Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine in which operation of a decorative section differs from before.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises a base member, multiple movable members that have a decorative section in the front each and are disposed while being shifted to the front side successively relative to the base member, and a parallel link mechanism for supporting the multiple movable members such that they can be translated simultaneously in the same direction as the base member by multiple connection members rotatably connected to the base member and the multiple movable members, and the decorative sections of the multiple movable members are shifted in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction in a state in which the multiple connection members are positioned in one end side of a rotatable range and are seen as one mutually related decorative body when seen from the front.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to gaming machines. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Gaming machines having movable decorative parts have been known in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-217596 A (paragraphs

[0045] to

[0057] , Figures 11 and 13) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present application provides a gaming machine that can perform moving effects in which the decorative parts move in a way that is different from conventional ones. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the invention of the present disclosure, made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is an amusement machine comprising a base member, a plurality of movable members each having a decorative part on its front surface and arranged shifted sequentially forward relative to the base member, and a parallel link mechanism that supports the plurality of movable members so that they can move parallel to the base member simultaneously and in the same direction, using a plurality of connecting members that are rotatably connected to the base member and the plurality of movable members. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the gaming machine of the present disclosure, multiple movable members, each having a decorative part on its front surface and arranged in a sequentially shifted forward direction relative to a base member, are supported by a parallel link mechanism and move parallel to the base member simultaneously and in the same direction. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a novel moving effect in which multiple decorative parts are deployed all at once from a grouped state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mechanism frame. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of movable accessory units. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the third movable accessory unit in an expanded state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the third movable accessory unit in an expanded state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the third movable accessory unit arranged in a contracted state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first movable accessory unit in an expanded state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the first movable accessory unit in an expanded state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the first movable accessory unit arranged in a contracted state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the first movable accessory unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the rotation axis of the first movable accessory unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13(A) is a front view of the decorative part on the back side of the base member of the first movable accessory unit, and FIG. 13(B) is a front view of the decorative part on the front side of the base member of the first movable accessory unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the third movable accessory unit in an expanded state. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a side view of the third movable accessory unit in an expanded state. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the third movable accessory unit arranged in a contracted state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the third movable accessory unit. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the right-side ball screw unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 19(A) is a side view of the rotating member in the standby position, and FIG. 19(B) is a side view of the rotating member in the standing position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a front view of a plurality of movable accessory units and a mechanism frame arranged in a reduced overall state. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a front view of a plurality of movable accessory units and a mechanism frame arranged in a fully expanded state. [Figure 22] FIG. 22(A) is a side view of the first movable accessory unit in the second embodiment when it is arranged in the second rotation position, and FIG. 22(B) is a side view of the first movable accessory unit in the second embodiment when it is arranged in the first rotation position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] 1 to 21 show a gaming machine 10 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, and a gaming area R1 formed on the front of a gaming board 11 can be seen through a glass window 100W provided in a front door 100 (see Fig. 2). In the following description, the side of the gaming machine 10 closer to the player will be referred to as the "front side," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "rear side," and the "right side" and "left side" of the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front side of the player will be simply referred to as the "right side" and "left side."

[0009] The front door 100 has a glass window 100W covering most of its upper 3 / 4 to 4 / 5 area. An operation button 100B and an operation handle 100H are provided below the glass window 100W of the front door 100, and when the operation handle 100H is rotated, game balls are ejected toward the game area R1. A top unit 102 is provided on the upper side of the front door 100. The top unit 102 bulges outward from the front surface of the front door 100 in the closed state. The front surface of the top unit 102 forms a downward-facing inclined surface 102A, and a transparent plate 102B is provided in front of this inclined surface 102A.

[0010] Any one of a plurality of types of decorative sheets 103 is inserted between the inclined surface 102A and the transparent plate 102B (hereinafter, this is simply referred to as "the decorative sheet 103 being attached to the front door 100"). In this way, when the model is changed, the decorative sheet 103 can be changed to one that corresponds to the model, making it easy to recognize the model of the gaming machine 10.

[0011] Specifically, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the main character appearing in the game is given a character name such as "KIBA," and except in special cases, a decorative sheet 103 decorated mainly with the letter "K," the initial letter of "KIBA," is attached to the front door 100. This makes it easy to recognize that the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a model in which "KIBA" is the main character.

[0012] In addition, multiple types of decorative sheets 103 are provided as a special benefit for gaming halls that install more than the specified number of gaming machines 10 of this embodiment. Specifically, multiple types of decorative sheets 103 are provided, each decorated with one of the constituent letters of "KIBA" other than "K," namely "I," "B," and "A," plus an additional character "*." Gaming halls that install the specified number of gaming machines 10, for example, four or more, are given the special benefit of being able to select a decorative sheet 103 with any character they wish. This allows a gaming hall with, for example, four gaming machines 10 to attract players' attention by selecting multiple decorative sheets 103 so that the four decorative sheets 103 of the four gaming machines 10 arranged side by side form the word "KIBA" when viewed from the front. Also, for example, an amusement hall with 10 gaming machines 10 arranged side by side can select decorative sheets 103 so that the decorative sheets 103 of the 10 gaming machines 10 look like "*KIBA*KIBA" when viewed from the front, or select decorative sheets 103 so that they look like "*BAKIBAKI*" in a playful manner, thereby attracting the interest of players.

[0013] Although the decorative sheet 103 in this embodiment is of five types, any number of types may be used as long as it is two or more. Furthermore, the decorative sheet 103 may be configured to form a series of illustrations, etc., rather than forming a single word.

[0014] 2, a game area R1 on the front side of the game board 11 is surrounded on all four sides by guide rails 12 protruding from the front side of the game board 11. The launched game ball moves upward along the guide rails 12 and enters the game area R1 through an entrance 12K located near the upper end.

[0015] A display opening 11H is formed through the center of the game area R1 of the game board 11, and the display screen 13G of the display device 13 can be seen through this display opening 11H. In addition, the game board 11 is made of a transparent acrylic plate with a colored decoration applied to a part of it, so that the back side of the game board 11 can be seen partially through the part of the game board 11 outside the display opening 11H.

[0016] A decorative display frame 24 is attached to the edge of the display opening 11H. The decorative display frame 24 is fitted into the display opening 11H from the front side of the game board 11 and protrudes from the front of the game board 11, preventing game balls flowing down the game area R1 from entering inside the decorative display frame 24.

[0017] A first start winning opening 14A is located in the center below the display decorative frame 24, and a second start winning opening 14B is located to the right of that. A start gate 18 and a big winning opening 15 are provided to the right of the display decorative frame 24. In addition to the start winning openings 14A, 14B and the big winning opening 15, multiple regular winning openings 20 are also provided in the game area R1.

[0018] The start gate 18 has a gate-shaped structure that allows the gaming ball to pass through. When the gaming ball passes through the start gate 18, a normal symbol hit determination is made.

[0019] The first start winning opening 14A has a pocket structure that opens upward, while the second start winning opening 14B opens upward and is opened and closed by an opening door 14T. The opening door 14T is normally placed in a closed position that blocks the second start winning opening 14B, and is placed in an open position that opens the second start winning opening 14B when the normal symbol hit determination is made.

[0020] When a game ball enters the start winning slot 14A, 14B, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls, and a special symbol hit determination is made. The result of the determination is displayed as a combination of special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C on the display screen 13G of the display device 13. If the result of the special symbol hit determination is a hit, a jackpot game is executed.

[0021] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the display screen 13G normally displays three special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C, left, center, and right, side by side in a stopped state. Each of these special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C is composed of a plurality of types of symbols representing, for example, numbers "0" to "11," and normally, a predetermined type of symbol is displayed in a stopped state for each of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C. When a gaming ball enters the first and second start winning slots 14A and 14B, the three special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are displayed in a vertically scrolling manner, and after a predetermined time, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are displayed in a stopped state in the order of, for example, left, right, and center. If the result of the judgment is a hit (hereinafter referred to as a "jackpot"), the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are all displayed as the same symbol (double numbers), and the game transitions to a "jackpot game state." On the other hand, if the result of the judgment is a miss, a combination other than double numbers is displayed, and the normal game state, which is not a "jackpot game state," continues. Note that the state in which the left and right special symbols 13A and 13C of the three special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are displayed as the same symbol, and the middle special symbol 13B is fluctuating, is called a "reach."

[0022] The large prize opening 15, like the second start prize opening 14B, opens upward and is normally closed by a movable door 15T. Then, when the "large prize game state" is reached as described above, the movable door 15T slides to the rear side, opening the large prize opening 15 and allowing game balls to enter the large prize opening 15. When a game ball enters the large prize opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls.

[0023] The general winning opening 20 is always open, and when a game ball enters the winning opening, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls. Game balls that do not enter any of the above-mentioned winning openings 14A, 14B, 15, and 20 are all taken into multiple outlets 16 provided at the bottom end of the game area R1.

[0024] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, image effects are displayed on the display screen 13G to indicate the result of the win / loss determination and the game status. In addition to these image effects, a moving effect is displayed in front of the display screen 13G, in which a character-like accessory moves. The components for performing this moving effect are assembled in a mechanism frame 22 fixed to the back surface of the gaming board 11. Details are described below.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the mechanism frame 22 has a flat housing structure that is larger in the vertical and horizontal directions than in the front and rear, and the entire front is open. The space within the mechanism frame 22 is larger in the vertical and horizontal directions than the display opening 11H. The mechanism frame 22 is fixed with its front face overlapping the rear face of the game board 11, covering the display opening 11H from behind. A rectangular screen opening 22A is formed in the rear wall of the mechanism frame 22, facing the display opening 11H. The edge of the screen opening 22A protrudes in a stepped shape on the front side and is recessed in a stepped shape on the rear side. The rectangular plate-shaped display device 13 (see FIG. 2) is fitted into the recess, so that the display screen 13G of the display device 13 can be viewed through the screen opening 22A.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, first to third movable accessory units 30, 40, and 50 are provided within the mechanism frame 22. Below, the configurations of the first to third movable accessory units 30, 40, and 50 other than the decorative parts will be described in detail in the order of the third movable accessory unit 50, the first movable accessory unit 30, and the second movable accessory unit 40.

[0027] [Third movable accessory unit 50] As shown in Fig. 5, the third movable accessory unit 50 includes a base member 53 having a generally horizontally elongated plate shape, a movable member 52 having a generally horizontally elongated plate shape arranged in front of the base member 53 and generally parallel to the base member 53, and a movable member 51 having a generally horizontally elongated plate shape arranged in front of the base member 53 and generally parallel to the base member 53. The base member 53 and the movable members 51, 52 are connected by a plurality of connecting members 54A, 54B, 54C to form a parallel link mechanism 54. The parallel link mechanism 54 causes the movable members 51, 52 to move parallel to the base member 53 simultaneously and in the same direction, changing between a first state (expanded state) in which the movable members 52, 51 are vertically shifted relative to the base member 53 as shown in Fig. 6, and a second state (reduced state) in which the base member 53 and the movable members 51, 52 are vertically united as shown in Fig. 7.

[0028] Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the movable members 51 and 52, they will be referred to as the "first movable member 51" and the "second movable member 52." Furthermore, the "plurality of connecting members 54A, 54B, 54C" are configured, for example, as three pairs, totaling six, and when distinguishing between them, they will be referred to as a "pair of first connecting members 54A," a "pair of second connecting members 54B," and a "pair of third connecting members 54C."

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, the base member 53 is formed by assembling a plurality of components, such as a light-emitting substrate 53B, to a transparent, horizontally elongated, generally plate-shaped base board 53A. As shown in FIG. 6, the base member 53 is fixed to a portion of the rear wall of the mechanism frame 22 below the screen opening 22A. Below the screen opening 22A, the rear wall of the mechanism frame 22 is recessed rearward, and the base member 53 is accommodated in this recessed portion. As shown in FIG. 5, the light-emitting substrate 53B has a strip-like shape that is small in both the horizontal and vertical directions relative to the base board 53A. The light-emitting substrate 53B is housed in a board case portion 53C provided on the base board 53A and is disposed midway between the base board 53A in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0030] The pair of first connecting members 54A are rotatably supported by first pivot support protrusions 53D provided on both sides of the board case portion 53C of the base board 53A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the pair of first connecting members 54A have a structure in which reinforcing ribs are provided on the outer edge of a band plate extending in the pivot radius direction, and have a pair of hinge holes (not shown) at the base end and the tip end. Screws B1 passed through the hinge holes at the base end of the pair of first connecting members 54A are screwed and fixed into a pair of screw support holes (not shown) formed in the pair of first pivot support protrusions 53D. The pair of screw support holes (not shown) are arranged coaxially horizontally, and the pair of first connecting members 54A rotates around the same pivot axis J1 relative to the base member 53.

[0031] A pair of second rotation support protrusions 53E are provided on the base plate 53A at positions diagonally above the pair of first rotation support protrusions 53D. A magnetic material (not shown) is embedded near the upper side of the second rotation support protrusions 53E on the side of the base plate 53A away from the rotation drive source 56 (described later). Shaft support holes (not shown) are formed in the pair of second rotation support protrusions 53E, and positions near both ends of a horizontally extending rotation shaft 55 are passed through the shaft support holes. A pair of second connecting members 54B are fixed to both ends of the rotation shaft 55 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotation shaft 55. In the front-rear direction, the central axes of the pair of shaft support holes are slightly offset forward from the central axes of the pair of screw support holes of the pair of first rotation support protrusions 53D. That is, the rotation axis J2 of the pair of second connecting members 54B in the base member 53 is arranged offset in parallel and diagonally upward and forward with respect to the rotation axis J1 of the pair of first connecting members 54A.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 6, the pair of second connecting members 54B has an elongated shape extending in the direction of rotational deformation when viewed from the rotation axis direction. Each pair of second connecting members 54B has hinge holes G1, G2, and G3 formed at three locations: the distal end, the intermediate portion, and the proximal end in the rotation radial direction. These three hinge holes G1, G2, and G3 are arranged in a straight line. Both ends of the rotating shaft 55 are fitted and fixed into the hinge hole G1 at the proximal end of each pair of second connecting members 54B (see Fig. 5), and the pair of hinge holes G2 and the pair of hinge holes G3 of each pair of second connecting members 54B are arranged coaxially. Furthermore, the distance between the central axes of the hinge holes G1, G2 at the base end and middle end of each second connecting member 54B (such distance between central axes will be referred to as the "axial distance" hereinafter) is the same as the distance between the central axes of the hinge holes (not shown) at the base end and tip end of the first connecting member 54A.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5, second movable member 52 is slightly longer in the horizontal direction than board case portion 53C of base board 53A of base member 53, and as shown in Fig. 6, second movable member 52 is shaped like a plate that is slightly larger in the vertical direction than base board 53A of base member 53. Although not shown, screw support holes are provided three on each of the two horizontal end faces of second movable member 52, spaced apart in the vertical direction. Of the six screw support holes, three on each side of second movable member 52, the topmost screw support holes, the middle screw support holes, and the bottommost screw support holes are arranged coaxially. Then, screws B2 that pass through screw holes at the tip ends of the pair of first connecting members 54A are screwed and fixed into the pair of screw support holes at the bottom, and screws B3 that pass through screw holes at the middle parts of the pair of second connecting members 54B are screwed and fixed into the pair of screw support holes at the middle part, thereby forming a first parallel link mechanism 54X that supports the second movable member 52 so that it can move parallel to the base member 53 (see Figure 6).

[0034] In detail, in the relationship shown in Figure 5 between the rotation axis J1 of the first connecting member 54A relative to the base member 53, the rotation axis J2 of the second connecting member 54B relative to the base member 53, the rotation axis J3 of the first connecting member 54A relative to the second movable member 52, and the rotation axis J4 of the second connecting member 54B relative to the second movable member 52, the axis-to-axis distance between the rotation axes J1 and J2 is the same as the axis-to-axis distance between the rotation axes J3 and J4, and the axis-to-axis distance between the rotation axes J1 and J3 is the same as the axis-to-axis distance between the rotation axes J2 and J4, and thus a first parallel link mechanism 54X is formed by the first and second connecting members 54A and 54B, the base member 53, and the movable member 52, which enables the movable member 52 to move parallel to the base member 53.

[0035] The pair of third connecting members 54C are rotatably supported by screws B4 threadedly fixed into a pair of screw support holes (not shown) at the top of the second movable member 52. As shown in FIG. 6, the pair of third connecting members 54C, like the pair of first connecting members 54A, have a structure with reinforcing ribs on the outer edge of a band extending in the direction of the rotation radius. Furthermore, of the pair of third connecting members 54C, the third connecting member 53C farthest from the rotation drive source 56 is attached with a magnetic body 53J (not shown). The magnetic body 53J is a screw that is threaded in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the third connecting member 53C. When the third movable role unit 50 is in the retracted state, this magnetic body 53J is attracted to the magnetic body of the base board 53A and is in an attracted state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, magnetic material is arranged on the base plate 53A and the connecting member 53C, but it may be arranged anywhere that comes close to each other when the third movable role unit 30 is arranged in either the contracted state or the expanded state, such as the rear side of the first movable member 51A and the front side of the second movable member 54B.

[0036] The pair of third connecting members 54C also have a pair of hinge holes G4, G5 at their base and tip ends, with the axial distance between them being the same as the axial distance between the hinge holes G2, G3 at the top and middle of the pair of second connecting members 54B. The screws that are threadedly fixed into the pair of screw support holes at the top of the second movable member 52 as described above are passed through the hinge holes G4 at the base ends of the pair of second connecting members 54B.

[0037] The first movable member 51 is plate-shaped and approximately the same size as the second movable member 52. Two screw support holes (not shown) are provided at each of the lateral end faces of the first movable member 51, spaced apart in the vertical direction. Of the four screw support holes, two on each of the end faces of the first movable member 51, a pair of lower screw support holes are coaxially arranged, and a pair of upper screw support holes are coaxially arranged, with the inter-axial distance between the upper and lower screw support holes being the same as the inter-axial distance between the screw support holes at the top and middle of the second movable member 52. Screws B5 are threadedly secured into the pair of screw support holes at the bottom of the first movable member 51, through screw holes G3 at the tips of the pair of second connecting members 54B. Screws B6 are threadedly secured into the pair of screw support holes at the top of the first movable member 51, through screw holes G5 at the tips of the pair of third connecting members 54C. These constitute a second parallel link mechanism 54Y that allows the first movable member 51 to move parallel to the base member 53 and the second movable member 52, using the first and third connecting members 54A and 54C and the first and second movable members 51 and 52. The first and second parallel link mechanisms 54X and 54Y constitute the parallel link mechanism 54 of the third movable accessory unit 50, and support the first and second movable members 51 and 52 so that they can move parallel to the base member 53 simultaneously and in the same direction.

[0038] A rotary drive source 56 (specifically, a stepping motor) for driving the parallel link mechanism 54 is provided at the right end of the base member 53. The rotation output portion of the rotary drive source 56 and the aforementioned rotating shaft 55 are connected by a plurality of gears 56G (see FIG. 6). The plurality of gears 56G also includes a detection gear 56G equipped with a rotating piece 56R, and a pair of optical detection switches (not shown) are provided at two locations on the rotation path of the rotating piece 56R. Depending on whether the optical path of either detection switch is blocked by the rotating piece 56R, it is detected whether the third movable accessory unit 50 is in the aforementioned first state (extended state) shown in FIG. 6 or the aforementioned second state (reduced state) shown in FIG. 7.

[0039] Although some of the connecting members 54A, 54B, and 54C have complex shapes in consideration of interference with other components, as described above, the connecting members 54A, 54B, and 54C may have any shape as long as they constitute a parallel link mechanism. Also, among the connecting members 54A, 54B, and 54C, only the second connecting member 54B is hingedly connected to the base member 53 and the movable members 51 and 52, and the first and third connecting members 54A and 54C are hingedly connected to only two of the base member 53 and the movable members 51 and 52, but a structure in which all or some of the connecting members 54A, 54B, and 54C are hingedly connected to the base member 53 and the movable members 51 and 52 may also be used. Furthermore, in the movable role unit 50, the power of the rotational drive source 56 is transmitted to both of the pair of connecting members 54B via the rotating shaft 55, but the power of the rotational drive source 56 may be transmitted to only one of them, or, for example, the power from the rotational drive source 56 may be transmitted to both the first and second connecting members 54A, 54B. Also, in all of the hinge connection portions between the connecting members 54A, 54B, 54C and the base member 53 and the movable members 51, 52 except for the portion having the rotating shaft 55, screws threadedly fixed in screw support holes are used as the pivot shaft members, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the configuration may be such that a protrusion with a circular cross section is integrally formed on one of the connecting members 54A, 54B, 54C and the base member 53 and the movable members 51, 52 that are hinged to each other, or a pin press-fitted and fixed in one of the connecting members may be fitted into a circular hole formed in the other.

[0040] [First movable accessory unit 30] As shown in Figure 4, the first movable prop unit 30 is stacked on the inside of the upper edge of the mechanism frame 22, and like the third movable prop unit 50, has a base member 33, movable members 31, 32, and multiple connecting members 34A, 34B, 34C, and has a parallel link mechanism 34 formed by them.

[0041] In the following, for each part of the first movable prop unit 30 that has the same function as each part of the third movable prop unit 50 and whose shape and arrangement can be easily understood from the drawings, the parts will be given the same names as those of the third movable prop unit 50, with only the highest digit of the number being replaced from "5" to "3", thereby omitting redundant explanations and only explaining the major differences from the third movable prop unit 50.

[0042] The pair of third connecting members 54C of the third movable role unit 50 are hingedly connected to both lateral end surfaces of the movable members 51, 52, while the pair of third connecting members 34C of the first movable role unit 30 are disposed near the lateral center of the movable members 31, 32, and are hingedly connected to the lower edge of the second movable member 32 and to a position near the lower end of the back surface of the first movable member 31, as shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, a pair of notches 32B are formed in the lower edge of the second movable member 32, and the hinge bar 34J1 and stopper bar 34K shown in Fig. 9 are supported in a double-ended state by the opposing edges of the notches 32B. In addition, a pair of pivot supports are provided side by side near the lower end of the back surface of the first movable member 31, each of which supports the hinge bar 34J2 in a double-ended state by a pair of protrusions (not shown). The hinge bars 34J1 and 34J2 are passed through through holes formed at both ends of the pair of third connecting members 34C, thereby hinge-connecting the pair of third connecting members 34C to the movable members 31 and 32, respectively. The portion of the pair of third connecting members 34C facing the stopper bar 34K is L-shaped and bent away from the stopper bar 34K.

[0043] The direction in which the first movable role unit 30 changes from the second state to the first state is opposite to that of the third movable role unit 50. That is, the first movable role unit 30 changes from the second state (reduced state) in which the base member 33 and the movable members 31, 32 are entirely overlapped as shown in Fig. 10 to the first state (expanded state) in which the movable members 31, 32 move diagonally downward and forward as shown in Fig. 9, so that the second movable member 32 is positioned diagonally downward and forward of the base member 33 and the first movable member 31 is positioned diagonally downward and forward of the second movable member 32.

[0044] The third movable prop unit 50 is changed from the second state to the first state and from the first state to the second state by the power of the rotary drive source 56, but the first movable prop unit 30 is changed from the first state to the second state by the power of the rotary drive source 36, and from the second state to the first state by the elastic force of a pair of torsion coil springs 35A.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in the first movable role unit 30, a rotary drive source 36 and a first gear group that rotates in conjunction with the rotation output portion of the rotary drive source 36 are attached to the upper right portion of the mechanism frame 22. A second gear group that rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft 35 is attached to the right end of the base member 33. A lever 36R1 is integrally rotatably mounted on one gear 36G1 included in the first gear group, and a lever 36R2 is integrally rotatably mounted on one gear 36G2 included in the second gear group. Furthermore, the gears 36G1 and 36G2 are coaxially arranged, and a pin 36P protruding from the tip of one lever 36R1 abuts against the other lever 36R2 only from one rotation direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 11, the pair of torsion coil springs 35A have their coil portions fitted to both ends of the rotating shaft 35, and one end and the other end of each torsion coil spring 35A are engaged with the base member 33 and the second connecting member 34B, so that the pair of second connecting members 34B are biased in one direction (upward) in the rotation direction.

[0047] Then, the gear 36G1 is rotationally driven in one direction by the rotation drive source 36, and the pin 36P pushes the lever 36R2 from one rotation direction, causing the pair of second connecting members 34B to rotationally drive in one direction against the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 35A, changing the first movable role unit 30 from the second state to the first state (expanded state). Also, when the rotation drive source 36 is rotationally driven in the other direction by the rotation drive source 36 or when the power supply to the rotation drive source 36 is stopped, the pair of second connecting members 34B is rotationally driven in the other direction by the elastic force of the pair of torsion coil springs 35A, and the first movable role unit 30 returns to the second state (reduced state).

[0048] The base member 33 is rotatably supported by the mechanism frame 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, a rotation shaft member 36S extending rightward from the right side of the base member 33 passes through a through-hole formed in the center of the gears 36G1 and 36G2, and a rotation shaft member 33T extending leftward from the left side of the base member is supported by the mechanism frame 22. As a result, the first movable role unit 30 rotates about a horizontal rotation axis. The first movable role unit 30 rotates between a first rotation position in which the movable members 31 and 32 are arranged in front of the base member 33, as shown in FIG. 13(B), and a second rotation position in which the movable members 31 and 32 are arranged in the rear of the base member 33, as shown in FIG. 13(A). In detail, the lower end of the first movable role unit 30 in the first rotation position rotates, for example, by approximately 140 to 180 degrees so as to pass in front of the rotation axis of the first movable role unit 30 and move upward to reach the second rotation position, and the stoppers provided on the base member 33 and the mechanism frame 22 abut against each other at the first rotation position and the second rotation position, respectively.

[0049] 8, a rotary drive source 37 (e.g., a stepping motor) is provided at the top of the left side of the mechanism frame 22, and a rotation output portion of the rotary drive source 37 is gear-connected to the rotary shaft member 33T. Furthermore, a coil portion of a torsion coil spring 37A is fitted into the rotary shaft member 33T, and one end and the other end of the torsion coil spring 37A are engaged with the base member 33 and the mechanism frame 22. The elastic force of the torsion coil spring 37A urges the base member 33, for example, from the second rotation position toward the first rotation position.

[0050] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the first movable role unit 30 is also provided with a pair of detection switches that detect whether the first movable role unit 30 is in the first state or the second state, just like the third movable role unit 50. The first movable role unit 30 is also provided with a pair of detection switches that detect whether the first movable role unit 30 is located in the first rotation position or the second rotation position. The movable parts described below are also provided with detection switches as appropriate, but explanations of them and the reference numerals in the drawings will be omitted.

[0051] [Second movable accessory unit 40] As shown in Fig. 15, the first movable prop unit 40 has a plurality of movable members 41, 42, 49, similar to the first and third movable prop units 30, 50, and has a parallel link mechanism 44 that supports them so that they can move parallel to each other simultaneously and in the same direction. Hereinafter, for each part of the second movable prop unit 40 that has the same function as each part of the first and third movable prop units 30, 50 and whose shape and arrangement can be easily understood from the drawings, the same names as the parts of the first or third movable prop units 30, 50 will be used, and only the most significant differences from the first and third movable prop units 30, 50 will be explained by replacing only the most significant part of the symbols with "3" or "5" and "4", thereby omitting redundant explanations.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 15, the number of the multiple movable members 41, 42, 49 of the second movable role unit 40 is three, one more than the first and third movable role units 30, 50, and the third movable member 49 is provided in front of the first movable member 41. Also, as shown in Fig. 14, the first and third movable members 41, 49 have approximately the same width, but are smaller in width than the second movable member 42, and are positioned to the right of the second movable member 42.

[0053] In addition, magnetic materials (not shown) are embedded in corresponding positions on the rear surface of the first movable member 41 and the front surface of the second movable member 42. These magnetic materials are attracted to each other when the second movable role unit is in the contracted state. In addition, in this embodiment, the magnetic materials are disposed on the rear surface of the first movable member 41 and the front surface of the second movable member 42, but they may be disposed anywhere that comes close to each other when the second movable role unit 40 is in either the contracted state or the expanded state, such as the front surface of the base member 43 and the front side of the second movable member 44B.

[0054] On the right side of the second movable role unit 40, the first connecting member 44A is hingedly connected to the base member 43 and the second movable member 42, and the second connecting member 44B is hingedly connected to the base member 43 and the first to third movable members 41, 42, 49. Also, the third connecting member 44C is hingedly connected to the first to third movable members 41, 42, 49. On the other hand, on the left side of the second movable role unit 40, the first and second connecting members 44A, 44B are hingedly connected only to the base member 43 and the second movable member 42. Also, in addition to the first to third connecting members 44A, 44B, 44C, a plurality of connecting members 44D to 44F are provided in the horizontal middle part of the second movable role unit 40.

[0055] 17, notches 32B of the first movable accessory unit 30 and notches and hinge bars 34J1, 34J2 are provided at two locations near the horizontal center of the base member 43 and the second movable member 42, and the base member 43 and the second movable member 41 are connected by a pair of connecting members 44D through both ends of which the hinge bars pass. Also, notches and hinge bars are provided at the left end of the first movable member 41 and at a position to the left of the second movable member 42 facing it from behind, and the first and second movable members 41, 42 are connected by a connecting member 44E through both ends of which the hinge bars pass. Furthermore, notches and hinge bars are provided in the lateral center portions of the first and third movable members 41, 49 and at a left-side position of the second movable member 42 facing therefrom from behind, and the first to third movable members 41, 42, 49 are connected by a connecting member 44F through which these hinge bars pass at three points. The above-mentioned connecting members 44A to 44F, the base member 43, and the first to third movable members 41, 42, 49 form a parallel link mechanism 44, which is driven by a rotation drive source 46 provided at the right end portion of the base member 43 (see FIG. 14).

[0056] 15, a support protrusion 48B protrudes forward from the top of the first movable member 41, and a decorative cover 48A is supported by the support protrusion 48B. The decorative cover 48A covers from the front a portion of the third movable member 49 that is forward of the first movable member 41. Specifically, the decorative cover 48A is smaller than the third movable member 49 in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the portion of the third movable member 49 that is connected to the connecting member 44F described above is covered by the decorative cover 48A.

[0057] When the parallel link mechanism 44 is driven, the second movable prop unit 40 changes between a first state (extended state) in which the second movable member 42 is positioned diagonally downward and forward from the base member 43, the first movable member 41 is positioned diagonally downward and forward from the second movable member 42, and the third movable member 49 is positioned diagonally downward and forward from the first movable member 41, as shown in Figure 15, and a second state (reduced state) in which the first to third first movable members 41, 42, 49 move diagonally upward and backward from the first state, and the base member 43 and the first to third first movable members 41, 42, 49 approach each other in the front-to-back direction and overlap each other, as shown in Figure 16. Furthermore, in the second movable prop unit 40, the amount of vertical displacement between the base member 43 and the first to third movable props 41, 42, 49 in the first state is smaller than in the first and third movable prop units 30, 50, and by changing from the second state to the first state, what was compressed in the front-to-back direction expands forward, giving the impression of increased depth. Furthermore, when changing between the first state and the second state, part of the third movable prop 49 moves within the space sandwiched between the first movable prop 41 and the decorative cover 48A in the front-to-back direction.

[0058] The second movable role unit 40 is supported by a pair of ball screw units 71 (see FIG. 3) mounted on both sides of the mechanism frame 22 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The provision of a pair of ball screws 72 on the left and right sides prevents the ball screws 72 from rotating, eliminating the need for a guide shaft. This allows the second movable role unit 40 to slide vertically in a compact, inexpensive configuration. FIG. 18 shows the ball screw unit 71 removed from the mechanism frame 22. As shown in the figure, the ball screw unit 71 includes a housing 73 extending in the vertical direction. The housing 73 includes a front wall 73A and a rear wall 73B facing each other in the front-to-rear direction, and an upper connecting portion 73C, a lower connecting portion 73D, and a side connecting portion 73E connecting the upper ends, lower ends, and one side of the front wall 73A and the rear wall 73B. The housing 73 also includes a side opening 22F that opens toward the second movable role unit 40.

[0059] The ball screw 72 of the ball screw unit 71 extends vertically, and both ends thereof are rotatably supported by the upper connecting portion 73C and the lower connecting portion 73D. A rotary drive source 76 (e.g., a stepping motor) is attached to the upper connecting portion 73C, and its rotation output portion is gear-coupled to the upper end of the ball screw 72. Meanwhile, the lower connecting portion 73D has a through-hole coaxial with the rotation axis of the ball screw 72, and a metal plate (not shown) is disposed at the bottom of the through-hole. The lower end of the ball screw 72 is hemispherical, and the metal plate on the lower connecting portion 73D and the lower end of the ball screw 72 are in point contact. This allows the ball screw 72 to be rotatably supported with a cheaper configuration than, for example, using a ball bearing. Furthermore, by making the lower end of the ball screw 72 hemispherical and disposing a metal plate at the bottom of the through-hole of the lower connecting portion 73D, which receives the load, it is possible to reduce wear and improve durability.

[0060] Ball nut 74, which threads onto ball screw 72, is supported slidably by front wall 73A in a simple manner. Specifically, front wall 73A has an elongated hole 73A1 extending in the vertical direction. Rollers 74R are rotatably supported on a support shaft (not shown) that protrudes from ball nut 74 into elongated hole 73A1, and a pair of opening edges of elongated hole 73A1 overlap the rollers 74R from the front. This allows ball nut 74 to be slidably supported with a simpler configuration than when, for example, a guide shaft or the like is provided to guide sliding movement.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 18, a pair of brackets 75 for fixing the base member 43 of the second movable paraphernalia unit 40 are fixed to the ball nuts 74 of a pair of ball screw units 71 on both sides of the second movable paraphernalia unit 40. Each bracket 75 is crank-shaped overall, with a fixed piece 75C at one end of the bracket 75 overlapping and fixed to the rear surface of the base member 43, and an intermediate portion 75B extending forward from the side of the base member 43 as shown in FIG. 14, and a nut support portion 75A at the other end bends outward in the horizontal direction from the front end of the intermediate portion 75B. The nut support portion 75A of each bracket 75 is disposed between the ball nut 74 and the front wall 73A and fixed overlapping the front surface of the ball nut 74. As a result, as described above, the second movable paraphernalia unit 40 is supported by the pair of ball screw units 71 so as to be movable up and down. Then, when the second and third movable role units 40, 50 are in the second state (reduced state) and the second movable role unit 40 is positioned at the lowest end of its movable range, the base member 43 of the second movable role unit 40 overlaps the front side of the third movable role unit 50, as shown in Figure 20.

[0062] Also, when the second movable role unit 40 moves to the top end (performance position) of the movable range and the first movable role unit 30, 40, 50 is in the first state (expanded state), as shown in Figure 20, the base member 43 of the second movable role unit 40 is positioned at a distance from the first and third movable role units 30, 50 in the vertical direction. Then, the plurality of movable members 41, 42, 49 of the second movable role unit 40 and the plurality of movable members 51, 52 of the third movable role unit 50 partially overlap when viewed from the front, and the plurality of movable members 31, 32 of the first movable role unit 30 partially overlap with the base member 43 of the second movable role unit 40 and the rotating member 60 hinged thereto (described below) when viewed from the front. Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the "fully expanded state." In contrast, the state in which the first movable role units 30, 40, 50 are in the second state (reduced state), the second movable role unit 40 is located at the lower end of the movable range (origin position), and the first movable role unit 30 is positioned in the second rotation position (the rear surface of the base member 33 is facing forward) is referred to as the "overall reduced state."

[0063] As shown in FIG. 14, a rotating member 60 is disposed on the upper part of the base member 43. The rotating member 60 is in the shape of a horizontally elongated, substantially rectangular plate with a width substantially equal to that of the base member 43. One long side of the outer edge of the rotating member 60 is hingedly connected to the upper edge of the base member 43, and the rotating member 60 rotates between an upright position (see FIG. 19(B)) in which it stands on the base member 43 and a standby position (see FIG. 19(A)) rotated approximately 90 degrees forward from that position. The center of gravity of the rotating member 60 is located forward of the rotation center in the upright position. As a result, the rotating member 60 is biased by gravity toward the standby position over the entire range of its rotation.

[0064] A lever 61 is provided on the left side of the rotating member 60, and a lever engagement portion 62 is fixed to the left side of the mechanism frame 22. Then, as they move to the upper end of the second movable role unit 40 at a position near the upper end of the movable range, the rotating member 60 changes from a standby position to an upright position, and the second movable role unit 40 is held at the upper end, thereby holding the rotating member 60 in the upright position. Below, the rotating member 60 will be described as being part of the second movable role unit 40.

[0065] Specifically, the lever 61 is provided with a rotation shaft protrusion 45E, and the lever engagement portion 62 is provided with a rail protrusion 22E. The rotation shaft protrusions 45E protrude in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the lever 61, and two of them are lined up consecutively in the rotation direction. A gentle recess is formed between the two rotation shaft protrusions 45E. To distinguish between the two rotation shaft protrusions 45E, the one protruding to the left of the rotation shaft 45D in FIG. 19(A) will be referred to as the "first rotation shaft protrusion 45E," and the one protruding above the rotation shaft 45D in the same figure will be referred to as the "second rotation shaft protrusion 45E."

[0066] The rail protrusion 22E is formed on the edge of the screen opening 22A of the mechanism frame 22. Specifically, a lever engagement part 62 on which the rail protrusion 22E is formed is screwed to a position near the upper end of the left opening edge of the screen opening 22A. The rail protrusion 22E has a mountain shape that protrudes forward, and two of them are lined up consecutively in the vertical direction.

[0067] The position of the rotating member 60 changes as follows. As the movable prop unit 40 and the rotating member 60 move from the origin position to the performance position, the first rotating shaft protrusion 45E comes into contact with the lower rail protrusion 22E. As the rotating member 60 rises, the lower rail protrusion 22E pushes the first rotating shaft protrusion 45E downward, causing the lever 61 to rotate backward (see Figure 19(A)). Then, the rotating member 60 rises from a horizontal position to an upright position, and the second rotating shaft protrusion 45E is received and positioned between the upper and lower rail protrusions 22E. This keeps the rotating member 60 in an upright position (see Figure 19(B)).

[0068] Next, the decorative portions of the first to third movable bonus units 30, 40, and 50 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the movable members 31, 32, 41, 42, 49, 51, and 52 included in the first to third movable bonus units 30, 40, and 50 have substantially the entire front surface formed as decorative portions 31S, 32S, 41S, 42S, 49S, 51S, and 52S, respectively. The entire front surface of the decorative cover 48A included in the second movable bonus unit 40 also forms a decorative portion 48S. Furthermore, substantially the entire front surfaces of the base members 33 and 43 of the first and second movable bonus units 30 and 40, which are easily visible to players, also form decorative portions 33S1 and 43S, but the front surface of the base member 53 of the third movable bonus unit 50, which is difficult for players to see, does not have a decorative portion. Furthermore, the base member 33 of the first movable accessory unit 30 rotates to make the rear side easily visible, so the entire rear side of the base member 33 also becomes the decorative part 33S2 (see FIG. 13(A)). Similar to the base member 33, the rotating member 60 also rotates to make both the front and rear sides easily visible to the player, so the entire front and rear sides of the rotating member 60 become the decorative parts 60S1, 60S2.

[0069] 20, when the first to third movable role units 30, 40, 50 are in the aforementioned overall contracted state, the display screen 13G of the display device 13 is substantially entirely visible through the screen opening 22A of the mechanism frame 22, and of the above-mentioned multiple decorative parts 31S, 32S, 41S, etc., only the decorative part 33S2 on the rear side of the base member 33 of the first movable role unit 30 and the decorative part 60S2 on the rear side of the rotating member 60 of the second movable role unit 40 are easily visible to the player. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, when the first to third movable role units 30, 40, 50 are in the aforementioned overall expanded state, the display opening 11H is substantially entirely covered from the rear, and the display screen 13G is substantially entirely covered from the front by the first to third movable role units 30, 40, 50, making it difficult to see.

[0070] 21, the multiple movable accessory units 30, 40, 50 and the multiple decorative portions 31S, 32S... provided on the rotating member 60 are related to each other and appear as one large decorative body. Each decorative portion 31S, 32S... is, for example, one of the shapes obtained by dividing the face of a character appearing in the effects of the gaming machine 10 horizontally into four parts, and in the first state, they are adjacent to each other to form the character's face. Specifically, the decorative portions 31S, 32S, 33S1 form the forehead of the character's face, the decorative portion 60S1 forms the eyes, the decorative portions 41S, 42S, 43S, 49S form the upper jaw, and the decorative portions 51S, 52S form the lower jaw.

[0071] In addition, all of the above-mentioned decorative parts 31S, 32S, 41S... are at least partially made of colorless and transparent or colored and transparent materials. Furthermore, like the base member 53 of the third movable accessory unit 50, an illumination board is housed inside the base members 33, 43 and the rotating member 60 of the first movable accessory units 30, 40. Then, the light from the illumination board illuminates almost the entire first to third movable accessory units 30, 40, 50, and some of the rear parts become visible through the colorless and transparent parts.

[0072] Hereinafter, when the decorative parts 31S, 32S, etc. in the multiple movable accessory units 30, 40, 50 are not distinguished from one another, they will be described as decorative parts 30S, 40S, 50S, 60S.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, the decorative portion 30S of the first movable accessory unit 30 has an uneven surface and includes a colorless, transparent translucent portion 81 and a colored non-translucent portion 82. The translucent portion 81 and the non-translucent portion 82 have irregular shapes that spread radially from the lower end to the upper end of the decorative portion 30S. The decorative portion 31S of the first movable member 31 is mostly comprised of the non-translucent portion 82. The decorative portion 32S of the second movable member 32, whose front side is covered by the first movable member 31, is comprised of the translucent portion 81, while the portion exposed from the first movable member 31 is comprised of the translucent portion 81 and the non-translucent portion 82 in a ratio of approximately 1:1. The decorative portion 33S1 of the base member 33 is mostly comprised of the translucent portion 81. The non-translucent portion 82 is arranged to surround the upper outer edge of the base member 33.

[0074] The decorative portions 60S1, 40S, and 50S described below have different shapes, but are provided with a light-transmitting portion 81 and a non-light-transmitting portion 82 similar to those of the decorative portion 30S.

[0075] In addition, as shown in Figure 13(A), the decorative portion 33S2 on the rear side of the base member 33 comprises an emblem 33E arranged at the midpoint in the longitudinal direction of the base member 33 and a radial decoration 30F extending outward from the emblem 33E, and has a different design from that of the decorative portion 30S.

[0076] As shown in Figure 14, the decorative portion 60S1 of the rotating member 60 is provided with lens portions 83 that resemble the eyes of a character. The lens portions 83 are semicircular with downward-pointing arcs, and a pair of lens portions 83 are provided near both ends of the rotating member 60 in the left-right direction. The lens portions 83 also have concentric irregularities (not shown) on the back side, which reflect light from the light-emitting substrate housed inside the rotating member 60. The back side of the decorative portion 60S1 of the rotating member 60 is provided with a decorative portion 60S2, which has a design related to the decorative portion 33S2 of the first base member 33.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 14 , a pair of first tusk ornaments 84 are formed on the left and right ends of the third movable member 49 of the second movable accessory unit 40. The first tusk ornaments 84 are shaped like animal fangs and hang down while tapering toward their tips. A second tusk ornament 85 is provided on the portion of the first movable member 41 that is sandwiched between the pair of first tusk ornaments 84 when viewed from the front. The second tusk ornament 85 is shaped like an animal's front teeth and is long enough that its lower end is positioned above the lower end of the first tusk ornament 84. The portions of ornamental portions 41S and 49S corresponding to the first and second tusk ornaments 84 and 85 are opaque portions 82, but are colored a different color from the other opaque portions 82. A third tusk ornament 87, described later, is similarly colored.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the decorative portion 51S provided on the first movable member 51 of the third movable accessory unit 50 includes a flat translucent portion 86. The flat translucent portion 86 has no irregularities on its surface, allowing the second movable member 52 to be easily seen from the front. The flat translucent portion 86 is surrounded on three sides, including the bottom and both sides, by non-translucent portions 82. The flat translucent portion 86 also includes a third fang decorative portion 87. The third fang decorative portion 87 is formed by bulging the flat translucent portion 86 forward, and extends upward while tapering from the boundary between the flat translucent portion 86 and the non-translucent portion 82 provided below it. The decorative portion 52S provided on the second movable member 52 includes non-translucent portions 82 at the lower edge of the second movable member 52 and in a portion that overlaps with the flat translucent portion 86 when viewed from the front, with the remaining areas being translucent portions 81.

[0079] The base member 53 does not have the decorative portion 50S and is a transparent member that exposes the illuminated board housed inside. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the base member 53 may also be configured to have the decorative portion 50S.

[0080] 20 , a translucent decorative part 88 is disposed on the left side of the mechanism frame 22 so as to cover the ball screw unit 71 from the front. The translucent decorative part 88 is a hollow transparent member with irregularities on the front and back, and has an irregular outer shape that extends inside the mechanism frame 22.

[0081] The game board 11 is also provided with an expanded decorative portion (not shown) that is associated with the decorative portions 31S, 32S, 41S, etc. of the first to third movable accessory units 30, 40, 50 in the fully expanded state. The expanded decorative portion has decorations associated with the multiple decorative portions on the front, and for example, surrounds the face of a character formed by the decorative portions 31S, 32S, 41S, etc., making it appear as if the character's face is extending onto the game board 11.

[0082] The enlarged decorative portion may have a design related to the decorative portions 31S, 32S, 41S, etc., or may have a completely different design.

[0083] Next, only the characteristic parts of the wiring configuration of the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG. 12, the rotating shaft member 36S of the base member 33 described above is pipe-shaped, and the inside thereof forms a cable insertion hole 33V. A harness 90A connected to an illumination board (not shown) of the base member 33 is passed through the cable insertion hole 33V. The harness 90A is formed by bundling multiple cables. One end of the harness 90A is fixed inside the base member 33 with a cable tie (not shown), and the other end is fixed to the inner surface of the mechanism frame 22 with a cable tie 91. More specifically, the harness 90A is pulled outward from the cable insertion hole 33V, bent, and fixed to the inner surface of the mechanism frame 22. The multiple cables are not bundled between the two fixed portions of the harness 90A. The portion of the harness 90A between the two fixed portions is twisted and deformed as the base member 33 rotates.

[0084] 12 also shows the routing of a characteristic harness 90B around the rotary drive source 36 for switching the first movable accessory unit 30 between the first state and the second state. The harness 90B is formed, for example, by bundling multiple cables with multiple cable ties 91, and has a connector 90C at one end that is connected to the rotary drive source 36. The harness 90B is routed so that a portion thereof is positioned to the side of the rotary drive source 36, and then fixed to a predetermined location on the mechanism frame 22 with the cable ties. Here, the multiple cable ties 91 described above are arranged on the portion of the harness 90B that is positioned to the side of the rotary drive source 36. Even if the harness 90B is assembled close to the rotary drive source 36, the cable ties 91 abut against the rotary drive source 36, preventing the cables of the harness 90B from directly contacting the rotary drive source 36. Moreover, the multiple cable ties 91 are arranged so that head portions 91A of the cable ties 91 face the side surface of the rotary drive source 36. This ensures a wide gap between the cables and the rotary drive source 36 when the cable ties 91 come into contact with the rotary drive source 36.

[0085] Note that the number of binding bands 91 wound around the cable and arranged between the cable and the rotary drive source 36 may be two as shown in Fig. 12, or may be one or more. This configuration may also be applied to harness 90B arranged near electrical components that may generate heat, such as a control board, and is not limited to motors such as rotary drive source 36.

[0086] This concludes the explanation of the configuration of the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment. Next, we will explain the operation and effect of this gaming machine 10. When the gaming machine 10 is in a standby state where no game is being played, for example, the first to third movable accessory units 30, 40, 50 are in an overall contracted state.

[0087] When the operating handle 100H of the gaming machine 10 is rotated to start a game, a win / loss determination is made based on the entry of a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area R1 into the first or second start winning hole 14A, 14B. Then, the special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C are displayed variably on the display screen 13G, and the result of the determination is announced based on the symbol combination when the symbols are displayed stationary. When the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are stopped and displayed in a specific combination, a face appearance effect is executed in which the plurality of movable accessory units 30, 40, and 50 are displaced from an overall contracted state to an overall expanded state.

[0088] In the face appearance performance, first, the rotation drive source 37 of the first movable role unit 30 operates, causing the first base member 33 to rotate from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, making the decorative portion 31S of the first movable member 31 and a part of the decorative portion 32S of the second movable member 32 visible from the front. At the same time, the ball screw 72 rotates by the rotation drive source 76, causing the second movable role unit 40 to rise from the origin position to the performance position. At this time, the rotating member 60, which was in a standby position, rotates to an upright position, making the decorative portion 60S1 visible. Then, the rotation drive sources 36, 46, and 56 operate, causing the multiple movable role units 30, 40, and 50 to simultaneously deploy from the second state to the first state.

[0089] Thus, according to the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the plurality of movable accessory units 30, 40, 50 are configured with a parallel link mechanism using the plurality of movable members 31, 32, etc., which enables a novel movement effect in which the movable accessory units 30, 40, 50 are deployed all at once from a gathered state. Furthermore, the decorative portions 31S, 32S, etc. provided on each of the movable members 31, 32, etc. are each one of the horizontally divided portions of a character's face, so that when the decorative portions 31S, 32S are arranged in the first state, the character's face is formed, further providing the player with a sense of surprise and unexpectedness.

[0090] Furthermore, since the second and third movable accessory units 40, 50 each form a parallel link mechanism, it is possible to reduce the space in the front-to-back direction in the second state, and in the fully contracted state, the second movable accessory unit 40 can be placed overlapping the front of the third movable accessory unit 50. In this way, there is no risk of it blocking the display screen 13G from the front and getting in the way.

[0091] In addition, in the first and second movable accessory units 30, 40, the base members 33, 43 are also provided with decorative parts 33S, 43S, which makes it possible to make the movable accessory units 30, 40 in the first state look larger. Furthermore, the light-emitting substrate housed inside the base members 33, 43 is covered by the decorative parts 33S, 43S, improving aesthetics.

[0092] In the second state, the plurality of movable members 31, 32, etc. are spaced further apart in the front-to-back direction than in the first state, in other words, they protrude forward, making it possible to execute a face appearance effect with a sense of depth. Also, in the second movable role unit 40, the third movable member 49 is disposed between the first movable member 41 and the decorative cover 48A protruding from the upper end of the first movable member 41, so that the plurality of movable members 41, 42 simultaneously move in parallel in the same direction while the third movable member moves between the decorative cover 48A, providing the player with an unprecedented action, improving the game's appeal.

[0093] Furthermore, both the front and back decorative parts 33S1 and 33S2 can be seen by rotating the base member 33 in the front-rear direction. Also, by making the decorative parts 33S1 and 33S2 have different patterns, it is possible to create a surprising rotation effect when the base member 33 rotates.

[0094] In addition, the three movable accessory units 30, 40, and 50 form the face of one character, making it possible to express a larger accessory. Furthermore, by providing an enlarged decorative portion on the game board 11, it is possible to express a larger accessory.

[0095] Furthermore, because harness 90A is not bundled between the two fixed portions, twisting of harness 90A arranged inside cable insertion hole 33V is reduced even if rotating shaft member 36S rotates in conjunction with rotation of base portion 33. Furthermore, because head portion 91A of cable tie 91 is positioned to face the side of rotation drive source 36, which is a heat source, a wide gap is secured between the cable and rotation drive source 36 when cable tie 91 abuts against rotation drive source 36, preventing damage to the cable coating due to heat.

[0096] [Second embodiment] This embodiment, shown in Fig. 22, differs from the first embodiment in the routing structure of the harness 90A pulled out from inside the rotary shaft member 36S of the base member 33. Specifically, a disk 33Z protrudes laterally from the tip of the rotary shaft member 36S. The rotary shaft member 36S of the first embodiment also has a disk-shaped portion protruding laterally (see Fig. 12), but the disk 33Z has a larger outer diameter. The harness 90A is pulled out from the cable insertion hole 33V of the rotary shaft member 36S, bent at a right angle, and fixed in a state facing a tangential direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the disk 33Z by a fixing portion 33K provided near the outer edge of the main plane of the disk 33Z.

[0097] The harness 90A is curved in an arc about the rotation axis of the rotating shaft member 36S (more specifically, wound about one turn), and then stretched, for example, diagonally downward and rearward relative to the rotating shaft member 36S and fixed to the mechanism frame 22 by the fixing portion 22K. As shown in FIG. 22(A), when the base member 33 is disposed in the first rotation position, the harness 90A is wound about one turn around the rotation axis of the rotating shaft member 36S. When the base member 33 rotates to the second rotation position as shown in FIG. 2(B), the amount of winding of the harness 90A decreases by an amount corresponding to the rotation angle, and the arc portion of the harness 90A expands outward. That is, the harness 90A is bent and deformed so that the curvature of the arc changes as the base member 33 rotates, and the harness 90A expands and contracts around the rotation axis of the base member 33.

[0098] In this manner, in this embodiment, the rotation of the base member 33 is absorbed by bending deformation, which places a lower load on the cables of the harness 90A than torsional deformation, and therefore the load on the cables can be reduced compared to conventional methods.

[0099] In this embodiment, the harness 90A is wound about one turn around the rotation shaft of the base member 33, but the number of turns is not limited and may be one turn or more, or less than one turn (for example, 0.5 turns). In this embodiment, the harness 90A extends in a tangential direction intersecting the radial direction of the disk 33Z at the fixed portion 33K, but it may also extend in the radial direction of the disk 33Z. A winding shaft portion may be protruded in the axial direction from an end face of the rotation shaft member 36S, and the harness 90D may be wound around the winding shaft portion.

[0100] <Additional Notes> The following describes the features extracted from the above embodiment, while indicating, as necessary, the effects, etc. Note that, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above embodiment are indicated in parentheses as appropriate below, but these features are not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0101] [First group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and gaming machines having movable decorative parts have been known in the past, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-217596 (paragraphs

[0045] to

[0057] , Figures 11 and 13). In contrast, the present disclosure aims to provide a gaming machine that can perform a moving effect in which the decorative parts move differently from conventional ones, and the following first feature group can solve this problem.

[0102] [Feature 1] A gaming machine comprising: a base member; a plurality of movable members each having a decorative part on the front surface and arranged in a sequentially shifted forward direction relative to the base member; and a parallel link mechanism that supports the plurality of movable members so that they can move parallel to the base member simultaneously and in the same direction using a plurality of connecting members that are rotatably connected to the base member and the plurality of movable members.

[0103] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, multiple movable members, each having a decorative part on its front surface and arranged in a sequentially shifted forward direction relative to the base member, are supported by a parallel link mechanism and move parallel to the base member simultaneously and in the same direction. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform a novel moving effect in which multiple decorative parts are deployed all at once from a grouped state.

[0104] [Feature 2] A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, in which, in a first state in which the multiple connecting members are positioned at one end of the rotatable range, the decorative parts of the multiple movable members are shifted in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction, and appear as a single decorative body related to each other when viewed from the front, and in a second state in which the multiple connecting members are positioned at the other end of the rotatable range, the decorative part of the rear movable member is covered by the front movable member and becomes difficult to see compared to the first state.

[0105] In the gaming machine of feature 2, the operation of the parallel link mechanism changes from a state in which some of the decorative parts of the multiple movable parts are covered by the movable part in front and difficult to see (second state) to a state in which the decorative parts of the multiple movable parts shift in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction and appear as a single decorative body that is related to each other when viewed from the front (first state), allowing the player to see a large decorative body that includes multiple decorative parts all at once.

[0106] [Feature 3] The gaming machine described in Feature 2 is provided with a decorative part on the front surface of the base member that is covered by the plurality of movable members in the second state and that is more visible in the first state than in the second state.

[0107] In the gaming machine of Feature 3, a decorative part is also provided on the front surface of the base member, which is the side of the parallel link mechanism that supports the multiple movable members, and when the decorative parts of the multiple movable members are shifted in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction and appear as a single decorative body related to each other when viewed from the front (first state), the decorative part of the base member becomes easily visible. This allows the player to see a large decorative body made up of the decorative parts of the movable members and the decorative part of the base member added to them.

[0108] [Feature 4] A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, wherein in a first state in which the multiple connecting members are located at one end of the rotatable range, the multiple movable members are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction, and in a second state in which the multiple connecting members are located at the other end of the rotatable range, the multiple movable members are closer to each other in the front-to-back direction compared to the first state.

[0109] In the gaming machine of Feature 4, the operation of the parallel link mechanism changes the state in which the multiple movable members are close to each other in the front-to-back direction (second state) to a state in which the multiple movable members are separated from each other in the front-to-back direction (first state), allowing the player to see a decorative object that has depth in the front-to-back direction.

[0110] [Feature 5] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 4, wherein at least some of the multiple movable members are provided with a translucent portion that allows the rear movable member or the base member to be seen through.

[0111] In the gaming machine of feature 5, since at least a part of the plurality of movable members is provided with a light-transmitting portion, the visible range of the decorative portion is widened, and the invention is improved.

[0112] [Feature 6] A gaming machine described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a support protrusion extends forward from a special movable member that is not located at the forefront of the plurality of movable members, and a decorative cover is supported by the support protrusion and covers from the front a portion of the movable member forward of the special movable member.

[0113] In the gaming machine of Feature 6, another movable member is positioned between a special movable member among the plurality of movable members and a decorative cover supported by the special movable member. This allows the player to experience a never-before-seen action of another movable member moving between the special movable member and the decorative cover while the plurality of movable members are moving parallel to each other simultaneously and in the same direction, thereby enhancing the game's appeal.

[0114] [Feature 7] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, wherein the base member is supported rotatably around a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction.

[0115] According to the configuration of feature 7, the base member rotates around a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, causing the entire parallel link mechanism to rotate. This creates an unexpected movement and enhances the appeal of the device.

[0116] [Feature 8] The gaming machine described in Feature 7, wherein the base member rotates between a first rotation position in which the plurality of movable members are located on the front side of the base member and a second rotation position in which the plurality of movable members are located on the rear side of the base member, and has decorative portions on both the front side facing forward in the first rotation position and the rear side facing forward in the second rotation position.

[0117] In the gaming machine of Feature 8, the base is rotatably supported, and when it is in the first rotation position, the multiple movable members are hidden behind the base, and when it is in the second rotation position, the multiple movable members appear in front of the base. Here, since the base has decorative portions on both the front and rear, the decoration that is visible when the base is in the first rotation position can be significantly different from the decoration that is visible when the base is in the second rotation position, providing an unexpected change in decoration.

[0118] [Feature 9] A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, in which a plurality of movable game units including the base member, a plurality of movable members on the front side, and the parallel link mechanism are arranged in a first direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction.

[0119] In the gaming machine of feature 9, a plurality of movable role units, which include the above-mentioned multiple movable members, parallel link mechanisms, etc. and are capable of performing innovative movable effects as described above, are arranged in a first direction that intersects with the front-to-rear direction, thereby enabling even more innovative movable effects to be performed.

[0120] [Feature 10] A gaming machine as described in feature 9, which has a gaming board with an opening, and the plurality of movable members included in the plurality of movable game units and the base member having a decorative part can cover almost the entire opening from behind.

[0121] According to the configuration of feature 10, the state of multiple movable role units can be changed all at once, and an unprecedented effect can be produced in which the multiple movable members and base member cover almost the entire opening of the game board from the back.

[0122] [Feature 11] The gaming machine described in Feature 10, wherein the gaming board is provided with an enlarged decorative portion that is related to the decorative portion of the movable device and that appears as a single decorative body related to each other when viewed from the front.

[0123] In the gaming machine of feature 11, the multiple movable members that cover almost the entire opening of the gaming board from the back side and the multiple decorative parts of the base member, and the enlarged decorative part provided on the gaming board, are linked together to appear as a single decorative body, allowing for unprecedented effects to be produced.

[0124] [Feature 12] a parallel link mechanism that supports the movable member so that it can move parallel to the base member using a plurality of connecting members that are rotatably connected to the base member and the movable member; and in a first state in which the plurality of connecting members are located at one end of a rotatable range, the decorative portions of the base member and the movable member are shifted in a direction that intersects with the front-to-back direction and appear as a single decorative body that is related to each other when viewed from the front, and in a second state in which the plurality of connecting members are located at the other end of the rotatable range, the decorative portion of the base member is covered by the movable member and becomes difficult to see compared to the first state.

[0125] According to the gaming machine of feature 12, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an innovative moving effect in which multiple decorative parts are grouped together, some of which are difficult to see, and then the base part and movable member unfold, changing into a state in which the decorative parts are related to each other and appear as a single decorative body when viewed from the front.

[0126] [Feature 13] A gaming machine described in any one of Features 2 to 4, which is provided with a pair of magnetic bodies that are provided at a pair of locations that are close to each other in either the first state or the second state, but are separated in the other state, and are coupled to each other by magnetic force in the one state, and are separated in the other state.

[0127] [Feature 14] A gaming machine described in feature 13, wherein the pair of magnetic bodies are coupled to each other in the second state.

[0128] According to Feature 13, the pair of parts attract each other by magnetic force, making it possible to prevent unintended rattle. Furthermore, as in Feature 14, if multiple movable parts are arranged so as to attract each other when arranged in the second state, the transition from the first state to the second state is carried out quickly, resulting in a sharp presentation.

[0129] [Feature 15] Feature 14. The gaming machine according to Feature 13, wherein the pair of magnetic bodies are disposed at positions away from the power receiving side of the parallel link mechanism.

[0130] According to Feature 15, the second state can be easily maintained even at a location away from the power receiving side, which is prone to rattle. The magnetic body may be located away from the power receiving side in the direction of the rotation axis or in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. In addition, the magnetic body may be located in a middle portion of the movable member in the longitudinal direction, or multiple magnetic bodies may be provided.

[0131] [Correspondence between components of the first feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, base member: base member 33, 43, 54, movable member: movable members 31, 32, 41, 42, 49, 51, 52, connecting member: connecting members 34A to 34C, 44A to 44F, 54A to 54C, parallel link mechanism: parallel link mechanism 34, 44, 54, movable role unit: movable role unit 30, 40, 50, decorative portion: decorative portion 30S, 40S, 50S, light-transmitting portion: light-transmitting portion 81, support protrusion: support protrusion 48B, decorative cover: decorative cover 48A, rotating shaft: rotating shaft member 36S, rotating shaft member 33T, opening: display opening 11H, magnetic body: magnetic body 53J

[0132] [Second group of features] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-221808 (paragraphs

[0154] ,

[0161] , Figures 8, 9, 14, etc.), gaming machines with front components that can be selectively attached from multiple types have been known. However, with conventional gaming machines, when multiple gaming machines with different types of front components are installed in an amusement hall, they are perceived as multiple parts of multiple other types of gaming machines, and do not attract players' interest. In contrast, the present application aims to provide gaming machines that can attract players' interest when installed together in an amusement hall, and the following second feature group can solve this problem.

[0133] [Feature 1] This gaming machine is a gaming machine that can be arranged in a row in a gaming hall, and is provided with a front part that can be attached selectively from a plurality of types and is visible from the front, and the front part can be selected so that the plurality of types of front parts of the plurality of gaming machines arranged in a row have one meaning.

[0134] According to the configuration of Feature 1, the front components of the gaming machines arranged side by side in the gaming hall have a single meaning, which can attract the interest of players.

[0135] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1 has characters displayed on the front parts, and the front parts can be selected so that multiple front parts of multiple types of gaming machines arranged side by side form a word with a single meaning.

[0136] According to the configuration of Feature 2, the front parts of multiple gaming machines arranged side by side in a gaming hall can be made to form one word, which can attract the interest of players.

[0137] [Feature 3] A gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, in which a pattern is displayed on the front part, and the front parts of multiple types of multiple gaming machines arranged side by side can be selected so that the front parts form one character.

[0138] According to the configuration of Feature 3, the front parts of multiple gaming machines arranged side by side in a gaming hall can be made to form a single character, which can attract the interest of players.

[0139] [Correspondence between components of the second feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, front part: decorative sheet 103

[0140] [Third group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and a gaming machine has been known in the past in which a cable is fixed to a first member and a second member, respectively, and is twisted as the second member rotates relative to the first member. However, in conventional gaming machines, a problem has been that the cable is subjected to a large load due to repeated deformation. In response to this problem, the present application aims to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the load on the cable compared to conventional gaming machines, and the following third feature group can solve this problem.

[0141] [Feature 1] A gaming machine comprising a first member, a second member that rotates relative to the first member within a certain regulated angle, and a cable fixed to the first member and the second member, wherein the cable is curved in an arc centered on the center of rotation of the second member.

[0142] According to the configuration of feature 1, the cable absorbs the rotation of the second member with bending deformation, which is a lower load than torsional deformation, so the load on the cable can be reduced compared to conventional cases.

[0143] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the cable is curved in an arc at one end of the regulated angle, wound around the center of rotation by 0.5 or more turns.

[0144] According to the configuration of Feature 2, the cable is curved into an arc wound 0.5 or more times around the center of rotation at one end of the regulated angle, and bending deformation can be dispersed and absorbed within a certain range of the cable, thereby sufficiently reducing the load on the cable.

[0145] [Correspondence between components of the third feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, first member: side wall of mechanism frame 22, second member: rotating shaft member 36S, cable: harness 90A

[0146] [Fourth group of features] The present disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-223446 (paragraphs

[0059] to

[0061] , FIG. 21), gaming machines equipped with components that can generate heat, such as motors, solenoids, and CPUs, have been known. However, in conventional gaming machines, a cable can come into contact with the heat-generating components, causing a problem in which the cable's insulation coating is damaged by heat. In response to this problem, the present application aims to provide a gaming machine that can prevent heat damage to the cable's insulation coating at low cost, and the following fourth feature group can solve this problem.

[0147] [Feature 1] A gaming machine having an electrical component that can generate heat, and a harness consisting of multiple cables bundled together with cable ties, at least a portion of which is positioned near the electrical component, wherein the cable ties have a structure in which the band body is inserted into a through hole in a head portion at one end of the cable ties, and the head portion is positioned in a position where it can abut against the electrical component, so that even if the cables approach the electrical component, the head portion abuts against the electrical component, preventing the cables from coming into contact with the electrical component.

[0148] In the gaming machine of Feature 1, the cable tie of the harness is positioned so that the larger head portion, rather than the band itself, can come into contact with the electrical components, ensuring that the cable is separated from the electrical components. Thus, according to Feature 1, simply by positioning the tie hand differently from conventional methods, it is possible to prevent the cable from coming into contact with the electrical components more effectively than before, and to prevent damage to the cable insulation coating due to heat at low cost.

[0149] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the harness is provided with a plurality of cable ties, and the head portions of the plurality of cable ties are positioned so that they can abut against the same electrical component.

[0150] In the gaming machine of feature 2, the multiple head portions of the multiple cable ties attached to the harness are positioned in positions where they can come into contact with the same electrical component, thereby reliably preventing the cable from coming into contact with the electrical component.

[0151] [Feature 3] A gaming machine as described in feature 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the electrical components are provided, a plurality of cable ties are provided on the harness, and the plurality of head portions of the plurality of cable ties are positioned so as to be able to abut against the plurality of the electrical components.

[0152] According to the configuration of feature 3, the cable can be protected from the heat-generating electrical components by the entire harness.

[0153] [Feature 4] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the electrical component is a motor.

[0154] A typical example of an electrical component that can generate heat is a motor, and preventing cables from coming into contact with the motor can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the cable's insulating coating.

[0155] [Correspondence between components of the fourth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, electrical component: rotation drive source 36, rotating member: rotating shaft member 36S, cable tie: cable tie 91, harness: harness 90B, head portion: head portion 91A

[0156] [5th ​​feature group] For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-205302 (paragraphs

[0099] to

[0103] ), gaming machines equipped with movable sliding devices have been known. In such conventional gaming machines, a guide shaft extending parallel to the rack or ball screw penetrates the movable device. However, the conventional structure requires high-precision machining to prevent misalignment with the guide shaft, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces machining precision, resulting in problems such as the movable device not moving smoothly. In response to these problems, the present application aims to provide a gaming machine that can smoothly operate movable devices with an inexpensive configuration. The fifth feature group described below can solve this problem.

[0157] [Feature 1] The gaming machine is provided with a pair of ball screws extending in parallel, a pair of ball nuts that are fixed to the pair of ball screws and that are threaded onto the pair of ball screws, and a movable device that moves with the rotation of the pair of ball screws, and does not have a guide shaft that extends in parallel to the ball screws and passes through the movable device.

[0158] According to Feature 1, a pair of ball screws act as a detent against each other, eliminating the need for a guide shaft and making it possible to move the movable element inexpensively and compactly. Furthermore, by eliminating the guide shaft, frictional resistance does not occur between the movable element and the guide shaft, resulting in smooth sliding movement.

[0159] [Feature 2] A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, having a guide groove or guide hole extending parallel to the pair of ball screws, and a slider fixed to the movable device and slidably engaging with the guide groove or guide hole.

[0160] According to feature 2, it is possible to guide the sliding movement of movable props with a simple configuration.

[0161] [Feature 3] A gaming machine having a ball screw, a movable member to which a ball nut that screws onto the ball screw is fixed and which moves as the ball screw rotates, a guide groove or guide hole that extends parallel to the ball screw, and a slider that is fixed to the movable member and slidably engages with the guide groove or guide hole.

[0162] [Correspondence between components of the fifth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, ball screw: ball screw 72, ball nut: ball nut 74, movable accessory: movable accessory unit 40, guide groove or guide hole: elongated hole 73A1, slider: roller 74R

[0163] [Sixth feature group] For example, as described in JP 2016-215098 A (paragraph

[0043] ), in gaming machines equipped with a rotating member that rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, ball bearings are used to receive the load from the rotating member and rotatably support it. In contrast, the present application aims to provide a gaming machine that can support a rotating member having a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction with a structure that is lower cost than conventional ones, and the following sixth feature group can solve this problem.

[0164] [Feature 1] A gaming machine having a rotating member that rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, the gaming machine having a lower end abutment portion that is provided at the lower end of the rotating member and on the rotation axis and has a downwardly tapered shape, and a support member that abuts against the lower end abutment portion and supports the rotating member from below.

[0165] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the lower end abutment portion has a spherical surface that bulges downward, and the support member has a flat surface with which the spherical surface makes point contact.

[0166] According to Features 1 and 2, the lower end abutment portion of the rotating member is less susceptible to wear, thereby extending its lifespan. In addition, since the frictional resistance between the rotating member and the support member is reduced when the rotating member rotates, it becomes possible to transmit the rotational force from the drive source to the rotating member without loss.

[0167] [Feature 3] 3. A gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the lower end abutment portion and the support member are both made of metal.

[0168] The lower end contact portion and the support member may be made of resin or other materials, but if they are made of metal as in Feature 3, the effect of being less prone to wear can be further enjoyed.

[0169] [Feature 4] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the rotating member is a ball screw.

[0170] The rotating member may be a ball screw, a lead screw, or any other mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear motion.

[0171] [Feature 5] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 4, wherein the support member has a through hole coaxial with the central axis, the rotating member has a through shaft portion that passes through the through hole and is restricted from moving laterally, and the lower end abutment portion is provided at the lower end of the through shaft portion.

[0172] According to the fifth feature, the rotary member can be rotatably supported with an inexpensive configuration.

[0173] [Correspondence between the components of the sixth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, rotating member: ball screw 72, lower end abutment portion: lower end portion of ball screw 72, support member: lower connecting portion 73D

[0174] Although the present specification and drawings disclose specific examples of the technology included in the scope of the claims, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but also includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples, and also includes parts of the specific examples taken out alone.

[0175] [Explanation of symbols] 10 Gaming machines 11 Game Board 22 Mechanism Frame 30, 40, 50 Movable parts unit 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s decorative parts 31, 32 Movable member 31, 32, 41, 42, 49, 51, 52 Movable parts 31S, 32S, 41S, 42S, 49S, 51S, 52S decorative parts 33, 43, 54 Base member 34, 44, 54 Parallel link mechanism 34A~34C, 44A~44F, 54A~54C connecting members 36, 46, 56 Rotation drive source

Claims

1. A base member; a plurality of movable members each having a decorative portion on a front surface thereof and disposed so as to be sequentially shifted forward relative to the base member; A gaming machine comprising: a parallel link mechanism that supports the plurality of movable members so that they can move parallel to the base member simultaneously and in the same direction using a plurality of connecting members that are rotatably connected to the base member and the plurality of movable members.

2. In a first state in which the plurality of connecting members are located at one end of the rotatable range, the decorative parts of the plurality of movable members are shifted in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, and appear as a single decorative body related to each other when viewed from the front, The gaming machine described in claim 1, wherein in a second state in which the multiple connecting members are positioned at the other end of the rotatable range, the decorative portion of the rear movable member is covered by the front movable member, making it difficult to see, compared to the first state.

3. The gaming machine described in claim 2, wherein the front surface of the base member is provided with a decorative portion that is covered by the plurality of movable members in the second state and that is more visible in the first state than in the second state.

4. A gaming machine as described in claim 1, wherein in a first state in which the multiple connecting members are located at one end of the rotatable range, the multiple movable members are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction, and in a second state in which the multiple connecting members are located at the other end of the rotatable range, the multiple movable members are closer to each other in the front-to-back direction than in the first state.

5. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of movable members are provided with a light-transmitting portion that allows a rear movable member or the base member to be seen through.

6. The gaming machine described in claim 1 has a support protrusion extending forward from a special movable member that is not located at the forefront of the plurality of movable members, and a decorative cover supported by the support protrusion that covers from the front a portion of the movable member forward of the special movable member.

7. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the base member is supported rotatably about a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction.

8. The gaming machine described in claim 7, wherein the base member rotates between a first rotation position in which the plurality of movable members are located on the front side of the base member and a second rotation position in which the plurality of movable members are located on the rear side of the base member, and has decorative portions on both the front side facing forward in the first rotation position and the rear side facing forward in the second rotation position.

9. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of movable game units each including the base member, a plurality of movable members on the front side, and the parallel link mechanism are arranged in a first direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction.

10. A game board having an opening, 10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of movable members included in the plurality of movable game units and the base member having a decorative portion cover substantially the entire opening from behind.

11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the gaming board is provided with an enlarged decorative portion that is related to the decorative portion of the movable device and that appears as a single decorative body related to each other when viewed from the front.

12. a base member having a decorative portion on a front surface; a movable member having a decorative portion on a front surface thereof and disposed forward of the base member; a parallel link mechanism that supports the movable member so as to be movable in parallel with respect to the base member by a plurality of connecting members that are rotatably connected to the base member and the movable member; In a first state in which the plurality of connecting members are located at one end of the rotatable range, the decorative parts of the base member and the movable member are displaced in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, and appear as a single decorative body related to each other when viewed from the front, In a second state in which the plurality of connecting members are positioned at the other end of the rotatable range, the decorative portion of the base member is covered by the movable member, making it difficult to see, compared to the first state.

13. A gaming machine as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a pair of magnetic bodies provided at a pair of locations that are close to each other in either the first state or the second state, but are spaced apart in the other state, and that are coupled to each other by magnetic force in the one state and spaced apart in the other state.

14. The gaming machine according to claim 13 , wherein the pair of magnetic bodies are coupled to each other in the second state.

15. 14. The gaming machine according to claim 13, wherein the pair of magnetic bodies are arranged at positions away from the power receiving side of the parallel link mechanism.

Images