Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine facilitating a cleanup in a double reel structure.SOLUTION: On a side face of a hub 812a of an inner reel unit 810 facing an edge part 824 of an outer reel unit 820, a protrusion 821a1 is formed protruding toward the edge part 824 side. By this protrusion 821a1, the inner reel unit 810 pushes out air when rotatably displaced to enable a generation of wind. By causing an inflow of the wind into an opposition between an inner reel 811 and an outer reel 821, dust attached to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 can be blown away. As the result, the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 can be made easy to be cleaned up.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, there is known a gaming machine having a first reel that is rotatably formed and a second reel that is disposed approximately concentrically inside the first reel and is also rotatably formed (i.e., having a double reel structure) (for example, JP 2003-230693 A). Also known is a technology for removing and cleaning dust adhering to the display surface of the reel by contacting a rotating brush with the outer circumferential surface (display surface) of the reel and rotating the rotating member in accordance with the rotation of the reel (for example, JP 2009-28241 A). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-230693 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-28241 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned gaming machine has a problem in that the dual reel structure makes cleaning difficult.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and has an object to provide a gaming machine with a dual reel structure that is easy to clean. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine described in claim 1 comprises a first reel formed to be rotatable, and a second reel arranged approximately concentrically inside the first reel and formed to be rotatable, the first reel comprises a first outer peripheral wall formed in a cylindrical shape and a first side wall extending radially inward from one axial side of the first outer peripheral wall, the second reel comprises a second outer peripheral wall formed in a cylindrical shape and whose outer surface faces the inner surface of the first outer peripheral wall at a predetermined distance, and a second side wall extending radially inward from one axial side of the second outer peripheral wall and whose outer surface faces the inner surface of the first side wall at a predetermined distance, and an upright portion is provided from at least one of the inner surface of the first side wall or the outer surface of the second side wall toward the other.

[0007] The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are formed in an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction and have a surface that is continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0008] The gaming machine described in claim 3 is the gaming machine described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first reel has a first support wall that is rotatably supported at the center and supports the first side wall, and the second reel has a second support wall that is rotatably supported at the center and supports the second side wall, and an opening is formed in at least one of the first support wall or the second support wall. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the gaming machine of claim 1, the dual reel structure makes cleaning easy.

[0010] According to the gaming machine of claim 2, in addition to the effect achieved by the gaming machine of claim 1, air can be easily caused to flow between the inner surface of the first outer peripheral wall and the outer surface of the second outer peripheral wall.

[0011] According to the gaming machine of claim 3, in addition to the effects achieved by the gaming machine of claim 1 or 2, air can be easily caused to flow between the inner surface of the first outer peripheral wall and the outer surface of the second outer peripheral wall. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 1A is a front view of the winning port unit, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the winning port unit. [Figure 11] An exploded oblique front view of the prize slot unit. [Figure 12] An exploded oblique rear view of the prize slot unit. [Figure 13] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the base member and the first electric accessory. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] 13(a) and (b) are side views of the drive unit and the first electric accessory. [Figure 16] 13(a) and (b) are front views of the drive unit and the first electric accessory. [Figure 17] 10(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit 500 taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 10(a). [Figure 18] (a) and (b) are front views of the winning port unit. [Figure 19] 13(a) and (b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 20]FIG. 20(a) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XXa-XXa in FIG. 18(a), and FIG. 20(b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XXb-XXb in FIG. 18(b). [Figure 21] 13(a) and (b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 22] 21(a) is a partially enlarged side view of the drive unit in range XXIIa of FIG. 21(a), and (b) is a partially enlarged side view of the drive unit in range XXIIb of FIG. 21(b). [Figure 23] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the left wing member, and FIG. [Figure 24] 24(a) is a front view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XXIVb-XXIVb in FIG. 24(a). [Diagram 25] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 26] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 27] 27(a) is a top view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XXVIIb-XXVIIb in FIG. 27(a). [Figure 28] 27(a) and (b) are partially enlarged cross-sectional views of the winning slot unit in range XXVIII of FIG. 27(b). [Figure 29] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the game board in range XXIX of FIG. 2. [Diagram 30] 30(a) is a front view of the decorative pattern display device, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device taken along line XXXb-XXXb in FIG. 30(a). [Diagram 31] 1 is an exploded oblique front view of a decorative pattern display device. [Diagram 32] 1 is an exploded perspective rear view of a decorative pattern display device. [Diagram 33] 1A is a front view of the inner reel unfolded, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the outer reel unfolded. [Diagram 34]A cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in Figure 30(a). [Diagram 35] A partially enlarged view of the decorative pattern display device in range XXXV of Figure 34. [Diagram 36] 36(a) is a partial enlarged view of the rotating member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member taken along line XXXVIb-XXXVIb in FIG. 36(a). [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is a front view of the segment display device. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the segment display device. [Figure 39] 1A is a front view of a vertical displacement unit, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the vertical displacement unit. [Diagram 40] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective front view of a vertical displacement unit. [Diagram 41] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective rear view of the vertical displacement unit. [Diagram 42] FIG. 1A is a front view of the second segment unit, and FIG. [Diagram 43] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective front view of the second segment unit. [Diagram 44] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective rear view of the second segment unit. [Diagram 45] 42(a) is a cross-sectional view of the second segment unit taken along line XLV-XLV in FIG. [Figure 46] FIG. [Figure 47] 43 is a cross-sectional view of the second segment unit taken along line XLVII-XLVII in FIG. 42(a). [Figure 48] FIG. [Figure 49] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective front view of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 50] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective rear view of the vertical displacement unit. [Figure 51] FIG. 4A is a front view of the displacement member, and FIG. [Figure 52] FIG. [Figure 53] 51(a) is a cross-sectional view of the displacement member taken along line LIII-LIII in FIG. [Figure 54] FIG. [Figure 55] A front view of the segment display device and the decorative pattern display device. [Figure 56] 1 is a schematic diagram of a segment display device and a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 57] 1A to 1C are front views of the vertical displacement unit. [Figure 58] 57(a) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vertical displacement unit taken along line LVIIIb-LVIIIb in FIG. 57(a). [Figure 59] 57(a) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vertical displacement unit taken along line LVIIIb-LVIIIb in FIG. 57(a). [Figure 60] 57(a) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vertical displacement unit taken along line LVIIIb-LVIIIb in FIG. 57(a). [Figure 61] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 62] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 63] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 64] 64(a) is a partial enlarged view of a rotating member in the second embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member taken along line LXIVb-LXIVb in FIG. 64(a). [Figure 65] A cross-sectional view of a decorative pattern display device in a third embodiment. [Figure 66] 66(a) is a partial enlarged view of the outer reel unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the outer reel unit taken along line LXVIb-LXVIb in FIG. 66(a). [Figure 67] A cross-sectional view of a decorative pattern display device in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 68]68(a) is a partial enlarged view of the rotating member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member taken along line LXVIIIb-LXVIIIb in FIG. 68(a). [Figure 69] A cross-sectional view of a decorative pattern display device in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 70] 70(a) is a partial enlarged view of the circular ring member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the circular ring member taken along line LXXb-LXXb in FIG. 70(a). [Figure 71] A cross-sectional view of a decorative pattern display device in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 72] 72(a) is a partial enlarged view of the rotating member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member taken along line LXXIIb-LXXIIb in FIG. 72(a). [Figure 73] 73(a) is a partial enlarged view of the outer reel unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the outer reel unit taken along line LXXIIIb-LXXIIIb in FIG. 73(a). [Figure 74] FIG. 13(a) is a front view of a rotating member in a seventh embodiment, and (b) is a side view of the rotating member. [Figure 75] 1(a) to 1(c) are side views of the drive unit and the first electric feature. [Figure 76] 1(a) to 1(c) are front views of the drive unit and the first electric accessory. [Figure 77] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 78] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective front view of a drive unit according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 79] 13(a) and (b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 80] 13(a) and (b) are front views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 81] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 82] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 83] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective front view of a drive unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 84] 13(a) and (b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 85] 13(a) and (b) are front views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 86] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 87] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 88] 13(a) is a front view of a displacement member in the tenth embodiment, and (b) is a side view of the displacement member. FIG. [Figure 89] FIG. [Figure 90] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 91] 91(a) and (b) are partial enlarged views of the vertical displacement unit in range XCI of FIG. 90. [Figure 92] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 93] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 94] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 95] 95(a) is a top view of the winning port unit in the twelfth embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XCVb-XCVb in FIG. 95(a). [Figure 96] 96(a) is a top view of the winning port unit in the thirteenth embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XCVIb-XCVIb in FIG. 96(a). [Figure 97] FIG. 23(a) is a perspective front view of the left wing member in the fourteenth embodiment, and (b) is a perspective front view of the right wing member. [Figure 98] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the prize winning port unit, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the left wing member taken along line XCVIIIb-XCVIIIb in Figure 98(a), and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right wing member taken along line XCVIIIc-XCVIIIc in Figure 98(b). [Figure 99] 99(a) is a partially enlarged view of the game board in the fifteenth embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the game board taken along line XCIXb-XCIXb in FIG. 99. [Figure 100] 100(a) is a partially enlarged view of the game board, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the game board taken along line Cb-Cb in FIG. 100(a). [Figure 101] 101(a) is a front view of the first electric prop and drive unit in the 16th embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the first electric prop and drive unit 8530 taken along line CIb-CIb in Figure 101(a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the first electric prop and drive unit taken along line CIc-CIc in Figure 101(b). [Figure 102] 23(a) and (b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 103] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 104] 13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit. [Figure 105] 105(a) is a partial enlarged view of a rotating member in the eighteenth embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member taken along line CVb-CVb in FIG. 105(a). [Fig. 106] 18(a) and 18(b) are cross-sectional views of a decorative pattern display device in an 18th embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. First, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 63, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 will be described as a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of a game board 13 of the pachinko machine 10, and Fig. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, a pachinko machine 10 comprises an outer frame 2, the outer shell of which is formed by wooden frames assembled into a substantially rectangular shape, and an inner frame 4, which is formed to have substantially the same external shape as the outer frame 2 and is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 2. Metal hinges 18 are attached to the outer frame 2 at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side as viewed from the front (see Fig. 1), in order to support the inner frame 4, and the inner frame 4 is supported so as to be openable and closable towards the front side, with the side where the hinges 18 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing.

[0015] A game board 13 (see FIG. 2) having a number of nails and winning holes 63, 64, etc., is detachably attached from the back side to the inner frame 4. A pinball game is played by balls (game balls) flowing down the front of the game board 13. The inner frame 4 is equipped with a ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) that launches balls to the front area of ​​the game board 13, a launching rail (not shown) that guides the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a to the front area of ​​the game board 13, and the like.

[0016] On the front side of the inner frame 4, there is provided a front door 5 that covers the upper side of the front, and a lower tray unit 15 that covers the lower side. Metal hinges 19 are attached to two places, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), in order to support the front door 5 and the lower tray unit 15, and the front door 5 and the lower tray unit 15 are supported so that they can be opened and closed toward the front side, with the side where the hinges 19 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing. The locks on the inner frame 4 and the front door 5 can be released by inserting a special key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a specified operation.

[0017] The front door 5 is fitted with decorative resin parts, electrical parts, etc., and has a window 5c formed in a substantially elliptical shape at its approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass sheets 8 is disposed on the rear side of the front door 5, and the front surface of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0018] In the front door 5, the upper tray 17 for storing balls is formed in a generally box-like shape with an open top that protrudes forward, and prize balls and loan balls are discharged into this upper tray 17. The bottom surface of the upper tray 17 is formed with a downward inclination to the right side when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), and the balls dropped into the upper tray 17 are guided to the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) by this inclination. In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the upper surface of the upper tray 17. This frame button 22 is operated by the player, for example, when changing the mode of the performance displayed on the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 (see FIG. 2) or when changing the content of the super reach performance.

[0019] The front door 5 is provided with various light-emitting means such as lamps around it (for example, at the corners). The light-emitting means are controlled to change the light-emitting state by lighting or blinking depending on the change in the game state such as when a jackpot is hit or when a certain reach is reached, and play a role in enhancing the presentation effect during the game. The periphery of the window 5c is provided with illumination units 29-33 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs. In the pachinko machine 10, these illumination units 29-33 function as presentation lamps such as jackpot lamps, and when a jackpot is hit or when a reach is reached, each illumination unit 29-33 lights up or blinks by lighting or blinking the built-in LEDs, thereby informing the player that a jackpot is being hit or that the player is in a reach just before a jackpot. In addition, the upper left part of the front door 5 when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1) is provided with an indicator lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs that can indicate when prize balls are being paid out and when an error occurs.

[0020] Also, a small window 35 is formed by attaching transparent resin to the underside of the right-side illumination unit 32 from the backside so that the backside of the front door 5 can be seen, and the certificate stamps and the like affixed to the attachment space K1 (see FIG. 2) on the front of the game board 13 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Also, in the pachinko machine 10, a plated member 36 made of chrome-plated ABS resin is attached to the area around the illumination units 29-33 to create a more brilliant appearance.

[0021] A ball lending operation unit 40 is disposed below the window portion 5c. The ball lending operation unit 40 is provided with a number display unit 41, a ball lending button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball lending operation unit 40 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are lent out in response to the operation. Specifically, the number display unit 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc. is displayed, and a built-in LED is lit to display the remaining balance in numbers as the remaining balance information. The ball lending button 42 is operated to obtain loan balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and loan balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a remaining balance on the card, etc. The return button 43 is operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. In addition, in pachinko machines where balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispenser to the upper tray 17 without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is not necessary, but in this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation part of the ball dispensing operation unit 40 to make the parts configuration common. It is possible to commonize pachinko machines using a card unit and cash machines.

[0022] The lower tray unit 15, located below the upper tray 17, has a lower tray 50 in the center formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top for storing balls that cannot be stored in the upper tray 17. An operating handle 51 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 50 and is operated by the player to shoot the ball into the front of the game board 13.

[0023] The operation handle 51 includes a touch sensor 51a for permitting the driving of the ball launching unit 112a, a launch stop switch 51b for stopping the launch of balls while the switch is being pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the rotation amount (rotation position) of the operation handle 51 by a change in electrical resistance. When the operation handle 51 is rotated clockwise by a player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes corresponding to the rotation amount, and the ball is launched with a strength (launch strength) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, whereby the ball is shot into the front of the game board 13 with a flight amount corresponding to the operation of the player. When the operation handle 51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the launch stop switch 51b are turned off.

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

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 13 is constructed by assembling a number of nails (not shown) for guiding balls, a windmill, rails 76, 77, a general winning opening 63, a first winning opening 64, a second winning opening 140, a variable winning device 65, a first through gate 66, a variable display unit 80, etc., on a base plate 60 machined into a substantially square shape when viewed from the front, and the peripheral portion is attached to the back side of the inner frame 4 (see FIG. 1). The base plate 60 is made of wood made by bonding thin boards together, and is formed so that the players cannot see the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60 from the front side. The general winning opening 63, the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 140, the variable winning device 65, and the variable display unit 80 are arranged in through holes formed in the base plate 60 by router processing, and are fixed from the front side of the game board 13 by tapping screws or the like.

[0026] The front center portion of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 4 through a window portion 5c (see FIG. 1) of the front door 5. The configuration of the game board 13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0027] An outer rail 77 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a substantially arc shape is set up on the front of the game board 13, and an inner rail 76 formed of a strip-shaped metal plate similar to the outer rail 77 is set up on the inside of the outer rail 77. The inner rail 76 and the outer rail 77 surround the front periphery of the game board 13, and the game board 13 and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1) surround the front and rear, forming a game area in which games are played based on the behavior of balls on the front of the game board 13. The game area is an area (an area where winning holes and the like are arranged and where shot balls flow down) that is formed on the front of the game board 13 and is partitioned by the two rails 76, 77 and the resin outer edge member 73 that connects the rails.

[0028] The two rails 76, 77 are provided to guide the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) to the upper part of the game board 13. A return ball prevention member 68 is attached to the tip part (upper left part of FIG. 2) of the inner rail 76, which prevents a ball once guided to the upper part of the game board 13 from returning back into the ball guide passage. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip part (upper right part of FIG. 2) of the outer rail 77 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight part of the ball, and a ball launched with a certain amount of force or more hits the return rubber 69 and bounces back toward the center while its force is reduced.

[0029] The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, which are equipped with a plurality of LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means, are arranged in the lower left side of the game area when viewed from the front (lower left side of FIG. 2). The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are used to display information according to the controls performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and mainly display the game status of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be used differently depending on whether the ball has won the first winning hole 64 or the second winning hole 140. Specifically, when the ball has won the first winning hole 64, the first symbol display device 37A is activated, and when the ball has won the second winning hole 140, the first symbol display device 37B is activated.

[0030] The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a special probability, time-saving, or normal state, whether it is fluctuating, whether the stopped symbols correspond to a special probability jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a miss, and the number of reserved balls, while displaying the number of rounds during a jackpot and errors using a 7-segment display device. The LEDs are configured to have different light colors (e.g., red, green, and blue), and the combination of light colors can suggest various game states of the pachinko machine 10 with a small number of LEDs.

[0031] In this pachinko machine 10, a lottery is held when either the first winning slot 64 or the second winning slot 140 wins. In the lottery, the pachinko machine 10 judges whether or not there is a jackpot (jackpot lottery), and if it judges there is a jackpot, it also judges the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be judged here include a 15R variable jackpot, a 4R variable jackpot, and a 15R normal jackpot. The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stopped symbol after the fluctuation ends, but also show a symbol according to the type of jackpot if there is a jackpot.

[0032] Here, a "15R probability jackpot" refers to a probability jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and a "4R probability jackpot" refers to a probability jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 4. Also, a "15R normal jackpot" refers to a jackpot that transitions to a low probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and is in a time-saving state for a predetermined number of variations (for example, 100 variations).

[0033] In addition, the "high probability state" refers to a state in which the probability of a subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value after the jackpot is ended, that is, during a so-called probability fluctuation (during a probability change), in other words, a state of play in which it is easy to transition to a special game state. The high probability state (during a probability change) in this embodiment includes a game state in which the probability of a hit of the second symbol described later is increased and the ball is likely to enter the second winning hole 140. The "low probability state" refers to a time when the probability change is not in progress, and refers to a state in which the probability of a jackpot is in a normal state, that is, a state in which the probability of a jackpot is lower than that in a probability change. In addition, the time-saving state (during time-saving) in the "low probability state" refers to a game state in which the probability of a jackpot is in a normal state and the probability of a jackpot remains the same, only the probability of a hit of the second symbol is increased, and the ball is likely to enter the second winning hole 140. On the other hand, the normal state of the pachinko machine 10 refers to a game state in which the probability of a jackpot is not in a probability change state or a time-saving state (a state in which neither the probability of a jackpot nor the probability of a hit of the second symbol is increased).

[0034] During the probability variation or time reduction, not only does the probability of winning the second symbol increase, but the time for which the first electric device 520 associated with the second winning port 140 is opened is also changed and set to a longer time than during normal play. When the first electric device 520 is in an open state (open state), the ball is more likely to win the second winning port 140 than when the first electric device 520 is in a closed state (closed state). Therefore, during the probability variation or time reduction, the ball is more likely to win the second winning port 140, and the number of times the big win lottery is held can be increased.

[0035] In addition, during the probability variation or time reduction, instead of changing the opening time of the first electric role 520 associated with the second winning port 140, or in addition to changing the opening time, the number of times the first electric role 520 opens with one win may be increased compared to normal. Also, during the probability variation or time reduction, the winning probability of the second symbol may not be changed, and at least one of the time when the first electric role 520 associated with the second winning port 140 is opened and the number of times the first electric role 520 opens with one win may be changed. Also, during the probability variation or time reduction, the time when the first electric role 520 associated with the second winning port 140 is opened and the number of times the first electric role 520 opens with one win may not be changed, and only the winning probability of the second symbol may be changed to be increased compared to normal.

[0036] In the game area, a plurality of general winning holes 63 are arranged, through which 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball wins. In addition, a variable display unit 80 is arranged in the center of the game area. The variable display unit 80 is provided with a segment display device 600 and a decorative pattern display device 800 that perform a variable display of a third pattern in synchronization with the variable display in the first pattern display devices 37A and 37B, triggered by a winning (initial winning) in either the first winning hole 64 or the second winning hole 140, and a second pattern display device (not shown) composed of an LED that displays a variable display of a second pattern in response to the passage of a ball through the first through gate 66.

[0037] In addition, a center frame 86 is disposed in the variable display unit 80 so as to surround the outer periphery of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. The segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be viewed from an opening in the center of the center frame 86.

[0038] The segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 of this embodiment perform decorative display and displacement operations according to the display of the first pattern display devices 37A, 37B, while the display of the game state accompanying the control of the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed by the first pattern display devices 37A, 37B. Note that instead of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800, for example, a liquid crystal display may be used to display the game state.

[0039] The second symbol display device performs a variable display in which a "circle" symbol and an "x" symbol as display symbols (second symbol (not shown)) are alternately lit for a predetermined period of time each time the ball passes through the first through gate 66. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the first through gate 66, a winning lottery is held. If the winning lottery results in a winning, the second symbol display device displays a static "circle" symbol after the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner. If the winning lottery results in a losing, the second symbol display device displays a static "x" symbol after the third symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

[0040] The pachinko machine 10 is configured so that when the varying display in the second pattern display device stops at a predetermined pattern (in this embodiment, a "circle" pattern), the first electric device 520 attached to the second winning port 140 is activated (opened) for a predetermined period of time.

[0041] The time required for the second symbol to change is set to be shorter during the probability change or time-saving mode than during the normal game mode. As a result, the second symbol changes and changes in time during the probability change and time-saving mode, so that more winning lotteries can be held than during the normal game mode. Therefore, the chances of winning in the winning lottery increase, so that the first electric role 520 of the second winning port 140 is given to the player more opportunities to be in the open state. Therefore, during the probability change and time-saving mode, the second winning port 140 can be easily entered.

[0042] In addition, if the state is made such that the ball is likely to enter the second winning slot 140 during the probability variation or time-saving period by other methods such as increasing the probability of winning or increasing the opening time or number of openings of the first electric device 520 for one win during the probability variation or time-saving period, the time taken for the second symbol to be displayed may be constant regardless of the game state. On the other hand, if the time taken for the second symbol to be displayed is set shorter during the probability variation or time-saving period than during normal periods, the probability of winning may be constant regardless of the game state, and the opening time or number of openings of the first electric device 520 for one win may be constant regardless of the game state.

[0043] The first through gate 66 is attached to the game board in the area to the right of the variable display unit 80. The first through gate 66 is configured to allow some of the balls that flow down the game board out of the balls that are launched onto the game board to pass through. When a ball passes through the first through gate 66, a lottery is held to determine whether a second symbol will win. After the lottery, a variable display is performed on the second symbol display device, and if the lottery results in a win, a "○" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol of the variable display, and if the lottery results in a miss, a "X" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol of the variable display.

[0044] The number of times that the balls pass through the first through gate 66 is reserved up to a maximum of four times in total, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the above-mentioned first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, and is also displayed by lighting the second symbol reserved lamp (not shown). Four second symbol reserved lamps are provided, the maximum number of reserved balls, and are arranged symmetrically below the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800.

[0045] In addition, the second pattern variable display may be performed by switching on and off a plurality of lamps in the second pattern display device as in this embodiment, or may be performed using a part of the first pattern display device 37A, 37B, the segment display device 600, and the decorative pattern display device 800. Similarly, the second pattern reserved lamp may be lit by a part of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. In addition, the maximum number of reserved balls for the passage of the ball through the first through gate 66 is not limited to four times, and may be set to three or less, or five or more times (e.g., eight times). In addition, the number of through gates to be assembled is not limited to two, and may be three or more. In addition, the assembly position of the through gate is not limited to both the left and right sides of the variable display device unit 80, and may be, for example, below the variable display device unit 80. In addition, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first pattern display device 37A, 37B, the second pattern reserved lamp may not be lit.

[0046] A first winning hole 64 into which a ball can win is disposed below the variable display unit 80. When a ball wins into this first winning hole 64, a first winning hole switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and when the first winning hole switch is turned on, a lottery for a big win is performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37A.

[0047] On the other hand, the second winning hole 140 into which the ball can win is disposed to the right of the first winning hole 64 as viewed from the front. When a ball wins into the second winning hole 140, a second winning hole switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 turns on, and when the second winning hole switch turns on, a lottery for a big win is performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37B.

[0048] In addition, the first winning port 64 and the second winning port 140 are each one of the winning ports into which five balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the winning port. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 is the same as the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 140, but the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 140 may be different numbers, for example, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 may be three, and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 140 may be five.

[0049] The second winning opening 140 is accompanied by a first electric device 520. This first electric device 520 is configured to be openable and closable, and is usually in a closed state (reduced state) so that it is difficult for the ball to win the second winning opening 140. On the other hand, when the second pattern display device displays a "○" pattern as a result of the variable display of the second pattern, which is triggered by the passage of the ball through the first through gate 66, the first electric device 520 is in an open state (expanded state) so that it is easy for the ball to win the second winning opening 140.

[0050] As described above, during the probability of winning and the time-saving period, the probability of winning the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time it takes for the second symbol to change is also shorter, so the symbol "○" is more likely to be displayed in the change display of the second symbol, and the number of times the first electric device 520 is in the open state (expanded state) increases. Furthermore, during the probability of winning or the time-saving period, the time for which the first electric device 520 is open is also longer than during normal play. Therefore, during the probability of winning or the time-saving period, a state in which the ball is more likely to win the second winning hole 140 can be created than during normal play.

[0051] Here, the probability of winning a jackpot when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and when a ball enters the second winning slot 140 is the same in both low and high probability states. However, the probability of a 15R variable jackpot being selected as the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs is set higher when a ball enters the second winning slot 140 than when a ball enters the first winning slot 64. On the other hand, the first winning slot 64 does not have the first electric role 520 as in the second winning slot 140, and the ball is always in a state where it can win a jackpot.

[0052] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the electric device associated with the second winning slot 140 is often in a closed state, making it difficult to win at the second winning slot 140. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for a jackpot by shooting the ball toward the first winning slot 64, which has no electric device, so that the ball passes to the left of the variable display unit 80 (the so-called "left shot") and by having the ball win at the first winning slot 64, thereby gaining more opportunities to win the jackpot lottery.

[0053] On the other hand, during the special bonus period or the time-saving period, the first electric device 520 associated with the second winning port 140 is likely to be opened by passing the ball through the first through gate 66, making it easier to win at the second winning port 140. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the ball toward the second winning port 140 so that it passes to the right of the variable display unit 80 (the so-called "right hit"), passing the ball through the first through gate 66 to open the first electric device 520, and aiming for a 15R special bonus jackpot by winning at the second winning port 140.

[0054] In this way, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment can allow the player to change the way the ball is shot to "left hit" or "right hit" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability change mode, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). Therefore, the player can enjoy the game because the way the ball is shot can be changed.

[0055] A variable winning device 65 is disposed on the right side of the first winning hole 64, and a horizontally long rectangular specific winning hole (large open hole) 65a is disposed in the approximate center of the variable winning device 65. In the pachinko machine 10, when a jackpot lottery performed due to a winning of either the first winning hole 64 or the second winning hole 140 results in a jackpot, after a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is turned on to show a jackpot stop pattern, and the stop pattern corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800 to indicate the occurrence of the jackpot. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which a ball is likely to win. In this special game state, the specific winning hole 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed or until 10 balls win).

[0056] This specific winning opening 65a is closed after a predetermined time has passed, and after the closing, the specific winning opening 65a is opened again for a predetermined time. The opening and closing operation of this specific winning opening 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds). The state in which this opening and closing operation is being performed is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player is paid out a larger amount of prize balls than usual as an addition of game value (game value).

[0057] Specifically, the variable winning device 65 includes a horizontally long rectangular opening / closing plate that covers the specific winning hole 65a, and a large opening solenoid (not shown) for driving the opening / closing plate to open and close forward around the lower side of the opening / closing plate. The specific winning hole 65a is normally in a closed state in which a ball cannot or does not easily win a prize. In the event of a big win, the large opening solenoid is driven to tilt the opening / closing plate downward toward the front, temporarily creating an open state in which a ball can easily win the specific winning hole 65a, and the device operates to alternate between the open state and the normal closed state.

[0058] The special game state is not limited to the above-mentioned form. A large opening that is opened and closed separately from the specific winning opening 65a may be provided in the game area, and when an LED corresponding to a big win is lit in the first pattern display device 37A, 37B, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time, and a large opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when a ball enters the specific winning opening 65a while the specific winning opening 65a is open. Also, the specific winning opening 65a is not limited to one, and one or more than two (for example, three) may be provided, and the location of the specific winning opening 65a is not limited to the right side of the first winning opening 64, but may be, for example, the left side of the variable display unit 80.

[0059] An attachment space K1 for attaching stamps, identification labels, etc. is provided in the lower right corner of the game board 13, and the stamps, etc. attached to the attachment space K1 can be seen through the small window 35 in the front door 5 (see Figure 1).

[0060] The game board 13 is provided with a first outlet 71. A ball that flows down the game area and does not win any of the winning holes 63, 64, 65a, 640 is guided through the first outlet 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown). The first outlet 71 is disposed below the first winning hole 64.

[0061] A large number of nails are set on the game board 13 in order to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and various components (gimmicks) such as windmills are also provided.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly equipped with control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is unitized with a main board (main control device 110), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 113) and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is unitized with a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115) and a card unit connection board 116.

[0063] The back pack unit 94 is a unit formed by the back pack 92 forming the protective cover and the payout unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each part, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. as necessary.

[0064] The main control device 110, the voice lamp control device 113 and the display control device 114, the payout control device 111 and the launch control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are each stored in the board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 each include a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to store the respective control devices and boards.

[0065] In addition, the board box 100 (main control device 110) and the board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) are connected (connected by a crimping structure) between the box base and the box cover by a sealing unit (not shown). In addition, a sealing seal (not shown) is attached to the connecting portion between the box base and the box cover, spanning the box base and the box cover. This sealing seal is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing seal to open the board box 100, 102 or to forcefully open the board box 100, 102, it will be cut into the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or the sealing seal, it is possible to know whether the board box 100, 102 has been opened.

[0066] The payout unit 93 includes a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upward, a tank rail 131 connected to the bottom of the tank 130 and gently inclined toward the downstream side, a case rail 132 connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 132 and paying out balls by a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4). The tank 130 is successively replenished with balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall, and the payout device 133 appropriately pays out the required number of balls. A vibrator 134 for applying vibration to the tank rail 131 is attached to the tank rail 131.

[0067] In addition, the payout control device 111 is provided with a state recovery switch 120, the launch control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 121, and the power supply device 115 is provided with a RAM erase switch 122. The state recovery switch 120 is operated to resolve ball jams (return to normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as ball jamming in the payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the launch force of the launch solenoid. The RAM erase switch 122 is operated when the power is turned on to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

[0068] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0069] The main control device 110 is equipped with an MPU 201 as a one-chip microcomputer that is a calculation device. The MPU 201 has a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 202, and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. In the main control device 110, the MPU 201 executes the main processes of the pachinko machine 10, such as a jackpot lottery, display settings in the first pattern display devices 37A and 37B, the segment display device 600, and the decorative pattern display device 800, and a lottery for the display results in the second pattern display device.

[0070] In addition, in order to instruct sub-control devices such as the dispensing control device 111 and the voice lamp control device 113 to operate, various commands are sent from the main control device 110 to the sub-control devices via a data transmission / reception circuit, but such commands are sent only in one direction, from the main control device 110 to the sub-control devices.

[0071] The RAM 203 has various areas, counters, flags, a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 201 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 201 are stored, and a work area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored. The RAM 203 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up.

[0072] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the stack pointer and the values ​​of each register at the time of the power outage (including the time of the power outage; the same applies below) are stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power supply is turned on (including the time of the power supply being turned on due to the power outage being resolved; the same applies below), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power supply was cut off based on the information stored in the RAM 203. Writing to the RAM 203 is executed by the main processing (not shown) when the power supply is cut off, and the restoration of each value written to the RAM 203 is executed in the start-up processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned on. Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 201 is configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 201, an NMI interrupt processing (not shown) is immediately executed as a processing during a power outage.

[0073] An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 via a bus line 204 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 205 is connected to the payout control device 111, the voice lamp control device 113, the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, the second symbol display device, the second symbol reservation lamp, a large opening solenoid for driving the opening and closing of the specific winning port 65a forward with the lower side of the opening and closing plate as an axis, a solenoid for driving the electric role, and the like, and the MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0074] In addition, the input / output port 205 is connected to various switches 208 consisting of a group of switches not shown and a group of sensors including a slide position detection sensor S and a rotation position detection sensor R, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 described below that is provided in the power supply device 115, and the MPU 201 performs various processes based on the signals output from the various switches 208 and the RAM erasure signal SG2 output from the RAM erasure switch circuit 253.

[0075] The payout control device 111 drives a payout motor 216 to control the payout of prize balls and loan balls. The MPU 211, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 212 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 211, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 213 used as a work memory, etc.

[0076] The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and the return address of the control program executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (working area) in which the values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured to be able to hold (back up) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. In addition, like the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage process.

[0077] The MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 is connected to an input / output port 215 via a bus line 214 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 215 is connected to the main control device 110, the payout motor 216, the launch control device 112, and the like. Although not shown, the payout control device 111 is connected to a prize ball detection switch for detecting the paid-out prize balls. The prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but is not connected to the main control device 110.

[0078] The launch control device 112 controls the ball launch unit 112a so that the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51 when the main control device 110 issues an instruction to launch a ball. The ball launch unit 112a is equipped with a launch solenoid and an electromagnet (not shown), and the launch solenoid and the electromagnet are permitted to be driven when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operating handle 51, and on condition that the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the launch of the ball is off (not operated), the launch solenoid is excited in response to the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51, and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the operating handle 51.

[0079] The audio lamp control device 113 controls the output of audio from the audio output device (such as a speaker not shown) 226, the output of turning on and off the lamp display device (such as the illumination units 29 to 33 and the display lamp 34) 227, and the setting of the display modes of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800, such as variable performance (variable display) and advance notice performance, which are performed by the display control device 114. The MPU 221, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 222 that stores the control program executed by the MPU 221, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0080] An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the voice and lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 225 is connected to the main control device 110, the display control device 114, a voice output device 226, a lamp display device 227, other devices 228, the frame button 22, etc. The other devices 228 include the drive motors KM1, KM2, and KM3.

[0081] The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 based on various commands (variation pattern command, stop type command, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode by commands (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). In addition, the voice lamp control device 113 monitors input from the frame button 22, and when the frame button 22 is operated by the player, instructs the display control device 114 to change the mode displayed on the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800, or to change the performance content at the time of a super reach. When the display mode is changed, a back image change command including information on the changed display mode is sent to the display control device 114 so that the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 display decoration according to the changed display mode. Here, the back image refers to an image displayed on the back side of the third pattern, which is the main image displayed on the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. The display control device 114 displays various decorations on the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 in accordance with commands transmitted from this voice lamp control device 113.

[0082] The voice lamp control device 113 also receives commands (display commands) from the display control device 114 indicating the display contents of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. Based on the display commands received from the display control device 114, the voice lamp control device 113 outputs a sound corresponding to the display contents of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display contents, and also controls the turning on and off of the lamp display device 227 in accordance with the display contents.

[0083] The display control device 114 is connected to the voice lamp control device 113, the segment display device 600, and the decorative pattern display device 800, and controls the display of the variable performance of the third pattern on the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 based on a command received from the voice lamp control device 113. The display control device 114 also transmits a display command notifying the display contents of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 to the voice lamp control device 113 as appropriate. The voice lamp control device 113 can match the display of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 with the audio output from the audio output device 226 by outputting audio from the audio output device 226 in accordance with the display contents indicated by the display command.

[0084] The power supply device 115 has a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruption due to a power failure or the like, and a RAM deletion switch circuit 253 provided with a RAM deletion switch 122 (see FIG. 3). The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltage to each of the control devices 110-114, etc. through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 251 takes in an AC voltage of 24 volts supplied from the outside, generates a voltage of 12 volts for driving various switches such as the various switches 208, solenoids such as the solenoid 209, motors, etc., a voltage of 5 volts for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies the necessary voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc.

[0085] The power failure monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 and the MPU 211 of the dispensing control device 111 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 252 monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and when this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power failure (power failure, power cut) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SG1 to the main control device 110 and the dispensing control device 111. By outputting the power failure signal SG1, the main control device 110 and the dispensing control device 111 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute NMI interrupt processing. Note that the power supply unit 251 is configured to maintain the output of the voltage of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the NMI interrupt processing, even after the voltage of 24 volts DC becomes less than 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control unit 111 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown).

[0086] The RAM clear switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM clear signal SG2 to the main control device 110 to clear the backup data when the RAM clear switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM clear signal SG2 when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, it clears the backup data and transmits a payout initialization command to the payout control device 111 to clear the backup data in the payout control device 111.

[0087] Next, a schematic configuration of the game board 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective front view of the game board 13. Note that Fig. 13 illustrates a state in which the winning port unit 500 is disassembled from the game board 13.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 5, the winning port unit 500 is inserted from the front side into the opening 13a formed under the game area defined by two rails 76, 77 erected on the front surface of the game board 13 and a resin outer edge member 73 connecting the rails. The detailed configuration of the winning port unit 500 will be described later.

[0089] Next, a schematic configuration of the operational unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 9. Fig. 6 is a perspective front view of the operational unit 300. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective front view of the operational unit 300. Figs. 8 and 9 are front views of the operational unit 300.

[0090] In addition, Figure 8 shows a state in which the displacement members 670 arranged in a pair above and below the segment display device 600 are retracted to both the upper and lower sides, and Figure 9 shows a state in which the displacement members 670 arranged in a pair above and below the segment display device 600 are extended to the central position above and below from the state shown in Figure 8.

[0091] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the operating unit 300 has a rear case 400 formed in a box shape, and the decorative pattern display device 800, the segment display device 600 and the decorative unit 700 are housed in the internal space of the rear case 400.

[0092] The rear case 400 includes a bottom wall 401 that is generally rectangular when viewed from the front, and outer wall 402 that stands from the outer edges of the four sides of the bottom wall 401 toward the front, and is formed into a box shape with one side (front side) open by the walls 401, 402. The bottom wall 401 has an opening 401a that is rectangular when viewed from the front at its center, and the segment display device 600 is disposed from the rear side of the rear case 400 through the opening 401a.

[0093] The decorative pattern display device 800 is arranged in three units in a row in the left-right direction in the opening 401a of the bottom wall portion 401 of the rear case 400. The decorative pattern display device 800 is arranged with an inner reel unit 810 and an outer reel unit 820 (see FIG. 31) that are rotatably displaced in the up-down direction, and is configured so that a player can visually recognize the manner in which the patterns decorated on the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 change (rotate). The decorative pattern display device 800 will be described in detail later.

[0094] The segment display device 600 is disposed on the bottom wall portion 401 of the rear case 400, and is configured to cover the decorative pattern display device 800. A predetermined gap is formed between opposing base members 660 (see FIG. 49) of the decorative pattern display device 800, and the decorative pattern display device 800 is disposed in the gap, so that the decorative pattern display device 800 can be viewed from the player side.

[0095] In addition, the segment display device 600 is provided with a displacement member 670 (see FIG. 49) that can be displaced in front of the gap between the opposing base members 660 described above, and by displacing the displacement member 670 in front of the decorative pattern display device 800, a performance form can be created in which the decorative pattern display device 800 is not visible from the player side. A detailed description of the segment display device 600 will be given later.

[0096] The decorative units 700 are formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular box shape when viewed from the front, and are arranged in pairs above and below the segment display device 600. The decorative units 700 are made of a transparent resin material, and are formed in a shape that imitates the logo, title, etc. of the pachinko machine 10. An LED board that emits light is also arranged inside the decorative unit 700, and is formed so that light can be emitted toward the player.

[0097] Next, the winning port unit 500 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 10 to 29. First, the configuration of the winning port unit 500 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 13.

[0098] Fig. 10(a) is a front view of the winning port unit 500, and Fig. 10(b) is a rear view of the winning port unit 500. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective front view of the winning port unit 500, and Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective rear view of the winning port unit 500. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the base member 510 and the first electric role object 520.

[0099] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the winning slot unit 500 is mainly formed by a base member 510 arranged on the front side of the game board 13 (see Figure 5), a first electric device 520 rotatably supported on the inside of the base member 510, and a drive unit 530 that applies a driving force to the first electric device 520.

[0100] The base member 510 is formed by fastening a front base 511 disposed on the front side to a rear base 512 disposed at a predetermined distance from the front base 511.

[0101] The front base 511 is formed of a plate-like body having a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is formed of a transparent resin material. The front base 511 is mainly formed with a first protruding portion 511a protruding from the upper end of the left-right center portion to the rear side, a second protruding portion 511b protruding from the lower end of the left-right center portion to the rear side, and a third protruding portion 511c protruding at a position separated by a predetermined gap in the left-right direction from the second protruding portion 511b.

[0102] The front base 511 is disposed in a position where its front surface can be seen by the player, and a pattern is formed on the front surface by projections and recesses.

[0103] The first protrusion 511a is a plate member for preventing a game ball from being sent to the second winning port 140 formed in the rear base 512 when the first electric device 520 described later is in a closed state (a state in which the tips of the blade members 520L, 520R are positioned at the top of the rotation axis (axis member JB1)).

[0104] That is, the first protrusion 511a is formed at the upper part between the pair of opposing wing members 520L, 520R in the closed state, and the distance between the first electric role 520 and the first protrusion 511a is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

[0105] In addition, the upper surface of the first protruding portion 511a is formed to be inclined downward from the approximate center position in the left-right direction toward both left and right ends. This allows the game ball sent to the upper part of the first protruding portion 511a to roll on the upper surface and fall (flow down) downward.

[0106] The second protrusion 511b is formed to protrude in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape from the rear side of the front base 511, and the vertical position of its upper end face is set lower than the bottom face of the second winning opening 140 of the rear base 512. The second protrusion 511b is mainly formed with an erected portion 511b1 erected in front of the second winning opening 140 of the rear base 512, engagement portions 511b2 protruding from both the left and right ends of the erected portion 511b1, and a recessed portion 511b3 recessed into the bottom face portion.

[0107] In addition, the second protruding portion 511b is provided with a base member 511f having an LED that emits light to the lower side of the standing portion 511b1. The LED of the base member 511f is arranged in a manner that emits light upward. Therefore, the LED can emit light around the second winning opening 140.

[0108] The standing portion 511b1 is formed standing up from the upper end of the second protruding portion 511b, and two are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the standing tips are connected to each other. The upper surface of the standing portion 511b1 is formed to be inclined downward toward the second winning opening 140 (back side), and the vertical position of the end portion on the second winning opening 140 side is set to a height that coincides with the bottom surface of the second winning opening 140. Therefore, the game ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 can be rolled toward the second winning opening 140 side. Therefore, the game ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 can enter the second winning opening 140.

[0109] In addition, the connecting portion of the standing portions 511b1 arranged side by side is formed in a shape in which the circumferential center position is recessed downward. This makes it easier for the game ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 to remain at the center position in the left-right direction of the standing portion 511b1. Therefore, the rolling direction of the game ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 can be quickly switched to the second winning opening 140 side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 from colliding with the game ball sent later and being pushed outward, and it is possible to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second winning opening 140.

[0110] The engaging portions 511b2 are portions which engage with left and right wing members 520L, 520R, which will be described later, and are formed to protrude from both the left and right sides of the base end portion of the standing portion 511b1 toward the center of a pivot support portion 511d, which will be described later.

[0111] The recessed portion 511b3 is a recess for forming a space for inserting a screwdriver when fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512. This allows a screw to be inserted into a through hole 511b4 formed through the side surface on the rear side of the recessed portion 511b3.

[0112] The third protrusion 511c is a plate member that rolls the game ball into the first outlet 71 formed in the rear base 512, and is formed adjacent to both outer left and right sides of the first outlet 71 that are formed in two places on the rear base 512 with the second winning hole 140 in between. In other words, the third protrusion 511c is formed at a position spaced apart in the left and right direction by the dimension of the second protrusion 511b and the first outlet 71 in the left and right direction.

[0113] The bottom surfaces of the third protrusions 511c are formed to incline downwards toward the adjacent first outlet 71 (toward the center in the left-right direction of the front base 511 (left-right direction in FIG. 10(a))), and the lowest position is set higher than the bottom surface of the first outlet 71. Therefore, a game ball sent to the upper part of the third protrusion 511c can be made to roll toward the first outlet 71 and enter the first outlet 71.

[0114] The pivot support portion 511d is formed in an annular shape protruding from the rear side of the front base 511, and two of them are formed at the same height in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 10(a)) sandwiching the standing portion 511b1. The inner diameter of the pivot support portion 511d is formed to be larger than the diameter of the shaft member JB1 described later. Therefore, the shaft member JB1 can be inserted into the inside of the pivot support portion 511d.

[0115] The rear base 512 is formed of a horizontally elongated rectangular plate-like body that is larger in front view than the front base 511. Therefore, the player can directly view the front surface of the rear base 512 that does not overlap with the front base 511 in the front-rear direction.

[0116] In addition, since the front base 511 is made of a transparent material, the rear base 512 can be seen through the front base 511 in the portion where the front base 511 overlaps in front. Furthermore, the player can see the game ball sent between the opposing rear base 512 and front base 511 through the front base 511.

[0117] The rear base 512 is formed mainly by a first winning opening 64 formed at the upper end on the front side, a second winning opening 140 formed below the first winning opening 64, a first outlet 71 formed on either side of the second winning opening 140, and a general winning opening 63 formed above the first outlet 71 on the right side when viewed from the front.

[0118] The first winning hole 64 is recessed downward from the upper end of the front base 511 at approximately the center in the left-right direction (left-right direction in Fig. 10(a)), and is formed to protrude in both the front and rear directions along the recessed edge. In addition, the protruding tip on the front side (the front side of the paper in Fig. 10(a)) is blocked by a plate member.

[0119] The recessed shape of the first winning hole 64 is formed to a size that allows a game ball to be inserted inside, and the bottom surface (the inner surface below the direction of gravity) is formed to be inclined toward the back side. This allows the game ball that enters the first winning hole 64 to be sent to the back side of the game board 13.

[0120] The second winning opening 140 is formed through the first winning opening 64 on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 10 (a)). The second winning opening 140 is formed through the first winning opening 64 in a square shape with dimensions larger than the diameter of a gaming ball when viewed from the front. Therefore, the gaming ball can be sent to the back side of the gaming board 13 through the second winning opening 140. The second winning opening 140 also has recesses 140a recessed into the left and right inner side surfaces.

[0121] The recess 140a is curved and recessed around the axis of the shaft hole 512a. This allows the protrusions 523L, 523R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R, which will be described later, to be accommodated inside the recess 140a. That is, the inside of the second winning hole 140 allows the game ball to pass through and allows the protrusions 523L, 523R to be inserted therethrough.

[0122] The shaft holes 512a are recessed from the front to the rear side on both the left and right sides of the second winning port 140 of the rear base 512. The shaft holes 512a are grooves for inserting the shaft member JB1 described later into the interior thereof, and are formed in a circular shape with a diameter larger than that of the shaft member JB1.

[0123] The first outlet 71 is formed penetrating both the left and right sides of the second winning opening 140. The first outlet 71 is a hole for collecting game balls that have flowed down the game area formed on the front side of the game board 13, and is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangle when viewed from the front, with its width dimension in the vertical direction (short direction) set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball. The bottom surface (inner surface below the direction of gravity) of the first outlet 71 is formed so as to be inclined toward the rear side. Therefore, a game ball that enters the first outlet 71 can be sent to the rear side of the game board 13.

[0124] A guide wall 512b is formed on the first outlet 71, protruding toward the front side and connected to the bottom surface of the first outlet 71. The guide wall 512b is a member for receiving the game ball that has flowed down the game area on its upper surface and sending it to the first outlet 71, and the upper surface of the guide wall 512b is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the rear surface.

[0125] In addition, a plurality of ribs extending in the front-rear direction are arranged side by side on the bottom surface (lower surface) of the guide wall 512b. This can improve the rigidity of the guide wall 512b. As a result, when a game ball flowing down the play area collides with the upper surface of the guide wall 512b, damage to the guide wall 512b can be suppressed.

[0126] The front base 511 and the rear base 512 are fastened to each other by the through hole 511b4 and the fastening hole 512c formed through the rear base 512 at a position corresponding to the through hole 511b4. That is, with the front base 511 and the rear base 512 combined in the front-rear direction, a screwdriver is inserted into the recessed portion 511b3 from the lower side of the front base 511, and the screw is fastened to the fastening hole 512c through the through hole 511b4.

[0127] First electric role 520 is formed as one unit by left wing member 520L arranged on the left side of second winning opening 140 as viewed from the front, and right wing member 520R arranged on the right side as viewed from the front.

[0128] It should be noted that the only difference between left wing member 520L and right wing member 520R is the position of bulging portions 524L, 524R, which will be described later, and the other members are formed symmetrically on either side of the second winning opening 140.Therefore, other than bulging portions 524L, 524R, only the left wing member 520L will be described, and a detailed description of the right wing member 520R will be omitted.

[0129] Furthermore, left wing member 520L and right wing member 520R can be displaced by driving solenoid 531 of drive unit 530 described later between a first state (closed state) in which the corners on the far side from through-hole 521L are positioned upward in the direction of gravity, and a second state (open state) in which the corners on the far side from through-hole 521L are displaced to a position spaced outward in the left-right direction of second winning opening 140, and unless otherwise specified, the first state will be described. Furthermore, the opposing side surfaces of left and right wing members 520L, 520R in the first state will be described with the reference characters 526L, 526R.

[0130] Left wing member 520L is formed in a generally triangular shape in front view, and is formed in a dimension larger than the diameter of a game ball in the front-rear direction. Left wing member 520L is mainly formed by through hole 521L penetrating in the front-rear direction at the lower end portion in the gravity direction, recessed portion 522L recessed from the front side to the back side around through hole 521L, protrusion 523L protruding from the vicinity of through hole 521L to the back side, recessed portion 525L recessed in the radial direction of through hole 521L on the end face on the through hole 521L side, bulging portion 524L protruding from side surface 526L, and shaft member JB1 inserted inside through hole 521L. A detailed explanation of bulging portion 524L will be described later.

[0131] The shaft member JB1 is a cylindrical rod member made of a metal material that rotatably holds the left and right wing members 520L and 520R, respectively, and is formed with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 521L.

[0132] Moreover, the shaft member JB1 is formed so that its axial length is approximately the same as or slightly shorter than the distance from the recessed tip surface of the shaft hole 512a to the rear side of the front base 511. Therefore, when assembling the front base 511 and the rear base 512, one end of the shaft member JB1 (the end on the rear base 512 side) is inserted into the shaft hole 512a and the other end (the end on the front base 511 side) is inserted into the shaft support portion 511d, whereby the shaft member JB1 can be held between the front base 511 and the rear base 512.

[0133] The dimension of left wing member 520L in the front-to-rear direction is set to be smaller than the distance between opposing front base 511 and rear base 512. Therefore, when front base 511 and rear base 512 are assembled, shaft member JB1 is inserted into through-hole 521L, so that wing member 520L can be rotatably held between opposing front base 511 and rear base 512.

[0134] The recess 522L is recessed from the front side around the axis of the through hole 521L, and the recess dimension is set smaller than the protruding distance of the pivot support 511d. Also, the distance dimension from the axis of the through hole 521L to the inner circumferential surface of the recess 522L is set larger than the radius dimension from the axis of the pivot support 511d to the outer circumferential surface.

[0135] Therefore, when the feather member 520L is disposed between the front base 511 and the rear base 512, the front of the feather member 520L and the rear of the front base 511 can be prevented from coming into contact with each other, and the grounding portion between the feather member 520L and the front base 511 can be the recess 522L and the pivot support portion 511d. Therefore, the grounding between the feather member 520L and the front base 511 can be partial. As a result, when the feather member 520L is rotated by driving the solenoid 531 described later, the resistance acting on the feather member 520L can be reduced, making it easier to rotate the feather member 520L.

[0136] In addition, since the pivot support portion 511d can be accommodated inside the recess 522L, it is possible to reduce the distance dimension between the opposing front base 511 and the rear base 512. As a result, the distance dimension in the front-rear direction of the winning opening unit 500 can be reduced.

[0137] Here, conventionally, there has been a gaming machine in which the shaft member JB1 is fitted into the through hole 521L of the wing member 520L.

[0138] However, in the conventional gaming machine, since the shaft member JB1 is fitted into the through hole 521L, when the wing member 520L is damaged, it is necessary to replace the wing member 520L and the shaft member JB1 at the time of part replacement, which causes a problem of high parts cost.

[0139] In contrast, in this embodiment, the shaft member JB1 is simply inserted into the through hole 521L formed in the feather member 520L, and the feather member 520L and the shaft member JB1 can be disposed separately in the winning hole unit 500. Therefore, when the feather member 520L is damaged, the only part that needs to be replaced is the feather member 520L. As a result, it is possible to prevent the parts cost from increasing.

[0140] As described above, the front base 511 can be fastened to the rear base 512 from the front side of the front base 511. Therefore, when the feather member 520L is damaged, the front base 511 can be removed from the rear base 512 with the winning hole unit 500 attached to the game board 13. As a result, the feather member 520L can be easily replaced.

[0141] That is, when removing the front base 511 from the rear side of the rear base 512, it is necessary to remove the winning port unit 500 from the game board 13 before removing the front base 511 from the rear base 512, but since the front base 511 is formed so as to be removable from the front side, the front base 511 can be easily removed. As a result, the parts of the blade member 520L can be easily replaced.

[0142] Here, if the front base 511 is made removable from the front side of the rear base 512, the heads of screws and other fasteners connecting the front base 511 and the rear base 512 will be visible from the player's side (front side), and there is a risk that the player's interest will be ruined if the player sees the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512.

[0143] In contrast, in this embodiment, the front base 511 and the rear base 512 are fastened together using the space of the recessed portion 511b3 formed in the front base 511. That is, by inserting a screwdriver obliquely into the recessed portion 511b3 from the lower side of the front base 511, a screw can be fastened into the fastening hole 512c through the through hole 511b4. Therefore, even when the front base 511 is located on the front side of the through hole 511b4, the front base 511 and the rear base 512 can be fastened together by inserting a screwdriver obliquely into the recessed portion 511b3. Therefore, the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512 together can be made difficult to see from the player side (front side). As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost by seeing the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512 together.

[0144] Also, the decorative pattern display device 800 and the segment display device 600, which can be seen through an opening formed in the center of the game board 13, are usually set at the height of the player's eye line. Therefore, the winning opening unit 500 is placed below the height of the player's eye line. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to see the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512, and it is possible to prevent the player from losing interest by seeing the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512.

[0145] Since the front base 511 is made of a transparent resin material, the heads of the screws can be seen through the front base 511, but as described above, the front side of the front base 511 has an uneven pattern formed thereon, so that the light can be emitted in different directions due to the difference in thickness of the board. This makes it possible to blur the heads of the screws that can be seen through the front base 511. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

[0146] Next, the drive unit 530 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14 to Fig. 16. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective front view of the drive unit 530. Fig. 15(a) and Fig. 15(b) are side views of the drive unit 530 and the first electric role 520. Fig. 16(a) and Fig. 16(b) are front views of the drive unit 530 and the first electric role 520.

[0147] In addition, Figures 15(a) and 16(a) show the state in which the first electric device 520 is in a first state, and Figures 15(b) and 16(b) show the state in which the first electric device 520 is in a second state.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 14, drive unit 530 is mainly formed with a solenoid 531, a sliding member 532 connected to solenoid 531, a rotating member 533 connected to sliding member 532, a first case member 534 in which the rotating member 533 and sliding member 532 are arranged in a displaceable state therein, and a second case member 536 attached to the rear side of first case member 534.

[0149] Solenoid 531 is formed mainly by a main body 531a having an electric wire therein and generating electromagnetic force when electric power is passed through the electric wire, a movable body 531b slidably arranged inside the main body, and an engagement part 531c attached to the tip of the movable body.

[0150] The main body 531a is formed in a rectangular column shape extending in the front-rear direction, and electric wires are arranged inside. A recess is formed on the front side of the main body 531a, which is recessed on the rear side, and a movable body 531b formed in a cylindrical shape is arranged inside the recess.

[0151] The movable body 531b is made of a metal material, and can slide toward the rear side (inside the main body 531a) when electric power is applied to the electric wires of the main body 531a to generate electromagnetic force.

[0152] The engaging portion 531c is attached to the end of the movable body 531b opposite to the main body portion 531a. The engaging portion 531c is formed in a disk shape with an outer diameter larger than that of the movable body 531b, and its axis is positioned approximately in line with the axis of the movable body 531b.

[0153] The engaging portion 531c is inserted into an engaging groove 532a2 of the sliding member 532, which will be described later. This allows the sliding member 532 to be displaced in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 15(a)) in conjunction with the displacement of the movable body 531b.

[0154] The sliding member 532 is formed in a roughly E-shape when viewed from above, and is mainly formed by a connecting portion 532a extending in the left-right direction, two first protrusions 532b protruding toward the front side from both the left and right ends of the connecting portion 532a, and a second protrusion 532c located midway between the two first protrusions 532b and protruding toward the front side.

[0155] The sliding member 532 is formed such that the dimension in the left-right direction of the connecting portion 532a is smaller than the dimension between the opposing portions in the left-right direction on the inner circumferential surface of the first case member 534 described later. This allows the sliding member 532 to be housed and disposed inside the first case member 534.

[0156] The connecting portion 532a is mainly formed by a recess 532a1 recessed on the back side, an engagement groove 532a2 recessed from the top side connecting to the front side of the recess 532a1, and a notch 532a3 formed on both the left and right sides of the base end of the second protrusion 532c.

[0157] As described above, the recess 532a1 is a recess that prevents the movable body 531b of the solenoid 531 from abutting against the connecting portion 532a when the engaging portion 531c of the solenoid 531 is inserted into the engaging groove 532a2. That is, the recess 532a1 is formed in an arc shape whose recessed surface is larger than the outer diameter of the movable body 531b. This makes it possible to prevent the movable body 531b of the solenoid 531 from abutting against the connecting portion 532a.

[0158] The engagement groove 532a2 is formed connected to the front side of the recess 532a1, and the depth of the recess from the upper surface side in the direction of gravity is set to be larger than the diameter of the engagement portion 531c. The engagement groove 532a2 has a width dimension in the left-right direction set to be larger than the diameter of the engagement portion 531c, and a width dimension in the front-rear direction formed to be substantially the same as or larger than the thickness dimension in the front-rear direction of the engagement portion 531c. Therefore, the engagement portion 531c can be inserted inside the engagement groove 532a2.

[0159] The notch 532a3 is a slit for facilitating elastic deformation of the sliding member 532 when the first protrusion 532b described later is connected to the rotating member 533, and is formed on both the left and right sides of the base end of the second protrusion 532c as described above, and is also formed as a notch toward the back side.

[0160] The first protrusion 532b has an engagement hole 532d formed penetrating in the left-right direction. The engagement hole 532d is formed as an oblong hole that is long in the front-rear direction, and is formed mainly with a first opening 532d1 recessed downward in the direction of gravity from the end on the front side, and a second opening 532d2 recessed downward in the direction of gravity from the end on the rear side. The first opening 532d1 and the second opening 532d2 will be described in detail later.

[0161] The engagement hole 532d has a vertical width dimension at a central portion in the front-rear direction (a portion other than the first opening 532d1 and the second opening 532d2) set to be larger than the vertical width dimension of a protrusion 533b of a rotating member 533, which will be described later. This allows the protrusion 533b to be disposed inside the engagement hole 532d.

[0162] As described above, the second protrusion 532c is formed between the two first protrusions 532b and is formed to protrude toward the front side. The second protrusion 532c also includes an erect wall 532c1 erected downward at the tip side opposite to the connecting portion 532a. The erect wall 532c1 will be described in detail later.

[0163] The rotating member 533 is formed by arranging two plate-like bodies, each of which is formed in a substantially L-shape in a side view, side by side at a predetermined width in the left-right direction, and connecting the opposing ends of the two plate-like bodies by a connecting portion 533a. The gap between the two opposing plate-like bodies of the rotating member 533 is set to be larger than the diameter of a gaming ball. This allows the gaming ball to pass inside the rotating member 533 (between the two opposing plate-like bodies).

[0164] Further, the width dimension in the left-right direction of the rotating member 533 (the dimension between the opposing outer surfaces of the two plate-like bodies) is set to be smaller than the dimension between the opposing inner surfaces of the two first protrusions 532b of the sliding member 532. This allows the rotating member 533 to be disposed between the opposing first protrusions 532b of the sliding member 532.

[0165] The rotating member 533 is mainly formed with a rotating shaft 533c protruding on both the left and right sides from the bent portion of the approximately L-shape in side view, a protrusion 533b protruding on both the left and right sides from an end portion on one end side of the approximately L-shape in side view, and a drive portion 533d formed as a recess at the tip portion on the other end side of the approximately L-shape in side view.

[0166] The rotating shaft 533c is formed to protrude on both the left and right outer sides of the rotating member 533, and the distance dimension between the protruding tip faces is set to be approximately the same as the width dimension in the left and right direction of the first case member 534. In addition, the protruding dimension of the rotating shaft 533c is set to be larger than the thickness dimension in the left and right direction of the first case member 534. Therefore, by receiving the rotating shaft 533c inside a recess 534a of the first case member 534 described later and assembling the second case member 535 to the first case member 534, the rotating member 533 can be held in a rotatable state with respect to the first case member 534 and the second case member 535.

[0167] The protrusions 533b are formed to protrude from both the left and right outer sides of the rotating member 533, and the distance between the protruding tip faces is set to be substantially the same as the distance between the left and right outer side faces of the two first protrusions 532b of the sliding member 532. The protruding dimension of the protrusions 533b is set to be larger than the width dimension of the first protrusions 532b in the left-right direction. Therefore, the sliding member 532 and the rotating member 533 can be connected by inserting the protrusions 533b into the engagement holes 532d of the first protrusions 532b.

[0168] The sliding member 532 and the rotating member 533 can be connected by elastically deforming the two first protrusions 532b of the sliding member 532 to the left and right to widen the space between the two first protrusions 532b. In this case, as described above, the notch 532a3 is formed in the sliding member 532, so that the space between the two first protrusions 532b can be easily widened. As a result, the rotating member 533 and the sliding member 532 can be easily connected.

[0169] Furthermore, the distance between the opposing inner sides of the first case member 534 in the left-right direction is set to be substantially the same as the distance between the opposing outer sides of the first protrusions 532b, or to be slightly larger than the distance between the opposing outer sides of the first protrusions 532b. This makes it possible to prevent the first protrusions 532b from elastically deforming outward in the left-right direction when the rotating member 533 and the sliding member 532 are disposed inside the first case member 534. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rotating member 533 and the sliding member 532 from being disconnected.

[0170] The driving unit 533d is formed by being recessed from the front side toward the back side. The driving unit 533d can accommodate the protrusions 523L, 523R of the wing member 520L on the inside. That is, the driving unit 533d is set to a dimension larger in the vertical direction than the protrusions 523L, 523R. By accommodating the protrusions 523L, 523R in the driving unit 533d, the first electric role object 520 can be displaced between the first state and the second state in accordance with the displacement of the driving unit 533d. The displacement of the first electric role object 520 will be described in detail later.

[0171] The first case member 534 is formed in a generally square shape when viewed from the front with an opening therein, and is formed to extend in the front-rear direction. The first case member 534 has a cutout formed on the lower side of the rear side, and the second case member 535 can be disposed in the cutout portion.

[0172] The first case member 534 is formed mainly by including a recess 534a recessed on the front side in a cutout portion on the rear side, and an erected portion 534b erected on the bottom surface on the inner periphery side.

[0173] As described above, the recess 534a is a recess that accommodates the rotating shaft 533c of the rotating member 533 inside, and is recessed into a shape larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft 533c. Therefore, by assembling the second case member 535 to the first case member 534 with the rotating shaft 533c accommodated inside, the rotating member 533 can be disposed inside the first case member 534.

[0174] The standing portion 534b is formed so that the lower inner peripheral surface of the second winning opening 140 of the rear base 512 and its standing tip surface are set at the same height, and is extended toward the rear side and inclined downward. With this, when the drive unit 530 is disposed on the rear side of the rear base 512, the game ball that has entered the second winning opening 140 can be sent to the second case member 535 by rolling on the upper surface of the standing portion 534b.

[0175] The second case member 535 is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is formed with a predetermined thickness on the rear side. The second case member 535 is provided with a through hole 535a formed to penetrate in the up-down direction.

[0176] The through hole 535a is formed so that the inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball sent to the second case member 535 by rolling with the upper part of the standing part 534b as described above can be sent downward through the through hole 535a. This allows the game ball that flows down the game area and enters the second winning port 140 to be collected.

[0177] Next, the displacement of the first electric role 520 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0178] As shown in Figures 15(a) and 16(a), when the first electric device 520 is positioned in the first state, the movable body 531b of the solenoid 531 is disposed around the movable body 531b and protrudes to the front side (left side of Figure 15(a)) due to the biasing force of a biasing spring (not shown) interposed between the main body portion 531a and the connecting portion 532a.

[0179] In this case, the protrusion 533b of the rotating member 533 is positioned on the back side (second opening 532d2 side) of the engagement hole 532d. Also, the center of gravity of the rotating member 533 in a side view is positioned between the driving part 533d and the rotating shaft 533c. That is, the rotating member 533 is constantly subjected to a rotational force around the axis of the rotating shaft 533c in a direction that presses the driving part 533d downward.

[0180] Therefore, even when the protrusion 533b of the rotating member 533 is positioned on the back side of the engagement hole 532d (the second opening 533d2 side), it can remain at the upper part without being guided to the inside of the second opening 533d2 (below the engagement hole 532d (lower side in Figure 15 (a))).

[0181] In addition, since the driving portion 533d is pushed downward, the protrusions 523L, 523R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R housed inside the driving portion 533d are pushed downward. As a result, the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are brought into a state (first state (see FIG. 16(a))) in which the corners on the far side from the through holes 521L, 521R are positioned above the through holes 521L, 521R.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 15(b) and FIG. 16(b), when power is applied to the main body 531a of the solenoid 531, the movable body 531b is drawn into the main body 531a by the electromagnetic force generated in the main body 531a.

[0183] Therefore, with the displacement of the movable body 531b, the sliding member 532 connected to the tip end side of the movable body 531b is slid and displaced rearward (to the right side in FIG. 15(b)). As described above, the rotating member 533 is constantly subjected to a rotational force around the axis of the rotating shaft 533c in a direction to press the driving part 533d downward, so that the protrusion 533b housed inside the engagement hole 532d of the sliding member 532 slides inside the engagement hole 532d without getting caught on the base end portion of the second opening 533d2.

[0184] The protrusion 533b sliding inside the second opening 533d2 comes into contact with the end of the engagement hole 532d on the front side (first opening 532d1 side) at the displacement end position of the movable body 531b, and is displaced toward the rear side (right side in FIG. 15(b)). In this case, the protrusion 533b rotates and displaces around the axis of the rotation shaft 533c, so that the protrusion 533b can be accommodated inside the first opening 532d1. That is, the first opening 532d1 is formed in a shape corresponding to the displacement of the protrusion 533b.

[0185] Furthermore, since the rotating member 533 rotates around the axis of the rotating shaft 533c, the driving portion 533d can be displaced upward (upward in FIG. 15(b)). As a result, the wing member 520L is rotated around the axis of the through holes 521L, 521R, and the corners on the far side from the through holes 521L, 521R are displaced outward to the left and right (second state (see FIG. 16(b))).

[0186] On the other hand, the transition from the second state to the first state is performed by cutting off the supply of power to the main body 531a of the solenoid 531. This causes the electromagnetic force generated in the main body 531a to disappear, and the movable body 531b is pushed out to the front side (left side in FIG. 15(a)) by the biasing force of a biasing spring (not shown) disposed around the movable body 531b and interposed between the main body 531a and the connecting portion 532a. As a result, the first electric accessory 520 can be displaced to the position of the first state.

[0187] As described above, the first opening 532d1 is formed in a shape corresponding to the displacement of the protrusion 533b, so that the recess depth of the first opening 532d1 toward the lower side in the gravity direction (the lower side in Figure 15(b)) is formed deeper toward the back side (the right side in Figure 15(b)).

[0188] As a result, when the first electric part 520 is displaced from the second state to the first state, the base end portion of the first opening 532d1 is caused to collide with the protrusion 533b of the rotating member 533, making it easier to displace the protrusion 533b in the direction of gravity.

[0189] Next, the operation of the second protrusion 532c will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17(a) and Fig. 17(b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit 500 taken along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 10(a). Fig. 17(a) illustrates the first electric role 520 in the first state, and Fig. 17(b) illustrates the first electric role 520 in the second state.

[0190] 17(a), when the first electric role 520 is in the first state, the far corners of the through holes 521L, 521R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are arranged in the vicinity of the first protrusion 511a. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball from flowing down between the opposing left and right wing members 520L, 520R when the first electric role 520 is in the first state.

[0191] As described above, the solenoid 531 is in a state where the movable body 531b protrudes from the inside of the main body 531a. Therefore, the sliding member 532 connected to the movable body 531b (engagement portion 531c) is positioned on the front side (left side of FIG. 17(a)). That is, the erected wall 532c1 of the second protrusion 532c is disposed in the vicinity of the second winning hole 140.

[0192] In this case, the distance dimension L1 from the upright tip of the upright wall 532c1 (the end on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 17 (a))) to the upper end surface of the upright portion 534b formed in the first case member 534 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

[0193] As a result, even if the first electric role 520 is broken and the movable body 531b of the solenoid 531 is in a state of protruding forward, when the game ball is allowed to flow between the opposing left and right blade members 520L, 520R, the game ball can be prevented from entering the inside of the second winning opening 140 and rolling. That is, the game ball rolling on the standing part 534b of the first case member 534 can be made to collide with the standing wall 532c1 of the sliding member 532, and the rolling of the game ball can be stopped. As a result, when the first electric role 520 is broken, a situation in which the store is at a disadvantage even if the player continues playing can be prevented.

[0194] In this embodiment, the sensor device SE1 that detects that the game ball has entered the second winning opening 140 is disposed in the flow path of the game ball in the second case member 535. Therefore, in order to detect that the game ball has passed through the inside of the second winning opening 140, it is necessary to make the game ball roll to the second case member 535. Therefore, by stopping the rolling of the game ball inside the first case member 534, it is possible to suppress the pachinko machine 10 from detecting that the game ball has entered the second winning opening 140.

[0195] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17(b), when the first electric device 520 is in the second state, the far corners of the through holes 521L, 521R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are spaced apart from the first protrusion 511a more than in the first state, and the distance is made larger than the diameter of the game ball. This allows the game ball flowing down the game area to be received by the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R and rolled into the second winning hole 140. That is, when the first electric device 520 is in the second state, it is easier to make the game ball enter the second winning hole 140.

[0196] As described above, the solenoid 531 is in a state in which the movable body 531b is retracted inside the main body 531a. Therefore, the sliding member 532 connected to the movable body 531b (engagement portion 531c) is positioned on the rear side (right side of FIG. 17(b)). That is, the erected wall 532c1 of the second protrusion 532c is positioned farther away from the second winning opening 140 than in the first state.

[0197] In this case, the distance dimension L2 from the upright tip of the upright wall 532c1 (the end on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 17 (b))) to the upper end surface of the upright portion 534b formed in the first case member 534 is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball.

[0198] As a result, when the first electric device 520 is set to the second state, the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are displaced, making it easier for the game ball flowing down the game area to enter the second winning opening 140, and the game ball that has entered the second winning opening 140 can be sent to the second case member 535 by rolling along the upright portion 534b formed in the first case member 534.

[0199] Furthermore, the displacement direction of the standing wall 532c1 can be slid and displaced in a direction that is approximately the same as the rolling direction of the game ball entering the second winning opening 140, so that when the wing members 520L, 520R are broken (or opened due to fraudulent acts), the game ball that has collided with the standing wall 532c1 and stopped can be prevented from being pushed out in the opposite direction to the rolling direction due to the displacement of the standing wall 532c1. This can prevent the game ball from clogging in the second winning opening 140 when the first electric role 520 is opened by driving the solenoid 531 to allow the game ball to enter the second winning opening 140. As a result, when the first electric role 520 is opened, the game ball can be smoothly guided to the inside of the second winning opening.

[0200] Next, a case where the first electric role 520 is displaced from the first state to the second state due to a player's fraudulent behavior will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figures 18(a) and 18(b) are front views of the winning port unit 500. Figures 19(a) and 19(b) are side views of the first electric role 520 and the drive unit 530.

[0201] In addition, in Fig. 18(a) and Fig. 18(b), the front base 511 is shown transparently to facilitate understanding. Also, Fig. 19(a) illustrates the first electric role 520 and the drive unit 530 in the first state, and Fig. 19(b) illustrates the state in which only the first electric role 520 is displaced from the first state.

[0202] 18 and 19, when the first electric role 520 in the first state is forcibly displaced to the second state by the player's illegal act (cheating), the protrusions 523L, 523R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are displaced to the inside of the second opening 532d2 of the engagement hole 532d. That is, a space is formed in which the protrusions 523L, 523R can be displaced, so that the first electric role 520 can be prevented from being damaged when the first electric role 520 is forcibly displaced.

[0203] Next, referring to Fig. 20(a) and Fig. 11(b), the displacement of the erected portion 523c1 when the first electric role 520 is displaced due to the player's fraudulent behavior will be described. Fig. 20(a) is a cross-sectional view of the winning hole unit 500 taken along the line XXa-XXa in Fig. 18(a), and Fig. 20(b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning hole unit 500 taken along the line XXb-XXb in Fig. 18(b).

[0204] As shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), when the first electric device 520 in the first state is forcibly rotated by the player's pushing action, the positions of the solenoid 531 and the sliding member 532 of the drive unit 530 are not displaced, and only the first electric device 520 and the rotating member 533 are rotationally displaced.

[0205] As described above, when the first electric device 520 is in the first state, the distance dimension L1 from the upright tip of the upright wall 532c1 (the end on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 20 (a))) to the upper end surface of the upright portion 534b formed in the first case member 534 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

[0206] Here, a gaming machine has been known that includes a second winning opening 140 formed to allow a gaming ball to enter, a pair of feather members 520L, 520R arranged on either side of the second winning opening 140, a drive means (solenoid 531) that applies a drive force to the pair of feather members 520L, 520R to open or close them, and a regulating means that, when the pair of feather members 520L, 520R are opened by the drive force of the drive means (solenoid 531), is positioned at an allowable position that allows the gaming ball to enter the second winning opening 140, and, when the pair of feather members 520L, 520R are closed by the drive force of the drive means (solenoid 531), is positioned at a restricting position that restricts the entry of the gaming ball into the second winning opening 140.

[0207] However, in the conventional gaming machines described above, the displacement of the regulating means is not regulated, so that, for example, the pair of wing members 520L, 520R can be forcibly opened from the outside and then the regulating means can be displaced from the regulated position to the permissible position, resulting in a problem that the effect of regulating the illegal entry of gaming balls into the second winning port 140 is insufficient.

[0208] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the arrangement of the standing wall 532c1 is formed so as to be able to be maintained in the restricted position when the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are closed or when the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are open from the outside, so that the standing wall 532c1 can be prevented from being displaced to the permitted position. Therefore, it is easy to restrict the game ball from being illegally entered into the second winning hole 140.

[0209] That is, in a state where the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are closed or in a state where the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are open from the outside, the sliding member 532 is operated to set the distance dimension L3 from the erected tip (the end on the lower side in the gravity direction (lower side in FIG. 20(b))) of the erected wall 532c1 to the upper end surface of the erected part 534b formed in the first case member 534 to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, even if the first electric role 520 is made capable of sending the game ball to the second winning opening 140 by the player's fraudulent act, the game ball can be prevented from entering the inside of the second winning opening 140 and rolling. Therefore, the game ball rolling on the erected part 534b of the first case member 534 can be made to collide with the erected wall 532c1 of the sliding member 532, and the rolling of the game ball can be stopped. As a result, when the first electric device 520 is put into the second state (allowing the game ball to be sent to the second winning port 140) due to the player's fraudulent behavior, it becomes easier to restrict the game ball from being fraudulently entered into the second winning port 140.

[0210] In this case, the erected wall 532c1 that prevents the game ball from entering the second winning opening 140 can be formed in connection with the sliding member 532 that displaces the pair of wing members 520L, 520R, so there is no need for a separate member that prevents the ball from being illegally entered into the second winning opening 140. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced accordingly, and the increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

[0211] Next, referring to Figures 21 and 22, a case will be described in which when the first electric role 520 is put into the second state due to a player's fraudulent behavior, the second protrusion 532c is further pushed back. Figures 21(a) and 21(b) are side views of the first electric role 520 and the drive unit 530. Figure 22(a) is a partially enlarged side view of the drive unit 530 in range XXIIa of Figure 21(a), and Figure 22(b) is a partially enlarged side view of the drive unit 530 in range XXIIb of Figure 21(b).

[0212] 21 and 22, a protrusion 532d3 protruding from the inner surface on the front side (left side in FIG. 22(a)) is formed inside the second opening 532d2. Also, a notch 533b1 is formed in the protrusion 533b of the rotating member 533 by cutting into the outer circumferential surface in a side view.

[0213] The projection 532d3 and the cutout portion 533b1 are formed to have a shape that corresponds to the outer diameter thereof. That is, the protruding shape of the projection 532d3 in a side view and the cutout shape of the cutout portion 533b1 are substantially the same.

[0214] 21(a) and 22(a), when only the first electric device 520 is in the second state due to a fraudulent act, the protrusion 532d3 is accommodated inside the notch 533b1, and the displacement of the standing wall 532c1 (sliding member 532) to the back side is restricted. As a result, when the first electric device 520 is in the second state due to a fraudulent act by the player, the game ball is prevented from entering the second winning hole 140 and rolling on the standing part 534b of the first case member 534 to be sent.

[0215] In this embodiment, one of the side surfaces of the protrusion 532d3 is formed to be inclined upward toward the rear surface side (see FIG. 22(a)). This makes it possible for the protrusion 532d3 to be less likely to slip out of the cutout portion 533b1 when the protrusion 532d3 is inserted into the cutout portion 533b1.

[0216] That is, since the side surface of the protrusion 532d3 is formed inclined upward toward the rear side, when the protrusion 532d3 is inserted into the notch 532b1 and a force is applied to push the standing wall 532c1 (sliding member 532) toward the rear side, the direction of the force acting on the contact surface between the protrusion 532d3 and the notch 532b1 can be set to the direction in which the protrusion 532d3 enters the inside of the notch 532b1. Therefore, when the protrusion 532d3 is inserted into the inside of the notch 533b1, the protrusion 532d3 can be made difficult to come out of the notch 533b1. As a result, when the first electric role 520 is set to the second state due to a player's fraudulent act, it is possible to reliably suppress the game ball from entering the second winning hole 140 and being sent by rolling on the standing portion 534b of the first case member 534.

[0217] In other words, a transmission mechanism is provided that transmits the driving force of the driving means (solenoid 531) to the pair of wing members 520L, 520R. The transmission mechanism includes a sliding member 532 that is slidably displaced between an open slide position (position shown in FIG. 17(b)) and a closed slide position (position shown in FIG. 17(a)) by the driving force of the driving means (solenoid 531), and a sliding member 532 that is rotated to an open rotation position by the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the open slide position to open the pair of wing members 520L, 520R, and that is rotated to a closed rotation position by the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the closed slide position to close the pair of wing members 520L, 520R. The ball is provided with a rotating member 533, and a standing wall 532c1 is arranged on the sliding member 532. When the sliding member 532 is slidably displaced to the open slide position, the standing wall 532c1 is arranged at a permissible position, and when the sliding member 532 is slidably displaced to the closed slide position, the standing wall 532c1 is arranged at a restricted position. When the sliding member 532 is arranged at the closed slide position and the rotating member 533 is arranged at the open rotation position, the rotating member 533 and the sliding member 532 engage with each other, thereby restricting the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the open slide position, thereby making it easier to restrict game balls from being illegally entered into the second winning port 140.

[0218] That is, when the pair of closed wing members 520L, 520R is forcibly opened from the outside, the rotating member 533 is rotated to the open rotation position with the sliding member 532 disposed in the closed slide position. In this state, the rotating member 533 and the sliding member 532 are engaged with each other to restrict the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the open slide position, so that the restricting means can be maintained in the restricting position (the restricting means can be prevented from being forcibly displaced from the outside to the allowable position). As a result, even if the pair of wing members 520L, 520R is forcibly opened from the outside and a game ball is passed between the pair of wing members 520L, 520R, the restricting means can restrict the game ball from entering the second winning hole 140.

[0219] Furthermore, an engagement hole 532d is extended into one of the sliding member 532 and the rotating member 533, and a protrusion 533b is protruded from the other. As the protrusion 533b slides along the engagement hole 532d, the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 is transmitted to rotate the rotating member 533, and as the protrusion 533b engages with the inner wall surface of the engagement hole 532d, the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the open slide position is restricted, so that the restriction is unlikely to be released while still achieving miniaturization.

[0220] That is, a means for restricting the sliding displacement of sliding member 532 to the open slide position can be formed by utilizing engagement hole 532d and protrusion 533b for transmitting the sliding displacement of sliding member 532 to rotating member 533, and it is not necessary to provide such a means separately at another location, so that the size can be reduced accordingly. Also, by adopting a structure in which protrusion 533b engages with the inner wall surface of engagement hole 532d, it is possible to make unauthorized access to such an engagement portion from the outside difficult, and therefore it is possible to make it difficult to release the restriction (engagement) accordingly.

[0221] Next, the bulging portions 524L, 524R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R will be described in detail with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23(a) is a front perspective view of the left wing member 520L, and Figure 23(b) is a front perspective view of the right wing member 520R. Figure 24(a) is a front view of the winning port unit 500, and Figure 24(b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 500 taken along line XXIVb-XXIVb in Figure 24(a).

[0222] In Fig. 23(a) and Fig. 23(b), the left-right direction when viewed obliquely is reversed between Fig. 23(a) and Fig. 23(b). In Fig. 24(a), the front base 511 is shown transparent. Furthermore, in Fig. 24(b), the front base 511 shown transparent in Fig. 24(a) is shown opaque. In Fig. 24(b), the rolling direction of the game ball rolling on the side surfaces 526L and 526R is shown by a two-dot chain line together with the sign of the virtual line KS1. Furthermore, the front direction of the virtual line KS1 is shown by an arrow F, and the back direction is shown by an arrow B.

[0223] 23 and 24, bulge 524L formed on side 526L of left wing member 520L is formed at the end on the through-hole 521L side and is connected to the end face on the front side (arrow F side in FIG. 24(b)). On the other hand, bulge 524R formed on side 526R of right wing member 520R is formed at the end on the through-hole 521R side and is connected to the end face on the back side (arrow B side in FIG. 24(b)).

[0224] That is, bulging portion 524L of left wing member 520L and bulging portion 524R of right wing member 520R are formed at different positions in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 24(b)).

[0225] Furthermore, a first region is formed on the side 526L, 526R, which continues from the tip side to the base side of the feather members 520L, 520R, and bulges 524L, 524R are formed with a size such that they do not abut the game ball guided through the first region, and the first region of the side 526L, 526R of one feather member (one of the feather members 520L, 520R) of the pair of feather members 520L, 520R and the first region of the side 526L, 526R of the other feather member (the other of the feather members 520L, 520R) are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side 526L, 526R.

[0226] The bulge 524L has an end portion farther from the through hole 521L inclined toward the through hole 521L from the front side (lower side in FIG. 24(b)) to the rear side (upper side in FIG. 24(b)). On the other hand, the bulge 524R has an end portion farther from the through hole 521R inclined toward the through hole 521R from the rear side to the front side.

[0227] Next, referring to Figures 25 and 26, a case where a game ball is sent to the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R will be described. Figures 25(a) and 25(b) are cross-sectional views of the winning hole unit 500. Figures 26(a) and 26(b) are cross-sectional views of the winning hole unit 500.

[0228] 25(a), 25(b), 26(a) and 26(b) correspond to the cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 500 in FIG. 24(b). In addition, in FIG. 25(a) and FIG. 25(b), the transition states of the game ball when the game ball is sent from both sides of the first electric role 520 are illustrated in order. In FIG. 26(a) and FIG. 26(b), the transition states of the game ball when the game ball is sent only to the left wing member 520L are illustrated in order.

[0229] As shown in Figures 25(a) and 25(b), when a game ball is thrown to both sides of the first electric device 520, the game ball rolling on the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R can be rolled to different positions in the front-to-back direction by the bulge portions 524L, 524R.

[0230] More specifically, as described above, bulging portion 524L of left wing member 520L is formed connected to the end face on the front side. Therefore, a game ball rolling on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L rolls on side surface 526L while contacting bulging portion 524L, and is thereby rolled to the rear side.

[0231] In this case, the bulge portion 524L is formed so that the end portion farther from the through hole 521L is inclined toward the through hole 521L from the front side (lower side in Figure 25(b)) to the rear side (upper side in Figure 25(b)). Therefore, when a game ball rolling on the side surface 526L comes into contact with the bulge portion 524L, the resistance in the rolling direction increases, preventing the game ball from stopping rolling.

[0232] On the other hand, bulging portion 524R of right wing member 520R is formed connected to the end face on the back side. Therefore, a game ball rolling on side surface 526R of right wing member 520R rolls on side surface 526R while contacting bulging portion 524R, and is thereby rolled toward the front side.

[0233] In this case, the bulge portion 524R is formed so that the end portion farther from the through hole 521R is inclined toward the through hole 521R from the rear side (upper side of Figure 25(b)) toward the front side (lower side of Figure 25(b)). Therefore, when a game ball rolling on the side surface 526R comes into contact with the bulge portion 524R, the resistance in the rolling direction increases, preventing the game ball from stopping rolling.

[0234] Therefore, the game balls rolling on the left wing member 520L side can be moved toward the rear side, while the game balls rolling on the right wing member 520R side can be moved toward the front side. As a result, when game balls are sent from both the left and right sides, head-on collision between the game balls sent from the left and right sides can be suppressed.

[0235] Here, a gaming machine has been known that includes a ball entrance (second winning opening 140) that is formed so that a game ball can enter, and a guide member (first electric device 520) that has guide surfaces (sides 526L, 526R) that guide the game ball to the ball entrance and is formed so as to be displaceable. As the guide member, for example, a pair of wing members (wing members 520L, 520R) that have guide surfaces that guide the game ball to the ball entrance, are arranged on either side of the ball entrance, and are supported on a base end side so as to be rotatable.

[0236] Also, a technique is disclosed in which a first groove is provided on the entire surface of the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) of one of the feather members (either feather member 520L, 520R) and a second groove is provided on the entire surface of the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) of the other feather member. According to this technique, since the first groove and the second groove are inclined in different directions, even if game balls are simultaneously guided (rolled) on the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) of one feather member (either feather member 520L, 520R) and the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) of one feather member (the other of the feather members 520L, 520R), the game balls can be biased in different directions (one toward the glass plate and the other toward the game board). Therefore, the game balls can be smoothly inserted into the second winning hole 140.

[0237] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has a problem that the game ball cannot be sufficiently deflected. Also, the game ball that enters from one side of the guide member (either one of the wing members 520L or 520R) may pass through the guide surface (side surface 526L or 526R) and pass through the other side of the guide member (either one of the wing members 520L or 520R). In this case, the game ball does not enter the ball entrance (second winning entrance 140), which causes a problem that the player loses interest.

[0238] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the first electric role 520 has a pair of bulging parts 524L, 524R that are protruding from the side surfaces 526L, 526R and are formed so as to be able to abut against the game ball rolling on the side surfaces 526L, 526R, and the pair of bulging parts 524L, 524R are arranged at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R, so that the game ball guided (rolling) on ​​the side surfaces 526L, 526R can be reliably biased by abutting against the bulging parts 524L, 524R. As a result, the game ball can be smoothly inserted into the ball entrance.

[0239] In addition, the pair of bulging parts 524L, 524R are arranged at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R, so that the game ball entering from one side of the pair of wing members 520L, 520R can be abutted against the bulging parts 524L, 524R. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball entering from one side (either one of the wing members 520L, 520R) of the pair of wing members 520L, 520R from passing through the pair of wing members 520L, 520R (to the other one of the wing members 520L, 520R). As a result, the game ball can be made to enter the ball entrance, improving the player's interest.

[0240] Furthermore, the first electric device 520 is formed as a pair of feather members 520L, 520R arranged on either side of the second winning opening 140 and rotatably supported at the base end, and the pair of bulges 524L, 524R protrude from each of the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the pair of feather members 520L, 520R, and the bulge 524L, 524R in one feather member 520L, 520R and the bulge 524L, 524R in the other feather member 520L, 520R are arranged at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R, so that the game ball guided (rolling) along the side surfaces 526L, 526R can be abutted against the bulge portions 524L, 524R, reliably displaced. As a result, the balls can be smoothly admitted into the second winning port 140 and ball clogging can be prevented.

[0241] Furthermore, the bulge portions 524L, 524R of one feather member 520L, 520R and the bulge portions 524L, 524R of the other feather member 520L, 520R are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R (the direction from the tip end to the base end of the feather members 520L, 520R), so that when a game ball that has entered the side surface 526L, 526R of one feather member 520L, 520R reaches the side surface 526L, 526R of the other feather member 520L, 520R, the game ball can be abutted against the bulge portions 524L, 524R of the other feather member 520L, 520R. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gaming ball that has entered the side surface 526L, 526R of one of the wing members 520L, 520R from passing through the side surface 526L, 526R of the other wing member. As a result, the gaming ball can be made to enter the second winning hole 140, improving the player's interest.

[0242] In other words, the bulges 524L, 524R are formed at different positions in the front-rear direction on the left and right blade members 520L, 520R, respectively, so that the game balls rolling from the left and right can be rolled at different positions in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the game balls are sent from both the left and right sides, the game balls sent from the left and right can be prevented from colliding head-on. As a result, the time it takes for the game balls to enter the second winning hole 140 can be prevented.

[0243] That is, by setting the collision positions of the game balls to different positions in the front-to-rear direction on the left and right, as shown in Fig. 25(b), the game ball on the left side that is brought to the rear side is more likely to bounce back to the rear side (upper side of Fig. 25(b)) upon collision, while the game ball on the right side that is brought to the front side is more likely to bounce back to the front side (lower side of Fig. 25(b)) upon collision.

[0244] Therefore, one game ball (in this embodiment, rolling on the left wing member 520L) can be easily inserted into the second winning opening 140, and the other game ball is bounced to the front side, so that the game ball is prevented from moving too far away from the second winning opening 140 when it collides. Therefore, the second game ball that enters the second winning opening 140 later can be quickly inserted into the second winning opening 140. As a result, when game balls are sent to both the left and right sides of the first electric role 520, the time it takes for the game balls on both sides to enter the second winning opening 140 can be shortened, and the game can proceed smoothly.

[0245] In addition, since the bulging portions 524L, 524R are protruded from the side surfaces 526L, 526R at positions closer to the base end side (through hole 521 side) than the tip side of the wing members 520L, 520R, an area in which the game ball guided to the side surfaces 526L, 526R can roll before abutting against the bulging portions 524L, 524R can be secured. Therefore, the decrease in the rolling speed of the game ball can be suppressed, and the ball can be smoothly entered into the second winning hole 140.

[0246] Furthermore, by projecting the bulging portions 524L, 524R from the side surfaces 526L, 526R at a position closer to the base end side than the tip end side of the blade members 520L, 520R, the course of the game ball that is deflected by contacting the bulging portions 524L, 524R can be prevented from returning to the course before the deflection before reaching the ball entrance (the end of the guide surface). In other words, the game ball can be easily sent from the side surfaces 526L, 526R to the ball entrance while remaining in the deflected state.

[0247] As described above, a first region that continues from the tip side to the base side of the feather members 520L, 520R is formed on the side surfaces 526L, 526R, and the bulges 524L, 524R are formed with a size that does not abut the game ball guided through the first region. Therefore, when a game ball that has entered the side surfaces 526L, 526R rolls through the first region, the rolling speed of the game ball can be prevented from decreasing, and the game ball can be allowed to enter the second winning port 140 smoothly.

[0248] In this case, the first region of the side 526L, 526R of one of the pair of feather members 520L, 520R (either one of the feather members 520L, 520R) and the first region of the side 526L, 526R of the other feather member (either the other of the feather members 520L, 520R) are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side 526L, 526R.Therefore, even if a game ball is simultaneously guided (rolled) through the first region of the side 526L, 526R of one feather member (either one of the feather members 520L, 520R) and the first region of the side 526L, 526R of the other feather member (either the other of the feather members 520L, 520R), respectively, the game balls can be biased in different directions from each other, allowing them to enter the second winning port 140 smoothly.

[0249] Next, as shown in Figures 26(a) and 26(b), when a game ball is thrown to one of the left or right wing members 520L, 520R, the game ball can be abutted against the bulge portion 524L or bulge portion 524R of the other left or right wing member 520L, 520R, thereby preventing the game ball from rolling along the side surface 526L, 526R of the other left or right wing member 520L, 520R and falling from its tip.

[0250] More specifically, as described above, bulging portion 524L of left wing member 520L is formed connected to the end face on the front side. Therefore, a game ball rolling on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L rolls on side surface 526L while contacting bulging portion 524L, and is thereby rolled to the rear side. This allows a game ball rolling on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L to be brought closer to bulging portion 524R formed on right wing member 520R.

[0251] In other words, the bulge portions 524L, 524R formed on the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are formed at different positions in the front-to-back direction, so that a game ball rolling toward the second winning opening on either the left wing member 520L or the right wing member 520R can be rolled (moved closer) to a position that matches in the front-to-back direction with the bulge portion 524L, 524R formed on the other of the left wing member 520L or the right wing member 520R.

[0252] Therefore, when a gaming ball rolls on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L, the gaming ball can be rolled (pulled) toward the rear side to a position that generally coincides with bulging portion 524R of right wing member 520R in the front-to-rear direction. On the other hand, when a gaming ball rolls on side surface 526R of right wing member 520R, the gaming ball can be rolled (pulled) toward the front side to a position that generally coincides with bulging portion 524L of left wing member 520L in the front-to-rear direction.

[0253] This makes it possible to prevent the game ball from riding up onto side surfaces 526L, 526R of the other left wing member 520L or right wing member 520R when the game ball is rolling fast on either side surface 526L or 526R.

[0254] Here, in the conventional winning slot unit 500, the sides 526L, 526R of the first electric device 520 are formed as smooth surfaces, so there was a problem in that a game ball sent from one of the first electric devices 520 would ride up onto the other wing member 520L, 520R and be sent into the flow-down area from the tip of the other wing member 520L, 520R.

[0255] In contrast, in this embodiment, the bulges 524L, 524R are formed at different positions in the front-rear direction on the first electric role 520, so that the game ball rolling from one feather member can be rolled to a position that is approximately aligned with the bulges 524L, 524R formed on the other feather member in the front-rear direction. Therefore, by colliding the game ball rolling on one feather member 520L, 520R with the bulges 524L, 524R of the other feather member 520L, 520R, it is possible to prevent the game ball from riding on the side surface 526L, 526R of the other feather member 520L, 520R and being sent to the game area from the tip of the feather member 520L, 520R.

[0256] Next, the recessed portion 525L and the engagement portion 511b2 will be described with reference to Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. Fig. 27(a) is a top view of the winning port unit 500, and Fig. 27(b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 500 taken along line XXVIIb-XXVIIb in Fig. 27(a). Fig. 28(a) and Fig. 28(b) are partially enlarged cross-sectional views of the winning port unit 500 in the range XXVIII in Fig. 27(b). Fig. 28(a) shows the first electric role 520 in the first state, and Fig. 28(b) shows the first electric role 520 in the second state.

[0257] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the engagement portions 511b2 formed on the second protrusion 511b of the front base 511 are disposed inside the recessed portions 525L, 525R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R, respectively.

[0258] In the first state, the engagement portion 511b2 abuts against the ends of the recessed portions 525L, 525R facing the bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R) (see FIG. 28(a)), and in the second state, the engagement portion 511b2 abuts against the ends of the recessed portions 525L, 525R opposite the bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R).

[0259] In other words, when the first electric role 520 is displaced from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state, the engagement portion 511b2 abuts against the ends of the recessed portions 525L, 525R, thereby regulating the amount of displacement.

[0260] Furthermore, in the first state, the rotational force acting around the axis of the through-holes 521L, 521R is in a direction such that the corners of the feather members 520L, 520R farther from the through-holes 521L, 521R rotate toward the second winning opening 140 due to their own weight. Therefore, by abutting the engagement portion 511b2 with the end portions of the recessed portions 525L, 525R on the bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R) side, the feather members 520L, 520R can be prevented from rotating due to their own weight, and the feather members 520L, 520R can be held in the first state.

[0261] In the first state, the ends of the recesses 525L, 525R on the bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R) side are brought into contact with the engagement portions 511b2, so that the sides of the bulging portions 524L, 524R of the wing members 520L, 520R can be brought into contact with the engagement portions 511b2. Thus, the rigidity of the contact portions can be increased by the amount of the bulging portions 524L, 524R formed, so that the wing members 520L, 520R can be prevented from being damaged by contact with the engagement portions 511b2.

[0262] That is, in this embodiment, a base member 510 is provided that rotatably supports the feather members 520L, 520R, and the base member 510 is provided with an engagement portion 511b2 that abuts against the feather members 520L, 520R to regulate the rotation of the feather members 520L, 520R, and since the bulge portions 524L, 524R of the feather members 520L, 520R abut against the engagement portion 511b2 of the base member 510, damage to the feather members 520L, 520R can be suppressed. In other words, since the bulges 524L, 524R are portions that protrude from the wing members 520L, 520R (side surfaces 526L, 526R), the relatively rigid portions of the wing members 520L, 520R can be utilized as stoppers that abut against the engagement portions 511b2 of the base member 510, thereby reducing damage to the wing members 520L, 520R.

[0263] Furthermore, the bulging portions 524L, 524R have their sides formed substantially flush with the side surfaces of the base ends of the wing members 520L, 520R, and in the closed state, the sides of the bulging portions 524L, 524R formed substantially flush with the side surfaces of the base ends of the wing members 520L, 520R abut at least against the engaging portion 511b2 of the base member 510, so that the portions (side surfaces of the bulging portions 524L, 524R) farther from the rotation axis (through holes 521L, 521R) can be abutted against the engaging portion 511b2 of the base member 510, thereby reducing the reaction force input from the engaging portion 511b2 to the wing members 520L, 520R. Therefore, damage to the wing members 520L, 520R can be suppressed. Also, for example, compared to a case where the protruding tip surfaces of the bulging portions 524L, 524R are abutted against the engaging portion 511b2 of the base member 510, the engaging portion 511b2 of the base member 510 can be spaced away from the second winning opening 140, and space that serves as a flow path to the second winning opening 140 can be secured. Note that, in addition to the side surfaces of the bulging portions 524L, 524R, the side surfaces of the base end side of the feather members 520L, 520R may also be abutted against the engaging portion 511b2 of the base member 510. In this case, the surface pressure can be reduced, and damage to the feather members 520L, 520R can be further suppressed.

[0264] When the wing members 520L, 520R are in a closed state, the bulges 524L, 524R are disposed below (below in FIG. 28(a)) the erected portion 511b1 formed on the front base 511. In other words, the erected portion 511b1 is disposed between the opposing bulges 524L, 524R.

[0265] Here, the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are arranged at a position where the opposing distance between the side surfaces 526L, 526R in the closed state is greater than the diameter of the game ball so as not to pinch the game ball. In this case, if the bulging parts 524L, 524R are protruded from the side surfaces 526L, 526R, it becomes necessary to arrange the pair of wing members 520L, 520R at a greater distance by the protruding height of the bulging parts 524L, 524R so as not to pinch the game ball between the bulging parts 524L, 524R, and the space required for arranging the pair of wing members 520L, 520R increases.

[0266] In contrast, in this embodiment, a standing portion 511b1 is provided which is located between the opposing bulge portions 524L, 524R in the closed state, and when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the distance between the opposing side surfaces 526L, 526R in the area where the bulge portions 524L, 524R are not formed is made larger than the diameter of a game ball, and the distance between the opposing bulge portions 524L, 524R is made smaller than the diameter of a game ball, thereby reducing the space required for the arrangement of the pair of wing members 520L, 520R.

[0267] That is, even if the pair of wing members 520L, 520R start to close (start to transition to the closed state) while the game ball is being guided (rolled) on the side surfaces 526L, 526R, the standing portion 511b1 is positioned between the opposing bulging portions 524L, 524R, and the game ball is discharged from between the opposing bulging portions 524L, 524R, and it is possible to prevent the game ball from being pinched between the bulging portions 524L, 524R. The game ball discharged from between the opposing bulging portions 524L, 524R by the standing portion 511b1 is positioned between the opposing side surfaces 526L, 526R in the region where the bulging portions 524L, 524R are not formed, and the opposing distance at such a position is made larger than the diameter of the game ball, so the game ball is not pinched (see FIG. 27(a)). As a result, the distance between the bulges 524L, 524R can be made smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for arranging the pair of wing members 520L, 520R. In other words, the pair of wing members 520L, 520R can be arranged in a space equivalent to the space required for arranging a conventional product in which the bulges 524L, 524R are not protruding from the side surfaces 526L, 526R.

[0268] On the other hand, in the second state, the rotational force acting around the axis of through-hole 521L, 521R is in a direction that rotates the corners of wing members 520L, 520R farther from through-hole 521L, 521R downward in the direction of gravity due to its own weight. Therefore, by abutting engagement portion 511b2 with the end portions of recessed portions 525L, 525R opposite to bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R), it is possible to prevent wing members 520L, 520R from rotating due to their own weight and to hold wing members 520L, 520R in the second state.

[0269] Therefore, since the displacement of the wing members 520L, 520R can be restricted at a location other than the drive portion 533d and the protrusions 523L, 523R described above, damage to the drive portion 533d and the protrusions 523L, 523R can be suppressed. Therefore, it is not necessary to form the parts large in order to increase the rigidity of the rotation member 533, and the rotation member 533 can be made smaller. As a result, the drive unit 530 can be made smaller.

[0270] In addition, in the open state, the upper surface of the upright portion 511b1 is located lower in the direction of gravity than the lower ends of the side surfaces 526L, 526R and higher in the direction of gravity than the lower end of the second winning opening 140, so that a game ball guided to the side surfaces 526L, 526R can be sent to the upper surface of the upright portion 511b1, and can be caused to enter the second winning opening 140 by rolling along the upper surface of the upright portion 511b1 (see Figure 28 (b)).

[0271] Furthermore, as described above, the second protrusion 511b is provided with a base member 511f having an LED that emits light toward the blade members 520L, 520R (the second winning hole 140). As shown in FIG. 28(a), in the first state, the recesses 525L, 525R are positioned on the lower side in the direction of gravity. This makes it easier for the light emitted from the LED of the base member 511f to enter the inside of the blade members 520L, 520R.

[0272] That is, by irradiating the LED light onto the recessed portions of the recessed portions 525L, 525R, it is possible to suppress the LED light from being reflected by the outer surfaces of the wing members 520L, 520R. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the light to enter the inside of the wing members 520L, 520R. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of light emitted from the inside of the wing members 520L, 520R to the player side. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the player to view the wing members 520L, 520R even through the front base 511 formed of a transparent material.

[0273] When the vane members 520L, 520R are in the second state shown in Fig. 28(b), the recessed portions 525L, 525R are at substantially the same position in the up-down direction of the through holes 521L, 521R. This makes it easier to illuminate the game ball sent to the front side of the second winning hole 140 by the LED of the base member 511f.

[0274] That is, the recessed portions of the recessed portions 525L, 525R are located at substantially the same position in the vertical direction of the through holes 521L, 521R, so that the gap between the opposing first electric role objects 520 can be increased. Therefore, the game ball sent to the front side of the second winning opening can be easily illuminated by the LED of the base member 511f. As a result, the game ball entering the second winning opening 140 can be easily visually recognized by the player even through the front base 511 made of a transparent material.

[0275] Next, the manner in which the winning port unit 500 is arranged on the game board 13 will be described with reference to Figure 29. Figure 29 is a partially enlarged view of the game board 13 in range XXIX of Figure 2.

[0276] As shown in FIG. 29, the winning port unit 500 is disposed at a predetermined gap from the inner edge of the inner rail 76.

[0277] A first outlet 71 for collecting game balls flowing down the conventional game area is formed inside the lower end portion of the inner rail 76. Therefore, the lower end portion of the inner rail 76 is formed with a curved portion 76a that is curved with a curvature larger than the curvature of the entire inner rail 76 in order to make it easier for the game balls to collect.

[0278] Therefore, the gap between the winning port unit 500 and the inner rail 76 is made larger at the lower end portion (where the curved portion 76a is formed) of the inner reel. As described above, the front base 511 and the back base 512 of the winning port unit 500 are fastened together by inserting a screwdriver or the like obliquely into the recessed portion 511b3 from below the front base 511.

[0279] The through hole 511b4 is formed in the second protruding portion 511b formed at approximately the center position in the left-right direction of the front base 511. Therefore, the through hole 511b4 can be positioned above the curved portion 76a (upper part in FIG. 29). Therefore, when inserting a screwdriver or the like obliquely from below the front base 511 into the recessed portion 511b3, the gap between the winning hole unit 500 formed by the curved portion 76a can be utilized, so that the front base 511 can be easily attached and detached from the rear base 512 from the front side of the game board 13.

[0280] In addition, the inner rail 76 makes it difficult for the player to see inside the recessed portion 511b3, so that the player's interest is prevented from decreasing due to the player seeing the screws, etc., that fasten the front base 511 and the rear base 512.

[0281] Next, the decorative pattern display device 800 will be described with reference to Figures 30 to 36.

[0282] First, the configuration of the decorative pattern display device 800 will be described with reference to Fig. 30 to Fig. 33. Fig. 30(a) is a front view of the decorative pattern display device 800, and Fig. 30(b) is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device 800 taken along the line XXXb-XXXb in Fig. 30(a). Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective front view of the decorative pattern display device 800, and Fig. 32 is an exploded perspective rear view of the decorative pattern display device 800. Fig. 33(a) is a front view of the inner reel 811 unfolded, and Fig. 33(b) is a front view of the outer reel 821 unfolded.

[0283] As shown in Figures 30 to 33, the decorative pattern display device 800 is mainly formed by an inner reel unit 810 that is rotatably configured, an outer reel unit 820 that houses a part of the inner reel unit 810, a storage unit 880 that houses the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 inside, a drive motor KM1 attached to the storage unit 880 and drives the inner reel unit 810 to rotate, a drive motor KM2 attached to the storage unit 880 and drives the outer reel unit 820 to rotate, and a backlight unit 830 arranged inside the inner reel unit 810.

[0284] The inner reel unit 810 is formed of an approximately cylindrical inner reel 811 that penetrates from left to right, a rotating member 812 arranged on one end side of the opening of the inner reel 811 (left side of Figure 30(a)), and a circular member 813 arranged on the other end side of the opening of the inner reel 811 (right side of Figure 30(a)).

[0285] The inner reel 811 is formed by winding a strip-shaped sheet made of transparent resin in the circumferential direction. As shown in Fig. 33(a), the inner reel 811 has decorative patterns arranged at equal intervals with the longitudinal direction being vertical. Note that the arrangement of the decorative patterns on each of the inner reels 811 of the three decorative pattern display devices 800 arranged side by side is different.

[0286] The rotating member 812 is mainly formed by a hub 812a formed in a substantially disk shape, a rim 812b formed in a substantially annular shape with a larger diameter than the hub 812a, and spokes 812c connecting the outer peripheral surface of the hub 812a and the inner peripheral surface of the rim 812b.

[0287] The hub 812a and the rim 812b are formed so that their axes are aligned along the same straight line, and are disposed at different positions in the axial direction. Thus, the spokes 812c are formed so as to be inclined in the axial direction toward the radially outer side of the hub 812a.

[0288] The rim 812b is a portion to which one end of the inner reel 811 is attached on its outer circumferential surface, and is formed with approximately the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the inner reel 811. In other words, the circumferential distance dimension of the outer circumferential portion of the rim 812b is set to be approximately the same as the longitudinal dimension of the unfolded inner reel 811. Therefore, the inner reel 811 can be disposed (attached) without any gaps on the outer circumferential surface of the rim 812b.

[0289] The hub 812a is disposed inside the inner reel 811. That is, the spokes 812c connecting the hub 812a and the rim 812b are formed to be inclined toward the other end (annular member 813 described later) of the opening of the inner reel 811 as they move radially inward. This allows the hub 812a to be disposed inside the inner reel 811. The spokes 812c are formed of multiple rod-shaped bodies extending from the rim 812b to the hub 812a, and include inner openings 812c1 that open between the spokes 812c adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0290] The hub 812a is positioned in the axial direction at approximately the same position as the left-right center position of the inner reel 811. This ensures a space on the circular member 813 side relative to the hub 812a. A drive motor KM1 that imparts a rotational driving force to the inner reel unit 810 is connected to the hub 812a.

[0291] The thickness dimension of the drive motor KM1 in the axial direction of the inner reel 811 is approximately half the axial dimension of the inner reel 811. As described above, the axial position of the hub 812a is approximately the same as the center position of the inner reel 811 in the left-right direction, and a space is formed on the inside portion on the other end (annular member 813) side of the opening of the inner reel 811, so that most of the drive motor KM1 can be disposed inside the inner reel 811. As a result, the dimensions of the inner reel unit 810 and the drive motor KM1 in the left-right direction (axial direction of the inner reel 811) can be reduced.

[0292] Further, the drive motor KM1 has a rotating shaft arranged in a straight line coaxial with the shaft of the hub 812a. That is, the shaft of the hub 812a is connected to the rotating shaft of the drive motor KM1. As described above, the shaft of the hub 812a and the shaft of the rim 812b are arranged on the same straight line, so that the inner reel 811 can be rotated around the shaft of the inner reel 811 by the rotation of the drive motor KM1. This allows the player to visually recognize the symbols decorated on the inner reel 811 as displacing in the vertical direction.

[0293] The circular member 813 is formed in a circular ring shape with an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the rim 812b. The inner peripheral surface of the circular member 813 on the other end side of the opening of the inner reel 811 (the right side in FIG. 30(a)) is attached to its outer peripheral surface.

[0294] Here, the inner reel 811 is made of a transparent resin sheet as described above, and has a relatively low rigidity. Therefore, when the inner reel unit 810 is rotated and displaced, it may be deformed by the centrifugal force of the rotation, wind pressure, etc., and the player may not be able to accurately recognize the symbols decorated around it.

[0295] In contrast, in this embodiment, the inner reel 811 is connected to the rim 812b of the rotating member 812 at one end and to the circular member 813 at the other end, so that it is less likely to be displaced by centrifugal force or wind pressure when the inner reel unit 810 rotates. As a result, when the inner reel unit 810 rotates and displaces, the player can accurately recognize the symbols decorated around the inner reel 811.

[0296] In addition, since the inner reel 811 can be formed from a sheet, the load of the inner reel 811 can be reduced accordingly. Therefore, the load on the drive motor KM1 when driving the inner reel unit 810 to rotate can be reduced. As a result, the inner reel unit 810 can start rotating smoothly.

[0297] The outer reel unit 820 is mainly formed by a cylindrical outer reel 821, a disk-shaped hub 823 with a smaller diameter than the outer reel 821, and spokes 822 connecting the inner surface of one end side of the opening of the outer reel 821 (left side of Figure 30 (a)) and the outer surface of the outer reel 821.

[0298] The outer reel 821 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner reel 811, and an axial width larger than the axial dimension of the inner reel 811. The inner reel 811 is made of a transparent resin material and has a predetermined thickness in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 is decorated with a pattern, and the manner of the decoration will be described later.

[0299] The hub 823 has its axis disposed coaxially with the outer reel 821, and is disposed at approximately the center in the axial direction of the outer reel 821. In addition, a drive motor KM2 that imparts a rotational driving force to the outer reel unit 820 is connected to the hub 823.

[0300] The spokes 822 are formed at an incline in the axial direction of the outer reel 821 toward the radially outer side of the hub 823, which allows a space to be formed between the spokes 822 and one end side (left side of FIG. 30(a)) of the opening of the outer reel 821. In addition, the spokes 822 are formed from a plurality of rod-shaped bodies extending from the hub 823 to the edge portion 824, and have openings 822a that open between adjacent spokes 822 in the circumferential direction.

[0301] The thickness dimension of the drive motor KM2 in the axial direction of the outer reel 821 is approximately half the axial dimension of the outer reel 821. As described above, the axial position of the hub 823 is located approximately at the same position as the left-right center of the outer reel 821, and a space is formed on one end (left in the left-right direction in FIG. 30(a)) of the opening of the outer reel 821, so that most of the drive motor KM2 can be disposed inside the outer reel 821. As a result, the dimensions of the outer reel unit 820 and the drive motor KM2 in the left-right direction (axial direction of the outer reel 821) can be reduced.

[0302] The storage unit 880 is formed in a box shape that is open on the front side, and can store therein the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820. The storage unit 880 is mainly formed with a pair of left and right side wall portions 881, and an upper wall portion 882, a lower wall portion 883, and a rear wall portion 884 disposed on the edge between the pair of opposing side wall portions 881.

[0303] The side wall portion 881 is formed from a plate-like body that is approximately rectangular when viewed from the side, and is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the outer drum in the vertical direction (vertical direction in Figure 30(a)) and smaller than the outer diameter of the outer drum in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in Figure 30(b)).

[0304] A drive motor KM2 for driving the outer reel unit 820 is disposed on the right surface (inner surface) of the side wall portion 881 on the left side as viewed from the front (left side in FIG. 30(a)), and a drive motor KM1 for driving the inner reel unit 810 is disposed on the left surface (inner surface) of the side wall portion 881 on the right side as viewed from the front (right side in FIG. 30(a)). That is, the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 are rotationally displaced relative to the side wall portion 881.

[0305] In addition, the side wall 881 has a bulging portion 881a on the front side that bulges out in a curved shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811. This makes it possible to prevent light emitted from a backlight unit 830 (described later) from escaping from the outside of the left and right sides of the inner reel 811.

[0306] In addition, the side wall portion 881 is formed from a metal material. This can increase the rigidity of the containing unit 880. In addition, by forming the side wall portion 881 from a metal material that generally has higher thermal conductivity than a resin material, the heat generated inside the containing unit 880 can be discharged to the outside of the containing unit 880. As a result, it is possible to suppress parts from being broken due to heat accumulating inside the containing unit 880.

[0307] The upper wall portion 882 and the lower wall portion 883 are plate members which form the upper and lower side surfaces of the storage unit 880, and are arranged along the edges of the upper portion (upper portion in Figure 30(b)) and the lower portion (lower portion in Figure 30(b)) of the side wall portion 881, respectively.

[0308] The width dimension in the left-right direction (left-right direction in FIG. 30(a)) of the upper wall portion 882 and the lower wall portion is formed to be smaller than the width dimension in the left-right direction (axial direction) of the outer reel 821. This ensures a sufficient distance between opposing side wall portions 881, and allows the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 to be disposed in that space.

[0309] Additionally, a plurality of through holes are formed in the upper wall portion 882 and the lower wall portion 883, penetrating in a radial direction relative to the axis of the outer reel 821. This can increase the air flow between the inside and outside of the containing unit 880. As a result, it is possible to prevent heat from accumulating inside the containing unit 880, and to prevent parts from being damaged by the heat of the containing unit 880.

[0310] The rear wall portion 884 is a plate member that forms the side surface on the rear side of the containing unit 880, and is disposed along the edge of the side wall portion 881 on the rear side (the right side in FIG. 30(b)).

[0311] The rear wall portion 884 is formed with an opening 884a penetrating in the front-to-rear direction at a position where it intersects with the axis of the outer reel 821 horizontally (left-to-right direction in Figure 30 (b)), and is provided with upright portions 884b that are bent toward the front side and erected at both left and right ends where the opening 884a is formed.

[0312] The opening 884a is formed so that its width in the left-right direction (left-right direction in FIG. 30(a)) is larger than the width in the axial direction of the outer reel 821. This makes it possible to prevent the outer reel 821 from colliding with the rear wall portion 884 when it moves (sways) in the front-rear direction due to the inertial force of the rotational motion, vibration, or the like.

[0313] That is, when the outer reel 821 moves (sways) forward and backward due to the inertial force of the rotational motion, vibration, etc., a part of the rear side (right side in FIG. 30(b)) of the outer reel 821 can be inserted inside the opening 884a. As a result, the outer reel 821 can be prevented from colliding with the rear wall portion 884.

[0314] Furthermore, opening 884a can increase the flow of air between the inside and outside of containing unit 880. As a result, heat can be prevented from remaining inside containing unit 880, and components can be prevented from being damaged by the heat of containing unit 880.

[0315] Here, if an opening 884a larger than the axial width of the outer reel 821 is formed in the rear wall portion 884, the rigidity of the rear wall portion 884 on both sides adjacent to the opening 884a is reduced. This may cause the rear wall portion 884 to bend.

[0316] In this case, it is also possible to increase the rigidity of the rear wall portions 884 on both sides of the opening 884a by increasing the distance between the side wall portions 881, but there is a problem in that increasing the distance between the sides would increase the size of the decorative pattern display device 800 unit itself.

[0317] In contrast, in this embodiment, standing portions 884b are formed on both the left and right sides of the position where the opening 884a is formed in the rear wall portion 884. This increases the rigidity of the rear wall portion 884. As a result, bending of the rear wall portion 884 can be suppressed.

[0318] In this embodiment, the rear wall portion 884 is made of a metal material, and the distance dimension from the left and right ends of the opening 884a to the left and right ends of the rear wall portion 884 is made sufficiently small. Therefore, it is possible to increase the deformation rate of the plastic deformation when forming the left and right ends of the rear wall portion 884. As a result, it is possible to increase the rigidity.

[0319] The backlight unit 830 is a unit that emits light from inside the inner reel 811 to make it easier for the player to recognize the symbols on the inner reel 811, and is disposed on the inside front of the inner reel 811.

[0320] The backlight unit 830 is formed in an arc shape in a side view, and the axis of the arc is disposed coaxially with the axis of the inner reel 811. The width dimension of the backlight unit 830 in the axial direction is set to be approximately the same as the width dimension of the inner reel 811 in the axial direction.

[0321] Further, the length dimension L4 in the circumferential direction of the backlight unit 830 on the inner reel 811 side is formed to be the length of three symbols decorating the inner reel 811, which will be described later.

[0322] Furthermore, backlight unit 830 has three recesses 831 arranged side by side in the circumferential direction, recessed radially inward on the outer circumferential surface. Therefore, partition plates 832 are formed between each of the recesses 831, each of which is erected radially outward of backlight unit 830.

[0323] A base member 833 having an LED for emitting light is disposed on the radially inner side surface of each recess 831, and the LED can radiate light toward the radially outer side of the backlight unit 830.

[0324] Each base member 833 can be supplied with power independently, and the inner reel 811 can be partially illuminated. In this case, since each base member 833 is disposed in an area surrounded on all four sides (recess 831), it is possible to prevent light emitted from the LED of the base member 833 from entering the front area of ​​the other base members 833. This makes it easier to partially illuminate the inner reel 811.

[0325] Next, the symbols decorated on the inner reel 811 and the outer reel 821 will be described with reference to Fig. 33. Fig. 33(a) is a front view of the inner reel 811 unfolded, and Fig. 33(b) is a front view of the outer reel 821 unfolded.

[0326] As shown in Fig. 33(a), multiple symbols are drawn at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (vertical direction in Fig. 33) on the inner reel 811. Note that the circumferential dimension L5 of one symbol is set to one-third the circumferential length dimension L4 of the backlight unit 830, as described above (L5 x 3 = L4).

[0327] Moreover, the inner reel 811 is generally formed of a material that can transmit light. In particular, the symbol portion (for example, the display of "7") has a higher light transmittance than the surrounding blank portion. Therefore, by irradiating light from the LEDs of the backlight unit 830 arranged inside the inner reel 811, the LED light can penetrate the inner reel 811 and make the symbol portion stand out. Therefore, if the LEDs of the backlight unit 830 are kept in an emitting state, the player can see the symbol of the inner reel 811 even if the inner reel 811 is not irradiated with outside light (light in the store or light from other LEDs arranged in the pachinko machine 10).

[0328] In this embodiment, 10 symbols of 5 types are drawn consecutively in the circumferential direction, and a maximum of 3 symbols can be seen by the player by the segment display device 600 described later. As described above, each decorative symbol display device 800 is decorated with symbols arranged differently, and a maximum of 9 symbols can be seen by the player.

[0329] In addition, the pachinko machine 10 sets a total of five winning lines for the jackpot, three parallel lines in the horizontal direction and two cross-sectional lines in the diagonal direction, by displaying 3×3 symbols on the inner reel 811. The occurrence of a jackpot state can be indicated to the player by stopping the inner reel 811 so that three “7” symbols are lined up on any of the winning lines.

[0330] As shown in FIG. 33(b), the outer reel 821 has a non-decorative surface 821a that is not decorated, and a non-transparent surface 821b that is decorated to prevent light from passing through.

[0331] The non-decorative surface 821a is not decorated and is therefore light-transmittable. That is, the outer reel 821 is formed from a transparent material (in this embodiment, a transparent resin material) to form the non-decorative surface 821a that is light-transmittable. Note that the non-decorative surface 821a only needs to be formed to be light-transmittable, and may be, for example, decorated with a translucent decoration that allows light to pass through.

[0332] The decorative pattern display device 800 can allow the player to view the patterns of the inner reel 811 arranged inside the outer reel 821 by rotating the outer reel unit 820 and facing the non-decorative surface 821a toward the player. That is, the player can view the patterns of the inner reel 811 through the non-decorative surface 821a of the outer reel 821.

[0333] The non-transparent surface 821b is made non-transparent by being decorated in black on the outer circumferential surface (the front side of the page in FIG. 33(b)) of the outer reel 821. The non-transparent surface 821b is formed such that its circumferential length (the vertical length in FIG. 33(b)) is equal to or greater than three of the symbols decorating the inner reel 811.

[0334] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to display three symbols on the inner reel 811 on the player side. Therefore, by making the length of the non-transparent surface 821b in the circumferential direction equal to or greater than three symbols decorated on the inner reel 811, it is possible to make the inner reel 811 invisible to the player by rotating the outer reel unit 820 and positioning the non-transparent surface of the outer reel 821 on the player side.

[0335] The circumferential length of the non-transparent surface 821b is not limited to three or more symbols decorating the inner reel 811, as long as the circumferential length is such that the decoration of the inner reel 811 is not visible to the player. In other words, the non-transparent surface 821b is formed over the circumferential length of the inner reel 811 that is visible to the player.

[0336] Further, the non-transmissive surface 821b includes a transmissive area 821b1 that is partially capable of transmitting light, and a pattern 821b2 that is decorated with a pattern.

[0337] The transparent area 821b1 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction (left-right direction in FIG. 33) when viewed from the front. The transparent area 821b1 is a part that performs a seven-segment display by being combined with the segment display device 600 described later, and can partially transmit light that passes through the inner reel 811 to the player side. This allows it to form a part of the seven-segment display described later.

[0338] The pattern 821b2 is formed with a circumferential length equivalent to three of the patterns decorating the inner reel 811, and by stopping the outer reel 821 so that each pattern 821b2 of each decorative pattern display device 800 is aligned in three parallel rows horizontally, the occurrence of a jackpot can be indicated to the player.

[0339] As described above, the periphery of the symbol 821b2 is opaque, so that the player cannot see the inner reel 811. Thus, the symbol of the inner reel 811 can be stopped on the pay line while the effect of lining up three symbols of the symbol 821b2 is produced. Therefore, the player can be made to focus on the outer reel 821 by the spin effect of the outer reel 821, and then, almost at the same time as the effect of the outer reel 821 ends, the player can be made to focus on the inner reel 811. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

[0340] Next, the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 will be described with reference to Figures 34 to 36. Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device 800 taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in Figure 30(a). Figure 35 is a partially enlarged view of the decorative pattern display device 800 in range XXXV in Figure 34. Figure 36(a) is a partially enlarged view of the rotating member 812, and Figure 36(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member 812 taken along line XXXVIb-XXXVIb in Figure 36(a).

[0341] 34 to 36, a predetermined gap is formed between the opposing inner reel 811 of the inner reel unit 810 and the opposing outer reel 821 of the outer reel unit 820. Also, a predetermined gap is formed between the opposing hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810 and an edge 824 that protrudes radially from one end side of the opening of the outer reel 821 of the outer reel unit 820 (left side in FIG. 34).

[0342] The hub 812a of the rotating member 812 is formed with protrusions 812a1 that protrude toward the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820. The protrusions 812a1 are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the hub 812a (in this embodiment, they are formed on the extensions of the spokes 812c (see FIG. 36)). The protrusions 812a1 are formed in a mountain shape with both sides inclined in the circumferential direction of the hub 812a. Therefore, by rotating the inner reel unit 810, the protrusions 812a1 can generate wind.

[0343] Here, conventionally, there is known a gaming machine equipped with a rotatable first reel (outer reel unit 820) and a rotatable second reel (inner reel unit 810) disposed approximately concentrically inside the first reel (outer reel unit 820) (i.e., equipped with a double reel structure). Also known is a technology for removing and cleaning dust adhering to the display surface of the reel by contacting a rotating brush with the outer circumferential surface (display surface) of the reel and rotating the rotating member in accordance with the rotation of the reel.

[0344] However, the dual reel structure has the problem that cleaning is difficult. That is, with the dual reel structure, it is not possible to secure space between the outer reel (first reel (outer reel unit 820)) and the inner reel (second reel (inner reel unit 810)) to place the above-mentioned rotating brush, so it is not possible to clean the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel and the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel (second reel).

[0345] In other words, the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 is narrow, and therefore, in order to remove dust (debris) that has entered and stuck in that gap, it is necessary to disassemble the decorative pattern display device 800, making cleaning difficult.

[0346] In contrast, in this embodiment, the protrusions 812a1 can push out air and generate wind when the inner reel unit 810 is rotated. The pushed-out air (wind) collides with the edge 824 of the opposing outer reel 821, and flows into the gap between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0347] In this case, the space between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 is made narrower than the space on the inner circumferential side of the edge 824 and the hub 812a, so that air can flow from the space on the inner circumferential side of the edge 824 and the hub 812a to the space between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821. This makes it possible to blow away dust (dirt) that is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 or dust that is about to attach thereto. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust from attaching to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0348] That is, in this embodiment, the outer reel unit 820 comprises an outer reel 821 formed in a cylindrical shape and an edge portion 824 extending radially inward from one axial side of the outer reel 821, and the inner reel unit 810 comprises an inner reel 811 formed in a cylindrical shape and whose outer surface faces the inner surface of the outer reel 821 at a predetermined distance, and a hub 812a which extends radially inward from one axial side of the inner reel 811 and whose outer surface faces the inner surface of the edge portion 824 at a predetermined distance, and a protrusion 812a1 is erected from the outer surface of the hub 812a toward the inner surface of the edge portion 824, so that the protrusion 812a1 is displaced circumferentially between the inner surface of the edge portion 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a to generate wind pressure, and this wind pressure can be used to move air between the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811. This allows the air to flow and remove dust, cleaning the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the second outer circumferential surface.

[0349] Here, if an opening is formed in at least one of edge 824 or hub 812a, or if a portion of the circumference is partially separated, the wind pressure generated by the circumferential displacement of protrusion 812a1 between the inner surface of edge 824 and the outer surface of hub 812a will escape through the opening or separated portion, weakening the wind pressure and making it more difficult for air to flow between the inner surface of outer reel 821 and the outer surface of inner reel 811.

[0350] In contrast, in this embodiment, the edge 824 and the hub 812a are formed in an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction and have a surface that is continuous in the circumferential direction, so that the wind pressure generated by the projection 812a1 being displaced in the circumferential direction between the inner surface of the edge 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a can be increased. Therefore, the air can be made to flow more easily between the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811. As a result, the air can be made to flow more easily between the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811 by utilizing the wind pressure generated by the projection 812a1 being displaced in the circumferential direction between the inner surface of the edge 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a.

[0351] In addition, the projection 812a1 narrows the gap between the hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810 and the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820 in the circumferential direction of the inner reel 811. Therefore, the projection 812a1 makes it easier to change the atmospheric pressure between the hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810 and the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820. This makes it easier to generate wind by utilizing the change in atmospheric pressure, and the wind can be made to flow into the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 to blow away dust (dirt) that is stuck to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 or dust that is about to stick to it. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust from sticking to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0352] More specifically, air has the tendency to flow from a higher pressure to a lower pressure, and by narrowing the gap between the protruding tips of the projections 812a1 and the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820, the air pressure can be increased partially. Therefore, the air pressure in the space between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821, where changes in air pressure are less likely to occur, is made lower than the air pressure between the opposing tips of the projections 812a1 and the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820. As a result, air can be easily sent to the space between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821, and dust can be prevented from sticking to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0353] Furthermore, since the atmospheric pressure between the opposing protruding tip of the protrusion 812a1 and the edge portion 824 can be increased, it is possible to suppress displacement (wobbling) of the protrusion 812a1 toward the edge portion 824 side or the edge portion 824 toward the protrusion 812a1 side.

[0354] In addition, the spokes 822 supporting the edge 824 and the spokes 812c supporting the hub 812a are formed with the outer opening 825 and the inner opening 812c1, so that the air between the inner surface of the edge 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a can be exhausted to the outside through the outer opening 825 and the inner opening 812c1 (or the air can be taken in from the outside between the inner surface of the edge 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a). That is, the air flow resistance is reduced, and the air can be made to flow (flow out or in) between the inner surface of the edge 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a more easily. As a result, the air can be made to flow easily between the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811 by utilizing the wind pressure generated by the vertical portion being displaced in the circumferential direction between the inner surface of the edge 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a.

[0355] Furthermore, the protrusions 812a1 are erected on the hub 812a (crotch edge 824) of the inner reel unit 810 (or the outer reel unit 820), and at least the outer openings 825 (or the inner openings 812c1) are formed on the spokes 822 (or the spokes 812c) of the outer reel unit 820 (or the inner reel unit 810), so that it is easy to exert the effect of reducing flow resistance by sucking in (or exhausting) air through the outer openings 825. That is, when one of the outer reel unit 820 and the inner reel unit 810 on which the protrusions 812a1 are erected is rotated, the other on which the outer openings 825 or the inner openings 812c1 are opened is stopped, so that the resistance to the flow (exhaust or intake) of air through the outer openings 825 or the inner openings 812c1 can be reduced.

[0356] The outer reel 821 is formed to be slightly inclined radially outward (widened) from the edge 824 (one end) to which the spokes 822 are connected toward the other end. This makes it easier to send air that has flowed in from one end between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 to the other end. As a result, it is possible to prevent the air flow between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 from being stopped, and it is possible to prevent dust from sticking to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0357] Furthermore, the inclination angle θ1 of spokes 812c radially outward from the axis of inner reel 811 is set to be larger than the inclination angle θ2 of spokes 822 radially outward from the axis of outer reel 821 (θ1>θ2). Therefore, when spokes 812c and spokes 822 are rotationally displaced to a position (for example, the position shown in FIG. 34) where they overlap in the axial direction (left-right direction in FIG. 34), the dimension between them increases radially outward (up-down direction in FIG. 34).

[0358] Therefore, by rotationally displacing either or both of the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820, the difference in distance between the opposing spokes 812c and 822 makes it easier to generate wind flowing toward the space between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0359] More specifically, the distance between the opposing spokes 812c and 822 is increased toward the radially outer side of the inner reel 811 and the outer reel 821. Therefore, when the spokes 812c and 822 are rotationally displaced to a position where they overlap in the axial direction, the atmospheric pressure is higher between the opposing spokes 812c and 822 on the radially inner side of the inner reel 811 and the outer reel 821.

[0360] As described above, air has the tendency to flow from a high pressure side to a low pressure side. Therefore, it is possible to form an air flow from the radially inner part to the radially outer part. That is, it is possible to form an air flow from the shaft side of the inner reel 811 and the outer reel 821 to the opposing space between the hub 812a and the edge portion 824. Therefore, it is possible to easily send air to the space between the opposing outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust from sticking to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0361] In addition, at least a part of the outer reel 821 of the outer reel unit 820 is formed to have light transmission properties, and a plurality of symbols are arranged in the circumferential direction on the inner reel 811 of the inner reel unit 810, so that the player can visually recognize the change in the symbols accompanying the rotation of the inner reel unit 810 through the outer reel unit 820. In this case, the protrusion 812a1 is erected on the hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810, that is, the protrusion 812a1 is erected on the hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810, which is rotated more times than the outer reel unit 820, so that the opportunity to clean the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811 can be increased in the performance by the rotation of the outer reel unit 820 or the inner reel unit 810. In other words, cleaning can be made easier in the double reel structure.

[0362] In addition, the timing for cleaning the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 by rotating the inner reel unit 810 is preferably when there is no operation by the player (no game balls are shot into the game area) and the pachinko machine 10 is in a standby state. In this case, the inner reel unit 810 is rotated at high speed to generate wind, so that the change in the patterns on the inner reel 811 can attract the interest of the player.

[0363] Also, the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 may be cleaned while performing the effect of rotating and displacing the non-transparent surface 821b of the outer reel 821 toward the player. In this case, since the inner reel 811 is invisible to the player, cleaning can be performed without the player being able to see the cleaning state. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from decreasing. In addition, since cleaning can be performed during a game state, it is possible to clean the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 even when the game is continued for a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust and other debris from accumulating on the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 during the game.

[0364] Next, the segment display device 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 37 to Fig. 63. First, the configuration of the segment display device 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 37 and Fig. 38. Fig. 37 is a front view of the segment display device 600, and Fig. 38 is an exploded view of the segment display device 600.

[0365] As shown in Figures 37 and 38, the segment display device 600 is formed by horizontally arranging a vertical displacement unit 600L on the left side when viewed from the front, a vertical displacement unit 600R on the right side when viewed from the front, and a vertical displacement unit 600C disposed between the left and right vertical displacement units 600L and 600R, and fastening and fixing a connecting member 601 from the rear side.

[0366] Since the vertical displacement units 600L, 600C, and 600R have almost the same configuration, the following will describe only the vertical displacement unit 600L disposed on the left side when viewed from the front, and will omit a detailed description of the vertical displacement units 600C and 600R.

[0367] Next, the vertical displacement unit 600L will be described with reference to Fig. 39 to Fig. 41. Fig. 39(a) is a front view of the vertical displacement unit 600L, and Fig. 39(b) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit 600C. Fig. 40 is an exploded perspective front view of the vertical displacement unit 600L, and Fig. 41 is an exploded perspective rear view of the vertical displacement unit 600L.

[0368] 40 and 41, the first segment unit 610, the second segment unit 620, and the displacement unit 650 are shown in disassembled form.

[0369] As shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, the vertical displacement unit 600L is provided with a displacement unit 650 configured to be displaceable, and a first segment unit 610 and a second segment unit 620 disposed on the left and right of the displacement unit 650.

[0370] The first segment unit 610 is a unit capable of displaying one segment in the left-right direction, and the second segment unit 620 is a unit capable of displaying two segments in the left-right direction. Since the first segment unit 610 is formed by simply halving the second segment unit 620 in the left-right direction, only the second segment unit 620 will be described below, and the reference numerals in the configuration of the second segment unit 620 will be similarly assigned to the first segment unit 610.

[0371] Each of the vertical displacement units 600L, 600C, 600R is formed so that the arrangement of the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620 is different, and the vertical displacement unit 610C has the second segment unit 620 arranged only on the right side when viewed from the front, and the vertical displacement unit 610R has the second segment unit 620 arranged on the right side when viewed from the front.

[0372] Therefore, the vertical displacement unit 600L can display one segment on the left side as seen from the front, and two segments on the right side as seen from the front. The vertical displacement unit 600C can display two segments only on the right side as seen from the front. Furthermore, the vertical displacement unit 600L can display one segment only on the right side as seen from the front. That is, it is possible to form one segment on both the left and right sides of each of the vertical displacement units 600L, 600C, and 600R.

[0373] Next, the second segment unit 620 will be described with reference to Figures 42 to 44. Figure 42(a) is a front view of the second segment unit 620, and Figure 42(b) is a rear view of the second segment unit 620. Figure 43 is an exploded perspective front view of the second segment unit 620, and Figure 44 is an exploded perspective rear view of the second segment unit 620.

[0374] As shown in Figures 42 to 44, the second segment unit 620 is mainly formed by a light-transmitting member 621 arranged on the front side, a partition member 622 arranged on the back side of the light-transmitting member 621, a plurality of diffusion members 623 arranged on the back side of the partition member 622, a base member 624 arranged between the plurality of diffusion members 623, and reflection members 625 arranged on both sides of the base member 624.

[0375] The light transmitting member 621 is formed from a translucent light transmitting resin material through which light can pass through. The light transmitting member 621 is mainly formed with a light transmitting portion 621a formed in a plate shape of a circular arc that is convex on the front side, and a flat portion 621b formed above and below the light transmitting portion 621a.

[0376] The light-transmitting portion 621a is mainly formed by erecting walls 621a1 erected from the left and right ends toward the rear side, fastening portions 621a2 protruding in a circular shape toward the rear side from the upper and lower ends, and decorative portions 621a3 recessed into the rear side continuously in the vertical direction at the center of the left and right sides of the front side.

[0377] The standing walls 621a1 are formed to stand on the left and right ends of the light transmitting portion 621a on the rear side. The distance between the standing walls 621a1 facing each other is set to be approximately the same as the width dimension in the left-right direction of the partition member 622 described later. Therefore, when the partition member 622 is disposed on the rear side of the light transmitting portion 621a, the partition member 622 can be restricted from moving left and right.

[0378] The fastening portion 621a2 is a protrusion that forms a hole for fastening the reflecting member 625 described later with a screw, and is formed in a circular ring shape protruding from the back surface side of the light transmitting portion 621a. Therefore, the reflecting member 625 can be fastened by screwing the tip of a screw into the inner edge portion of the fastening portion 621a2.

[0379] As described above, the decorative portion 621a3 is recessed continuously in the vertical direction at the horizontal center of the light transmitting portion 621a. This prevents light passing through the left side as viewed from the front from being reflected inside the decorative portion 621a3 and exiting from the right side as viewed from the front. The light passing through the decorative portion 621a3 will be described in detail later.

[0380] The flat surface portion 621b is a plate member for fastening to a base member 660 of the displacement unit 650 described later. The flat surface portion 621b is formed in a plate-like body having substantially the same shape as the base member 660 when viewed from the front, and the displacement unit 650 and the second segment unit 620 can be fastened to each other by fastening a screw via the flat surface portion 621b.

[0381] In addition, the flat surface portion 621b has an elastic piece 621b1 formed to protrude from the opposing side. The elastic piece 621b1 is formed to protrude from the opposing side surfaces of the flat surface portion 621b formed in a pair at the top and bottom, and protrudes in a curved shape that is convex toward the front side. In addition, the elastic piece 621b1 is formed in a curved shape with a smaller radius than the light transmitting portion 621a, and the protruding tip is in a state in which it abuts against the upper wall portion 882 or the lower wall portion 883 of the decorative pattern display device 800 disposed inside the displacement unit 650. This makes it possible to suppress vibration of the decorative pattern display device 800 when the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 of the decorative pattern display device 800 are rotated.

[0382] The partition member 622 is made of a resin material that is difficult for light to transmit, and is formed in a curved plate shape in a side view. The radius of the curved outer circumferential surface of the partition member 622 is set to be substantially the same as the radius of the inner circumferential surface of the light transmitting portion 621a, and the width in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 42) is set to be smaller than the width in the vertical direction of the light transmitting portion 621a. Therefore, the partition member 622 can be arranged with the outer circumferential surface grounded to the inner circumferential surface of the light transmitting portion 621a.

[0383] In addition, when viewed from the front, the partition member 622 is mainly formed with a first recessed portion 622a recessed toward the center from both left and right end faces (left and right in Figure 42), a second recessed portion 622b recessed toward the center from the top and bottom end faces (top and bottom in Figure 42), and a protrusion portion 622c protruding from the center position on the left and right back side.

[0384] The first recessed portions 622a are formed in pairs on both the left and right sides in the vertical direction. That is, the partition member 622 has four first recessed portions 622a.

[0385] The second recessed portion 622b is formed by recessing both the top and bottom ends. The dimension between the opposing recessed tips of the second recessed portion 622b is set to be approximately the same as the vertical separation distance of the fastening portion 621a2 formed in the light transmitting member 621. Therefore, when the partition member 622 is disposed on the back side of the light transmitting member 621, the fastening portion 621a2 is inserted inside the second recessed portion 622b, thereby preventing the partition member 622 from moving in the vertical direction.

[0386] The protruding portion 622c is formed at the left-right central position of the partition member 622, extending in the up-down direction. The protruding portion 622c also has a recess 622c1 recessed into the protruding tip surface. The recess 622c1 is formed so that the width dimension in the left-right direction is larger than the thickness dimension of the base member 624 described below. Therefore, when the base member 624 is disposed in the partition member 622, the tip side of the base member 624 can be inserted inside the recess 622c1. As a result, when the base member 624 is disposed, the base member 624 can be positioned and the base member 624 can be prevented from moving in the left-right direction.

[0387] The diffusion member 623 is made of a milky white resin material and can diffuse light entering the interior. The diffusion member 623 is formed in a curved plate shape in a side view, and the radius of the outer periphery (front side) is set to be approximately the same as the radius of the inner periphery (rear side) of the partition member 622. Therefore, the diffusion member 623 can be disposed in a state where it is grounded to the rear side of the partition member 622.

[0388] The diffusion members 623 are arranged in pairs vertically and horizontally with a predetermined distance between them.

[0389] The width dimension in the left-right direction of the diffusion member 623 is set to be approximately the same as the distance between the standing wall 621a1 of the light transmitting member 621 and the protruding portion 622c of the partition member 622. This makes it possible to suppress the diffusion member 623 from moving left and right when the diffusion member 623 is disposed on the back surface side of the partition member 622.

[0390] Further, the diffusion member 623 is formed to include a protruding portion 623a protruding from the front side, and a recessed portion 623b recessed into the rear side of the protruding portion 623a.

[0391] The protruding portion 623a is formed to protrude at a position corresponding to the first recessed portion 622a of the partition member 622 disposed on the front side of the diffusion member 623, and is disposed in a state of being inserted inside the first recessed portion 622a. This makes it possible to prevent the partition member 622 from shifting in the left-right and up-down directions when the diffusion member 623 is disposed on the back side of the partition member 622.

[0392] Moreover, the protruding distance of the protruding portion 623a is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension of the partition member 622. That is, the protruding portion 623a is disposed with a predetermined gap formed between the protruding tip surface and the back surface of the light transmitting member 621 (see FIG. 45).

[0393] The recessed portion 623b is formed on the opposite side to the protruding portion 623a (the rear side of the diffusion member 623) in a shape slightly smaller than the shape of the protruding portion 623a in a front view. is formed. This allows the thickness of the plate of the diffusion member 623 to be approximately constant, and distortion when the diffusion member 623 is molded can be suppressed. In addition, the recessed portion 623b is formed in a shape slightly smaller than the protruding portion 623a, so that the area of ​​the rear side of the end of the protruding portion 623a can be increased. Therefore, the amount of light incident on the diffusion member 623 from the LED 624a described later can be increased at the end of the protruding portion 623a. As a result, the state of light visually recognized by the player through the diffusion member 623 can be made clear (distinct), and the decrease in the interest of the player can be suppressed.

[0394] The base member 624 is formed of a crescent-shaped plate-like body whose front side is curved, and is provided with an LED 624a that irradiates light onto the side surface. The radius of the arc of the base member 624 is set to be substantially the same as the radius of the recessed tip surface of the recess 622c1 formed in the partition member 622. Therefore, when the base member 624 is disposed on the rear surface of the partition member 622, by inserting the base member 624 into the inside of the recess 622c1 of the partition member 622, it is possible to prevent the base member 624 from being misaligned in the left-right direction.

[0395] A plurality of LEDs 624a are disposed on both the left and right sides of the base member 624, and the direction of illumination is perpendicular to the side surface of the base member 624. That is, the direction of illumination of light from the LEDs 624a is the left-right direction. The illumination of light from the LEDs 624a will be described in detail later.

[0396] The reflecting members 625 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the base member 624. The reflecting members 625 are formed from a white resin material, and are formed in a circular arc shape that is convex on the front side. The radius of the circular arc of the reflecting member 625 is set to be approximately the same as the radius of the inner circumferential surface of the diffusing member 623. This allows the reflecting member 625 and the diffusing member 623 to be grounded when the reflecting member 625 is disposed on the rear side of the diffusing member 623.

[0397] The reflecting member 625 is formed as a plate-like body spaced apart from the base member 624 in the left-right direction from the rear side to the front side, and is mainly formed with an inclined portion 625a inclined from the rear side to the front side, a plurality of recesses 625b formed in a line in the vertical direction on the front side of the inclined portion 625a, and wall portions 625c formed at the upper end, lower end and middle portion of the recesses 625b and protruding toward the front side.

[0398] The front side of the inclined portion 625a is a reflective surface 625a1 that reflects light from the LEDs 624a of the base member 624 to the front side, and is formed to be inclined at approximately 60 degrees with respect to the side surface of the base member 624. As described above, the irradiation direction of the light from the LEDs 624a is perpendicular to the side surface of the base member 624, so that the reflective surface 625a1 is formed to be inclined with respect to the side surface of the base member 624, so that the light emitted from the LEDs 624a can be reflected to the front side. The manner in which the light from the LEDs 624a travels will be described later.

[0399] The recess 625b is formed in a curved convex shape on the back side. The recess 625b is formed at a position corresponding to the LED 624a of the base member 624, so that the amount of light from the LED 624a that is visually recognized by the player through the diffusion member 623 can be made uniform. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from decreasing.

[0400] Next, referring to Fig. 45, the travel of the light emitted from the LED 624a of the second segment unit 620 will be described in detail. Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the second segment unit 620 taken along line XLV-XLV in Fig. 42(a). In Fig. 45, the form of the light emitted from the LED 624a is partially illustrated by a two-dot chain line. Also, the outline of the decorative pattern display device 800 disposed on the left and right rear sides of the second segment unit 620 is illustrated by a two-dot chain line.

[0401] As shown in Fig. 45, the reflection surface 625a1 is formed at an obtuse angle with respect to the side surface of the base member 624 (i.e., the light irradiated from the LED 624a intersects with the reflection surface 625a1 at an acute angle), so that the light can be reflected outward. In this case, the reflection member 625 is formed from a plate member having a substantially constant thickness, so that the space on the opposite side of the reflection surface 625a1 (the back side of the reflection member 625) can be made larger. This allows the end of the decorative pattern display device 800 to be arranged on the back side of the second segment unit 620.

[0402] Here, a gaming machine is known that includes a rotating device (decorative pattern display device 800) that is rotatably formed and arranged in a row at a predetermined interval, a decorative member (light-transmitting member 621) that is arranged between the multiple reels and has at least a part that is light-transmitting, and a board (base member 624) that is arranged on the back side of the decorative member and has multiple light-emitting means (LEDs 624a) mounted thereon, and the board is arranged in such a manner that the surface on which the light-emitting means is mounted is approximately perpendicular to the back side of the decorative member. According to this gaming machine, not only can the space between the reels be shielded from the player by the decorative member, but also a pattern can be formed (displayed) on the surface of the decorative member by the light of the light-emitting means that has passed through the decorative member, and the pattern of the decorative member can be visually recognized by the player in conjunction with the pattern displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the reel.

[0403] However, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, the board is arranged in such a manner that the surface on which the light-emitting means is mounted is perpendicular to the back surface of the decorative member, so that the light emitted from the light-emitting means cannot be sufficiently irradiated to the back surface of the decorative member, and the pattern formed (displayed) by the light of the light-emitting means cannot be made sufficiently large. Therefore, there is a problem that the presentation effect is insufficient. On the other hand, if the pattern formed (displayed) by the light of the light-emitting means is kept small and the decorative member (area excluding the pattern) is made large, the sense of unity between the decorative member and the reel is hindered.

[0404] In contrast, according to this embodiment, since the reflecting member 625 that reflects the light emitted from the LED 624a to the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621 is provided, even if the base member 624 is arranged with the surface on which the LED 624a is mounted perpendicular to the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621, the irradiation range of the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621 by the light emitted from the LED 624a can be widened. Therefore, the pattern formed (displayed) by the light of the LED 624a can be enlarged accordingly, and the performance effect can be enhanced. In addition, since the pattern formed (displayed) by the light of the LED 624a can be enlarged accordingly, the area other than the pattern can be made smaller, and a sense of unity between the light-transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be formed.

[0405] 45, the light-transmitting member 621 is located closer to the front side than the outer peripheral surface of the decorative pattern display device 800, and is formed by extending the outer edge to a position overlapping the outer peripheral surface of the decorative pattern display device 800 in a front view, so that the axial end face of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily shielded (made difficult to see) from the player. Also, the pattern of the light-transmitting member 621 formed (displayed) by the light emitted from the LED 624a and the pattern displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be brought closer together, so that a sense of unity between the light-transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily formed.

[0406] Furthermore, by connecting the surface of the base member 624 on which the LED 624a is mounted and the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621, the reflective member 625 surrounds the area on the base member 624 on which the LED 624a is mounted and the area on the light-transmitting member 621 on which the pattern is formed, and the back surface of the reflective member 625 is inclined in a direction away from the axial end face of the decorative pattern display device 800 as it moves from the light-transmitting member 621 to the base member 624. Therefore, while maintaining the size of the pattern formed (displayed) by the light emitted from the LED 624a, the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621 can be brought close to the outer peripheral surface of the decorative pattern display device 800, and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be inserted into the back of the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621 (the decorative pattern display device 800 can be brought close to the base member 624). As a result, the axial end face of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily shielded from the player (so that it is difficult to see), and a sense of unity between the light transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily formed.

[0407] Furthermore, since the LEDs 624a are mounted on both one side and the other side of the base member 624, different patterns can be formed (displayed) independently on the light-transmitting member 621 depending on the light emitted from the LEDs 624a mounted on one side and the light emitted from the LEDs 624a mounted on the other side.

[0408] In this case, the number of base members 624 disposed between the juxtaposed decorative pattern display devices 800 can be one. Therefore, the space required for disposing the base member 624 can be reduced, and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be inserted into the back side of the light-transmitting member 621 (the decorative pattern display device 800 can be brought closer to the base member 624). As a result, the axial end face of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily shielded from the player (hard to be seen), and a sense of unity between the light-transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily formed.

[0409] Furthermore, as described above, the reflecting surface 625a1 is formed at an obtuse angle with respect to the side surface of the base member 624 (i.e., the light irradiated from the LED 624a intersects with the reflecting surface 625a1 at an acute angle), so that the light can be reflected outward. This allows the reflecting member 625 to be made smaller (compared to the case where the reflecting surface 625a1 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the side surface of the base member 624). Therefore, the space on the back side of the second segment unit 620 can be secured accordingly. As a result, the second segment unit 620 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be disposed close to each other, so that the sense of unity between the light transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily formed accordingly.

[0410] Next, the relationship between the LED 624a and the recess 625b will be described with reference to Figures 46 and 47. Figure 46 is a side view of the base member 624. Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view of the second segment unit 620 taken along line XLVII-XLVII in Figure 42(a).

[0411] As shown in Fig. 46, the LED 624a is formed in a square shape when viewed from the side, and can irradiate light from the entire area of ​​the square. The LEDs 624a are arranged spaced apart at an inclination angle θ1 in the circumferential direction around an axis that is substantially the same as the curved axis on the front side of the base member 624. This makes it possible to disperse heat stored in the base member 624 due to irradiation by the LEDs 624a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the base member 624 from becoming too hot in some parts, causing damage to the LEDs 624a.

[0412] In this embodiment, eight LEDs 624a are distributed in the circumferential direction. The LEDs 624a are arranged such that one side of the square light-emitting surface is aligned with the tangent direction of the curved shape of the base member 624.

[0413] Here, a gaming machine has been known that includes a substrate (base member 624) on which a plurality of light-emitting means (LEDs 624a) are mounted, and a transparent member (light-transmitting member 621) that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting means, and the transparent member (light-transmitting portion 621a of the light-transmitting member 621) is curved, and the plurality of light-emitting means are arranged along the curve of the transparent member. In this case, the plurality of light-emitting means are arranged so as to be equally spaced when viewed from the front of the transparent member. That is, the plurality of light-emitting means are equally spaced along the direction of a line segment (chord) connecting both ends of a curved line (arc) formed by the plurality of light-emitting means. However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, the interval between adjacent light-emitting means in some of the plurality of light-emitting means is narrowed, so that there is a problem that the distribution of heat generated by the light-emitting means is uneven. Therefore, heat is concentrated in some of the light-emitting means, which is likely to shorten the lifespan.

[0414] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the LEDs 624a are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction, so that the interval between adjacent LEDs 624a can be made constant for each LED 624a, and the distribution of heat generated by the LEDs 624a can be made uniform. As a result, the concentration of heat on some LEDs 624a can be suppressed, and the life of each LED 624a can be improved.

[0415] As shown in Fig. 47, the recesses 625b are formed one by one on the rear side (the right side in Fig. 47) of each LED 624a. The distance X1 from one end (lower end) to the other end (upper end) in the up-down direction of each recess 625b is set to be the same.

[0416] Here, as described above, the LEDs 624a are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at an inclination angle θ1. Therefore, the vertical intervals between the LEDs 624a are narrower at the center in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 46) than at the outer vertical direction. Therefore, the amount of light reflected by the reflecting member 625 and irradiated toward the player is greater at the center in the vertical direction (the central side in the vertical direction is darker), which causes a problem in that the light cannot be uniformly viewed by the player.

[0417] In other words, when the LEDs 624a are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at equal intervals in the circumferential direction) along the curvature of the light-transmitting portion 621a, the LEDs 624a are arranged at unequal intervals when viewed from the front of the light-transmitting portion 621a. That is, when viewed from the front of the light-transmitting portion 621a, there are regions where the intervals between the LEDs 624a are narrow and regions where they are wide. Therefore, the distribution of the amount of light along the arrangement direction of the LEDs 624a becomes uneven.

[0418] In contrast, in the present embodiment, a reflecting member 625 that reflects the light emitted from the LEDs 624a toward the light transmitting portion 621a is provided, and the reflecting member 625 has a plurality of recesses 625b that are partitioned corresponding to the plurality of LEDs 624a, and the partition widths of the plurality of recesses 625b in the front view of the light transmitting portion 621a are set to be approximately the same, so that the amount of light of each recess 625b visible in the front view of the light transmitting portion 621a can be made approximately the same. As a result, the distribution of the amount of light along the arrangement direction of the plurality of LEDs 624a can be made uniform.

[0419] That is, the distance X1 from one end (lower end) to the other end (upper end) in the vertical direction of one recess 625b is set to be the same, so that the area of ​​light emitted to the player side by the illumination of one LED 624a can be made approximately the same in the vertical direction. Therefore, the amount of light irradiated to the player side can be prevented from increasing toward the center in the vertical direction. As a result, the light can be uniformly viewed by the player.

[0420] In addition, since the light-emitting surface of LED 624a is formed in a rectangular shape (square) when viewed from the front, light diffusion can be ensured (light can be emitted over a wider angle) compared to, for example, a case in which the light-emitting surface is circular, and the distribution of the amount of light in each recess 625b can be made uniform.

[0421] The light-emitting surface means the front surface of the encapsulating resin that encapsulates the LED chip. Therefore, the light-emitting surface being rectangular in front view means that the shape of the encapsulating resin (the shape of the internal space of the reflector surrounding the encapsulating resin in front view) is rectangular.

[0422] Furthermore, at least some of the LEDs 624a are arranged with one side of the light-emitting surface aligned along the tangent direction of the curved shape of the light-transmitting portion 621a, so that the light emitted from the LEDs 624a can be easily diffused uniformly along the curve of the light-transmitting portion 621a. As a result, the distribution of the amount of light that is visually recognized after passing through the light-transmitting portion 621a can be made uniform.

[0423] In addition, the recess 625b faces the back surface of the light transmitting portion 621a and is formed as a curved surface recessed toward the side away from the back surface of the light transmitting portion 621a, and the light emitting surface of the LED 624a faces the space between the light transmitting portion 621a and the recess 625b, so that the base member 624 can be disposed in a position perpendicular to the light transmitting portion 621a. That is, the degree of freedom in disposing the unit consisting of the light transmitting portion 621a, the base member 624, and the reflecting member 625 can be increased. In this case, the recess 625b is disposed in a manner that surrounds the periphery of the light emitted from the light emitting surface of the LED 624a from a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the light, so that the light reflected by the recess 625b can be uniformly incident on the back surface of the light transmitting portion 621a. As a result, the distribution of the amount of light that is visually recognized by passing through the light transmitting portion 621a can be made uniform.

[0424] Next, the aspect of the light irradiated by the LED 624a will be described with reference to Fig. 48. Fig. 48 is a front view of the vertical displacement unit 600L. In Fig. 48, the light irradiated by the LED 624a is shown by a two-dot chain line and is also shown with the symbol of the irradiation region SR1.

[0425] As shown in Fig. 48, by emitting light from the LED 624a, the first segment unit 610 is irradiated with light from two irradiation areas SR1 arranged in the vertical direction (vertical direction in Fig. 48). Also, the second segment unit 620 is irradiated with light from irradiation areas SR1 arranged in a 2 x 2 pattern vertically and horizontally. The irradiation areas SR1 of the second segment unit 620 are formed on the left and right sides of the decorative portion 621a3 of the light transmitting member 621.

[0426] Therefore, both the left and right sides of the numbers in the seven-segment display can be displayed by the irradiation area SR1 of the first segment unit 610 and the left side of the irradiation area SR1 of the second segment unit 620. The top, bottom, and center of the numbers in the seven-segment display will be described later.

[0427] Next, the configuration of the displacement unit 650 will be described with reference to Fig. 49 and Fig. 50. Fig. 49 is an exploded perspective front view of the vertical displacement unit 600L, and Fig. 50 is an exploded perspective rear view of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Note that Figs. 49 and 50 show the displacement unit 650 of the vertical displacement unit 600L in an exploded state.

[0428] As shown in Figures 49 and 50, the displacement unit 650 is formed mainly by including a pair of base members 660 arranged on the left and right, a displacement member 670 that is axially supported by the base members 660 and is rotationally displaced, and a drive means 680 that transmits the rotational drive of a drive motor KM3 arranged on the base member 660 to the displacement member 670.

[0429] The base member 660 is formed of a pair of plate members on the left and right sides, each of which has a space in the center that is larger than the decorative pattern display device 800 described above. The first segment unit 610 is disposed on the front side of the base member 660 on the left side as viewed from the front, and the second segment unit 620 is disposed on the front side of the base member 660 on the right side as viewed from the front. The base members 660 are disposed upside down and left to right, and in this embodiment, only the base member 660 on the left side as viewed from the front will be described, and a description of the base member 660 on the left side as viewed from the front will be omitted.

[0430] The base member 660 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the side, and includes a protruding portion 661 that protrudes from the front side surface of the base member 660 in a convex curve toward the front side. The base member 660 is mainly formed with a through hole 662 for inserting the shaft of the drive motor KM3 disposed at one end (upper end) in the vertical direction, an insertion hole 663 for inserting a connecting rod 681 disposed at both ends (lower end) in the vertical direction, a recess 664 in which a displacement member 670 described later is supported, a sliding groove 665 that is opened and formed in an arc shape centered on the axis of the recess 664, and engagement portions 666 that protrude into the venue above and below the recess 664.

[0431] The radius of the protruding tip of the protruding portion 661 is set to be smaller than the radius of the inner peripheral surface of the above-mentioned reflecting member 625, and the curved axis of the protruding portion 661 is set to be substantially collinear with the curved axis of the reflecting member 625. Therefore, when the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620 are arranged on the base member 660, the protruding portion 661 and the reflecting member 625 can be prevented from contacting each other, and the heat of the base member 624 can be prevented from penetrating between the opposing base members 660. As a result, the temperature of the decorative pattern display device 800 arranged inside the opposing base members 660 can be prevented from increasing, and the drive motors KM1 and KM2 that rotate and drive the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 can be prevented from being broken.

[0432] The through hole 662 is a hole through which the shaft of the drive motor KM3 and the gear 682 connected to the shaft are inserted, and its inner diameter is formed to be larger than the outer shape of the gear 682 and set to be smaller than the main body of the drive motor KM3. Therefore, with the gear 682 connected to the drive motor KM3, the drive motor KM3 can be disposed on the base member 660. The drive motor KM3 is attached to the base member 660 from the opposing side of the base members 660 that are disposed opposite each other.

[0433] The through-holes 662 are holes into which a connecting rod 681 of a driving means 680 described later is inserted, and are formed larger than the outer shape of the connecting rod 681 , and are formed at both the upper and lower ends of the base member 660 .

[0434] The recess 664 is formed as a circular recess extending outward from the opposing side of the base member 660. The recess 664 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of a connecting protrusion 671b of a displacement member 670, which will be described later. This allows the connecting protrusion 671b to be inserted into the inside of the recess 664.

[0435] By inserting the connecting protrusion 671b of the displacement member 670 into the sliding groove 665, the displacement member 670 can be connected to the driving means 680 disposed on the outside of the pair of base members 660. Furthermore, by keeping the connecting protrusion 671b inserted into the sliding groove 665, the displacement of the displacement member 670 can be guided. Therefore, the displacement of the displacement member 670 can be performed smoothly.

[0436] The engaging portion 666 is formed on the opposing side of the base member 660 with a gap between its tip and the opposing side surface of the base member 660 and one end of a torsion spring SP1 described later. This allows one end of the torsion spring SP1 to engage with the engaging portion 666.

[0437] The displacement members 670 are disposed in a pair, one above the other, facing in opposite directions. The displacement members 670 are formed of an extension member 671, one end of which is pivotally supported by the base member 660, and a decorative unit 672, which is connected to the other end of the extension member 671.

[0438] The extension member 671 is formed in a substantially L-shaped plate shape and is disposed in a pair facing left and right. The extension member 671 is mainly provided with a shaft support hole 671a penetrating in the left-right direction at one end on the longitudinal side, a connecting protrusion 671b protruding outward to the left and right at a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal side, a protrusion 671d protruding in the circumferential direction of the shaft support hole 671a from the side surface on the longitudinal side, and an elastic member 671f made of an elastic material and disposed on the side surface of the extension member 671.

[0439] The shaft support hole 671a is a hole into which a collar C is inserted, and the inner diameter of the shaft support hole 671a is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the collar C. Therefore, by inserting the collar C into the shaft support hole 671a and fastening the collar C to the inner side of the recess 664 of the base member 660 with a screw, the displacement member 670 can be connected to the base member 660 in a rotatable state.

[0440] In addition, the axial support holes 671a of the pair of displacement members 670 are arranged coaxially, and a collar C is inserted into the axial support holes 671a of the pair of displacement members 670 and fastened to the base member 660, so that the upper and lower displacement members 670 are arranged to be rotatable on the same axis.

[0441] Furthermore, the left and right extension members 671 are formed with bulging portions 671a1 that bulge outward in the left-right direction around one of the shaft support holes 671a. The bulging portions 671a1 are formed to have an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the recessed portion 664 of the base member 660. The bulging portions 671a1 are also disposed on the left and right outer sides of the pair of displacement members 670.

[0442] That is, in this embodiment, since the bulge 671a1 is formed in the right shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670 arranged on the upper side, the right shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670 arranged on the lower side is arranged inside the bulge 671a1. On the other hand, since the bulge 671a1 is formed in the left shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670 arranged on the lower side, the left shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670 arranged on the upper side is arranged inside the bulge 671a1 (see FIG. 49).

[0443] With this, when the displacement member 670 is disposed on the base member 660, the bulging portion 671a1 can be inserted into the inside of the recess 664 by the collar C. As a result, when a force acts in the radial direction of the axis of the shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670, the outer peripheral surface of the bulging portion 671a1 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the recess 664, thereby preventing damage to the shaft support hole 671a or the collar C.

[0444] That is, in this embodiment, the pair of displacement members 670 are disposed coaxially on the base member 660, and therefore the axial length of the collar C is increased accordingly. Therefore, when a force acts radially on the rotation shaft of the displacement member 670, the force is likely to act strongly on the rotation shaft. Therefore, the shaft support hole 671a or the collar C is likely to be damaged, but the bulge 671a1 and the recess 664 come into contact with each other, so that the force acting radially on the rotation shaft of the displacement member 670 can be held. As a result, damage to the shaft support hole 671a or the collar C can be suppressed.

[0445] The protrusion 671d has a through hole 671d1 that penetrates in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal side of the extension member 671. The through hole 671d1 is a hole through which the torsion springs SP1, SP2 described later are inserted, and is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the torsion springs SP1, SP2.

[0446] The elastic member 671f is disposed on a side surface of the extension member 671 on the side in which the displacement members 670, which are disposed in a pair above and below and are approaching each other, described later. Also, the size is set so that the side surfaces of the elastic members 671f come into contact with each other when the upper and lower extension members 671 are disposed in positions close to each other. This makes it possible to absorb impact when the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 are displaced to positions close to each other.

[0447] The driving means 680 is a means for transmitting the power of the driving motor KM3 to the displacement member 670. The driving means 680 is mainly provided with a gear 682 connected to the shaft of the driving motor KM3, a large-diameter gear 683 meshing with the gear 682, a first link member 684 formed in a rod-like body, one end of which is connected to a side surface of the large-diameter gear 683 and the other end of which is connected to the displacement member 670, a connecting rod 681 for transmitting power to the opposite side via the base member 660, a cam member 685 connected to the connecting rod 681 and rotating, and a second link member 686 formed in a rod-like body, one end of which is rotatably connected to the cam member 685 and the other end of which is connected to the displacement member 670.

[0448] As described above, the gear 682 is connected to the shaft of the drive motor KM3, and is rotated by the rotation of the drive motor KM3.

[0449] The large diameter gear 683 is formed in a circular shape in a side view, and is provided with a gear surface 683a formed on a tooth surface that meshes with the gear 682, and a protrusion 683b that protrudes in an annular shape from a side surface in the rotation axis direction. Since the gear surface 683a meshes with the gear 682, the large diameter gear 683 is rotated by the rotation of the gear 682. In other words, the large diameter gear 683 is rotated by the rotation of the drive motor KM3.

[0450] Protrusion 683b is formed to protrude in an annular shape, and its axis is disposed at a position different from the rotation axis of large diameter gear 683. Therefore, when large diameter gear 683 is rotationally displaced, protrusion 683b is rotationally displaced on a circle centered on the rotation axis.

[0451] The first link member 684 is formed in a rod-like shape, and has insertion holes 684a, 684b formed at both ends thereof so as to penetrate in the left-right direction.

[0452] The insertion hole 684a is a hole into which the protrusion 683b of the large diameter gear 683 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 683b. The first link member 684 can be rotatably connected to the large diameter gear 683 by inserting the protrusion 683b into the insertion hole 684a and fastening the tip of the protrusion 683b with a screw having a head outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 684a.

[0453] The insertion hole 684b is a hole into which the connecting protrusion 671b of the displacement member 670 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting protrusion 671b. The first link member 684 can be rotatably connected to the displacement member 670 by inserting the connecting protrusion 671b into the insertion hole 684b and fastening the tip of the connecting protrusion 671b with a screw having a head outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 684b.

[0454] Therefore, when large diameter gear 683 is rotated via gear 682, the rotational displacement of large diameter gear 683 causes protrusion 683b to be rotationally displaced around the rotation axis of large diameter gear 683, and first link member 684, one end of which is connected to protrusion 683b, is displaced, and displacement member 670, which is connected to the other end of first link member 684, is displaced.

[0455] One end of the connecting rod 681 is inserted into an insertion hole 663 of a base member 660 disposed on the left side when viewed from the front, and is fitted inside a rotating shaft portion of a large diameter gear 683. Meanwhile, the other end of the connecting rod 681 is connected to a cam member 685. Therefore, when the drive motor KM3 is driven to rotate, the connecting rod 681 rotates, and the cam member 685 rotates.

[0456] Cam member 685 is formed in a circular shape in side view, and connecting rod 681 is fitted inside its shaft portion. Cam member 685 also has protrusion 685a that protrudes outward in an annular shape from the side surface in the axial direction. Protrusion 685a is formed to protrude in an annular shape, and its axis is disposed at a position different from the rotation axis of cam member 685. Therefore, when cam member 685 is rotationally displaced, protrusion 685a is rotationally displaced on a circle centered on the rotation axis.

[0457] The second link member 686 is formed in the same shape as the left-right inverted shape of the first link member 684. The second link member 686 has insertion holes 686a, 686b at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0458] The insertion hole 686a is a hole into which the protrusion 685a of the cam member 685 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 685a. The second link member 686 can be rotatably connected to the cam member 685 by inserting the protrusion 685a into the insertion hole 686a and fastening the tip of the protrusion 685a with a screw having a head outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 686a.

[0459] The insertion hole 686b is a hole into which the connecting protrusion 671b of the displacement member 670 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting protrusion 671b. The second link member 686 can be rotatably connected to the displacement member 670 by inserting the connecting protrusion 671b into the insertion hole 686b and fastening the tip of the connecting protrusion 671b with a screw having a head outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 684b.

[0460] Therefore, when the cam member 685 is rotated via the connecting rod 681, the protrusion 685a is rotationally displaced around the rotation axis of the cam member 685 in accordance with the rotational displacement of the cam member 685, the second link member 686, one end of which is connected to the protrusion 685a, is displaced, and the displacement member 670, which is connected to the other end of the second link member 686, is displaced.

[0461] That is, this is achieved by displacement of the displacement member 670, the first link member 684, and the second link member 686. Here, the operation of the first link member 684 and the operation of the second link member 686 are synchronized via the connecting rod 681, so that it is possible to prevent the displacement member 670 from tilting when it is displaced. As a result, it is possible to displace the displacement member 670 smoothly.

[0462] Next, the displacement member 670 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 51 to Fig. 53. Fig. 51(a) is a front view of the displacement member 670, and Fig. 51(b) is a side view of the displacement member 670. Fig. 52 is an exploded perspective front view of the displacement member 670. Fig. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the displacement member 670 taken along line LIII-LIII in Fig. 51(a).

[0463] As described above, the displacement member 670 is formed to include the extension member 671 rotatably supported by the base member 660 , and the decorative unit 672 connected to the extension member 671 .

[0464] As shown in Fig. 51 to Fig. 53, the extension member 671 has a connecting portion 671c formed in a plate shape on the short side (the connecting side of the decorative unit 672). On the surfaces where the connecting portions 671c of the pair of extension members 671 arranged on the left and right face each other, a step portion 671c1 that partially protrudes in a staircase shape is formed. The step portions 671c1 are formed alternately on the left and right, and the step portions 671c1 are engaged with each other with a predetermined gap between them. This makes it possible to absorb dimensional errors when the extension member 671 is molded.

[0465] The decorative unit 672 is a unit that has an LED that emits light inside and emits light toward the player. The decorative unit 672 is mainly formed by a rear cover 673 arranged on the rear side, a front cover 676 that covers the rear cover 673 and is arranged on the front side of the rear cover 673, a base member 674 arranged between the rear cover 673 and the front cover 676, and a diffusion member 675 and a lens member 677 arranged between the base member 674 and the front cover 676.

[0466] The rear cover 673 is formed into a plate-like body having a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and the connecting portion 671c of the extension member 671 is fastened to the rear side. This allows the decorative unit 672 and the extension member 671 to be fastened to each other.

[0467] Rear cover 673 is made of a resin material that is difficult to transmit light (is opaque). Rear cover 673 includes reflecting portion 673a formed as a recess on the rear side at a position opposite to diffusion member 675 described later.

[0468] The reflecting portion 673a is formed on the lower edge of the rear cover 673 in the left-right direction, and its inner surface is painted in white, which has a high light reflectance. This allows light irradiated to the inside of the reflecting portion 673a to be reflected inside the reflecting portion 673a and irradiated to the diffusing member 675 side.

[0469] The front cover 676 is formed so that its shape in front view is substantially the same as the shape of the rear cover 673, and is disposed in such a manner as to cover the front side of the rear cover 673. In addition, the front cover 676 is formed from a resin material that can transmit light, and can emit light emitted from a first LED 674a and a second LED, which will be described later, to the front side (player side).

[0470] The base member 674 is formed as a horizontally elongated rectangular plate-like body that is smaller than the rear cover 673 when viewed from the front. The front side of the base member 674 is mainly provided with a first LED 674a that is arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower edge and irradiates light toward the diffusion member 675, and a second LED 674b that is arranged above the first LED 674a and irradiates light toward the lens member 677.

[0471] The first LED 674a is disposed at a position facing the upper end of the diffusion member 675, and is disposed so as to be able to irradiate light downwards on the base member 674. This makes it possible to prevent the light emitted from the first LED 674a from entering the lens member 677 described below. As a result, it becomes easier for the player to distinguish between the light emitted to the front side through the diffusion member 675 and the light emitted to the front side through the lens member 677, and it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

[0472] The second LED 674b is disposed above the first LED 674a. Therefore, light from the second LED 674b can be incident on the lens member 677 disposed above the diffusion member 675.

[0473] The diffusion member 675 is formed of a plate-like body having a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is disposed at the lower end of the rear side of the front cover 676. The diffusion member 675 is formed of an opaque white resin material capable of diffusing light that is incident inside. This allows the light emitted from the first LED 674a and incident on the diffusion member 675 to be diffused, making the light uniform overall, and outputting it to the front side (player side).

[0474] The lens member 677 is formed of a plate-like body having a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is disposed at the upper end of the rear side of the front cover 676. The lens member 677 is formed of a transparent resin material, and has a plurality of protrusions formed on the rear side (not shown). This makes it easier for the light emitted from the second LED 674b to enter the inside through the protrusions on the rear side. As a result, even if the amount of light emitted from the second LED 674b is reduced, the light can be made to enter the lens member 677, and the light can be made to exit to the front side (player side) of the front cover 676.

[0475] Next, the state of light emitted by the first LED 674a to the front side (player side) of the front cover 676 will be described with reference to Fig. 54. Fig. 54 is a front view of the displacement member 670. Note that in Fig. 54, the area of ​​light emitted by the first LED 674a to the player side is shown by a two-dot chain line and is also shown with the symbol of the illumination area SR2.

[0476] As shown in Fig. 54, the area of ​​light emitted toward the player by the first LED 674a is a rectangle that is long in the left-right direction at the bottom end of the decorative unit 672 (front cover 676). Since the displacement members 670 are disposed at both the top and bottom ends of the vertical displacement unit 600L, the displacement members 670 form an illumination area SR2 at a position spaced a predetermined distance apart in the vertical direction. Therefore, the illumination areas SR2 of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 can display the top and bottom of the numbers using a seven-segment display.

[0477] Next, the 7-segment display displayed by the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 will be described with reference to Fig. 55 and Fig. 56. Fig. 55 is a front view of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. Fig. 56 is a schematic diagram of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. Fig. 55 and Fig. 56 show a state in which the transparent region 821b1 of the outer reel 821 has been rotated toward the player, and the illuminated region SR1, the illuminated region SR2, and the transparent region 821b1 are shown by two-dot chain lines.

[0478] As shown in FIG. 55, the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620 of the segment display device 600 form two irradiation regions SR1 arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and six irradiation regions SR1 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0479] The illumination area SR1 is formed as a set of four with the decorative pattern display device 800 sandwiched between them, and three sets of these sets are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Between each set of illumination areas SR1, illumination areas SR2 are arranged above and below, and a transparent area 821b1 is arranged at the middle position above and below. Therefore, the seven illumination areas SR1, SR2 and the transparent area 821b1 can display numbers using a seven-segment display.

[0480] As described above, three sets of four projection regions SR1 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and each set forms a seven-segment display. That is, the seven-segment displays are arranged in three sets side by side in the left-right direction.

[0481] Therefore, the seven-segment displays arranged in the left-right direction can be made to display numbers as valid lines for the lottery for the big win of the pachinko machine 10 (for example, all seven-segment displays can be made to display the number "7"). This makes it possible to display the big win not only by the decorative pattern display device 800 described above, but also by the seven-segment displays. As a result, the player can view multiple display forms, which increases the player's interest.

[0482] Here, the light transmitting portion 621a of the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620 of the segment display device 600 is curved in a convex shape toward the front side, so when the player is allowed to view the seven-segment display, the display in the vertical center close to the player becomes large, and the display at both ends in the vertical direction far from the player becomes small. This causes a problem in that the seven-segment number display cannot be clearly viewed by the player.

[0483] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 56, the width of the seven-segment display is gradually increased from the vertical center to the top and bottom ends. This makes it possible to make the seven-segment display uniform at the top and bottom ends and the vertical center. As a result, the seven-segment display of numbers can be clearly viewed by the player.

[0484] Furthermore, the seven-segment displays on both the left and right sides are formed with the vertical center portion tilted toward the horizontal center, allowing the player to clearly see the seven-segment displays on both the left and right sides.

[0485] That is, the player's viewpoint is usually located at the center position in the left-right direction of the pachinko machine 10. Also, the segment display device 600 is placed at the center position in the left-right direction of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the player's viewpoint is located in front of the 7-segment displayed in the center. Therefore, the more the 7-segment display is viewed by the player in a curved manner due to the curved shape of the light transmitting portion 621a of the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620, the more the 7-segment display is viewed left-right away from the player's viewpoint. However, since the vertical center portion of the 7-segment display is formed to be inclined toward the center in the left-right direction, the 7-segment display is less likely to be viewed in a curved manner from the player's viewpoint. As a result, the 7-segment display can be clearly viewed by the player.

[0486] Next, the displacement mode of the displacement member 670 will be described with reference to Fig. 57 to Fig. 60. Fig. 57(a) to Fig. 60(c) are front views of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Fig. 58(a), Fig. 59(a) and Fig. 60(a) are side views of the vertical displacement unit 600L, and Fig. 58(b), Fig. 59(a) and Fig. 60(b) are cross-sectional views of the vertical displacement unit 600L taken along the line LVIIIb-LVIIIb in Fig. 57(a).

[0487] In addition, Figures 57(a), 58(a), and 58(b) show the displacement member 670 in a retracted state, Figures 57(b), 59(a), and 59(b) show the displacement member 670 in an intermediate state, and Figures 57(c), 60(a), and 60(b) show the displacement member 670 in an extended state.

[0488] In addition, the retracted state of the displacement members 670 is a state in which the displacement members 670 arranged in a pair above and below are spaced apart from each other outwardly above and below, the extended state of the displacement members 670 is a state in which the displacement members 670 arranged in a pair above and below are abutted at a middle position above and below, and the intermediate state of the displacement members 670 is a state in which the displacement members 670 are positioned between the retracted state and the extended state.

[0489] As shown in Figures 57(a) and 58, when the displacement member 670 is in a retracted position, the upper of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 (upper part of Figure 57) is positioned such that the first link member 684 and the second link member 686 are positioned upward, with the decorative unit 672 positioned upward, with the shaft support hole 671a as the rotation axis.

[0490] In addition, the torsion spring SP1 inserted into the through hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged above is engaged with the through hole 671d1 at the base end portion on the other end side (the side inserted into the through hole 671d1). This makes it possible to increase the biasing force applied by the torsion spring SP1. As a result, it becomes easier for the displacement member 670 to maintain the state in which the decorative unit 672 is arranged on the upper side in the direction of gravity.

[0491] On the other hand, the displacement member 670, which is located at the lower part (lower part in Figure 57) of the upper and lower pair, is positioned such that the decorative unit 672 is positioned downward with the shaft support hole 671a as the rotation axis by positioning the first link member 684 and the second link member 686 downward.

[0492] In addition, the torsion spring SP2 inserted into the through hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged below is engaged with the through hole 671d1 at the base end portion on the other end side (the side inserted into the through hole 671d1). This makes it possible to increase the biasing force applied by the torsion spring SP2. As a result, the displacement member 670 can easily displace the decorative unit 672 upward in the direction of gravity.

[0493] In the retreated state, an opening is formed between the facing decorative units 762 of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670, and the decorative symbol display device 800 arranged inside the vertical displacement unit 600L can be visually confirmed. In this case, as described above, three symbols decorated on the inner reel 811 of the decorative symbol display device 800 can be displayed on the player side in the vertical direction.

[0494] When a rotational driving force is applied to the drive motor KM3 from the state shown in Figures 57(a) and 58, the large diameter gear 683 and the cam member 685 are rotated. As a result, the first link member 684 and the second link member 686 are displaced to approximately the center position in the vertical direction of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Therefore, the displacement member 670 connected to the insertion holes 684b, 686b of the first link member 684 and the second link member 686 is rotationally displaced about the shaft support hole 671a, and is displaced to the state shown in Figures 57(c) and 60 via the state shown in Figures 57(b) and 59.

[0495] 57(b) and 59, when the displacement member 670 is displaced to the intermediate state position, the engagement position of the torsion spring SP1 inserted into the through hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged above with the through hole 671d1 is set to the intermediate position on the other end side (the side inserted into the through hole 671d1). Therefore, the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be increased by the amount of deformation of the torsion spring SP1, and the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be made smaller than the engagement position in the retracted state by the amount of change in the engagement position.

[0496] Similarly to the torsion spring SP1, the torsion spring SP2 inserted into the through hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged below has an engagement position with the through hole 671d1 at the intermediate position on the other end side (the side inserted into the through hole 671d1). Therefore, the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 can be reduced by the amount of deformation of the torsion spring SP2, and the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be reduced compared to the engagement position in the retracted state by the amount of change in the engagement position.

[0497] In the intermediate state, an opening smaller than that in the retracted state is formed between the facing decorative units 762 of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670, and the decorative symbol display device 800 arranged inside the vertical displacement unit 600L can be visually recognized. In this case, one of the symbols decorated on the inner reel 811 of the decorative symbol display device 800 can be displayed on the player side.

[0498] Therefore, by displacing the displacement member 670 from a retreated state in which three symbols are displayed vertically on the inner reel 811 to an intermediate state in which one symbol is displayed vertically on the inner reel 811, a plurality of presentation modes can be formed, and the interest of the player can be improved. Also, by displaying one symbol vertically on the inner reel 811, the player can be drawn to one symbol. Therefore, the part to be focused on can be clarified, and the player can easily view the presentation. As a result, a decrease in the interest of the player can be suppressed.

[0499] 57(c) and 60, when the displacement member 670 is displaced to the retracted state position, the engagement position of the torsion spring SP1 inserted into the through hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged above with the through hole 671d1 is set to the tip position of the other end side (the side inserted into the through hole 671d1). Therefore, the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be increased by the amount of deformation of the torsion spring SP1, and the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be made smaller than the engagement position in the intermediate state by the amount of change in the engagement position.

[0500] Similarly to the torsion spring SP1, the torsion spring SP2 inserted into the through hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged on the lower side has an engagement position with the through hole 671d1 at the tip position of the other end side (the side inserted into the through hole 671d1). Therefore, the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 can be increased by the amount of deformation of the torsion spring SP2, and the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be made smaller than the engagement position in the intermediate state by the amount of change in the engagement position.

[0501] That is, the biasing force of the torsion springs SP1, SP2 can be made nonlinear in accordance with the displacement of the displacement member 670. This makes it easier for the torsion springs SP1, SP2 to apply the necessary biasing force depending on the displacement position of the displacement member 670. As a result, the energy required to drive the drive motor KM3 can be minimized.

[0502] In the extended state, the decorative unit 672 of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 abuts at the vertical middle position of the vertical displacement unit 600L. In this case, the decorative unit 672 is disposed on the front side of the decorative symbol display device 800, and the display of the decorative symbol display device 800 can be made invisible from the player side (front side).

[0503] Therefore, by putting the displacement member 670 in the extended state, rotating and displacing the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820, and then displacing the displacement member 670 to the intermediate state or the retracted state, the player can easily have a sense of expectation that the symbols will line up (a big win has been drawn). As a result, the player's interest can be enhanced.

[0504] In the above embodiment, the case where the upper and lower pair of displacement members 670 are displaced by the same amount has been described; however, this is not limited to this. It is also possible to rotate one of the two drive motors KM3 to displace only one of the upper and lower pair of displacement members 670 to an intermediate state or an extended state position.

[0505] Furthermore, the maximum displacement of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 is not set to an intermediate position, but can be displaced beyond the position shown in Fig. 60. In other words, the pair of displacement members 670 can be displaced up and down while in contact with each other.

[0506] Next, the operation of the vertical displacement unit 600L will be described with reference to Fig. 61 to Fig. 63. Fig. 61 to Fig. 63 are schematic diagrams of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Note that Fig. 61 to Fig. 63 sequentially illustrate transition states of the displacement member 670.

[0507] 61 to 63, the displacement member 670 disposed on the upper side of the vertical displacement unit 600L and the drive means for driving the displacement member 670 are designated by a suffix U, and the displacement member 670 disposed on the lower side of the vertical displacement unit 600L and the drive means for driving the displacement member 670 are designated by a suffix D.

[0508] 61, in the vertical displacement unit 600L, extension members 671 of a displacement member 670 are disposed on both the left and right sides. The pair of extension members 671 are each connected to either a driven side to which the driving force of the drive motor KM3 is transmitted via a connecting rod 681, or a drive side to which the driving force of the drive motor KM3 is transmitted by a protrusion 683b of a large diameter gear 683.

[0509] As shown in FIG. 62, when the vertically disposed displacement members 670 are displaced, the side faces of the ornamental units 672 come into contact with each other at the vertical center position of the vertical displacement unit 600L.

[0510] As shown in FIG. 63, by displacing both of the displacement members 670 in the same direction from the state shown in FIG. 62, the decorative units 672 can be displaced up and down while their side faces are in contact with each other.

[0511] Here, a gaming machine is known that includes a first displacement member (decorative unit 672U) and a second displacement member (decorative unit 672D) that are disposed opposite to each other and are formed so as to be displaceable in the direction of approaching or separating, and that are formed so as to be displaceable in the same direction with their opposing sides in contact with each other. According to this gaming machine, by bringing the first displacement member and the second displacement member close to the position where their opposing sides are in contact with each other, it is possible to shield an object (for example, a liquid crystal display device or a performance member) located on the back side of the first displacement member and the second displacement member, and by displacing the first displacement member and the second displacement member in the direction away from each other, it is possible to release the shielding with the displacement, and perform a performance that makes the object visible. In addition, by displacing the first displacement member and the second displacement member in the same direction (for example, reciprocating displacement in one direction and the other direction) with their opposing sides in contact with each other, it is also possible to perform a performance before the shielding of the object is released (a performance that draws attention to the release of the shielding operation) while maintaining the shielding of the object.

[0512] However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, due to dimensional tolerances and assembly tolerances of the components, it is difficult to bring the opposing sides of the first and second displacement members into close contact with each other, and there is a risk of a gap being formed between the opposing sides. If a gap is formed between the opposing sides, the player can see the object on the back side through the gap, which hinders the presentation effect.

[0513] In contrast, according to this embodiment, a base member 660 is provided, and driving means 680U and driving means 680D which respectively support the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D in a displaceable manner on the base member 660, and the supporting manner of the driving means 680U is biased toward one side of the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U, and the supporting manner of the driving means 680D is biased toward one side of the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672D which is opposite to the other side of the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672D which abuts against one side of the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U.Therefore, when the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are abutted against each other, the supporting manner of the driving means 680U and the supporting manner of the driving means 680D can be biased toward opposite sides (sides rotated 180° around the center of one side and the other side of the opposing sides as the rotation center). This makes it easier to bring the opposing sides of the ornamental unit 672U and the ornamental unit 672D into close contact with each other, and prevents gaps from being formed between the opposing sides (see FIG. 63).

[0514] In this embodiment, the number of components arranged on one side and the other side (both sides in the left and right direction) is different, so the driving force transmitted to the left and right of the decorative unit 672 is different, and the driving means 680U and the driving means 680D can face their own high rigidity side (low side) to the other's low rigidity side (high side). Therefore, when the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are abutted against each other, the driving means 680U and the driving means 680D can each push the other (move forward) on the high rigidity side and receive the other (move backward) on the low rigidity side. As a result, the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D can be easily brought into close contact with each other, and the formation of a gap between the opposing sides can be suppressed.

[0515] The driving means 680U comprises a driving motor KM3U that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671U that connect the decorative unit 672U to the base member, and a first link member 684U and a second link member 686U that transmit the driving force of the driving motor KM3U to the pair of extension members 671U and have different configurations, while the driving means 680D comprises a driving motor KM3D that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671U that connect the decorative unit 672D to the base member 660, and a second link member 686D and a first link member 684D that transmit the driving force of the driving motor KM3U to the pair of extension members 671U and have different configurations, thereby making it easier to bring the opposing edges of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D into close contact with each other and preventing gaps from being formed between the opposing edges.

[0516] That is, when the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are in contact with each other, the driving means 680U and the driving means 680D can, for example, push the other (move forward) on the side with the larger driving force or the side with the earlier timing of the driving force transmission, and receive the other (move backward) on the side with the smaller driving force or the side with the later timing of the driving force transmission. As a result, the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D can be easily brought into close contact with each other, and the formation of a gap between the opposing sides can be suppressed.

[0517] In addition, the extension members 671U and 671D are formed to be approximately the same length, and one end is connected to the decorative unit 672U or the decorative unit 672D while the other end is coaxially rotatably supported on the base member 660. Therefore, when the decorative units 672U and 672D are moved back and forth in the same direction with their opposing edges abutting against each other, it is easy to maintain the opposing edges in abutment against each other even when the support state is biased.

[0518] Furthermore, an elastic member 671f formed from a rubber-like elastic material is arranged on the extension member 671U or the extension member 671D, and when the decorative units 672U and 672D are in contact with each other with their opposing edges in contact, an elastic body is interposed between the extension members 671U and 671D in an elastically compressed state. Therefore, when the decorative units 672U and 672D are reciprocated in the same direction with their opposing edges in contact, it is easy to maintain the opposing edges in contact even when the support state is biased.

[0519] As described above, the driving means 680U comprises a driving motor KM3U that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671U that are driven by the driving motor KM3U and connect the decorative unit 672U to the base member 660, and two torsion springs SP1 that apply different spring forces to the pair of extension members 671U, and the driving means 680D comprises a driving motor KM3D that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671D that are driven by the driving motor KM3D and connect the decorative unit 672D to the base member 660, and two torsion springs SP2 that apply different spring forces to the pair of extension members 671D, thereby making it easier to bring the opposing edges of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D into close contact with each other and preventing gaps from forming between the opposing edges.

[0520] That is, when the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are in contact with each other, the driving means 680U and the driving means 680D can, for example, push (advance) the other on the side with the larger biasing force, and receive (retreat) the other on the side with the smaller biasing force. As a result, the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D can be easily brought into close contact with each other, and the formation of a gap between the opposing sides can be suppressed.

[0521] The two torsion springs SP1 may have the same configuration. That is, the positions at which the biasing force is applied may be different from each other, or the amounts of elastic deformation may be different from each other, so that the biasing forces applied to the pair of extension members 671U may be different. The same applies to the two torsion springs SP2.

[0522] Furthermore, the driving means 680U comprises a driving motor KM3U that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671U that are driven by the driving motor KM3U and connect the decorative unit 672U to the base member 660, and a first biasing member that applies a biasing force to one of the pair of extension members 671U, and the driving means 680D comprises a driving motor KM3D that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671D that are driven by the driving motor KM3D and connect the decorative unit 672D to the base member 660, and a second biasing member that applies a biasing force to one of the pair of extension members 671D, thereby making it easier to bring the opposing edges of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D into close contact with each other and preventing gaps from forming between the opposing edges.

[0523] That is, when the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are in contact with each other, the driving means 680U and the driving means 680D can, for example, push (move forward) the other on the side on which the urging force is applied, and receive (move backward) the other on the side on which the urging force is not applied. As a result, the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D can be easily brought into close contact with each other, and the formation of a gap between the opposing sides can be suppressed.

[0524] As described above, the torsion spring SP1 is formed as a torsion spring, one leg of which is connected to the extension member 671U and the other leg of which is connected to the base member 660, and which applies a biasing force in a direction that brings the decorative unit 672U closer to the decorative unit 672D. Therefore, when displacing the decorative unit 672U in a direction that brings the decorative unit 672U closer to the decorative unit 672D, the driving force of the drive motor KM3U required to rotate the extension member 671U can be assisted by the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1. Therefore, for example, when displacing the decorative unit 672U from a stopped state from a retracted position away from the decorative unit 672D to an abutting position where the decorative unit 672U abuts against the decorative unit 672D, the start of the displacement can be performed smoothly.

[0525] In this case, as the extension member 671U is rotated in the direction of bringing the decorative unit 672U closer to the decorative unit 672D, at least one of the connection position between one leg of the torsion spring SP1 and the extension member 671U or the connection position between the other leg of the torsion spring SP1 and the base member 660 is moved away from the winding part, so that the distance from the winding part to the position of action of the force becomes longer, and the urging force in the direction of bringing the decorative unit 672U closer to the decorative unit 672D can be weakened. Therefore, for example, when stopping the decorative unit 672U that has been brought closer to the decorative unit 672D, the displacement can be stopped reliably, so that damage due to collision can be suppressed. In addition, when the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are reciprocally displaced in the same direction with the opposing sides abutting against each other, the driving force required for the reciprocating displacement can be suppressed, so that the displacement speed of the reciprocating displacement can be increased, and the performance effect can be improved.

[0526] On the other hand, the torsion spring SP2 is formed as a torsion spring, one leg of which is connected to the extension member 671D and the other leg of which is connected to the base member, and which applies a biasing force in a direction that brings the decorative unit 672D closer to the decorative unit 672U. As the extension member 671D is rotated in a direction that brings the decorative unit 672D closer to the decorative unit 672U, at least one of the connection position between one leg of the torsion spring SP2 and the extension member 671D or the connection position between the other leg of the torsion spring SP2 and the base member is moved away from the winding part, so that the torsion spring SP2 has the same effect as the torsion spring SP1. In particular, when the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are reciprocated in the same direction with their opposing sides abutting against each other, the driving force required for the reciprocating displacement can be suppressed in both, which is particularly effective. Furthermore, the configuration of torsion spring SP1 and torsion spring SP2 is particularly effective when decorative unit 672U and decorative unit 672D are at the same height (placed in the gravity direction position), the abutting position of the two is the highest position (or lowest position) in the gravity direction, and the position where they are separated (retracted position) is the lowest position (or highest position) in the gravity direction.

[0527] Since the decorative unit 672U is brought into proximity with the decorative unit 672D by being displaced upward in the direction of gravity, the further downward the decorative unit 672U is positioned in the direction of gravity, the stronger the biasing force in the direction of displacing the decorative unit 672U upward in the direction of gravity can be (i.e., the further upward the decorative unit 672U is positioned in the direction of gravity, the weaker the biasing force in the direction of displacing the decorative unit 672U upward in the direction of gravity can be).

[0528] Therefore, when the decorative unit 672U is displaced (raised) from a stopped state upward in the direction of gravity, the displacement (raising) can be started smoothly, and when the raised decorative unit 672U is stopped, the displacement can be stopped reliably not only by the action of gravity but also by the weakening of the biasing force. As a result, damage due to collision with the decorative unit 672D can be suppressed. On the other hand, when the decorative unit 672U displaced (lowered) downward in the direction of gravity is stopped, the biasing force is strengthened, so that the biasing force can counter the action of gravity that tries to continue the descent. As a result, the decorative unit 672U can be stopped reliably.

[0529] The torsion spring SP2 is formed with one leg connected to the extension member 671D and the other leg connected to the base member 660, and is provided with a torsion spring SP2 that applies a biasing force in a direction that moves the decorative unit 672D away from the decorative unit 672U, and the decorative unit 672D is separated from the decorative unit 672U by being displaced upward in the direction of gravity. Therefore, when the decorative unit 672D is displaced in a direction away from the decorative unit 672U, that is, when it is necessary to displace (raise) the decorative unit 672D against the direction of gravity, the driving force of the drive motor KM3D required to rotate the extension member 671U can be assisted by the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2. Therefore, the displacement can be performed smoothly.

[0530] In this case, as the extension member 671D is rotated in a direction to bring the decorative unit 672D closer to the decorative unit 672U, at least one of the connection position between one leg of the torsion spring SP2 and the extension member 671D or the connection position between the other leg of the torsion spring SP2 and the base member 660 is moved away from the winding part, so that the distance from the winding part to the position where the force acts becomes longer, and the urging force in the direction to move the decorative unit 672D away from the decorative unit 672U (the direction to raise the decorative unit 672D upward in the direction of gravity) can be weakened. Therefore, for example, when the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are reciprocated in the same direction with their opposing sides abutting against each other, the driving force required for the reciprocating displacement can be suppressed, so that the displacement speed of the reciprocating displacement can be increased, and the presentation effect can be improved.

[0531] Next, a rotating member 2812 of a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 64. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the protrusion 812a1 formed on the rotating member 812 is formed in a mountain shape inclined on both sides along the circumferential direction of the hub 812a, but the protrusion 2812a formed on the rotating member 2812 of the second embodiment is formed in a curved hemisphere. Note that the same parts as those in the above-mentioned first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0532] Fig. 64(a) is a partially enlarged view of a rotating member 2812 in the second embodiment, and Fig. 64(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member 2812 taken along line LXIVb-LXIVb in Fig. 64(a). Fig. 64(a) corresponds to Fig. 36(a).

[0533] 64, protrusions 2812a1 that protrude toward the edge portion 824 of the outer reel unit 820 are formed on the hub 812a of the rotating member 2812. The protrusions 2812a1 are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the hub 812a.

[0534] The protrusion 2812a1 is curved in a bowl shape. This allows air to be pushed out and wind to be generated when the inner reel unit 810 is rotated. The pushed-out air (wind) collides with the edge 824 of the opposing outer reel 821 and flows into the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the opposing outer reel. This allows dust (dirt) that is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 or dust that is about to attach thereto to be blown away. As a result, dust can be prevented from attaching to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0535] Furthermore, since the protrusion 2812a1 of the second embodiment is curved into a bowl shape, its rigidity can be made higher than that of the protrusion 812a1 of the first embodiment. As a result, when the inner reel unit 810 or the outer reel unit 820 is rotated and wobbles, the tip of the protrusion 2812a1 comes into contact with the spokes 822 of the outer reel unit 820, and damage to the protrusion 2812a can be suppressed.

[0536] Next, an outer reel unit 820 of a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 65 and 66. In the above first embodiment, the protrusion 812a1 is formed on the rotating member 812, but in the second embodiment, the protrusion 3824a is formed on the edge portion 824. Note that the same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0537] Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device 800 in the third embodiment, Figure 66(a) is a partially enlarged view of the outer reel unit 820, and Figure 66(b) is a cross-sectional view of the outer reel unit 820 along line LXVIb-LXVIb in Figure 66(a).

[0538] 65 and 66, a protrusion 3824a that protrudes toward the rotating member 812 of the inner reel unit 810 is formed on an edge 824 on an extension line of the spokes 3822 of the outer reel unit 820. The protrusion 3824a is formed on the outer end (on the outer reel 821 side) of each spoke 3822.

[0539] The protrusion 3824a is formed in a shape inclined on both sides along the circumferential direction of the outer reel 821. Therefore, by rotating the outer reel unit 820, air can be pushed out to generate wind. The pushed-out air (wind) collides with the hub 812a of the opposing inner reel unit 810, and flows into the space between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the opposing outer reel. This makes it possible to blow away dust (dirt) that is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821, or dust that is about to attach thereto. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust from attaching to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0540] Next, a rotating member 4812 of a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 67 and 68. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the protrusion 812a1 formed on the rotating member 812 is formed in a mountain shape with both sides inclined along the circumferential direction of the hub 812a, but the protrusion 4812a formed on the rotating member 4812 of the fourth embodiment is formed inclined relative to the radial direction of the hub 812a. Note that the same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0541] Figure 67 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device 800 in the fourth embodiment, Figure 68(a) is a partially enlarged view of the rotating member 4812, and Figure 68(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member 4812 along line LXVIIIb-LXVIIIb in Figure 68(a).

[0542] 67 and 68, protrusions 4812a1 that protrude toward the edge portion 824 of the outer reel unit are formed on the hub 812a of the rotating member 4812. The protrusions 4812a1 are formed at ...

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising: a ball entry area configured to allow game balls to enter; and guiding means having a guiding surface for guiding game balls toward the ball entry area and configured to be able to change its position in a front view, wherein when the guiding means is located at a predetermined position, game balls guided by the guiding surface can be made to enter the ball entry area and flow down to a predetermined area. The guiding means comprises at least front-side standing means standing upright with respect to the guiding surface from a position continuous with a front-side end portion of the guiding surface and rear-side standing means standing upright with respect to the guiding surface from a position continuous with a rear-side end portion of the guiding surface, and is configured such that game balls guided by the guiding surface flow down between the front-side end portion and the rear-side end portion of the guiding surface. The guiding surface has a width in the front-rear direction reduced at least in part by the front-side standing means or the rear-side standing means, and game balls guided by the guiding surface can be configured to come into contact with either the front-side standing means or the rear-side standing means. The front-side standing means and the rear-side standing means are configured to be able to align a plurality of game balls guided by the guiding surface in a downward flow area in front of the ball entry area so that the plurality of game balls enter the ball entry area one by one. The gaming machine is characterized by comprising configuration means configured such that at least when the guiding means is located at the predetermined position, at least a part of the guiding means formed by the front-side standing means or the rear-side standing means can come into contact.

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