Game machine
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- OLYMPIA KK
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
AI Technical Summary
Gaming machines are prone to damage from foreign objects such as screws and iron powder, which can enter through heat radiation ports and cause damage to the board units.
The gaming machine design includes a support part with hollowed-out sections and strategically positioned heat radiation ports to prevent foreign objects from entering the board unit, ensuring that screws cannot pass through and causing damage.
This design effectively prevents damage to the board unit by blocking the path of foreign objects, thereby enhancing the durability and reliability of the gaming machine.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]
[0002] A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine that includes a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming value) move and a launching device that launches the gaming balls into the gaming area. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when the entry of a gaming ball into the starting port is detected, a special symbol lottery is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state, and multiple special games are played in the special gaming state. In each special game, a big prize opening provided in the gaming area operates to an open state, and a gaming ball is paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the big prize opening.
[0003] Also, as a gaming machine, a slot machine is known that is equipped with a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, a start lever, a stop button, etc. In the slot machine, the reels start to rotate based on a game start operation, and an internal lottery is performed using a lottery table. When each reel stops, a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination that has been selected in the internal lottery is displayed, and when the winning combination is a winning combination, a process corresponding to the winning combination is performed, such as a medal payout process that pays out medals (game value) or a replay process that allows a player to play again without consuming medals.
[0004] Such gaming machines are provided with a power supply unit (a board unit including a power supply board) capable of supplying power to each component (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7072195 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] Incidentally, in gaming machines, there is a demand for suppressing damage to parts.
[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an amusement machine in which damage to parts is suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: A housing and A substrate unit; A reel unit; A support portion that supports the reel unit; a screw provided on the left side plate of the housing; The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, The housing has a hole on a rear surface, A plurality of heat dissipation ports are provided on the top surface of the substrate unit, The hole is provided below the support portion and above the heat dissipation port, The screw is provided below the support portion and above the heat dissipation port, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion through which no member is inserted, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation port, the hole, and the first cutout portion are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the up-down direction, and the heat dissipation port is provided with a shape that covers an upper side of an opening, A linear distance between the screw and the heat dissipation port is a first distance, A linear distance between the screw and the hole is a second distance; If the linear distance between the heat dissipation port and the hole is a third distance, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance; A longitudinal dimension of the opening of the heat sink is greater than a diameter of the head of the screw, The short dimension of the opening of the heat sink is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw. In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes: A housing and A substrate unit; A reel unit; A support portion that supports the reel unit; A screw provided on a left side plate of the housing; a hole provided on a rear surface of the housing; The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports are provided on the top surface of the substrate unit, The screw is provided below the support portion and above the heat dissipation port, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion through which no member is inserted, When viewed from above, the first cutout portion and the heat dissipation port are provided at positions that do not overlap with each other. A linear distance between the screw and the heat dissipation port is a first distance, A linear distance between the screw and the hole is a second distance; If the linear distance between the heat dissipation port and the hole is a third distance, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance; The longitudinal dimension of the opening of the heat sink is greater than the diameter of the head of the screw, The short dimension of the opening of the heat sink is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw. In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes: A housing and A substrate unit; A reel unit; A support portion that supports the reel unit; a screw provided on the left side plate of the housing; The housing has a hole on a rear surface, The hole is provided above the support portion, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports are provided on the top surface of the substrate unit, The screw is provided below the support portion and above the heat dissipation port, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion through which no member is inserted, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation port, the first cutout portion, and the hole are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, and a member that covers the opening of the heat dissipation port is provided between the heat dissipation port and the first cutout portion, A linear distance between the screw and the heat dissipation port is a first distance, A linear distance between the screw and the hole is a second distance; If the linear distance between the heat dissipation port and the hole is a third distance, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance; A longitudinal dimension of the opening of the heat sink is greater than a diameter of the head of the screw, The short dimension of the opening of the heat sink is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw. In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes: A housing and A substrate unit; A reel unit; A support portion that supports the reel unit; a screw provided on the left side plate of the housing; The housing has a hole on a rear surface, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, When viewed from the front, the board unit and at least a part of the hole are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, a top surface of the substrate unit has a first region that overlaps with the support portion when viewed from above, and a second region that does not overlap with the support portion when viewed from above, The second region has a smaller distance to the hole than the first region, A plurality of heat dissipation ports are provided in the first region, but no heat dissipation ports are provided in the second region, a member for covering the opening is provided above the opening of the heat dissipation port in the first region, The screw is provided below the support portion and above the heat dissipation port, The linear distance between the screw and the heat sink is defined as a first distance. A linear distance between the screw and the hole is a second distance; If the linear distance between the heat dissipation port and the hole is a third distance, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance; A longitudinal dimension of the opening of the heat sink is greater than a diameter of the head of the screw, The short dimension of the opening of the heat sink is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw.
[0009] The entire screw is prevented from penetrating into the board unit through the heat dissipation hole. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the board unit due to the screw penetrating. In addition, by making the distance (third distance) between the heat dissipation hole and the hole (rear hole) relatively large, the screw can be prevented from passing through the hole even if the dropped screw comes into contact with the top surface of the board unit and bounces back (flies backward). This makes it possible to prevent the screw from flying out of the case through the hole and becoming lost. Effect of the Invention
[0010] According to the present invention, damage to parts can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram to explain the receiving tray and the cancel chute, where (a) shows the receiving tray and the cancel chute in close proximity, and (b) shows the receiving tray and the cancel chute in a state separated from each other. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram to explain the cancel chute, where (a) shows the cancel chute from the front and (b) shows the cancel chute from the rear. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the hopper unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, in which (a) is a diagram of the cancel chute seen from above, and (b) is a diagram of the cancel chute seen from the left side. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, where (a) shows a see-through view of the front member of the cancel chute, and (b) shows only the rear member of the cancel chute. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a first imaginary straight line. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a second imaginary line. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a third imaginary line. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing one end of a first imaginary straight line. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing the other end of the first imaginary straight line. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view seen from the front side, showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the reel support portion and the power supply box, in which (a) is a diagram of the housing as seen from the front, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in (a). [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a top view of the power supply box and the reel support part of the same. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a heat dissipation port having a foreign object intrusion prevention portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the relationship between the hole on the rear surface of the housing, the power supply box, and the reel support portion according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 11 is a perspective view seen from the front side, showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the power supply unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the screw, where (a) shows the screw without a washer and (b) shows the screw with a washer. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the sizes of game medals and game balls. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the size of the heat dissipation holes of the first embodiment. [Figure 29] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the heat dissipation hole, in which (a) and (b) show a state in which a game medal is fitted into the heat dissipation hole, and (c) shows a state in which a screw is fitted into the heat dissipation hole. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the power supply unit with the front panel removed. [Diagram 31]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of the power supply unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33] The same is a view of the game board from the front. [Diagram 34] This is an oblique view of the inner frame (main body of the gaming machine) viewed from the front upper side, showing the state with the gaming board removed. [Diagram 35] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power supply unit from the rear side. [Diagram 36] 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the screws, the heat radiating port, and the rear hole in the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or the components may be omitted.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cabinet 1 of the slot machine 100. This slot machine 100 has a cabinet (game machine cabinet) 1. The cabinet 1 has a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5 and 6, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The back plate 3 may be thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5 and 6.
[0014] Hereinafter, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5, and the left surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "inner surface". Also, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the rear surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5, and the right surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the outside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Also, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, and for example, a part (the top plate 2) may be made of wood, and the rest (the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6) may be made of resin. Also, for example, the top plate 2 may be made of two types of materials (resin and metal).
[0015] A front door 20 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 1 to close the front opening of the cabinet 1 in an openable and closable manner. The front door 20 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as an upper part (upper door) and a lower part (lower door). The slot machine 100 may be a so-called separated cabinet type in which the upper part of the front door 20 and the reel unit 14 can be replaced while the cabinet 1, the lower part of the front door 20, and the power supply unit 10 and the hopper unit 11 in the cabinet 1 are attached to the island equipment of the gaming facility when replacing the model in the gaming facility. When the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the upper door and the lower door can be opened and closed freely relative to the cabinet 1. That is, the upper door is rotatably connected to the hinge 29, and opens and closes the upper opening of the cabinet 1. The lower door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29 to open and close the lower opening of the housing 1.
[0016] A flat panel 21 is provided on the upper side of the front door 20. A display device (display means, liquid crystal display) as a presentation device is provided on the back (rear side) of the panel 21. Various images (presentation images) for assisting or livening up the game are displayed on the liquid crystal display.
[0017] A transparent display window (window portion) 22 is provided in the center of the front door 20. Behind the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c (see FIG. 2) are provided in a horizontal row. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be seen through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c stop, three consecutive symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. The display window 22 is provided with upper, middle, and lower rows as display positions for visually viewing the symbols of the reels 15a to 15c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of the reels 15a to 15c. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a pay line is formed by the middle section of the first reel 15a, the middle section of the second reel 15b, and the middle section of the third reel 15c.
[0018] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to "3", and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the three reels 15a to 15c stop, whether or not a winning combination has been achieved is displayed through the display window 22. In the slot machine 100, the reels 15a to 15c start to rotate with the start of a game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations has been achieved or not (no win). Then, when the reels 15a to 15c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination obtained by the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, the winning combination is determined to be a winning combination, and a process (award winning process) corresponding to the winning combination is executed.
[0019] The front door 20 is provided with lighting devices (lighting means) 24, 25, speakers (sound output means), etc., as performance devices for performing performances (notifications), etc. The lighting device 24 is provided on the upper side of the panel 21 of the front door 20. The lighting devices 25, 25 are provided on both the left and right ends of the front door 20. A decorative member 26 having a luminous or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24, 25 is provided at a predetermined part of the front door 20, and the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine has projections and recesses. In other words, the gaming machine is decorated with the decorative member 26.
[0020] A plurality of speakers (not shown) are provided on the front door 20, for example, on the upper and lower parts. The speakers output various sounds for presentation (music, background music, sound effects, voice, etc.) to assist or liven up the game. Note that, in addition to the liquid crystal display, lighting devices 24, 25, and speakers, movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc. may be provided as presentation devices.
[0021] An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine 100 is provided at the center of the front door 20 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 30 includes a settlement button 60 operated when settling medals (game medals, game media, game value), a start lever 32 operated when starting a game, a stop button 33 (three stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c) operated when stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c, a medal insertion slot 34 for inserting medals, a reject button 70 operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs below the medal insertion slot 34, a MAX bet button 35 (bet button) operated when betting (investing) credited medals (operated when setting the maximum number of bets), and the like. In addition to the MAX bet button 35 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number), a 1 bet button (second bet button) operated when betting one medal may be provided as the bet button. In addition, the front door 20 is provided with a performance button 36 (performance operation unit) that is operated when progressing the performance (changing the mode of the performance), etc.
[0022] The operation unit 30 is also provided with an operation panel 57 that is operated when selecting game effects and the like, a display unit 58 that displays game information, and the like. The operation panel 57 is provided in the approximate center of the width direction (left-right direction) of the operation unit 30, and the display unit 58 is provided to the right of the medal insertion slot 34. The operation panel 57 is provided with, for example, a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button.
[0023] In addition, at the bottom of the front door 20, there are provided a payout outlet 50 for discharging (sending out) medals from inside the slot machine 100, and a receiving tray 38 capable of storing medals discharged (paid out) from the payout outlet 50. In addition, between the operation unit 30 and the receiving tray 38, there is provided a lower panel 39 for decorating the exterior of the gaming machine. On the rear side of this lower panel 39, a light source (LED) for illumination is provided, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by light from this light source. The lower panel 39 is formed to be pushable, and may be an effect operation unit having a function equivalent to that of an effect button.
[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, a reel unit 14 is provided inside the cabinet 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, and 15c with a plurality of symbols displayed around them, a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c, and the like. Each reel is fixed to an output shaft of the corresponding stepping motor.
[0025] Inside the housing 1, on the top surface of the bottom plate 4, there are provided a power supply unit (power supply means) 10 that supplies power to each component, a hopper unit (medal payout device 11) 11 (payout device) that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out the medals, and a cash box 12 from which surplus medals are sent out when the medals stored in the medal payout device 11 reach a certain amount. Note that the unit in which components such as the power supply unit 10 are arranged inside the housing 1 may be referred to as a back box unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to each component. Note that some components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit 10 is turned off.
[0026] The front door 20 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the front door 20 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the front door 20 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position.
[0027] When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the slot machine 100 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state up to a specified number (specified insertion number). The slot machine 100 is also capable of storing (accumulating) up to 50 medals as credits, and when the MAX BET button 35 is operated with medals stored as credits, the stored medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number.
[0028] In the slot machine 100, when medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 34 or the MAX BET button 35 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 32 is enabled, and the game can be started. In addition, when the enabled start lever 32 is operated, the game starts. When the game starts, each reel starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each reel reaches a certain speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop button 33 is enabled. In addition, when the enabled stop button 33 is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 33 stops. When all the reels stop, a process of paying out medals according to the result of the game or a process of making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals is performed, and one game is ended.
[0029] Inside the slot machine 100, a main control board (main control means) and a sub-control board (sub-control means) are provided. The sub-control board may be provided on the rear side of the front door 20. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX BET button 35, the start lever 32, and the stop button 33, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit 14 and the hopper unit 11 based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub-control board receives signals (information) sent from the main control board, performs various calculations to execute a performance, and controls various performance devices such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker based on the calculation results.
[0030] The main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board to the main control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.
[0031] The main control board is provided with a setting change key cylinder (not shown), a setting change button (not shown), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in the power supply unit 10, for example.
[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, a receiving tray 38 and a dispensing opening 50 are provided below the front door 20. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(a), a cancel chute 40 is provided behind the receiving tray 38. Although not shown, a hopper unit 11 (Fig. 2) is disposed behind (on the back side of) the cancel chute 40.
[0033] FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the tray 38 and the cancel chute 40 are separated. The tray 38 is formed in a substantially square (substantially rectangular) dish shape that is long in the left-right direction. The tray 38 mainly includes a bottom 381, an edge (wall) 382 that is formed (standing) so as to surround the bottom 381, and a payout outlet 50 that is formed in the rear edge 382. In this embodiment, the tray 38 includes a concave storage section 383 that can store medals and the like, but the storage section 383 may not be provided. In other words, the storage section 383 may not be provided, and the bottom 381 may be larger.
[0034] Edge 382 has the function of preventing medals paid out from payout outlet 50 from spilling out of tray 38. Edge 382 is made up of a front edge (front wall 382a) provided on the front side of bottom 381, a right edge provided on the right side of bottom 381, a left edge provided on the left side of bottom 381, and a rear edge provided on the rear side of bottom 381. In this embodiment, the height of the front edge (height from bottom 381) is the lowest, but this height is a dimension equal to or greater than the diameter of a medal.
[0035] The cancel chute 40 is formed to have a space on the inside (inside), allowing medals to pass through the inside. The cancel chute 40 functions as a medal passage (guide passage) that guides medals that have entered the inside to the receiving tray 38. In this embodiment, the cancel chute 40 may be referred to as a "medal passage." The cancel chute 40 has multiple openings (described later). In other words, the cancel chute 40 has an entrance section and an exit section for medals. In this embodiment, the cancel chute 40 is composed of two members, a first member (front member) and a second member (rear member) combined from the front and rear, but is not limited to this and may be composed of one member, or may be composed of two or more members.
[0036] The medal passage (i.e., the cancel chute 40) is required to be formed so that medals can flow (pass) smoothly in order to prevent medal clogging within the passage. However, if the medal passage is shaped in such a way that the smooth flow of medals is given too much priority in order to prevent medal clogging, a problem occurs in that it becomes easier to commit fraud against the hopper unit 11 located at the rear (deterioration of fraud prevention performance). Furthermore, if the medal passage is shaped in a complex manner in order to improve fraud prevention performance, it becomes difficult to achieve the smooth flow of medals, and furthermore, the complex shape creates a problem in that it impedes the installation (placement) of other components on the front door 20 (reducing the installation space for other components).
[0037] In this embodiment, we will describe a shape of a medal passage that can achieve a good balance between allowing the medals to flow smoothly, improving anti-fraud performance, and preventing interference with the installation of other components.
[0038] (Second opening 402) As shown in FIG. 3(b), a second opening 402 (receiving tray side opening) that opens in the front-rear direction is provided at the lower front side of the cancel chute 40. FIG. 4(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as viewed from the front side. The second opening 402 has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the second opening 402 contacts the payout outlet 50 of the receiving tray 38. Note that contact includes being close to the payout outlet 50 and being in contact with the payout outlet 50. The second opening 402 is provided at a position corresponding to (opposing) the payout outlet 50. It can also be said that the second opening 402 and the payout outlet 50 are formed to overlap in the front-rear direction. The second opening 402 is an outlet for medals from the cancel chute 40.
[0039] The cancel chute 40 is located between the receiving tray 38 and the medal payout device 11 (Figure 2) in the front-to-rear direction, and is capable of guiding medals sent out from the medal payout device 11 to the receiving tray 38 (details will be described later).
[0040] 5 is a view of the medal payout device 11 (hopper) as seen from the front side. A medal payout section 111 (payout section, launch port section) is provided on the front side (front surface side) of the medal payout device 11. The medal payout section 111 is formed to be able to pass medals, and medals are sent out (launched) from the medal payout section 111 when, for example, a small winning combination is achieved or when the settlement button 60 is pressed with credited medals present. The opening of the medal payout section 111 is substantially rectangular, and is diagonally downward to the right as seen from the front.
[0041] A peripheral wall 112 is provided around the medal payout unit 111. The peripheral wall 112 is a portion (wall portion) of a predetermined range of the front surface of the medal payout device 11 around the medal payout unit 111. The predetermined range is at least a range that includes the range facing the first opening 401 (opening area of the first opening 401) described next (for example, the range inside the dashed line Q in FIG. 5). The peripheral wall 112 is a surface that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.
[0042] (First opening 401) FIG. 4(b) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the rear side (back side). A first opening 401 (hopper side opening) that opens in the front-rear direction is provided on the rear side of the cancel chute 40. The first opening 401 is substantially rectangular and slopes downward to the left when viewed from the rear (downward to the right when viewed from the front). When the front door 20 is closed, the first opening 401 contacts the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. Note that contact includes being close to and being in contact with each other.
[0043] With the front door 20 closed, the first opening 401 and the medal payout unit 111 face each other. The opening size of the first opening 401 is larger than (the opening of) the medal payout unit 111. The first opening 401 is provided at a position corresponding to (facing) the medal payout unit 111. It can also be said that the first opening 401 and the medal payout unit 111 are formed to overlap in the front-to-rear direction. The first opening 401 serves as an entrance (first entrance) for medals to the cancel chute 40.
[0044] Figure 6 is a view of the front door 20 (lower door) as seen from the rear side. Below the medal insertion port 34 (Figure 1) in the front door 20, a medal selector (selector) 90 is provided. The medal selector 90 is provided above the cancel chute 40. The medal selector 90 has the function of selecting medals inserted through the medal insertion port 34. For example, if the inserted medal is not a genuine medal or if the timing of inserting the medal is not appropriate, the medal selector 90 guides the inserted medal downward to the cancel chute 40 (drops the medal toward the cancel chute 40 downward).
[0045] (Third opening 403) FIG. 7(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from above. A third opening 403 (selector side opening) is provided on the upper side (upper right side) of the cancel chute 40. The third opening 403 is open in the vertical direction. The third opening 403 is in contact with the lower end of the medal selector 90. Note that "in contact" includes being close to the medal selector 90 and being in contact with the medal selector 90. The third opening 403 is substantially rectangular in shape. The third opening 403 serves as an entrance (second entrance) for medals into the cancel chute 40.
[0046] (Positional relationship of each opening) 7(b) is a diagram (left side view) of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the left side. The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at different heights (shifted heights) in the up-down direction. The first opening 401 is provided above the second opening 402. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at different heights in the up-down direction. The third opening 403 is provided above the second opening 402. The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at different heights in the up-down direction. The third opening 403 is provided above the first opening 401.
[0047] A medal fired from the medal payout unit 111 of the medal payout device 11 enters the interior of the cancel chute 40 (medal passage) through the first opening 401. The cancel chute 40 then leads (guides) the medal that has entered the interior from the first opening 401 forward. The medal that has entered the interior of the cancel chute 40 from the first opening 401 passes through (flows down, slides) the interior of the cancel chute 40 and exits the cancel chute 40 from the second opening 402.
[0048] Furthermore, the medals sent out from the medal selector 90 (that have passed through the medal selector 90) enter the interior of the cancel chute 40 via the third opening 403. The cancel chute 40 then leads (guides) the medals that have entered the interior through the third opening 403 downward. The medals that have entered the interior of the cancel chute 40 from the third opening 403 pass through the interior of the cancel chute 40 and exit the cancel chute 40 from the second opening 402.
[0049] FIG. 8(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the front, with the members constituting the front side of the cancel chute 40 seen through (transparent). The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction. The first opening 401 is provided to the left of the second opening 402. Furthermore, the third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction. The third opening 403 is provided to the right of the second opening 402. Furthermore, the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction.
[0050] In this embodiment, the left end of the first opening 401 is located to the left of the left end of the second opening 402, but the right end of the first opening 401 is located between the left end of the second opening 402 and the right end of the second opening 402. The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 have a relatively small offset in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, but a relatively large offset in the up-down direction (height direction), so there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.
[0051] The left end of the third opening 403 is provided to the right of the right end of the second opening 402. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are relatively largely offset in the left-right and up-down directions (height directions), and there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 have different opening directions (opening orientations). In this embodiment, the third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.
[0052] The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are relatively largely offset in the left-right and up-down directions (height directions), and do not have an overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 have different opening directions (opening orientations). In this embodiment, the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.
[0053] 8(b) is a diagram showing (only) the members constituting the rear side of the cancel chute 40. The inner surface of the cancel chute 40 (the surface constituting the medal passage) includes a first inclined surface 411, a second inclined surface 412, and a third inclined surface 413.
[0054] The first inclined surface 411 is a surface that inclines downward toward the right in the left-right direction (a surface that slopes downward to the right). The first inclined surface 411 is formed so that it can come into contact with a medal that has entered through the first opening 401, and when the medal comes into contact with the first inclined surface 411, the first inclined surface 411 guides the medal to the lower right (to the second inclined surface 412).
[0055] The third inclined surface 413 is a surface that inclines downward in the left-right direction toward the left (a surface that slopes downward to the left). The third inclined surface 413 is formed so as to be able to come into contact with a medal that has entered through the third opening 403, and when the medal comes into contact with the third inclined surface 413, the third inclined surface 413 guides the medal to the lower left (the second inclined surface 412).
[0056] The second inclined surface 412 is provided below the first inclined surface 411 and the third inclined surface 413. The second inclined surface 412 is inclined downward in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the second inclined surface 412 is made up of two inclined surfaces with different gradients (inclination), and the inclined surface on the front side has a greater gradient (inclination with respect to the horizontal plane) than the inclined surface on the rear side.
[0057] The second inclined surface 412 is formed so as to come into contact with a medal falling from above, and guides the medal that comes into contact with it to the front side (i.e., the second opening 402). The second inclined surface 412 is formed so as to continue to the second opening 402, and the medal that reaches the second opening 402 by descending the inclined surface is discharged from the second opening 402 to the outside (i.e., the receiving tray 38).
[0058] Here, the medal passage from the first opening 401 to the second opening 402 (connecting the first opening 401 and the second opening 402) is referred to as the first passage F1, and the medal passage from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402 (connecting the third opening 403 and the second opening 402) is referred to as the second passage F2.
[0059] The first passage F1 has a shape that can change the direction in which the medal advances (traveling direction). It can also be said that the first passage F1 has at least one bent portion (curved portion). In other words, the first passage F1 is crank-shaped. The second passage F2 has a shape that can change the direction in which the medal moves (traveling direction). It can also be said that the second passage F2 has at least one bent portion (curved portion). In other words, the second passage F2 is crank-shaped.
[0060] The first passage F1 leading from the first opening 401 to the second opening 402 is a passage that proceeds from the rear to the front, turns at a bend (first bend) to proceed to the right side (lower right side), and then turns at the next bend (second bend) to proceed to the front side (lower front side), as shown by the arrow F1. A medal launched from the rear to the front through the first opening 401 may collide with the flat front surface inside the passage (the surface marked with the symbol P in FIG. 12). A metal plate (buffer member) may be arranged on the front surface with which the medal collides in order to cushion the impact of the medal collision. In other words, a part (of the inner surface) of the medal passage may be formed from a metal plate. By arranging the metal plate, it is possible to prevent the inner surface of the passage from being deformed or damaged by the medal collision. The metal plate may be, for example, a stainless steel plate with a thickness of about 0.4 mm. Note that rubber (elastic body) may be used as the buffer member instead of a metal plate. In the above, it has been described that a medal shot forward from the rear collides with a flat front surface in the passage, but this is not limiting, and the medal may collide with a curved front surface in the passage. In other words, the front surface may be curved. A curved surface may be, for example, a shape that is concave (recessed) toward the front. When the front surface against which the medal collides is curved, the impact of the medal collision is mitigated compared to when it is flat. This allows the medal to be guided more smoothly to the receiving tray 38.
[0061] The second passage F2 leading from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402 is a passage that proceeds from top to bottom, turns at a bend (third bend) to proceed to the left (lower left), and then turns at the next bend (second bend) to proceed to the front (lower front), as shown by the arrow F2.
[0062] Moreover, a passage from the third opening 403 to the first opening 401 is referred to as a third passage F3. Although not shown in the drawings, the third passage F3 has at least one bent portion, similar to the first passage F1 and the second passage F2.
[0063] If the first passage F1 and the second passage F2 were not shaped to change the direction in which the medals move, but were straight (without any curved sections), it would be easy for a player to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like to commit fraud (pranks). In this embodiment, as described above, the first passage F1 and the second passage F2 are shaped to change the direction in which the medals move (because they have curved sections), making it difficult for a player to insert a tool (member) or the like. This makes it possible to improve fraud prevention performance. Note that being able to improve fraud prevention performance includes reducing the risk of parts being damaged by the insertion of a tool or the like.
[0064] Here, as shown in Fig. 9, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 is defined as a first virtual line X. In this embodiment, it is possible to draw (draw) the first virtual line X without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (first passage F1). In other words, the first virtual line X is a line that can be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 can be connected by a line (first virtual line X) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. According to this configuration, the medal passage (first passage F1) has a shape that makes it possible to draw the first imaginary straight line X without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (a shape that has a linearly communicating space), so medals can pass through (be paid out) smoothly. Also, compared to a medal passage (first passage) with a complicated shape that makes it impossible to draw the first imaginary straight line X, this simple shape prevents it from interfering with the installation of other components.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 is defined as a third virtual line Z. In this embodiment, it is impossible to draw (draw) the third virtual line Z without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (third passage F3). In other words, the third virtual line Z is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, it is impossible to connect the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 with a straight line (third virtual line Z) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. It can also be said that the third virtual line Z contacts the inner surface of the medal passage (the inner surface of the medal passage exists on that straight line). According to this configuration, the medal passage (third passage F3) is shaped in such a way that the third virtual straight line Z cannot be drawn, so that it is difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like through the third opening 403 to access the first opening 401 (medal payout section 111). This can improve fraud prevention performance. In addition, since the shape of the cancel chute 40 does not allow the third virtual straight line Z to be drawn (because it is not linear), irregular movement of medals that enter the cancel chute 40 from the third opening 403 and flow down toward the first opening 401 can be prevented.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 11, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the second opening 402 and the third opening 403 is defined as a second virtual line Y. In this embodiment, it is impossible to draw (draw) the second virtual line Y without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (second passage F2). In other words, the second virtual line Y is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, it is impossible to connect the second opening 402 and the third opening 403 with a straight line (second virtual line Y) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. It can also be said that the second virtual line Y contacts the inner surface of the medal passage (the inner surface of the medal passage exists on that straight line). According to this configuration, the medal passage (second passage F2) is shaped in such a way that the second virtual straight line Y cannot be drawn, so it is difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like from the second opening 402 to access the third opening 403 (medal selector 90). This improves fraud prevention capabilities.
[0067] In this embodiment, medals pass through the first passage F1 more frequently than through the second passage F2. The first passage F1 has a shape that allows the drawing of the first imaginary straight line X while strengthening fraud prevention measures, taking into account the high frequency of medals passing through it, and realizes the smooth passage of medals. On the other hand, the second passage F2 has a shape that makes it impossible to draw the second imaginary straight line Y, while strengthening fraud prevention measures since medals pass through it less frequently.
[0068] 12, the end on the front side (near side) of the first imaginary straight line X is defined as one end X1 (one end portion). The first imaginary straight line X can be drawn such that the one end X1 does not come into contact with the front edge portion (front wall portion 382a) of the tray 38, but comes into contact with the bottom portion 381 of the tray 38. In other words, the first imaginary straight line X is a line that can come into contact with the bottom portion 381 of the tray 38, without coming into contact with the front wall portion 382a of the tray 38. According to such a configuration, one end X1 contacts the bottom 381 instead of the front wall 382a, so that a medal that passes through the medal passage contacts the bottom 381 instead of the front wall 382a. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the medal from climbing over the front wall 382a and spilling out of the tray 38. In addition, when the one end X1 contacts the bottom 381 (when X1 is temporarily positioned further back) than when it contacts the front wall 382a, it becomes more difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like into the first passage from the front side because the bottom 381 becomes an obstacle. This can improve the fraud prevention performance.
[0069] As shown in Fig. 13, the rear end (deeper side) of the first imaginary straight line X is the other end X2 (other end). The first imaginary straight line X can be drawn so that the other end X2 comes into contact with the peripheral wall portion 112 (Fig. 5) without coming into contact with the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. In other words, the first imaginary straight line X is a line that can come into contact with the peripheral wall portion 112 without coming into contact with the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. With this configuration, the other end X2 contacts the peripheral wall 112 instead of the medal payout section 111, so even if an implement (rod-shaped member) or the like is inserted into the first passage F1, it is difficult for the tip of the implement to contact (access) the medal payout section 111 (or to be inserted into) the medal payout section 111. This can further improve fraud prevention capabilities.
[0070] (Component G) Here, a rod-shaped member having a predetermined diameter (for example, about 5 mm) and a predetermined length is defined as member G. The predetermined length is, for example, a length longer than the linear distance from third opening 403 to second opening 402.
[0071] When the front door 20 is open and a component G is inserted into the first opening 401 from the rear side, the component G can be inserted into the first passage F1 without contacting the inner surface of the first passage F1, and the tip of the component G coming out of the second opening 402 comes into contact with the bottom 381 of the receiving tray 38. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is closed and the receiving tray 38 is not present, if a member G is inserted into the second opening 402, the member G can be inserted into the first passage F1 without contacting the inner surface of the first passage F1, and the tip of the member G protruding from the first opening 401 comes into contact with the peripheral wall 112 of the medal payout device 11. In reality, however, it is difficult to insert the member G into the first passage F1 from the front side, since the presence of the receiving tray 38 acts as an obstacle.
[0072] Furthermore, when the front door 20 is open and the member G is inserted into the third opening 403 on the rear side, the tip of the member G cannot be taken out of the second opening 402. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the second passage F2. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is closed and the receiving tray 38 is not present, if the member G is inserted into the second opening 402, the tip of the member G cannot be ejected from the third opening 403. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the second passage F2. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is open and a member G is inserted into the third opening 403 on the rear side, the tip of the member G cannot be taken out of the first opening 401. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the third passage F3.
[0073] In this embodiment, when the front door 20 is open and the second opening 402 (tray side opening) is viewed (looked into) from the first opening 401 (hopper side opening), the bottom 381 of the tray 38 is visible, and the front wall 382a of the tray 38 is visible, but the upper end of the front wall 382a is not visible. Also, when the front door 20 is open and the second opening 402 (tray side opening) is viewed from the first opening 401 (hopper side opening), the bottom 381 of the tray 38 is visible, but the front wall 382a may not be visible. This allows smooth passage of the game value. As a modified example, when the front door 20 is open and an attempt is made to view the second opening 402 (receiving tray side opening) from the first opening 401 (hopper side opening), neither the bottom 381 nor the front wall 382a of the receiving tray 38 may be visible.
[0074] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine having a cabinet (e.g., cabinet 1) and a front door (e.g., front door 20), The housing includes a hopper (e.g., a hopper unit 11), The front door is provided with a receiving tray (e.g., a receiving tray 38) and a guide passage (e.g., a cancel chute 40), The hopper includes a launch port portion (e.g., a medal payout portion 111) from which the game value is launched, and a peripheral wall portion (e.g., a peripheral wall portion 112) of the launch port portion, The tray includes a bottom (e.g., bottom 381) and a front wall (e.g., front wall 382a) provided on the front side of the bottom. The guide passage includes a hopper side opening (e.g., a first opening 401) and a tray side opening (e.g., a second opening 402), If the passage from the hopper side opening to the tray side opening is a first passage (for example, a first passage F1), The first passage is capable of guiding the game value shot from the shot port to the tray, The first passage has a shape capable of changing a direction in which the game value advances, If a virtual line passing through the hopper side opening and the tray side opening is a first virtual line (for example, a first virtual line X), The first imaginary straight line is a line that can be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the first passage. According to this configuration, the first passage is shaped to change the direction in which the game value advances, making it difficult for players to insert tools or the like. This improves the performance of fraud prevention. In other words, it reduces the risk of parts being damaged by the insertion of tools or the like. In addition, the first passage is capable of drawing the first virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the first passage. This allows for smooth passage of the game value. In addition, the first passage has a simple shape compared to a case where the first passage is so complex that the first virtual straight line cannot be drawn. This prevents the first passage from interfering with the installation of other components.
[0075] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The first imaginary straight line is a line that can be depicted so that one end (for example, one end X1) contacts the bottom portion and the other end (for example, the other end X2) contacts the peripheral wall portion. According to this configuration, the gaming value that passes through the guide passage comes into contact with the bottom portion, not the front wall portion. This more reliably prevents the gaming value from climbing over the front wall portion and spilling out of the tray. In addition, because the bottom portion acts as an obstacle, it becomes more difficult to insert a tool or the like into the first passage from the front side. This further improves the fraud prevention performance. In addition, even if an instrument or the like is inserted into the first passage, the tip of the instrument will contact the surrounding wall, not the launch port. This makes it difficult for the tip to contact the launch port (to access the launch port) (to be inserted into the launch port). This further improves the fraud prevention performance.
[0076] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has The front door further includes a selector (e.g., a medal selector 90), The guide passage further includes a selector side opening (e.g., a third opening 403), If the passage from the selector side opening to the tray side opening is a second passage (for example, a second passage F2), the second passage is capable of guiding the game value sent from the selector to the receiving tray; The second passage has a shape capable of changing a direction in which the game value advances, If a virtual line passing through the tray side opening and the selector side opening is a second virtual line (for example, a second virtual line Y), The second imaginary straight line is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the second passage. With this configuration, the second passage cannot draw the second virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the second passage. This makes it difficult to insert an implement or the like through the tray-side opening to access the selector-side opening (selector). This improves fraud prevention performance.
[0077] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, A passage from the selector side opening to the hopper side opening is a third passage (for example, a third passage F3), If a virtual line passing through the selector side opening and the hopper side opening is a third virtual line (for example, a third virtual line Z), The third imaginary straight line is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the third passage. With this configuration, the third passage cannot draw the third virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the third passage. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to insert a tool or the like through the selector side opening to access the hopper side opening (launch port). This improves the fraud prevention performance. In addition, since the third passage has a shape that does not allow the third virtual straight line to be drawn (because it is not linear), irregular movement of the game value that enters the guide passage from the selector side opening and flows down toward the hopper side opening can be prevented.
[0078] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or the components may be omitted.
[0079] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a slot machine 100. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cabinet 1 of the slot machine 100. This slot machine 100 has a cabinet (game machine cabinet) 1. The cabinet 1 has a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5 and 6, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The back plate 3 may be thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5 and 6.
[0080] Hereinafter, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5, and the left surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "inner surface". Also, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the rear surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5, and the right surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the outside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Also, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, and for example, a part (the top plate 2) may be made of wood, and the rest (the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6) may be made of resin. Also, for example, the top plate 2 may be made of two types of materials (resin and metal).
[0081] A front door 20 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 1 to close the front opening of the cabinet 1 in an openable and closable manner. The front door 20 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as an upper part (upper door) and a lower part (lower door). The slot machine 100 may be a so-called separated cabinet type in which the upper part of the front door 20 and the reel unit 14 can be replaced while the cabinet 1, the lower part of the front door 20, and the power supply unit 10 and the hopper unit 11 in the cabinet 1 are attached to the island equipment of the gaming facility when replacing the model in the gaming facility. When the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the upper door and the lower door can be opened and closed freely relative to the cabinet 1. That is, the upper door is rotatably connected to the hinge 29, and opens and closes the upper opening of the cabinet 1. The lower door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29 to open and close the lower opening of the housing 1.
[0082] A flat panel 21 is provided on the upper side of the front door 20. A display device (display means, liquid crystal display) as a presentation device is provided on the back (rear side) of the panel 21. Various images (presentation images) for assisting or livening up the game are displayed on the liquid crystal display.
[0083] A transparent display window (window portion) 22 is provided in the center of the front door 20. Behind the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c (see FIG. 15) are provided in a horizontal row. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be seen through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c stop, three consecutive symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. The display window 22 is provided with upper, middle, and lower rows as display positions for visually viewing the symbols of the reels 15a to 15c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of the reels 15a to 15c. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a pay line is formed by the middle section of the first reel 15a, the middle section of the second reel 15b, and the middle section of the third reel 15c.
[0084] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to "3", and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the three reels 15a to 15c stop, whether or not a winning combination has been achieved is displayed through the display window 22. In the slot machine 100, the reels 15a to 15c start to rotate with the start of a game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations has been achieved or not (no win). Then, when the reels 15a to 15c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination obtained by the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, the winning combination is determined to be a winning combination, and a process (award winning process) corresponding to the winning combination is executed.
[0085] The front door 20 is provided with lighting devices (lighting means) 24, 25, speakers (sound output means), etc., as performance devices for performing performances (notifications), etc. The lighting device 24 is provided on the upper side of the panel 21 of the front door 20. The lighting devices 25, 25 are provided on both the left and right ends of the front door 20. A decorative member 26 having a luminous or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24, 25 is provided at a predetermined part of the front door 20, and the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine has projections and recesses. In other words, the gaming machine is decorated with the decorative member 26.
[0086] A plurality of speakers (not shown) are provided on the front door 20, for example, on the upper and lower parts. The speakers output various sounds for presentation (music, background music, sound effects, voice, etc.) to assist or liven up the game. Note that, in addition to the liquid crystal display, lighting devices 24, 25, and speakers, movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc. may be provided as presentation devices.
[0087] An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine 100 is provided at the center of the front door 20 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 30 includes a settlement button 60 operated when settling medals (game medals, game media, game value), a start lever 32 operated when starting a game, a stop button 33 (three stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c) operated when stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c, a medal insertion slot 34 for inserting medals, a reject button 70 operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs below the medal insertion slot 34, a MAX bet button 35 (bet button) operated when betting (investing) credited medals (operated when setting the maximum number of bets), and the like. In addition to the MAX bet button 35 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number), a 1 bet button (second bet button) operated when betting one medal may be provided as the bet button. In addition, the front door 20 is provided with a performance button 36 (performance operation unit) that is operated when progressing the performance (changing the mode of the performance), etc.
[0088] The operation unit 30 is also provided with an operation panel 57 that is operated when selecting game effects and the like, a display unit 58 that displays game information, and the like. The operation panel 57 is provided in the approximate center of the width direction (left-right direction) of the operation unit 30, and the display unit 58 is provided to the right of the medal insertion slot 34. The operation panel 57 is provided with, for example, a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button.
[0089] In addition, at the bottom of the front door 20, there are provided a payout outlet 50 for discharging (sending out) medals from inside the slot machine 100, and a receiving tray 38 capable of storing medals discharged (paid out) from the payout outlet 50. In addition, between the operation unit 30 and the receiving tray 38, there is provided a lower panel 39 for decorating the exterior of the gaming machine. On the rear side of this lower panel 39, a light source (LED) for illumination is provided, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by light from this light source. The lower panel 39 is formed to be pushable, and may be an effect operation unit having a function equivalent to that of an effect button.
[0090] As shown in Fig. 15, a reel unit 14 is provided inside the cabinet 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, and 15c with a plurality of symbols displayed around them, a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c, and the like. Each reel is fixed to the output shaft of the corresponding stepping motor.
[0091] Inside the housing 1, on the top surface of the bottom plate 4, there are provided a power supply unit (power supply means) 10 that supplies power to each component, a hopper unit (medal payout device 11) 11 (payout device) that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out the medals, and a cash box 12 from which surplus medals are sent out when the medals stored in the medal payout device 11 reach a certain amount. Note that the unit in which components such as the power supply unit 10 are arranged inside the housing 1 may be referred to as a back box unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to each component. Note that some components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit 10 is turned off.
[0092] The front door 20 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the front door 20 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the front door 20 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position.
[0093] When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the slot machine 100 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state up to a specified number (specified insertion number). The slot machine 100 is also capable of storing (accumulating) up to 50 medals as credits, and when the MAX BET button 35 is operated with medals stored as credits, the stored medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number.
[0094] In the slot machine 100, when medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 34 or the MAX BET button 35 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 32 is enabled, and the game can be started. In addition, when the enabled start lever 32 is operated, the game starts. When the game starts, each reel starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each reel reaches a certain speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop button 33 is enabled. In addition, when the enabled stop button 33 is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 33 stops. When all the reels stop, a process of paying out medals according to the result of the game or a process of making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals is performed, and one game is ended.
[0095] Inside the slot machine 100, a main control board (main control means) and a sub-control board (sub-control means) are provided. The sub-control board may be provided on the rear side of the front door 20. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX BET button 35, the start lever 32, and the stop button 33, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit 14 and the hopper unit 11 based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub-control board receives signals (information) sent from the main control board, performs various calculations to execute a performance, and controls various performance devices such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker based on the calculation results.
[0096] The main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board to the main control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.
[0097] The main control board is provided with a setting change key cylinder (not shown), a setting change button (not shown), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in the power supply unit 10, for example.
[0098] As shown in Fig. 15, the power supply unit 10 is provided at the lower left rear side (side panel 5 side) inside the housing 1. The power supply unit 10 is formed in a rectangular box shape, and is longer in the depth direction (front-back direction) than in the width direction (left-right direction). Hereinafter, the top surface of the power supply unit 10 is referred to as the top surface 10a.
[0099] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 10. The power supply unit 10 includes a power supply board (not shown) on which a plurality of components are arranged, a power supply case 91 that covers the power supply board, a power switch (not shown) that can switch the power supply (power supply board) ON or OFF, a power switch cover 92 that covers the power switch and is provided so as to be openable and closable, a front panel 93, a first connector 94, and the like. In this embodiment, a connector 94a and a connector 94b are provided as the first connector 94. The power supply unit 10 that includes the power supply board can be called a board unit. A power cable (not shown) is connected to the power supply unit 10, and the power cable is connected to an outlet that supplies a commercial power supply (AC 100V). The power supply board creates a DC power supply (for example, 5V, 12V, 24V, etc.) from the power sent from the outside of the gaming machine via the power cable, and supplies power to each component of the gaming machine.
[0100] In this embodiment, the power supply case 91 is made of metal. A plurality of heat dissipation outlets 95 (heat dissipation holes) are provided at predetermined intervals on the top surface 10a of the power supply case 91. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation outlets 95 are elongated holes (slots) that are long in the front-rear direction. The shape of the heat dissipation outlets 95 may be substantially rectangular or substantially elliptical. Furthermore, the heat dissipation outlets 95 may be openings that are long in the left-right direction instead of openings that are long in the front-rear direction.
[0101] The heat dissipation ports 95 are provided to release heat generated inside the power supply unit 10 (to achieve a heat dissipation effect). Therefore, the more heat dissipation ports 95 are provided, the higher the heat dissipation effect can be. Also, the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved by providing the heat dissipation ports 95 on the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 rather than on the side surfaces of the power supply unit 10.
[0102] Furthermore, a first connector opening for exposing the first connector 94 is provided on the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, and the first connector 94 is exposed through the first connector opening. Although not shown in the figure, a second connector (a mating connector) is connected to the first connector 94.
[0103] As shown in Fig. 15, a plate-shaped reel support part 13 (center base, middle plate, sheet metal member) is provided in approximately the center in the up-down direction inside the housing 1. The reel support part 13 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 1 (the inner surface of the side plate) by screwing or the like. The reel unit 14 is disposed (placed) on the reel support part 13. In other words, the reel support part 13 supports the reel unit 14. The reel support part 13 is formed of, for example, a metal.
[0104] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the reel support part 13 (support part). At least a portion of the reel support part 13 is hollowed out (removed). In other words, the reel support part 13 has at least one hollowed out part penetrating in the up-down direction. The hollowed out part may be a hole (through hole) or a notch. By providing the hollowed out part while ensuring rigidity, it is possible to reduce the weight and cost of the reel support part 13.
[0105] In this embodiment, at least one cutout is provided above (the top surface 10a of) the power supply unit 10. In other words, the power supply unit 10 (top surface 10a) is disposed below a predetermined cutout in the reel support portion 13. If the range of the reel support portion 13 that faces the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 is defined as a specific range, then at least one cutout is provided in the specific range.
[0106] The dashed lines in Fig. 17 indicate that top surface 10a has been moved upward by a predetermined distance, and in this embodiment, four cutouts, cutout portion 131, cutout portion 132, cutout portion 133, and cutout portion 134, are provided above (top surface 10a of) power supply unit 10. Cutout portion 131 and cutout portion 132 are rectangular cutouts. Cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134 are circular through holes.
[0107] Hollowed out portion 133 and hollowed out portion 134 are hollowed out portions that do not have an insertion member, whereas hollowed out portion 131 and hollowed out portion 132 are hollowed out portions that have an insertion member. A specific description will be given below. Figure 18(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line CC in Figure 18(a).
[0108] (Cutout part 131) The cutout portion 131 is formed on the left end side of the reel support portion 13. As shown in FIG. 15, a handle 200 is provided on the side (both side) of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the handle 200 and the reel support portion 13 are provided at approximately the same height in the vertical direction (height direction) (see FIG. 18(a)). As shown in FIG. 18(b), the handle 200 bulges out toward the inside of the housing 1 by a predetermined length, and this portion is accommodated in the cutout portion 131. In other words, the handle 200 as an insertion member is inserted (in the vertical direction) into the cutout portion 131. The cutout portion 131 is blocked by an insertion member (shielding member) (another member is interposed). The cutout portion 131 is provided to avoid interference between the reel support portion 13 and the handle 200. In this embodiment, the insertion member refers to a member that is passed through a hole (notch).
[0109] (Cutout part 132) The cutout portion 132 is formed on the left side (corner) of the rear end of the reel support portion 13. Although not shown (simplified), a harness (harness group) serving as an insertion member is inserted (in the vertical direction) into the cutout portion 132. The cutout portion 132 is blocked by an insertion member (shielding member) (another member is present). The provision of the cutout portion 132 makes it possible to guide the harness extending from the power supply unit 10 upward. The harness may be connected to the reel unit 14 or to a main control board.
[0110] (Cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134) No member is inserted through cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134. In other words, cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134 are not blocked by an insertion member (shielding member). Cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134 are not holes provided for inserting a member through.
[0111] Hereinafter, cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134 that do not have an insertion member are referred to as first cutout portion 135 (through cutout portion), and cutout portion 131 and cutout portion 132 that have an insertion member are referred to as second cutout portion 136 (non-through cutout portion). It should be noted that the number of cutouts constituting first cutout portion 135 and second cutout portion 136 is not limited to this.
[0112] For example, when installing the cabinet 1 in an island facility of an amusement park, there is a possibility that screws, iron powder, etc. may fall downward inside the cabinet 1. If the heat dissipation port 95 of the power supply unit 10 is provided below (vertically below) the cutout portion of the reel support portion 13, foreign matter (falling objects) such as screws and iron powder may pass through the cutout portion and further through the heat dissipation port 95 and enter the inside of the power supply unit 10, causing damage to the power supply unit 10.
[0113] FIG. 19 is a diagram (viewed from above) for explaining the positional relationship between the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 and the reel support portion 13, with the reel support portion 13 being seen through. In this embodiment, (1) the heat dissipation port 95 is not provided below the first cutout portion 135. In other words, when viewed from above (vertical direction), the cutout portion not having an insertion member and the heat dissipation port 95 are provided at positions where they do not overlap. Therefore, even if a foreign object falls from above and passes through the first cutout portion 135, the foreign object will not further pass through the heat dissipation port 95. (2) On the other hand, the heat dissipation port 95 is provided below the second cutout portion 136. In other words, when viewed from above (vertical direction), the cutout portion having the insertion member and the heat dissipation port 95 are provided at positions where they overlap. Even if a foreign object falls from above, the insertion member is present in the second cutout portion 136, so that the possibility of the foreign object passing through the cutout portion is low. Therefore, by providing the heat dissipation port 95 below the second cutout portion 136 having the insertion member, the heat dissipation efficiency of the power supply unit 10 can be improved.
[0114] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from above, the first cutout portion and the heat dissipation port are provided at positions where they do not overlap.
[0115] Even if a foreign object such as a screw or iron powder falls from above, the foreign object can be prevented from passing through the first cutout portion where no insertion member is present and then through the heat dissipation port and entering the inside of the board unit, thereby suppressing damage to the board unit (components).
[0116] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The cutout portion has a second cutout portion (e.g., second cutout portion 136) through which a member to be inserted is present, The heat dissipation port is provided below the second cutout portion.
[0117] The second cutout portion is difficult for foreign objects to pass through due to the presence of the insertion member. Therefore, by providing a heat dissipation port below the second cutout portion, the number of heat dissipation ports can be increased and the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved. This makes it possible to prevent damage to components (electronic components, etc.) caused by the inside of the board unit becoming too hot.
[0118] A second connector (not shown) is connected to the first connector 94 (FIG. 16). The portion where the first connector 93 and the second connector are connected is referred to as the connector connection portion. Although not shown, the connector connection portion is provided below (vertically below) a position in the reel support portion 13 where no cutout portion (first cutout portion 135 and second cutout portion 136) is provided. In other words, no cutout portion is provided above the connector connection portion. This makes it possible to prevent foreign objects from entering (falling) into the connector connection portion from above. This makes it possible to suppress failure of parts. In this embodiment, no cutout portion is provided above the connector connecting portion, but there may be a case where a second cutout portion 136 having an insertion member is provided.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 19, the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 has a first area A and a second area B in the up-down direction, which overlap with the cutouts of the reel support portion 13. The first area A is an area that overlaps (faces) the first cutout portion 135. The second area B is an area that overlaps (faces) the second cutout portion 136. No member (insertion member, foreign object intrusion prevention member, shielding member) for preventing the intrusion of foreign objects (dust) is provided above the first area A, but a foreign object intrusion prevention member is provided above the second area B. Examples of the foreign object intrusion prevention member include a handle 200, a harness, and other members. The first area A does not have a heat dissipation port 95. On the other hand, the second area B has a heat dissipation port 95.
[0120] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member to be inserted is present, and a second cutout portion (e.g., second cutout portion 136) through which a member to be inserted is present, The top surface has a first area (e.g., first area A) facing the first cutout portion and a second area (e.g., second area B) facing the second cutout portion, No foreign object intrusion prevention member is provided above the first range, but a foreign object intrusion prevention member is provided above the second range, The first area is not provided with the heat dissipation opening, but the second area is provided with the heat dissipation opening. By providing a heat dissipation port in the second range where the foreign object intrusion prevention member is present above and where the possibility of foreign objects falling is low, the heat dissipation efficiency of the board unit can be improved.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 20, the back plate 3 of the housing 1 is provided with a through hole 3a (hole 3a) penetrating in the front-rear direction. This through hole 3a is provided above the reel support portion 13. The through hole 3a may be a hole for the purpose of heat dissipation, or may be a hole for inserting a cable (power cable). Note that being provided above the reel support portion 13 does not necessarily mean that the entire hole 3a is above the reel support portion 13, but rather that at least a part (upper end) of the hole 3a is located above the reel support portion 13.
[0122] 20, a line (a line perpendicular to the bottom surface) passing through first cutout portion 135 and drawn in the vertical direction is defined as a first imaginary line X. A line passing through heat dissipation outlet 95 and drawn in the vertical direction is defined as a second imaginary line Y. When viewed from the front, through hole 3a is located (exists) on first imaginary line X. On the other hand, when viewed from the front, through hole 3a is not located (exists) on second imaginary line Y. Through hole 3a and heat dissipation outlet 95 are provided at positions offset from each other in the depth direction (front-to-back direction on the paper), and are also provided at positions offset from each other in the left-right direction.
[0123] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The hole is provided above the support portion, A straight line passing through the first cutout portion and drawn in the vertical direction is defined as a first virtual straight line (for example, a first virtual straight line X); If a line passing through the heat dissipation port and drawn in the vertical direction is a second virtual line (for example, a second virtual line Y), When the housing is viewed from the front, the hole is located on the first imaginary straight line but is not located on the second imaginary straight line. If a foreign object enters the housing through the hole on the rear side and falls straight down (in a straight line), there is a possibility that the foreign object will pass through the first cutout. Therefore, by shifting the position of the hole and the heat dissipation port (left-right position), it is possible to prevent foreign objects from outside the housing from passing through the first cutout and entering the heat dissipation port. This can further prevent damage to the board unit.
[0124] (Variation 1) When viewed from above, the first cutout portion 135 and a part of the heat dissipation port 95 may be provided at a position where they overlap. In this case, it is preferable that at least the part of the heat dissipation port 95 is configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 21, the heat dissipation port 95 includes a foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96. The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96 is formed, for example, in a roof shape (dome shape, lid shape) and is capable of passing air to the outside (rear side) while covering the upper part (upper side) of the opening. The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96 has a function of preventing the intrusion of foreign objects that have fallen from above. The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96 may be formed in an L-shaped cross section. The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96 may be provided integrally with the top surface 10a or may be provided as a separate body (detachable). The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96 covers the front side and the upper side of the opening and is capable of letting air escape to the rear side. Therefore, even if a player inserts a rod-shaped member or the like into the gaming machine from the front side, it is difficult for the player to access the inside of the power supply unit 10 due to the presence of the foreign object intrusion prevention part 96. This makes it possible to suppress fraudulent acts.
[0125] The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows: A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from above, the first cutout portion and a part of the heat dissipation port are provided at a position where they overlap, and the heat dissipation port is provided with a shape (for example, a foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96) that covers the upper side of the opening.
[0126] (Variation 2) In FIG. 20, the heat dissipation port 95, the first cutout portion 135, and the hole 3a are arranged in the order of increasing height from bottom to top. In this case, the heat dissipation port 95, the first cutout portion 135, and the hole 3a may be arranged to be disposed on the second imaginary straight line Y when viewed from the front (i.e., they may be arranged to be positioned on a straight line). In this case, it is preferable that the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 is provided between the heat dissipation port 95 and the first cutout portion 135. In other words, it is preferable that the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 is interposed (present) between the heat dissipation port 95 and the first cutout portion 135. The foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 may be any member that covers the upper side of the opening of the heat dissipation port 95, and may be, for example, a plate-shaped cover member. The foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 is fixed to the left side plate 5, for example.
[0127] The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows: A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The hole is provided above the support portion, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation outlet, the first cutout portion, and the hole are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, and a member (e.g., foreign object intrusion prevention member 150) that covers the opening of the heat dissipation outlet is provided between the heat dissipation outlet and the first cutout portion. Even if a foreign object enters the housing through the hole on the rear surface and falls straight down (in a straight line) and passes through the first cutout, the foreign object can be prevented from passing through the heat dissipation port, thereby preventing damage to the board unit.
[0128] Note that the above-mentioned foreign object intrusion prevention part 96 may be provided instead of the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150. "A member covering the opening of the heat dissipation port 95 is provided above the opening" may refer to the foreign object intrusion prevention part 96 or the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150. In other words, the gaming machine of this modified example is, A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The hole is provided above the support portion, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation outlet, the first cutout portion, and the hole are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, and a member (e.g., foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96, foreign object intrusion prevention member 150) that covers the opening of the heat dissipation outlet is provided above the opening.
[0129] (Variation 3) In the second modification, the hole 3a is provided above the reel support portion 13 (first cutout portion 135), but in this modification, the hole 3a is provided below the reel support portion 13 (first cutout portion 135). Below the reel support portion 13 means that at least a portion (lower end) of the hole 3a is located below the reel support portion 13. The hole 3a is provided above the top surface 10a (heat vent 95) of the power supply unit 10. The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows: A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The hole is provided below the support portion, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation outlet, the hole, and the first cutout portion are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, and the heat dissipation outlet is provided with a shape (e.g., foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96) that covers the upper side of the opening. Even if a foreign object enters the inside of the housing through the hole on the rear side and falls straight down (in a straight line), the foreign object can be prevented from passing through the heat dissipation port, thereby preventing damage to the board unit.
[0130] (Variation 4) Figure 22 is a diagram (viewed from above) for explaining the positional relationship between the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, the reel support portion 13, and the hole 3a formed in the back panel 3 of the housing 1, and is a perspective view of the reel support portion 13. On the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, an area facing the reel support portion 13 is defined as a first area L, and an area not facing the reel support portion 13 is defined as a second area M. In other words, on the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, there are the first area L overlapping with the reel support portion 13 and the second area M not overlapping with the reel support portion 13 when viewed from above. The second area M is closer to the hole 3a than the first area L. The first area L is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation ports 95, but the second area M is not provided with a heat dissipation port 95.
[0131] Also, when viewed from the front, the power supply unit 10 and at least a part of the hole 3a are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction. In this modification, as in the third modification, the height (vertical position) of the hole 3a is lower than the reel support part 13, but the hole 3a may be at the same (or approximately the same) height as the reel support part 13, or may be provided above the reel support part 13. The above-mentioned foreign object intrusion prevention part 96 is provided in the heat dissipation port 95 provided in the first region L. Note that a foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 may be provided instead of the foreign object intrusion prevention part 96. The phrase "a member covering the opening is provided above the opening of the heat dissipation port 95" may refer to the foreign object intrusion prevention part 96 or the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150. The above-mentioned connector connection portion may be provided in the first region L. The connector connection portion is located below (vertically below) a position in the reel support portion 13 where no cutout portion (at least the first cutout portion 135) is provided.
[0132] The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows: A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, When viewed from the front, the board unit and at least a part of the hole are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, a top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit has a first region (e.g., first region L) that overlaps with the support portion when viewed from above, and a second region (e.g., second region M) that does not overlap with the support portion when viewed from above, The second region has a smaller distance to the hole than the first region, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation port 95) are provided in the first region, but no heat dissipation port is provided in the second region, A member (for example, foreign matter intrusion prevention portion 96, foreign matter intrusion prevention member 150) that covers the opening is provided above the opening of the heat dissipation port in the first region.
[0133] The top surface of the board unit does not have a heat dissipation port in a second region that does not overlap with the support portion when viewed from above and is relatively close to the hole in the rear of the housing. On the other hand, a heat dissipation port is provided in a first region that overlaps with the support portion when viewed from above and is relatively far from the hole in the rear of the housing. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter that has entered through the hole in the rear of the housing from entering the inside of the board unit through the heat dissipation port, while providing the heat dissipation port in a location where the possibility of foreign matter entering is low, thereby achieving the heat dissipation performance of the board unit. In addition, by providing a member covering the opening above the opening of the heat dissipation port, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the board unit can be further reduced.
[0134] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 10 is a board unit, but the board unit is not limited to the power supply unit 10 and may be, for example, a relay board unit or the like.
[0135] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or the components may be omitted.
[0136] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a slot machine X. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cabinet 1 of the slot machine X. This slot machine X has a cabinet (game machine cabinet) 1. The cabinet 1 has a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5, 6, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The back plate 3 may be thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6.
[0137] Hereinafter, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5, and the left surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "inner surface". Also, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the rear surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5, and the right surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the outside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Also, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, and for example, a part (the top plate 2) may be made of wood, and the rest (the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6) may be made of resin. Also, for example, the top plate 2 may be made of two types of materials (resin and metal).
[0138] A front door 20 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 1 to close the front opening of the cabinet 1 in an openable and closable manner. The front door 20 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as an upper part and a lower part. The slot machine X may be a so-called separated cabinet type in which the upper part of the front door 20 and the reel unit 14 can be replaced while the cabinet 1, the lower part of the front door 20, and the power supply unit 10 and the hopper unit 11 in the cabinet 1 are attached to the island equipment of the gaming facility when replacing the model in the gaming facility. When the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the upper door and the lower door can be opened and closed freely relative to the cabinet 1. The upper door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the upper opening of the cabinet 1. The lower door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the lower opening of the cabinet 1.
[0139] A flat panel 21 is provided on the upper side of the front door 20. A display device (display means, liquid crystal display) is provided on the back of the panel 21 as a presentation device. Various images (presentation images) are displayed on the liquid crystal display to assist or liven up the game. A transparent display window (window portion) 22 is provided in the center of the front door 20.
[0140] Behind the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c (see FIG. 24) are arranged in a horizontal line. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be seen through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a line along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c stop, three consecutive symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. In addition, the display window 22 is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for visually seeing the symbols of the reels 15a to 15c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of the reels 15a to 15c. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a winning line is formed by the middle row of the first reel 15a, the middle row of the second reel 15b, and the middle row of the third reel 15c. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to "3", and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the three reels 15a to 15c stop, whether or not a winning combination has been achieved is displayed through the display window 22. In the slot machine X, the reels 15a to 15c start to rotate with the start of a game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations has been achieved or not (won). When the reels 15a to 15c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination obtained in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line, the winning combination will be a winning combination, and a process (winning process) corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved will be executed.
[0141] The front door 20 is provided with lighting devices (lighting means) 24, 25, speakers (sound output means), etc., as performance devices for performing performances (notifications), etc. The lighting device 24 is provided on the upper side of the panel 21 of the front door 20. The lighting devices 25, 25 are provided on both the left and right ends of the front door 20. A decorative member 26 having a luminous or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24, 25 is provided at a predetermined part of the front door 20, and the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine has projections and recesses. In other words, the gaming machine is decorated with the decorative member 26.
[0142] A plurality of speakers (not shown) are provided on the front door 20, for example, on the upper and lower parts. The speakers output various sounds for presentation (music, background music, sound effects, voice, etc.) to assist or liven up the game. Note that, in addition to the liquid crystal display, lighting devices 24, 25, and speakers, movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc. may be provided as presentation devices.
[0143] An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine X is provided in the vertical center of the front door 20. The operation unit 30 is provided with a settlement button 60 operated when settling medals (game media, game value), a start lever 32 operated when starting a game, stop buttons 33 (three stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c) operated when stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c, a medal insertion slot 34 for inserting medals, a reject button 70 operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs below the medal insertion slot 34, a MAX BET button 35 (bet button) operated when betting (investing) credited medals (operated when setting the maximum number of bets), and the like. In addition to the MAX BET button 35 (first BET button) that is operated when betting three medals (the specified number), a 1 BET button (second BET button) that is operated when betting one medal may be provided as a BET button. In addition, the front door 20 is provided with a performance button 36 that is operated when progressing the performance (changing the mode of the performance), etc.
[0144] In addition, a medal payout outlet 50 for discharging medals from inside the slot machine and a receiving tray 38 for storing medals discharged from the medal payout outlet 50 are provided at the bottom of the front door 20. In addition, a lower panel 39 for decorating the exterior of the gaming machine is provided between the operation unit 30 and the receiving tray 38. A light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the rear side of the lower panel 39, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by light from this light source. The lower panel 39 is formed to be pushable, and may be an effect operation unit having a function equivalent to that of an effect button.
[0145] As shown in Fig. 24, a reel unit 14 and the like are provided inside the cabinet 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, and 15c each having a plurality of symbols displayed thereon, and a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c. Each reel is fixed to an output shaft of the corresponding stepping motor.
[0146] Also, on the top surface of the bottom plate 4, there are provided a power supply unit (power supply means) 10 that supplies power to each component, a hopper unit (payout means) 11 (medal payout device 11) that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out the medals, and a cash box 12 into which surplus medals are sent when the medals stored in the medal payout device 11 reach a certain amount. Note that the unit in which components such as the power supply unit 10 are arranged inside the housing 1 may be referred to as a back box unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to each component. Note that some components may be supplied with power even when the power supply unit 10 is turned off.
[0147] The front door 20 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the front door 20 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the front door 20 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position.
[0148] The operation unit 30 is also provided with an operation panel 57 that is operated when selecting game effects and the like, a display unit 58 that displays game information, and the like. The operation panel 57 is provided in the approximate center of the width direction (left-right direction) of the operation unit 30, and the display unit 58 is provided to the right of the medal insertion slot 34. The operation panel 57 is provided with, for example, a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button.
[0149] In this embodiment, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the inserted medals are set to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified number (specified insertion number). Also, in this embodiment, a maximum of 50 medals can be stored (accumulated) as credits, and when the MAX BET button 35 is operated with medals stored as credits in the gaming machine, the medals stored as credits are set to an inserted state up to a specified number.
[0150] In the slot machine X, when medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 34 or the MAX BET button 35 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 32 is enabled, and the game can be started. In addition, when the enabled start lever 32 is operated, the game starts. When the game starts, each reel starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each reel reaches a certain speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop button 33 is enabled. In addition, when the enabled stop button 33 is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 33 stops. When all the reels stop, a process of paying out medals according to the result of the game or a process of making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals is performed, and one game is ended.
[0151] A main control board (main control means) and a sub-control board (sub-control means) are provided inside the slot machine X. The sub-control board may be provided on the rear side of the front door 20. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX BET button 35, the start lever 32, the stop button 33, etc., performs various calculations for executing a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and the hopper unit based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub-control board receives signals (information) sent from the main control board, performs various calculations for executing a performance, and controls various performance devices such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker based on the calculation results.
[0152] The main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board to the main control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.
[0153] The main control board is provided with a setting change key cylinder (not shown), a setting change button (not shown), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in the power supply unit 10, for example.
[0154] As shown in Fig. 24, a power supply unit 10 (power supply box) is provided as a board unit inside the housing 1. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 10. The power supply unit 10 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box. The power supply unit 10 includes a power supply board (not shown) on which a plurality of components are arranged, a power supply case 91 that covers the power supply board, a power switch (not shown) that can switch the power supply (power supply board) ON or OFF, a power switch cover 92 that covers the power switch and is provided so as to be able to be opened and closed, a front panel 93, a power connector (not shown) provided on the rear side, and the like.
[0155] A power cable (not shown) that is connected to a power outlet that supplies commercial power (AC 100V) is connected to the power connector. Specifically, a connector provided at one end of the power cable is connected to the power connector, and a plug provided at the other end of the power cable is connected to the power outlet. The power supply board creates a DC power supply (e.g., 5V, 12V, 24V, etc.) from the power sent from outside the gaming machine via the power cable, and supplies power to each component of the gaming machine.
[0156] A plurality of heat dissipation holes 10b (openings) (holes) are provided on the top surface 10a of the metal power supply case 91. The heat dissipation holes 10b are elongated holes (long holes) that are long (horizontally long) in the left-right direction. The heat dissipation holes 10b may be substantially rectangular holes or substantially elliptical holes. The heat dissipation holes 10b are provided at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction. The heat dissipation holes 10b are also provided in two rows along the front-rear direction. The heat dissipation holes 10b are provided to release heat generated inside the power supply unit 10 (to achieve a heat dissipation effect). The more heat dissipation holes 10b are provided, the higher the heat dissipation effect can be.
[0157] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation holes 10b are elongated in the left-right direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat dissipation holes 10b may be provided so as to be elongated in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 24).
[0158] Inside the cabinet 1, screws are used as fixing members for fixing (attaching) certain parts. Here, an example of screw fastening using screws will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, the top plate 2 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 201. The mounting holes 201 are holes (island fixing holes) used when attaching the gaming machine to an island facility of an amusement park. An operator screws a screw from the inside of the cabinet 1 from bottom to top into the mounting hole 201, and then screws the screw into the mating member (island side member) to fix the gaming machine to the island facility.
[0159] The screw used is, for example, the screw shown in Fig. 26(a). Screws with different nominal diameters d (outer diameter of the threaded portion) and lengths L (neck length) are used, but in this embodiment, the smallest size is a screw with a nominal diameter d of 2.3 mm and a length L of 8 mm. As shown in Fig. 26(b), a screw provided with a washer (a locking washer) (a screw with a built-in washer) may be used. The diameter of the washer is equal to or larger than the diameter D of the screw head (equipped with a built-in washer).
[0160] 27, if the diameter of a gaming medal M (hereinafter referred to as a medal) used in a game on a slot machine X is dimension L1 and the thickness of the gaming medal M is dimension L2, the dimension L1 is φ25 (diameter approximately 25 mm) and the dimension L2 is approximately 1.6 mm. Note that the gaming medal M may have a dimension L1 of φ30 (diameter approximately 30 mm) and a dimension L2 of approximately 1.7 mm (approximately 1.8 mm). Furthermore, if the diameter of a game ball B used in a pachinko game machine is dimension L3, dimension L3 is approximately 11 mm.
[0161] Fig. 28 is a view of heat dissipation hole 10b as viewed from above. As shown in Fig. 28, the length (dimension) of heat dissipation hole 10b in the longitudinal direction is defined as a first length. Also, the length (dimension) of heat dissipation hole 10b in the lateral direction is defined as a second length. The first length is smaller (shorter) than the diameter of the medal (approximately 25 mm or approximately 30 mm). Specifically, the first length is approximately 21.5 mm. Note that the first length is larger than the radius of the medal. The second length is larger (longer) than the thickness of one medal (approximately 1.6 mm to approximately 1.8 mm) and smaller (shorter) than the thickness of two medals (approximately 3.2 mm to approximately 3.6 mm). Specifically, the second length is approximately 2.5 mm. The thickness of two medals refers to the thickness (total) of two medals stacked on top of each other.
[0162] Inside the housing 1, it is possible that a medal may fall onto the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, but because the dimensions (opening dimensions) of the heat dissipation hole 10b are set as described above, even if a medal falls onto the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, the medal cannot pass through the heat dissipation hole 10b and enter completely inside the power supply unit 10. In other words, the entire medal is prevented from entering the inside of the power supply unit 10 through the heat dissipation hole 10b (entry is prevented).
[0163] In addition, since there is a difference of approximately 3.5 mm between the first length of heat dissipation hole 10b (approximately 21.5 mm) and the diameter of the medal (φ25), even if the medal is forcibly pushed into heat dissipation hole 10b, the entire medal (the medal itself) will not enter the inside of power supply unit 10. Furthermore, since the second length (approximately 2.5 mm) is smaller than the thickness of two medals, even if a part (end) of the medal is inserted into the heat dissipation hole 10b and the medal is tilted (rotated clockwise or counterclockwise around a straight line along the vertical direction as the axis of rotation), the medal will not enter the inside of the power supply unit 10.
[0164] In addition, the second length (approximately 2.5 mm) is smaller (shorter) than the diameter D (approximately 4 mm) of the head of the screw. If the screw is a washer-equipped screw (a screw with a washer), the second length is smaller (shorter) than the diameter of the washer.
[0165] For example, when fixing a gaming machine to an island facility, it may happen that a screw is accidentally dropped onto the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, but since the dimensions (opening dimensions) of the heat dissipation hole 10b are set as described above, even if a screw falls onto the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, the screw cannot pass through the heat dissipation hole 10b and penetrate completely into the power supply unit 10. In other words, the entire screw is prevented from penetrating (preventing penetration of) the power supply unit 10 through the heat dissipation hole 10b.
[0166] The first length (approximately 21.5 mm) is larger (longer) than the length of the screw (total length S of the screw: approximately 9.2 mm). However, even if the screw is dropped sideways (the axial direction of the screw is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation hole 10b), the screw cannot pass through the heat dissipation hole 10b and enter the power supply unit 10 because the second length is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw (the diameter of the head of the screw is larger than the second length).
[0167] Fig. 29(a) shows a state where a part (end) of a medal is inserted into the heat dissipation hole 10b. The heat dissipation hole 10b is large enough that a part (end) of a medal can be inserted (entered), but the entire medal cannot be inserted (entered).
[0168] In this embodiment, a part (end) of the medal enters (fits) inside the heat dissipation hole 10b (power supply unit 10), and the medal maintains a state (posture) tilted (forward or backward) in the up-down direction (vertical direction). It can be said that the dimensions (opening dimensions) of the heat dissipation hole 10b allow a part (end) of the medal to enter and maintain the state in which the medal is fitted (a state in which the medal stands up at an angle). This state is referred to as the medal fitted state. The medal fitted state can also be said to be a state in which the medal is caught in the heat dissipation hole 10b, making it easy to remove the medal. If an impact is applied to the power supply unit 10 while a medal is stuck in it, the medal will fall over (the medal will come out of the heat dissipation hole 10b).
[0169] As shown in FIG. 29(b), when the end of a φ25 medal is inserted into the heat dissipation hole 10b (medal fitted state), the amount of insertion into the power supply unit 10 is about 6 mm (about 6.1 mm).
[0170] As described above, the second length of the heat dissipation hole 10b is about 2.5 mm, so that two medals (overlapping) will not become stuck in one heat dissipation hole 10b.
[0171] Since the second length of the heat dissipation hole 10b is approximately 2.5 mm, in the case of a screw with a nominal diameter d of 2.3 mm, the threaded portion of the screw can enter (pass through) the heat dissipation hole 10b as shown in Fig. 29(c). However, even in this case, since the diameter of the head of the screw is larger than the second length, it is impossible for the entire screw to pass through the heat dissipation hole 10b and enter the inside of the power supply unit 10. In other words, the dimensions (opening dimensions) of the heat dissipation hole 10b are set to a size that at least prevents the head of the screw from passing through the heat dissipation hole 10b.
[0172] 29(c), a state in which a part of the screw (threaded portion) is inserted into the heat dissipation hole 10b may be referred to as a screw-fitted state (screw-inserted state). In the screw-fitted state, the screw is inserted into the power supply unit 10 by about 8 mm (equivalent to the dimension L in FIG. 26).
[0173] 30 shows the power supply unit 10 with the front panel 93 (power switch cover 92) removed. The power supply board 210 is disposed on the right side of the space inside the power supply case 91 (internal space) so that the normal direction of the board surface (board thickness direction) is the left-right direction. Various components are provided (connected, arranged (mounted)) on this power supply board 210. The various components include conductive components. The conductive components include electronic components (lead components, chip components, etc.) and heat sink 220.
[0174] Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of the power supply unit 10. Note that hatching indicating that it is a cross section is omitted in Figure 31. As shown in Figure 31, a predetermined heat dissipation hole 10b of the group of heat dissipation holes 10b in the left column is designated as heat dissipation hole 10b1, and a predetermined heat dissipation hole 10b of the group of heat dissipation holes 10b in the right column is designated as heat dissipation hole 10b2.
[0175] As shown in Fig. 31, when the end of the medal (φ25) is inserted into the heat dissipation hole 10b1 (medal fitted state), the end of the medal enters the inside of the power supply unit 10, but the end of the medal is not made to come into contact with the power supply board 210. In addition, the end of the medal is not made to come into contact with components (conductive components) provided on the power supply board 210. This prevents the end of the medal from coming into contact with components provided inside the power supply unit 10 and damaging those components.
[0176] 31, when the end of the medal (φ25) is inserted into the heat dissipation hole 10b2 (medal fitted state), the end of the medal penetrates inside the power supply unit 10 and may come into contact with the end face of the power supply board 210, but does not come into contact with the components (conductive components) provided on the power supply board 210. Although the end of the medal may come into contact with the end face of the power supply board 210 arranged inside the power supply unit 10, it does not come into contact with the conductive components, preventing damage to the conductive components. The power supply board 210 may be configured so that when the end of the medal (φ25) is inserted into the heat dissipation hole 10b2 (medal-fitted state), the end of the medal does not come into contact with the power supply board 210. In this embodiment, the power supply board 210 (and the conductive component) may be provided in a position where it will not come into contact with the end of the medal when it is fitted in the medal.
[0177] In the above, the case where the end of a φ25 medal is inserted into the heat dissipation holes 10b1 and 10b2 has been described, but the same relationship may be established when the end of a φ30 medal is inserted into the heat dissipation holes 10b1 and 10b2. Also, the same relationship may be established when a part of a screw (threaded portion) is inserted into the heat dissipation holes 10b1 and 10b2. In this embodiment, when a part of the screw (threaded portion) is inserted into heat dissipation hole 10b1 or heat dissipation hole 10b2 (screw inserted state), the part of the screw does not come into contact with power supply board 210. In this embodiment, power supply board 210 is provided at a position where the part of the screw in the screw inserted state does not come into contact with the power supply board 210. This makes it possible to prevent failure of components due to such contact.
[0178] In addition, in the present embodiment, the power supply unit 10 has been used as the board unit, but the board unit may be another board unit instead of the power supply unit 10. In this case, the other board unit mainly includes a board and a board case capable of housing the board therein, and a plurality of heat dissipation holes 10b are formed on the top surface of the board case.
[0179] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine comprising a cabinet (1), a front door (20) that can be opened and closed relative to the cabinet, and a screw, The housing includes a box-shaped substrate unit (10), A plurality of holes (10b) are formed on the top surface (10a) of the substrate unit, The hole is a long hole, The longitudinal dimension of the hole is smaller than the diameter of the game medal, The dimension of the hole in the short direction is larger than the thickness of one game medal and smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw.
[0180] By providing multiple holes (heat dissipation holes) on the top surface of the board unit, heat inside the board unit can be released, and damage (failure) of parts due to high temperatures inside the board unit can be suppressed. In this case, if the game medal and screw enter completely inside the board unit through the heat dissipation holes, they may come into contact with the parts installed inside, causing damage (failure) of the parts. In this embodiment, the game medal and the screw cannot pass through the heat dissipation hole and completely enter the inside of the board unit. In other words, the entire game medal and the entire screw are prevented from entering the inside of the board unit through the heat dissipation hole. Therefore, damage (failure) of parts caused by the game medal and the screw completely entering the inside of the board unit can be suppressed.
[0181] If the heat dissipation hole is set small, the heat dissipation effect will be reduced, and if it is set large, there is a risk that game medals or screws will enter the interior. However, in this embodiment, the size of the heat dissipation hole is set to an appropriate size, which can prevent game medals and screws from entering while improving (ensuring) the heat dissipation effect.
[0182] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is one of the game machines, will be described, but other game machines may be used. FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment. The game machine of this embodiment is a game machine in which a game is played using game balls (game value) rented from an amusement parlor. The pachinko game machine 1 includes a vertically long rectangular outer frame 2 that forms the outer side of the game machine, and an opening / closing member 80 (a game machine main body 81 and a front door 82) that is supported by a hinge part on the outer frame 2 so as to be freely opened and closed (openable and closable) with the left side (left end side) as an axis. The opening / closing member 80 includes a game machine main body 81 (inner frame) and a front door 82. The game machine main body 81 (inner frame) includes a main body frame and a game board 6 that forms a game area 4 in which game balls move. The front door 82 includes a front frame 10 and a glass unit 8 (transparent plate 8) that allows the player to see the game board 6 but not to touch it.
[0183] The portion of the front door 82 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a number of front frame lamps (lighting devices) 12 that output light effects to enhance the game. In addition, speakers 14 that output sounds to enhance the game are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part and the left and right sides of the lower part of the front door 82.
[0184] An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front door 82, and a payout outlet 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided in the left part of the inner side surface of the upper tray 16. A grip unit (handle) 20 is provided on the lower right side of the gaming machine, and when a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated to launch game balls into the gaming area 4. The launching device of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).
[0185] A supply port 22 for supplying game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. In addition, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 for storing surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.
[0186] A performance operation device (performance button) 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance operation device 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes. In this embodiment, the performance operation device 26 has a push button and a rotary switch (jog dial), and can perform operations of pressing the performance operation device 26 and rotating the performance operation device 26.
[0187] 33 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6. A circular outer rail 28 is provided on the game board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game balls move. An arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the game area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 to the game area 4.
[0188] In the center of the game board 6, there is provided a presentation unit 36 comprising a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying presentation images and the like to liven up the game, and a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32.
[0189] In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area 4 on the left or right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed to the surface of the game board 6 so as to intersect with each other, and the moving direction of the game ball moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.
[0190] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and the game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 through which the game balls can fall downward from the stage 44, and the game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.
[0191] A first start winning opening 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44. A passing gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start winning opening 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. This second start winning opening 50 is provided with a normal role 52 having an auxiliary member that can be operated between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted, a non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 50, and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted, an assisted state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter.
[0192] In the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a large prize opening 54 is provided below the second start prize opening 50. This large prize opening 54 is provided with a special device 56 having a movable member that closes the large prize opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54 and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize opening 54 (FIG. 8 shows the closed state). The special device 56 is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a large prize is won.
[0193] Below the big prize opening 54, a big prize passage 58 is provided downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the lower end of the big prize passage 58. A specific passage 65 is provided below the big prize passage 58 so as to branch downward from the middle of the big prize passage 58. A specific role 66 having a movable member for blocking the specific passage 65 is provided in the specific passage 65. The specific role 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the specific passage 65 and an open state in which game balls can enter the specific passage 65 (FIG. 33 shows the closed state). The specific role 66 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special game state. A specific entrance 68 is provided at the lower end of the specific passage 65. At the bottom of the game area 4, an outlet 69 is provided for collecting game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings into the inside of the game machine.
[0194] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (Figure 32). When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32.
[0195] The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls down the left side of the game area 4 or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44 and enters the first start winning port 46 (left hit), or launches the game ball so that it falls down the right side of the game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second start winning port 50 or enters the big winning port 54 (right hit).
[0196] A status display unit 70 is provided at the lower right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, to indicate various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps, etc. The game machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board and a sub-control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc. The main control board and the sub-control board are provided in the game machine main body 81 (inner frame).
[0197] The main control board (main control means) receives input signals from the input means (first start winning port sensor, passing gate sensor, second start winning port sensor, large winning port sensor, normal entry entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of the output means (status display drive device, normal feature drive device, special feature drive device, specific feature drive device, payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.
[0198] The sub-control board (sub-control means) receives commands sent from the main control board and input signals from the performance operation sensor that detects operations on the performance operation device 26, performs various calculations to execute performances that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance devices (performance display devices, audio devices, performance object driving devices, etc.) based on the results of the calculations.
[0199] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the gaming machine main body 81 (inner frame) with the gaming board 6 removed, as viewed from the upper front side. A power supply unit 300 is provided as a board unit on the lower side of the inner frame. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 300, as viewed from the rear side. The power supply unit 300 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box, and is elongated in the left-right direction. The power supply unit 300 includes a power supply board (not shown) on which multiple components are arranged, a power supply case 301 that covers the power supply board, a power switch 302 that can switch the power supply (power supply board) ON or OFF, a front panel 303, a connector 304 provided on the rear side, and the like.
[0200] A plurality of heat dissipation holes 301b (openings) (holes) are provided on the top surface 301a of the power supply case 301. The heat dissipation holes 301b are elongated holes (long holes) that are long in the front-rear direction. The heat dissipation holes 301b may be substantially rectangular holes or substantially elliptical holes. The heat dissipation holes 301b are provided at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. The heat dissipation holes 301b are provided in two rows along the left-right direction. The heat dissipation holes 301b are provided to release heat generated inside the power supply unit 300 (to achieve a heat dissipation effect). The more heat dissipation holes 301b are provided, the higher the heat dissipation effect can be. The power supply case 301 may be made of metal or resin.
[0201] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation hole 301b is elongated in the front-rear direction, but is not limited thereto, and may be elongated in the left-right direction.
[0202] Here, the length (dimension) of the heat dissipation hole 301b in the longitudinal direction is defined as the first length. The length (dimension) of the heat dissipation hole 301b in the lateral direction is defined as the second length. The first length is larger than the diameter of a gaming ball (approximately 11 mm or approximately 30 mm). Specifically, the first length is approximately 21.5 mm. The second length is smaller than the diameter of a gaming ball (approximately 11 mm). Specifically, the second length is approximately 2.5 mm. The second length is smaller than the radius of a gaming ball (approximately 5.5 mm).
[0203] A game ball B (FIG. 27) is used for playing the game machine (pachinko game machine) according to this embodiment. In the pachinko game machine, a game ball may fall onto the top surface 301a of the power supply unit 300, but since the dimensions (opening dimensions) of the heat dissipation holes 301b are set as described above, even if a game ball falls onto the top surface 301a, the game ball cannot pass through the heat dissipation holes 301b and completely enter the inside of the power supply unit 300. In other words, the entire game ball is prevented from entering the inside of the power supply unit 300 through the heat dissipation holes 301b (entry is prevented).
[0204] Since there is a difference of approximately 8.5 mm between the second length (approximately 2.5 mm), which is the short dimension of the heat dissipation hole 301b, and the diameter of the game ball, even if the game ball is forcibly pushed into the heat dissipation hole 301b, the entire game ball (the game ball will not enter the inside of the power supply unit 300 completely) is prevented from entering the inside of the power supply unit 300.
[0205] In addition, in the gaming machine according to this embodiment, screws (FIG. 26) are used as fixing members for fixing (mounting) certain parts. The second length of the heat dissipation hole 301b is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw (about 4 mm). If the screw is a washer-embedded screw (a screw with a washer), the second length is smaller (shorter) than the diameter of the washer.
[0206] For example, it may happen that a screw is accidentally dropped onto top surface 301a of power supply unit 300 during assembly work, but because the dimensions (opening dimensions) of heat dissipation hole 301b are set as described above, even if a screw falls onto top surface 301a, the screw cannot pass through heat dissipation hole 301b and penetrate completely into power supply unit 300. In other words, the entire screw is prevented from penetrating (preventing from penetrating) into power supply unit 300 through heat dissipation hole 301b.
[0207] The first length is greater than the length of the screw (total length of the screw: approximately 9.2 mm). However, even if the screw is dropped with its axial direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation hole 301b, the second length is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw (the diameter of the head of the screw is greater than the second length), so the screw cannot pass through the heat dissipation hole 301b and enter the inside of the power supply unit 300.
[0208] The heat dissipation hole 301b is sized to prevent game balls and screws from entering the inside of the power supply unit 300, while preventing game balls and screws that have fallen onto the top surface 301a from falling downward from the top surface 301a. In other words, the heat dissipation hole 301b is capable of retaining the game balls and screws in place (keeping them in a retained (fitted) state). Note that the game balls that are stuck in the heat dissipation hole 301b can move in the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation hole 301b, but cannot move in the lateral direction.
[0209] Heat dissipation hole 301b has a second length of approximately 2.5 mm. Therefore, in the case of a screw with a nominal diameter of 2.3 mm, the threaded portion of the screw can enter heat dissipation hole 301b. However, even in this case, the diameter of the head of the screw is larger than the second length, so the entire screw cannot pass through heat dissipation hole 301b and enter the inside of power supply unit 300. In other words, the dimensions (opening dimensions) of heat dissipation hole 301b are set to a size that at least prevents the head of the screw from passing through heat dissipation hole 301b. A power supply board (not shown) is provided inside the power supply unit 300. When part of the screw (threaded portion) is inserted into the heat dissipation hole 301b (screw inserted state), the part of the screw does not contact the power supply board. In this embodiment, the power supply board is provided at a position where the part of the screw in the screw inserted state does not contact the power supply board. This makes it possible to prevent failure of components due to the contact.
[0210] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine comprising an outer frame (2), an inner frame (81) that is openable and closable relative to the outer frame, and a screw, The inner frame includes a box-shaped base unit (300), A plurality of holes (301b) are formed on the top surface (301a) of the substrate unit, The hole is a long hole, The longitudinal dimension of the hole is greater than the diameter of the game ball, The short dimension of the hole is smaller than the diameter of the game ball and smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw.
[0211] By providing multiple holes (heat dissipation holes) on the top surface of the board unit, heat inside the board unit can be released, and damage (failure) of parts due to high temperatures inside the board unit can be suppressed. In this case, if the game ball and screw enter the inside of the board unit completely through the heat dissipation holes, they may come into contact with the parts inside and cause damage (failure) of those parts. In this embodiment, the game ball and the screw cannot pass through the heat dissipation hole and completely enter the inside of the board unit. In other words, the entire game ball and the entire screw are prevented from entering the inside of the board unit through the heat dissipation hole. Therefore, damage (failure) of parts caused by the game ball and the screw completely entering the inside of the board unit can be suppressed.
[0212] If the heat dissipation holes are set small, the heat dissipation effect will be reduced, and if they are set large, there is a risk that game balls or screws will enter the interior. However, in this embodiment, the size of the heat dissipation holes is set to an appropriate size, which makes it possible to prevent game balls and screws from entering while improving (ensuring) the heat dissipation effect.
[0213] (Fifth embodiment) The configuration according to the second embodiment and the configuration according to the third embodiment may be combined. As shown in Fig. 36(a), a screw T is provided on the left side plate 5 of the housing 1. The screw T is tightened, for example, to fix a specific member to the left side plate 5. The screw T is provided, for example, below the reel support portion 13 (Fig. 15) and above the heat dissipation port 95. In addition, a hole 3a is provided on the rear surface (back plate 3) of the housing 1.
[0214] The length (dimension) of the heat radiation port 95 in the longitudinal direction is defined as the first length. The length (dimension) of the heat radiation port 95 in the lateral direction is defined as the second length. The opening of the heat radiation port 95 is formed in the same manner as the opening of the heat radiation hole 10b (FIG. 28) according to the third embodiment. The first length is smaller (shorter) than the diameter of a medal (approximately 25 mm or approximately 30 mm). Specifically, the first length is approximately 21.5 mm. Note that the first length is larger than the radius of the medal. The second length is larger (longer) than the thickness of one medal (approximately 1.6 mm to approximately 1.8 mm) and smaller (shorter) than the thickness of two medals (approximately 3.2 mm to approximately 3.6 mm). Specifically, the second length is approximately 2.5 mm. Note that the thickness of two medals is the thickness (total) when two medals are stacked. Moreover, the second length (approximately 2.5 mm) is smaller (shorter) than the diameter D of the head of the screw T (approximately 4 mm).
[0215] Since the diameter D of the head of the screw T is larger than the second length, even if the screw T falls downward, the entire screw T cannot pass through the heat dissipation port 95 and enter the inside of the power supply unit 10. This makes it possible to prevent the power supply unit 10 from breaking down due to the entry of the screw T.
[0216] As shown in FIG. 36(a), if the linear distance between the screw T and the heat dissipation port 95 is the first distance A, and the linear distance between the screw T and the hole 3a is the second distance B, the second distance B is larger than the first distance A. The opening of the heat dissipation port 95, which is the linear distance from the screw T to the first distance A (relatively small), is set to the above-mentioned size, and priority is given to preventing the intrusion of the screw T. The size of the hole 3a, which is the linear distance from the screw T to the second distance B, which is larger than the first distance A, is set to be larger than the size of the opening of the heat dissipation port 95, and priority is given to releasing air to the outside (heat dissipation) (suppressing the inside of the housing from becoming too hot). Therefore, it is possible to realize a housing that can suppress component failure due to the intrusion of the screw T and efficiently perform heat dissipation. This makes it possible to suppress component failure.
[0217] As shown in FIG. 36(b), the linear distance between the heat dissipation port 95 and the hole 3a is defined as a third distance C. The third distance C may be configured to be greater than the second distance B. The positions of the components may be determined so that the third distance C is greater than the second distance B, and the second distance B is greater than the first distance A. The third distance C is greater than the overall length S of the screw (FIG. 26).
[0218] The screw T that has fallen downward may come into contact with the top surface of the power supply unit 10 (around the heat dissipation port 95) and bounce back (jump up), but even in this case, the distance between the heat dissipation port 95 and the hole 3a is set relatively large, so that the screw T is prevented from jumping out of the housing 1 through the hole 3a. This reduces the possibility of the part (screw T) being lost. As described above, since there is a possibility that the screw T will jump up, even if the hole 3a is located above the position of the heat dissipation outlet 95, the possibility of the screw T passing through the hole 3a can be reduced by ensuring a large distance between the heat dissipation outlet 95 and the hole 3a.
[0219] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention allows free combination of each embodiment, modification of any component of each embodiment, or omission of any component in each embodiment, within the scope of the invention. For example, the configuration of the slot machine is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the above-described configuration is not limited to slot machines, but can also be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medal-less gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to gaming machines, including slot machines, pachinko gaming machines, and medal-less gaming machines (managed slot machines structured so that players can play games without using gaming medals). [Explanation of symbols]
[0220] 1 Case 3a hole 10 Power supply unit (board unit) 13 Reel support part (support part) 14 Reel Unit 95 Heat vent 135 First Hollow Section T-screw
Claims
1. The casing and Circuit board unit and Reel unit and A support portion that supports the reel unit, A screw provided on the side panel of the housing, The housing comprises a hole provided on the back, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, Multiple heat dissipation vents are provided on the top surface of the aforementioned circuit board unit. The screw is provided below the support portion and above the heat dissipation vent. The support portion is provided with at least one cutout, The aforementioned hollowed-out portion includes a first hollowed-out portion, When viewed from above, the first cutout and the heat dissipation vent are positioned so as not to overlap. The straight-line distance between the screw and the heat dissipation vent is defined as the first distance. The straight-line distance between the screw and the hole is defined as the second distance. If the straight-line distance between the heat dissipation port and the hole is defined as the third distance, The third distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance. The longitudinal dimension of the opening of the heat dissipation port is greater than the diameter of the screw head. The dimension of the opening of the heat dissipation port in the short-side direction is smaller than the diameter of the screw head. Gaming machine.
2. The casing and Circuit board unit and Reel unit and A support portion that supports the reel unit, A screw provided on the side panel of the housing, The housing comprises a hole provided on the back, The aforementioned hole is located above the support portion, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, Multiple heat dissipation vents are provided on the top surface of the aforementioned circuit board unit. The aforementioned screw is located above the heat dissipation vent. The support portion is provided with at least one cutout, The aforementioned hollowed-out portion includes a first hollowed-out portion, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation vent and the first cutout are located on a virtual straight line drawn in the vertical direction, but a member covering the opening of the heat dissipation vent is provided between the heat dissipation vent and the first cutout. The straight-line distance between the screw and the heat dissipation vent is defined as the first distance. The straight-line distance between the screw and the hole is defined as the second distance. If the straight-line distance between the heat dissipation port and the hole is defined as the third distance, The third distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance. The longitudinal dimension of the opening of the heat dissipation port is greater than the diameter of the screw head. The dimension of the opening of the heat dissipation port in the short-side direction is smaller than the diameter of the screw head. Gaming machine.
3. The casing and Circuit board unit and Reel unit and A support portion that supports the reel unit, A screw provided on the side panel of the housing, The housing comprises a hole provided on the back, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, When viewed from the front, the substrate unit and at least a portion of the hole are located on a virtual straight line drawn in the vertical direction. The top surface of the substrate unit has a first region that overlaps with the support portion when viewed from above, and a second region that does not overlap with the support portion when viewed from above. The distance to the hole in the second region is smaller than that in the first region. The first region is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation vents, but the second region is provided with the same heat dissipation vents. It was not kicked. A member covering the opening is provided above the opening of the heat dissipation port in the first region. The aforementioned screw is located above the heat dissipation vent. The straight-line distance between the screw and the heat dissipation vent is defined as the first distance. The straight-line distance between the screw and the hole is defined as the second distance. If the straight-line distance between the heat dissipation port and the hole is defined as the third distance, The third distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance. The longitudinal dimension of the opening of the heat dissipation port is greater than the diameter of the screw head. The dimension of the opening of the heat dissipation port in the short-side direction is smaller than the diameter of the screw head. Gaming machine.