Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of properly returning a movable body to its initial position.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a movable body (lower second movable body) that can move from its initial position to a first position in a first direction and from its initial position to a second position in a second direction different from the first direction, a detection unit that detects the movable body when the movable body is located at its initial position, and a processing device that performs return processing to return the movable body to its initial position by moving the movable body and stopping it at the position where the detection unit detects the movable body when the movable body is not detected by the detection unit. The movement amount of the movable body from its initial position to the first position is smaller than the movement amount of the movable body from its initial position to the second position. In the return processing, the processing device moves the movable body in the second direction. When the movable body is not detected by the detection unit while moving in the second direction, the processing unit moves the movable body in the first direction to return it to its initial position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Some gaming machines are equipped with a movable accessory including a movable body, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. The movable accessory is used in various performances. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-195975 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In gaming machines equipped with movable devices, it is desirable to return the movable body to its initial position normally.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can return a movable body to its initial position normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a movable body that is movable from an initial position to a first position in a first direction and that is movable from the initial position to a second position in a second direction different from the first direction; a detection unit that detects the movable body when the movable body is located at the initial position; and a processing device that performs a return process to return the movable body to its initial position by moving the movable body when the movable body is not detected by the detection unit and stopping the movable body at a position where it is detected by the detection unit, wherein the amount of movement of the movable body from the initial position to the first position is smaller than the amount of movement of the movable body from the initial position to the second position, and the processing device moves the movable body in the second direction in the return process, and if the movable body is not detected by the detection unit while moving in the second direction, moves the movable body in the first direction to return it to its initial position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to normally return the movable body to its initial position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] A front view of the large prize slot unit. [Figure 4] An oblique view of the large prize slot unit. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view of the large prize opening unit. [Figure 6] This is a part of a front view of the large prize slot unit. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the performance state of the movable prop. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the initial state of the movable prop. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a front view showing a different performance state of the movable prop from that shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a front view showing the initial state of the upper movable body unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the upper movable body unit in the completed state; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the initial state of the upper movable body unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear view showing the initial state of the upper movable body unit. [Figure 14] 10 is an enlarged rear view showing the upper movable body unit operating from the initial state. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear view showing the upper movable body unit in the completed state; [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the upper first movable body. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the upper third movable body. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an upper movable body unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the initial state of the lower movable body unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the lower movable body unit in a state where the lower movement is completed. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the state in which the lower movable body unit has completed its upward movement. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the initial state of the lower movable body unit. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear view showing the initial state of the lower movable body unit. [Figure 24] 10 is an enlarged rear view showing the lower movable body unit moving downward from the initial state. FIG. [Figure 25] 10 is an enlarged rear view showing the lower movable body unit moving upward from the initial state. FIG. [Figure 26] 10 is an enlarged rear view showing the state in which the lower movable body unit has completed its downward movement; FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear view showing the state in which the lower movable body unit has completed its upward movement. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the lower first movable body. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the lower second movable body. [Figure 30] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a first process performed by the processing device. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a second process performed by the processing device. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a third process performed by the processing device. [Figure 33] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a fourth process performed by the processing device. [Figure 34] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a fifth process performed by the processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0010] 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100. The gaming machine 100 includes a cabinet 102. The cabinet 102 includes a main frame and a front door that is supported on the main frame so that it can be opened and closed freely. A gaming board 104 is held in the main frame, and a transparent plate 110 is held in the front door. When the front door is closed relative to the main frame, the gaming board 104 and the transparent plate 110 face each other substantially parallel, maintaining a predetermined distance between them, and the gaming board 104 can be seen from the front side of the gaming machine 100 through the transparent plate 110.

[0011] 1, an operating handle 112 is provided at the bottom of the front door, protruding from the front side of the gaming machine 100. This operating handle 112 is provided so that it can be rotated by a player, and when a player rotates the operating handle 112 to perform a firing operation, a gaming ball is fired by a firing mechanism (not shown) with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 112.

[0012] 2 is a front view of the gaming board 104. An outer member 114, an inner member 116, and a rail 118 are provided on the front surface of the gaming board 104. The outer member 114 is made of a thin metal plate member, and extends from the bottom of the gaming board 104 toward the upper left near the periphery of the gaming board 104, and also extends from near the left side of the gaming board 104 toward above the gaming board 104 and near the center in the width direction.

[0013] The outer member 114 includes an uppermost portion 114a that is located at the uppermost position of the game board 104, and extends from this uppermost portion 114a to the right side of the game board 104 and vertically downward. The outer member 114 is gently curved as a whole, and the launched game ball is guided by the outer member 114 to the game area 120.

[0014] A through hole 104a is formed in the gaming board 104, and an inner member 116 standing on the front side of the gaming board 104 is provided above the through hole 104a. The inner member 116 is attached to the gaming board 104 and prevents gaming balls from falling out of the through hole 104a. A rail 118 is provided on the left side of the gaming board 104, closer to the inside of the gaming area 120 than the outer member 114.

[0015] The play area 120 is a space surrounded by the play board 104, the transparent plate 110, the outer member 114, and the inner member 116, and is an area in which game balls can flow down or roll. The play board 104 is provided with numerous nails and windmills, and game balls guided into the play area 120 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to flow down or roll in irregular directions.

[0016] The play area 120 includes a first play area 120a and a second play area 120b, which have different degrees of entry of game balls depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism. The first play area 120a is located on the left side of the play area 120 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second play area 120b is located on the right side of the play area 120 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100. Therefore, game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength will enter the first play area 120a, and game balls launched with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength will enter the second play area 120b.

[0017] The gaming area 120 is also provided with a general winning opening 130 and a starting opening 140 into which gaming balls can enter, and when a gaming ball enters the general winning opening 130 or the starting opening 140, a predetermined number of prize balls is paid out to the player. Note that any number of prize balls may be given as long as it is one or more, and the number of prize balls paid out from the general winning opening 130 and the starting opening 140 may be different or the same number of prize balls may be set.

[0018] A starting area is also provided within the starting hole 140. When a gaming ball enters the starting hole 140 and enters the starting area, a lottery is held to determine one of a plurality of pre-defined special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with various gaming benefits, such as whether or not a major winning game advantageous to the player can be executed and what kind of gaming state the subsequent game will be. Therefore, when a gaming ball enters the starting hole 140, the player not only acquires a predetermined prize ball, but also has the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various gaming benefits.

[0019] Furthermore, the game area 120 is provided with a special prize opening unit 200 and a normal symbol operating opening 150. When a game ball enters the normal symbol operating opening 150, a lottery is held to determine the normal symbol. Details of the special prize opening unit 200 will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In addition, at the bottom of the game area 120, there is provided an outlet 160 that discharges game balls that do not enter any of the general prize openings 130, the starting opening 140, or the large prize opening 210 from the game area 120 to the back side of the game board 104.

[0021] Next, the big prize opening unit 200 will be described. In this embodiment, when viewed from the front of the gaming machine 100, the near side (front side) in the depth direction of the gaming machine 100 is referred to as the near direction, and the far side (rear side) is referred to as the far direction. Also, when viewed from the front of the gaming machine 100, the right side in the width direction of the gaming machine 100 is referred to as the right direction, and the left side is referred to as the left direction. Also, when viewed from the front of the gaming machine 100, the upper side is referred to as the upward direction, and the lower side is referred to as the downward direction.

[0022] Figure 3 is a front view of the large prize opening unit 200. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the large prize opening unit 200. As shown in Figure 3, the large prize opening unit 200 comprises a main body 201, a large prize opening 210, a movable member 220, a rotating shaft 230, a drive device 240, and a contact portion 250.

[0023] The large prize opening 210 opens and closes as the movable member 220 moves. Normally, the movable member 220 closes the large prize opening 210, and it is in a closed state in which it is impossible or difficult for a gaming ball to enter the large prize opening 210. In contrast, when the above-mentioned large prize game is executed, the movable member 220 moves to an open state in which it is possible for a gaming ball to enter the large prize opening 210. When a gaming ball enters the large prize opening 210, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player.

[0024] The main body 201 is a component that constitutes the main part of the special prize opening unit 200. The main body 201 is provided in the gaming board 104, approximately in the center of the second game area 120b. The main body 201 has an internal space that houses various components of the special prize opening unit 200. For example, the main body 201 has an internal flow path through which game balls flowing down from above the special prize opening unit 200 to below the special prize opening unit 200. The main body 201 is made of a transparent or translucent resin material, and a player facing the gaming machine 100 can see the fate of the game balls flowing down inside. The front surface of the main body 201 may be decorated with decorations related to the gaming machine 100.

[0025] As described above, the movable member 220 opens and closes the large prize opening 210 by moving. The movable member 220 is pivotally supported on the main body 201 by a rotation shaft 230. The rotation shaft 230 is disposed so as to penetrate the movable member 220 in both the front and rear directions. The movable member 220 is rotatable around the rotation shaft 230.

[0026] 4, the movable member 220 has a rolling surface 222 on which the gaming ball can roll. The width D of the rolling surface 222 in the front and rear directions may be such that the gaming ball can roll without falling, and may be, for example, equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball. The rolling surface 222 extends from a tip end 223 that is farthest from the rotation shaft 230 to a base end 224 on the rotation shaft side.

[0027] In Figure 3, the movable member 220 is in a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 210. At this time, the rolling surface 222 faces the wall surface 260 of the large prize opening unit 200. More specifically, the rolling surface 222 and the wall surface 260 face each other substantially parallel, maintaining a predetermined distance between them. Here, the predetermined distance is smaller than the diameter of a game ball, and game balls flowing down from above the large prize opening unit 200 cannot enter the gap between the rolling surface 222 and the wall surface 260. Therefore, game balls flowing down from above the large prize opening unit 200 flow down below the large prize opening unit 200, as shown by the arrow in the figure, resulting in a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 210.

[0028] It should be noted that the predetermined distance between the rolling surface 222 and the wall surface 260 described above is not limited to a distance smaller than the diameter of a gaming ball. For example, the predetermined distance between the rolling surface 222 and the wall surface 260 may be equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball, as shown by the arrow in the figure, as long as it does not prevent the gaming ball from flowing downward from above the large prize opening unit 200. In this case, the gaming ball flowing downward from above the large prize opening unit 200 is in a closed state in which it is difficult for the gaming ball to enter the large prize opening 210. Hereinafter, the closed state in which it is impossible for the gaming ball to enter the large prize opening 210 and the closed state in which it is difficult for the gaming ball to enter the large prize opening 210 will be collectively referred to simply as the "closed state."

[0029] In Figure 4, the movable member 220 is in an open state that allows a gaming ball to enter the large prize opening 210. At this time, the rolling surface 222 is further away from the wall surface 260 than when it is in the closed state. More specifically, the tip 223 of the movable member 220 is further away from the wall surface 260 to the left. In addition, the rolling surface 222 is inclined from the upper left to the lower right. As a result, a gaming ball flowing down from above the large prize opening unit 200 rolls on the rolling surface 222 as shown by the arrow in the figure, and the large prize opening unit 200 is in an open state that allows the gaming ball to enter the large prize opening 210.

[0030] In the above-mentioned open state, the movable member 220 only needs to be arranged with an inclination such that game balls flowing down from above the large prize opening unit 200 fall onto the rolling surface 222 and roll toward the large prize opening 210, and the inclination angle of the rolling surface 222, the distance between the tip 223 and the wall surface 260, etc. are not particularly limited.

[0031] Furthermore, when the movable member 220 is in the open state, a gap V through which gaming balls can flow is formed between the tip portion 223 and the first flow path forming portion 202 of the main body 201. Here, the first flow path forming portion 202 is a wall surface on an extension of the rolling surface 222. The first flow path forming portion 202 faces the tip portion 223 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). Furthermore, the first flow path forming portion 202 extends in the up-down direction and faces the wall surface 260 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The gap V need only be large enough to allow gaming balls to flow down. For example, the size of the gap V may be equal to or larger than the size of one gaming ball. This prevents gaming balls from getting stuck between the movable member 220 and the first flow path forming portion 202 or between the movable member 220 and other wall surfaces of the main body 201 when the movable member 220 is in the open state or during transition between the open and closed states of the movable member 220.

[0032] On the other hand, because there is a gap V between the movable member 220 and the first flow path forming portion 202 that is large enough for one or more gaming balls, the player may feel uneasy that even though the special prize opening unit 200 is in the open state, the gaming ball will not enter the special prize opening 210 and will instead flow down the special prize opening unit 200 through the gap V. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment, the movable member 220 is provided with a protruding portion 225 that protrudes from the tip end 223 of the rolling surface 222 toward the gap V, i.e., toward the first flow path forming portion 202.

[0033] For example, the protrusion 225 is provided on the front surface of the movable member 220 and has a canopy or flange shape. The distance between the first flow path forming portion 202 and the tip of the protrusion 225 is formed to be less than the diameter of a gaming ball. The width of the protrusion 225 in the front and rear directions is smaller than the width of the rolling surface 222. A second flow path forming portion 203 is provided on the rear side of the movable member 220. The second flow path forming portion 203 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the first flow path forming portion 202 and the wall surface 260, and faces the movable member 220 with a small gap between them. The gap between the rolling surface 222 of the movable member 220 and the second flow path forming portion 203 is less than the diameter of a gaming ball, more specifically, smaller than the radius of the gaming ball. This allows the gaming ball rolling on the rolling surface 222 to be guided to the large prize opening 210 without falling off the rolling surface 222 to the rear side.

[0034] On the other hand, the distance between the second flow path forming portion 203 and the protruding portion 225, i.e., the distance between the surface of the protruding portion 225 facing the second flow path forming portion 203 and the second flow path forming portion 203, is equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball. The distance between the surface facing the second flow path forming portion 203 and the second flow path forming portion 203 is synonymous with the width of the gap V in the front and rear directions. Therefore, a gaming ball flowing down the first flow path forming portion 202 side of the tip end 223 of the rolling surface 222 can flow downward from the gap V on the rear side of the protruding portion 225.

[0035] Here, the protrusion 225 serves as a screen that prevents a player facing the gaming machine 100 from seeing the gap V through which gaming balls can flow between the tip portion 223, the first flow path forming portion 202, and the second flow path forming portion 203. A player facing the gaming machine 100 feels as if there is no gap V through which gaming balls can flow between the movable member 220 and the first flow path forming portion 202. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can prevent ball jamming and give the player a sense of security about gaming balls entering the special prize opening 210 when the special prize opening unit 200 is in the open state.

[0036] The driving device 240 is provided inside the main body 201. The driving device 240 rotates the rotating shaft 230 to rotate the movable member 220. For example, the driving device 240 only needs to be able to rotate the movable member 220 from the closed state to the open state described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the driving device 240 has a driving source 240a and a connection mechanism 240b that connects the driving source 240a and the movable member 220. In this embodiment, the driving source 240a is formed by a solenoid.

[0037] The abutment portion 250 is a protrusion provided on a wall surface 260 of the large prize opening unit 200. When the movable member 220 is in a closed state, the rolling surface 222 abuts against the abutment portion 250. The abutment portion 250 is provided on the wall surface 260 at a position corresponding to the tip end region R of the rolling surface 222. Here, the tip end region R is the region on the tip side of the center position between the tip end portion 223 and the base end portion 224 on the rolling surface 222.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the large prize opening unit 200. In particular, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section taken along line VV in FIG. 3, viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the abutting portion 250 abuts against the rolling surface 222 of the movable member 220. The width d in the front and rear directions of the portion of the abutting portion 250 that abuts against the movable member 220 is smaller than the width D of the rolling surface 222 in the front and rear directions. The width d of the abutting portion is preferably equal to or less than half the width D of the rolling surface 222. By making the width d of the abutting portion equal to or less than half the width D of the rolling surface 222, the area where the rolling surface 222 and the abutting portion 250 abut can be reduced, and dusting that occurs when they abut can be suppressed.

[0039] Furthermore, let us assume that the width d of contact between the abutment portion 250 and the rolling surface 222 is the same as the width D of the rolling surface 222. In other words, when the movable member 220 transitions from the open state to the closed state, the abutment portion 250 abuts the entire width D of the rolling surface 222. In this case, when the rolling surface 222 abuts against the abutment portion 250, the rolling surface 222 receives a reaction force from the abutment portion 250. Because this reaction force coincides with the direction in which the movable member 220 moves from the closed state to the open state, the movable member 220 rebounds in reaction, and it may take some time for the movable member 220 to reach the completely closed state. As a result, there is a possibility that an unintended prize may be won at the large prize opening 210.

[0040] In contrast, in this embodiment, because the width d of the abutting portion is smaller than the width D of the rolling surface 222, the movable member 220 transitions from the open state to the closed state, and when a portion of the rolling surface 222 abuts against the abutment portion 250, the movable member 220 tilts. Specifically, when the movable member 220 transitions from the open state to the closed state, and the rolling surface 222 abuts against the abutment portion 250, a force acts on the movable member 220 in the right direction in the figure. Meanwhile, a reaction force acts on the rear portion of the rolling surface 222 that abuts against the abutment portion 250 in the left direction in the figure. As a result, the movable member 220 tilts so that the portion of the movable member 220 on the front side of the abutment portion 250 is closer to the wall surface 260 than the abutment portion 250. This reduces the risk of the movable member 220 coming into an incompletely open state due to the reaction caused by contact with the contact portion 250, and prevents balls from entering the large prize opening 210 unintentionally.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a partial front view of the special prize opening unit 200. As shown in FIG. 6, a light-emitting element 270 is provided on the second flow path forming portion 203, which is the wall surface toward the back of the movable member 220, of the main body 201. The light-emitting element 270 is provided along the rolling surface 222 along which game balls flow when the movable member 220 is in the open state. A light diffusion structure (not shown) is provided on the front side of the light-emitting element 270 in the second flow path forming portion 203, which diffuses light emitted from the light-emitting element 270 throughout the entire flow path along which game balls flow in the movable member 220, causing the light to glow. In this case, the protrusion 225 may also be illuminated as if a flow path exists. Alternatively, the movable member 220 may be made of a translucent resin material so that the movable member 220 itself appears to be luminous. This allows the player to be alerted to the fact that a ball has entered the special prize opening 210 when the special prize opening unit 200 is in the open state.

[0042] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0043] The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine 100 described above. A game board 104 on which a game area 120 along which game balls flow down is formed; A prize opening (big prize opening 210) provided in the game area 120; a movable member 220 that can rotate about a rotation axis 230 from a closed state in which a rolling surface 222 on which the game ball can roll faces a wall surface 260, making it impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the winning opening (large prize opening 210), to an open state in which the rolling surface 222 is further away from the wall surface 260 than in the closed state, making it possible for the game ball to enter the winning opening (large prize opening 210); The rolling surface 222 is It extends from a tip end 223 that is the farthest from the rotary shaft 230 to a base end 224 on the rotary shaft 230 side, a distal end region R on the distal end side of the center position between the distal end portion 223 and the base end portion 224, The wall surface 260 is provided with an abutment portion 250 that abuts against the tip side region R of the rolling surface 222 when the movable member 220 is in the closed state, The width d of the contact portion 250 in the rotational axis direction may be smaller than the width D of the rolling surface 222 in the tip end region R in the rotational axis direction.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the movable member 220 rotates around the rotation axis 230 to open and close the large prize opening 210, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the movable member 220 may be provided at other prize openings such as the general prize opening 130, the starting opening 140, and the normal operation opening 150 provided in the game area 120, and the movable member 220 may be moved to open and close the other prize openings, i.e., the movable member 220 may be provided as a so-called normal electric device or electric chute.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a portion of the contact portion 250 is configured to contact the rolling surface 222 of the movable member 220, but the entire contact portion 250 may be configured to contact the rolling surface 222 of the movable member 220. In this case, the width of the contact portion 250 in the front and rear directions is smaller than the width D of the rolling surface 222, and is preferably equal to or less than half the width D of the rolling surface 222.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a protrusion is provided as the abutment portion 250 on the wall surface 260 facing the rolling surface 222 of the movable member 220. However, the abutment portion 250 may be formed by cutting out the wall surface 260. In this case, the wall surface 260 is positioned parallel to the rolling surface 222 of the movable member 220 in the closed state, and the entire surface of the rolling surface 222 is in contact with the wall surface 260, and the wall surface 260 is cut out from the front to the back. Specifically, the tip side region R of the movable member 220 is cut out so that only a portion of the rolling surface 222 in the back direction, equal to or less than half the width D, is in contact with the wall surface 260. Furthermore, the movable member 220 may further be provided with a flange that protrudes toward the cutout and conceals the movable member 220 from a player facing the gaming machine 100.

[0047] The movable accessories of the gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. In the drawings below, the upward, downward, leftward, and rightward directions when the gaming machine 100 is viewed from the player's side are indicated by "up," "down," "left," and "right," respectively, as in the above-described FIGS. 1 to 6. In addition, in some drawings, the front side of the gaming machine 100 is indicated by "front," and the rear side of the gaming machine 100 is indicated by "rear." The direction perpendicular to the upward and downward and leftward and rightward directions of the gaming machine 100 corresponds to the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100.

[0048] Figure 7 is a front view showing the performance state of the movable role. As shown in Figure 7, the gaming machine 100 is provided with an upper movable body unit U1 and a lower movable body unit U2 as movable role. The upper movable body unit U1 is located at the top of the gaming machine 100. The lower movable body unit U2 is located at the bottom of the gaming machine 100. The upper movable body unit U1 is located above the lower movable body unit U2.

[0049] The upper movable body unit U1 and the lower movable body unit U2 can operate independently of each other. In the gaming machine 100, the upper movable body unit U1 and the lower movable body unit U2 move according to the effects that are performed as the game progresses. Figure 7 shows the upper movable body unit U1 and the lower movable body unit U2 in a specific effect state in which a specific effect is being performed.

[0050] The upper movable body unit U1 includes an upper first movable body 300, an upper second movable body 400, and an upper third movable body 500. The upper first movable body 300, the upper second movable body 400, and the upper third movable body 500 are connected to each other and can move as a unit. Specifically, the upper first movable body 300 can move up and down by a motor M1 and a motor M2 provided in the cabinet of the gaming machine 100. As the upper first movable body 300 moves up and down, the entire upper movable body unit U1 moves up and down. Furthermore, the upper second movable body 400 and the upper third movable body 500 can move relative to the upper first movable body 300. Details of the upper movable body unit U1 will be described later.

[0051] The operations of the motors M1 and M2 are controlled by a processing device P1 provided within the housing of the gaming machine 100. The processing device P1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an arithmetic processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a memory element that stores programs used by the CPU, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a memory element that temporarily stores parameters that change as the CPU executes. Also provided within the housing of the gaming machine 100 are sensors S1 and S2 that are used in the process of returning the upper first movable body 300 to its initial position, which is performed by the processing device P1, and can detect the upper first movable body 300. Details of the process performed by the processing device P1 using the motors M1, M2, sensors S1, and S2 will be described later.

[0052] The lower movable body unit U2 includes a lower first movable body 600 and a lower second movable body 700. The lower first movable body 600 and the lower second movable body 700 are connected to each other and can move as a unit. Specifically, the lower first movable body 600 can move in the vertical direction by a motor M3 provided inside the cabinet of the gaming machine 100. As the lower first movable body 600 moves in the vertical direction, the entire lower movable body unit U2 moves in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the lower second movable body 700 can move relative to the lower first movable body 600. Details of the lower movable body unit U2 will be described later.

[0053] The operation of the motor M3 is controlled by a processing device P1 provided inside the housing of the gaming machine 100. Also provided inside the housing of the gaming machine 100 is a sensor S3 that is used in the process performed by the processing device P1 to return the lower first movable body 600 to its initial position and that can detect the lower first movable body 600. Details of the process performed by the processing device P1 will be described later.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a front view showing the initial state of the movable device. FIG. 8 shows the upper movable body unit U1 and the lower movable body unit U2 in the initial state where no effect is being performed. As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, a portion of the upper side of the upper movable body unit U1 is hidden behind the back of the gaming machine 100 housing, and only a portion of the upper third movable body 500 of the upper movable body unit U1 is exposed to the front. Also, in the initial state, a portion of the lower side of the lower movable body unit U2 is hidden behind the back of the gaming machine 100 housing, and only a portion of the lower second movable body 700 of the lower movable body unit U2 is exposed to the front. From the initial state of FIG. 8, the upper movable body unit U1 moves downward, the lower movable body unit U2 moves upward, and the movable bodies in each unit operate, resulting in the effect state shown in FIG. 7.

[0055] 9 is a front view showing a different performance state of the movable prop from that shown in FIG. 7. As described above, the upper first movable body 300 of the upper movable body unit U1 can be moved up and down by motors M1 and M2. More specifically, the left portion of the upper first movable body 300 and the right portion of the upper first movable body 300 can be moved up and down independently of each other. Specifically, the left portion of the upper first movable body 300 moves up and down by motor M1, and the right portion of the upper first movable body 300 moves up and down by motor M2.

[0056] Basically, as shown in Fig. 7, the vertical position of the left portion of the upper first movable body 300 and the vertical position of the right portion of the upper first movable body 300 match each other, and the upper first movable body 300 takes a posture extending in the left-right direction. However, as shown in Fig. 9, in certain situations, the vertical position of the left portion of the upper first movable body 300 and the vertical position of the right portion of the upper first movable body 300 may differ, and the upper first movable body 300 may take a posture tilted in the left-right direction.

[0057] The upper movable body unit U1 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a front view showing the initial state of the upper movable body unit U1. The initial state of Fig. 10 corresponds to the state of the upper movable body unit U1 when no performance is being performed (for example, in the state of Fig. 8).

[0059] The upper first movable body 300, the upper second movable body 400, and the upper third movable body 500 of the upper movable body unit U1 have a generally rectangular flat plate shape extending on a plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the gaming machine 100. In the upper movable body unit U1, the upper third movable body 500, the upper first movable body 300, and the upper second movable body 400 are lined up in this order from the front side.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 10, in the initial state, the upper first movable body 300, the upper second movable body 400, and the upper third movable body 500 largely overlap each other. Note that in Fig. 10, a portion of the upper third movable body 500 appears to protrude from the upper first movable body 300, but the upper second movable body 400 is hidden by the upper third movable body 500 and the upper first movable body 300 and is therefore not visible. In the initial state, the upper first movable body 300, the upper second movable body 400, and the upper third movable body 500 extend in the left-right direction.

[0061] 10 will be referred to as the initial position of the upper second movable body 400 relative to the upper first movable body 300. Also, the initial position of the upper third movable body 500 relative to the upper first movable body 300 will be referred to as the initial position of the upper third movable body 500.

[0062] Figure 11 is a front view showing the completed operation state of the upper movable body unit U1. The completed operation state of Figure 11 corresponds to the state of the upper movable body unit U1 when a performance is being performed (for example, under the conditions of Figure 7). As described above, the upper movable body unit U1 is operable so that each movable body moves relative to one another. The completed operation state of Figure 11 is a state in which the operation of the upper movable body unit U1 (the operation in which each movable body of the upper movable body unit U1 moves relative to one another) from the initial state of Figure 10 has been completed.

[0063] The upper second movable body 400 is movable in the up and down direction relative to the upper first movable body 300. As shown in Fig. 11, the upper second movable body 400 operates to move upward relative to the upper first movable body 300 from the initial state in Fig. 10.

[0064] Hereinafter, among the relative positions of the upper second movable body 400 with respect to the upper first movable body 300, the position in the operation completion state in FIG. 10 will also be particularly referred to as the operation completion position of the upper second movable body 400. The upper second movable body 400 cannot move downward relative to the upper first movable body 300 from the initial position in FIG. 10. In other words, the initial position in FIG. 10 is the position at the downward movement limit of the upper second movable body 400. Furthermore, the upper second movable body 400 cannot move upward relative to the upper first movable body 300 from the operation completion position in FIG. 11. In other words, the operation completion position in FIG. 11 is the position at the upward movement limit of the upper second movable body 400.

[0065] As will be described later, the upper third movable body 500 moves in conjunction with the movement of the upper second movable body 400. The upper third movable body 500 is rotatable relative to the upper first movable body 300, centering on the right end of the upper first movable body 300. As shown in Fig. 11, the upper third movable body 500 operates to rotate upward (i.e., clockwise when viewed from the front side) relative to the upper first movable body 300 from the initial state of Fig. 10.

[0066] Hereinafter, among the relative positions of the upper third movable body 500 with respect to the upper first movable body 300, the position in the operation completion state in FIG. 10 is also particularly referred to as the operation completion position of the upper third movable body 500. The upper third movable body 500 cannot move downward (i.e., counterclockwise when viewed from the front) relative to the upper first movable body 300 from the initial position in FIG. 10. In other words, the initial position in FIG. 10 is the position at the downward movement limit of the upper third movable body 500. Furthermore, the upper third movable body 500 cannot move upward relative to the upper first movable body 300 from the operation completion position in FIG. 11. In other words, the operation completion position in FIG. 11 is the position at the upward movement limit of the upper third movable body 500.

[0067] Fig. 12 is a rear view showing the upper movable body unit U1 in the initial state, that is, Fig. 12 is a view of the upper movable body unit U1 in Fig. 10 seen from the rear side.

[0068] 12, the upper first movable body 300 includes a flat main body 301 that forms most of the outer shape of the upper first movable body 300. Various designs are applied to the front surface of the main body 301, and the front surface of the main body 301 corresponds to the front surface of the upper first movable body 300. Most of the main body 301 is made of, for example, resin.

[0069] Moreover, the upper second movable body 400 includes a flat plate-shaped main body 401 that forms most of the outer shape of the upper second movable body 400. Various designs are applied to the front surface of the main body 401, and the front surface of the main body 401 corresponds to the front surface of the upper second movable body 400. Most of the main body 401 is formed from, for example, resin.

[0070] Moreover, the upper third movable body 500 includes a flat main body 501 that forms most of the outer shape of the upper third movable body 500. Various designs are applied to the front surface of the main body 501, and the front surface of the main body 501 corresponds to the front surface of the upper third movable body 500. A display unit such as a light-emitting unit that displays various images may be provided on the front surface of the main body 501. Most of the main body 501 is formed from, for example, resin.

[0071] In the upper movable body unit U1, the main body 501, the main body 301, and the main body 401 are arranged in this order from the front side. The main body 301, the main body 401, and the main body 501 are connected in a state in which they can move relatively to each other.

[0072] A cover portion 302 is provided on the back surface of the main body portion 301 of the upper first movable body 300. The cover portion 302 covers most of the back surface of the main body portion 301 (except for a portion of the left side of the back surface of the main body portion 301). In the initial state, the upper second movable body 400 is housed between the cover portion 302 and the main body portion 301. As will be described later, when the upper movable body unit U1 operates, the upper second movable body 400 moves upward from between the cover portion 302 and the main body portion 301 (see FIG. 15, which will be described later).

[0073] The upper first movable body 300 has a motor M4 and a power transmission mechanism T1 that transmits the power (specifically, rotational power) of the motor M4. The power transmission mechanism T1 includes a gear 303, a gear 304, and a gear 305. The motor M4, the gear 303, the gear 304, and the gear 305 are provided on the back surface of the main body 301 and are located between the cover part 302 and the main body 301. The central axes of the motor M4, the gear 303, the gear 304, and the gear 305 extend in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100.

[0074] Gear 303 is disposed coaxially with the output shaft of motor M4 and is directly connected to the output shaft. Teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 304 mesh with teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 303. Teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 305 mesh with teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 304. Therefore, the power output from motor M4 is transmitted from motor M4 to gear 303, from gear 303 to gear 304, and from gear 304 to gear 305.

[0075] The gear 305 is provided with a protruding portion 305a that protrudes radially outward from the gear 305. The protruding portion 305a protrudes radially outward from a portion of the outer periphery of the gear 305 where no teeth are formed. A protruding portion 305b that protrudes toward the front surface is provided at the tip of the protruding portion 305a. In the initial state of FIG. 12, the protruding portion 305a extends downward from the outer periphery of the gear 305. Therefore, the protruding portion 305b is located below the central axis of the gear 305.

[0076] The main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400 has an elongated hole 402 formed therein, which penetrates the main body 401 in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100 and extends in the left-right direction. The protrusion 305b of the gear 305 protrudes into the elongated hole 402. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 305b faces the inner surface of the elongated hole 402 in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100.

[0077] The main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the main body 301 of the upper first movable body 300. For example, the main body 401 is guided in the vertical direction by a guide portion 306 provided on the main body 301. The guide portion 306 is a columnar portion that protrudes from the rear surface of the main body 301 toward the rear side and extends in the vertical direction. A portion of the main body 401 is fitted into the guide portion 306, and the main body 401 is slidable in the vertical direction along the guide portion 306.

[0078] 12, when the motor M4 is driven, the power output from the motor M4 is transmitted to the gear 305, causing the gear 305 to rotate. Specifically, at this time, the gear 305 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear side. When the gear 305 rotates, the protrusion 305b of the gear 305 rotates around the central axis of the gear 305 and moves upward. As a result, the inner surface of the elongated hole portion 402 is pushed upward by the protrusion 305b of the gear 305, and the main body portion 401 of the upper second movable body 400 moves upward.

[0079] Here, the main body 301 of the upper first movable body 300 is provided with an elastic member 307 that urges the main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400 upward with an elastic force. The elastic member 307 is, for example, an expansion spring. The elastic member 307 is located between the cover part 302 and the main body 301, extends in the vertical direction, and is extensible in the vertical direction. The upper end of the elastic member 307 is fixed to the upper surface of the cover part 302. The lower end of the elastic member 307 is connected to a moving member 308 that is movable in the vertical direction. The moving member 308 is located between the cover part 302 and the main body 301, and is slidable in the vertical direction relative to the back surface of the main body 301.

[0080] In the initial state of FIG. 12 , the length of the elastic member 307 is longer than its natural length, and a tensile force acts on the elastic member 307 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the moving member 308 is pulled upward by the elastic member 307. In the initial state of FIG. 12 , the upper part of the moving member 308 is in contact with the lower part of the protrusion 403 of the upper second movable body 400. The protrusion 403 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400. Therefore, the protrusion 403 is pushed upward by the moving member 308. In this manner, the upper second movable body 400 is biased upward by the elastic force of the elastic member 307. The elastic force of the elastic member 307 is used as a force to assist the power of the motor M4 when the motor M4 is driven to move the upper second movable body 400 upward.

[0081] The operation of the motor M4 is controlled by the processing device P1 described above. Furthermore, a sensor S4 capable of detecting the upper second movable body 400 is provided on the rear surface of the main body 301 of the upper first movable body 300 and is used in the process of returning the upper second movable body 400 to its initial position, which is performed by the processing device P1. For example, the sensor S4 is provided on the rear surface of the main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400 and detects the lower end of a columnar portion 404 extending in the vertical direction. The columnar portion 404 is provided on the rear surface of the main body 301 of the upper first movable body 300 and moves in the vertical direction within a cylindrical portion 309 extending in the vertical direction. In the initial state of FIG. 12 , the sensor S4 can detect the lower end of the columnar portion 404. Details of the process performed by the processing device P1 using the motor M4 and the sensor S4 will be described later.

[0082] A shaft portion 502 that protrudes toward the rear side is provided on the right side of the rear surface of the main body portion 501 of the upper third movable body 500. The shaft portion 502 penetrates the right side of the main body portion 301 of the upper first movable body 300 in the front-to-rear direction. The main body portion 501 of the upper third movable body 500 is rotatable about the shaft portion 502 relative to the main body portion 301 of the upper first movable body 300. Furthermore, as will be described later, the main body portion 501 of the upper third movable body 500 moves in conjunction with the movement of the main body portion 401 of the upper second movable body 400.

[0083] As described above, the upper movable body unit U1 is provided with an elastic member 307 that urges the upper second movable body 400 upward with an elastic force. As a result, when the motor M4 is driven to move the upper second movable body 400 upward, the power of the motor M4 is assisted by the elastic force of the elastic member 307. However, since the elastic force of the elastic member 307 decreases as the upper second movable body 400 moves, there is a risk that the driving force for driving the upper second movable body 400 will be insufficient partway through the process of the upper second movable body 400 moving. Therefore, the upper movable body unit U1 has been devised to solve this problem. Such a devise will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0084] FIG. 13 is an enlarged rear view showing the initial state of the upper movable body unit U1. FIG. 14 is an enlarged rear view showing the upper movable body unit U1 operating from the initial state. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a protrusion 305c is provided on the rear surface of the gear 305. The protrusion 305c protrudes from the rear surface of the gear 305 toward the rear surface side. When viewed from the rear surface side, the protrusion 305c has a substantially arc-shaped form coaxial with the central axis of the gear 305. In detail, when viewed from the rear surface side, the protrusion 305c has a shape that combines an arc-shaped portion coaxial with the central axis of the gear 305 and circular portions provided at both ends of the arc-shaped portion.

[0085] 14, when the upper movable body unit U1 operates from the initial state, if the motor M4 is driven, the gear 303 rotates counterclockwise, the gear 304 rotates clockwise, and the gear 305 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear side. In other words, when viewed from the rear side, the counterclockwise rotation direction corresponds to the first rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the gear 305 when the upper second movable body 400 moves upward.

[0086] 13 and 14, the protruding portion 305c of the gear 305 has a first surface F11 facing the radially outer side of the gear 305 and a second surface F12 facing in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction (i.e., the clockwise rotation direction when viewed from the back side). When viewed from the back side, the first surface F11 has an arc shape coaxial with the central axis of the gear 305.

[0087] 13 and 14, a biasing member 310 that biases the gear 305 is provided on the main body 301 of the upper first movable body 300. A rotation axis C1 is provided on the base end (lower end) of the biasing member 310, and the biasing member 310 is rotatable around the rotation axis C1. For example, the rotation axis C1 protrudes from the front side from the biasing member 310, and is rotatably supported by the main body 301.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 13, in the initial state of the upper movable body unit U1, the tip of the biasing member 310 is in contact with the first surface F11 of the protrusion 305c of the gear 305. In other words, at least when the upper second movable body 400 is positioned in the initial position, the biasing member 310 is in contact with the first surface F11 of the protrusion 305c. Here, the biasing member 310 is biased in the clockwise direction when viewed from the rear side by the torsion spring 311. Therefore, the right surface of the tip of the biasing member 310 presses against the first surface F11 of the protrusion 305c.

[0089] After the motor M4 is driven and the upper movable body unit U1 starts operating, the biasing member 310 remains in contact with the first surface F11 of the protrusion 305c until the gear 305 rotates a predetermined angle. During this time, the orientation of the biasing member 310 does not change from the orientation shown in FIG. 13. Then, when the gear 305 rotates by a predetermined angle or more, as shown in FIG. 14, the biasing member 310 is released from contact with the first surface F11 of the protrusion 305c, and the biasing member 310 comes into contact with the second surface F12 of the protrusion 305c. As a result, the second surface F12 of the protrusion 305c is pressed in the first rotation direction (i.e., the counterclockwise rotation direction when viewed from the rear side) by the right surface of the tip of the biasing member 310.

[0090] Thereafter, the biasing member 310 follows the protrusion 305c while swinging due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 311, so that the biasing member 310 continues to press against the second surface F12. In other words, as the upper second movable body 400 moves upward, the biasing member 310 biases the gear 305 so that it moves away from the first surface F11 and presses against the second surface F12 in the first rotation direction. Here, the biasing member 310 is rotatable clockwise around the rotation axis C1 when viewed from the rear side. However, once it has rotated to the limit of movement position, a stopper (not shown) restricts the rotation of the biasing member 310 so as to prevent further rotation. Therefore, when the gear 305 further rotates from a state in which the biasing member 310 is in contact with the second surface F12 of the protrusion 305c, the biasing member 310 reaches the limit of movement position, and the biasing member 310 is released from contact with the second surface F12 of the protrusion 305c. When the biasing member 310 is located at the movable limit position, the right surface of the tip of the biasing member 310 is located on the orbit of the second surface F12 of the protrusion 305c. Therefore, after the contact between the biasing member 310 and the second surface F12 of the protrusion 305c is released, when the gear 305 rotates in the clockwise direction as viewed from the rear side, the biasing member 310 returns to a state in which it is in contact with the second surface F12 of the protrusion 305c.

[0091] As described above, the upper movable body unit U1 includes, in addition to the elastic member 307, the gear 305, which is a rotating body provided with the first surface F11 and the second surface F12, and the biasing member 310. The elastic member 307 biases the upper second movable body 400 by elastic force in a direction (upward in the above example) from the first position (initial position in the above example) to the second position (operation completion position in the above example). The first surface F11 faces the radial outside of the gear 305. The second surface F12 faces in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the gear 305 when the upper second movable body 400 moves from the first position to the second position. The biasing member 310 biases the gear 305 so that it contacts the first surface F11 at least when the upper second movable body 400 is located at the first position, and disengages from the first surface F11 and pushes the second surface F12 in the first rotation direction as the upper second movable body 400 moves from the first position toward the second position.

[0092] As a result, when the motor M4 is driven to move the upper second movable body 400 upward, the power of the motor M4 can be assisted by the biasing force of the biasing member 310 in addition to the elastic force of the elastic member 307. Here, when the upper second movable body 400 starts to move, the biasing member 310 is in contact with the first surface F11 and does not bias the gear 305 in the first rotation direction. On the other hand, the biasing member 310 comes into contact with the second surface F12 from the middle of the movement of the upper second movable body 400 and biases the gear 305 in the first rotation direction. Therefore, while the elastic force of the elastic member 307 decreases as the upper second movable body 400 moves, the power of the motor M4 can be assisted by the biasing force of the biasing member 310 from the middle of the movement of the upper second movable body 400. Therefore, a shortage of driving force for driving the upper second movable body 400 can be suppressed.

[0093] In particular, in the upper movable body unit U1, from the state in which the upper second movable body 400 is located at the first position until the gear 305 rotates a predetermined angle, the biasing member 310 remains in contact with the first surface F11, and the posture of the biasing member 310 does not change, and when the gear 305 rotates by more than the predetermined angle, the biasing member 310 is released from contact with the first surface F11, and the biasing member 310 comes into contact with the second surface F12, causing the biasing member 310 to swing and push the second surface F12 in the first rotation direction. As a result, when the motor M4 is driven to move the upper second movable body 400 upward, the power of the motor M4 is appropriately assisted by the biasing force of the biasing member 310 in addition to the elastic force of the elastic member 307. In particular, the biasing member 310 comes into contact with the second surface F12 midway through the process in which the upper second movable body 400 moves, and the gear 305 is appropriately biased in the first rotation direction.

[0094] 13 and 14, the device for suppressing a shortage of driving force for driving the movable body in the gaming machine 100 has been described. However, the device may be applied in a manner other than the above-mentioned example.

[0095] For example, in the above example, the movable body for which a shortage of driving force is suppressed is the upper second movable body 400 of the upper movable body unit U1. However, the movable body for which a shortage of driving force is suppressed may be any movable body that can move from a first position to a second position by the power of a motor, and may be a movable body of a unit other than the upper movable body unit U1. In this case, the movement path of the movable body is not limited, and the movable body may be capable of translational movement from the first position to the second position, rotational movement, or both translational movement and rotational movement.

[0096] In the above example, the first surface F11 and the second surface F12 are provided on the gear 305 of the power transmission mechanism T1, which includes three gears. However, the power transmission mechanism T1 only needs to include at least one rotating body, and any of the rotating bodies included in the power transmission mechanism T1 only needs to be provided with the first surface F11 and the second surface F12. For example, the number of gears may be one, two, or four or more.

[0097] In the above example, for example, the first surface F11 and the second surface F12 are formed as part of the outer surface of the protruding portion 305c of the gear 305. However, the shapes and positions of the first surface F11 and the second surface F12 are not limited to those in the above example. For example, at least one of the first surface F11 and the second surface F12 may be provided on a portion protruding from the gear 305 in a direction other than the rear side. For example, at least one of the first surface F11 and the second surface F12 may be provided on a portion recessed from the surface of the gear 305. For example, the first surface F11 does not have to be coaxial with the central axis of the gear 305. For example, at least one of the first surface F11 and the second surface F12 may have a partially or entirely flat shape.

[0098] 15 is an enlarged rear view showing the upper movable body unit U1 in a state where the operation of the upper movable body unit U1 is completed. That is, FIG. 15 is a view of the upper movable body unit U1 in FIG. 11 as seen from the rear side.

[0099] The main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400 moves upward as a result of driving the motor M4, and when the movement of the main body 401 is completed, the state reaches the operation completion state shown in FIG. 15 . As described above, the main body 501 of the upper third movable body 500 moves in conjunction with the movement of the main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400. Specifically, a shaft 503 that protrudes toward the rear side is provided on the left side of the rear surface of the main body 501 of the upper third movable body 500. The shaft 503 is engaged with an elongated hole 405 provided in the main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400 and is slidable along the elongated hole 405. Therefore, when the main body 401 of the upper second movable body 400 moves upward, the shaft 503 slides along the long hole 405, causing the main body 501 of the upper third movable body 500 to rotate counterclockwise around the shaft 502 relative to the main body 301 of the upper first movable body 300 when viewed from the rear side.

[0100] 15, only a portion of the long hole 405 near the bottom end penetrates the main body 401 in the front-rear direction, and the remaining portion of the long hole 405 is recessed only on the front side of the main body 401.

[0101] The upper movable body unit U1 is also provided with an elastic member 504 that assists the rotation of the main body 501 of the upper third movable body 500 when the main body 501 rotates from its initial position. The elastic member 504 is, for example, a return spring. One end of the elastic member 504 is connected to the main body 501 of the upper third movable body 500, and the other end of the elastic member 504 is connected to the main body 301 of the upper first movable body 300. In the initial state of FIG. 12 , the length of the elastic member 504 is shorter than its natural length, and a compressive force acts on the elastic member 504 in the vertical direction. When the main body 501 of the upper third movable body 500 rotates from its initial position, the elastic member 504 pushes upward a portion of the main body 501 to the left of the shaft 502. As a result, the rotation of the main body 501 is assisted by the elastic force of the elastic member 504.

[0102] As described above, in the upper movable body unit U1, the movable bodies overlapping in the front-to-rear direction move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. It is possible that the movable bodies may flap or sway in the front-to-rear direction, causing them to collide with each other in the front-to-rear direction. In such a case, the collision between the movable bodies may result in damage to the movable bodies or powdering, which may degrade the design. Therefore, the upper movable body unit U1 has been designed to solve this problem. Such a design will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0103] 16 is a front view showing the upper first movable body 300. As shown in FIG. 16, the upper first movable body 300 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 312. Each protrusion 312 protrudes from the front surface of the main body 301 of the upper first movable body 300 toward the front side. As described above, the upper third movable body 500 is disposed on the front side of the upper first movable body 300. Therefore, each protrusion 312 protrudes from the upper first movable body 300 toward the upper third movable body 500.

[0104] Each protrusion 312 faces the back surface of the upper third movable body 500 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, each protrusion 312 can come into contact with the back surface of the upper third movable body 500. Here, each protrusion 312 has an arc shape centered on the rotation center (i.e., the shaft portion 502) of the upper third movable body 500. As a result, when the upper third movable body 500 rotates relative to the upper first movable body 300 around the shaft portion 502, the protrusion 312 can stably guide the rotation of the upper third movable body 500 without interfering with the rotation of the upper third movable body 500.

[0105] FIG. 17 is a rear view showing the upper third movable body 500. As shown in FIG. 17, the upper third movable body 500 is provided with a plurality of application areas 505 on which a lubricant is applied. Note that the lubricant may be any material as long as it has the effect of reducing frictional resistance, and various materials may be used as the lubricant. Each application area 505 is disposed in a position on the upper third movable body 500 where it can come into contact with the protrusion 312 of the upper first movable body 300. Specifically, each application area 505 is disposed in a position on the rear surface of the main body 501 of the upper third movable body 500 where it can face the protrusion 312 in the front-rear direction. In the example of FIG. 17, each application area 505 has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the upper third movable body 500 (i.e., the shaft 502). The length of each application area 505 in the extension direction (the circumferential direction centered on the shaft 502) is longer than the corresponding protrusion 312. Furthermore, the length of each application region 505 in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the extending direction) is longer than that of the corresponding protrusion 312 .

[0106] As described above, the upper movable body unit U1 includes the upper first movable body 300, which is a first member, and the upper third movable body 500, which is a second member disposed on the front side of the first member and movable relative to the first member. The upper movable body unit U1 also includes a protrusion 312 that protrudes from the upper first movable body 300 toward the upper third movable body 500, and a lubricant-applied region 505 that is disposed in a position on the upper third movable body 500 where it can come into contact with the protrusion 312 and is applied with a lubricant. Even if the upper third movable body 500 swings back and forth relative to the upper first movable body 300, the movement of the upper third movable body 500 is suppressed by the protrusion 312, thereby preventing the movable bodies from strongly colliding with each other in the front and rear directions. Furthermore, the contact of the protrusion 312 with the application region 505 reduces the frictional force generated between the movable bodies, thereby suppressing the occurrence of powder dusting. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the design and malfunction of the gaming machine 100 due to dusting.

[0107] Above, with reference to Figures 16 and 17, we have explained the innovations applied to the upper movable body unit U1 to prevent a decline in the design of the gaming machine 100. However, the above innovations may be applied in forms other than the examples described above. Note that the above innovations are also applied to the lower movable body unit U2, as will be described later. Various variations of the above innovations will be explained together after explaining the above innovations for the lower movable body unit U2.

[0108] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the upper movable body unit U1. As shown in FIG. 18, a locking portion 506 is provided at the center of the upper portion of the upper third movable body 500 in the left-right direction. The locking portion 506 has a generally L-shaped configuration, extending from the rear surface of the upper third movable body 500 toward the rear surface and then bending downward. In the initial state shown in FIG. 18, the locking portion 506 is locked at the center of the upper portion of the upper first movable body 300 in the left-right direction. This allows the positional relationship between the upper first movable body 300 and the upper third movable body 500 to be appropriately restored to a desired positional relationship, for example, when the upper movable body unit U1 returns from the operation completion state to the initial state. Furthermore, the locking portion 506 prevents the upper first movable body 300 and the upper third movable body 500 from flapping against each other in the front-to-rear direction when the gaming machine 100 is transported.

[0109] Hereinafter, the lower movable body unit U2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0110] Fig. 19 is a front view showing the initial state of the lower movable body unit U2. The initial state of Fig. 19 corresponds to the state of the lower movable body unit U2 when no performance is being performed (for example, in the state of Fig. 8).

[0111] The lower first movable body 600 and the lower second movable body 700 of the lower movable body unit U2 have a generally rectangular flat plate shape extending on a plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the gaming machine 100. In the lower movable body unit U2, the lower second movable body 700 and the lower first movable body 600 are lined up in this order from the front side.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 19, in the initial state, the lower first movable body 600 and the lower second movable body 700 largely overlap each other. Note that in Fig. 19, a portion of the lower first movable body 600 appears to protrude from the lower second movable body 700. In the initial state, the lower first movable body 600 and the lower second movable body 700 extend in the left-right direction.

[0113] Hereinafter, among the relative positions of the lower second movable body 700 with respect to the lower first movable body 600, the position in the initial state in FIG.

[0114] Figure 20 is a front view showing the lower movable body unit U2 in the state where its downward movement is completed. Figure 21 is a front view showing the lower movable body unit U2 in the state where its upward movement is completed. Each movement completion state in Figures 20 and 21 corresponds to the state of the lower movable body unit U2 when a performance is being performed (for example, in the state of Figure 7).

[0115] In the lower movable body unit U2, the lower second movable body 700 can move in two different directions relative to the lower first movable body 600. Specifically, the lower second movable body 700 can rotate relative to the lower first movable body 600 around the left end of the lower first movable body 600. The downward movement completed state in FIG. 20 is a state in which the lower second movable body 700 has completed a downward movement in which it rotates downward (i.e., clockwise when viewed from the front) relative to the lower first movable body 600 from the initial state in FIG. 19. On the other hand, the upward movement completed state in FIG. 21 is a state in which the lower second movable body 700 has completed an upward movement in which it rotates upward (i.e., counterclockwise when viewed from the front) relative to the lower first movable body 600 from the initial state in FIG. 19.

[0116] Hereinafter, among the relative positions of the lower second movable body 700 with respect to the lower first movable body 600, the position in the downward movement completion state in Figure 20 will also be referred to particularly as the downward movement completion position of the lower second movable body 700. The lower second movable body 700 cannot move downward relative to the lower first movable body 600 beyond the downward movement completion position in Figure 20. In other words, the downward movement completion position in Figure 20 is the position at which the lower second movable body 700 can move downwardly.

[0117] Furthermore, hereinafter, the position of the lower second movable body 700 relative to the lower first movable body 600 in the upward movement completion state in Figure 21 will also be referred to as the upward movement completion position of the lower second movable body 700. The lower second movable body 700 cannot move upward relative to the lower first movable body 600 beyond the upward movement completion position in Figure 21. In other words, the upward movement completion position in Figure 21 is the limit position of the upward movement of the lower second movable body 700.

[0118] Fig. 22 is a rear view showing the initial state of the lower movable body unit U2, that is, Fig. 22 is a view of the lower movable body unit U2 of Fig. 19 seen from the rear side.

[0119] 22, the lower first movable body 600 includes a flat main body 601 that forms most of the outer shape of the lower first movable body 600. Various designs are applied to the front surface of the main body 601, and the front surface of the main body 601 corresponds to the front surface of the lower first movable body 600. Most of the main body 601 is made of, for example, resin.

[0120] The lower second movable body 700 also includes a flat main body 701 that forms most of the outer shape of the lower second movable body 700. Various designs are applied to the front surface of the main body 701, and the front surface of the main body 701 corresponds to the front surface of the lower second movable body 700. A display unit such as a light-emitting unit that displays various images may be provided on the front surface of the main body 701. Most of the main body 701 is formed from, for example, resin.

[0121] In the upper movable body unit U1, the main body 701 and the main body 601 are arranged in this order from the front side. The main body 601 and the main body 701 are connected in a state in which they can move relatively to each other.

[0122] A cover portion 602 is provided on the back surface of the main body portion 601 of the lower first movable body 600. The cover portion 602 covers most of the back surface of the main body portion 601 (except for a portion of the right side of the back surface of the main body portion 601). Here, the lower second movable body 700 includes a slide portion 800 housed between the cover portion 602 and the main body portion 601. The slide portion 800 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction. As will be described later, the slide portion 800 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the main body portion 601 of the lower first movable body 600. When the slide portion 800 moves relative to the main body portion 601 of the lower first movable body 600, the main body portion 701 of the lower second movable body 700 rotates in conjunction with the slide portion 800 relative to the main body portion 601 of the lower first movable body 600.

[0123] The lower first movable body 600 has a motor M5 and a power transmission mechanism T2 that transmits the power (specifically, rotational power) of the motor M5. The power transmission mechanism T2 includes a gear 603, a gear 604, a gear 605, a gear 606, and a gear 607. The motor M5, the gear 603, the gear 604, the gear 605, the gear 606, and the gear 607 are provided on the back surface of the main body 601 and are positioned between the cover part 602 and the main body 601. The central axes of the motor M5, the gear 603, the gear 604, the gear 605, the gear 606, and the gear 607 extend in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100.

[0124] Gear 603 is disposed coaxially with the output shaft of motor M5 and is directly connected to the output shaft. Teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 604 mesh with teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 603. Teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 605 mesh with teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 604. Teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 606 mesh with teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 605. Teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 607 mesh with teeth formed on the outer periphery of gear 606. Therefore, the power output from motor M5 is transmitted from motor M5 to gear 603, from gear 603 to gear 604, from gear 604 to gear 605, from gear 605 to gear 606, and from gear 606 to gear 607.

[0125] The gear 607 is connected to the sliding portion 800, and the sliding portion 800 slides up and down in accordance with the rotation of the gear 607. Details of the mechanism by which the gear 607 slides the sliding portion 800 will be described later.

[0126] The lower movable body unit U2 is provided with an elastic member 608 that urges the sliding portion 800 upward with an elastic force. The elastic member 608 is, for example, a retraction spring. One end of the elastic member 608 is connected to the upper left part of the main body portion 601 of the lower first movable body 600, and the other end of the elastic member 608 is connected to the lower left part of the sliding portion 800. The length of the elastic member 608 is longer than its natural length, and a tensile force acts on the elastic member 608 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the sliding portion 800 is pulled upward by the elastic member 608. As a result, in the initial state of FIG. 22, the sliding portion 800 is prevented from moving downward due to gravity.

[0127] A shaft 702 that protrudes toward the rear side is provided on the upper left part of the rear surface of the main body 701 of the lower second movable body 700. The shaft 702 penetrates the upper left part of the main body 601 of the lower first movable body 600 in the front-to-rear direction. The main body 701 of the lower second movable body 700 is rotatable around the shaft 702 relative to the main body 601 of the lower first movable body 600.

[0128] As described above, the main body 701 of the lower second movable body 700 moves in conjunction with the movement of the sliding part 800. Specifically, a shaft 703 that protrudes toward the rear side is provided on the upper left of the rear surface of the main body 701 of the lower second movable body 700. The shaft 703 is fitted into an elongated hole 801 provided on the upper part of the sliding part 800 and is able to slide along the elongated hole 801. The elongated hole 801 penetrates the sliding part 800 in the front-rear direction and extends in the left-right direction.

[0129] When motor M5 is driven and sliding portion 800 moves upward, shaft portion 703 slides along elongated hole portion 801, causing main body portion 701 of lower second movable body 700 to rotate clockwise as viewed from the rear surface around shaft portion 702 relative to main body portion 601 of lower first movable body 600. On the other hand, when motor M5 is driven and sliding portion 800 moves downward, shaft portion 703 slides along elongated hole portion 801, causing main body portion 701 of lower second movable body 700 to rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the rear surface around shaft portion 702 relative to main body portion 601 of lower first movable body 600.

[0130] The operation of the motor M5 is controlled by the processing device P1 described above. Furthermore, a sensor S5 is provided on the rear surface of the main body 601 of the lower first movable body 600. The sensor S5 is used in the process of returning the lower second movable body 700 to its initial position, which is performed by the processing device P1, and is capable of detecting the lower second movable body 700 (specifically, the sliding portion 800 included in the lower second movable body 700). For example, the sensor S5 detects a detection target portion 802 provided on the sliding portion 800. The detection target portion 802 protrudes to the left from the sliding portion 800 and moves vertically together with the sliding portion 800. In the initial state of FIG. 22 , the sensor S5 faces the detection target portion 802 and is capable of detecting the detection target portion 802. The process performed by the processing device P1 using the motor M5 and the sensor S5 will be described in detail below.

[0131] As described above, in the lower movable body unit U2, the lower second movable body 700 can move in two different directions relative to the lower first movable body 600. According to the lower movable body unit U2, improved design is achieved through the above-mentioned unique movement of the lower second movable body 700. Below, the ideas for achieving the above-mentioned unique movement of the lower second movable body 700 will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 25.

[0132] FIG. 23 is an enlarged rear view showing the initial state of the lower movable body unit U2. As shown in FIG. 23, a gear 607, which is a rotating body to which the power of the motor M5 is transmitted, rotates around a central axis 607a of the gear 607. The gear 607 is provided with a first protrusion 607b and a second protrusion 607c. The first protrusion 607b and the second protrusion 607c protrude from the gear 607 in the axial direction of the gear 607. Specifically, the first protrusion 607b and the second protrusion 607c protrude from the gear 607 toward the front side. Note that in FIG. 23, the first protrusion 607b and the second protrusion 607c are shown through the gear 607. The first protrusion 607b and the second protrusion 607c have, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0133] The first protrusion 607b and the second protrusion 607c are disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis 607a. Furthermore, the first protrusion 607b and the second protrusion 607c are disposed at different positions in the circumferential direction of the gear 607. Specifically, the first protrusion 607b and the second protrusion 607c are disposed 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the gear 607. Furthermore, the distance between the first protrusion 607b and the central axis 607a is approximately equal to the distance between the second protrusion 607c and the central axis 607a.

[0134] The center position of the sliding portion 800 in the left-right direction substantially coincides with the position of the central axis 607a of the gear 607 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the back surface of the sliding portion 800 faces the front surface of the gear 607 in the front-rear direction. The sliding portion 800 is provided with a groove forming portion 803. In FIG. 23, the outline of the groove forming portion 803 is shown with a thick line. Note that in FIG. 23, the groove forming portion 803 is shown through the gear 607. The groove forming portion 803 protrudes from the back surface of the sliding portion 800 toward the back side. The groove forming portion 803 forms a first groove portion 804 and a second groove portion 805. The first groove portion 804 is located above the second groove portion 805.

[0135] The first groove portion 804 is formed in the upper part of the groove forming portion 803, recessed from the left surface of the groove forming portion 803 toward the right. The first groove portion 804 extends in the left-right direction. Of the inner surfaces of the first groove portion 804, the surface located on the upper side and facing downward corresponds to the first surface F21. The first surface F21 extends on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. Of the inner surfaces of the first groove portion 804, the surface located on the lower side and facing upward corresponds to the second surface F22. The second surface F22 extends on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0136] The second groove portion 805 is formed in the lower part of the groove forming portion 803, recessed from the left surface of the groove forming portion 803 toward the right. The second groove portion 805 extends in the left-right direction. Of the inner surfaces of the second groove portion 805, the surface located on the upper side and facing downward corresponds to the third surface F23. The third surface F23 extends on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. Of the inner surfaces of the second groove portion 805, the surface located on the lower side and facing upward corresponds to the fourth surface F24. The fourth surface F24 extends on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0137] 23, the first protrusion 607b of the gear 607 is located at the left end of the first groove 804 when viewed from the rear side. In this state, the first protrusion 607b faces the first surface F21 and the second surface F22 in the vertical direction. Note that the first protrusion 607b may be in contact with either the first surface F21 or the second surface F22.

[0138] 23, the second protrusion 607c of the gear 607 is located at the left end of the second groove 805 when viewed from the rear side. In this case, the second protrusion 607c faces the third surface F23 and the fourth surface F24 in the up-down direction. Note that the second protrusion 607c may be in contact with either the third surface F23 or the fourth surface F24.

[0139] 23, first protrusion 607b is positioned almost directly above central axis 607a, and second protrusion 607c is positioned almost directly below central axis 607a. Therefore, even if downward gravity acting on sliding portion 800 is transmitted to gear 607 via first protrusion 607b or second protrusion 607c, rotation of gear 607 due to gravity is suppressed.

[0140] Figure 24 is an enlarged rear view showing the state in which the lower movable body unit U2 moves downward from the initial state. As shown in Figure 24, when the lower movable body unit U2 moves downward from the initial state, the motor M5 is driven so that the gear 607 rotates clockwise as viewed from the rear side. In other words, if the rotation angle of the gear 607 in the initial state of Figure 23 is taken as the initial angle, when the downward movement of Figure 24 is performed, the rotation angle of the gear 607 is in a first region on the first rotation direction side (specifically, the clockwise direction as viewed from the rear side) of the initial angle.

[0141] 24, when the rotation angle of gear 607 is in the first region, first protrusion 607b of gear 607 is located inside first groove portion 804 when viewed from the rear side. On the other hand, second protrusion 607c of gear 607 is removed from the inside of second groove portion 805 and is located outside second groove portion 805 when viewed from the rear side. When gear 607 rotates in this state, first protrusion 607b pushes groove forming portion 803 in the vertical direction, causing it to move.

[0142] 24, when the gear 607 rotates in a first rotation direction (i.e., clockwise when viewed from the rear side), the first protrusion 607b presses the second surface F22 downward, which is a first translation direction, and the sliding portion 800 moves downward together with the groove forming portion 803. On the other hand, when the gear 607 rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction (i.e., counterclockwise when viewed from the rear side), the first protrusion 607b presses the first surface F21 upward, which is a second translation direction opposite to the first translation direction, and the sliding portion 800 moves upward together with the groove forming portion 803.

[0143] When the lower movable body unit U2 has completed its downward movement, the second protrusion 607c is positioned almost directly above the central axis 607a, and the first protrusion 607b is positioned almost directly below the central axis 607a. Therefore, even if downward gravity acting on the sliding portion 800 is transmitted to the gear 607 via the first protrusion 607b, the rotation of the gear 607 due to the gravity is suppressed.

[0144] Figure 25 is an enlarged rear view showing the state in which the lower movable body unit U2 moves upward from the initial state. As shown in Figure 25, when the lower movable body unit U2 moves upward from the initial state, the motor M5 is driven so that the gear 607 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the rear side. In other words, if the rotation angle of the gear 607 in the initial state of Figure 23 is taken as the initial angle, when the upward movement of Figure 25 is performed, the rotation angle of the gear 607 is in a second region on the side of a second rotation direction (specifically, a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the rear side) opposite to the first rotation direction relative to the initial angle.

[0145] 25, when the rotation angle of gear 607 is in the second region, second protrusion 607c of gear 607 is located inside second groove 805 when viewed from the rear side. On the other hand, first protrusion 607b of gear 607 is removed from the inside of first groove 804 and is located outside first groove 804 when viewed from the rear side. When gear 607 rotates in this state, second protrusion 607c pushes groove forming portion 803 in the vertical direction, causing it to move.

[0146] 25, when the gear 607 rotates in the second rotation direction (i.e., counterclockwise when viewed from the rear side), the second protrusion 607c presses the third surface F23 upward, which is the second translation direction, and the sliding portion 800 moves upward together with the groove forming portion 803. On the other hand, when the gear 607 rotates in the first rotation direction (i.e., clockwise when viewed from the rear side), the second protrusion 607c presses the fourth surface F24 downward, which is the second translation direction, and the sliding portion 800 moves downward together with the groove forming portion 803.

[0147] When the upper movement of the lower movable body unit U2 is completed, the second protrusion 607c is positioned almost directly above the central axis 607a, and the first protrusion 607b is positioned almost directly below the central axis 607a. Therefore, even if downward gravity acting on the sliding part 800 is transmitted to the gear 607 via the first protrusion 607b, the rotation of the gear 607 due to the gravity is suppressed.

[0148] As described above, the lower movable body unit U2 includes the gear 607, which is a rotating body to which the power of the motor M5 is transmitted, and the slide portion 800. The gear 607 is provided with a first protrusion 607b and a second protrusion 607c that protrude in the axial direction of the gear 607. When the rotation angle of the gear 607 is in a first region on the first rotation direction side (clockwise as viewed from the rear side in the above example) relative to the initial angle, the slide portion 800 is pushed by the first protrusion 607b in a first translation direction (downward in the above example) when the gear 607 rotates in the first rotation direction, and is pushed by the first protrusion 607b in a second translation direction (upward in the above example) opposite to the first translation direction when the gear 607 rotates in a second rotation direction (counterclockwise as viewed from the rear side in the above example) opposite to the first rotation direction. Furthermore, when the rotation angle of the gear 607 is in a second region on the second rotation direction side of the initial angle, the sliding portion 800 is pushed in the second translation direction by the second protrusion 607c and moves when the gear 607 rotates in the second rotation direction, and when the gear 607 rotates in the first rotation direction, the sliding portion 800 is pushed in the first translation direction by the second protrusion 607c and moves. The lower second movable body 700 can move in two different directions from the initial position as the sliding portion 800 moves.

[0149] As a result, in the lower movable body unit U2, the sliding portion 800 slides up and down in accordance with the rotation of the gear 607, thereby appropriately enabling the lower second movable body 700 to move in two different directions relative to the lower first movable body 600. This unique movement of the lower second movable body 700 can improve the design.

[0150] 23 to 25, the device for improving the design by the unique movement of the movable body (in the above example, the lower second movable body 700) has been described. However, the device may be applied in a manner other than the above example.

[0151] For example, in the above example, the movable body interlocked with the sliding portion 800 is the lower second movable body 700 of the lower movable body unit U2. However, the movable body interlocked with the sliding portion 800 may be a movable body of a unit other than the lower movable body unit U2, as long as it is a movable body that can move in two different directions from the initial position in conjunction with the movement of the sliding portion 800. In this case, the movement path of the movable body is not limited, and the movable body may be capable of translational movement in two different directions from the initial position, may be capable of rotational movement, or may be capable of both translational movement and rotational movement.

[0152] In addition, for example, in the above example, the sliding portion 800 and the main body portion 701 of the lower second movable body 700 are separate members. However, the main body portion of the movable body that moves in conjunction with the sliding portion 800 may be formed integrally with the sliding portion 800.

[0153] In addition, for example, in the above example, the first protrusion 607b and the second protrusion 607c are provided on the gear 607 of the power transmission mechanism T2 including five gears. However, the power transmission mechanism T2 only needs to include at least one rotating body, and the number of gears may be, for example, one, two, three, four, six or more.

[0154] Also, for example, in the above description, an example has been described in which the first surface F21 and the second surface F22 pressed by the first protrusion 607b, and the third surface F23 and the fourth surface F24 pressed by the second protrusion 607c are provided on the groove forming portion 803. However, it is sufficient that at least the first surface F21, the second surface F22, the third surface F23, and the fourth surface F24 are formed on the sliding portion 800, and the overall shape of the portion forming each surface is not limited to the above example.

[0155] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of first protrusion 607b and second protrusion 607c is not limited to the above example. For example, first protrusion 607b and second protrusion 607c may be arranged with an angle offset other than 180°. Furthermore, the distance between first protrusion 607b and central axis 607a may be different from the distance between second protrusion 607c and central axis 607a.

[0156] Figure 26 is an enlarged rear view showing the state in which the lower movable body unit U2 has completed its downward movement. In other words, Figure 26 is a view of the lower movable body unit U2 of Figure 20 as seen from the rear side. As shown in Figure 26, when the lower movable body unit U2 moves downward from the initial state of Figure 22, the motor M5 is driven, the gear 607 rotates clockwise when seen from the rear side, and the slide portion 800 moves downward, causing the main body portion 701 of the lower second movable body 700 to rotate downward.

[0157] Figure 27 is an enlarged rear view showing the state in which the lower movable body unit U2 has completed its upward movement. In other words, Figure 27 is a view of the lower movable body unit U2 of Figure 21 as seen from the rear side. As shown in Figure 27, when the lower movable body unit U2 moves upward from the initial state of Figure 22, the motor M5 is driven, the gear 607 rotates counterclockwise when seen from the rear side, and the slide portion 800 moves upward, causing the main body portion 701 of the lower second movable body 700 to rotate upward.

[0158] As described above, in the lower movable body unit U2, the movable bodies overlapping in the front-to-rear direction move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. It is possible that the movable bodies may flap or sway in the front-to-rear direction, causing them to collide with each other in the front-to-rear direction. In such a case, the collision between the movable bodies may cause damage or powdering of the movable bodies, which may degrade the design. Therefore, the lower movable body unit U2 has been designed to solve this problem. Such a design will be described below with reference to Figures 28 and 29.

[0159] 28 is a front view showing the lower first movable body 600. As shown in FIG. 28, the lower first movable body 600 is provided with a protrusion 609. The protrusion 609 protrudes from the front surface of the main body 601 of the lower first movable body 600 toward the front side. As described above, the lower second movable body 700 is disposed on the front side of the lower first movable body 600. Therefore, the protrusion 609 protrudes from the lower first movable body 600 toward the lower second movable body 700.

[0160] The protrusion 609 faces the back surface of the lower second movable body 700 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the protrusion 609 can come into contact with the back surface of the lower second movable body 700. Here, the protrusion 609 has an arc shape centered on the rotation center (i.e., the shaft 702) of the lower second movable body 700. As a result, when the lower second movable body 700 rotates relative to the lower first movable body 600 around the shaft 702, the protrusion 609 can stably guide the rotation of the lower second movable body 700 without interfering with the rotation of the lower second movable body 700.

[0161] FIG. 29 is a rear view showing the lower second movable body 700. As shown in FIG. 29, the lower second movable body 700 is provided with a coating area 704 on which a lubricant is coated. The lubricant may be any material as long as it has the effect of reducing frictional resistance, and various materials may be used as the lubricant. The coating area 704 is disposed in a position on the lower second movable body 700 where it can come into contact with the protrusion 609 of the lower first movable body 600. Specifically, the coating area 704 is disposed in a position on the rear surface of the main body 701 of the lower second movable body 700 where it can face the protrusion 609 in the front-rear direction. In the example of FIG. 29, the coating area 704 has an arc shape centered on the center of rotation of the lower second movable body 700 (i.e., the shaft 702). The length of the coating area 704 in the extension direction (the circumferential direction centered on the shaft 702) is longer than that of the protrusion 609. Furthermore, the length of the application area 704 in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the extending direction) is longer than that of the protrusion 609 .

[0162] The lower second movable body 700 is also provided with an indicator 705 that indicates the position of the application region 704. Specifically, the indicator 705 is two grooves recessed from the back surface to the front surface of the main body 701 of the lower second movable body 700. More specifically, each of the two grooves corresponding to the indicator 705 has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the lower second movable body 700 (i.e., the shaft 702). One groove extends along the arc-shaped boundary line of the arc-shaped application region 704 on the shaft 702 side (i.e., the upper left side). The other groove extends along the arc-shaped boundary line of the arc-shaped application region 704 on the opposite side from the shaft 702 (i.e., the lower right side). The indicator 705 serves as a guide (guide) when applying lubricant to the application region 704 during the process of manufacturing the lower second movable body 700. That is, application area 704 can be easily formed at a desired position by applying lubricant to the area indicated by indicator 705. Furthermore, by using a groove as indicator 705, excess lubricant applied to application area 704 is contained within the groove, which prevents the excess lubricant from forming an unnecessary protrusion on the back surface of main body 701.

[0163] As described above, the lower movable body unit U2 includes the lower first movable body 600, which is a first member, and the lower second movable body 700, which is a second member disposed on the front side of the first member and movable relative to the first member. The lower movable body unit U2 also includes a protrusion 609 that protrudes from the lower first movable body 600 toward the lower second movable body 700, and a lubricant-applied region 704 that is disposed in a position on the lower second movable body 700 where it can come into contact with the protrusion 609 and is applied with a lubricant. Even if the lower second movable body 700 swings back and forth relative to the lower first movable body 600, the protrusion 609 restricts the movement of the lower second movable body 700, preventing the movable bodies from strongly colliding with each other in the front and rear directions. Furthermore, the contact of the protrusion 609 with the application region 704 reduces the frictional force generated between the movable bodies, thereby preventing dusting. This reduces degradation of the design.

[0164] In particular, in the lower movable body unit U2, the lower second movable body 700 is provided with an indicator 705 that indicates the position of the application area 704. This serves as a guide (guide) when applying lubricant to the application area 704 in the process of making the lower second movable body 700, so that by applying lubricant to the area indicated by the indicator 705, the application area 704 can be easily formed in the desired position.

[0165] 16 and 17, we have described the innovations applied to the upper movable body unit U1 to prevent a decrease in the design of the gaming machine 100, and we have described the innovations applied to the lower movable body unit U2 to prevent a decrease in the design of the gaming machine 100 with reference to Figures 28 and 29. However, the innovations described above may be applied in modes other than the examples described above.

[0166] 16 and 17, the number and arrangement of protrusions 312 on upper first movable body 300 may be changed, in which case the number and arrangement of application areas 505 on upper third movable body 500 may also be changed appropriately to match protrusions 312. Also, the number and arrangement of protrusions 609 on lower first movable body 600 may be changed, in which case the number and arrangement of application areas 704 on lower second movable body 700 may also be changed appropriately to match protrusions 609.

[0167] 16 and 17, for example, of the upper first movable body 300, which is the first member, and the upper third movable body 500, which is the second member, a protrusion 312 protrudes from the upper first movable body 300, and an application area 505 is provided on the upper third movable body 500. Also, in the example of FIGS. 28 and 29, of the lower first movable body 600, which is the first member, and the lower second movable body 700, which is the second member, a protrusion 609 protrudes from the lower first movable body 600, and an application area 704 is provided on the lower second movable body 700. However, a protrusion may protrude from the second member toward the first member, or an application area may be provided on the first member. In that case, a pointer may be provided on the first member. In other words, the protrusion may protrude from one of the first and second members toward the other of the first and second members, and the application area may be positioned in a position on the other member where it can come into contact with the protrusion.

[0168] Furthermore, for example, the protrusion and application area may be provided on a movable body unit different from the upper movable body unit U1 and the lower movable body unit U2. In this case, the relative movement path of the second member with respect to the first member is not limited, and the second member may be capable of translational movement, rotational movement, or both translational movement and rotational movement.

[0169] Hereinafter, the processing performed by the processing device P1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0170] As described above, the motors M1 to M5 are provided in the gaming machine 100 to operate the respective movable bodies. The processing device P1 drives the motors M1 to M5 to move the respective movable bodies, thereby enabling various effects to be produced.

[0171] For example, the processing device P1 can move the upper first movable body 300 (and thus the entire upper movable body unit U1) in the vertical direction by driving motors M1 and M2. Also, for example, the processing device P1 can move the lower first movable body 600 (and thus the entire lower movable body unit U2) in the vertical direction by driving motor M3. Also, for example, the processing device P1 can move the upper second movable body 400 of the upper movable body unit U1 in the vertical direction by driving motor M4. Also, for example, the processing device P1 can move the lower second movable body 700 of the lower movable body unit U2 in the vertical direction by driving motor M5.

[0172] The gaming machine 100 is also provided with sensors S1 to S5 for performing a return process to return each movable body to its initial position. Each of these sensors corresponds to a detection unit that detects the movable body when it is located at its initial position. The processing device P1 can perform the return process for each movable body by utilizing the detection results of the sensors S1 to S5. For example, the processing device P1 performs the return process in a state where a movable body is not detected by a sensor corresponding to the movable body even though it is expected that the movable body is located at its initial position. In the return process, the processing device P1 moves the movable body and stops the movable body at the position where the sensor corresponding to the movable body detects the movable body, thereby returning the movable body to its initial position.

[0173] For example, the initial position of the vertical position of the left portion of the upper first movable body 300 (hereinafter also referred to as the left position of the upper first movable body 300) is the upper limit position of the movable range of the left portion of the upper first movable body 300. In the process of returning the left position of the upper first movable body 300 to the left position, the processing device P1 moves the left portion of the upper first movable body 300 downward once and then upward, and stops the upper first movable body 300 at the position where the upper first movable body 300 is detected by the sensor S1, thereby returning the left position of the upper first movable body 300 to the initial position.

[0174] Furthermore, for example, the initial position of the vertical position of the right portion of the upper first movable body 300 (hereinafter also referred to as the right position of the upper first movable body 300) is the upper limit position of the movable range of the right portion of the upper first movable body 300. In the process of returning the right position of the upper first movable body 300 to the initial position, the processing device P1 moves the right portion of the upper first movable body 300 downward once and then upward, and stops the upper first movable body 300 at the position where the upper first movable body 300 is detected by the sensor S2, thereby returning the right position of the upper first movable body 300 to the initial position.

[0175] Also, for example, the initial position of the lower first movable body 600 is the lower limit position of the movable range of the lower first movable body 600. In the return process of the lower first movable body 600, the processing device P1 moves the lower first movable body 600 upward once and then downward, and stops the lower first movable body 600 at the position where the lower first movable body 600 is detected by the sensor S3, thereby returning the lower first movable body 600 to the initial position.

[0176] The return process of the upper second movable body 400 and the return process of the lower second movable body 700 will be described in detail later.

[0177] The processing device P1 can execute various processes that are devised to operate the movable body normally as intended. Hereinafter, the first to fifth processes, which are such processes, will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 34. In the following description, "drive," "operate," and "move" refer to applying an excitation pattern for operation to rotate the motor to move the movable body, and "excitation" is used to refer to applying a holding excitation pattern that applies a holding force to prevent the motor from rotating and the position of the movable body from moving. Examples of holding excitation patterns include a pattern that applies excitation to all layers of the motor's excitation layers, and a pattern that continues to apply excitation to a specific layer (or multiple layers).

[0178] FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first process performed by the processing device P1.

[0179] When the processing flow shown in FIG. 30 starts, in step S101, the processing device P1 determines whether or not there is a request to operate the upper first movable body 300 of the upper movable body unit U1.

[0180] If it is determined that there is no request to operate the upper first movable body 300 (step S101 / NO), the processing flow shown in Fig. 30 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a request to operate the upper first movable body 300 (step S101 / YES), the processing proceeds to step S102.

[0181] In step S102, the processing device P1 starts excitation of the motor M4 for actuating the upper second movable body 400 of the upper movable body unit U1.

[0182] Next, in step S103, the processing device P1 drives the motor M1 and the motor M2 to operate the upper first movable body 300 of the upper movable body unit U1.

[0183] Next, after the operation of the upper first movable body 300 is completed, in step S104, the processing device P1 terminates the excitation of the motor M4 for operating the upper second movable body 400 of the upper movable body unit U1, and the processing flow shown in Figure 30 ends.

[0184] As described above, in the first process, when operating a first movable body (in the above example, the upper first movable body 300), the processing device P1 maintains excitation of a motor (in the above example, the motor M4) for operating a second movable body (in the above example, the upper second movable body 400) that is movable relative to the first movable body. Here, if the motor is not excited when operating the first movable body, there is a risk that the relative position of the second movable body with respect to the first movable body will shift. Therefore, by maintaining excitation of the motor when operating the first movable body, it is possible to prevent the relative position of the second movable body with respect to the first movable body from shifting.

[0185] In the above, an example has been described in which the first process for suppressing changes in the positional relationship between the movable bodies is applied to the upper movable body unit U1. However, such a first process may also be applied to a unit other than the upper movable body unit U1, for example, to the lower movable body unit U2. In that case, when operating the lower first movable body 600 as the first movable body, the processing device P1 maintains excitation of the motor M5 for operating the lower second movable body 700 as the second movable body.

[0186] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second process performed by the processing device P1.

[0187] When the processing flow shown in FIG. 31 starts, in step S201, the processing device P1 determines whether or not there is a request to operate the upper first movable body 300 by only one of the motor M1 and the motor M2.

[0188] If it is determined that there is no operation request (step S201 / NO), the process flow shown in Fig. 31 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an operation request (step S201 / YES), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0189] In step S202, the processing device P1 starts excitation of the motor M1 or the motor M2 that is not used to operate the upper first movable body 300.

[0190] For example, when only the motor M1 is used to operate the upper first movable body 300, the processing device P1 starts exciting the motor M2 in step S202. On the other hand, when only the motor M2 is used to operate the upper first movable body 300, the processing device P1 starts exciting the motor M1 in step S202.

[0191] Next, in step S203, the processing device P1 operates the upper first movable body 300 of the upper movable body unit U1. In this case, the processing device P1 drives only one of the motors M1 and M2 to move only one of the left and right positions of the upper movable body unit U1.

[0192] For example, if only motor M1 is used to operate the upper first movable body 300, in step S203 the processing device P1 drives only motor M1 to move only the left position of the upper movable body unit U1. On the other hand, if only motor M2 is used to operate the upper first movable body 300, in step S203 the processing device P1 drives only motor M2 to move only the right position of the upper movable body unit U1.

[0193] Next, after the operation of the upper first movable body 300 is completed, in step S204, the processing device P1 ends the excitation of the motor M1 or the motor M2 that is not used to operate the upper first movable body 300, and the processing flow shown in Fig. 31 ends. In step S204, the processing device P1 ends the excitation of the motor M1 or the motor M2 that started to be excited in step S202.

[0194] As described above, in the second process, when the processing device P1 operates the movable body using only one of the motor (motor M1 in the above example) for operating the first part of the movable body (the upper first movable body 300 in the above example) and the motor (motor M2 in the above example) for operating the second part of the movable body, the processing device P1 maintains excitation of the motor not used to operate the movable body. Here, if the motor not used to operate the movable body is not excited when operating the movable body using only one of the two motors, there is a risk that the motor not used to operate the movable body will lose synchronism the next time it is operated due to a positional shift of the movable body, etc. Therefore, by maintaining excitation of the motor not used to operate the movable body when operating the movable body using only one of the two motors, it is possible to prevent the motor not used to operate the movable body from losing synchronism and causing malfunction of the movable body.

[0195] In the above example, the second process for suppressing misalignment of the movable body operated by the motor that is not used to operate the movable body or malfunction of the motor is applied to the upper movable body unit U1. However, such second process may also be applied to units other than the upper movable body unit U1.

[0196] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the third process performed by the processing device P1.

[0197] When the processing flow shown in FIG. 32 starts, in step S301, the processing device P1 determines whether or not there is a request for processing to return the upper first movable body 300 to the left position.

[0198] If it is determined that there is a request for the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the left position (step S301 / YES), proceed to step S302. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no request for the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the left position (step S301 / NO), proceed to step S307.

[0199] If the determination in step S301 is YES, in step S302, the processing device P1 determines whether or not there is a request for a return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position.

[0200] If it is determined that there is a request for the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position (step S302 / YES), the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no request for the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position (step S303 / NO), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0201] If the determination in step S302 is YES (i.e., there is a request for return processing of the upper first movable body 300 to the left position and there is a request for return processing of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position), in step S303, the processing device P1 executes return processing of the left and right positions of the upper first movable body 300, and the processing flow shown in Figure 32 ends. In step S303, the processing device P1 drives both motor M1 and motor M2 to return the left and right positions of the upper first movable body 300 to their initial positions.

[0202] If the result of step S302 is NO (i.e., there is a request to return the upper first movable body 300 to its left position, but there is no request to return the upper first movable body 300 to its right position), in step S304, the processing device P1 starts exciting the motor M2 to move the upper movable body unit U1 to its right position.

[0203] Next, in step S305, the processing device P1 executes a process for returning the left position of the upper first movable body 300. In step S305, the processing device P1 drives only the motor M1 of the motors M1 and M2 to return the left position of the upper first movable body 300 to the initial position.

[0204] Next, after the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the left position is completed, in step S306, the processing device P1 terminates the excitation of the motor M2 to move the upper movable body unit U1 to the right position, and the processing flow shown in Figure 32 ends.

[0205] If the determination in step S301 is NO, in step S307, the processing device P1 determines whether or not there is a request for a return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position.

[0206] If it is determined that there is a request for the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position (step S307 / YES), proceed to step S308. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no request for the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position (step S307 / NO), there is neither a request for the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the left position nor a request for the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position, so the processing flow shown in Fig. 32 ends.

[0207] If the judgment in step S307 is YES (i.e., there is no request for return processing of the upper first movable body 300 to the left position, and there is a request for return processing of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position), in step S308, the processing device P1 starts exciting the motor M1 to move the upper movable body unit U1 to the left position.

[0208] Next, in step S309, the processing device P1 executes a process for returning the right position of the upper first movable body 300. In step S309, the processing device P1 drives only the motor M2 of the motors M1 and M2 to return the right position of the upper first movable body 300 to the initial position.

[0209] Next, after the return process of the upper first movable body 300 to the right position is completed, in step S310, the processing device P1 terminates the excitation of the motor M1 to move the upper movable body unit U1 to the left position, and the processing flow shown in Figure 32 ends.

[0210] As described above, in the third process, the processing device P1 uses only one of the motors (motor M1 in the above example) for operating the first portion of the movable body (the upper first movable body 300 in the above example) and the motor (motor M2 in the above example) for operating the second portion of the movable body, and maintains excitation of the motor not used in the restoration process when performing the restoration process for only the first portion or the second portion. Here, if the motor not used in the restoration process is not excited when performing the restoration process for only the first portion or the second portion, there is a risk that the motor not used to operate the movable body will lose synchronization. Therefore, by maintaining excitation of the motor not used in the restoration process when performing the restoration process for only the first portion or the second portion, it is possible to suppress positional deviation of the movable body controlled by the motor not used in the restoration process.

[0211] In the above, an example has been described in which the third process for suppressing positional deviation of a movable body (in this example, the left or right position of the upper first movable body 300) driven by one of the two motors that is not used for the return process is applied to the upper movable body unit U1. However, such a third process may also be applied to units other than the upper movable body unit U1.

[0212] FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the fourth process performed by the processing device P1.

[0213] When the processing flow shown in FIG. 33 starts, in step S401, the processing device P1 determines whether or not there is a request for a return process for the lower second movable body 700 of the lower movable body unit U2.

[0214] As will be described later, the processing device P1 returns the lower second movable body 700 to an initial position where the sensor S5 detects the lower second movable body 700 (specifically, the detected portion 802 of the sliding portion 800 included in the lower second movable body 700) in the return process of the lower second movable body 700. The initial position of the lower second movable body 700 (specifically, the initial position of the relative position of the lower second movable body 700 with respect to the lower first movable body 600) is the initial state position shown in FIG.

[0215] If it is determined that there is no request for the return process of the lower second movable body 700 (step S401 / NO), the processing flow shown in Fig. 33 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a request for the return process of the lower second movable body 700 (step S401 / YES), the process proceeds to step S402.

[0216] In step S402, the processing device P1 moves upward the lower second movable body 700. Specifically, in step S402, the processing device P1 drives the motor M5 to move the lower second movable body 700 upward relative to the lower first movable body 600 (i.e., counterclockwise when viewed from the front side).

[0217] Next, in step S403, the processing device P1 determines whether the amount of movement of the lower second movable body 700 has reached a predetermined value. The predetermined value in step S403 is the amount of movement required for the lower second movable body 700 to move to the initial position in FIG. 19, assuming that the position of the lower second movable body 700 before step S402 (i.e., before the start of movement) is the lower limit position in FIG. 20. Therefore, the case where the lower second movable body 700 is detected by sensor S5 before the amount of movement of the lower second movable body 700 reaches the predetermined value corresponds to the case where the position of the lower second movable body 700 before the start of movement is lower than the initial position in FIG. 19. On the other hand, the case where the lower second movable body 700 is not detected by sensor S5 even after the amount of movement of the lower second movable body 700 has reached the predetermined value corresponds to the case where the position of the lower second movable body 700 before the start of movement is higher than the initial position in FIG. 19.

[0218] If it is determined that the amount of movement of the lower second movable body 700 has not reached the predetermined value (step S403 / NO), proceed to step S404. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of movement of the lower second movable body 700 has reached the predetermined value (step S403 / YES), proceed to step S406.

[0219] If the determination in step S403 is NO, in step S404, the processing device P1 determines whether or not the lower second movable body 700 has been detected by the sensor S5.

[0220] If it is determined that the lower second movable body 700 has been detected by the sensor S5 (step S404 / YES), the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the processing device P1 stops the lower second movable body 700. This ends the return process of the lower second movable body 700, and the process flow shown in Fig. 33 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the lower second movable body 700 has not been detected by the sensor S5 (step S404 / NO), the process returns to step S402.

[0221] As described above, the processing device P1 moves the lower second movable body 700 upward, and if the lower second movable body 700 is detected by the sensor S5 during its upward movement (i.e., if the result of the determination in step S404 is YES), the processing device P1 terminates the return process. On the other hand, if the lower second movable body 700 is not detected by the sensor S5 during its upward movement and the amount of movement reaches a predetermined value (i.e., if the result of the determination in step S403 is YES), the processing device P1 proceeds to step S406.

[0222] In step S406, the processing device P1 moves downward the lower second movable body 700. Specifically, in step S406, the processing device P1 drives the motor M5 to move the lower second movable body 700 downward relative to the lower first movable body 600 (i.e., clockwise when viewed from the front side).

[0223] Next, in step S407, the processing device P1 determines whether or not the lower second movable body 700 has been detected by the sensor S5.

[0224] If it is determined that the lower second movable body 700 has been detected by the sensor S5 (step S407 / YES), the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the processing device P1 stops the lower second movable body 700. This ends the return process of the lower second movable body 700, and the process flow shown in Fig. 33 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the lower second movable body 700 has not been detected by the sensor S5 (step S407 / NO), the process returns to step S406.

[0225] As described above, in the fourth process, the processing device P1 performs a return process for the lower second movable body 700, which is a movable body that can move from an initial position in a downward direction, which is a first direction, to a first position (specifically, the lower limit position in FIG. 20 ) and can also move from the initial position in an upward direction, which is a second direction different from the first direction, to a second position (specifically, the upper limit position in FIG. 21 ). In the return process, the processing device P1 moves the lower second movable body 700 upward, and if the lower second movable body 700 is not detected by the sensor S5 as a detection unit during its upward movement, the processing device P1 moves the lower second movable body 700 downward to return it to its initial position. This allows the lower second movable body 700 to return to its initial position regardless of whether the position of the lower second movable body 700 before starting its movement is lower or higher than the initial position. Therefore, the lower second movable body 700 can be normally returned to its initial position.

[0226] Here, the movement amount of the lower second movable body 700 from the initial position to the first position (specifically, the lower limit position in FIG. 20) is smaller than the movement amount of the lower second movable body 700 from the initial position to the second position (specifically, the upper limit position in FIG. 21). Therefore, the movement amount required to move the lower second movable body 700 to the initial position assuming that the position of the lower second movable body 700 before the start of movement is the first position is smaller than the movement amount required to move the lower second movable body 700 to the initial position assuming that the position of the lower second movable body 700 before the start of movement is the second position. Therefore, moving the lower second movable body 700 upward first can reduce the total movement amount of the lower second movable body 700 when it becomes necessary to reciprocate the lower second movable body 700 to the position before the start of movement, compared to moving the lower second movable body 700 downward first. Therefore, the return process can be performed quickly and the power consumption of the motor M5 can be reduced.

[0227] In the above, an example has been described in which the fourth process for returning a movable body movable in two different directions to its initial position is applied to the lower second movable body 700 of the lower movable body unit U2. However, such fourth process may also be applied to a movable body of a unit other than the lower movable body unit U2. In other words, a movable body that can move from its initial position to a first position in a downward direction, which is a first direction, and can move from its initial position to a second position in an upward direction, which is a second direction different from the first direction, may be a movable body other than the lower second movable body 700. In this case, the movement path of the movable body is not limited, and the movable body may be capable of translational movement from its initial position to the first position or the second position, or may be capable of rotational movement, or may be capable of both translational movement and rotational movement.

[0228] FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the fifth process performed by the processing device P1.

[0229] When the processing flow shown in FIG. 34 starts, in step S501, the processing device P1 determines whether or not there is a request for the return processing of the upper second movable body 400 of the upper movable body unit U1.

[0230] As will be described later, in a return process for the upper second movable body 400, the processing device P1 returns the upper second movable body 400 to an initial position where the upper second movable body 400 is detected by the sensor S4. The initial position of the upper second movable body 400 (specifically, the initial position of the upper second movable body 400 relative to the upper first movable body 300) is the initial state position shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, in the return process for the upper second movable body 400, the processing device P1 moves the upper second movable body 400 upward once and then downward, and stops the upper second movable body 400 at a position where the upper second movable body 400 is detected by the sensor S4, thereby returning the upper second movable body 400 to its initial position.

[0231] If it is determined that there is no request for the return process of the upper second movable body 400 (step S501 / NO), the processing flow shown in Fig. 34 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a request for the return process of the upper second movable body 400 (step S501 / YES), the process proceeds to step S502.

[0232] In step S502, the processing device P1 determines whether the upper first movable body 300 is located at its initial position. For example, when both the left position of the upper first movable body 300 and the right position of the upper first movable body 300 are located at their initial positions, the processing device P1 determines that the upper first movable body 300 is located at its initial position.

[0233] If it is determined that the upper first movable body 300 is not located at the initial position (step S502 / NO), the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the processing device P1 executes the return process of the upper second movable body 400. This ends the return process of the upper second movable body 400, and the process flow shown in Fig. 34 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the upper first movable body 300 is located at the initial position (step S502 / YES), the process proceeds to step S504.

[0234] Here, when the upper first movable body 300 is located in the initial position, the entire upper movable body unit U1 is located near the top of the gaming machine 100. Also, as described above, in the return process of the upper second movable body 400, the upper second movable body 400 moves upward once and then moves downward. Therefore, when the upper first movable body 300 is located in the initial position, if the upper second movable body 400 is moved upward, there is a risk that the upper second movable body 400 will collide with other components on the top of the gaming machine 100. In the fifth process, the following steps S504 to S506 are performed to prevent such collisions between components.

[0235] If the determination in step S502 is YES (i.e., if the first movable body 300 is located at the initial position), in step S504, the processing device P1 moves the upper first movable body 300 downward by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance in step S504 is a distance long enough to avoid collision between the upper second movable body 400 and other members above the gaming machine 100 when the return process of the upper second movable body 400 is performed.

[0236] Next, in step S505, the processing device P1 executes the return process for the upper second movable body 400. This completes the return process for the upper second movable body 400.

[0237] Next, after the return process of the upper second movable body 400 is completed, in step S506, the processing device P1 executes the return process of the upper first movable body 300. As a result, the upper first movable body 300 returns to the initial position, and the processing flow shown in Fig. 34 ends.

[0238] As explained above, in the fifth process, when the first movable body (in the above example, the upper first movable body 300) is located at the initial position, the first movable body is moved, and then a return process is performed for the second movable body (in the above example, the upper second movable body 400) that is movable relative to the first movable body. This makes it possible to prevent the second movable body from colliding with other members of the gaming machine 100 while the return process for the second movable body is being executed.

[0239] In the above, an example has been described in which the fifth process for suppressing collision between the movable body and other members of the gaming machine 100 is applied to the upper movable body unit U1. However, such fifth process may be applied to units other than the upper movable body unit U1.

[0240] In the control of each movable body by the processing device P1 described above in the first to fifth processes, the excitation pattern for maintaining the operation of the movable body is configured to consume less power than the excitation pattern for operation used to operate the movable body.

[0241] More specifically, in the excitation pattern for operation, a current of approximately 800 mA is passed through each motor to operate it, while in the excitation pattern for holding, a current of approximately 200 mA is passed through to prevent displacement of the movable body. Also, in the operation pattern of each movable body, when it moves to the initial position or the operation completion position, a holding excitation in the operation pattern is applied to prevent malfunction at the completion of the operation (such as return operation due to gear backlash), and the holding excitation during operations included in the performance operation or return operation of the movable body is stopped reliably with a current value of 800 mA until 1000 ms has elapsed, but after 1000 ms has elapsed, the possibility of malfunction at the completion of the operation is reduced, so holding excitation is applied with a current value of 200 mA.

[0242] In this way, when the processing device P1 operates each movable body, if it excites other motors to prevent the operation of a specific motor from causing the operation of components operated by other motors, the processing device P1 is configured to maintain the minimum amount of power so as not to affect the operation of other devices controlled by the processing device P1 (such as restricting operation due to insufficient power).

[0243] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0244] For example, in the above, various features of the gaming machine 100 have been described, including a feature for suppressing a shortage of driving force for driving the movable body in the gaming machine 100 (the feature described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14), a feature for improving design by a unique action of the movable body (the feature described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25), a feature for suppressing a deterioration in design by a protrusion and a coating area (the feature described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, and the feature described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29), a feature related to the first process described with reference to FIG. 30, a feature related to the second process described with reference to FIG. 31, a feature related to the third process described with reference to FIG. 32, a feature related to the fourth process described with reference to FIG. 33, and a feature related to the fifth process described with reference to FIG. 34. However, in the gaming machine 100, any part of the features described above may be omitted, or all of the features described above may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0245] 100 gaming machines 700 Lower second movable body (movable body) P1 Processing Unit S5 Sensor (detection part)

Claims

[Claim 1] a movable body that is movable from an initial position to a first position in a first direction and that is movable from the initial position to a second position in a second direction different from the first direction; a detection unit that detects the movable body when the movable body is located at the initial position; a processing device that performs a return process in which, when the movable body is not detected by the detection unit, the movable body is moved and stopped at a position where the movable body is detected by the detection unit, thereby returning the movable body to the initial position; Equipped with a movement amount of the movable body from the initial position to the first position is smaller than a movement amount of the movable body from the initial position to the second position, The processing device is characterized in that, during the return process, the movable body is moved in the second direction, and if the movable body is not detected by the detection unit while moving in the second direction, the processing device moves the movable body in the first direction and returns it to the initial position.

Images