized by driving a driving device that drives each operating unit A400, A500, A600, on the condition that each operating unit A400, A500, A600 is in a standby state for performance, so that a unified operation performance can be realized by the multiple operating units A400, A500, A600.

[0114] In the state shown in Fig. 12, the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 are in a posture immediately before the length and width of the rotation operating units A400b, A500b start to change during the rotation operation. That is, if a further tilting operation occurs, the driving force will be consumed to change the length and width of the rotation operating units A400b, A500b, and the operating resistance of the rotation operating units A400b, A500b will increase. Therefore, it is possible to easily stop the operating units A400, A500 in the posture of Fig. 12, which is the posture where the operating resistance starts to change.

[0115] As the tilting motion continues, the amount of change in the length and width of the rotational motion units A400b and A500b increases, and the motion resistance increases accordingly. This resistance creates a change in motion resistance similar to the elastic force of a spring, making it easier to maintain the motion units A400 and A500 in the position shown in FIG. 12 and to return them to their original position even if they are tilted too far.

[0116] As described below, the third operating unit A600 is separate from the drive device used for the lifting and lowering operations and the drive device that opens and closes the moving member A650. Therefore, by only driving the drive device used for the lifting and lowering operations and not driving the moving member A650, it is possible to easily control the third operating unit A600 to stop in the state shown in Figure 12.

[0117] In this way, it is possible to execute control to drive the first operating unit A400, the second operating unit A500, and the third operating unit A600 simultaneously, thereby realizing a sense of unified operation while avoiding collisions between the operating units A400, A500, and A600.

[0118] The range in which the display of the third pattern display device 81 arranged behind the operation units A400, A500, and A600 can be seen changes according to the arrangement of the operation units A400, A500, and A600. That is, when all of the operation units A400, A500, and A600 are in a performance standby state, the range (area) in which the display of the third pattern display device 81 can be seen is at its maximum (see FIG. 7), and the range (area and position) in which the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is hidden is configured to differ according to the operation units A400, A500, and A600 that are in a protruding state.

[0119] The extent to which the operation units A400, A500, and A600 are extended from the performance standby state also varies the extent (area and position) of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 that is hidden. In addition, even if the same operation unit (for example, the first operation unit A400) is operating, the extent (area and position) of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 that is hidden is different between the state shown in FIG. 8 and the state shown in FIG. 12 because the amount of operation and the outer shape of the rotation operation unit A400b are different (the extended position side is larger).

[0120] Also, for example, even when the same operating unit (e.g., the third operating unit A600) is operating, the up-down positions are the same in the state shown in Figure 11 and the state shown in Figure 12, but the left-right arrangement of the movable member A650 is different, so that the range (area and position) that is hidden in the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is different.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, even when multiple identical operating units (e.g., a first operating unit A400 and a second operating unit A500) are operating, the state shown in Figure 10 differs from the state shown in Figure 12 in whether or not the multiple operating units A400, A500 intersect, and therefore the number of ranges that are continuously visible as ranges that are not hidden by the multiple operating units A400, A500 in the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 (four above, below, left, and right in Figure 10, and one in Figure 12) differs.

[0122] In this way, by providing multiple types of ranges in which the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is hidden by each operating unit A400, A500, A600, it is possible to increase the variety of presentations in which the display of the third pattern display device 81 and each operating unit A400, A500, A600 are visually recognized together.

[0123] That is, the third pattern display device 81 is controlled to develop a display performance in the range that is not hidden by each of the operating units A400, A500, A600, and since the range that is hidden by each of the operating units A400, A500, A600 changes in multiple types, it is possible to increase the variety of display performance in the range that is not hidden by each of the operating units A400, A500, A600, and the presentation effect of the display performance can be improved.

[0124] For example, when a continuously visible display area spanning a large range is maintained, as in Figure 12, the player can be relaxed by viewing an animation on the full screen, whereas when the display area is viewed as being divided, as in Figures 8, 9 or 10, the displays in each divided area can be differentiated (for example, as displays distinguished between advantageous and unfavorable developments) and one of these displays can be selected to determine the subsequent development of the presentation, thereby increasing attention to the displays in each divided area.

[0125] Next, the first operating unit A400 will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 26. Figure 13 is a front perspective view of the first operating unit A400, and Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the first operating unit A400.

[0126] The first operating unit A400 includes a support unit A400a held by the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5), and a rotational operating unit A400b supported by the support unit A400a so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft AJ1 located at the lower right side when viewed from the front.

[0127] In the first operating unit A400, the drive motor AMT1 is disposed on the upper left side, and the rotating shaft AJ1 is disposed on the lower right side. This simplifies the structure around the rotating shaft AJ1 compared to when the drive motor AMT1 is disposed near the rotating shaft AJ1, and allows the rotating shaft AJ1 to be disposed closer to the right corner.

[0128] Furthermore, the front-to-rear width of the first operating unit A400 can be made shorter than when the driving motor AMT1 is disposed in front or behind the rotary operating unit A400b, as is the case when the driving motor AMT1 is disposed near the rotary shaft AJ1. Therefore, a sufficient space can be secured when multiple movable parts are stacked in the front-to-rear direction of the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5).

[0129] Fig. 15 is an exploded front perspective view of the first operating unit A400, and Fig. 16 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first operating unit A400. In Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the support unit A400a is shown in an exploded state, and the rotation operating unit A400b is shown in an unexploded state.

[0130] The support unit A400a includes a fixed support unit A410 that is fastened to the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5), and a drive transmission unit A420 that has a drive motor AMT1 whose position is fixed to the fixed support unit A410 and is configured to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 to the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0131] The fixed support unit A410 includes a vertical member A411 fastened to the right side of the bottom wall portion A211 of the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5) when viewed from the front, a horizontal member A413 arranged opposite the upper end side portion of the vertical member A411 in the front-to-rear direction, a reinforcing member A415 formed by bending a sheet metal member disposed between the horizontal member A413 and the vertical member A411 forward, and an upper cover member A417 fastened to the horizontal member A413 in such a manner that the bent portion of the reinforcing member A415 is sandwiched between the horizontal member A413 and the vertical member A411.

[0132] The vertical member A411 includes a cylindrical support portion A411a through which the rotation shaft rod AJ1 of the rotational motion unit A400b is inserted, a non-performance hole A411b into which the protruding tip of the displacement control device A214 (see Figure 6) arranged on the lower right side is inserted, a repair hole A411c formed through the member to a size that allows a fastening screw to be attached and removed for maintenance, and a detection sensor A411d for detecting whether the first motion unit A400 is in a performance standby state or an extended state by detecting the position of the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0133] The non-performance hole A411b is formed in a position concealed by the right decorative member A808 when viewed from the front (see FIG. 8). Therefore, regardless of the arrangement of the rotational motion unit A400b, it is possible to easily prevent the displacement restriction device A214 (see FIG. 6) from being viewed by the player through the non-performance hole A411b.

[0134] This concealing effect is also achieved for the upper displacement regulation device A214. That is, the upper displacement regulation device A214 is intended to regulate the displacement of the second operating unit A500, but by being concealed by the upper decorative member A808, it is possible to easily prevent the displacement regulation device A214 from being seen by the player.

[0135] The detection sensor A 411d is usually a photocoupler type sensor, but is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic sensor or a contact type sensor may be used.

[0136] The horizontally long member A413 comprises a plate-shaped main body A413a formed in a horizontally long plate shape from a resin material, a guide long hole A414 formed through the plate-shaped main body A413a, a motor support hole A413b formed through a bulge that bulges forward at the left end side of the plate-shaped main body A413a so as to be able to support a drive motor MT1, and a plate-shaped extension portion A413d extending forward from the upper end portion of the plate-shaped main body A413a in a plate-like shape and having multiple protrusions A413c with female threads formed on the extended tip side.

[0137] The reinforcing member A415 is a member formed by bending a metal plate, and includes a plate-shaped main body A415a arranged so as to be attached to the back side of the plate-shaped main body A413a and sandwiched between the vertical member A411 and the horizontal member A413 in the assembled state (see FIG. 13), a bent plate A415c bent from the upper end of the plate-shaped main body A415a toward the front side and having a plurality of through holes A415b through which the plurality of protrusions A413c can be inserted, a pair of retaining bent portions A415d bent from the bent plate A415c and having through holes through which the metal rod AMB1 can be inserted, and a long hole A415e drilled in a shape that surrounds the guide long hole A414 from the outside.

[0138] The upper cover member A417 is a member formed from a resin material and includes a plate-shaped main body A417a that is fastened and fixed to the horizontal member A413 by a fastening screw that is screwed into the female thread of the protrusion portion A413c that is inserted into the through hole A415b in a positional relationship in which the reinforcing member A415 is sandwiched between the plate-shaped main body A417a and the horizontal member A413, a biasing spring A417b having one end supported by the plate-shaped main body A417a, and a damper member A417c whose other end is supported by the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b and is biased to the right end of its range of motion extending in the left-right direction by the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b.

[0139] The drive transmission unit A420 includes a support member A421, which is a sheet metal member on which the drive motor AMT1 is supported at its left end and is fastened to the horizontal member A413 at both left and right ends, a transmission mechanism A423 composed of a plurality of rotating members rotatably supported on the front side of the support member A421, a covering cover A425 fastened to the support member A421 so as to cover the rotating members of the transmission mechanism A423 from the front side, and a connecting mechanism A427 that connects the transmission mechanism A423 and the rotational operation unit A400b.

[0140] The transmission mechanism A423 includes a circular belt A423a having teeth formed on its inner circumference, a pair of left and right pulleys A423b, A423c having teeth formed on its outer circumference that mesh with the teeth of the belt A423a and rotatably supported on the columnar portion A421a of the support member A421 so as to support the belt A423a without slack, a drive gear A423d fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT1 so as not to move relative to it, and a transmission gear A423f rotatably supported on the columnar portion A421a of the support member A421 so as to mesh with a gear portion A423e formed on the back side of the left pulley A423c and the drive gear A423d.

[0141] The covering cover A425 is fastened and fixed not only to a female screw formed on the main body plate portion of the support member A421, but also to a female screw formed on the tip of the columnar portion A421a that supports the pulleys A423b, A423c and the transmission gear A423f. This improves the rigidity of the columnar portion A421a and stabilizes the rotation of the pulleys A423b, A423c and the transmission gear A423f.

[0142] The connecting mechanism A427 comprises a connecting member A427a to which the upper end side of the rotational motion unit A400b is connected and which receives the metal rod AMB1 in a recess A427b on the front side, so that the operating direction is left-right; a prevention member A427c which is fastened and fixed to the connecting member A427a so as to cover the recess A427b of the connecting member A427a from the front side, thereby preventing the metal rod AMB1 from falling out from between the connecting member A427a and the connecting member A427a; and a belt fixing member A427d which is fastened and fixed to the prevention member A427c in an arrangement in which the belt A423a is sandwiched between the prevention member A427c and the prevention member A427c.

[0143] A cylindrical collar A427f through which the metal bar AMB1 is inserted is disposed in the pair of recesses A427b, and a pulley A427g that supports the metal bar AMB1 in a groove on the outer periphery while the collar is inserted is rotatably supported by the connecting member A427a. This makes it easier to prevent the position of the connecting member A427a relative to the metal bar AMB1 from shifting, and reduces the operating resistance.

[0144] An engagement protrusion A427h corresponding to the tooth shape formed on the inner periphery of the belt A23a is formed on the upper surface of the belt fixing member A427d, which is disposed opposite the belt A423a. The belt A423a is disposed so that the engagement protrusion A427h meshes with the teeth of the belt A423a, and the prevention member A427c is disposed opposite to the outer periphery of the belt A423a (above the upper belt A423a), thereby fastening and fixing the belt fixing member A427d and the prevention member A427c.

[0145] This makes it possible to prevent the belt A423a from falling off the engaging protrusion A427h. Also, unlike the case where the belt A423a is fixed by pressing it, it is possible to prevent the belt A423a from slipping relative to the connecting mechanism A427 while improving the durability of the belt A423a.

[0146] With this structure, the connecting mechanism A427 is moved left and right, guided by the metal bar AMB1, as the drive motor AMT1 is driven to rotate and the left pulley A423c is rotated through gear transmission, causing the portion of the belt A423a extending left and right to move left and right.

[0147] The connecting member A427a has a guide slot A427e extending in the vertical direction, into which the columnar protrusion A448 of the rotational motion unit A400b is inserted. The columnar protrusion A448 of the rotational motion unit A400b is inserted into the guide slot A427e and the guide slot A414 of the fixed support unit A410, so that the columnar protrusion A448 of the rotational motion unit A400b is moved in the vertical and horizontal directions as the connecting mechanism A427 is moved in the horizontal direction.

[0148] In this way, a driving force is transmitted to the rotational motion unit A400b via the connecting mechanism A427 that moves in the left-right direction, and the rotational motion unit A400b is displaced. Details of the rotational motion unit A400b will be described below.

[0149] FIG. 17 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotational motion unit A400b, and FIG. 18 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotational motion unit A400b. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the rotational motion unit A400b comprises a base plate member A430 into which the rotational shaft rod AJ1 is fitted at its lower end, a movable member A440 connected to the base plate member A430 so as to be slidable in a linear direction passing through the rotational shaft rod AJ1 on a plane perpendicular to the rotational shaft rod AJ1, a direction switching member A450 inserted through the base plate member A430 and the movable member A440 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the sliding movement of the movable member A440 when the movable member A440 slides, a decorative member A460 which changes its position or posture due to the movement of the direction switching member A450, thereby allowing the player to see that the length of the short side of the rotational motion unit 400b changes, and a covering member A470 which is fitted or fastened to the base plate member A430 so as to position the direction switching member A450 in the space formed between the base plate member A430 and the base plate member A430, and is formed in a shape that covers the direction switching member A450 from the front side.

[0150] The base plate member A430 includes a long plate-like plate-like main body A431 into which the rotary shaft rod AJ1 is fitted, a pair of upper and lower elongated guide holes A432 bored in the plate-like main body A431 on the same straight line passing through the rotary shaft rod AJ1, a plurality of auxiliary elongated holes A433 bored between the pair of guide elongated holes A432 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide elongated holes A432, and a plurality of auxiliary elongated holes A433 bored in the plate-like main body A431 near the lower end of the upper guide elongated hole A432. The plate-shaped main body A431 has a pair of support elongated holes A434 formed as elongated holes parallel to the guide elongated hole A432 at the short side end portion of the plate-shaped main body A431, a malfunction prevention tube portion A435 protruding in a cylindrical shape from the plate-shaped main body A431 to the rear side, a pair of guide extension portions A436 protruding from the front of the lower end portion of the plate-shaped main body A431 in a shape extending parallel to the straight line along which the guide elongated holes A432 are arranged, and a plate-shaped detection piece A437 protruding downward in a plate shape from the lower end portion of the plate-shaped main body A431.

[0151] The malfunction prevention tube portion A435 is a through hole formed with a size that allows the protruding tip of the right-side displacement restriction device A214 (see FIG. 6) to be inserted therethrough. This malfunction prevention tube portion A435 is disposed in front of the non-performance hole A411b (see FIG. 8) when the first operation unit A400 is in a performance standby state.

[0152] When the protruding tip of the displacement regulation device A214 is brought into a protruding state in which it protrudes forward, the protruding tip passes through the non-performance hole A411b and is inserted into the malfunction prevention tube portion A435, thereby regulating the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0153] The plate-shaped detection piece A437 is formed at a front-rear position where it can be placed in the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d (see FIG. 15). The plate-shaped detection piece A437 is formed on the side (back side) where the rotating shaft rod AJ1 is supported. This makes it possible to minimize the positional deviation of the plate-shaped detection piece A437 even if the rotating shaft rod AJ1 is bent (inclined) due to deformation of the rotating shaft rod AJ1, making it easier to avoid the plate-shaped detection piece A437 being placed at a position that deviates from the front-rear position where it fits in the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d.

[0154] The position of the plate-shaped detection piece A437 is detected by the detection sensor A411d (see FIG. 15), so that the posture of the rotational motion unit A400b can be grasped. Therefore, even if multiple motion units A400 to A600 are driven by separate drive sources, collisions between them can be avoided.

[0155] The movable member A440 is configured to be able to perform an effect of brightly illuminating the decorative plate A441 on the front side by light irradiated from the light emitting means of the light emitting board arranged inside, and is equipped with a plate-shaped main body A442 arranged to sandwich the light emitting board between the plate-shaped main body A442 and the decorative plate A441, a pair of insertion protrusions A443 protruding from the back side of the plate-shaped main body A442, a plurality of functional long holes A444 drilled in a shape combining the up-down direction and the left-right inclined direction at positions corresponding to the auxiliary long holes A433 of the base plate member A430, an extension portion A445 extending parallel to the straight line on which the pair of insertion protrusions A443 are arranged, and a columnar protrusion portion A448 protruding from the upper right corner of the plate-shaped main body A422 toward the back side and inserted into the guide long hole A427e (see Figure 15) of the drive transmission unit A420.

[0156] The decorative plate A441 has a light-transmitting area A441a extending in the longitudinal direction in the center in the lateral direction, and plated areas A441b on both lateral sides of the light-transmitting area A441a where plating is applied.

[0157] As a result, even if the placement of the board is restricted to the center in the short side direction due to the formation of the functional long hole A444, the light emission effect is performed in the translucent area A441a near the center in the short side direction, and the other plated area A441b uses reflection from the plating to perform the effect, thereby avoiding a decrease in the presentation effect.

[0158] The insertion protrusion A443 is configured to be inserted into the elongated guide hole A432 of the base plate member A430 and to be prevented from falling out of the elongated guide hole A432 by a screw screwed into the tip and a collar member AC1.

[0159] The functional long hole A444 is composed of four long holes: a pair of upper and lower long holes, and another pair of upper and lower long holes whose shape is inverted by a straight line connecting a pair of insertion protrusions A443, and the shape of each long hole is the same except for the inversion relationship.

[0160] Of the multiple functional elongated holes A444, a pair of upper and lower elongated holes are formed at positions obtained by translating one of the elongated holes along a straight line connecting a pair of insertion protrusions A443. In other words, the corresponding portions of the pair of upper and lower elongated holes extend on the same straight line or maintain a relationship of being arranged in parallel.

[0161] The extension portion A445 is formed with a width and length slightly shorter than the distance between the pair of guide extension portions A436 of the base plate member A430, and functions as a guide when the moving member A440 moves. The extension portion A445 has a cross section in the extension direction that is U-shaped with the front side open, and this shape not only improves rigidity but also prevents the wiring A449 connected to the board from breaking. That is, by having the extension portion A445 hold the wiring A449 from the open side of the U shape, contact between other moving members and the wiring A449 can be avoided.

[0162] The wiring A449 is made up of a flat cable, and is made up of a wiring that is flexible in a direction corresponding to the rotation around the rotation shaft AJ1, and a wiring that is flexible in the extending direction of the extension portion A445.

[0163] In this embodiment, since the drive motor AMT1 is disposed at a position away from the rotating shaft AJ1 (see FIG. 14), it is easy to secure space around the rotating shaft AJ1, and this space can be used as space for the wiring A449 to bend. This makes it possible to prevent excessive load from being applied to the wiring A449, and improves the durability of the wiring A449.

[0164] The direction switching member A450 and the decorative member A460 will be described together. The direction switching member A450 is composed of a pair of left and right members, and includes a plate-shaped main body A451, a pair of upper and lower columnar members A452 protruding from the back surface on the left and right inner parts of the plate-shaped main body A451, and a pair of upper and lower through holes A453 drilled on the left and right outer parts of the plate-shaped main body A451.

[0165] The columnar portion A452 is inserted in turn through the functional slot A444 of the movable member A440 and the auxiliary slot A433 of the base plate member A430, and can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the straight line connecting the pair of insertion protrusions A443 according to the arrangement of the movable member A440. That is, the direction switching member A450 can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the straight line connecting the pair of insertion protrusions A443 (can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the movable member A440) according to the arrangement of the movable member A440.

[0166] The decorative member A460 includes a pair of left and right parallel moving members A461 and a pair of left and right rotational moving members A465. The parallel moving members A461 include a plate-shaped main body A462, a columnar portion A463 protruding from a lower corner portion on the left and right outer sides of the plate-shaped main body A462 toward the rear side, and a long columnar portion A464 protruding from a central side portion on the left and right outer sides of the plate-shaped main body A462 toward the rear side.

[0167] The rotational movement member A465 includes a plate-shaped main body A466, a columnar portion A467 protruding from the rear surface at the upper end of the plate-shaped main body A466, and a through hole A468 formed below the columnar portion A467.

[0168] The columnar portion A463 has a female thread formed at its tip. A fastening screw that is inserted into a through-hole A453 on the lower side of the direction switching member A450 is screwed into the female thread, thereby fastening and fixing the decorative member A460 and the direction switching member A450 together.

[0169] The long columnar portion A464 has a female screw formed at the tip, but this is not used for fastening, but for preventing the member from falling off. In other words, the rotational movement member A465 into which the long columnar portion A464 is inserted is configured to be rotatable relative to the translational movement member A461.

[0170] The long columnar portion A464 is first inserted into the upper through-hole A453 of the direction switching member A450, and then inserted into the through-hole A468 of the rotational movement member A465. A screw with a large head is fixed to the tip of the long columnar portion A464, thereby preventing the rotational movement member A465 from falling off the long columnar portion A464.

[0171] The columnar portion A467 of the rotational movement member A465 is supported by the support long hole A434 of the base plate member A430, so that the displacement is reduced. With this configuration, the displacement of the opposite end (lower end) of the columnar portion A467 of the rotational movement member A465 can be made larger than the displacement of the direction switching member A450 that displaces the through hole A468.

[0172] The covering member A470 has a light-transmitting area A471 extending in the longitudinal direction in the center in the lateral direction, and plated areas A472 on both lateral sides of the light-transmitting area A471 where plating is applied.

[0173] This makes it possible to maintain a high performance effect even at both sides of the short side where the light irradiated from the moving member A440 side is easily blocked by the arrangement of the direction switching member A450 and the decorative member A460. In other words, the light emission performance is performed in the light-transmitting area A471 near the center of the short side, and the other plated area A472 uses reflection from the plating to perform the performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the performance effect.

[0174] The covering member A470 has a pair of protruding portions A473 protruding from the rear side at the lower end portion thereof. The protruding portions A473 are disposed at positions corresponding to the front side ends of the guide extension portions A436 of the base plate member A430.

[0175] By arranging them in this manner, in an assembled state, the covering member A470 and the base plate member A430 can form an opening through which the extension portion A445 of the moving member A440 is inserted. This makes it possible to stabilize the moving direction of the moving member A440 in the extension direction of the extension portion A445.

[0176] 19(a), 19(b), 20(a) and 20(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit A400b. In Fig. 19(a), 19(b), 20(a) and 20(b), the relative movement of the moving member A440 of the rotational motion unit A400b with respect to the base plate member A430 is illustrated in time series.

[0177] That is, the relative movement is shown from the rotational movement unit A400b (see FIG. 19(a)) in the performance standby state (see FIG. 7) of the first movement unit A400 to the rotational movement unit A400b (see FIG. 20(b)) in the extended state (see FIG. 8). Note that the up and down on the paper in FIG. 19 and FIG. 19 differs from the actual up and down directions, and the direction of the sliding movement of the moving member A440 is shown in a position that matches the up and down of the paper.

[0178] The functional long hole A444 comprises a first parallel portion A444a extending parallel to a straight line passing through a pair of insertion protrusions A443, an inclined portion A444b formed so as to be connected to one end of the first parallel portion A444a and extending linearly in a direction inclined relative to the first parallel portion A444a, and a second parallel portion A444c formed so as to be connected to the other end of the inclined portion A444b and extending parallel to the extension direction of the first parallel portion A444a.

[0179] Here, Figure 19(a) illustrates a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged at the end side of the first parallel portion A444a, Figure 19(b) illustrates a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged at the intersection position of the first parallel portion A444a and the inclined portion A444b, Figure 20(a) illustrates a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged at the intersection position of the inclined portion A444b and the second parallel portion A444c, and Figure 20(b) illustrates a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged at the end side of the second parallel portion A444c.

[0180] The length of the first parallel portion A444a is formed sufficiently long, so that even if the moving member A440 starts to move relative to the base plate member A430 from the state shown in Fig. 19(a), the direction switching member A450 does not move in the short side direction of the moving member A440 for a while (until the state shown in Fig. 19(b)), and the rotational motion unit A400b can be rotated while maintaining the appearance of a short short side width.

[0181] The inclined portion A444b extends from the position where the first parallel portion A444a is formed toward the outside in the short side direction of the moving member A440. Therefore, when the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430 from a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged on the first parallel portion A444a and the columnar portion A452 enters the inclined portion A444b, the direction switching member A450 moves toward the outside in the short side direction of the moving member A440.

[0182] The pair of columnar portions A452 of the direction switching member A450 are inserted into the pair of auxiliary elongated holes A433 and guided in parallel, so that the relative movement of the direction switching member A450 with respect to the base plate member A430 is parallel movement in the short direction of the base plate member A430.

[0183] The speed of the movement is proportional to the speed at which the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430 because the inclined portion A444b is formed in a straight line. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the interlocking operation performance of the moving member A440, the direction switching member A450, and the decorative member A460.

[0184] The second parallel portion A444c is not as long as the first parallel portion A444a, and is formed to have the minimum necessary length. The purpose of forming the second parallel portion A444c is to improve the presentation effect of the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0185] In other words, when the first operating unit A400 is driven to the extended state and the drive motor AMT1 (see Figure 15) is stopped, the connecting mechanism A427 is pushed back slightly by the force applied to the damper member A417c by the spring A417b, and even if the movable member A440 moves in the opposite direction (return direction) relative to the base plate member A430, the presence of the second parallel portion A444c makes it possible to prevent the position of the direction switching member A450 in the short direction of the movable member A440 from changing.

[0186] This makes it easier to maintain the appearance of the first operating unit A400 in the extended state (the short-side length of the rotational operating unit A400b) even if a push-back action occurs due to the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b, which may occur when adopting control to stop the drive of the drive motor AMT1 when the first operating unit A400 is in the extended state.

[0187] In the state shown in Figure 19 (a), the distance between the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 is a first length AD1, and the angle between a line passing through the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 and a line passing through a pair of insertion protrusions A443 is a first angle Aθ1.

[0188] In the state shown in Figure 19 (b), the distance between the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 is a second length AD2, and the angle between a line passing through the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 and a line passing through a pair of insertion protrusions A443 is a second angle Aθ2.

[0189] The second length AD2 is configured to be longer than the first length AD1 (first length AD1<second length AD2). The second angle Aθ2 is configured to be smaller than the first angle Aθ1 (first angle Aθ1>second angle Aθ2).

[0190] In the state shown in Figure 20 (a), the distance between the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 is a third length AD3, and the angle between a line passing through the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 and a line passing through a pair of insertion protrusions A443 is a third angle Aθ3.

[0191] The third length AD3 is configured to be longer than the second length AD2 (first length AD1<second length AD2<third length AD3). The third angle Aθ3 is configured to be smaller than the second angle Aθ2 (first angle Aθ1>second angle Aθ2>third angle Aθ3).

[0192] In the state shown in Figure 20 (b), the distance between the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 is a fourth length AD4, and the angle between a line passing through the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 and a line passing through a pair of insertion protrusions A443 is a fourth angle Aθ4.

[0193] The fourth length AD4 is configured to be longer than the third length AD3 (first length AD1<second length AD2<third length AD3<fourth length AD4). The fourth angle Aθ4 is configured to be smaller than the third angle Aθ3 (first angle Aθ1>second angle Aθ2>third angle Aθ3>fourth angle Aθ4).

[0194] Therefore, when the first operating unit A400 changes from the standby state to the extended state, the rotational operating unit A400b changes so that the distance between the rotational axis rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 gradually becomes longer, and accordingly, the angle between the line passing through the rotational axis rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 and the line passing through the pair of insertion protrusions A443 gradually becomes smaller.

[0195] 21, 22, and 23 are front views of the first operating unit A400. In Fig. 21, 22, and 23, the manner in which the first operating unit A400 is driven from the performance standby state to the extended state is illustrated in chronological order.

[0196] Figure 21 illustrates the first operating unit A400 in a standby state for performance, Figure 22 illustrates a state between the standby state for performance and the extended state for the first operating unit A400, in which the appearance of the rotational operating unit A400b is the same as in the standby state for performance except for the change in posture, and Figure 23 illustrates the extended state of the first operating unit A400.

[0197] 21, the plate-shaped detection piece A437 is disposed in the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d, which allows the corresponding control device to recognize that the first operating unit A400 is in a performance standby state.

[0198] The long guide hole A414 has an arc portion A414a that follows an arc shape centered on the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and is formed to the right of the columnar protrusion portion A448 shown in Figure 22, and a straight portion A414b that is formed in a straight line to the left of the columnar protrusion portion A448 shown in Figure 22 and smoothly connects to the arc portion A414a (extending in the tangent direction of the arc portion A414a at the connected portion).

[0199] In other words, when the columnar protrusion A448 is positioned on the arc portion A414a (see Figures 21 and 22), even if rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b occurs, the distance between the rotational shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 is maintained at the first length AD1 (see Figure 19(a)), and no relative movement of the movable member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs, so the appearance of the rotational movement unit A400b is maintained.

[0200] In the process of the rotational movement from the state shown in FIG. 22 to the state shown in FIG. 23, the appearance of the rotational movement unit A400b changes so that the rotational movement member A465 protrudes in the short side direction of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0201] Between the state shown in Figure 22 and the state shown in Figure 23, the straight section A414b along which the columnar protrusion A448 is guided is arranged to intersect at one point with a circle centered on the rotating shaft rod AJ1, so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the arrangement of the columnar protrusion A448 and the distance between the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448.

[0202] The amount of protrusion of the rotational movement member A465 is configured to correspond to the distance between the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 (see Figures 19 and 20), so the position of the columnar protrusion portion A448 at which the rotational movement member A465 begins to protrude and the amount of protrusion of the rotational movement member A465 corresponding to the position of the columnar protrusion portion A448 can be identified from a structural aspect.

[0203] This can avoid a situation that can occur when the posture change of the rotational motion unit A400b and the extension of the rotational movement member A465 are performed by separate driving sources, in which the amount of change (angle) in the posture of the rotational motion unit A400b is insufficient, causing the rotational movement member A465 to extend and collide with the rear case A210 (see Figure 5).

[0204] When the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 (see FIG. 15) is transmitted and the belt A423a is operated, the connecting mechanism A427 is guided by the metal bar AMB1 and slid and displaced in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, by controlling the driving amount of the drive motor AMT1, it is possible to operate the rotational motion unit A400b so as to reciprocate between the state shown in FIG. 21 and the state shown in FIG. 22, to operate the rotational motion unit A400b so as to reciprocate between the state shown in FIG. 22 and the state shown in FIG. 23, or to operate the rotational motion unit A400b so as to reciprocate between the state shown in FIG. 21 and the state shown in FIG. 23.

[0205] On the extended state side (left side), the connecting mechanism A427 abuts against the damper member A417c and is decelerated by the elastic force of the biasing spring A417b. As a result, even if the belt A423a is operated at high speed in a direction that puts the first operating unit A400 in the extended state, the connecting mechanism A427 bounces back on the extended state side (left side), making it easier to avoid application of an excessive load to the belt A423a, and improving the durability of the belt A423a and the connecting mechanism A427.

[0206] When the rotational motion unit A400b starts from the performance standby state of the first motion unit A400 shown in FIG. 21, the starting direction of the columnar protrusion A448 faces the tangent direction AT1 of a circle that is centered on the rotation shaft AJ1 and passes through the columnar protrusion A448.

[0207] In this embodiment, in the state shown in Figure 21, the angle between the tangential direction AT1 and the extension direction (left-right direction) of the metal bar AMB1 is configured to be small, so that the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 can be efficiently transmitted to perform the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0208] In the state shown in Fig. 22, the tangential direction AT1 is parallel to the straight line portion A414b. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the resistance in the rotational direction when the rotational motion unit A400b is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front from the state shown in Fig. 22.

[0209] From the state shown in Fig. 22 to the state shown in Fig. 23, the angle between the direction of the tangential direction AT1 and the direction in which the metal bar AMB1 extends (left and right direction) gradually increases, and the downward component of the tangential direction AT1 becomes larger. Therefore, the ratio of the force that rotates the rotational motion unit A400b to its own weight increases, and a surplus is generated in the driving force of the drive motor AMT1. This surplus driving force can be used for the relative movement of the movable member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430.

[0210] In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 is utilized for both the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b and the relative movement of the movable member A440 relative to the base plate member A430, while staggering the timing at which driving force is required for these multiple movements, the maximum driving force required at one time can be reduced, and the drive motor AMT1 can be made smaller.

[0211] As shown in Figure 23, the angle between the moving direction AM1, in which the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, and the extension direction of the metal rod AMB1 is smaller than the angle between the straight line connecting the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448, which is the point of transmission of the driving force, and the extension direction of the metal rod AMB1.

[0212] In this embodiment, the angle between the moving direction AM1 and the extending direction of the metal bar AMB1 is an acute angle, and it is easy to ensure that the component of the driving force of the driving motor AMT1 transmitted in the extending direction of the metal bar AMB1 is directed toward the moving direction AM1, so that it is possible to avoid a situation in which the driving force is transmitted in a direction that rotates the rotational motion unit A400b before the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430, causing an increase in the operating resistance of the rotational motion unit A400b. Note that, in this embodiment, the moving direction AM1 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0213] When a load from the drive motor AMT1 is transmitted to the columnar protrusion A448 in the left-right direction, the load is resolved into a downward load that moves the moving member A440 relatively in the moving direction AM1, and an upward load that rotates (raises) the rotational motion unit A400b about the rotation shaft AJ1. Because the load from the drive motor AMT1 is in the left-right direction (directly to the side), this kind of vertical load resolution can be smoothly generated.

[0214] At this time, since the rotation shaft AJ1 is not disposed in the direction of the load resolved into the moving direction AM1, the load also acts to rotate the rotational motion unit A400b around the rotation shaft AJ1.

[0215] That is, in this embodiment, the columnar protrusion A448 is positioned at a position offset from a straight line passing through the rotation shaft rod AJ1 and parallel to the movement direction AM1, so that the load component that moves the moving member A440 relatively in the movement direction AM1 also occurs in the rotation direction of the rotational movement unit A400b, making it easier to avoid malfunctions in rotation, such as when the load from the columnar protrusion A448 to the rotation shaft rod AJ1 becomes excessive.

[0216] 24, 25, and 26 are rear views of the first operating unit A400. In Fig. 24, 25, and 26, the manner in which the first operating unit A400 is driven from the performance standby state to the extended state is illustrated in chronological order, and the illustration of the vertical member A411 is omitted.

[0217] Figure 24 illustrates the first operating unit A400 in a standby state for performance, Figure 25 illustrates a state between the standby state for performance and the extended state for the first operating unit A400, in which the appearance of the rotational operating unit A400b is the same as in the standby state for performance except for the change in posture, and Figure 26 illustrates the extended state for the first operating unit A400.

[0218] That is, Figure 24 corresponds to a rear view of the rotational motion unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 21, Figure 25 corresponds to a rear view of the rotational motion unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 22, and Figure 26 corresponds to a rear view of the rotational motion unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 23.

[0219] The operation of the rotational operation unit A400b starting from the performance standby state of the first operation unit A400 will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 25. Figs. 19 and 20 will also be referred to as appropriate.

[0220] 25, the rotational motion unit A400b is rotated clockwise as viewed from the rear, and the distance between the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 becomes the second length AD2 (see FIG. 19(b)). The movement of the moving member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 occurs, but the movement of the direction switching member A450 in the short side direction of the moving member A440 does not occur. Therefore, the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b changes to extend in the longitudinal direction, and no change occurs in the short side direction.

[0221] When the rotational motion unit A400b is further rotated clockwise when viewed from behind, and the distance between the rotational axis rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 changes from the second length AD2 to the third length AD3 (see Figure 20 (a)), relative movement of the movable member A440 occurs with respect to the base plate member A430, and further movement of the direction switching member A450 occurs in the short direction of the movable member A440.

[0222] Therefore, the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b changes so as to extend in the longitudinal direction and to increase in the lateral width. In this way, the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b changes in two stages during the rotational motion of the rotational motion unit A400b: a state in which only the longitudinal direction changes, and a state in which both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction change.

[0223] When the rotational motion unit A400b is further rotated clockwise as viewed from the rear, until the distance between the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 changes from the third length AD3 to the fourth length AD4 (see FIG. 20(b)), the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, but the direction switching member A450 does not move in the short side direction of the moving member A440. Therefore, the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b changes to extend in the longitudinal direction, and no change occurs in the short side direction.

[0224] This makes it easier to maintain the appearance of the first operating unit A400 in the extended state (the short-side length of the rotational operating unit A400b) even if a push-back action occurs due to the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b (see FIG. 21), which may occur when adopting control to stop the drive of the drive motor AMT1 when the first operating unit A400 is in the extended state (see FIG. 26).

[0225] In this way, in the tilting operation of the rotational motion unit A400b, the number of members that move relative to the base plate member A430 differs in each section. By controlling the control load of the drive motor AMT1 to be switched in accordance with the number of members that move relative to each other (for example, by increasing the control load in a range where the number of members is large and decreasing the control load in a range where the number of members is small), the effect of changes in the motion resistance can be suppressed, making it easier to prevent local changes in the motion speed of the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0226] We will explain the change in the rotation angle of the rotational motion unit A400b when the columnar protrusion A448 moves at a constant speed component to the left from the state shown in Fig. 25. First, in the state shown in Fig. 25, the straight line connecting the rotation shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 and the straight line portion A414b of the guide elongated hole A414 are perpendicular to each other.

[0227] When the columnar protrusion A448 moves with a constant speed component to the left from the state shown in FIG. 25, the columnar protrusion A448 is guided by the straight portion A414b of the guide long hole A414, and therefore the rotation angle Aφ1 of the rotational motion unit A400b is specified as the acute angle of a right triangle as shown in FIG. 26, with the straight line connecting the rotation shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 as the hypotenuse, the straight line connecting the rotation shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 shown in FIG. 25 as the base, and the straight line along the straight portion A414b as the height AX1.

[0228] Here, if we assume that the first length AD1 is a unit length, then Equation 1 [tan Aφ1=AX1] holds as a relational equation for a right-angled triangle using trigonometric functions, and Equation 2 [Aφ1=arctanAX1] holds as the inverse function.

[0229] From Equation 2, when the height AX1 increases at a constant speed as the columnar protrusion A448 moves at a constant speed component to the left, the amount of change in the rotation angle Aφ1 gradually decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the drive motor AMT1 is driven at a constant speed and the connecting member A427a (see FIG. 21) of the connecting mechanism A427 is moved left and right at a constant speed, the rotational motion unit A400b can be rotated in an operating mode in which the amount of change in the rotation angle Aφ1 at the start from the state shown in FIG. 25 to the state shown in FIG. 26 is maximized, and then the amount of change in the rotation angle Aφ1 gradually decreases.

[0230] That is, while adopting a simple control of driving the drive motor AMT1 at a constant speed, an operating mode can be realized in which the rotation speed of the rotational motion unit A400b is gradually reduced.

[0231] As a result, when the first operating unit A400 operates from the performance standby state to the extended state, the rotation speed of the rotation operating unit A400b is reduced as it approaches the extended state, while rotating at high speed at the start. Therefore, by controlling the drive motor AMT1 to drive at a constant speed, it is possible to give the player a sense of surprise when the rotation operating unit A400b appears, while making it easier for the rotation operating unit A400b to remain in the player's field of view by maintaining its position and posture in the extended state.

[0232] On the other hand, when the first operating unit A400 operates from the extended state to the performance standby state, the rotation speed of the rotation operating unit A400b is increased as the first operating unit A400 approaches the performance standby state, while rotating at a slow speed at the start. Therefore, by increasing the rotation speed of the rotation operating unit A400b near the performance standby state while retaining the afterglow of the start of the rotation operating unit A400b toward the retreat side, the rotation operating unit A400b can be quickly retreated by controlling the drive motor AMT1 to drive at a constant speed.

[0233] This allows the operation of the rotational motion unit A400b to simultaneously produce rotational displacement and rectilinear displacement, while providing an operating state in which the rotational displacement is noticeable (high rotational speed) and an operating state in which the rotational displacement is not noticeable (low rotational speed) but the rectilinear displacement is noticeable.

[0234] In other words, when the first operating unit A400 is caused to perform a clockwise rotation operation as viewed from the rear from the performance standby state (see Figure 24), almost no relative movement of the movable member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs until the state shown in Figure 25, and further, in the rotation operation from the state shown in Figure 25, the rotational speed of the first operating unit A400 is gradually reduced when the drive motor AMT1 is driven at a constant speed.

[0235] This allows a smooth and natural transition between an operating state in which the rotational displacement is noticeable and an operating state in which the linear displacement is noticeable but the rotational displacement is not noticeable, with the boundary being the state in which the columnar protrusion portion A448 is positioned at a position where the tip of the straight line of the second length AD2 coincides with the center line of the guide long hole A414.

[0236] As shown in Figures 24 to 26, when the rotational movement unit A400b rotates from the performance standby state, from the start of rotation from Figure 24 to the state shown in Figure 25, the columnar protrusion portion A448 is guided by the arc portion A414a, so no relative movement of the movable member A440 occurs with respect to the base plate member A430, and only a rotational movement occurs.

[0237] From the state shown in Fig. 25 to the state shown in Fig. 26, the movement of the moving member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 occurs as the rotational movement unit A400b rotates. The relative movement occurs in the order shown in Figs.

[0238] In Fig. 25, the first length AD1, the second length AD2, the third length AD3, and the fourth length AD4 illustrated in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 are illustrated correspondingly. The postures of the first length AD1, the second length AD2, the third length AD3, and the fourth length AD4 illustrated in Fig. 25 correspond to the postures of the rotational motion unit A400b in each state of the first length AD1, the second length AD2, the third length AD3, and the fourth length AD4 illustrated in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20.

[0239] That is, when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the state shown in FIG. 25 to the posture of the second length AD2, only the relative movement of the moving member A440 occurs with respect to the base plate member A430 (see FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b)).

[0240] Furthermore, when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the second length AD2 to the position of the third length AD3, in addition to the relative movement of the movable member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430, the direction switching member A450 also moves relative to the base plate member A430 (see Figures 19(b) and 20(a)).

[0241] Furthermore, when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the third length AD3 to the position of the fourth length AD4, only the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs (see FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b)).

[0242] In this manner, in this embodiment, the rotation of the rotational motion unit A400b is accompanied by relative motion of a number of other members, but the start timing of the relative motion of each member is not the same, but is shifted from one another, making it possible to prevent a sudden increase in the driving force required for the operation of the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0243] The correspondence between changes in the first length AD1, the second length AD2, the third length AD3, and the fourth length AD4 shown in Fig. 25 and changes in posture will be described. The angle between the first length AD1 and the second length AD2 and the angle between the second length AD2 and the third length shown on the right are almost the same (about 18 degrees), but the difference between the first length AD1 and the second length AD2 and the difference between the second length AD2 and the third length AD3 is three or more times larger than the former.

[0244] Therefore, the movement length of the movable member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the second length AD2 to the position of the third length AD3 is more than three times longer than the movement length of the movable member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the second length AD2 to the position of the third length AD3.

[0245] Furthermore, the movement length of the movable member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the third length AD3 to the position of the fourth length AD4 is longer than the movement length of the movable member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the third length AD2 to the position of the third length AD3.

[0246] This allows the operating mode of the rotational motion unit A400b to be gradually shifted from a state in which rotational motion is the main focus to a state in which relative motion (linear motion) of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 is the main focus.

[0247] Here, at the end of the rotational movement of the first operating unit A400 toward the extended state (for example, from the position of the third length AD3 to the position of the fourth length AD4 in Figure 25), the moving direction AM1 is configured to be returned to the counterclockwise direction as viewed from behind for the columnar protrusion portion A448 moving in a clockwise direction as viewed from behind around the rotation axis rod AJ1 (see Figures 19 and 20).

[0248] That is, since the angle between the columnar protrusion A448 and the moving direction AM1 is made small so as to partially offset the rotation angle of the rotational motion unit A400b, it is possible to suppress the angular change in the moving direction AM1 (see FIG. 23) in the state shown in FIG 26. As a result, even if the rotational motion unit A400b is pushed back slightly by the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b via the damper member A417c (see FIG. 23), the angular change in the moving direction AM1 due to this can be suppressed.

[0249] This not only makes it difficult for the short-side width of the rotational motion unit A400b to change when the first motion unit A400 is in the extended state (see Figure 20), but also suppresses the change in angle of the movement direction AM1, making it easier to stabilize the first motion unit A400 in the extended state.

[0250] In addition, since the rotational motion unit A400b is configured to become longer in the longitudinal direction as it approaches the extended state, the air resistance applied to the rotational motion unit A400b from the rotational direction becomes larger toward the tilt end side. Therefore, a braking action due to the air resistance can be effectively generated.

[0251] Furthermore, according to the rotational motion unit A400b, the direction switching member A450 and the decorative member A460 protrude in the short side direction as they approach the protruding state, so that the area as viewed in the front-rear direction becomes larger. Therefore, the air resistance against the rotational motion unit A400b falling in the front-rear direction can be increased, so that the rotational motion unit A400b can be easily prevented from falling in the front-rear direction.

[0252] Next, the second operating unit A500 will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 34. Figure 27 is a front perspective view of the second operating unit A500, and Figure 28 is a rear perspective view of the second operating unit A500.

[0253] The second operating unit A500 includes a support unit A500a held by the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5), and a rotational operating unit A500b supported by the support unit A500a so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft AJ2 located at the lower left side when viewed from the front.

[0254] In the second operating unit A500, the drive motor AMT2 is disposed on the upper right side, and the rotating shaft AJ2 is disposed on the lower left side. This simplifies the structure around the rotating shaft AJ2 compared to when the drive motor AMT2 is disposed near the rotating shaft AJ2, and allows the rotating shaft AJ2 to be disposed closer to the left corner.

[0255] Furthermore, the front-to-rear width of the second operating unit A500 can be made shorter than when the driving motor AMT2 is disposed in front or behind the rotary operating unit A500b, as is the case when the driving motor AMT2 is disposed near the rotary shaft AJ2. Therefore, a sufficient space can be secured when multiple movable parts are stacked in the front-to-rear direction of the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5).

[0256] Furthermore, by orienting the axis of the drive motor AMT2 in the vertical direction, the front-rear width is restricted to approximately the diameter of the main body of the drive motor AMT2, thereby making it possible to shorten the front-rear width of the second operating unit A500.

[0257] In addition, by making the axial direction of the drive motor AMT1 (see Figure 14) and the axial direction of the drive motor AMT2 perpendicular to each other, it is easier to prevent the drive motor AMT2 from being moved (malfunctioning) due to vibrations (vibrations on a plane perpendicular to the axis) that occur when one drive motor AMT1 is driven.

[0258] Fig. 29 is an exploded front perspective view of the second moving unit A500, and Fig. 30 is an exploded rear perspective view of the second moving unit A500. In Figs. 29 and 30, the support unit A500a is disassembled, and the rotation moving unit A500b is illustrated in a non-disassembled state.

[0259] The support unit A500a includes a fixed support unit A510 that is fastened to the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5), and a drive transmission unit A520 that has a drive motor AMT2 whose position is fixed to the fixed support unit A510 and is configured to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT2 to the rotational motion unit A500b.

[0260] The fixed support unit A510 includes a vertical member A511 fastened to the right side of the bottom wall portion A211 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) when viewed from the front, a horizontal member A513 fastened to the upper end side of the vertical member A511, a reinforcing member A515 formed by bending a sheet metal member arranged on the rear side of the horizontal member A513, and a covering member A517 arranged on the lower side of the vertical member A511 and configured to cover the lower end of the rotational motion unit A500b from the front.

[0261] The horizontally long member A513 includes a plate-shaped main body A513a formed in a horizontally long plate shape from a resin material, a guide long hole A514 formed through the plate-shaped main body A513a, a support portion A513b formed as a bifurcated protrusion protruding forward at the right end side of the plate-shaped main body A513a so as to be able to support a drive gear A523d of the drive transmission unit A520, a biasing spring A513c having one end supported by the plate-shaped main body A513a, and a damper member A513d having the other end supported by the biasing force of the biasing spring A513c and biased to the left end of a movable range extending in the left-right direction by the biasing force of the biasing spring A513c.

[0262] The shape of the guide elongated hole A514 is symmetrical to the shape of the guide elongated hole A414 (see FIG. 24) described above in the first operating unit A400. As a result, the relationship of the rotational operation of the rotational operation unit A500b (relationship between the rotation angle and the longitudinal movement width) is the same as the rotational operation described in the rotational operation unit A400b (see FIGS. 21 to 26) except for the left-right symmetry, so a description of the rotational operation of the second operating unit A500 will be omitted.

[0263] The elongated guide hole A514 corresponds to a portion through which the protruding tip of the upper displacement regulation device A214 (see FIG. 6) is inserted. When the upper displacement regulation device A214 is in the protruding state, the protruding tip interferes with the columnar protruding portion A546 (see FIG. 28) and is configured to restrict the movement of the columnar protruding portion A546.

[0264] The reinforcing member A515 is a member formed by bending a metal plate, and comprises a plate-shaped main body A515a arranged so as to be attached to the back side of the plate-shaped main body A513a, a pair of retaining bent portions A515b formed by bending the plate-shaped main body A515a and having through holes through which the metal rod AMB2 is inserted, and a long hole A515c drilled in a shape that surrounds the guide long hole A514 from the outside.

[0265] The covering member A517 is a member formed from a resin material and comprises a main body portion A517a formed in a shape in which the left and right side ends and the lower end of a plate-shaped portion are extended toward the rear side, a cylindrical support portion A517b formed on the main body portion A517a and into which the rotation shaft rod AJ2 of the rotational motion unit A500b is inserted, and a detection sensor A517c for detecting whether the second motion unit A500 is in a performance standby state or an extended state by detecting the position of the rotational motion unit A500b.

[0266] The detection sensor A 517d is usually a photocoupler type sensor, but is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic sensor or a contact type sensor may be used.

[0267] The drive transmission unit A520 includes a support member A521 that is fastened to the right end of the horizontal member A513 and supports the drive motor AMT2, a transmission mechanism A523 that is composed of a plurality of rotating members rotatably supported on the upper surface side of the support member A521, a left end holding member A525 that holds the left end rotating member of the transmission mechanism A523 and is fastened to the horizontal member A513, and a connecting mechanism A527 that connects the transmission mechanism A523 to the rotational operation unit A500b.

[0268] The transmission mechanism A523 includes a circular belt A523a having teeth formed on its inner circumference, a pair of left and right pulleys A523b, A523c having teeth formed on their outer circumference that mesh with the teeth of the belt A523a and are rotatably supported on the horizontal member A513 via the support member A521 and the left end holding member A525 so as to support the belt A523a without slack, a drive gear A523d fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT2 so as not to move relative to it, and a transmission gear portion A523e, which is a gear-shaped portion formed at the lower end of a cylindrical portion extending from the underside of the right pulley A523b into a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis, and which meshes with the drive gear A523d.

[0269] The rotation axes of the pulleys 523b, 523c and the drive gear A523d are parallel to each other. As a result, when the drive motor AMT2 is driven and the drive gear A523d rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the transmission gear portion A523e to rotate the right pulley A523b, and the belt A523a is driven in such a manner that a portion of the belt A523a extending in the left-right direction is moved in the left-right direction.

[0270] The left end holding member A525 comprises an upper member A525a formed from a resin material, fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped main body A513a, and rotatably supporting the left pulley A523c, and a lower member A525b formed from a metal material and fastened and fixed to the upper member A525a in an arrangement in which the left pulley A523c is sandwiched between the upper member A525a and the lower member A525b.

[0271] The connecting mechanism A527 includes a connecting member A527a to which the upper end side of the rotational motion unit A500b is connected and which receives the metal rod AMB2 in a recess A527b on the front side, thereby making the operating direction the left-right direction, and a prevention member A527c which is fastened and fixed to the connecting member A527a so as to cover the recess A527b of the connecting member A527a from the front side, thereby preventing the metal rod AMB2 from falling out from between the connecting member A527a and the connecting member A527a.

[0272] The connecting member A527a has a flat plate-like contact portion A527d at its upper end that comes into contact with the rear surface of the belt 523a, and the preventing member A527c has a sawtooth-like contact portion A527e at a position corresponding to the contact portion A527d.

[0273] With the abutment portion A527d positioned opposite the flat portion (outer peripheral portion) of the belt A523a and the sawtooth portion A527e positioned opposite the sawtooth portion (inner peripheral portion) of the belt A523a, the belt A523a is sandwiched between the abutment portion A527d and the sawtooth abutment portion A527e, thereby preventing misalignment due to slippage of the flat abutment portion A527d and the sawtooth abutment portion A527e relative to the belt A523a.

[0274] The connecting member A527a is formed with columnar fastening parts for fastening and fixing to the prevention member A527c, and the connecting mechanism A527 is designed so that the pulley A527g is rotatably supported on one of them and the metal bar AMB2 is placed in the groove on the outer periphery of the pulley A527g. This reduces the operating resistance generated between the connecting mechanism A527 and the metal bar AMB2, so that the driving force required for the drive motor AMT2 to operate the second operating unit A500 can be reduced, and the drive motor AMT2 can be made smaller.

[0275] With this structure, the connecting mechanism A527 is moved left and right, guided by the metal bar AMB2, as the drive motor AMT2 is driven to rotate and the right pulley A523b is rotated through gear transmission, causing the portion of the belt A523a extending left and right to move left and right.

[0276] The connecting member A527a has a guide slot A527f extending in the vertical direction, through which the columnar protrusion A546 of the rotational motion unit A500b is inserted. The columnar protrusion A546 of the rotational motion unit A500b is inserted into the guide slot A527f and the guide slot A514 of the fixed support unit A510, so that the columnar protrusion A546 of the rotational motion unit A500b is moved in the vertical and horizontal directions as the connecting mechanism A527 is moved in the horizontal direction.

[0277] In this way, a driving force is transmitted to the rotational motion unit A500b via the connecting mechanism A527 that moves in the left-right direction, and the rotational motion unit A500b is displaced. Details of the rotational motion unit A500b will be described below.

[0278] Fig. 31 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotational motion unit A500b, and Fig. 32 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotational motion unit A500b. As shown in Fig. 31 and Fig. 32, the rotational motion unit A500b comprises a base member A530 rotatably supported on the rotational shaft rod AJ2 at the lower end side, a moving member A540 connected to the base member A530 so as to be slidable in a linear direction passing through the rotational shaft rod AJ2 on a plane perpendicular to the rotational shaft rod AJ2, and a movable member A540 inserted through the base member A530 and the moving member A540 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the sliding movement of the moving member A540 when the moving member A540 slides. The device comprises a switching member A550, a change member A560 for allowing the player to see the short-side length of the rotational movement unit 500b change as a result of the movement of the direction switching member A550 changing its position or posture, and a covering member A570 which is fixed to the base member A530 via a fixed support member A565 so as to position the moving member A540 and the direction switching member A550 in the space formed between the changing member A560 and the base member A530.

[0279] The base member A530 includes a long, plate-like main body A531, a pair of upper and lower guide long holes A532 drilled as long holes parallel to the long direction of the plate-like main body A531, a plurality of functional long holes A533 drilled between the pair of guide long holes A532 in a shape combining the up-down direction and a direction inclined left and right, a spatial forming member A534 fastened and fixed to both ends in the short direction of the lower end of the plate-like main body A531 so as to form a space between the plate-like main body A531, a support hole A535 drilled in the front-to-rear direction in the spatial forming member A534 and supported by the rotating shaft rod AJ2, and a pair of protruding insertion portions A536 formed to protrude in the short direction of the plate-like main body A531 above the position where the spatial forming member A534 is fastened and fixed, and function as insertion portions for fastening screws.

[0280] The functional long hole A533 is composed of four long holes: a pair of long holes, one above the other, and another pair of long holes, one above the other, that have an inverted shape compared to the first pair of long holes. The shapes of each long hole are the same except for the inversion relationship.

[0281] Of the multiple functional slots A533, a pair of upper and lower slots are formed at positions obtained by translating one of the slots in the longitudinal direction of the guide slot A532. That is, the corresponding portions of the pair of upper and lower slots are on the same line or maintain a relationship of being arranged in parallel.

[0282] Among the functional elongated holes A533, a pair of upper and lower elongated holes and another pair of upper and lower elongated holes are shifted in position along the extending direction of the guide elongated holes A532. This configuration makes it easier to utilize the free space compared to a case in which the positions are not shifted, and makes it easier to ensure the length of the functional elongated holes A533 in the short-side direction of the plate-shaped main body A531 while suppressing the short-side length of the plate-shaped main body A531.

[0283] The space forming member A534 has a plate-shaped detection piece A534a that protrudes in a plate shape from the lower end on the front side in a direction away from the support hole A535. The plate-shaped detection piece A534a is formed in a front-rear position so that it can be placed in the detection groove of the detection sensor A517c (see FIG. 30).

[0284] The plate-shaped detection piece A534a is formed on the side (front side) where the rotating shaft rod AJ2 is supported. This makes it possible to minimize the positional deviation of the plate-shaped detection piece A534a even if the rotating shaft rod AJ2 is bent (inclined) due to deformation of the rotating shaft rod AJ2, making it easier to avoid the plate-shaped detection piece A534a being positioned out of the front-rear position where it fits into the detection groove of the detection sensor A517c.

[0285] By detecting the position of the plate-shaped detection piece A534a using the detection sensor A517c, the posture of the rotational motion unit A500b can be grasped, so that even if multiple motion units A400 to A600 are driven by individual drive sources, collisions between them can be avoided.

[0286] The movable member A540 comprises a plate-shaped main body A541 formed from a resin material, a light-emitting substrate A542 fastened to the front side of the plate-shaped main body A541 and having a plurality of light-emitting means such as LEDs arranged on the front side, a decorative member A543 fastened to the plate-shaped main body A541 and shaped to cover the upper side of the light-emitting substrate A542 and having a portion that can transmit light from the light-emitting means of the light-emitting substrate A542, a pair of insertion protrusions A544 protruding to an extent that they can be inserted into the guide elongated hole A532 of the base member A530, a plurality of auxiliary elongated holes A545 drilled at positions corresponding to the functional elongated holes A533 of the base member A530 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide elongated hole A532, and a columnar protrusion A546 protruding from the upper left corner of the plate-shaped main body A541 toward the rear side and inserted into the guide elongated hole A527f (see Figure 30) of the drive transmission unit A520.

[0287] By configuring the moving member A540 in this way, it becomes possible to perform an effect in which the decorative member A543 is brightly illuminated by the light emitted from the light emitting means arranged on the light emitting board A542. In addition, the light emitting means such as LEDs arranged on the light emitting board A542 include not only LEDs arranged with their optical axes facing forward (perpendicular to the front surface of the board), but also LEDs arranged with their optical axes facing sideways (parallel to the front surface of the board), particularly at the short end portions. This can improve the effect of the effect using light, which will be described in detail later.

[0288] The lower end of the movable member A540 is disposed in the space formed between the plate-shaped main body A531 of the base member A530 and the space forming member A534 when the second operating unit A500 is in the standby state for performance (see FIG. 27). That is, the movable member A540 is configured to be able to overlap with the rotating shaft rod AJ2 inserted into the support hole A535 in a front view, which can improve the degree of freedom in arranging the movable member A540.

[0289] The decorative member A543 has a translucent region A543a extending in the longitudinal direction in the center in the lateral direction, and plated regions A543b on both lateral sides of the translucent region A543a, which are plated.

[0290] As a result, even if the placement of the board is restricted to the center in the short side direction due to the formation of the functional long hole A533 and the auxiliary long hole A545, the front-facing light emission effect is achieved in the translucent area A543a near the center in the short side direction, and the other plated area A543b uses reflection from the plating to achieve the effect, thereby avoiding a reduction in the presentation effect.

[0291] In addition, the short end of the decorative member A543 does not extend to the rear side and does not cover the side of the light-emitting board A542. This allows the light irradiated laterally from the light-emitting board A542 to be sufficiently illuminated in the light-emitting performance without being attenuated by the decorative member A543.

[0292] The insertion protrusion A544 is configured to be inserted into the elongated guide hole A532 of the base member A530 and to be prevented from falling out of the elongated guide hole A532 by the screw and collar member AC1 screwed into the tip. By configuring it in this way, the moving member A540 is configured to be movable along the elongated guide hole A532 relative to the base member A530.

[0293] The direction switching member A550 is composed of a set of corresponding left and right members and comprises a corresponding plate-shaped main body A551, front columnar portions A552 arranged in a pair in the longitudinal direction protruding toward the front side from the left and right inner parts of the plate-shaped main body A551, rear columnar portions A553 arranged in a pair in the longitudinal direction protruding toward the rear side in the same line as the protruding direction of the front columnar portions A552, through holes A554 drilled in the longitudinal direction on the left and right outer parts of the plate-shaped main body A551, a movable decorative member A555 fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped main body A551 at the left and right outer and upper outer peripheral ends of the plate-shaped main body A551 so as to maintain a space between the plate-shaped main body A551 and the movable member A540, and a through hole A556 drilled in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the through hole A554) from the lower end of the movable decorative member A555.

[0294] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 are made of a colored, transparent, light-transmitting resin material in consideration of the presentation. In particular, the resin is made of yellow, which improves the color continuity with the plated area A543b (gold plating) of the movable member A540, and improves the light-emitting presentation effect during operation.

[0295] If the plate-shaped main body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 can be made of identically shaped parts, it may be possible to use common parts, which may be preferable. In contrast, in this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 are made of two corresponding parts, and are not made of exactly the same shape, but this difference in shape is designed based on functional requirements.

[0296] For example, the difference in shape at the upper end portion is due to the fact that a notch is formed on the side where the columnar protrusion A546 of the moving member A540 is located to avoid interference with the columnar protrusion A546, resulting in a different shape.

[0297] Also, for example, the difference in arrangement of the front columnar portion A552 and the rear columnar portion A553 is that the functional elongated holes A533 and the auxiliary elongated holes A545 are disposed in asymmetric positions, resulting in different shapes.

[0298] By having the rear side configuration take care of such functional requirements, the design freedom of the shape of the front side of the movable decorative member A555 that is visible to the player can be improved, and in this embodiment, by making the shape symmetrical, the presentation effect of the rotational motion unit A500b can be improved.

[0299] The front columnar portion A552 is inserted into the auxiliary elongated hole A545 of the movable member A540, and the rear columnar portion A553 is inserted into the functional elongated hole A533 of the base member A530. This allows the direction switching member A550 to be displaced in the extension direction of the auxiliary elongated hole A545 according to the arrangement of the movable member A540 relative to the base member A530.

[0300] The rear columnar portion A553 is configured to be inserted into the functional elongated hole A533 of the base member A530 and to be prevented from falling off from the functional elongated hole A533 by a screw screwed into the tip and a collar member AC1.

[0301] On the other hand, since the movable member A540 is connected to the base member A530 by the insertion protrusion A544 and the direction switching member A550 is connected by the rear columnar portion A553, which is sufficient to prevent them from falling off, a collar member AC1 is arranged between the front columnar portion A552 and the movable member A540, and no prevention of falling off by screwing in is performed.

[0302] As a result, even if the light-emitting substrate A542 is formed very close to the auxiliary long hole A545, there is no friction between the collar member AC1 and the light-emitting substrate A542, so the durability of the light-emitting substrate A542 is not reduced and the design freedom of the shape of the light-emitting substrate A542 can be improved.

[0303] In addition, it is possible to prevent the screw head from interfering with the moving decorative member A555, and to shorten the front-to-rear distance between the moving decorative member A555 and the moving member A540. This allows the front-to-rear thickness of the direction switching member A550 to be shortened.

[0304] The change member A560 is composed of a pair of left and right members, and includes a guide support member A561 that is supported displaceably in the through hole A554 of the direction switching member A550 (capable of rotational displacement and displacement in the direction in which the through hole A554 extends), a wing-shaped member A562 to which the guide support member A561 is fastened and fixed to its back side, an intermediate displacement member A563 that is rotatably supported by the wing-shaped member A562, a fixed member A564 that is fastened and fixed to the wing-shaped member A562 in a position where the intermediate displacement member A563 is sandwiched between it and the wing-shaped member A562, a fixed support member A565 that is fastened and fixed to the protruding insertion portion A536 of the base member A530 and rotatably supports the intermediate displacement member A563, and a fixed member A566 that is fastened and fixed to the fixed support member A565 in a position where the intermediate displacement member A563 is sandwiched between it and the fixed support member A565.

[0305] The wing-shaped member A562 is a columnar portion that rotatably supports the intermediate displacement member A563, and is equipped with a support fastening portion A562a to which the fixing member A564 is fastened by screwing a fastening screw into the female thread formed at the tip, and a fastened portion A562b to which the guide support member A561 is fastened.

[0306] The intermediate displacement member A563 is a plate-shaped member and includes a first through hole A563a through which the support fastening portion A562a is inserted, a second through hole A563b through which the fixed support member A565 is inserted and which is rotatably supported by the fixed support member A565, and an insertion protrusion A563c which is inserted into the through hole A556 of the direction switching member A550 and supported so as to be displaceable (capable of rotational displacement and displacement in the direction in which the through hole A556 extends).

[0307] The fixed support member A565 has a left-right symmetrical shape with a pair of straight legs formed from the outer periphery of the arc-shaped portion, and is equipped with a columnar fixing portion A565a which protrudes from the lower end of the leg toward the rear side in a columnar shape and is fastened and fixed to the protruding insertion portion A536 of the base member A530, and a columnar support portion A565b which protrudes toward the rear side at the upper left and right ends of the arc-shaped portion and rotatably supports the second through hole A563b of the intermediate displacement member A563.

[0308] The columnar support portion A565b has a female thread formed at its tip, and a fastening screw inserted into the insertion hole A566a of the fixing member A566 is screwed into the female thread, thereby fastening the fixing member A566 to the fixing support member A565 in a manner that prevents the intermediate displacement member A563 from falling off from the fixing support member A565.

[0309] In this embodiment, in addition to the insertion hole A566a, an insertion hole A566b is also provided as an insertion portion for the fastening screw of the fixing member A566, through which a fastening screw for fastening to the fixed support member A565 without sandwiching any other member therebetween is inserted.

[0310] Therefore, the screwing position of the fastening screw can be changed flexibly. For example, the fastening screw may be inserted and screwed into all of the insertion holes A566a, A566b. In this case, the strength of the columnar support portion A565b can be improved by the strength of the fastening screw, so that it is easy to prevent the columnar support portion A565b from being damaged and the intermediate displacement member A563 from falling off.

[0311] Also, for example, a fastening screw may be inserted and screwed into either the insertion hole A566a or the insertion hole A566b. In this case, the number of fastening screws required can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the product.

[0312] The covering member A570 comprises a translucent region A571 extending in the longitudinal direction at the center in the lateral direction, a plated region A572 having plating applied to both lateral sides of the translucent region A571, a pair of claw-shaped portions A573 extending from the lateral outer ends toward the rear side on the rear side of the plated region A572 and formed by bending the extended ends, and a plurality of fastened column-shaped portions A574 fastened to the fixed support member A565.

[0313] The light-emitting effect can be maintained at a high level even when the shape of the light-emitting board A542 is restricted to a shape that does not interfere with the auxiliary slot A545 by the light-transmitting area A571 and the plating area A572. That is, the light-emitting effect is performed in the light-transmitting area A571 near the center in the short side direction, and the other plating areas A572 perform the effect by reflection from the plating, thereby avoiding a decrease in the performance effect.

[0314] The claw-shaped portion A573 is configured to guidably support both short sides of the decorative member A543 of the movable member A540. This makes it possible to suppress the displacement of the movable member A540 in the front-rear direction, and therefore makes it easier to prevent the movable member A540 from falling forward or backward with respect to the base member A530, particularly in the extended state (see FIG. 9).

[0315] The fastened columnar portion A574 is positioned at a position corresponding to the central side portion of a pair of legs and the central portion of the arc-shaped portion of the fixed support member A565, and is fastened to the fixed support member A565 by screwing in fastening screws inserted into the fixed support member A565 at each position.

[0316] Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a) and 34(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit A500b. Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a) and 34(b) show the relative movement of the moving member A540 of the rotational motion unit A500b with respect to the base member A530 in time series. Note that the collar member AC1 is omitted in Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a) and 34(b).

[0317] Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a) and 34(b) show the relative movement from the rotational movement unit A500b (see Figure 33(a)) in the performance waiting state (see Figure 7) of the second movement unit A500 to the rotational movement unit A500b (see Figure 34(b)) in the extended state (see Figure 9).

[0318] The guide elongated holes A532 are a pair of elongated holes extending parallel to each other, but are not formed in a straight line. The upper guide elongated hole A532 is formed in the center of the base member A530 in the short side direction, while the lower guide elongated hole A532 is disposed at a position slightly shifted from the center in the short side direction so as to avoid the rotation shaft rod AJ2.

[0319] Even if the long guide holes A532 are slightly shifted in this way, the moving member A540 is supported by the pair of long guide holes A532, so the moving member A540 can be moved smoothly in the extending direction of the long guide holes A532. Also, by shifting the arrangement of the long guide holes A532 in this way, the rotation shaft rod AJ2 can be disposed at the center position in the short side direction of the base member A530.

[0320] The functional long hole A533 comprises a first parallel portion A533a extending parallel to the extension direction of the guide long hole A532, an inclined portion A533b formed so as to be connected to one end of the first parallel portion A533a and extending linearly in a direction inclined relative to the first parallel portion A533a, and a second parallel portion A533c formed so as to be connected to the other end of the inclined portion A533b and extending parallel to the extension direction of the first parallel portion A533a.

[0321] Here, Figure 33(a) illustrates a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is arranged at the end side of the first parallel portion A533a, Figure 33(b) illustrates a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is arranged at the intersection position of the first parallel portion A533a and the inclined portion A533b, Figure 34(a) illustrates a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is arranged at the intersection position of the inclined portion A533b and the second parallel portion A533c, and Figure 34(b) illustrates a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is arranged at the end side of the second parallel portion A533c.

[0322] The first parallel portion A533a is formed to be sufficiently long so that even if the moving member A540 starts to move relative to the base member A530 from the state shown in Fig. 33(a), the direction switching member A550 is unlikely to move in the short-side direction of the moving member A540 for a while (until the state shown in Fig. 33(b)).

[0323] In the operation of the second operating unit A500, the relative movement of the movable member A540 with respect to the base member A530 is performed simultaneously with the rotational operation of the rotational operation unit A500b around the rotation axis rod AJ2, but from the state shown in Figure 33(a) to the state shown in Figure 33(b), the rotational operation unit A500b can be rotated while maintaining the appearance of a short short-side width.

[0324] The inclined portion A533b extends outward in the short side direction of the base member A530 from the position where the first parallel portion A533a is formed. Therefore, when the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530 from a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is arranged on the first parallel portion A533a and the rear columnar portion A553 enters the inclined portion A533b, the direction switching member A550 moves outward in the short side direction of the moving member A540.

[0325] A pair of rear columnar portions A553 of the direction switching member A550 are inserted into a pair of auxiliary elongated holes A545 (see FIG. 32) and guided in parallel to each other. Therefore, the relative movement of the direction switching member A550 with respect to the moving member A540 is a parallel movement in the short direction of the moving member A540.

[0326] The speed of the movement is proportional to the speed at which the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530 because the inclined portion A533b is formed in a straight line. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform a motion presentation in which the moving member A540 and the direction switching member A550 are linked.

[0327] The second parallel portion A533c is not as long as the first parallel portion A533a and is formed to have the minimum necessary length. The purpose of forming the second parallel portion A533c is to improve the presentation effect of the rotational motion unit A500b.

[0328] In other words, when the second operating unit A500 is driven to the extended state and the drive motor AMT2 (see Figure 29) is stopped, the connecting mechanism A527 is pushed back slightly by the force applied to the damper member A513d by the spring A513c, and even if the movable member A540 moves in the opposite direction (return direction) relative to the base member A530, the presence of the second parallel portion A533c makes it possible to prevent the position of the direction switching member A550 in the short direction of the movable member A540 from changing.

[0329] This makes it easier to maintain the appearance of the second operating unit A500 in the extended state (the short-side length of the rotational operating unit A500b) even if a push-back action occurs due to the biasing force of the biasing spring A513c (see Figure 29), which may occur when adopting control to stop the drive of the drive motor AMT2 when the second operating unit A500 is in the extended state.

[0330] Here, the differences between the rotational motion unit A500b of the second motion unit A500 and the rotational motion unit A400b of the first motion unit A400 will be described. First, as described above, in the rotational motion unit A500b, the guide elongated holes A532 are not arranged in a straight line.

[0331] In the rotation operation unit A500b of the second operation unit A500, the functional long holes A533 are not arranged in the short-side direction of the base member A530, but are shifted in the long-side direction. This allows some of the functional long holes A533 formed on the opposite side in the short-side direction to fit into the gaps between the functional long holes A533 arranged in the long-side direction of the base member A530, thereby shortening the short-side length of the base member A530.

[0332] The rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is configured to be vertically shifted in accordance with the vertical shift of the functional slot A533. This allows the timing of the left and right direction switching members A550 to move in opposite directions (short sides of the movable member A540) to match.

[0333] In the rotational motion unit A400b, the functional elongated hole A444 is formed in the moving member A440, but in the rotational motion unit A500b, the functional elongated hole A533 is formed in the base member A530.

[0334] For this reason, in the first operating unit A400, as the rotational operating unit A400b rotates and the movable member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, the functional long hole A444 also moves relative to the base plate member A430 (see Figures 19 and 20), but in the second operating unit A500, even if the rotational operating unit A500b rotates and the movable member A540 moves relative to the base member A530, the arrangement of the functional long hole A533 does not move relative to the base member A530.

[0335] Conversely, in the first operating unit A400, an auxiliary long hole A433 (see Figure 17) is formed in the base plate member A430, while in the second operating unit A500, an auxiliary long hole A545 is formed in the movable member A540 (see Figure 32), so the correspondence is reversed.

[0336] Due to this relationship, the functional slot A533 formed in the rotational motion unit A500b of the second motion unit A500 is upside down with respect to the functional slot A444 formed in the rotational motion unit A400b of the first motion unit A400.

[0337] In this way, by reversing the upper and lower relationship of the functional long holes A444, A533 to the auxiliary long holes A433, A545 in order to accommodate the reversed corresponding relationship between the functional long holes A444, A533, it is possible to realize an operating mode similar to that of the rotational motion unit A400b, in which the length of the rotational motion unit A500b in the short direction increases as it extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0338] In the second motion unit A500, the arrangement of the direction switching member A550 in the longitudinal direction of the rotational motion unit A500b corresponds to the arrangement of the auxiliary elongated hole A545 of the moving member A540. Therefore, as the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530 in the longitudinal direction of the rotational motion unit A500b, the direction switching member A550 moves in the longitudinal direction of the rotational motion unit A500b by an amount similar to the amount of movement of the moving member A540, and at the same time, moves in the lateral direction of the moving member A540.

[0339] That is, the movement of the direction switching member A550 is a relative movement with respect to the movable member A540 in the short direction of the movable member A540 (a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide slot A532), and a relative movement with respect to the base member A530 along the formation direction of the functional slot A533.

[0340] The change member A560 has a second through hole A563b supported by a columnar support portion A565b of a fixed support member A565 fixed to the base member A530, while the insertion protrusion A563c is supported by a through hole A556 of the displaceable direction switching member A550, and the guide support member A561 is supported by a displaceable through hole A554. This allows the change member A560 to rotate in response to the amount of displacement of the movable member A540 in the short direction with the base member A530 as a fulcrum, which is a displacement different from the displacement of the movable member A540 and the displacement of the direction switching member A550.

[0341] In addition, as the second operating unit A500 moves from the standby state to the extended state, the rotational operating unit A500b changes so that the distance between the rotational axis rod AJ2 and the columnar protrusion portion A546 gradually becomes longer, and accordingly, the angle between the line passing through the rotational axis rod AJ2 and the columnar protrusion portion A546 and the line extending in the longitudinal direction of the rotational operating unit A500b (the movement direction of the moving member A540) gradually becomes smaller, which is the same as what was described above in the explanation of the first operating unit A400 with reference to Figures 19 and 20, so explanation will not be repeated here.

[0342] Next, the third operating unit A600 will be described with reference to Figures 35 to 42. Figure 35 is a front perspective view of the third operating unit A600, and Figure 36 is a rear perspective view of the third operating unit A600.

[0343] The third operating unit A600 includes a support unit A600a held by the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5), and an opening / closing unit A600b supported by the support unit A600a so as to be movable up and down.

[0344] Fig. 37 is an exploded front perspective view of the third operating unit A600, and Fig. 38 is an exploded rear perspective view of the third operating unit A600. In Figs. 37 and 38, the support unit A600a is disassembled, and the opening / closing operating unit A600b is illustrated in a non-disassembled state.

[0345] The support unit A600a includes a fixed support unit A610 that is fastened to the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5), and a drive transmission unit A620 that has a drive motor AMT3 whose position is fixed to the fixed support unit A610 and is configured to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT3 to the opening / closing operation unit A600b.

[0346] The fixed support unit A610 comprises a horizontal member A611 fastened to the lower part of the bottom wall portion A211 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) when viewed from the front, a decorative member A613 fastened to the upper right side portion of the horizontal member A611, a right side member A615 fastened to the horizontal member A611 below the decorative member A613, and a left side member A617 fastened to the left side portion of the horizontal member A611 with a space between it and the left side portion of the horizontal member A611 allowing the drive transmission unit A620 to move.

[0347] The horizontal member A611 comprises a plate-shaped main body A611a, a pair of support formation portions A611b formed by bending the upper and lower ends of the plate-shaped main body A611a toward the front side, and a lifting support rod A611c formed from a metallic cylindrical member that is inserted in the vertical direction into and fixed to the support formation portions A611b.

[0348] The lifting / lowering support rod A611c is supported by the support formation part A611b while being inserted into the rear side part of the opening / closing operation unit A600b, thereby guiding the lifting / lowering direction of the opening / closing operation unit A600b and functioning to maintain the fore-and-aft positioning of the opening / closing operation unit A600b relative to the plate-shaped main body A611a.

[0349] The decorative member A613 includes a main body A613a formed in a box shape with an open back side, and a protruding portion A613b formed by protruding leftward from the left end of the front side surface of the main body A613a. The protruding portion A613b functions to prevent the opening / closing operation unit A600b from falling forward when the third operation unit A600 is in a standby state for performance, as will be described in detail later.

[0350] The right side member A615 supports the light guide plate unit A700 (see FIG. 5) together with the left side member A617, and is a member to which the light guide plate unit A700 is fastened and fixed. That is, the opening / closing operation unit A600b is disposed behind the light guide plate unit A700 when the third operation unit A600 is in a standby state for performance, and is configured to be displaced upward toward the center of the light guide plate unit A700 by changing its state to the protruding state.

[0351] The left side member A617 is made up of a plate-shaped main body A617a, a support portion A617b formed in a cylindrical shape protruding from the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A617a, a fan-shaped through hole A617c drilled along an arc centered on the support portion A617b, a torsion spring A617d biased in the upward direction wound around a metal rod arranged in the plate-shaped main body A617a in an arrangement coaxial with the support portion A617b, one end of which is fixed and the other end of which is arranged in a position facing the fan-shaped through hole A617c, and a box-shaped spring A617d formed below the plate-shaped main body A617a with the rear side open. The box-shaped portion A617e is provided with a box-shaped portion A617e, a support portion A617f protruding cylindrically from the rear side of the box-shaped portion A617e, an insertion hole A617g drilled in the box-shaped portion A617e with a size allowing the insertion of the drive gear AMG3 of the drive motor AMT3, a covering portion A617h extending from the lower edge of the insertion hole A617g to the rear side with an arc-shaped cross section and partially covering the insertion hole A617g at the extended end, and a detection sensor A617i fastened to the rear side of the box-shaped portion A617e with the detection gap facing the support portion A617f.

[0352] The covering portion A617h functions as a stopper that prevents the drive gear AMG3 from coming off the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT3 and falling off to the rear side, thereby making it possible to prevent the drive gear AMG3 from falling off the drive motor AMT3.

[0353] The detection sensor A617i is a device that detects the arrangement of the drive transmission unit A620, thereby making it possible to grasp whether the third operating unit A600 is in a performance standby state or in an extended state.

[0354] The drive transmission unit A620 includes a rotational motion member A621 supported by a support portion A617b so as to be rotatable between the horizontal member A611 and the left side member A617 and connected to the opening / closing motion unit A600b, and a transmission member A625 rotatably supported by a support portion A617f so as to be able to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT3 to the rotational motion member A621.

[0355] The rotational movement member A621 comprises a plate-shaped main body A621a, an insertion hole A621b drilled at an end of the plate-shaped main body A621a so that the support part A617b of the left side member A617 can be inserted therethrough, a transmission long hole A621c drilled as a long hole whose longitudinal straight line passes through the insertion hole A621b, a spring receiving protrusion A621d protruding toward the front side from the upper end close to the insertion hole A621b and receiving the other end of the torsion spring A617d, and an insertion protrusion A621e protruding cylindrically toward the front side at the end opposite to the end where the insertion hole A621b of the plate-shaped main body A621a is located and inserted into the opening / closing movement unit A600b.

[0356] The rotational movement member A621 is rotatably supported by the left side member A617 by inserting the support portion A617b into the insertion hole A621b. A retaining screw screwed into the tip of the support portion A617b is configured to be attachable and detachable through the through hole A611d of the horizontally elongated member A611. That is, in this embodiment, an assembly procedure can be adopted in which the left side member A617 is fastened to the horizontally elongated member A611, and then the screw is screwed into the tip of the support portion A617b.

[0357] The transmission member A625 includes a main gear portion A625a that meshes with the drive gear AMG3, a protruding portion A625b that protrudes like a flange from the entire circumference on the back side of the main gear portion A625a, an insertion protrusion A625c that protrudes cylindrically from the outer circumferential end of the protruding portion A625b toward the back side, and an extension portion A625d that is bent and formed from the outer circumferential end of the protruding portion A625b and extends in a direction away from the rotation axis.

[0358] The insertion protrusion A625c is inserted into the transmission elongated hole A621c of the rotational motion member A621 via the collar member AC1, thereby allowing the rotation of the transmission member A625 and the rotation of the rotational motion member A621 to be linked.

[0359] The extension portion A625d is disposed at a position that allows it to cross the detection gap of the detection sensor A617i. That is, the corresponding control device can grasp the attitude of the transmission member A625 depending on whether the extension portion A625d is disposed in the detection gap of the detection sensor A617i.

[0360] FIG. 39 is an exploded front perspective view of the opening / closing unit A600b, and FIG. 40 is an exploded rear perspective view of the opening / closing unit A600b. The opening / closing operation unit A600b includes a plate-shaped member A630 formed from a resin material, a space forming member A640 fastened and fixed to the front side of the plate-shaped member A630 so as to form a space between the plate-shaped member A630, a pair of moving members A650 movably supported in the space between the plate-shaped member A630 and the space forming member A640, a drive motor AMT4 fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped member A630, a drive transmission unit A660 configured to be able to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT4 to the moving member A650, a rear cover member A670 fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped member A630 so as to sandwich the drive transmission unit A660 between the plate-shaped member A630, and a guide unit A680 fastened and fixed to the rear cover member A670 so as to sandwich the lifting support rod A611c between the rear cover member A670.

[0361] The plate-shaped member A630 comprises a plate-shaped main body A631, a protruding support part A632 protruding cylindrically from the back side of the plate-shaped main body A631, a pair of arc-shaped holes A633 drilled in an arc shape centered on the protruding support part A632, a protruding support part A634 protruding parallel to the protruding support part A632, and a frame-shaped part A635 protruding toward the back side in a frame shape along the outer edge of the plate-shaped main body A631 to form a space between it and the back cover member A670.

[0362] The space forming member A640 includes a main body member A641 forming a framework, a light-transmitting member A642 fastened to the front side of the main body member A641, a non-transmitting plating member A643 which is hollowed out to surround the light-transmitting member A642 and fastened to the main body member A641 with plating applied to the front side, a light-emitting substrate A644 which is formed so as to be able to irradiate light over the entire area of ​​the light-transmitting member A642 and is fastened to the main body member A641, and a detection sensor A645 which is arranged on the back side of the main body member A641 to detect the position of the movable member A650.

[0363] The main body member A641 includes a pair of guide grooves A641a on the rear side that are long in the left-right direction, and a stopper portion A641b that is formed to protrude near the end of the guide groove portion A641a. The guide groove portion A641a is a pair of grooves that are arranged in parallel vertically, and is a linear, long groove that runs from the upper left to the lower right, and is configured to be able to guide the movement of the moving member A650. The stopper portion A641b is a protrusion that prevents the moving member A650 from falling off the space forming member A640, and is configured to be able to engage with the moving member A650 that is arranged at the end position of the moving range.

[0364] The flat cable A644a extending from the light emitting substrate A644 enables power supply to the moving member A650. In this embodiment, the flat cable A644a is arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the guide groove portion A641a. This makes it easier to avoid excessive load being applied to the flat cable A644a when the moving member A650 moves, and improves the durability of the flat cable A644a.

[0365] The movable member A650 comprises a main body member A651 which is composed of a pair of members of the same shape arranged rotationally symmetrically to form a framework, and a decorative member A655 which is formed in a different shape and is fastened and fixed to the corresponding main body member A651.

[0366] By configuring it in this manner, the shape of the parts where the driving force is transmitted can be standardized, simplifying the transmission mechanism and allowing the use of a resin mold, while by arranging decorative member A655 on the side visible to the player, it is possible to prevent the simplified shape from affecting the presentation.

[0367] The main body member A651 includes a long main body portion A652 that is arranged with its long dimension aligned with the long dimension of the guide groove portion A641a and extends from the side that becomes the leading edge when the main body member A651 moves outward in the left-right direction to the front side, thereby forming an L-shape when viewed from above, and a pair of roller members A653 that are rotatable and sized to be positionable inside the guide groove portion A641a.

[0368] The long main body portion A652 includes a stopped portion A652a that is arranged opposite the stopper portion A641b and can abut against it when moving outward in the left-right direction, a detected portion A652b that protrudes in a plate-like shape in the short direction from approximately the center in the longitudinal direction, and a rectangular recessed portion A652c that extends in the short direction and is recessed from the back side.

[0369] The detected portion A652b is disposed in a shape that allows it to cross the detection groove of the detection sensor A645. By disposing the detected portion A652b in the detection groove of the detection sensor A645, it is possible to make the corresponding control device know that the moving member A650 is disposed at the end of its movement.

[0370] In this embodiment, the detection sensor A645 is arranged only on the underside of the lower body member A651, so it is sufficient for the detected portion A652b to be arranged on the lower body member A651, and the detected portion A652b is not necessary on the upper body member A651. However, since the resin mold is shared, the detected portion A652b is also formed on the upper body member A651.

[0371] The roller member A653 functions to reduce the operating resistance of the moving member A650 against the guide groove portion A641a. That is, compared to the case where the moving member A650 slides against the guide groove portion A641a, the frictional force can be reduced by the rolling of the roller member A653, so that the moving member A650 can move smoothly.

[0372] The decorative member A655 is a member that is fastened and fixed to the front side of the end opposite the end on which the stoppered portion A652a of the main body member A651 is arranged, and comprises a light-transmitting member A656 formed from a light-transmitting resin material, a frame-shaped member A657 formed into a frame shape surrounding the light-transmitting member, and a light-emitting substrate A658 equipped with light-emitting means such as an LED that irradiates light toward the light-transmitting member A656 and the frame-shaped member A657.

[0373] Fastening the decorative member A655 and the main body member A651 together forms a U-shape with one of the left and right sides open when viewed from above. The flat cable A644a is disposed inside the U-shape, and one end of the flat cable A644a is connected to the light-emitting substrate A658. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the flat cable A644a from protruding outside the main body member A651 or the decorative member A655 and being visible to the player.

[0374] The decorative member A655 is arranged so as to cover the front side of the translucent member A642 when the movable members A650 are in a closed state (see FIG. 7) in which they are placed close to each other, and when the movable members A650 are in an open state (see B5) in which they are separated from each other, the decorative member A655 is arranged so as to retreat from the front side of the translucent member A642 so that the translucent member A642 and the decorative member A655 can be seen simultaneously.

[0375] In other words, it is possible to switch between a state in which only the decorative member A655 is visible to create an illumination effect, and a state in which the translucent member A642 is positioned between the decorative members A655 and both are visible simultaneously to create an illumination effect, depending on the position of the movable member A650.

[0376] The drive transmission unit A660 includes a drive gear A661 fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT4 so as not to rotate relative to the drive shaft, a rotating plate member A662 rotatably supported on the protruding support portion A632 of the plate-shaped member A630, and a transmission gear A663 rotatably supported on the protruding support portion A634 of the plate-shaped member A630, which connects the drive gear A661 and the rotating plate member A662.

[0377] The rotating plate member A662 includes a through hole A662a drilled to allow the protruding support portion A632 to pass therethrough, a pair of fan-shaped plate portions A662b formed in a fan shape centered on the through hole A662a, an arc-shaped gear portion A662c having gear teeth that mesh with the transmission gear A663 formed on the arc-shaped portion of one of the fan-shaped plate portions A662b, and a pair of protrusions A662d protruding cylindrically on the front side of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b at positions rotationally symmetrical about the through hole A662a (positions shifted by 180 degrees in this embodiment).

[0378] Since the rotating plate member A662 is not a circular disk-shaped member but is formed in a shape like a circle with a part cut out, it is possible to reduce the area where friction occurs between the rotating plate member A662 and the plate-shaped main body A631. This reduces the resistance generated when the rotating plate member A662 rotates, and therefore reduces the driving force required for the drive motor AMT4.

[0379] The protruding portion A662d passes through the arc-shaped hole A633 of the plate-like member A630 and is inserted into the recessed portion A652c of the moving member A650. That is, by changing the arrangement of the protruding portion A662d, the arrangement of the recessed portion A652c is changed in conjunction with the change, and the moving member A650 moves.

[0380] The rear cover member A670 comprises a plate-shaped main body A671 which has the same external shape as the frame-shaped portion A635 of the plate-shaped member A630 and is fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped member A630, a protruding portion A672 which protrudes in a plate-like shape from the right end of the plate-shaped main body A671, a pair of upper and lower protruding support portions A673 which protrude from the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A671 and support the rotation shaft of the rotating member of the guide unit A680, and a plurality of arc-shaped through holes A674 which are drilled in the plate-shaped main body A671 in relation to the rotation trajectory of the rotating plate member A662.

[0381] The extension portion A672 is a portion that is positioned behind the extension portion A613b (see Figure 37) in the performance standby state, and functions as a portion that returns the opening / closing operation unit A600b to its original position (leaning it backward) by receiving a rearward load from the extension portion A613b when the opening / closing operation unit A600b returns to the performance standby state from the extension state in a leaning forward state, etc.

[0382] The guide unit A680 includes a box-shaped main body A681 formed in a box shape with an open front side, a pair of upper and lower roller members A682 arranged rotatably on a rotating shaft extending in the left-right direction inside the box-shaped main body A681, a pair of pulley-like members A683 arranged in an upper and lower pair on the left and right sides inside the box-shaped main body A681 and arranged rotatably on a rotating shaft extending in the front-rear direction, and a long through hole A684 drilled in a left-right long shape.

[0383] Since the roller members A682 are configured to protrude from the through holes A681a of the box-shaped main body A681 to the rear side, when the rear surface of the box-shaped main body A681 is disposed opposite the plate-shaped main body A611a of the fixed support unit A610 (see FIG. 37), the contact relationship with the plate-shaped main body A611a can be the rolling of the roller members A682 rather than the rubbing of the box-shaped main body A681. This makes it easier to reduce the resistance received from the fixed support unit A610 when the opening / closing unit A600b is raised and lowered.

[0384] A lifting support rod A611c (see FIG. 37) passing through a recessed portion A681b of the box-shaped main body A681 is disposed between the pulley-like members A683. As a result, the guide unit A680 is guided by the lifting support rod A611c and moves up and down in the vertical direction, so that the movement direction of the opening / closing unit A600b can be stabilized.

[0385] The long through-hole A684 is an elongated hole through which the insertion protrusion A621e (see FIG. 37) of the rotational motion member A621 is inserted. That is, the driving force of the driving motor AMT3 (see FIG. 37) is transmitted to the opening / closing motion unit A600b via the long through-hole A684.

[0386] 41 and 42 are rear views of the opening / closing operation unit A600b of the third operation unit A600. Fig. 41 illustrates the opening / closing operation unit A600b in the performance standby state of the third operation unit A600, and Fig. 42 illustrates the opening / closing operation unit A600b in the extended state of the third operation unit A600.

[0387] In addition, in Figures 41 and 42, for ease of understanding, the rear cover member A670 and the guide unit A680 are omitted, the arrangement of the arc-shaped through hole A674 of the rear cover member A670 is shown by imaginary lines, and the arrangement of the protrusion portion A662d of the rotating plate member A662 is shown by imaginary lines.

[0388] As shown in Figures 41 and 42, the operating mode of the opening / closing operation unit A600b is such that, as the arrangement of the protrusion portion A662d changes along an arc centered on the protrusion support portion A632 with the rotation of the rotating plate member A662, the pair of moving members A650 move parallel in opposite directions above and below the protrusion support portion A632 along the formation direction (directions parallel to each other) of the corresponding guide groove portion A641a (see Figure 40).

[0389] As described above, the main body member A651 of the movable member A650 is composed of a pair of members of the same shape arranged with rotational symmetry, and the protrusion portion A662d is also arranged in a symmetrical position around the protrusion support portion A632, which is the rotation axis of the main body member A651, so that the effect of the protrusion portion A662d on the movable member A650 is commonly exerted on the pair of members.

[0390] That is, for example, if the rotating plate member A662 rotates at high speed, the pair of moving members A650 move in parallel at a common speed, and even if the rotating plate member A662 suddenly performs a reversing operation (changing the direction of rotation), the pair of moving members A650 can be simultaneously performed a reversing operation.

[0391] The positional relationship between the sectorial plate portion A662b of the rotating plate member A662 and the arc-shaped through hole A674 of the rear cover member A670 will be described. The area of ​​overlap between the sectorial plate portion A662b and the arc-shaped through hole A674 in the front-rear direction changes during the rotation of the rotating plate member A662. Air resistance occurs due to air sandwiched between the sectorial plate portion A662b and the rear cover member A670, but the air resistance is reduced in the area where the arc-shaped through hole A674 is formed in the rear cover member A670.

[0392] In Figure 42, the angular width of the arrangement range (see Figure 41) of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b of the rotating plate member A662 in the performance standby state of the third operating unit A600 is illustrated in a first region AE21, the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b after the rotating plate member A662 is rotated clockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in Figure 41 is illustrated in a second region AE22, the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b after the rotating plate member A662 is rotated clockwise when viewed from behind from the state in which it is arranged on the fan-shaped plate portion A662b in the second region AE22 is illustrated in a third region AE23, and the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b of the rotating plate member A662 in the extended state of the third operating unit A600 is illustrated in a fourth region AE24.

[0393] As shown in Fig. 41, in this embodiment, regardless of the attitude of the rotating plate member A662, one sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed opposite at least one arc-shaped through hole A674. Therefore, the state shown in Fig. 41 (state in which the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the first area AE21) is illustrated as a state in which the overlapping area between the sectorial plate portion A662b and the arc-shaped through hole A674 is smallest, that is, a state in which the air resistance applied to the sectorial plate portion A662b is maximized.

[0394] In a state in which the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the first region AE21, the edge portion on the clockwise side in a rear view of the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in a position that does not exactly overlap with the arc-shaped through hole A674. Therefore, when the rotating plate member A662 starts to rotate clockwise in a rear view, in addition to the arc-shaped through holes A674 (arc-shaped through holes A674 disposed on the left and right) that originally overlapped with the sectorial plate portion A662b, the sectorial plate portion A662b starts to overlap with other arc-shaped through holes A674 (arc-shaped through holes A674 disposed above and below), and this state continues until the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the second region AE22.

[0395] The overlapping area between the other arc-shaped through-holes A674 and the sectorial plate portion A662b increases as the rotation angle of the rotating plate member A662 increases, so that the air resistance can be gradually reduced from the start of rotation of the rotating plate member A662, and the air resistance applied to the rotating plate member A662 can be further reduced as the rotation proceeds. This allows the rotation of the rotating plate member A662 and the movement of the moving member A650 to be performed smoothly.

[0396] When the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the second region AE22, the edge of the sectorial plate portion A662b on the counterclockwise side in rear view is disposed at a position overlapping the edge of the arc-shaped through hole A674 on the counterclockwise side in rear view disposed on the left and right. In other words, when the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise in rear view, the edge of the sectorial plate portion A662b on the counterclockwise side in rear view enters the inside of the arc-shaped through hole A674 in rear view.

[0397] Therefore, as the rotating plate member A662 continues to rotate clockwise in rear view, the overlapping area between the arc-shaped through holes A674 arranged on the left and right and the sectorial plate portion A662b gradually decreases, while the overlapping area between the other arc-shaped through holes A674 (arc-shaped through holes A674 arranged above and below) and the sectorial plate portion A662b gradually increases. These changes occur at the same angle, so ultimately the overlapping area between the arc-shaped through holes A674 and the sectorial plate portion A662b remains constant.

[0398] This state continues until the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the third area AE23. That is, from the state in which the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the second area AE22 to the state in which it is disposed in the third area AE23, the air resistance acting on the rotating plate member A662 can be maintained constant.

[0399] From the state where the sectorial plate portion A662b is positioned in the third region AE23 to the state where the sectorial plate portion A662b is positioned in the fourth region AE24, the area where the sectorial plate portion A662b overlaps with the arc-shaped through holes A674 arranged on the left and right sides gradually becomes smaller. As a result, the air resistance applied to the rotating plate member A662 increases as the rotation of the rotating plate member A662 progresses, and the rotating plate member A662 and the moving member A650 can be decelerated smoothly.

[0400] The sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the fourth area AE24 such that the counterclockwise edge of the sectorial plate portion A662b as viewed from behind overlaps the clockwise edge of the arc-shaped through-holes A674 disposed on either side of the sectorial plate portion A662b as viewed from behind.

[0401] Therefore, even when the rotating plate member A662 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the rear from the state shown in Figure 42 (when the third operating unit A600 is operated from the extended state to the performance standby state), a change in air resistance similar to that described above can be caused.

[0402] Therefore, regardless of whether the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in Figure 41, or whether the rotating plate member A662 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in Figure 42, the above-mentioned change in air resistance can be caused in both directions.

[0403] In addition, the movable members A650 operated by the transmission of driving force via the rotating plate member A662 are configured as a pair, one above the other, and the direction of the load applied from the movable members A650 to the rotating plate member A662 is the same regardless of the operating direction of the rotating plate member A662.

[0404] That is, when the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in FIG. 41, a load is generated from the upper movable member A650 to the left and a load is generated from the lower movable member A650 to the right, whereas when the rotating plate member A662 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in FIG. 42, a load is generated from the upper movable member A650 to the right and a load is generated from the lower movable member A650 to the left.

[0405] That is, the load applied to the rotating plate member A662 is simply reversed in direction, and does not change due to the difference in the rotation direction. Therefore, regardless of whether the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise as viewed from the rear from the state shown in Fig. 41 or counterclockwise as viewed from the rear from the state shown in Fig. 42, the operating resistance generated can be the same in both directions, and the operating speed can be standardized.

[0406] Next, the light guide plate unit A700 will be described with reference to Fig. 43 to Fig. 48. Fig. 43 is an exploded front perspective view of the light guide plate unit A700, and Fig. 44 is an exploded rear perspective view of the light guide plate unit A700.

[0407] As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the light guide plate unit A700 includes a covering light guide plate unit A700a that is held in the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) and is sized to cover most of the front opening of the rear case A210, and an auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b that is fastened and fixed to the left side of the covering light guide plate unit A700a.

[0408] The covering light guide plate unit A700a comprises a plate-shaped light guide plate A701, a left light emitting substrate A702 disposed on the left side of the light guide plate A701 and having a plurality of light emitting means such as LEDs that irradiate light toward the light guide plate A701, an upper light emitting substrate A703 disposed above the light guide plate A701 and having a plurality of light emitting means such as LEDs that irradiate light toward the light guide plate A701, and a set of front and rear frame-shaped members A710 that fix the light guide plate A701, left light emitting substrate A702, and upper light emitting substrate A703 to prevent misalignment.

[0409] The light guide plate A701 is made of a light-transmitting resin material and has a rectangular flat plate shape with a notch A701a at the lower right. A groove is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate A701 along the outline of an illustration including a specific character, logo, etc. When light is incident on the light guide plate A701 from the left light emitting substrate A702 or the upper light emitting substrate A703, the light is refracted in the groove, allowing the player to visually recognize a line of light along the outline of the specific character, etc.

[0410] The left light emitting substrate A702 and the upper light emitting substrate A703 are disposed so that the optical axes of the multiple LEDs are incident at right angles to the end surface of the light guide plate A701. By configuring the direction of incidence on the light guide plate A701 to be two directions, the above-mentioned line-shaped light can be generated in at least two types: a case in which only light from the left light emitting substrate A702 is incident, and a case in which only light from the upper light emitting substrate A703 is incident.

[0411] The frame-shaped member A710 is formed from a rectangular frame shape in which the cutout A701a of the light guide plate A701 is separated, and includes a set of left and right fixing members A711 fastened to the front end of the outer wall portion A212 of the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5), a pair of lower fixing members A712 fastened to the right side member A615 and the left side member A617 of the third operating unit A600 (see FIG. 5), and abutting support members A713 that abut in the front-rear direction against the support member A421 (see FIG. 13) of the first operating unit A400.

[0412] The contact support portion A713 is disposed between the vertically arranged belts A423a (see FIG. 15). Since the connecting mechanism A427 is disposed on the upper belt A423a, by disposing the contact support portion A713 at a position closer to the lower belt A423a, the rigidity of the support member A421 can be used to support the contact support portion A713 of the frame member A710 without impeding the movement of the connecting mechanism A427.

[0413] Fig. 45 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, and Fig. 46 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b. The auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b includes a plate-shaped light emitting substrate A720 having LEDs on the front and back surfaces, a front plate member A730 formed from a light-transmitting resin material in a plate shape and disposed on the front side of the light emitting substrate A720 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs of the light emitting substrate A720, a rear plate member A740 formed from a light-transmitting resin material in a plate shape and disposed on the rear side of the light emitting substrate A720 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs of the light emitting substrate A720, and a front cover member A750 formed from a light-transmitting resin material and disposed so as to sandwich the front plate member A730 between the light emitting substrate A720 and the front cover member A750.

[0414] The light emitting substrate A720 comprises a plate-shaped main body A721 that is long in the vertical direction, a number of bulging plate portions A722 that are formed so as to bulge in an arc-like shape at the tip to the right from the plate-shaped main body A721, a number of recessed portions A723 that are recessed in the left side of the plate-shaped main body A721 at positions corresponding to the bulging plate portions A722, a number of front light emitting portions A724 such as highly directional LEDs that are arranged vertically on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A721 and have optical axes directed to the left, and a number of back light emitting portions A725 such as low-directional LEDs that are arranged vertically at positions on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A721 corresponding to the front light emitting portions A724 (positions moved parallel to the arrow F-B).

[0415] By forming the bulging plate portions A722 at multiple positions in the vertical direction, it is possible to ensure a large support area (area of ​​mutual surface contact) between the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 and the light emitting substrate A720. This makes it possible to stabilize the posture of the light emitting substrate A720 in the assembled state.

[0416] Light from the front light emitting parts A724 is received by the front side plate member A730. The optical axes of the light from the multiple front light emitting parts A724 are each oriented leftward and parallel to each other, so that the front side plate member A730 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide range.

[0417] Light from the back light emitting parts A725 is received by the rear plate member A740. The optical axes of the light from the multiple back light emitting parts A725 are each oriented leftward and parallel to each other, so that the rear plate member A740 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide range.

[0418] As described above, the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear light-emitting portion A725 are arranged at corresponding positions in the front-to-rear direction, so that the range of the front side plate member A730 illuminated by the front light-emitting portion A724 and the range of the rear side plate member A740 illuminated by the rear light-emitting portion A725 can be made to correspond to each other.

[0419] As a result, when both the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear light-emitting portion A725 are illuminated, their light is combined to make the area illuminated by the front light-emitting portion A724 or the rear light-emitting portion A725 on the front side plate member A730 and the rear side plate member A740 visible more brightly.

[0420] On the other hand, even when only one side of the front light-emitting portion A724 or the rear light-emitting portion A725 is illuminated, the bright areas of the front side plate member A730 or the rear side plate member A740 do not shift in position, making it less likely that the presentation will feel unnatural.

[0421] Since the range illuminated by the front light emitting unit A724 or the rear light emitting unit A725 is the same, even if the state is changed from one in which only the front light emitting unit A724 is illuminated to one in which only the rear light emitting unit A725 is illuminated, it is possible to avoid a change in the planar light brightness pattern received by the player (the pattern of which positions are bright and which positions are dark when viewed from the front). This makes it possible to reduce fatigue of the player.

[0422] The front plate member A730 comprises a plate-shaped main body A731 having a front side surface formed as a smooth surface, a linear groove portion A732 formed on the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A731 along the contour of the shape of an illustration including a specific character, logo, etc., a plurality of fastening portions A733 which are cylindrically protruding from the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A731 and fastened to the frame-shaped member A710 (see FIG. 43) by screwing into female screws formed at the tips, a circular insertion through hole A734 for fastening to the front cover member A750, and an alignment long hole A735 which is drilled in a vertically long hole for alignment with the front cover member A750.

[0423] When light from the front light emitting portion A724 is received by the front side plate member A730, the light is refracted by the linear groove portion A732, causing the outline of the shape of the illustration to be visually recognized as a bright line.

[0424] The rear plate member A740 includes a plate-shaped main body A741 formed of a light-transmitting resin material and having the same shape as the outer shape of the front plate member A730 when viewed from the front, a light-opaque (or low-transmittance) white sheet A742 formed of the same shape as the outer shape of the plate-shaped main body A741 when viewed from the front and disposed on the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A741, and a light-transmitting (or low-transmittance) white sheet A742 formed of the same shape as the outer shape of the plate-shaped main body A741 when viewed from the front and disposed on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A741. The plate-shaped body A741, the sheet A742 and the thin resin plate A743 have a flexible thin resin plate A743, first through holes A741a, A742a, A743a formed at the same positions in the upper left corner so as to penetrate the plate-shaped body A741, the sheet A742 and the thin resin plate A743 in the front-to-rear direction, and second through holes A741b, A742b, A743b formed at the same positions in the lower part so as to penetrate the plate-shaped body A741, the sheet A742 and the thin resin plate A743 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0425] The front side of the plate-shaped main body A741 is formed as a smooth surface, and numerous embossments are formed on the rear side. As a result, when light that is received by the plate-shaped main body A741 and passes through to the rear side is reflected by the sheet A742, the light is diffused by the numerous embossments and emitted from the surface. This makes it possible to efficiently brighten the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A741.

[0426] An illustration that is the basis for the contours of the linear groove portion A732 is drawn on the thin resin plate A743, and in this embodiment, the illustration is painted in a color that corresponds to the illustration. Therefore, when light from the back surface light emitting portion A725 is received by the rear side plate member A740, the illustration drawn on the thin resin plate A743 is brightly visible through surface emission due to the texture on the back surface side of the plate-shaped main body A741.

[0427] The front cover member A750 comprises a plate-shaped main body A751 having countless hemispherical protrusions formed on its rear side, an extended edge portion A752 extending in a plate-like manner from the upper and right edges of the plate-shaped main body A751 to the rear side, a fastening portion A753 consisting of a protrusion used for aligning the light emitting substrate A720 at the left end of the plate-shaped main body A751 and a female screw portion used for fastening, a plurality of cylindrical fastening portions A754 protruding in a cylindrical shape from the right end of the plate-shaped main body A751 to the rear side, a protrusion portion A755 having a smaller diameter and a shorter protruding length than the cylindrical fastening portion A754, and a light-transmitting decorative sticker A756 having a decoration on its front side and attached to the front side of the plate-shaped main body A751.

[0428] During assembly, the protrusion portion A755 is inserted into the alignment slot A735 of the front plate member A730, and the cylindrical fastening portion A754 is inserted into the insertion through hole of the front plate member A730, thereby aligning the front plate member A730 with the front cover member A750.

[0429] Next, the light emitting substrate A720 is aligned with the fastening portion A753 so as to overlap the front plate member A730, and the rear plate member A740 is placed so as to overlap the light emitting substrate A720. At this time, the cylindrical fastening portion A754 is inserted into the first through holes A741a, A742a, A743a of the rear plate member A740, and the fastening portion A733 at the lower right of the front plate member A730 is inserted into the second through holes A741b, A742b, A743b of the rear plate member A740, thereby aligning the rear plate member A740 with respect to the front plate member A730.

[0430] When the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b is fastened to the covering light guide plate unit A700a (see Figure 43) with the front side plate member A730, the light emitting substrate A720, and the rear side plate member A740 aligned with the front cover member A750, a pressing force (fastening force) is applied to the fastening portion A733 of the front side plate member A730 and the cylindrical fastening portion A754 of the front cover member A750.

[0431] In this embodiment, the fastening portion A733 and the cylindrical fastening portion A754 are arranged outside the light-emitting substrate A720, so that even if the pressing force (fastening force) becomes unintentionally excessive during assembly, it is easy to avoid the light-emitting substrate A720 cracking or breaking.

[0432] The cylindrical fastening portion A754 disposed at the upper right of the front cover member A750 allows the alignment of the front plate member A730, the rear plate member A740, and the front cover member A750, and the pressing (pressing) of the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 against the light emitting substrate A720 to be performed at one location, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps.

[0433] Fig. 47 is a rear view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, Fig. 48(a) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b taken along line XLVIIIa-XLVIIIa in Fig. 47, and Fig. 48(b) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b taken along line XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb in Fig. 47. Fig. 48(a) shows a cross section passing through the center of the cylindrical fastening portion A754.

[0434] When assembling the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, after aligning and assembling the front side plate member A730 to the front cover member A750, when the light emitting substrate A720 is assembled to the front cover member A750, the height (front-to-back position) of the end face of the fastening portion A753 where the female screw is formed matches the height (front-to-back position) of the rear side surface of the front side plate member A730 with which the bulging plate portion A722 abuts, thereby stabilizing the posture of the light emitting substrate A720.

[0435] Furthermore, when the rear plate member A740 is attached to the rear of the light emitting substrate A720, the front side surface of the rear plate member A740 abuts against the bulging plate portion A722 over a wide area, thereby stabilizing the posture of the rear plate member A740 and reducing localized loads.

[0436] 47 and 48(a), the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 are formed so as to have the same shape when overlapping with the light emitting substrate A720, so that the pressing force of the fastening screw screwed into the cylindrical fastening portion A754 is transmitted in a balanced manner to the light emitting substrate A720 via the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740. Since the pressing force can be prevented from functioning as a force that shears the light emitting substrate A720, cracking or chipping of the light emitting substrate A720 can be prevented.

[0437] Pressing forces are applied to the edges of the light emitting substrate A720 from the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740, so that the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 are pressed against the front and rear surfaces of the light emitting substrate A720.

[0438] This makes it possible to easily align the front-to-back positions of the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 relative to the plate-shaped main body A721 of the light-emitting substrate A720, thereby making it possible to easily align the front-to-back positions of the front plate member A730 relative to the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear plate member A740 relative to the rear light-emitting portion A725, thereby making it easier to align the light-receiving positions of the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740.

[0439] The cylindrical fastening portion A754 is disposed at a position (a position between) that does not overlap with the optical axis of the front light emitting portion A724 and the rear light emitting portion A725. This prevents the cylindrical fastening portion A754 from blocking the optical axis of the light from the front light emitting portion A724 that is received by the front plate member A730, thereby improving the effect of the light emission presentation using the front plate member A730.

[0440] Fig. 48(b) is illustrated as a cross section passing through the center of the third rear light emitting unit A725 from the bottom. As shown in Fig. 47 and Fig. 48(b), the fastening unit A733 is disposed at a position overlapping with the optical axis of the rear light emitting unit A725.

[0441] Even when the fastening portion A733 is disposed in this manner, the fastening portion A733 does not penetrate the front plate member A730 and does not block the light of the front light emitting portion A724. In addition, since the light received by the rear plate member A740 has a slightly lower directivity in order to make the rear plate member A740 surface-emitting (because LEDs with low directivity are likely to be selected), even if the fastening portion A733 is disposed on the optical axis, the light is not completely blocked, and the effect on the light emission performance can be reduced. In other words, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the fastening portion A733 of the front plate member A730 can be improved without reducing the effect of the light emission performance using the rear plate member A740.

[0442] When the rear side plate member A740 is fastened to the front cover member A750, the front side surface of the plate-shaped main body A741 is fastened so as to sandwich the left edge portion of the thin resin plate A743 between the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A721, thereby preventing the thin resin plate A743 from floating up from the plate-shaped main body A741.

[0443] In this case, the load applied to the thin resin plate A743 is not a point load like a fastening screw, but a line (surface) load along the left edge of the thin resin plate A743 between the plate-shaped main body A721 of the light emitting substrate A720, so that the pressing force per unit area applied to the thin resin plate A743 can be reduced. This makes it easier to prevent the thin resin plate A743 from cracking or chipping.

[0444] As shown in Figures 48(a) and 48(b), the propagation path AL1 of the irradiated light from the front light-emitting portion A724 selected from highly directional LEDs is received by the front side plate member A730, and then extends in the left-right direction until it reaches the linear groove portion A732 in a manner that causes total reflection on the front and rear surfaces of the front side plate member A730, and upon reaching the linear groove portion A732, it is refracted and redirected toward the front side.

[0445] Therefore, when light is being emitted from the front light-emitting portion A724 when viewing the front side panel member A730 from the front side, the light directed toward the front side from the linear groove portion A732 reaches the player's eyes, so that the outline of the shape of an illustration, including a specific character or logo, which is the original shape of the linear groove portion A732, can be visually perceived as glowing.

[0446] Since the light from the rear light-emitting portion A725 is less directional than the light from the front light-emitting portion A724, the light from the rear light-emitting portion A725 is not totally reflected within the rear plate member A740, and functions to uniformly illuminate the rear plate member A740.

[0447] As shown in FIG. 48, the end portion of the front side plate member A730 on the side of the front light-emitting portion A724 and the end portion of the rear side plate member A740 on the side of the rear light-emitting portion A725 are positioned closer to the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear light-emitting portion A725 than the end portion of the light-emitting substrate A720 on the irradiation direction side (right side) of the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear light-emitting portion A725.

[0448] This allows the plate-like body A721 of the light emitting substrate A720 to be used as a shielding plate, making it possible to prevent light irradiated from the front light emitting portion A724 (rear light emitting portion A725) from leaking before being received by the front plate member A730 (rear plate member A740). This makes it easier to avoid, for example, a situation in which light irradiated from the front light emitting portion A724 is received by the rear plate member A740 or a situation in which light irradiated from the rear light emitting portion A725 is received by the front plate member A730, making it easier to avoid poor light emission performance.

[0449] When light is received from the front side, the plate-shaped main body A751 diffuses the light and emits it through the surface due to the innumerable hemispherical protrusions A751a formed on the back side. This improves the effect of the light presentation and reduces the visibility of the back side of the front cover member A750, so that the plate-shaped main body A751 can be used to hide the light-emitting substrate A720.

[0450] The front light-emitting part A724 of the light-emitting substrate A720 is arranged on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A751, but the light irradiated from the front light-emitting part A724 is incident on the front plate member A730 in a direction perpendicular to the direction toward the plate-shaped main body A751 and is totally reflected within the front plate member A730. As a result, the plate-shaped main body A751 is configured to be difficult to illuminate with light irradiated from the front light-emitting part A724, appears dark, and is difficult to use as a performance area.

[0451] In contrast, in this embodiment, the received light can be diffused by the countless hemispherical protrusions A751a formed on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A751, allowing the player to view the plate-shaped main body A751 in a bright state.

[0452] Furthermore, by attaching the decorative sticker A756, which is shaped to cover the entire front side surface of the plate-shaped body A751, to the front side of the plate-shaped body A751, the effect of the countless protrusions A751a formed on the back side of the plate-shaped body A751 being noticeable due to light is reduced, and the visibility of the decoration on the brightly lit front side of the decorative sticker A756 can be improved.

[0453] 49(a) to 49(f) are schematic front views of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, showing the visual recognition state of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b. For convenience of explanation, the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b is illustrated as having a rectangular outer shape, and triangular illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 are illustrated inside the rectangular outer shape. These triangular illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 correspond to an example of the outline of the shape of an illustration including a specific character, logo, etc., formed by the thin resin plate A743 and the linear groove portion A732 (see FIG. 46).

[0454] Figures 49(a) to 49(f) show an example of the difference in appearance of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b depending on whether the front light emitting portion A724 (see Figure 45) is turned on or off, and whether the rear light emitting portion A725 (see Figure 46) is turned on or off.

[0455] 49(a) shows a case where the front light emitting part A724 (see FIG. 45) is turned off and the rear light emitting part A725 (see FIG. 46) is turned off. In this case, illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 including specific characters, logos, etc. formed on the thin resin plate A743 are visible.

[0456] Fig. 49(b) shows a case where the front light emitting part A724 (see Fig. 45) is turned off and the rear light emitting part A725 (see Fig. 46) is turned on. In this case, the illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 including specific characters, logos, etc. formed on the thin resin plate A743 are illuminated and visible.

[0457] Fig. 49(c) shows a case where the front light emitting unit A724 (see Fig. 45) is turned on and the rear light emitting unit A725 (see Fig. 46) is turned off. In this case, the outlines of the shapes of the illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 including specific characters, logos, etc. formed in the linear grooves A732 (see Fig. 46) are illuminated and are visible as lines of light. In this case, the shapes of the illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 including specific characters, logos, etc. formed on the thin resin plate A743 are blocked by the lines of light, reducing visibility.

[0458] Fig. 49(d) illustrates a case where the front light emitting portion A724 (see Fig. 45) is turned on and the rear light emitting portion A725 (see Fig. 46) is turned on. In this case, the brightness of the front side portion of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b can be improved compared to the state illustrated in Fig. 49(c).

[0459] Figure 49(e) illustrates a case in which the front light-emitting portion A724 (see Figure 45) above the upper and lower halves of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned off, the front light-emitting portion A724 below the upper and lower halves of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned on, the rear light-emitting portion A725 (see Figure 46) above the upper and lower halves of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned on, and the rear light-emitting portion A725 (see Figure 46) below the upper and lower halves of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned off.

[0460] In this case, in the upper half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, the illustration AIL1 including a specific character, logo, etc. formed on the thin resin plate A743 is illuminated and visible, and in the lower half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, the outline of the shape of the illustration AIL2 including a specific character, logo, etc. formed in the linear groove portion A732 (see Figure 46) is illuminated and visible as a line of light.

[0461] Figure 49(f) illustrates a case in which the front light-emitting unit A724 (see Figure 45) above the upper and lower half positions of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned on, the front light-emitting unit A724 below the upper and lower half positions of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned off, and the rear light-emitting unit A725 (see Figure 46) is turned off.

[0462] In this case, in the upper half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, the outline of the shape of the illustration AIL1 including a specific character, logo, etc. formed in the linear groove portion A732 (see Figure 46) is illuminated and is visible as a line of light, and in the lower half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, the illustration AIL2 including a specific character, logo, etc. formed on the thin resin plate A743 can be viewed.

[0463] As shown in Figures 49(a) to 49(f), in this embodiment, the visual appearance of the front side of the auxiliary light-guiding plate unit A700b can be changed in response to various combinations of the front light-emitting portion A724 (see Figure 45) being turned on and off and the rear light-emitting portion A725 (see Figure 46) being turned on and off.

[0464] Fig. 50 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board A13, and Fig. 51 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board A13. As shown in Fig. 50 and Fig. 51, the game board A13 is configured such that a center frame A86 is fastened and fixed to a window portion A60a of a base plate A60 from the front side, and game balls can flow down the left and right sides of the center frame A86.

[0465] The game board A13 includes: a downstream branching member A801 ​​formed from a light-transmitting resin material in a shape having a protruding portion that branches the flow of game balls, and disposed on the upper left side of the center frame A86; a guide member A802 formed from a light-transmitting resin material in a shape that constitutes two guide flow paths arranged side by side on the left and right as flow paths for guiding the flow of game balls, and disposed on the front right side of the center frame A86; a downstream guide member A803 fixed to the base plate A60 below the guide member A802, and formed in a shape that constitutes two guide flow paths arranged side by side on the left and right as flow paths for guiding the flow of game balls, and an auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 disposed on the back side of a light-transmitting decorative member A808 disposed inside the center frame A86, and configured to be able to irradiate light to the decorative member A808.

[0466] The downstream branching member A801 ​​is disposed in front of the inner region of the window portion A60a when the center frame A86 is disposed on the base plate A60. In this case, the light traveling from the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 toward the downstream branching member A801 ​​does not pass through the base plate A60, but passes through the center frame A86, which is thinner than the plate thickness of the base plate A60, to reach the downstream branching member A801, so that attenuation of the light reaching the downstream branching member A801 ​​can be suppressed.

[0467] The guide member A802 comprises a plate-shaped main body A802a formed in a shape covering the upper right region A60b of the window portion A60a of the base plate A60 from the front side, a pair of extension plates A802b extending in a plate-like manner from the plate-shaped main body A802a to the front side, and a plurality of deceleration protrusions A802c protruding from the plate-shaped main body A802a or the extension plates A802b to decelerate the game ball, and is fastened and fixed to the base plate A60 at upper and lower positions of the upper right region A60b.

[0468] The auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is disposed on the back side of the guide member A802, sandwiching the protruding plate portion A86a of the center frame A86, which is contained in the upper right region A60b and has a plate thickness thinner than that of the base plate A60. In this case, the light traveling from the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 to the guide member A802 does not pass through the base plate A60, but passes through the protruding plate portion A86a of the center frame A86, which has a plate thickness thinner than that of the base plate A60, and reaches the guide member A802, so that attenuation of the light reaching the guide member A802 can be suppressed.

[0469] The deceleration projections A802c protrude from both of the pair of opposing extension plates A802b in the left flow path, thereby allowing the game balls flowing down to swing left and right. In the right flow path, the deceleration projections A802c protrude from the right extension plate A802b and protrude forward from the plate-shaped main body A802a, thereby allowing the game balls flowing down to swing left and right and forward and backward.

[0470] In this way, the game ball flowing down the two flow paths formed by the guide member A802 is decelerated by the deceleration protrusion A802c, but the flow-down behavior differs depending on which flow path the game ball flows down. This allows the player to immediately know which flow path the game ball is flowing down by looking at the flow-down behavior of the game ball.

[0471] In addition, by configuring in this manner, it is not necessary to form a deceleration protrusion on the outer edge member 73 (see FIG. 2), so that the outer edge member 73 can be configured as a common part, thereby enabling cost reduction of the product to be achieved.

[0472] In this embodiment, the guide member A802 forms two flow paths that are wider in width than a single flow path, which can easily cause problems in terms of strength. In contrast, in this embodiment, the extension plate A802b that forms the flow path is disposed at the center of the plate-shaped main body A802a and also serves as a reinforcing material for the guide member A802. This makes it easier to avoid insufficient strength even if the guide member A802 is formed as a thin member.

[0473] The downstream side guide member A803 includes a plate-shaped main body A803a and an extension plate A803b extending from the rear surface of the plate-shaped main body A803a, and their front-to-back relationship is reversed to that of the guide member A802.

[0474] Unlike the two flow paths formed by the guide member A802, the two guide flow paths formed by the downstream guide member A803 have different flow path shapes on the left and right. That is, the left flow path is a flow path that slopes downward and to the left, while the right flow path is formed as a path that meanders from side to side. This allows the flow behavior of the game ball to be greatly changed depending on which flow path it flows down.

[0475] Fig. 52 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, and Fig. 53 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810. The auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 includes a set of plate-shaped front light emitting substrates A820 having LEDs arranged on their front surfaces, a set of plate-shaped rear light emitting substrates A830 having LEDs arranged on their rear surfaces, a front plate member A840 formed of a light-transmitting resin material in a plate shape and arranged on the front side of the front light emitting substrates A820 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs of the front light emitting substrates A820, a rear plate member A850 formed of a light-transmitting resin material in a plate shape and arranged on the rear side of the rear light emitting substrate A830 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs of the rear light emitting substrates A830, and a base member A860 formed of a white resin material with low light transmittance and arranged to sandwich the rear plate member A850 between the rear light emitting substrates A830.

[0476] The front light emitting substrate A820 includes an upper substrate A821 disposed on the upper side and a right substrate A825 disposed on the right side. The upper substrate A821 includes a plate-shaped main body A822, a plurality of edge light emitting units A823, each of which is a light emitting means such as a plurality of LEDs arranged in the lower right corner on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A822 and has an optical axis directed to the right, and a plurality of surface light emitting units A824, each of which is a light emitting means such as a plurality of LEDs arranged to the left of the edge light emitting unit A823 and has an optical axis directed to the front side.

[0477] Light from the edge light emitters A823 is received by the front plate member A840. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light emitters A823 each face to the right and are parallel to the front flat surface of the front plate member A840, so that the front plate member A840 can be illuminated over a wide range.

[0478] Furthermore, the edge light emitter A823 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED does not face straight to the right, but is configured to face in a radial direction such that the spacing between the optical axes becomes wider toward the right. This allows the light from the edge light emitter A823 to be guided over a wide range of the front side plate member A840.

[0479] The light from the surface light emitting units A824 is received by the decorative member A808 (see FIG. 50) disposed on the front side. The optical axes of the light from the multiple surface light emitting units A824 are all facing the front side and are parallel to each other, so that the decorative member A808 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide area.

[0480] The right side substrate A825 comprises a plate-shaped main body A826, a plurality of edge light emitting portions A827 such as a plurality of light emitting means, LEDs or the like, arranged in the upper left corner on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A826, with their optical axes directed upward, and a plurality of surface light emitting portions A828 such as a plurality of light emitting means, LEDs or the like, arranged below the edge light emitting portions A827, with their optical axes directed toward the front side.

[0481] Light from the edge light emitters A827 is received by the front plate member A840. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light emitters A827 are each directed upward and parallel to the front flat surface of the front plate member A840, so that the front plate member A840 can be illuminated over a wide range.

[0482] Furthermore, the edge light emitter A827 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED does not face straight up, but faces in a radial direction such that the spacing between the optical axes becomes wider toward the top. This allows the light from the edge light emitter A827 to be guided over a wide range of the front side plate member A840.

[0483] While light from the edge light emitter A823 of the upper substrate A821 is received from the left end of the front plate member A840, light from the edge light emitter A827 is received from the lower end of the front plate member A840. Therefore, even if the front plate member A840 has a narrowed shape with a narrowed portion A844 at the center when viewed from the front, light can easily reach the entire area of ​​the front plate member A840.

[0484] The light from the surface light emitting unit A828 is received by the decorative member A808 (see FIG. 50) disposed on the front side. The optical axes of the light from the multiple surface light emitting units A828 are all facing the front side and are parallel to each other, so that the decorative member A808 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide area.

[0485] The rear light emitting substrate A830 includes an upper substrate A831 disposed on the upper side and a right substrate A835 disposed on the right side. The upper substrate A831 includes a plate-shaped main body A832 and a plurality of edge light emitting units A833, each of which is a light emitting means such as a plurality of LEDs arranged in the lower right corner on the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A832, and has an optical axis directed to the right.

[0486] The light from the edge light emitters A833 is received by the rear plate member A850. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light emitters A833 each face to the right and are parallel to the front flat surface of the rear plate member A850, so that the rear plate member A850 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide range.

[0487] Furthermore, the edge light emitter A833 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED does not face straight to the right, but faces in a radial direction such that the distance between the optical axes becomes wider toward the right. This allows the light from the edge light emitter A833 to be guided over a wide range of the rear side plate member A850.

[0488] The right side substrate A835 includes a plate-shaped main body A836 and a plurality of edge light emitting portions A837, which are light emitting means such as LEDs arranged in the upper left corner on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A836 and have optical axes facing upward.

[0489] The light from the edge light emitters A837 is received by the rear plate member A850. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light emitters A837 each face upward and are parallel to the front flat surface of the rear plate member A850, so that the rear plate member A850 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide range.

[0490] Furthermore, the edge light emitter A837 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED does not face straight up, but faces in a radial direction such that the distance between the optical axes becomes wider toward the top. This allows the light from the edge light emitter A837 to be guided over a wide range of the rear side plate member A850.

[0491] While light from the edge light emitter A833 of the upper substrate A831 is received from the left end of the rear plate member A850, light from the edge light emitter A837 is received from the lower end of the rear plate member A850. Therefore, even if the rear plate member A850 has a narrow shape toward the center when viewed from the front, light can easily reach the entire area of ​​the rear plate member A850.

[0492] The edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting substrate A820 and the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light emitting substrate A830 are arranged at corresponding positions in the front-to-rear direction (positions moved parallel to the arrow F-B), so that the range of the front side plate member A840 illuminated by the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 can be made to correspond to the range of the rear side plate member A850 illuminated by the edge light emitting portions A833, A837.

[0493] As a result, when both the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting substrate A820 and the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light emitting substrate A830 are illuminated, the combined light from these portions makes the areas illuminated by the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 or the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 on the front side plate member A840 and the rear side plate member A850 appear brighter.

[0494] On the other hand, even when only one side of the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting board A820 or the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light emitting board A830 is illuminated, the bright areas of the front side plate member A840 or the rear side plate member A850 do not shift in position, making it difficult for the presentation to feel unnatural.

[0495] Since the area illuminated by the edge light emitting parts A823, A827 of the front light emitting board A820 or the edge light emitting parts A833, A837 of the rear light emitting board A830 is the same, even if the state where only the edge light emitting parts A823, A827 of the front light emitting board A820 are illuminated is changed to the state where only the edge light emitting parts A833, A837 of the rear light emitting board A830 are illuminated, the planar light brightness pattern received by the player (pattern of which positions are bright and which positions are dark when viewed from the front) can be prevented from changing. This can reduce fatigue of the player.

[0496] The front plate member A840 comprises a plate-shaped main body A841 having a front side surface formed as a smooth surface, a linear groove portion A842 formed on the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A841 along the contour of the shape of an illustration including a specific character, logo, etc., a circular insertion through hole A843 for fastening and fixing to the base member A860, and a narrowed portion A844 formed so as to narrow the middle portion of the plate-shaped main body A841.

[0497] When light from the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting substrate A820 is received by the front side plate member A840, the light is refracted by the linear groove portion A842, causing the outline of the shape of the above illustration to be visible as a bright line.

[0498] The shape of the plate-shaped main body A841 having the constricted portion A844 is a shape that is the result of matching the outer shape of the illustration that is the basis of the linear groove portion A842. In other words, the linear shining shape is visible over the entire area of ​​the plate-shaped main body A841, so that it is possible to prevent the plate-shaped main body A841 from having any unnecessary parts in terms of presentation.

[0499] The rear side plate member A850 comprises a plate-shaped main body A851 formed of a light-transmitting resin material and having the same shape as the outer shape of the front side plate member A840 when viewed from the front, a light-transmitting thin resin plate A855 formed of the same shape as the outer shape of the plate-shaped main body A851 when viewed from the front and arranged on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A851, first through holes A851a, A855a formed at the same position in the upper left corner so as to penetrate the plate-shaped main body A851 and the thin resin plate A855 in the front-to-rear direction, and second through holes A851b, A855b formed at the same position in the lower part so as to penetrate the plate-shaped main body A851 and the thin resin plate A855 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0500] The plate-shaped main body A851 has a constricted portion A852 formed in a position corresponding to the constricted portion A844 of the front side plate member A840 and having a shape similar to that of the constricted portion A844, and the front side surface is formed as a smooth surface, and numerous grains are formed on the rear side surface. As a result, when light that is received by the plate-shaped main body A851 and passes through to the rear side is reflected by the white base member A860, the light is diffused by the numerous grains and emitted from the surface. This makes it possible to efficiently brighten the rear side portion of the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0501] The plate-shaped main body A851 has a constricted portion A852, and after passing through the constricted portion A852, light received from one side of the constricted portion A852 tends to travel within a range limited by the width of the constricted portion A852. Therefore, when the plate-shaped main body A851 of this embodiment is formed wider than the width of the constricted portion A852 on both sides, it is difficult to spread the light received from one side of the constricted portion A852 over the entire area of ​​the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0502] Therefore, in this embodiment, by configuring the plate-shaped main body A851 to receive light from the edge light emitter A833 above the constricted portion A852 and to receive light from the edge light emitter A837 below the constricted portion A852, it is possible to receive light over the entire area of ​​the plate-shaped main body A851 while employing the constricted portion A852, compared to a case in which light is received only from the upper or lower side of the constricted portion A852. This makes it possible to efficiently brighten the entire area of ​​the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0503] An illustration that is the basis of the outline of the linear groove portion A842 is drawn on the thin resin plate A855, and in this embodiment, the plate is painted in a color that corresponds to the illustration. Therefore, when light from the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light emitting substrate A830 is received by the rear plate member A850, the illustration drawn on the thin resin plate A855 is brightly visible through surface emission due to the texture on the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0504] The base member A860 is a member formed from a white resin material, and includes a plate-shaped main body A861 formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the front, an alignment protrusion A862 for aligning the rear plate member A850 supported by the plate-shaped main body A861, a fastening portion A863 to which the rear plate member A850 is fastened and fixed, a substrate fastening portion A864 to which the rear light emitting substrate A830 is aligned and fastened and fixed, a base portion A865 formed in a base shape on the front side from the plate-shaped main body A861, a cylindrical fastening portion A866 protruding in a cylindrical shape from the front of the plate-shaped main body A861 at a height matching the front side surface of the base portion A865 and having a female screw formed at its tip, and a plate-sandwich fastening portion A867 protruding in a cylindrical shape from the front of the plate-shaped main body A861, having a female screw formed at its tip, and which is longer in the protruding direction by the thickness of the front light emitting substrate A820 than the protruding length of the cylindrical fastening portion A866.

[0505] The auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is assembled by fastening and fixing the rear plate member A850, rear light emitting substrate A830, front light emitting substrate A820, and front plate member A840 to the base member A860 in this order.

[0506] First, the fastening and fixing of the rear plate member A850 to the base member A860 will be described. The fastening and fixing of the rear plate member A850 to the base member A860 is performed by inserting a fastening screw, which is inserted through the plate-shaped main body A851, into the fastening portion A863 in a state where the corresponding alignment protrusions A862 are inserted through the first through-hole A851a and the second through-hole A851b.

[0507] At this time, the fastening screws are inserted into the plate-shaped main body A851 but not into the thin resin plate A855. Therefore, by inserting the corresponding alignment protrusions A862 into the first through holes A855a and the second through holes A855b in a state in which the plate-shaped main body A851 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860, it is possible to easily align the thin resin plate A855 with the base member A860 and the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0508] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the thin resin plate A855 from cracking due to the pressing force applied during fastening. Also, it is possible to replace the thin resin plate A855 while maintaining the fastening of the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0509] Next, the fastening and fixing of the rear light emitting substrate A830 to the base member A860 will be described. The rear light emitting substrate A830 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 by fastening the rear light emitting substrate A830 to the substrate fastening portion A864.

[0510] The board fastening portions A864 are each inserted into the through-holes A853 of the rear plate member A850, and thus also function to align the rear plate member A850 with the base member A860.

[0511] When the rear light emitting substrate A830 is fastened to the base member A860, the rear side surface of the plate-shaped body A832 of the upper substrate A831 is fastened and fixed so that the left edge of the thin resin plate A855 is sandwiched between it and the front side surface of the plate-shaped body A851, and the rear side surface of the plate-shaped body A836 of the right-side substrate A835 is fastened and fixed so that the lower right edge of the thin resin plate A855 is sandwiched between it and the front side surface of the plate-shaped body A851, thereby preventing the thin resin plate A855 from floating up from the plate-shaped body A851.

[0512] In this case, the load applied to the thin resin plate A855 is not a point load like a fastening screw, but a line (surface) load along the left edge, so the pressing force per unit area applied to the thin resin plate A855 can be reduced, making it easier to prevent cracks and chips in the thin resin plate A855.

[0513] As described above, in fastening and fixing the rear light emitting substrate A830, the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A832 is configured to abut on the front side surface of the rear plate member A850, so that the optical axes of the edge light emitting parts A833, A837 of the rear light emitting substrate A830 and the rear plate member A850 can be easily aligned in the front-rear direction (the direction in which the front side surface of the rear plate member A850 faces). This allows good light reception to the rear plate member A850.

[0514] Next, the fastening and fixing of the front light emitting substrate A820 to the base member A860 will be described. The front light emitting substrate A820 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 by fastening and fixing the front light emitting substrate A820 to the cylindrical fastening portion A866 with the lower left side portion of the rear side surface of the front light emitting substrate A820 being in surface contact with the pedestal portion A865.

[0515] The front light-emitting substrate A820 and the rear light-emitting substrate A830 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them, so that no pressing force is generated between the front light-emitting substrate A820 and the rear light-emitting substrate A830 and rear side plate member A850.

[0516] Next, the fastening of the front plate member A840 to the base member A860 will be described. The fastening of the front plate member A840 to the base member A860 is performed by fastening the front plate member A840 to a sandwiching fastening portion A867.

[0517] Since the sandwiching fastening part A867 is disposed outside and in the vicinity of the front light emitting substrate A820, it is possible to prevent the pressing force generated when the front light emitting substrate A820 is fastened to the sandwiching fastening part A867 from being applied as a point load to the front light emitting substrate A820. This makes it possible to prevent the front light emitting substrate A820 from cracking or chipping.

[0518] The front plate member A840 has a through hole A845 for securing the position of LEDs such as the edge light emitter A823 arranged on the front light emitting substrate A820, and the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A841 excluding the through hole A845 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 so as to apply a surface pressing force against the plate-shaped main bodies A822, A826 of the front light emitting substrate A820. This makes it possible to increase the support area of ​​the front plate member A840 by utilizing the plate-shaped main bodies A822, A826 of the front light emitting substrate A820.

[0519] In fastening and fixing the front plate member A840 to the base member A860, the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A841 of the front plate member A840 is configured to abut on the front side surface of the front light emitting substrate A820, so that the optical axes of the edge light emitting parts A823, A827 of the front light emitting substrate A820 and the front plate member A840 can be easily aligned in the front-rear direction (the direction in which the front side surface of the front plate member A840 faces). This allows good light reception to the rear plate member A850.

[0520] As described above, the front light emitting substrate A820, the rear light emitting substrate A830, the front plate member A840, and the rear plate member A850 are aligned with and fastened to each component formed on the base member A860. This makes it easy to align the front light emitting substrate A820, the rear light emitting substrate A830, the front plate member A840, and the rear plate member A850 in a direction parallel to the front side surface of the base member A860.

[0521] Furthermore, even if the substrate is composed of a pair of front light-emitting substrate A820 and rear light-emitting substrate A830 arranged in front of and behind, by fastening and fixing them so that they abut in the front-to-rear direction to the corresponding front plate member A840 or rear plate member A850, which are light-receiving members, the front light-emitting substrate A820, rear light-emitting substrate A830, front plate member A840 and rear plate member A850 can be easily aligned in the direction intersecting the front side surface of the base member A860.

[0522] Fig. 54 is a front view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, and Fig. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 taken along line LV-LV in Fig. 54. In Fig. 54, the outline of the decorative member A808 and the outline of the upper right region A60b (see Fig. 50) are shown by imaginary lines, and the portion of the outline of the front light emitting substrate A820 that overlaps with the front plate member A840 is shown by hidden lines, and Fig. 55 shows a cross section passing through the center of the cylindrical fastening portion A866 (see Fig. 52) located on the central side of the base member A860.

[0523] As shown in Figure 54, the front light-emitting substrate A820 is arranged so as to fit within the outline of the decorative member A808 when viewed from the front, and the front side plate member A840, which receives light from the edge light-emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820, is arranged to extend beyond the decorative member A808 when viewed from the front.

[0524] This makes it possible to reduce the front-to-rear thickness of the entire auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 while hiding the front light emitting board A820 with the decorative member A808. That is, when a light emitting board is arranged on the back side of the front plate member A840 of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 to perform light emission of the front plate member A840, it is necessary to arrange the light emitting board at an appropriate distance to make the front plate member A840 emit light, so that the front-to-rear width of the unit increases and the space for arranging moving props behind it is reduced.

[0525] In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, the front light emitting substrate A820 is positioned not behind the front plate member A840, but offset left / right or front / rear from the front plate member A840, thereby making it possible to shorten the front-to-rear width of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, and therefore ensuring sufficient space for placing moving objects behind the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810.

[0526] In this embodiment, the guide member A802 (see FIG. 50) is used to form a play area in front of the upper right area A60b of the window portion A60a. The right end of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is inserted into the upper right area A60b. That is, it is disposed inside the plate thickness of the base plate A60 in the front-rear direction.

[0527] This allows the front-to-rear thickness of the game board A13 (see FIG. 50) to be reduced compared to when the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is arranged behind the base plate A60. Furthermore, since the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is arranged behind the base plate A60, and light entering the game area is less likely to be attenuated compared to light that reaches the game area by passing through the plate thickness of the base plate A60, the game area in front of the upper right area A60b can be brightly illuminated.

[0528] The front plate member A840 is formed in a shape that overlaps with the edge of the front light emitting substrate A820. That is, the pressing force applied from the front plate member A840 to the front light emitting substrate A820 when the front plate member A840 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 from the front side of the front light emitting substrate A820 is divided along the edge of the front light emitting substrate A820, so that the load per unit area can be reduced.

[0529] This allows the front light emitting substrate A820 and the front plate member A840 to come into surface contact while avoiding excessive load being applied between them, making it easy to align the optical axes of the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting substrate A820 with the front plate member A840.

[0530] As shown in FIG. 55, the travel path AL2 of the irradiated light from the edge light emitters A823, A827 selected from highly directional LEDs is received by the front side plate member A840, and then extends in the left-right direction until it reaches the linear groove portion A842 in a manner that causes total reflection on the front and rear surfaces of the front side plate member A840, and upon reaching the linear groove portion A842, it is refracted and redirected toward the front side.

[0531] Therefore, when light is being emitted from the edge light-emitting portions A823, A827 when viewing the front side panel member A840 from the front side, the light directed from the linear groove portion A842 to the front side reaches the player's eyes, so that the outline of the shape of an illustration, including a specific character or logo, which is the original shape of the linear groove portion A842, can be visually perceived as glowing.

[0532] The LEDs constituting the edge light emitters A833, A837 (see FIG. 53) have lower directivity than the LEDs constituting the edge light emitters A823, A827. This allows the entire area of ​​the rear plate member A850 to be uniformly illuminated.

[0533] That is, the light from the edge light emitters A833, A837 (see FIG. 53) is not totally reflected within the rear plate member A850, and functions to uniformly illuminate the rear plate member A850.

[0534] Returning to Fig. 2, the description will be given. As shown in Fig. 2, the downstream guide member A803 is disposed on the lower right side of the center frame A86 in a front view. The downstream guide member A803 constitutes a flow path through which the game ball guided by the guide member A802 is guided regardless of whether it passes through the through gate 67 or not.

[0535] Fig. 56 is an exploded front perspective view of the downstream guide member A803, and Fig. 57 is an exploded rear perspective view of the downstream guide member A803. Note that Figs. 56 and 57 only show a part of the base plate A60 to which the downstream guide member A803 is fixed, and other parts of the base plate A60 are omitted.

[0536] The downstream guide member A803 comprises a front member A803z having a plate-shaped main body A803a and an extension plate A803b extending from the back surface of the plate-shaped main body A803a, a rear member A804 formed from a light-transmitting resin material that is arranged on the back surface of the front member A803z and fastened to the base plate A60 while being fastened to the front member A803z so as to form a path between the front member A803z and the front member A803z through which game balls can flow down, and a decorative plate member A805 affixed to the front surface of the plate-shaped main body A803a of the front member A803z, and is configured so that in the assembled state (see Figure 2), game balls guided by the guide member A802 can flow down the area between the plate-shaped main body A803a and the rear member A804.

[0537] The extension plate A803b comprises a left extension plate A803c extending from the left edge of the plate-shaped main body A803a and formed from a plate portion extending in the vertical direction and an inclined plate portion extending in the downward and left direction, a middle left extension plate A803d formed in a shape corresponding to the left extension plate A803c and arranged opposite the left extension plate A803c to form a left side flow path ATL1 in the area between the left extension plate A803c, a middle right extension plate A803e having a portion branching off from a midpoint of the middle left extension plate A803d and extending to the right so as to extend downward while bending left and right, and a right extension plate A803f arranged opposite the middle right extension plate A803e to form a right side flow path ATL2 in the area between the middle right extension plate A803e.

[0538] The game ball flowing down the left flow path ATL1 passes through the ball detection sensor ASE1 that is disposed between the left extension plate A803c and the middle left extension plate A803d and is held by the sensor support portion A804a of the rear member A804 in the assembled state, on the way down to the left, which is the direction in which the left extension plate A803c and the middle left extension plate A803d extend, and is discharged toward the rear of the base plate A60 through the opening A804b of the rear member A804. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the left flow path ATL1 is not guided to the second winning port 640 or the specific winning port 65a (see FIG. 2).

[0539] Since the direction in which the left flow path ATL1 extends (to the lower left) is away from the right flow path ATL2, it is easy to avoid confusing a game ball flowing through the left flow path ATL1 with a game ball flowing through the right flow path ATL2 when both the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 are visible.

[0540] There are various possible modes of control when a gaming ball is detected by the detection sensor ASE1, but in this embodiment, when the detection sensor ASE1 detects the passage of a gaming ball, it is controlled so that one prize ball is paid out.

[0541] The number of prize balls is an example, and is not limited to 1, but may be 2 or more. On the other hand, by setting the number of prize balls to 1 as in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the loss of balls when a game ball hit from the right flows through the left flow path ATL1.

[0542] In addition, when the number of prize balls is two or more, the number of balls that the player has increases by the prize balls paid out to the player, even if the shot balls are subtracted. This reduces the disappointment felt when balls flow into the left flow passage ATL1.

[0543] The game ball that has flowed into the right-side flow passage ATL2 flows down along the inclined surface A803e1 that extends in the lower right direction on the upstream side of the center right extension plate A803e. In this case, the ball flows down in a direction away from the left-side flow passage ATL1 that is provided adjacent to the right-side flow passage ATL2, so that when both the left-side flow passage ATL1 and the right-side flow passage ATL2 are visible, it is easy to avoid mistaking the game ball flowing in the left-side flow passage ATL1 for the game ball flowing in the right-side flow passage ATL2.

[0544] The ball rolling on the inclined surface A803e1 flows to the right near the upper edge of the plate-shaped body A803a, so that the visibility of the ball when viewed from above the downstream guide member A803 can be improved compared to the ball flowing down the left flow path ATL1, which causes the ball to flow down in a manner similar to a free fall. In other words, the period during which the ball is visible when viewed from above the downstream guide member A803 can be extended.

[0545] The game ball flowing down the right-side flow path ATL2 rolls on the extension plate A803f1 that extends leftward from the inside of the right extension plate A803f, and flows down along the curved surface A803e2 of the middle right extension plate A803e that is curved in an arc shape to accommodate the rolling ball.

[0546] A ball rolling on the extension plate A803f1 will flow down in a direction approaching the left flow path ATL1, but since the curved surface A803e2 is positioned with a gap between it and the left flow path ATL1 and the ball flowing down along the curved surface A803e2 will flow down in a direction away from the left flow path ATL1, it is easy to avoid confusing the game ball flowing in the left flow path ATL1 with the game ball flowing in the right flow path ATL2.

[0547] Furthermore, since the ball flows down the left flow path ATL1 in a manner that tilts to the left in the direction of gravity, while the ball flows down the right flow path ATL2 in a manner that meanders from side to side, when both the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 are visible, it is easier to avoid confusing the game ball flowing down the left flow path ATL1 with the game ball flowing down the right flow path ATL2.

[0548] In addition, the period during which the game ball flowing through the left flow path ATL1 and the game ball flowing through the right flow path ATL2 stay in the internal flow path of the downstream guide member A803 can be made different. For example, when balls flow into the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 at the same time, the ball flowing down the left flow path ATL1 is quickly swept downward, and the ball flowing down the right flow path ATL2 meanders left and right, so that the period during which the balls flowing down the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 are at the same height can be shortened (the height positions of the balls can be made different). This makes it easier to avoid mistaking the game ball flowing through the left flow path ATL1 for the game ball flowing through the right flow path ATL2.

[0549] The game ball that has passed through the right-side flow path ATL2 flows downward along the front side of the base plate A60 and is guided toward the second winning opening 640 or the specific winning opening 65a (see FIG. 2). Therefore, among the balls that flow down the downstream guide member A803, only the balls that flow down the right-side flow path ATL2 can enter the second winning opening 640 or the specific winning opening 65a.

[0550] As described above, the right flow path ATL2 is formed as a flow path that meanders from side to side, so the vertical speed of the ball can be reduced compared to when the ball falls freely. This reduces the vertical speed of the ball when it reaches the second winning hole 640 or the specific winning hole 65a, making it easier to prevent the opening and closing plate of the electric role 640a or the opening and closing plate of the variable winning device 65 from being damaged by a collision with the ball.

[0551] The decorative plate member A805 is formed from a resin material and comprises a transparent sheet A805a that transmits light to the same extent regardless of the viewing direction, and a viewing pattern changing sheet A806 that is configured so that the light transmittance changes depending on the viewing direction.

[0552] The visual appearance-changing sheet A806 is formed to a size that includes the left flow path ATL1 when viewed from the front, and the transparent sheet A805a is formed to a size that includes the right flow path ATL2 when viewed from the front, and the decorative plate member A805 composed of the visual appearance-changing sheet A806 and the transparent sheet A805a is formed to have a shape that occupies an area slightly smaller than the outer edge of the plate-shaped main body A803a.

[0553] 58 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the viewing mode changing sheet A806. The viewing mode changing sheet A806 can also be called a viewing angle control sheet, and has a structure in which transparent resin film A806c is laminated to the front and back of a louver film in which transparent silicone rubber A806a and black silicone rubber A806b are alternately arranged, and it is possible to design the angular range (viewing angle) of transmitted light by changing the arrangement interval and posture of the black silicone rubber A806b during manufacturing.

[0554] The visual appearance changing sheet A806 is a sheet attached to the front side of the plate-like main body A803a as shown in Fig. 56, and is required to be very thin since it is placed in the limited range of the gap between the glass unit 16. In this embodiment as well, a finely designed sheet is used in which the transparent resin film A806c is a film made of polycarbonate and has a thickness of about 0.2 mm, and the black silicone rubber A806b is arranged at an interval (pitch) of about 0.1 mm.

[0555] Fig. 59(a) and Fig. 59(b) are schematic diagrams showing the change in appearance of the downstream guide member A803 depending on the viewing direction. Fig. 59(a) shows the appearance when viewed in the direction of the arrow AEL1 in Fig. 58, and Fig. 59(b) shows the appearance when viewed in the direction of the arrow AEL2 in Fig. 58. Note that in Fig. 59, although changes in the external shape may occur depending on the viewing direction, for convenience, the changes in the external shape are ignored and the same shape is shown. Also, in Fig. 59, the inner surfaces of the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 viewed through the viewing mode changing sheet A806 are shown in solid lines.

[0556] In this embodiment, the arrangement interval and orientation of the black silicone rubber A806b (see FIG. 58) are designed so that the viewing angle at which the rear side of the visual appearance-changing sheet A806 can be seen through the visual appearance-changing sheet A806 is approximately 30 degrees.

[0557] That is, as shown in Figure 59(a), when the visual appearance-changing sheet A806 is viewed in the direction of the arrow AEL1 (see Figure 58) (when viewed from directly in front of the downstream guide member A803), the left side flow path ATL1 located at the back can be viewed through the visual appearance-changing sheet A806.

[0558] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 59(b), when the visual appearance-changing sheet A806...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising first means and second means, and engaging means configured so that a first engaging body and a second engaging body can be engaged with the first means and the second means, respectively, wherein at least a part of a first arrangement body arranged on the first means can be interposed between at least a part of the first means and the first engaging body of the engaging means, and at least a part of a second arrangement body arranged on the second means can be interposed between at least a part of the second means and the second engaging body of the engaging means, the first engaging body has a first engaging body side protrusion configured in such a manner that it can be protruded toward a predetermined portion of the first arrangement body, and when the first engaging body and the first means are in the engaged state, and the first engaging body is displaced in a direction to release the engagement with the first means, at least a portion of the first engaging body side protrusion can be abutted against the first arrangement body; the second engaging body has a second engaging body side protrusion configured in a manner that allows it to protrude toward a specific portion of the second arrangement body, and when the second engaging body and the second means are in the engaged state, when the second engaging body is displaced in a direction to release the engagement with the second means, at least a portion of the second engaging body side protrusion is configured to be able to abut against the second arrangement body; the engaging means is provided with a connecting body configured to be able to connect the first engaging body and the second engaging body, and in a state in which the first engaging body and the first means are engaged and the second engaging body and the second means are engaged, a plurality of locations of the connecting body on the first engaging body side and other plurality of locations of the connecting body on the second engaging body side can be cut; a first engaging body configured to move the first engaging body side protrusion toward or away from a predetermined portion of the first disposing body while maintaining a connected state between the first engaging body and the connecting body; A gaming machine characterized in that the first engagement body, when disengaged from the first means, is configured to be able to engage with the first means by being displaced linearly in one direction relative to the first means.

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