Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can prevent failures as much as possible.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a main substrate unit 410; and a sub-substrate unit including an exhaust port of a cooling fan. The main substrate unit 410 includes: a main substrate including a connector 430; and a main substrate case 412 for accommodating the main substrate. A connector opening part for exposing the connector 430 to the outside is formed in the main substrate case 412 and disposed so as to face the exhaust port of the sub-substrate unit. No connector opening part is disposed in a predetermined region 480 facing the exhaust port of the sub-substrate unit in the main substrate case 412.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (rotary gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces have been known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts a game to obtain such gaming media. Further, in this type of gaming machine, when a player inserts a gaming media into a predetermined insertion port and a prescribed number of gaming media are bet, a game start operation becomes possible. Triggered by the player's rotation start operation, an internal lottery is conducted and the rotation of a plurality of reels is started. Triggered by the player's stop operation, control is performed to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. Then, the result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the effective line in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, a gaming machine is known in which a cooling fan is provided in a board unit composed of a control board and a board cover to cool the control board. For example, a gaming machine is known in which a cooling fan is provided above a display unit composed of a liquid crystal screen or the like, a display board, and a cover covering the display board (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a gaming machine as disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, it is required to prevent dust and other debris from entering the inside of the board unit as much as possible to prevent malfunctions.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing malfunctions as much as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) The present invention is a gaming machine including a first board unit and a second board unit having an exhaust port of a cooling fan, wherein the first board unit includes a first board having a connector and a first board case covering the first board, and is arranged to face the exhaust port, and a first opening for exposing the connector is formed in the first board case, and the first opening is not arranged in a region of the first board case facing the exhaust port.

[0008] In the present invention, the first board unit is arranged to face the exhaust port of the cooling fan of the second board unit, and since the first opening for exposing the connector is not arranged in the region of the first board case facing the exhaust port, dust and other debris discharged from the cooling fan can be prevented from entering the first board case as much as possible, and malfunctions caused by debris adhering to the electronic components and connectors of the first board can be prevented as much as possible.

[0009] (2) The gaming machine of the present invention may further include a third board unit, a predetermined region is set in a region of the first board case facing the exhaust port, the third board unit includes a third board having a connector and a third board case covering the third board, and is arranged vertically below a predetermined space which is a space from the exhaust port to the predetermined region, a third opening for exposing the connector is formed in the third board case, and the third opening is not arranged in a region vertically below the predetermined space in the third board case.

[0010] In this way, the third substrate unit is disposed vertically below a predetermined space that is the space from the exhaust port of the cooling fan to a predetermined region, and in the region vertically below the predetermined space in the third substrate case, since no third opening for exposing the connector is disposed, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt discharged from the cooling fan from entering the third substrate unit as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent failures caused by dust adhering to the connector of the third substrate as much as possible.

[0011] (3) The gaming machine of the present invention further includes a box-shaped storage box and a front door, the first substrate unit is provided in the storage box, the second substrate unit is provided in the front door, mounting holes used for mounting to island equipment are formed in the top plate of the storage box, and the cooling fan may not be disposed vertically below the mounting holes.

[0012] In this way, since the cooling fan is not disposed vertically below the mounting hole, even when dust is generated when a fixing member (for example, a screw) is screwed into the mounting hole for mounting to island equipment, it is possible to prevent the dust from entering the cooling fan as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent failures caused by dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan as much as possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0015] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the back side of the front door in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

[0016] In the following description, basically, “front and rear” means that when a player is on the front side of the gaming machine, the player side is “front” and the gaming machine side is “rear”, “up and down” means that the upper surface side of the gaming machine is “up” and the lower surface side is “down”, and “left and right” means that the left hand side of the player playing the gaming machine is “left” and the right hand side is “right”.

[0017] The gaming machine of the present embodiment is a so-called slot machine or a spinning reel gaming machine, and is a type of gaming machine that conducts a game using medals as game media (game values).

[0018] The gaming machine of the present embodiment includes a storage box BX (an example of the gaming machine body) having a front opening, and a reel unit 310 composed of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (a plurality of reels) is housed in a box-shaped housing composed of a front door FD (an example of a front door). Further, below the reel unit 310 in the housing, a power supply unit 305 incorporating a power supply device and provided with various switches such as a power switch and a reset switch, and a hopper unit 320 as a medal payout device are housed. In addition, a control board that mounts a CPU (an example of an arithmetic means), a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc. and controls the operation of the gaming machine is also housed in the housing of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of electronic circuit boards including a main board 414 that controls the progress of the game as a control board, and a sub-board 444 that receives a signal transmitted from the main board 414 and performs control for executing a game effect according to the progress of the game are provided. Further, a reel relay board for connecting the main board 414, the reel unit 310, the power supply unit 305, etc. is also provided in the housing of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

[0019] A front door FD that opens and closes the front (an example of the front surface) of the storage box BX is provided with a display window DW that allows the rotational state and stop state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to be observed.

[0020] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, for each reel, an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage are provided as display positions for observing symbols through the display window DW, and valid lines are set by combinations of the display positions of the respective reels. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when medals corresponding to the number of medals required for one game, so-called specified input numbers, are inserted (bet), the valid line composed of the middle stages of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is activated.

[0021] The game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the valid lines within the display window DW. When the symbol combination on the valid lines is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined winning combination, medals are paid out from the hopper unit 320 and so on as if that winning combination has won.

[0022] Also, on the front door FD, a rotating lamp LP and a pedestal lamp AL for performing game effects are provided. In the rotating lamp LP, rotating operations, lighting operations, and blinking operations for livening up the game are performed. In the pedestal lamp AL, lighting operations and blinking operations for livening up the game are performed.

[0023] Also, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of speakers SP for performing game effects are provided with respect to the front door FD. Various sounds for assisting the game or livening up the game are output from these speakers SP.

[0024] Also, various operating means are provided at the central part of the front door FD. As the operating means, a bet button (insertion operating means, gaming operating means) B0 for performing an operation of inserting credited (internally stored) medals, a start lever (game start operating means, gaming operating means) SL for performing an operation that serves as an opportunity to start the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, stop buttons (stop operating means, gaming operating means) B1 to B3 for performing an operation that serves as an opportunity to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor, a pay - out button (predetermined operating means, pay - out operating means, gaming operating means) B4 for performing an operation of settling credited (internally stored) medals, and the like are provided.

[0025] Note that the front door FD may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as being divided into an upper portion and a lower portion. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when replacing the machine type in the game hall, the storage box BX, the lower portion of the front door FD, the power supply unit 305, the hopper unit 320, etc. remain attached to the island equipment in the game hall, and the upper portion of the front door FD and the reel unit 310, etc. may be of a so-called separable housing type that can be replaced.

[0026] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when a player inserts medals into the medal insertion port MI or performs an operation of pressing the bet button B0, the gaming machine is set to a ready state in which the rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started, and the pressing operation of the start lever is permitted (enabled). Then, when the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving a stepping motor, and an internal lottery using a random number value is performed. On the condition that the rotation speeds of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have increased to a predetermined speed, the pressing operations of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are permitted (enabled).

[0027] Thereafter, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at an arbitrary timing, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, photo sensors, conduction sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) built in each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 perform an on operation, and change the reel stop signal input to the control board from an off state to an on state.

[0028] Also, when the player releases the stop buttons B1 to B3 that are in a pressed state at an arbitrary timing, the stop switches corresponding to the stop buttons B1 to B3 perform an off operation, and change the reel stop signal input to the control board from an on state to an off state.

[0029] The control board stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from the off state to the on state of the reel stop signal whose signal state changes according to the pressing timing and the releasing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0030] Also, at the lower part of the front door FD, a medal payout port and a medal tray MP are provided, and the number of medals according to the result of the game is paid out from the medal payout port to the medal tray MP.

[0031] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a door sensor (detection means) for detecting the open / closed state of the front door FD is provided, and based on the input signal (detection signal) input from the door sensor to the control board (main board 414), the opening and closing of the front door FD can be detected.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage box BX includes a top plate 400, a back plate 402, a bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406, 408, and is formed of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Note that the material of the storage box BX is not limited to one type. For example, a part (top plate 400) may be made of wood and the other parts (back plate 402, bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406, 408) may be made of resin. Also, the top plate 400 may have a structure in which, for example, two plate-shaped resins (outer side) and two plate-shaped metals (inner side) are stacked.

[0033] A plurality of mounting holes 420 are provided in the top plate 400 of the storage box BX. The mounting holes 420 are holes (island fixing holes) used when mounting the gaming machine to the island equipment in the game hall and are through holes.

[0034] With the front door FD open, the operator screws a screw (e.g., a wood screw) as a fixing member (fastening member) from the inside of the storage box BX (housing) upward through the mounting hole 420, and further screws the screw into the mounting mating member (island-side member) to fix the gaming machine to the island equipment. As a result, the head of the screw will be disposed inside the storage box BX (housing). The mounting hole 420 is formed so that a screw can be screwed therein, and the diameter of the mounting hole 420 is smaller than, for example, the diameter (outer diameter of the threaded portion) of the portion where the thread is formed on the screw (threaded portion). In the present embodiment, the mounting hole 420 is circular (round hole), but it may be elliptical, oblong, or the like as long as it is a shape that allows a screw to be screwed therein. Also, the mounting hole 420 is not limited to a through hole and may be a non-through hole. For example, it may be in a concave shape having a certain depth provided on the inner surface side of the top plate 400. Further, the fixing member is not limited to a screw, and for example, other fixing members such as nails may be used.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the mounting holes 420 are provided on the left and right sides of the top plate 400 in a row at predetermined intervals along the front-rear direction (depth direction). Specifically, a total of six mounting holes 420, three on the left side and three on the right side, are provided. It is not necessary for all six mounting holes 420 to be used for mounting (fixing) the gaming machine. That is, it is sufficient if at least one mounting hole 420 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the top plate 400. However, when six mounting holes 420 are provided as in the present embodiment, the operator can appropriately select the mounting holes 420 to be used. That is, any one of the three mounting holes 420 on the left side and any one of the three mounting holes 420 on the right side can be selected. By providing a plurality of mounting holes 420 in this way, when it becomes difficult to tighten the screw due to deterioration of the mounting mating member or the like, the position of the mounting hole 420 to be used can be changed in the front-rear direction. The mounting hole 420 can also be said to be a temporary hole provided for screwing in the fixing member (screw), and serves as a guide when screwing in the fixing member (screw).

[0036] In this embodiment, a main board unit 410 (an example of a first board unit) is provided above the inside of the storage box BX. The main board unit 410 includes a main board 414 (an example of a first board) and a main board case 412 (an example of a first board case) that covers (stores) the main board 414, and is attached to the back plate 402 of the storage box BX.

[0037] A plurality of electronic components (such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM) are mounted on the main board 414. The main board 414 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, settlement button B4, and door sensor, performs various operations for executing a game, and controls the operations of output means such as the reel unit 310 and hopper unit 320 based on the operation results.

[0038] Also, a plurality of connectors 430 are provided on the main board 414. One end (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) of a harness or cable is connected to the connector 430, and is connected to other boards such as the sub-board 444 and reel relay board by the harness or cable.

[0039] The main board case 412 is formed of a transparent resin or the like and protects the main board 414. The main board case 412 is provided with a connector opening 416 (an example of a first opening) that exposes the connector 430 of the main board 414.

[0040] Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a sub-board unit 440 (an example of a second board unit) is provided above the back side (rear side) of the front door FD. The sub-board unit 440 includes a sub-board 444 and a sub-board case 442 that covers (stores) the sub-board 444.

[0041] A plurality of electronic components (such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) are mounted on the sub-board 444. The sub-board 444 receives signals sent from the main board 414, performs various calculations for executing effects according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the output means of the effect devices (such as a rotating lamp LP, a pedestal lamp AL, a speaker SP, etc.) based on the calculation results. Note that as the effect device, a liquid crystal display for displaying an image (a still image or a moving image), a movable accessory operable by an actuator, or the like may be provided.

[0042] In addition, a plurality of connectors 450 are provided on the sub-board 444. One end (a harness-side connector or a cable-side connector) of a harness or a cable is connected to the connector 450, and the sub-board 444 is connected to other boards such as the main board 414 by the harness or the cable.

[0043] The sub-board case 442 is formed of a transparent resin or the like and protects the sub-board 444. The sub-board case 442 is provided with a connector opening (an example of the second opening) for exposing the connector 450 of the sub-board.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a cooling fan 460 is mounted on the sub-board unit 440. The cooling fan 460 is covered (accommodated) by the sub-board case 442. An exhaust port 470 is formed at the installation position of the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board case 442, and air is discharged from the exhaust port 470 to the outside of the sub-board case 442 by the operation of the cooling fan 460. Thereby, the CPU or the like of the internal sub-board 444 is cooled. Thus, in the present embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 has the cooling fan 460 and its exhaust port 470.

[0045] 2. Positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the main-board unit 410

[0046] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the main-board unit 410 will be described. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an outline of the external configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Y-Y line shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a predetermined area 480 in the main-board case 412 of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

[0047] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the main-board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 are arranged to face each other with the front door FD closed. In particular, the main-board unit 410 is arranged to face the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440. For this reason, air is discharged from the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 toward the main-board unit 410 by the operation of the cooling fan 460.

[0048] And in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a connector opening 416 is not arranged in a predetermined area 480 which is an area of the main-board case 412 of the main-board unit 410 that faces the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460). That is, in the present embodiment, the main-board unit 410 exists at a position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440, but the connector opening 416 of the main-board case 412 is arranged at a position different from the predetermined area 480 in the main-board case 412. Thus, in the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the main-board unit 410 is such that the main-board unit 410 exists at a position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460), but the connector opening 416 of the main-board case 412 does not exist.

[0049] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the front door FD is closed, a cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not disposed vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. Here, the dashed line a, the dashed line b, and the dashed line c in FIG. 5 are dashed lines drawn vertically (vertically downward, directly below) from the mounting holes 420 (three). And in the present embodiment, a cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not disposed vertically below the mounting hole 420 provided at the foremost position in the front-rear direction (vertically below any of the mounting holes 420). That is, in the present embodiment, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is disposed at a position that is not vertically below the mounting hole 420. Thereby, in the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the mounting hole 420 and the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is a positional relationship in which the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) does not exist vertically below the mounting hole 420.

[0050] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the sub-board unit 440 is provided so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction. Specifically, the lower end portion of the sub-board unit 440 is provided so as to be positioned in front of the upper end portion. That is, in the present embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 is installed such that the exhaust port 470 faces obliquely downward.

[0051] Note that in the present embodiment, the region (predetermined region 480) facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the main board case 412, and the position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 mean the region (predetermined region 480) and the position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the horizontal direction.

[0052] Next, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the reel relay board unit 490 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view (schematic view) of the main part for explaining the reel relay board unit 490 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a predetermined space 500 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a predetermined region 510 in the reel relay board case 492 of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

[0053] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a reel relay board unit 490 (an example of a third board unit) is provided on the top surface of the reel unit 310. The reel relay board unit 490 includes a reel relay board (an example of a third board) and a reel relay board case 492 (a reel relay board cover, an example of a third board case) that covers the reel relay board, and is attached to the reel unit 310.

[0054] Also, a plurality of connectors are provided on the reel relay board. One end (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) of a harness or a cable is connected to the connector, and it is connected to the main board 414, the reel unit 310, the power supply unit 305, etc. by the harness or the cable.

[0055] The reel relay board case 492 is formed of a transparent resin or the like and protects the reel relay board. The reel relay board case 492 is provided with a connector opening 496 (an example of a third opening) that exposes the connector of the reel relay board.

[0056] And in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the reel relay board unit 490 is disposed vertically below a predetermined space 500, which is a space from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 to a predetermined region 480 of the main board case 412.

[0057] Also, in a predetermined region 510, which is a region vertically below a predetermined space 500 in the reel relay board case 492, a connector opening 496 is not arranged as shown in FIG. 9. That is, in the present embodiment, although a reel relay board unit 490 exists at a position vertically below the predetermined space 500, the connector opening 496 of the reel relay board case 492 is arranged at a position different from the predetermined region 510 in the reel relay board case 492. Thereby, in the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the reel relay board unit 490 is such that the reel relay board unit 490 exists at a position vertically below the predetermined space 500, but the connector opening 496 of the reel relay board case 492 does not exist.

[0058] As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the main board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 are arranged to face each other with the front door FD closed. In a predetermined region 480 facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the main board case 412 of the main board unit 410, as shown in FIG. 6, a connector opening 416 is not arranged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt such as dust discharged from the cooling fan 460 from entering the main board case 412 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent failures caused by dust adhering to the electronic components and connectors 430 of the main board 414 as much as possible.

[0059] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, with the front door FD closed, a cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. Therefore, even when dust is generated when a fixing member (for example, a screw) is screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island facility, it is possible to prevent the dust from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent failures caused by dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, since the sub-substrate unit 440 is installed such that the exhaust port 470 faces obliquely downward, even if dust is generated when a fixing member (e.g., a screw) is screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent the dust from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent a failure due to dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the reel relay substrate unit 490 is disposed vertically below a predetermined space 500 from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-substrate unit 440 to a predetermined region 480 of the main substrate case 412. As shown in FIG. 9, a connector opening 496 is not disposed in a predetermined region 510 vertically below the predetermined space 500 in the reel relay substrate case 492. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust such as dust and dirt discharged from the cooling fan 460 from entering the reel relay substrate unit 490 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent a failure due to dust adhering to the connector of the reel relay substrate as much as possible.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a cooling fan installation portion 540 of the sub-substrate case 442 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), a cooling fan installation portion 540 for installing (accommodating) the cooling fan 460 is provided on the surface of the sub-substrate case 442. The cooling fan installation portion 540 is formed to protrude outward, has substantially the same dimensions as the cooling fan 460, and can accommodate the cooling fan 460. Further, an exhaust port 470 is formed on the surface (bottom surface) of the cooling fan installation portion 540.

[0064] Further, as shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), two screw receiving portions 542 provided with screw holes are provided on the surface (bottom surface) of the cooling fan installation portion 540.

[0065] And in this embodiment, when attaching the cooling fan 460, the cooling fan 460 is arranged in the cooling fan installation portion 540 from the inside of the sub-board case 442, and a screw is screwed into the screw hole provided in the cooling fan 460 from the inside of the sub-board case 442, and further screwed into the screw receiving portion 542 to fix it to the sub-board case 442. As a result, the head of the screw will be arranged inside the sub-board case 442.

[0066] Thus, in this embodiment, since the cooling fan 460 is attached from the inside of the sub-board case 442, it is possible to facilitate the assembly of the cooling fan 460. Also, in this embodiment, since the head of the screw for fixing the cooling fan 460 is arranged inside the sub-board case 442, it is possible to prevent the cooling fan 460 from being accidentally removed.

[0067] 3. Modification The present invention is not limited to what is described in the above embodiment, and various modified implementations are possible. Hereinafter, modification examples will be introduced. Note that the above embodiment and various methods described as modification examples below can be appropriately combined and adopted as control methods for realizing the present invention.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the case where the lower end portion of the sub-board unit 440 is positioned in front of the upper end portion, that is, the exhaust port 470 is provided so as to face obliquely downward, was taken as an example for explanation. However, for example, the upper end portion of the sub-board unit 440 may be provided so as to be positioned in front of the lower end portion. That is, the sub-board unit 440 may be provided such that the exhaust port 470 faces obliquely upward. Even in this case, since the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is arranged at a position different from directly below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400, even if dust is generated when a fixing member (for example, a screw) is screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent the dust from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent as much as possible a failure due to dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460. Also, for example, the sub-board unit 440 may be provided so as not to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the cooling fan 460 is mounted on the sub-board unit 440 has been described as an example. However, when the cooling fan 460 is mounted, as shown in FIG. 11, a roof portion 520 may be provided above the cooling fan 460. The roof portion 520 protrudes outward and is integrally formed with the sub-board case 442, but it may also be a separate component from the sub-board case 442. Also, the length of the roof portion 520 is desirably at least greater than the thickness of the cooling fan 460. In this way, even when dust is generated when a fixing member (for example, a screw) is screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island facility, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent a failure caused by dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible. In this example, although the surface of the cooling fan 460 is not covered by the sub-board case 442, it is covered with a dust cover 530, and even in this way, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent a failure caused by dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the cooling fan 460 is housed inside the sub-board case 442 has been described as an example. However, the cooling fan 460 may be provided outside the sub-board case 442, or a part of the cooling fan 460 may be exposed outside while the cooling fan 460 is provided inside the sub-board case 442.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the region facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the main-board case 412 in the horizontal direction is defined as a predetermined region 480 has been described as an example. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the region facing the cooling fan 460 in the air discharge direction (blowing direction) of the cooling fan 460 may be defined as the predetermined region 480.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the case where the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400 with the front door FD closed has been described as an example. However, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) may be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. In this case, it is desirable to install the sub-board unit 440 so that the exhaust port 470 faces obliquely downward.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the case where the reel relay board unit 490 is arranged vertically below the predetermined space 500 from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 to the predetermined area 480 of the main board case 412 has been described as an example. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the reel relay board unit 490 may not be arranged vertically below the predetermined space 500 and may be arranged at a position different from the vertical below the predetermined space 500. That is, the reel relay board unit 490 may not exist vertically below the predetermined space 500.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the case where the connector opening 496 is not arranged in the predetermined area 510 of the reel relay board case 492 has been described as an example. However, the connector opening 496 may be arranged in the predetermined area 510 of the reel relay board case 492.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the case where the main board unit 410 is provided on the back plate 402 of the storage box BX has been described as an example. However, it may be arranged at any location inside the storage box BX. For example, the main board unit 410 may be provided on either the left or right side plate 406, 408 of the storage box BX. In this way, it is possible to prevent air from being discharged from the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 toward the main board unit 410. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust and other debris discharged from the cooling fan 460 from entering the main board case 412 as much as possible, and to prevent malfunctions caused by debris adhering to the electronic components and connectors 430 of the main board 414 as much as possible.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the sub-board unit 440 is provided on the back surface of the front door FD has been described as an example. However, for example, the sub-board unit 440 may be provided inside the storage box BX. Also, for example, when mounting a liquid crystal display, the sub-board unit 440 may be provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal display.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the case where one cooling fan 460 is mounted on the sub-board unit 440 has been described as an example. However, a plurality (for example, two) of cooling fans 460 may be mounted on the sub-board unit 440. In this case, in the main board case 412, it is desirable not to arrange the connector opening 416 in any region (predetermined region 480) facing each of the plurality of exhaust ports 470 (the plurality of cooling fans 460). However, if this is done, there is a possibility that a suitable board design (wiring pattern design) may be hindered. For this reason, in the main board case 412, the connector opening 416 is not arranged in the region (predetermined region 480) facing at least a part (for example, one) of the plurality of exhaust ports 470 (the plurality of cooling fans 460), and the connector opening 416 may be arranged in the region (predetermined region 480) facing the other exhaust ports 470 (the cooling fans 470).

[0078] Also, in this case, it is desirable not to arrange any of the plurality (for example, two) of cooling fans 460 (the plurality of exhaust ports 470) vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. However, if this is done, there is a possibility that a suitable board design (wiring pattern design) may be hindered. Therefore, in the sub-board unit 440, at least a part (for example, one) of the plurality (for example, two) of cooling fans 460 (the plurality of exhaust ports 470) is not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400, and the other cooling fans 460 (the exhaust ports 470) may be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. In this case, all of the plurality (for example, two) of cooling fans 460 (the plurality of exhaust ports 470) may be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400.

[0079] Also in this case, in the reel relay board case 492, it is desirable not to arrange the connector opening 416 in any region (predetermined region 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to each of the plurality of exhaust ports 470 (plurality of cooling fans 460). However, if this is done, there is a possibility that a suitable board design (wiring pattern design) may be hindered. Therefore, in the reel relay board case 492, the connector opening 416 is not arranged in the region (predetermined region 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to at least a part (for example, one) of the plurality of exhaust ports 470 (cooling fans 470), and the connector opening 416 may be arranged in the region (predetermined region 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to the other exhaust ports 470 (cooling fans 470). In this case, the connector opening 416 may be arranged in any region (predetermined region 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to each of the plurality of exhaust ports 470 (plurality of cooling fans 460).

[0080] Also in the above embodiment, the case where the main board unit 410 is the "first board unit" of the present invention has been described as an example. However, the "first board unit" is not limited to the main board unit 410 as long as it is arranged so as to face the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440.

[0081] Also in the above embodiment, the case where the sub-board unit 440 is the "second board unit" of the present invention has been described as an example. However, the "second board unit" is not limited to the sub-board unit 440 as long as it mounts the cooling fan 460 and has the exhaust port 470.

[0082] Also in the above embodiment, the case where the reel relay board unit 490 is the "third board unit" of the present invention has been described as an example. However, the "third board unit" is not limited to the reel relay board unit 490 as long as it is arranged vertically below the predetermined space 500.

[0083] Moreover, the invention of the above embodiment is not limited to a slot machine that plays games using medals (game values) as physical objects. It can also be applied to smart pachislot (registered trademark), which is a gaming machine that plays games using electronic medals (game values), which are electronic information, as a gaming medium without using medals as physical objects, or to gaming machines (pinball gaming machines, smart pachinko (registered trademark)) that play games using game balls (pachinko balls).

[0084] In a smart pachislot, the main board 414 is connected to be capable of two-way communication with a medal lending machine (not shown) as an external unit, stores electronic medals, which are electronic information lent out by the medal lending machine, in a predetermined storage area, bets the stored electronic medals by operating the bet button B0 to play a game, and awards electronic medals by storing all the medals paid out according to the result of the game. For this reason, in a smart pachislot, a medal insertion slot MI, a hopper unit 320, etc. are not required. Also, in a smart pachislot, there is a medal number control board that controls (manages) the number of electronic medals (number of game medals), and the medal number control board is connected to be capable of two-way communication with the main board 414 and the medal lending machine. In such a smart pachislot, a medal number control board unit including the medal number control board and a medal number control board case that covers (houses) the medal number control board may be used as the "third board unit" of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0085] BX storage box, FD front door, DW display window, LP rotating light, AL base frame lamp, R1 first reel, R2 second reel, R3 third reel, SL start lever, B0 bet button, B1 - B3 stop buttons, B4 settlement button, SP speaker, MP medal tray, 305 power supply unit, 310 reel unit, 320 hopper unit, 400 top plate, 402 back plate, 404 bottom plate, 406 side plate, 408 side plate, 410 Main board unit, 412 Main board case, 414 Main board, 416 Connector opening, 420 Mounting hole, 430 Connector, 440 Sub-board unit, 442 Sub-board case, 444 Sub-board, 450 Connector, 460 Cooling fan, 470 Exhaust port, 480 Predetermined area, 490 Reel relay board unit, 492 Reel relay board case, 500 Predetermined space, 510 Predetermined area, 520 Roof part, 530 Dust cover, 540 Cooling fan installation part, 542 Screw receiving part

Claims

Claim 1 a first substrate unit; a second substrate unit having an exhaust port of a cooling fan, the gaming machine comprising: the first substrate unit includes a first substrate having a connector and a first substrate case covering the first substrate, and is disposed so as to face the exhaust port; a first opening for exposing the connector is formed in the first substrate case; a gaming machine in which the first opening is not disposed in a region of the first substrate case facing the exhaust port.

Images