Gaming machine

Abstract

There is a demand for a technique capable of reducing erroneous assembly due to the binding band as compared with the related art.SOLUTION: In a game machine 10, a cable 208 is laid on a cable support member 203 made of resin, and the cable 208 is bound by a plurality of binding bands 230. In the present embodiment, a tape 208P for bundling the cable 208 is wound in advance around a plurality of portions of the cable 208 around which the plurality of cable ties 230 are wound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine having a cable support member on which a cable is supported. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there is known one in which cables are bundled together with a cable tie (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-176725 A (paragraph

[0066] ) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional gaming machines described above, cables may be tied in the wrong position with a cable tie, and there is a need for technology that can reduce incorrect assembly using cable ties more than ever before. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the invention made to solve the above problem is an amusement machine in which a cable is routed around a resin cable support member and bound by a plurality of cable ties, and in which tape is wrapped around the cable in advance at multiple locations on the cable where the multiple cable ties are to be wrapped to bundle the cable together. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cable ties can be attached using the tape as a marker, which reduces the chance of incorrect assembly due to the cable ties. Also, since the tape is already wrapped around the cables, the cables are bundled together, making it easier to wrap the cable ties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gaming machine seen from the rear. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the metal frame. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear door. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the game board. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal module. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal module seen from the rear. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal module. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal module seen from the rear. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism when installing the LCD module. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism when the LCD module is in an upright position. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism when removing the LCD module. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rear door. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rear door. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the rear door as seen from the rear. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the gaming machine from the rear with the rear cover door removed. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the retaining member and the locking member. [Figure 19] FIG. 19A is a side view of the rear door when the retaining member is in a horizontally laid position, and FIG. 19B is a side view of the rear door when the retaining member is in a rotatable state. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a side view of the rear door when the retaining member is in the upright position. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the rear cover door as seen from the rear. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an enlarged view of the hinge shaft and hinge receiving portion of the rear cover door. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the latch member. [Figure 24] FIG. 24A is a side cross-sectional view of the latch member when the shaft is pulled, and FIG. 24B is a side cross-sectional view of the latch member when the shaft is pushed in. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the gaming machine with the rear cover door closed. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the gaming machine with the rear cover door open. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a rear view of the gaming machine with the rear cover door removed. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is an enlarged perspective view of the cable support door and the groove cover. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is an enlarged perspective view of the cable support door and its vicinity with the groove cover removed. [Figure 30] FIG. 30A is a cross-sectional view of the gaming machine with the cable support door closed, and FIG. 30B is a cross-sectional view of the gaming machine with the cable support door open. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is an enlarged rear view of the vicinity of the cable support door with the harness routed around it. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the rear door with the game board and LCD module attached. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the movable props seen from behind. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a rear view of the cable support member with the cable routed therethrough. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the cable support member as seen from the rear. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is an enlarged perspective view of the cable holder. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is an enlarged perspective view of the band winding portion. [Figure 38]FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cable tie is inserted into a through-hole. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the band winding portion and the cable bound by the binding band. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of the launcher. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the lifting device. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a side cross-sectional view of the lifting device. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the ball collection section. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of the third passage inside the ball collection section. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a side cross-sectional view of the third passage and the discharge passage when the door member is disposed in the closed position. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a side cross-sectional view of the third passage and the discharge passage when the door member is placed in the open position. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a front view of the discharge passage and the discharge port. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the door element as seen from the rear. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the ball collection section when the door member is in the closed position. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the ball collection section when the door member is in the open position. [Figure 51] Figure 51 is a front view of the bottom edge of the fixed frame. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning member. [Figure 53] FIG. 53A is a side cross-sectional view of the lifting device when the cleaning member is not properly attached, and FIG. 53B is a side cross-sectional view of the lifting device when the cleaning member is properly attached. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the cover member and the cover support portion. [Figure 55] Figure 55 is an exploded perspective view of the lower component. [Figure 56] Figure 56 is a perspective view of the lower unit seen from below. [Figure 57]Figure 57 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 58] FIG. 58A is an exploded perspective view of the lower lamp, and FIG. 58B is a cross-sectional view of the lower lamp. [Figure 59] Figure 59 is a perspective view of the front door seen from below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a gaming machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 59. The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, and is configured by removably assembling a gaming board 90 shown in Figure 2 to a gaming frame 11 shown in Figure 1. The gaming machine 10 is a so-called enclosed gaming machine in which a fixed number of gaming balls circulate inside.

[0009] It should be noted that the configuration of each part of the gaming machine 10 described below does not exclude application to a non-enclosed gaming machine (i.e., a gaming machine that requires a gaming ball circulation system in an amusement hall). In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "left as you face the gaming machine 10" will simply be referred to as "left," and the opposite side will simply be referred to as "right."

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the game frame 11 is divided into a fixed frame 12, a rear door 13, and a front door 60. The fixed frame 12 is a vertically elongated frame body fixed to the game island of an amusement hall, and as shown in FIG. 2, each of its four sides is composed of a strip-shaped support plate 12S. A horizontally elongated stopper portion 12C is fixed to the front edge of the upper surface of the lower support plate 12S, and an engaging portion (not shown) is fixed to the inner surface of the right support plate 12S. Furthermore, a rectangular parallelepiped support block 12B is fixed to the lower left corner of the fixed frame 12, and a pair of hinge pieces 12H extend forward from the top of the support block 12B and the upper end of the left side of the fixed frame 12.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 2, the rear door 13 has an external shape, viewed from the front, that is substantially the same vertically elongated rectangle as the fixed frame 12, and is provided with a pair of hinge pieces 13H at both the upper and lower ends of the left side. The rear door 13 is rotatably supported by the fixed frame 12 by the connection between the hinge pieces 12H, 13H of the fixed frame 12 and the rear door 13. A stepped surface 13D is formed near the front end of the rear door 13, and when the rear door 13 is closed, as shown in Fig. 3, the stepped surface 13D overlaps the front surface of the fixed frame 12, and a part of the rear door 13 protrudes rearward from the fixed frame 12.

[0012] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a latch unit 14 extending in the vertical direction is provided on the right side of the front end of the rear door 13, and multiple first locking claws 14A included in the latch unit 14 engage with multiple engaging portions on the inner surface of the above-mentioned fixed frame 12, thereby keeping the rear door 13 in a closed state.

[0013] A key cylinder 14J connected to the latch unit 14 is provided near the lower end of the right side of the rear door 13, and by rotating the key inserted into the key cylinder 14J, for example clockwise, the engagement between the multiple first locking claws 14A and the engaged portions is released, making it possible to open the rear door 13.

[0014] 1, the front door 60 has an external shape, viewed from the front, that is substantially the same vertically elongated rectangle as the fixed frame 12 and the rear door 13, and includes a glass window 60W facing the game board 90 and a lower component 60D, which will be described in detail later. The front door 60 also includes a pair of hinge connecting portions (not shown) at both upper and lower ends of the left side portion of the front door 60. The pair of hinge connecting portions of the front door 60 are hingedly connected to hinge pieces 13H of the rear door 13, so that the front door 60 is rotatably supported by the rear door 13.

[0015] The right side of the front door 60 is provided with a plurality of engagement holes (not shown), and a plurality of second locking claws 14B (see FIGS. 2 and 4) included in the latch unit 14 of the rear door 13 engage with the engagement holes of the front door 60, thereby holding the front door 60 in a closed state. Then, by turning the key inserted into the key cylinder 14J, for example counterclockwise, the engagement between the plurality of second locking claws 14B and the engagement holes is released, and the front door 60 can be opened.

[0016] The following will describe in detail the components of the game board 90, rear door 13, front door 60, etc.

[0017] <About the rear door> First, we will explain the details of the rear door 13. As shown in Figure 2, the rear door 13 is shaped like a container that opens to the front, and the game board 90 and the like are assembled in about the upper three-quarters, and the launching device 100 (described later) and the like are assembled in about the lower one-third.

[0018] Specifically, the front portion of the rear door 13 includes the metal frame 15 shown in FIG. 4 and a front resin frame 13F (see FIG. 5) placed in front of it. The lower side of the metal frame 15 is composed of a lower plate 16. The lower plate 16 is flat with its thickness oriented in the front-to-rear direction and is disposed at the lower end of the rear door 13 and shifted rearward from the front surface of the rear door 13. A pair of protrusions 16T extend upward from both lateral ends of the lower plate 16, and protrude upward from the upper surface of the lower side of the front resin frame 13F, which is placed on and fixed to the front surface of the lower plate 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the portion of the rear door 13 forward of the lower plate 16 and above the lower side of the front resin frame 13F forms a game board mounting portion 13X for receiving a game board 90 (see FIG. 2).

[0019] The left side of the play board assembly 13X is provided with a protruding wall 15W extending inward from the rear edge of the inner surface of the left side of the metal frame 15, and a pair of opposing walls 15V protruding from the inner surface of the left side of the metal frame 15 and facing the upper and lower ends of the protruding wall 15W from the front. As shown in FIG. 5, the upper right corner of the play board assembly 13X is provided with an engagement lever 18 that rotates around a rotation axis extending in the front-to-rear direction, and the lower right corner of the play board assembly 13X is provided with an engagement bar 19 that rotates around a rotation axis extending laterally. The engagement bar 19 has a pair of opposing portions (not shown) that oppose each other in the front-to-rear direction. A pair of positioning pins 16P protrude forward from the pair of protruding pieces 16T.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 6, the game board 90 is formed by assembling, for example, a plurality of winning devices 90N, movable devices 90K, etc., to a game board main body 90H. The game board main body 90H is, for example, a transparent rectangular resin plate, and has a game area R surrounded by a guide rail 90G on its front side. A performance window 90W opens near the upper end of the game area R, and a support frame 90F is fixed to the rear side of the game board main body 90H so as to surround the performance window 90W. The movable device 90K is supported by the support frame 90F. The plurality of winning devices 90N are assembled in a state in which portions of them are received in through-holes (not shown) within the game area R. The gaming balls are then launched by the launching device 100, flow down the gaming area R, and enter either the winning slot of one of the winning devices 90N or the outlet 90L at the bottom center of the gaming area R. The balls are then taken into the rear side of the gaming board main body 90H, and are guided through an exhaust duct (not shown) or otherwise discharged downward from the lower rear of the gaming board main body 90H. As described above, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is an enclosed gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming balls are enclosed inside. Therefore, the gaming balls discharged below the gaming board 90 are collected in the gaming ball receiving groove 22M (described later) and returned to the launching device 100, allowing the gaming balls inside to be used cyclically. Positioning holes 90P are formed in two locations on the bottom of the gaming board main body 90H (only one of the positioning holes 90P is shown in FIG. 6).

[0021] Here, the multiple winning devices 90N are provided with a general winning port, a start winning port, a large winning port, and the like as winning ports, and when a game ball enters any of the winning ports, a predetermined number of prize balls is awarded for each winning port. Then, when a game ball enters the start winning port, a win / loss determination is made. The large winning port is normally blocked by a movable door or the like, making it difficult for the ball to enter, and when the result of the win / loss determination is a win, a winning game is executed, and the large winning port is opened, making it easy for the ball to enter. In this embodiment, when a winning game is executed, a winning ball suggestion effect, which will be described later, is executed.

[0022] The play board 90 is attached to the rear door 13 as follows: The engagement bar 19 (see FIG. 5) is tilted forward, and the play board 90 is tilted sideways with its left side positioned further rearward than its right side, and the left side is inserted between the protruding wall 15W and a pair of opposing walls 15V of the play board assembly portion 13X. The play board 90 is then rotated around its left side as a fulcrum and pushed into the play board assembly portion 13X. During this process, a pair of positioning pins 16P are inserted into a pair of positioning holes 90P in the play board 90, and the lower right portion of the play board 90 is received between the pair of opposing portions of the engagement bar 19, raising the engagement bar 19. A lock bar (not shown) provided below the engagement bar 19 locks the engagement bar 19 so that it cannot rotate. In this state, the engagement lever 18 is rotated to an engagement position facing the front of the upper right portion of the game board 90, completing the assembly of the game board 90 to the rear door 13. By rotating the engagement lever 18 to the disengagement position and holding the lock bar in the unlocked position, the engagement bar 19 is rotated to a forward tilting position, whereby the right side of the game board 90 is pushed out from the game board assembly portion 13X, and the game board 90 can be removed from the game board assembly portion 13X.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 5, the rear door 13 includes a rear resin frame 21 that is overlapped and fixed to the rear surface of the metal frame 15. The rear resin frame 21 is a frame body formed of, for example, transparent resin, and three grooves extending laterally are formed on the inner surface of the lower side of the rear resin frame 21. These three grooves are, in order from the front side to the rear side, a game ball receiving groove 22M, a first support groove 23M, and a second support groove 24M, and the rear resin frame 21 is provided with a game board receiving portion 22 that is the portion above the game ball receiving groove 22M, a spare receiving portion 23 that is the portion above the first support groove 23M, and a module assembly portion 24 that is the portion above the second support groove 24M (see Fig. 15).

[0024] The rear part of the game board 90 assembled to the game board assembly part 13X is received in the game board receiving part 22. Then, game balls discharged downward from the lower part of the rear surface of the game board 90 are received in the game ball receiving groove 22M.

[0025] <About LCD modules> Here, two types of game boards 90 are provided: a thick game board and a thin game board. The rear door 13 of this embodiment is capable of changing the positions of the liquid crystal modules 80A, 80B arranged behind the game board 90 depending on whether the game board 90 is a thick game board or a thin game board.

[0026] Specifically, when the game board 90 is a thick game board in which the movable gimmicks 90K and the support frame 90F protrude relatively far rearward from the game board main body 90H, the game board receiving portion 22 and the spare receiving portion 23 are used as game board receiving portions that receive the movable gimmicks 90K and part of the support frame 90F, and the liquid crystal module 80A (see Figures 7 and 8) is assembled to the module assembly portion 24.

[0027] On the other hand, if the gaming board 90 does not have a movable accessory 90K and a support frame 90F, or is a thin gaming board in which the movable accessory 90K and the support frame 90F protrude rearward from the gaming board main body 90H relatively little, only the gaming board receiving portion 22 is used as the gaming board receiving portion that receives the movable accessory 90K and a part of the support frame 90F, and the spare receiving portion 23 is used as a module assembly portion for assembling the liquid crystal module 80B (see FIG. 9). Note that even when the gaming board 90 is a thin gaming board, the liquid crystal module 80A may be assembled to the module assembly portion 24, and the spare receiving portion 23 may be used as a spare space for providing depth between the liquid crystal module 80A and the gaming board 90.

[0028] First, we will explain the liquid crystal module 80B for the spare receptacle 23 and its assembly. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the liquid crystal module 80B comprises a vertically long rectangular liquid crystal module main body 80H and a front-opening resin case 80C that receives the liquid crystal module main body 80H. A board unit 84 is assembled to the rear surface of the liquid crystal module 80B. The board unit 84 is structured such that a main control board, a sub-control board, and other components (not shown) are housed in the board case 84C. Note that the board case 84C has multiple through-holes, through which the connectors of the main control board and the sub-control board are exposed.

[0029] Latch mechanisms 83 are attached to both sides of the resin case 80C via first brackets 80L. The first brackets 80L are made of sheet metal and are attached to both side edges of the resin case 80C at positions slightly above the center. The first brackets 80L are crank-shaped and have a rear end plate 80S that protrudes laterally from the side of the resin case 80C, an intermediate plate 80T that bends forward from the rear end plate 80S, and a front end plate 80U that protrudes laterally from the front end of the intermediate plate 80T.

[0030] At the corner where the intermediate plate 80T and the rear end plate 80S intersect, a vertically elongated opening 80F is provided, extending from a position near the upper end to the center, and the upper and lower ends of the vertically elongated opening 80F extend toward the intermediate plate 80T of the first bracket 80L to form groove openings 80F1 and 80F2. Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a substantially rectangular protruding wall 15H is provided on each side of the metal frame 15, protruding rearward. Each protruding wall 15H is provided with a contact piece 15T protruding inward from the rear end of the lower side and an engagement pin 15P protruding inward from the upper rear end. When the liquid crystal module 80B is installed in the spare receptacle 23, the engagement pin 15P and the contact piece 15T are received in the groove openings 80F1 and 80F2 (see FIG. 12).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 9, the latch mechanism 83 is disposed in a rearward region of the inward surface of the intermediate plate 80T of the first bracket 80L. When the liquid crystal module 80B is attached to the auxiliary receiver 23, the latch mechanism 83 is activated to engage the engagement pin 15P received in the groove openings 80F1 and 80F2 with the abutment piece 15T. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the latch mechanism 83 includes a latch member 83A rotatably supported on the upper portion of the intermediate plate 80T, a slider 83B extending from a position near the upper portion to a position near the lower portion of the intermediate plate 80T and supported so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a lever member 83C rotatably supported on the rear edge portion near the lower end of the slider 83B. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the latch member 83A is formed with an engagement groove 83M capable of receiving the engagement pin 15P of the metal frame 15. The slider 83B and the latch member 83A, and the slider 83B and the lever member 83C are connected by tension coil springs 83S, respectively.

[0032] 14, an upper locking member 21B is attached to the upper edge of the rear resin frame 21. The upper locking member 21B is capable of linear movement in the vertical direction and is biased downward.

[0033] The liquid crystal module 80B is assembled to the spare receptacle 23 as follows. That is, the liquid crystal module 80B is tilted forward and its lower end is inserted into the first support groove 23M. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the latch member 83A and the lever member 83C face the engagement pin 15P and the abutment piece 15T. As shown in FIG. 15, the partition 21K between the first support groove 23M and the second support groove 24M is formed with an inclined portion 21L that assists in the insertion of the liquid crystal module 80B.

[0034] When the liquid crystal module 80B is rotated backward from this state using the lower end as a fulcrum, in the process, the engagement pin 15P comes into contact with the inner surface of the engagement groove 83M in the latch member 83A, and the abutment piece 15T comes into contact with the lever member 83C. When the liquid crystal module 80B is further rotated backward from this point, the latch member 83A is pushed by the engagement pin 15P and rotates, and accordingly the slider 83B is lowered downward.

[0035] 12, when the liquid crystal module 80B is in the upright position, the slider 83B is positioned in front of the abutment pin 83N of the latch member 83A, and the latch member 83A is locked so that it cannot rotate. The engagement pin 15P is prevented from coming out of the engagement groove 83M. The lever member 83C also abuts against the abutment piece 15T from the front.

[0036] Furthermore, while the liquid crystal module 80B is being changed from a forward-leaning position to an upright position, the upper edge of the liquid crystal module 80B pushes the upper locking member 21B upward, and when it passes the upper locking member 21B, the upper locking member 21B returns and locks onto the upper front surface of the liquid crystal module 80B. This holds the three sides of the liquid crystal module 80B, including both side edges and the top edge, and the entire liquid crystal module 80B is held in the assembled position. As shown in Figure 4, a pair of protrusions 16U protrude inward from both left and right ends of the top edge of the metal frame 15, and these pair of protrusions 16U face the rear of the liquid crystal module 80B in the assembled position.

[0037] To remove the liquid crystal module 80B from the spare receptacle 23, first, the sliders 83B of the left and right latch mechanisms 83 are pushed down. As shown in FIG. 13 , the lever members 83C then rotate and contact the contact pieces 15T from below, holding the sliders 83B below the contact pins 83N of the latch members 83A. Then, by pushing up the upper locking members 21B, the upper locking members 21B disengage the liquid crystal module 80B. The resilient force of the tension coil springs 83S causes the latch members 83A to press the locking pins 15P, automatically tilting the liquid crystal module 80B forward. In this state, the liquid crystal module 80B can be removed from the spare receptacle 23 by grasping the top or side of the liquid crystal module 80B and pulling it diagonally forward.

[0038] Next, we will explain the liquid crystal module 80A for the module assembly section 24 and its assembly. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the liquid crystal module 80A has a structure in which a liquid crystal module main body 80H is housed in a front-open resin case 80C. A main board unit 81 and a sub-board unit 82 are assembled to the rear surface of the liquid crystal module 80A. The main board unit 81 and the sub-board unit 82 have a structure in which a main control board 81K or a sub-control board 82K is housed in a board case 81C, 82C, respectively. The main board unit 81 is arranged below the rear surface of the liquid crystal module 80A, and the sub-board unit 82 is arranged above the main board unit 81.

[0039] 16 and 17, the rear plastic frame 21 of the rear door 13 has the rear end of its right side disposed forward of the rear ends of its left side, upper side, and lower side, and is open on the rear and right side. A rear cover door 20 and a cable support door 27 are rotatably attached to the left side of the rear opening of the rear plastic frame 21. The rear cover door 20 is normally held in a closed position that covers the rear opening and the right side opening of the rear plastic frame 21 (see FIG. 3), and when the rear cover door 20 is opened, the right side opening of the rear plastic frame 21 is exposed. The rear cover door 20 and the cable support door 27 will be described in detail later.

[0040] An upper support groove 24N is formed in the upper portion of the rear resin frame 21, facing the second support groove 24M in the up-down direction (see FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 17, the second support groove 24M and the upper support groove 24N open to the right, and the right-end openings of the second support groove 24M and the upper support groove 24N are continuous with the right-side opening of the rear resin frame 21. The liquid crystal module 80A is attached to the module assembly portion 24 by being inserted through the right-end openings of the second support groove 24M and the upper support groove 24N and sliding to the left. The right-end openings of the second support groove 24M and the upper support groove 24N and the space between them form the insertion opening 24S of the module assembly portion 24.

[0041] The ceiling surface of the upper support groove 24N is textured (e.g., textured, knurled, etc.) to reduce friction. This reduces the contact area between the liquid crystal module 80A and the upper support groove 24N when the liquid crystal module 80A moves between the second support groove 24M and the upper support groove 24N, making it easier for the liquid crystal module 80A to slide and resulting in smoother movement of the liquid crystal module 80A. The texture may be applied to the bottom surface of the second support groove 24M instead of the ceiling surface of the upper support groove 24N, or may be applied to both the ceiling surface of the upper support groove 24N and the bottom surface of the second support groove 24M.

[0042] The insertion port 24S of the module assembly section 24 is provided with a retaining member 25 that can prevent the inserted liquid crystal module 80A from coming out. Specifically, a U-shaped metal plate 24B is fixed to the right end surfaces of the second support groove 24M and the upper support groove 24N with their openings facing each other. The retaining member 25 is a strip-shaped metal plate, one end of which is pivotally supported on the front side of the metal plate 24B and is rotatable between a laid-down position shown in FIG. 19A and an upright position shown in FIG. 20. A support portion 24C that supports the retaining member 25 in the laid-down position is provided on the rear side of the metal plate 24B. As shown in FIG. 18, the support portion 24C is an L-shaped bracket that protrudes rightward from the main surface of the metal plate 24B and then bends upward.

[0043] 18 and 19, when the retaining member 25 is in the laid-down position, the retaining member 25 has a first side edge 25A located on the upper side and a second side edge 25B located on the lower side. The pivotally supported ends of the first side edge 25A and the second side edge 25B are connected by an arc portion 25C. The end of the retaining member 25 opposite the arc portion 25C forms an upwardly projecting protrusion 25D.

[0044] First side edge portion 25A extends continuously from the end of arc portion 25C, while second side edge portion 25B is closer to first side edge portion 25A than the end of arc portion 25C, and step portion 25E is formed between second side edge portion 25B and arc portion 25C. Second side edge portion 25B has a notch 25B1 formed slightly closer to protruding portion 25D than the center, and operating portion 25F is provided in notch 25B1. Operating portion 25F is formed by attaching a resin part to a portion of the metal plate of retaining member 25 that protrudes rightward from second side edge portion 25B.

[0045] 19, a first recess 25U and a second recess 25V are formed in the retaining member 25. The first recess 25U and the second recess 25V are both arc-shaped cutouts, with the first recess 25U located closer to the stepped portion 25E of the second side edge portion 25B, and the second recess 25V located slightly closer to the second side edge portion 25B than the center of the arc portion 25C.

[0046] A locking member 26 is attached to the metal plate 24B below the removal prevention member 25. The locking member 26 has a rectangular main plate portion 26A, a protruding portion 26B protruding upward from the rear of the upper edge of the main plate portion 26A, and an operating portion 26C bent to the right (outward) from the lower edge of the main plate portion 26A. A pin (not shown) protruding rearward is received in an elongated hole 24H (see FIG. 19B) formed in the metal plate 24B, so that the locking member 26 is supported by the metal plate 24B so as to be able to move up and down. The locking member 26 is biased toward the upper end of its range of movement by an elastic member (not shown).

[0047] An arc-shaped projection 26T that projects upward is provided on the protruding portion 26B of the locking member 26. The projection 26T is sized to be received in the first recess 25U and the second recess 25V of the removal-preventing member 25.

[0048] 18 and 19A, when the retaining member 25 is in the laid-down position, the retaining member 25 faces the right-end openings of the second support groove 24M and the upper support groove 24N, preventing the liquid crystal module 80A from coming out. In this state, the protruding portion 26B of the locking member 26 abuts or faces the stepped portion 25E of the retaining member 25 from behind. At this time, the protrusion 26T of the locking member 26 is received in the first recess 25U of the retaining member 25, preventing interference.

[0049] If an attempt is made to rotate the removal-preventing member 25 toward the upright position, the step 25E of the removal-preventing member 25 interferes with the protruding portion 26B of the locking member 26, thereby restricting the rotation of the removal-preventing member 25. In other words, the removal-preventing member 25 is locked in the sideways position by the locking member 26. Normally, the insertion port 24S is covered by the rear cover door 20 with the removal-preventing member 25 locked in the sideways position.

[0050] The liquid crystal module 80A can be removed as follows. First, the rear cover door 20 is opened to expose the insertion port 24S of the rear resin frame 21. Then, as shown in FIG. 19B, the upper locking member 26 is pushed down to retract the upper retaining member 25 from the stepped portion 25E, making the retaining member 25 rotatable. The retaining member 25 is then rotated to the upright position to retract from the right-end opening of the upper support groove 24N (see FIG. 20). Similarly, the lower locking member 26 and the retaining member 25 are operated to retract the retaining member 25 from the right-end opening of the second support groove 24M. This makes it possible to remove the liquid crystal module 80A from the insertion port 24S.

[0051] In the module assembly section 24, for example, the lock can be released and the removal-prevention member 25 can be rotated to the upright position by pushing down the operation portion 26C of the locking member 26 with the thumb of the right hand and pushing up the operation portion 25F of the removal-prevention member 25 with the index finger of the right hand. That is, the locking member 26 and the removal-prevention member 25 can be operated simultaneously with one hand. Here, in the above-mentioned spare receiving section 23, to release the removal-prevention state, it is necessary to operate the sliders 83B of the left and right latch mechanisms 83 on the rear door 13 and then operate the upper locking member 21B on the upper side portion. However, in the module assembly section 24, the removal-prevention state can be released simply by operating the upper and lower locking members 26 and the removal-prevention members 25 on the right side of the rear door 13 with one hand, respectively. This reduces the number of operations and makes it easier to release the removal-prevention state.

[0052] 20, when removal prevention member 25 is in the upright position, protrusion 26T of locking member 26 fits into second recess 25V of removal prevention member 25, and protrusion 26T abuts against the rear portion of the inner surface of second recess 25V, thereby restricting rearward rotation of removal prevention member 25. This makes it difficult for removal prevention member 25 to fall over when removing liquid crystal module 80A from or inserting liquid crystal module 80A into socket 24S, preventing the removal or insertion operation from being hindered.

[0053] After the LCD module 80A is inserted with the removal prevention member 25 in the upright position, the removal prevention member 25 is rotated to the horizontal position to prevent the LCD module 80A from being removed, and then the rear cover door 20 is closed. At this time, the engagement depth between the second recess 25V and the protrusion 26T is smaller than the engagement depth between the stepped portion 25E of the removal prevention member 25 and the main plate portion 26A of the locking member 26. Therefore, the removal prevention member 25 can be rotated from the upright position to the horizontal position simply by pushing the removal prevention member 25 in without operating the locking member 26. In this embodiment, if the rear cover door 20 is rotated with the upper removal prevention member 25 in the upright position, the two members interfere with each other, making it impossible to close the rear cover door 20. This prevents the mistake of forgetting to place the removal prevention member 25 in the horizontal position.

[0054] The liquid crystal module 80A can be attached and detached both when the rear door 13 is open and when it is closed relative to the fixed frame 12. Therefore, the liquid crystal module 80A can be attached and detached by opening the rear door 13 while the gaming machine 10 is fixed to the gaming island of the gaming hall, and when the gaming machine 10 is not fixed to the gaming island of the gaming hall, the liquid crystal module 80A can be attached and detached without opening the rear door 13 relative to the fixed frame 12, making the work of attaching and detaching the liquid crystal module 80A easier.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 16, notches 21S are formed at both upper and lower ends of the rear end of the right side of the rear resin frame 21, making it easier to operate the locking member 26 and the retaining member 25.

[0056] Note that removal prevention member 25 may be configured to move linearly rather than pivotally, and locking member 26 may be configured to rotate rather than pivotally. Also, operation portion 26C of locking member 26 and operation portion 25F of removal prevention member 25 may be arranged separately, requiring both hands for operation. Also, insertion port 24S may be provided on the top surface rather than on the side.

[0057] The above is a description of the assembly of the liquid crystal modules 80A, 80B corresponding to two types of game boards 90. In this embodiment, the game board 90 is a thick game board, the liquid crystal module 80A is assembled to the module assembly portion 24, and the spare receptacle 23 is used as the game board receptacle. When a thin game board 90 is used due to a model change or the like, the spare receptacle 23 may be used as the module assembly portion.

[0058] Incidentally, gaming machines capable of mounting a large LCD module from the front, such as the spare receiving section 23 of this embodiment, are known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-033466). In this gaming machine, the space between the play board and the LCD module is small, making it impossible to mount a large movable device. To solve this problem, it is conceivable to move the mounting position of the LCD module mounted from the front rearward. Mounting the LCD module from the front, as in the spare receiving section 23, requires a mechanism on the side of the LCD module to prevent it from tipping forward. However, because the rear door 13 pivots to open from the right side relative to the fixed frame 12, the right side of the rear door 13 generally slopes leftward toward the rear. In other words, the width of the rear door 13 decreases toward the rear. Therefore, it is difficult to mount the LCD module mounted from the front rearward. Alternatively, it may be necessary to reduce the width of the LCD module.

[0059] In contrast, in this embodiment, the module assembly section 24 is configured so that the liquid crystal module 80A is slid in from the side, which simplifies the mechanism for holding it and makes it possible to place a large liquid crystal module at the rear end of the rear door 13. This allows the space between the gaming machine and the liquid crystal module to be increased, and allows the movable parts to be made larger or more complex.

[0060] Although the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with both the spare receiving section 23 to which the LCD module is attached from the front and the module assembly section 24 to which it is attached from the side, it may be configured to have only one of them. In the configuration of this embodiment, the gaming frame 11 can be used for both a combination of a thin gaming board and a corresponding LCD module and a combination of a thick gaming board and a corresponding LCD module.

[0061] The liquid crystal module may be attached in the same direction in the spare receiving section 23 and the module assembly section 24.

[0062] Next, the rear cover door 20 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 21, the rear cover door 20 has a rear wall 20A, a right wall 20B, and an upper wall 20C. The rear wall 20A is a generally rectangular plate-shaped member having a plurality of small holes 20K for heat dissipation. The right wall 20B extends forward from the right side of the rear wall 20A and is inclined so as to lean rightward as it extends forward. Both upper and lower ends of the front end of the right wall 20B protrude forward to cover the notches 21S of the rear resin frame 21.

[0063] 22, a hinge shaft 20J that protrudes downward is formed on both upper and lower ends of the left side of the rear cover door 20, and a hinge receiving portion 21J1 into which the hinge shaft 20J can be inserted from above is formed on the left side of the rear opening of the rear resin frame 21. When the rear cover door 20 is brought close to the rear resin frame 21 from above and the hinge shaft 20J is received in the hinge receiving portion 21J1, the rear cover door 20 becomes rotatable with respect to the rear resin frame 21 (i.e., the rear door 13). Note that, as in this embodiment, by making the rear cover door 20 rotatable and opening the rear cover door 20 to open the insertion port 24S, the liquid crystal module 80A can be attached and detached without removing the rear cover door 20, making the work easier.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 16, a latch member 30 for holding the rear cover door 20 on the rear surface of the rear resin frame 21 is attached to the right side of the rear cover door 20. Specifically, the rear cover door 20 has recessed portions 20D that are recessed rearward at both upper and lower ends of the right side of the rear wall portion 20A. A through hole 20E (see FIG. 24) for latching is formed in the recessed portion 20D. The latch member 30 is attached to this through hole 20E. Furthermore, through holes 21E, 210E are also formed in the rear resin frame 21 and in a board cover 210C (described later) disposed below the rear opening of the rear resin frame 21, at positions corresponding to the through hole 20E of the rear cover door 20.

[0065] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the latch member 30 comprises a shaft 30A and a receiver 30H. The shaft 30A has a circular cross section and extends in the front-to-rear direction. From the front, the shaft 30A comprises a tip portion 30B, a small-diameter portion 30C, an intermediate portion 30D, and a knob portion 30E. The small-diameter portion 30C has a smaller diameter than the tip portion 30B and the intermediate portion 30D. The interface between the tip portion 30B and the small-diameter portion 30C is perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 30A, and the interface between the small-diameter portion 30C and the intermediate portion 30D is tapered. The knob portion 30E expands in diameter in a stepped manner from the intermediate portion 30D and then projects laterally while curving concavely toward the base end of the shaft 30A.

[0066] The overall shape of the receiver 30H is a cylinder that receives the shaft 30A from the tip end 30B side, and is vertically divided into four displacement sections 30K from the center toward the tip end. Each displacement section 30K tapers toward the tip end so that the tips approach each other (see FIG. 24A). The base end of the receiver 30H forms a flange 30L that protrudes laterally, and an annular groove 30M is formed on the outer surface of the receiver 30H between the flange 30L and the base end of the displacement section 30K. A protrusion 30N that protrudes inward is formed on the inner surface of the receiver 30H near the base end of the displacement section 30K. The side surface of the protrusion 30N toward the tip end is perpendicular to the inner surface of the receiver 30H, and the side surface toward the base end is tapered. The outer diameter of the receiver 30H toward the tip end is smaller than the through holes 21E, 210E of the rear resin frame 21 and the board cover 210C.

[0067] The latch member 30 is attached to the rear cover door 20 as follows. First, the receiver 30H is pushed into the through-hole 20E of the rear cover door 20 from the rear. Then, the displacement portion 30K of the receiver 30H bends inward, passes through the through-hole 20E, and then elastically returns to its original position. The annular groove 30M receives the opening edge of the through-hole 20E of the rear cover door 20, preventing the receiver 30H from coming off. Then, the shaft 30A is inserted into the receiver 30H from the tip end 30B side, and the tip end 30B is pushed further back than the protrusion 30N. Then, the tip end 30B faces the side surface of the tip end of the protrusion 30N, preventing the shaft 30A from coming off the receiver 30H. This prevents the displacement portion 30K of the latch member 30 of the receiver 30H from bending inward, and the receiver 30H is attached to the rear cover door 20 in a prevented state.

[0068] To hold the rear cover door 20 in the closed position, first, the rear cover door 20 is rotated toward the closed position, and the latch member 30 is inserted into the through-holes 21E, 210E of the rear plastic frame 21 and the board cover 210C, and the through-hole 20E of the recessed portion 20D of the rear cover door 20 is aligned with the through-holes 21E, 210E of the rear plastic frame 21 and the board cover 210C (see FIG. 24A). Then, when the shaft 30A of the latch member 30 is pushed in, as shown in FIG. 24B, the tip portion 30B of the shaft 30A pushes and expands the displacement portion 30K of the receiver 30H, and its outer diameter becomes larger than the through-holes 21E, 210E of the rear plastic frame 21 and the board cover 210C. This prevents the latch member 30 from coming out of the through-holes 21E, 210E of the rear plastic frame 21 and the board cover 210C, and the rear cover door 20 is held in the closed position.

[0069] When opening the rear cover door 20, the shaft 30A of the latch member 30 is pulled and moved until the tip 30B abuts against the protrusion 30N (see FIG. 24A). This causes the displacement portion 30K of the receiver 30H to contract, allowing the latch member 30 to pass through the through-holes 21E, 210E of the rear plastic frame 21 and the board cover 210C. This allows the rear cover door 20 to rotate relative to the rear plastic frame 21, allowing the rear cover door 20 to be opened.

[0070] 21 and 25, the upper wall 20C of the rear cover door 20 protrudes forward from the upper edge of the rear wall portion 20A. A notch 20C1 is formed in the left part of the front outer edge of the upper wall 20C of the rear cover door 20. The notch 20C1 is formed obliquely so that the front outer edge approaches the left end and approaches the rear.

[0071] 16, an upper protruding wall 21D that protrudes rearward is provided at the upper edge of the rear resin frame 21. When the rear cover door 20 is in the closed position, this upper protruding wall 21D faces the front portion of the upper wall 20C of the rear cover door 20 from above (see FIG. 25). Note that, for example, a power harness (not shown) is arranged on this upper protruding wall 21D.

[0072] Here, the rear cover door 20 is removed by opening the rear cover door 20, rotating it to a position where the upper wall 20C does not overlap the upper protruding wall 21D of the rear plastic frame 21, and then lifting the rear cover door 20. According to this embodiment, the cutout 20C1 is formed in the upper wall 20C, so that the upper wall 20C does not overlap the upper protruding wall 21D of the rear plastic frame 21 at a smaller opening angle than when the cutout 20C1 is not formed (see FIG. 26). In other words, the opening angle of the rear cover door 20 required to remove the rear cover door 20 is smaller, making the operation of removing the rear cover door 20 easier.

[0073] As described above, the main board unit 81 and the sub-board unit 82 are assembled to the rear surface of the liquid crystal module 80A (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 27, a plurality of board units including the power supply board unit 210 are attached to the rear door 13 below the spare receiving section 23 and the module assembly section 24. The power supply board unit 210 is electrically connected to the main board unit 81 and the sub-board unit 82 by harnesses 51, 52, and 53, each of which is made up of a plurality of electric wires. The connection between each harness 51, 52, and 53 and each of the board units 210, 81, and 82 is a connector connection.

[0074] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a portion of the harnesses 51, 52, 53 is supported by the cable support door 27 attached to the rear resin frame 21. The cable support door 27 and the surrounding area of ​​the cable support door 27 on the rear door 13 will be described below.

[0075] As shown in Figures 27 and 29, the cable support door 27 is placed on the lower left side of the rear opening of the rear resin frame 21. The cable support door 27 has a substantially rectangular main plate 27P and a left protruding wall 27T protruding forward from the left edge of the main plate 27P. A cable receiving groove 27M is formed in the upper edge of the cable support door 27, recessed forward and extending horizontally. The cable receiving groove 27M has a lower groove sidewall 27M1 extending forward from the upper edge of the main plate 27P, an upper groove sidewall 27M2 facing the lower groove sidewall 27M1 from above, and a groove bottom wall 27M3 connecting the front ends of the lower groove sidewall 27M1 and the upper groove sidewall 27M2. The cable receiving groove 27M is open in both the left and right directions. Further, through holes 27M4 for attaching binding bands 31 that support the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 are formed in the lower groove side wall 27M1 and the upper groove side wall 27M2.

[0076] The upper end of the left side of cable support door 27 forms upper protrusion 27A that protrudes leftward beyond its lower portion, and hinge shaft 27J protrudes from both the top and bottom ends of upper protrusion 27A. The lower edge of cable support door 27 has first bottom side 27B that bends to the right from the left side of cable support door 27, hanging portion 27C that extends downward from the right end of first bottom side 27B, and second bottom side 27D that extends rightward from the bottom end of hanging portion 27C. The right side of cable support door 27 rises from the right end of second bottom side 27D, then extends upward and to the right in an arc that bulges downward and to the right, and then extends vertically from there to the top side of cable support door 27.

[0077] 16, an operation hole 20S is also formed through the rear cover door 20 at a position corresponding to the operation hole 27S of the cable support door 27, and the inside and outside of the gaming machine 10 are communicated with each other through the operation holes 27S, 20S of the cable support door 27 and the rear cover door 20.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 29 , an L-shaped cable receiving groove 21M with a bent lower left corner is provided at the edge of the rear opening of the rear plastic frame 21. The cable receiving groove 21M includes a vertical groove 21M1 extending along the left side of the rear opening of the rear plastic frame 21 and a horizontal groove 21M2 extending along the bottom edge of the rear opening of the rear plastic frame 21. The upper end of the vertical groove 21M1 communicates with the cable receiving groove 27M of the cable support door 27. The vertical groove 21M1 is located slightly left of the left edge of the rear opening of the rear plastic frame 21, and a hinge receiving portion 21J2 that receives the hinge shaft 27J of the cable support door 27 is formed in the rear plastic frame 21 to the right of the vertical groove 21M1. Note that in FIG. 29 , harnesses 51, 52, and 53 are shown in gray.

[0079] 28 and 29, the cable receiving groove 21M is covered by an L-shaped groove cover 28 (note that the groove cover 28 is shown in gray in FIG. 28). The groove cover 28 is also formed with a protrusion 28A that covers the hinge receiving portion 21J2. When the hinge shaft 27J of the cable support door 27 is received in the groove cover 28, the hinge receiving portion 21J2 is covered by the protrusion 28A, thereby preventing the hinge shaft 27J from coming off, and the cable support door 27 is rotatably supported by the rear resin frame 21. The cable support door 27 is movable between a first position shown in FIG. 30A and a second position shown in FIG. 30B.

[0080] 16 and 27, a board cover 210C is provided at the bottom of the rear door 13 to cover multiple board units including the power supply board unit 210. A space in which harnesses 51, 52, and 53 can be arranged is formed in front of the board cover 210C (i.e., between the power supply board 210A (see FIG. 31) of the power supply board unit 210 and the rear resin frame 21 and the board cover 210C), and this space communicates with the horizontal groove portion 21M2 of the cable receiving groove 21M. Note that in FIG. 29, the portions of the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 that are covered by the board cover 210C and the groove cover 28 are shown in gray.

[0081] 29, the cable support door 27 is placed over the rear opening of the rear resin frame 21 so that its left side and first lower side 27B are aligned with the left opening edge and lower opening edge of the rear opening in the rear resin frame 21. A latch member 30 is attached to the portion of the cable support door 27 that overlaps with the board cover 210C, similar to the rear cover door 20. The latch member 30 is inserted into a through-hole 210D (see FIG. 16) formed in the board cover 210C, thereby holding the cable support door 27 in the first position. The cable support door 27 placed in the first position faces the liquid crystal module 80A (and the main board unit 81 at the rear of it) from behind.

[0082] The harnesses 51, 52, and 53 are routed from the power supply board unit 210, for example, as follows. As shown in FIG. 31 , first, with the board cover 210C, groove cover 28, cable support door 27, and rear cover door 20 not attached, connectors 51F, 52F, and 53F at one end of each harness 51, 52, and 53 are connected to the connector 210F of the power supply board 210A. Then, the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 are extended to the right end of the horizontal groove portion 21M2 of the cable receiving groove 21M and then placed in the cable receiving groove 21M. After that, the cable support door 27, groove cover 28, and board cover 210C are attached, and the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 are bent to the right at the upper end of the vertical groove portion 21M1 and placed in the cable receiving groove 27M of the cable support door 27. Then, a cable tie 31 is attached to the cable receiving groove 27M of the cable support door 27. Thereafter, the rear cover door 20 is attached. As a result, the harnesses 51, 52, 53 are covered from the rear by the board cover 210C and the groove cover 28, and are supported in the cable receiving groove 27M of the cable support door 27.

[0083] The connectors 51F, 52F, 53F at the other ends of the harnesses 51, 52, 53 that protrude from the right end of the cable receiving groove 27M of the cable support door 27 are connected to the connectors 81F, 82F of the main board unit 81 and the sub-board unit 82.

[0084] 31, some of the multiple connectors 210F are arranged in two rows at the top of the power supply board 210A. Of these, the rightmost connector 210F in the top row is the first connector 210F1, and the second and third connectors from the right in the bottom row are the second and third connectors 210F2 and 210F3, respectively. The first connector 81F1 is arranged in the upper right portion of the main control board 81K, and the first connector 82F1 and second connector 82F2 are arranged in the lower right portion of the sub-control board 82K, arranged from right to left. Of the harnesses 51, 52, and 53, the first harness 51 connects the first connector 210F1 of the power supply board 210A to the first connector 81F1 of the main control board 81K, the second harness 52 connects the second connector 210F2 of the power supply board 210A to the second connector 82F2 of the sub-control board 82K, and the third harness 53 connects the third connector 210F3 of the power supply board 210A to the first connector 82F1 of the sub-control board 82K.

[0085] When manufacturing the gaming machine 10, the LCD module 80A may be attached to the rear door 13 in advance, and then the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 may be attached, or the LCD module 80A may be attached with the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 connected only to the power supply board 210A, and then the other ends of the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 may be connected to the main board unit 81 and the sub-board unit 82 on the rear of the LCD module 80A.

[0086] Furthermore, when replacing the liquid crystal module 80A for maintenance of the gaming machine 10, the liquid crystal module 80A is removed after disconnecting the connectors 51F, 52F, and 53F from the main board unit 81 and the sub-board unit 82. Then, after the liquid crystal module 80A including the main board unit 81 and the sub-board unit 82 is reattached, the connectors 51F, 52F, and 53F are connected to the main board unit 81 and the sub-board unit 82.

[0087] Here, when the liquid crystal module 80A is attached with the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 connected only to the power supply board 210A, if the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 enter the movement area of ​​the liquid crystal module 80A (i.e., within the module assembly section 24), the liquid crystal module 80A may interfere with the harnesses 51, 52, and 53, hindering the attachment of the liquid crystal module 80A or damaging the harnesses 51, 52, and 53.

[0088] In contrast, according to the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 are supported by the cable support door 27 facing the liquid crystal module 80A (i.e., the module assembly section 24) from behind, and the movement of the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 toward the module assembly section 24 is restricted, thereby preventing interference between the liquid crystal module 80A and the harnesses 51, 52, and 53. Incidentally, when the liquid crystal module 80B is assembled in the spare receptacle 23, interference between the liquid crystal module 80B and the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 is also prevented.

[0089] Incidentally, one method of preventing interference between the LCD module and the harness is to provide a temporary fastening section on the gaming frame where the harness can be temporarily fastened, and to bundle and fasten the harness connected only to the power supply board to the temporary fastening section, but this would require adjusting the way the harness is bundled so that it does not overlap the movement area of ​​the LCD module, and it is also possible that an operator who finds temporary fastening too much trouble may install the LCD module without temporarily fastening it.In contrast, in this embodiment, the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 are already held in the cable support door 27, which reduces the effort required of the operator.

[0090] Furthermore, because the cable support door 27 is rotatable about the left side, i.e., the rotation axis on the rear side in the sliding direction when the liquid crystal module 80A is attached, the cable support door 27 can be rotated to the second position so that the portions of the harnesses 51, 52, 53 that protrude from the cable support door 27 face rearward, thereby further preventing interference between the liquid crystal module 80A and the harnesses 51, 52, 53. Furthermore, after the liquid crystal module 80A is attached, the cable support door 27 can be held in the first position by the latch member 30, so that the cable support door 27 is prevented from rotating unintentionally and pulling the harnesses 51, 52, 53.

[0091] Furthermore, the board cover 210C and the groove cover 28 cover the portions of the harnesses 51, 52, and 53 from the power supply board 210A to the portions held by the cable support door 27, thereby preventing these portions from interfering with the liquid crystal module 80A and surrounding components.

[0092] Furthermore, since the cable support door 27 is plate-shaped, the strength of the cable support door 27 is improved and breakage is prevented compared to when the cable support door 27 is configured in a strip shape with only the cable receiving groove 27M.

[0093] In this embodiment, operation holes 27S, 20S are formed in the rear cover door 20 and the cable support door 27, and a portion of the main board unit 81 is exposed to the rear. Therefore, if a switch for changing the settings of the probability of determining whether a game is successful or not is arranged in this exposed part of the main control board 81K, the switch can be operated without opening the rear cover door 20 and the cable support door 27.

[0094] In this embodiment, the vertical groove 21M1 in which the harnesses 51, 52, 53 are routed vertically is disposed in the rear door 13, but it may be disposed in the cable support door 27.

[0095] In addition, although the present embodiment is configured such that the liquid crystal module 80A is slidably inserted, the game board 90 may be slidably inserted. Also, a cable support door configuration may be applied to the harness connecting the game board 90 to the main control board 81K, the sub-control board 82K, or the power supply board 210A.

[0096] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal module 80A is configured to be slid in from the side, but it may be configured to be slid in from above.

[0097] <About movable props> Next, the movable accessory 90K of the game board 90 will be described. As shown in Figures 6 and 32, the support frame 90F described above is frame-shaped and is placed on the rear surface of the game board main body 90, and the movable accessory 90K is arranged inside the frame. As shown in Figure 33, which is a perspective view of the movable accessory 90K seen from the rear, the movable accessory 90K includes a base member 201 and a movable body 240.

[0098] The base member 201 is gate-shaped and includes a pair of legs 202 and a connecting portion 205. Each leg 202 extends in the vertical direction and includes a cable support member 203 that is fixed to the support frame 90F in a stacked position, and a cover member 204 that covers the cable support member 203 from the front. A drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the movable body 240 is provided between the cable support member 203 and the cover member 204. The connecting portion 205 connects the upper ends of the cable support members 203 and includes a storage portion 205A in its left-right central portion. The storage portion 205A is rectangular in plan view, opens upward, and stores a relay board 206.

[0099] A motor 207M serving as a drive source is provided on the rear surface of the lower end of each cable support member 203, and a gear (not shown) of the motor 207M meshes with a gear (not shown) included in a drive mechanism on the front side. When the motor 207M operates, the drive mechanism moves the movable body 240 between a standby position where it overlaps with the connecting portion 205 and a performance position indicated by the two-dot chain line in Figure 33. In addition, a plurality of sensors (not shown) are provided on the front side of each cable support member 203 for detecting whether the movable body 240 is in the standby position or the performance position.

[0100] The motor 207M and a plurality of sensors (not shown) are connected to the relay board 206 by a cable 208 having connectors 208T (see FIG. 34) at both ends. The cable 208 connecting the motor 207M and the relay board 206 is, for example, connected to a terminal 207T of the motor 207M, then passes through the rear side of the cable support member 203, runs from the upper end of the cable support member 203, and crawls over the upper part of the connecting portion 205 to a terminal 206T of the relay board 206.

[0101] The cable support member 203 on the right side in Fig. 33 will now be described. As shown in Figs. 34, 35, and 39, the cable support member 203 is made of resin and includes a rear plate 211B that is overlaid on the support frame 90F, a front plate 211A that is positioned forward of the rear plate 211B, and a step wall 211D that connects the front plate 211A and the rear plate 211B. The rear plate 211B is generally U-shaped when viewed from the rear, and the front plate 211A is provided outside the vertical side and lower horizontal side of the rear plate 211B.

[0102] A support wall 212 for routing the cable 208 is formed on the front side plate 211A. The support wall 212 has an inverted L shape along the stepped wall 211D, extends from the upper end of the front side plate 211A to a position near the lower end, then bends toward the motor 207M and extends to a position above the motor 207M. An auxiliary support wall 222 is also formed on the front side plate 211A, facing the vertical side portion of the support wall 212 with a certain gap between them. Furthermore, a rib 211R protruding in the front-rear direction is formed on the outer edge of the front side plate 211A. As shown in FIGS. 36 and 39, the vertical side portion of the support wall 212 and the auxiliary support wall 222 are formed at positions that divide the front side plate 211A into approximately three equal parts in the width direction. The support wall 212 and the auxiliary support wall 222 protrude to the same position as the rear surface of the rear plate portion 211B, while the rib 211R protrudes less from the front plate portion 211A than the support wall 212 and the auxiliary support wall 222.

[0103] 35 and 36, cable retainers 214 are formed at multiple locations in the longitudinal direction of the support wall 212. The cable retainers 214 protrude from the rear end of the support wall 212 toward the auxiliary support wall 222, and the rear surface of the cable retainer 214 is flush with the rear end surface of the support wall 212. Some of the cable retainers 214 are rectangular in plan view, with one corner facing the auxiliary support wall 222 being chamfered and forming an inclined surface 214M on the auxiliary support wall 222 side. A through-hole 214H penetrating the front plate 211A is formed in the front plate 211A at a position that overlaps with the cable retainer 214 in the front-rear direction.

[0104] A pair of protrusions 224 are formed on the auxiliary support wall 222 at positions facing each cable holder 214. The pair of protrusions 224 face each other in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary support wall 222, sandwiching the cable holder 214 therebetween, and protrude toward the support wall 212. Furthermore, the upper end of the auxiliary support wall 222 is cut out between the pair of protrusions 224 to form a recess 224A. Note that the cable holder 214 protrudes to a position covering approximately two-thirds of the width between the support wall 212 and the auxiliary support wall 222, whereas the pair of protrusions 224 protrude to a position covering approximately one-third of the width.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 35 , the support wall 212 has through holes 215H formed at multiple locations in the longitudinal direction. Each through hole 215H is disposed between the cable retainers 214 in the support wall 212, and as shown in FIG. 37 , for example, is formed in the base-end half of the support wall 212. Furthermore, recesses 216 are formed in the support wall 212, distal to each through hole 215H. Each recess 216 has, for example, substantially the same width as the through hole 215H and a rectangular shape in plan view. Furthermore, the portion of the support wall 212 between the through hole 215H and the recess 216 forms a band winding portion 215 around which the cable tie 230 is wound. Note that the through hole 215H shown in FIG. 37 penetrates the front side plate portion 211A in addition to the support wall 212; however, it is sufficient that the through hole 215H penetrates at least the support wall 212.

[0106] A notch 225 is formed in the auxiliary support wall 222 at a position corresponding to each through hole 215H. The notch 225 has a trapezoidal shape that narrows toward the base end of the auxiliary support wall 222, and its bottom is located closer to the base end than the tip-side opening edge of the through hole 215H (see FIG. 39). The length of the notch 225 in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary support wall 222 is longer than that of the through hole 215H, for example, about 3 to 5 times as long. All corners of the notch 225 are rounded.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 35 and 37, a plurality of guide portions 217 are formed on the rib 211R at positions facing the respective through holes 215H. Each guide portion 217 is formed by partially bulging out the front plate portion 211A rearward, and includes an inclined surface 217M extending from the rear surface of the front plate portion 211A toward the tip of the rib 211R. The length of each guide portion 217 in the longitudinal direction of the support wall 212 is, for example, approximately twice the length of the through hole 215H. As shown in FIG. 39, the inclined surface 217M is sized to face the entire through hole 215H.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 38, the cable 208 is made up of a plurality of electric wires, for example, signal wires and power wires, all of which are coated in the same color. The length of the cable 208 to the connectors 208T at both ends is set to a length that allows some leeway with respect to the shortest connection distance when the cable 208 is routed from the motor 207M to the relay board 206. Tape 208P is wrapped around the cable 208, for example, at a position where a cable tie 230 will be wrapped (i.e., a position corresponding to the band wrapping portion 215 when the cable 208 is routed around the cable support member 203). The tape 208P is, for example, transparent or a similar color to the cable 208. In FIG. 34, the cable 208 is shown in gray, and the tape 208P is shown in white.

[0109] The cable 208 is routed around the cable support member 203 as follows: First, the cable 208 connecting the motor 207M and the relay board 206 is prepared with tape 208P wrapped around a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction.

[0110] 34 , after one connector 208T of the cable 208 is connected to, for example, the terminal 207T of the motor 207M and folded back in a hairpin shape, the cable 208 is routed along the support wall 212. At this time, because the cable holders 214 are formed at multiple locations in the longitudinal direction of the support wall 212, the cable 208 is made to snake between the protrusions 224 and the cable holders 214, and the cable 208 is accommodated through the gap between the cable holders 214 and the front side plate 211A. Then, the cable 208 is routed up to the upper end of the support wall 212. Then, the multiple locations of the cable 208 around which the tape 208P is wound are positioned corresponding to the band winding portion 215.

[0111] Next, cable 208 and each band winding portion 215 of support wall 212 are fixed with cable ties 230. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38, the tip of band portion 231 of cable tie 230 is passed under cable 208 from the auxiliary support wall 222 side, and band portion 231 is inserted into through hole 215H with band portion 231 facing the bottom of notch 225. Then, the tip of band portion 231 inserted through through hole 215H comes into sliding contact with inclined surface 217M of guide portion 217 and is guided toward the tip side of support wall 212. Then, the worker inserts the tip of band portion 231 into head portion 232 of cable tie 230, and cable tie 230 is wound around band winding portion 215 (see FIG. 39). At this time, band portion 231 is wound while being received in recess 216 of support wall 212, thereby restricting movement of cable tie 230 in the longitudinal direction of support wall 212 and preventing cable tie 230 from protruding from support wall 212. Then, with head portion 232 of cable tie 230 tilted toward notch 225, band portion 231 protruding from head portion 232 is cut off.

[0112] Next, the effects of the present embodiment regarding the fastening of the cable 208 will be described. In this embodiment, when the cable 208 is routed around the cable support member 203, the rear surface of the cable support member 203 is positioned facing the operator, the cable 208 is routed around the cable support member 203, and the cable 208 is fastened to the cable support member 203 with a cable tie 230. In conventional gaming machines, the cable may be fastened with the cable tie in an incorrect position. In contrast, in this embodiment, the guide portions 217 and the notches 225 are provided as multiple markers corresponding to the multiple band winding portions 215 around which the cable tie 230 is wound. This makes it easy to find the positions of the multiple band winding portions 215, and reduces the likelihood of incorrect assembly, such as attaching the cable tie 230 in an incorrect position, compared to conventional methods.

[0113] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, a plurality of band winding portions 215 and a plurality of through holes 215H are formed in a support wall 212 that protrudes in a first direction (front-to-back direction as seen from the worker) that faces the worker and extends in a direction that intersects with the first direction, and since the plurality of through holes 215H and the plurality of band winding portions 215 are located in places that are difficult to find when viewed from the first direction, the plurality of guide portions 217 and the plurality of cutouts 225 are effective as a plurality of markers that are positioned in positions that are visible from the first direction, and the above-mentioned effects can be further enjoyed.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide portion 217 and the notch 225 function not only as markers but also as guides for the winding operation of the cable tie 230. Furthermore, since the guide portion 217 and the notch 225 are formed on either side of the cable tie winding portion 215, it is possible to suggest that the cable tie 230 should be inserted into the through hole 215H from the auxiliary support wall 222 side and to make it easier to insert the cable tie 230 into the through hole 215H. Furthermore, since the multiple notches 225 are formed to have a size that can receive each of the head portions 232 of the multiple cable ties 230, it is also possible to suggest that the cable ties 230 should be tied by tilting the head portions 232 of the multiple cable ties 230 toward the multiple notches 225.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, tape 208P is wrapped around multiple locations on cable 208 where cable tie 230 will be wrapped, so that cable tie 230 can be wrapped around using tape 208P as a marker, which also reduces incorrect assembly. Also, wrapping tape 208P around cable 208 in advance prevents cable 208 from being damaged by cable tie 230 and makes it easier to wrap cable tie 230 around cable 208. Moreover, in this embodiment, tape 208P is transparent or the same color as cable 208, so that while it indicates the locations where cable tie 230 should be wrapped around cable 208, it is less noticeable after cable tie 230 has been wrapped around cable 208.

[0116] In the above embodiment, both the plurality of guide portions 217 and the plurality of cutouts 225 are provided as the plurality of markers, but a configuration in which only one of them is provided may also be used. Also, in the above embodiment, the plurality of guide portions 217 and the auxiliary support wall 222 having the plurality of cutouts 225 are integrally molded with the cable support member 203, but, for example, the plurality of guide portions 217 and the auxiliary support wall 222 having the plurality of cutouts 225 may be molded separately from the cable support member 203 and then fixed to the cable support member 203.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the guide portions 217 serving as the markers may be integrally molded from a resin of a different color from the resin that molds the front side plate portion 211A. Furthermore, the portion of the support wall 212 that includes the through holes 215H and the band winding portions 215 may be molded from a resin of a different color from the other portions.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the tape 208P is transparent or the same color as the cable 208, but for example, the tape 208P may be a color different from that of the cable 208. Also, although the tape 208P is configured to be wrapped around the position of the cable 208 where the cable tie 230 is wrapped, for example, the tape 208P may be wrapped regardless of the position of the cable tie 230.

[0119] While the notches 225 in the above embodiment extend up to a position close to the base end of the auxiliary support wall 222, the depth of the notches is not limited to this, and for example, the notches may extend to the base end of the auxiliary support wall 222. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 37, the notches 225 have a trapezoidal shape that narrows toward the base end of the auxiliary support wall 222, but the notches are not limited to this, and may have, for example, a rectangular or inverted triangular shape. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the auxiliary support wall 222 having the multiple notches 225 is not provided.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the cable 208 is made up of a plurality of electric wires, but the cable 208 may be made up of a single electric wire. In this case, the tape 208P may be wrapped around the cable 208 as a marker for the position where the cable tie 230 is to be wrapped.

[0121] The band winding portion 215 may have a gate-like structure that protrudes from the front side plate portion 211A, and may include a guide portion as a mark corresponding to the band winding portion.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the cable 208 that connects the relay board 206 and the motor 207M is exemplified, but the cable 208 may connect any of them, for example, it may be a cable that connects boards to boards, a power cable, etc. The type of the cable 208 is also not limited to one made of multiple electric wires, and it may be, for example, a cable in which multiple electric wires are bundled together and covered, or a flat cable.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the cable support member 203 of the movable role object 90K is exemplified as the member to which the cable 208 is fixed to the cable tie 230, but as long as the cable 208 is fixed to the cable tie 230, the member is not limited to the movable role object 90K, and may be applied to, for example, the game board main body 90H, the winning role object 90N, the support frame 90F, the liquid crystal module 80A, etc.

[0124] <About the circulation path> As shown in Fig. 5, a launching device 100 for launching game balls into the game area R and a game ball supply unit 140 for supplying game balls received in the game ball receiving groove 22M to the launching device 100 are provided at the bottom of the rear door 13. The launching device 100 is disposed on the front side of the lower plate 16 (see Fig. 4) of the metal frame 15, while the game ball supply unit 140 is disposed on the rear side of the lower plate 16, and the two are in communication with each other via a through hole 16K formed in the lower plate 16.

[0125] 40, the launching device 100 comprises a supply passage 117, a striking hammer 116, and a launching rail 115 inside a case-shaped launching base 114. The supply passage 117 is a passage through which game balls taken in from a supply port 117A formed in the launching base 114 pass in a line, and supplies the game balls one by one to the launching rail 115. The game balls supplied to the launching rail 115 are bounced diagonally upward by the rotation of the striking hammer 116, which extends vertically at the center of the launching base 114, and are launched toward the game area R.

[0126] The game ball supply unit 140 has a lifting device 130 (see Figures 41 and 42) and a ball recovery unit 141 (see Figure 43). The lifting device 130 lifts the game balls to supply them to the launching device 100, and the ball recovery unit 141 has a recovery passage 142 that guides the game balls received in the game ball receiving groove 22M to the lifting device 130, and a relay passage 141T that guides the game balls from the lifting device 130 to the launching device 100.

[0127] 41 and 42, the lifting device 130 is configured to have a box-shaped case 131 with an open front, a screw 132 extending in the vertical direction incorporated therein, and a cleaning member 133 detachably attached thereto. The case 131 also has a lifting passage inlet 131A at its lower end for taking in game balls, and a lifting passage outlet 131B at its upper end for directing game balls toward the launching device 100.

[0128] The screw 132 has a configuration in which blades 132B extend spirally from a central shaft 132A. A gear 133G driven by a motor 133M is connected to the lower end of the screw 132, and the screw 132 rotates by receiving the rotational force of the gear 133G. The cleaning part 133 has a shaft 137A extending in the vertical direction and multiple ring-shaped foamed resin bodies 137B inserted therethrough.

[0129] Furthermore, the cleaning member 133 faces the screw 132 from the front, and forms a lifting passage 131 between the cleaning member 133 and the screw 132. Gaming balls that enter through the lifting passage entrance 131A are scooped up by the blade 132B of the screw 132. Then, as the screw 132 rotates, the gaming balls rise in the lifting passage 131, come into contact with the cleaning member 133, have dirt removed, and are carried to the lifting passage exit 131B, and head toward the supply port 117A of the launching device 100.

[0130] The ball recovery section 141, the cross section of which is shown in Figure 43, is a flat box-shaped section having a game ball receiving groove 22M on the top surface, and a recovery passage 142, a return passage 143, and a relay passage 141T, each of which can accommodate one game ball, are formed between the side walls 107. The lifting device 130 described above is fixed to the rear surface of this ball recovery section 141.

[0131] The recovery passage 142 consists of a first passage 144, a second passage 145, and a third passage 146. The first passage 144 hangs down from a recovery port 144A formed in the game ball receiving groove 22M and bends to the left. The first passage 144 aligns multiple game balls that have entered into a single row. The second passage 145 extends down from the downstream end of the first passage 144, then bends to the right and connects to the third passage 146. The third passage 146 extends continuously from the upstream return passage 143 and is inclined downward to the right. The return passage 143 is a passage that recovers game balls that have flown back up the launch passage 90A because their launch force was too weak to reach the game area R. The third passage 146 aligns the game balls flowing down from the return passage 143 and the second passage 145 in a line and guides them to the lifting passage inlet 131A of the lifting device 130.

[0132] The relay passage 141T is disposed at a position overlapping with the lifting passage outlet 131B of the lifting passage 131, and extends to the supply port 117A of the launching device 100.

[0133] The circulation path 120 is made up of the recovery path 142 of the ball recovery section 141, the lifting path 131 in the lifting device 130, the relay path 141T of the ball recovery section 141, and the supply path 117 in the launching device 100. When game balls are not being launched, the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 10 line up in a single row from the supply path 117 of the launching device 100 into the circulation path 120. Game balls that are launched by the launching device 100, flow down the game area R, and are taken into various winning openings or outlets 90L are received by the game ball receiving groove 22M, pass through the recovery path 142, and then are raised by the lifting device 130, pass through the launching device 100, and are sent to the launching rail 115 again.

[0134] Incidentally, an appropriate range is set for the number of enclosed game balls in the gaming machine 10. The appropriate range for the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is, for example, 40 to 49 balls (hereinafter referred to as the "specific range"). If the number of game balls is less than the specific range, the number of game balls launched into the play area will be insufficient, and if the number is more than the specific range, problems such as ball clogging may occur.

[0135] In a sealed-in gaming machine, the number of enclosed game balls may fall below the lower limit of the specific range. This may occur, for example, when an amusement hall employee opens the glass door 60 to clear a ball jam that occurs in the game area R during play, causing the game balls that are caught between the game board 90 and the glass door 60 to fall out. Also, when a ball jam occurs, an amusement hall employee may, as a service, allow game balls to enter a prize slot, etc., which may cause the number of enclosed game balls to exceed the upper limit of the specific range.

[0136] Furthermore, when putting game balls into an empty gaming machine 10 during initial operation or after maintenance, it is possible that an operator may make a mistake and put in more game balls than the upper limit of the specific range, or not enough game balls to fit within the specific range.

[0137] Therefore, in order to make it easier to keep the number of enclosed game balls within an appropriate range, the gaming machine 10 is provided with an excess / deficiency monitoring means 118 and a discharge means 119. The excess / deficiency monitoring means 118 and the discharge means 119 will be described in detail below.

[0138] As described above, when no game balls are being launched, the game balls enclosed in the game machine 10 line up in a row from the supply passage 117 of the launching device 100 into the circulation passage 120. Here, of this row of game balls, the game balls that are within a specific range of values ​​counting from the game ball closest to the launch rail 115 (i.e., the game ball to be launched next), i.e., the 40th to 49th game balls, are arranged on the third passage 146 of the recovery passage 141.

[0139] In the third passage 146, an outlet 101 is formed between the position where the 40th game ball (the lower limit of the specific range) is placed and the position where the 49th game ball (the upper limit of the specific range) is placed (see FIG. 44). The outlet 101 is an opening formed in the bottom surface 106, which is the rolling surface of the game balls, and allows two or more game balls to pass through side by side.

[0140] 45 and 46, a discharge passage 110 is provided below the discharge port 101. The discharge passage 110 rolls game balls that have dropped from the discharge port 101 forward. The discharge passage 110 is gutter-shaped and open upward, with its rear end closed by a rear end wall 109A that stands along the rear side wall 107, and its front end extending forward beyond the front side wall 107 and opening.

[0141] 47, a plurality of ribs 110A are provided on the surface of the discharge passage 110 on which the game balls roll. The ribs 110A extend in a gentle curve from a midpoint in the vertical direction of the rear end wall 109A to the front end of the discharge passage 110. In addition, although five ribs 110A are formed in this embodiment, the number is not limited to this and any number may be used, or no ribs 110A may be formed.

[0142] 49 and 51, the discharge passage 110 is covered from the front by a discharge outlet cover 113. The discharge outlet cover 113 is hingedly connected to the lower side of the rear door 13 at a position closer to the center in the left-right direction, and rotates leftward to expose the discharge passage 110 to the front.

[0143] As shown in Figure 44, a door element 102 is disposed between the discharge port 101 and the discharge passage 110. The door element 102 is inserted through a through hole 107A formed in a side wall 107 of the ball recovery section 141 that is disposed on the front side of the gaming machine. In the following description, the front side of the door element 102 in the position where it is inserted through the through hole 107A will be referred to as the front side of the door element 102, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear side.

[0144] As shown in Figure 48, door element 102 has, in order from the front side, operation part 105, opening 104, and rolling part 103. Operation part 105 is flat and has operation suggestion part 105A. Operation suggestion part 105A is an arrow-shaped through-hole formed near the front end of operation part 105 and in the center position in the left-right direction. The tip of the arrow of operation suggestion part 105A points rearward.

[0145] The opening 104 includes a reference plate 104A, an opening 104B, and a surrounding rib 104C. The reference plate 104A is flat and has an upper surface flush with the upper surface of the operating unit 105, and is longer in the left-right direction than the operating unit 105. An opening 104B is formed at the front end of the reference plate 104A. The opening 104B is a rectangular opening that overlaps with the discharge port 101. A frame-shaped surrounding rib 104C stands up from the edge of the opening 104B. The entire upper surface of the surrounding rib 104C is inclined at the same angle as the third passage 146.

[0146] The rolling portion 103 includes a rolling plate 103A, a slide support portion 103B, and a spring receiving portion 103C. The rolling plate 103A has an outer shape that fits exactly into the opening of the discharge port 101, and its upper surface is inclined at the same angle as the third passage 146. A pair of support plates 103D hang down from both ends of the rolling plate 103A in the longitudinal direction, and a closing plate 103E hangs down from the front end of the rolling plate 103A in the lateral direction. The closing plate 103E spans between the pair of support plates 103D and is flush with the inner surface of the surrounding rib 104C. The aforementioned slide support portion 103B protrudes laterally from the lower ends of the pair of support plates 103D. A pair of abutment portions 103F is formed on the slide support portion 103B. Of the pair of contact portions 103F, the right contact portion 103F hangs downward from the middle position of the slide support portion 103B in the left-right direction, and the left contact portion 103F hangs downward from the protruding end of the slide support portion 103B.

[0147] A spring receiving portion 103C is formed between the lower surface of the rolling plate 103A and the rear surface of the closure plate 103E. The spring receiving portion 103C is a U-shaped groove whose upper opening is closed by the rolling plate 103A, and extends from the rear end of the rolling plate 103A to the rear surface of the closure plate 103E. The spring receiving portion 103C opens toward the rear, and receives a spring 109, which will be described later, inside.

[0148] The door element 102 is capable of linear movement between a closed position shown in Figures 45 and 49 and an open position shown in Figures 46 and 50. A retraction recess 108 is formed in the rear side wall 107 at a position adjacent to the door element 102 when it is in the closed position. The retraction recess 108 is a recess that can receive the rolling part 103 of the door element 102 when it is in the open position, and a spring 109 is provided inside the retraction recess 108 and the spring receiving part 103C of the door element 102. The spring 109 is inserted into a spring protrusion 109A that protrudes forward from the rear surface of the retraction recess 108, and is disposed in a compressed state between the rear surface of the retraction recess 108 and the closing plate 103E of the door element 102.

[0149] The discharge port 101, door element 102, and discharge passage 110 described above correspond to discharge means 119. The door element 102 is always biased by a spring 109, and up to the rolling portion 103 of the door element 102 is inserted into the ball collection section 141 (see Figures 45 and 49). In the closed position, the rolling plate 103A is received in the discharge port 101 so that the upper surface of the rolling portion 103 is flush with the bottom surface 106 of the third passage 146. In addition, since the upper surface of the rolling portion 103 is flush with the bottom surface 106 of the third passage 146, ball clogging is less likely to occur.

[0150] Here, when the front door 60 is open and the operating unit 105 is pushed in the direction of the arrow on the operation suggestion unit 105A, the rolling unit 103 moves to the open position where it enters the retreat recess 108, the opening 104 enters the ball collection unit 141, and the opening 104B and the discharge port 101 overlap (see Figures 46 and 50). At this time, game balls located upstream of the downstream end of the discharge port 101 fall from the discharge port 101, roll through the discharge passage 110, and are discharged to the outside from the front of the rear door 13. This allows only excess game balls to be discharged from within the gaming machine 10, making it possible to keep the number of game balls within a specific range. Furthermore, after the game balls are discharged, releasing the door element 10 automatically moves the door element 10 to the closed position due to the spring 109, preventing the door element 10 from being left closed.

[0151] Furthermore, with this configuration, the number of game balls can be adjusted by providing the outlet 101 and the door element 102 in the conventional circulation passage 120, eliminating the need for major design changes. Note that the door element 102 may not be biased to the closed position, and may be configured so that displacement from the open position to the closed position is performed automatically, or the door element 102 may be electrically controlled.

[0152] Next, the shortage / surplus monitoring means 118 will be described. As shown in Fig. 43, the shortage / surplus monitoring means 118 includes a plate-shaped shortage detection unit 111 and an excess detection unit 112 disposed below the bottom surface 106 of the third passage 146. The shortage detection unit 111 and the excess detection unit 112 are high-frequency oscillation type proximity switches (induction type proximity sensors) and have a detection area of ​​about the size of one gaming ball. The shortage detection unit 111 detects when the number of gaming balls is below a specific range, and the excess detection unit 112 detects when the number of gaming balls is above the specific range.

[0153] Specifically, the shortage detection unit 111 is disposed at a position where it detects the 40th game ball (the lower limit of the specific range) in the line of game balls lined up from the launching device 100, and the excess detection unit 112 is disposed at a position where it detects the 50th game ball (the number one greater than the upper limit of the specific range) in the line of game balls when 50 or more game balls are enclosed. In other words, the shortage detection unit 111 and the excess detection unit 112 are disposed on either side of the discharge port 101. Signals from the shortage detection unit 111 and the excess detection unit 112 are transmitted to the main control board 81K, and the main control board 81K controls the liquid crystal modules 80A, 80B and the speakers 73S, 74S so as to notify the user that the number of game balls is below the specific range when the shortage detection unit 111 has not detected any game balls, and to notify the user that the number of game balls is above the specific range when the excess detection unit 112 has detected any game balls. The detection is performed, for example, when the power is turned on.

[0154] When it is notified that the number of game balls is greater than the upper limit of the specific range, the door element 102 is operated to eject the excess game balls, and when it is notified that the number of game balls is less than the lower limit of the specific range, a sufficient number of game balls are inserted from the outlet 90L and the door element 102 is operated to bring the number of game balls within the appropriate range.

[0155] According to the above configuration, when game balls are inserted into an empty game machine 10, the number of game balls can be kept within an appropriate range without the need to take the time and effort of counting the number of game balls before inserting them, making the insertion work easier.

[0156] Furthermore, even when the power is already on and it is not clear whether there are a surplus or shortage of game balls inside the gaming machine 10, the number of game balls can be kept within the appropriate range by inserting a sufficient number of game balls through the outlet 90L and operating the door member 102. This eliminates the need to count the shortage of game balls before inserting game balls, even if there is a shortage of game balls.

[0157] In this embodiment, game balls are thrown into the circulation passage 120, but a passage for adjusting the number of game balls may be provided.

[0158] It is not necessary to have the shortage / excess monitoring means 118. Even in this case, the number of game balls can be kept within the appropriate range by inserting a sufficient number of game balls and operating the door member 102. Also, the configuration may have only one of the shortage detection unit 111 and the excess detection unit 112. Furthermore, the shortage detection unit 111 and the excess detection unit 112 may be other sensors such as a distance measurement sensor.

[0159] The discharge port may be configured to be opened when the door member is pulled.

[0160] In this embodiment, the inserted game balls line up in the circulation passage 120, so the discharge means 119 is arranged in the circulation passage 120, but it is also possible to provide a game ball number adjustment passage separate from the circulation passage 120, in which the game balls line up when inserted, and to arrange the discharge means 119 in that game ball number adjustment passage.

[0161] Furthermore, the discharge port 101 may be formed on the side surface of the third passage 146. In this case, it is preferable that the bottom surface of the third passage 146 is inclined toward the discharge port 101 side.

[0162] <Replacing cleaning parts> As described above, dirt is removed from the gaming balls passing through the lifting passage 131 by the cleaning member 133. Therefore, the cleaning member 133 is a part that needs to be replaced periodically because the foamed resin body 137B absorbs dirt from the gaming balls. In order to perform this replacement work easily and reliably, the gaming machine 10 is provided with the following configuration.

[0163] As shown in Figure 41, the lifting device 130 is attached to the rear surface of the ball collection section 141, and as shown in Figure 51, a portion of the cleaning member 133 is visible from the front through the attachment / detachment opening 122 formed in the ball collection section 141 and the lower plate 16 of the metal frame 15. As shown in Figure 52, the cleaning member 133 has a gripping portion 139 in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction. The gripping portion 139 is the portion that is gripped by the worker during replacement work. The gripping portion 139 extends in a direction perpendicular to the shaft body 137A (see Figure 42) and protrudes forward from the attachment / detachment opening 122 when attached inside the case 131.

[0164] In addition, an engagement portion 138 is provided on each of both longitudinal ends of the cleaning member 133. The engagement portion 138 is cylindrical with one open end, and is fixed to the end of the shaft body 137A by a screw 137C inserted from the open end. The engagement portion 138 also has an engagement protrusion 138A. The engagement protrusion 138A has protrusions 138B that are in the shape of a right triangle when viewed from the side, and are lined up tightly along the edge of the open side of the engagement portion 138.

[0165] The pair of engaging portions 138 are engaged by projections and recesses with upper and lower connecting portions 138C and 138D provided on the case 131, respectively. The upper and lower connecting portions 138C and 138D are formed with engaging recesses 138E shaped to mesh with the engaging protrusions 138A of the engaging portions 138. As shown in FIG. 53 , the upper connecting portion 138C is attached to the inside of the upper part of the case 131 with the engaging recesses 138E facing downward. The lower connecting portion 138E is attached to the inside of the lower part of the case 131 with the engaging recesses 138E facing upward. The lower connecting portion 138E is biased upward by a coil spring 138F.

[0166] When cleaning member 133 is to be removed, grip portion 139 is used to push cleaning member 133 downward, compressing coil spring 138F and disengaging engagement portion 138 at the upper end of cleaning member 133 from upper connecting portion 138C, and cleaning member 133 can then be tilted forward to be removed. Conversely, when attaching cleaning member 133, cleaning member 133 is tilted and inserted into case 131 from below, and engagement portion 138 at the lower end is pressed down to align with lower connecting portion 138D. Then, cleaning member 133 is oriented vertically and raised according to the elastic force of coil spring 138F, thereby engaging engagement portion 138 at the upper end with upper connecting portion 138C.

[0167] However, if an operator who is not familiar with the work replaces the cleaning member 133, there is a risk that the cleaning member 133 will not be installed correctly. Therefore, in order to reduce mistakes when installing the cleaning member 133, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a cover member 121 on the front surface of the ball collection section 141.

[0168] As shown in Figure 54, cover member 121 has cover portion 123 and mounting portion 124. Cover portion 123 is box-shaped and opens toward the rear, and has cutout 123A and knob 123B on its upper side wall. Cutout 123A is a rectangular cutout from the rear end of the upper side wall to a midpoint. Knob 123B is a rib that stands up from the opening edge of cutout 123A.

[0169] 42 and 54, mounting portion 124 has base portion 124A that bends and extends forward from the lower front surface of cover portion 123, a pair of support legs 124C that hang down from both left and right ends of base portion 124A, and a rotating shaft 124B that connects the lower ends of paired support legs 124C. Rotating shaft 124B is rod-shaped with a circular cross section.

[0170] The ball collection section 141 is provided with a cover support section 126A for supporting the cover member 121. More specifically, a front wall 126 is placed on the front surface of the ball collection section 141, and the cover support section 126A is formed by the front wall 126 having a lower portion of the attachment / detachment opening 122 that bulges forward, and has a front wall section 126B that is parallel to the front surface of the ball collection section 141. A horizontally extending shaft receiving groove 126M is formed in the front wall section 126B. With the pivot shaft 124B of the cover member 121 received in the shaft receiving groove 126M, an attachment part 125 that covers the shaft receiving groove 126M from the front is attached to the cover support section 126A, whereby the cover member 121 is supported rotatably in the front-rear direction relative to the front surface of the ball collection section 141. The cover member 121 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatable between a first position (see Figure 42) in which the cover portion 123 receives the grip portion 139 of the cleaning member 133 and covers it from the front, and a second position (not shown) in which it folds forward from an upright position to expose almost the entire attachment / detachment opening 122.

[0171] When the cover member 121 is in the first position, locking pieces 123C projecting from both sides of the cover portion 123 are locked by locking portions (not shown), thereby holding the cover portion 123 in the first position. Furthermore, even when the cover portion 123 is in the first position, the upper portion of the attachment / detachment opening 122 is exposed.

[0172] Figure 53A shows a state in which cleaning member 133 is not correctly attached. Specifically, engagement protrusion 138A of engagement portion 138 and engagement recess 138E of upper connecting portion 138C are not engaged with each other, and cleaning member 133 is tilted forward. When cover portion 123 is rotated to the first position in this state, the back surface of cover portion 123 abuts against the front end of grip portion 139, as shown in Figure 53B, and cleaning member 133 is pushed in. At this time, engagement protrusion 138A is smoothly guided into engagement recess 138E by the inclined surface of protrusion 138B of engagement protrusion 138A, and engagement portion 138 and upper connecting portion 138C are engaged with each other.

[0173] Furthermore, for example, if the upper engaging portion 138 is located forward of the attachment / detachment opening 122 of the ball collecting portion 141 and the cleaning member 133 does not assume an upright position even when pressed from the front, the cover member 121 will not close. This allows an operator attempting to close the cover member 121 to notice that the cleaning member 133 is not in the correct position, providing an opportunity to attach the cleaning member 133 to the correct position. Furthermore, if the cover member 121 is open beyond a predetermined angle, the cover member 121 and the front door 60 will interfere with each other, making it impossible to close the front door 60. This also makes it possible to alert the operator that they have forgotten to close the cover member 121.

[0174] <About the lower structure> As shown in Fig. 1, a lower component 60D that protrudes forward is provided in the portion of the front door 60 below the glass window 60W. As shown in Fig. 55, the lower component 60D is made up of a lower unit 61 and a speaker unit 73, and the upper surface of the speaker unit 73 is fixed to the lower surface of the lower unit 61. The speaker unit 73 has a flat box shape and is provided with a speaker 73S in the center of the front surface. In addition to the speaker 73S provided at the bottom end, the front door 60 is also provided with a pair of speakers 74S at the upper end portions on both left and right sides of the glass window 60W (see Fig. 1).

[0175] The lower unit 61 is formed by assembling a handle unit 62, a performance button unit 63, an operation button unit 64, a spherical display unit 70, etc. to a base part 65. The base part 65 is formed in a dome shape with the sides bulging forward, and the lower surface 65A is flat as shown in Figure 56.

[0176] 55, the right side of the base 65 is hollowed out, leaving only a portion of the top surface, and the handle unit 62 is attached to the hollowed-out portion. The handle unit 62 is provided with a launch handle 62H that can be turned by a player, and when the launch handle 62H is operated by a player, game balls are ejected from the launching device 100 into the game area R. The handle unit 62 is provided with a hand rest 62T below the launch handle 62H, on which the player can place their hand holding the launch handle 62H.

[0177] The effect button unit 63, the operation button unit 64, and the second display section 72 of the ball display unit 70, which will be described later, are assembled to the upper surface of the base section 65, and form the flat upper surface of the lower unit 61.

[0178] The effect button unit 63 constitutes the area from the center to the far right portion of the upper surface of the lower unit 61. The effect button unit 63 is provided with an effect button 63A that can be pressed by a player at a position that is approximately the center of the gaming machine 10 in the left-right direction.

[0179] The operation button unit 64 constitutes the front right portion of the top surface of the base part 65, and includes a cross button 64C and a volume button 64S arranged in front and behind.

[0180] The effect button 63A and cross button 64C are used, for example, for effects that are executed in accordance with the progress of the game. For example, an effect to be executed may be selected from a group of effects using the cross button 64C and then confirmed using the effect button 63A, or the player may participate in the effect by operating the effect button 63A while the selected effect is being executed. The volume button 64S can adjust the volume of the sound output from the speakers 73S, 74S. A call button 61Y is provided on the left side of the base 65, allowing a hall employee to be called.

[0181] The ball display unit 70 has a first display section 71 and a second display section 72. The first display section 71 is disposed on the front surface of the base section 65. A prize ball suggestion effect is executed on the first display section 71. The prize ball suggestion effect is an effect that suggests the increase in the number of prize balls, and in this embodiment, the first display section 71 displays the number of prize balls acquired during a winning game on a display screen 71G.

[0182] In this embodiment, the gaming balls contained within the gaming machine 10 circulate, and prize balls awarded upon entering various winning slots are not actually paid out. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 57, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a prize ball counter C1 that counts the number of prize balls acquired during a winning game. The gaming machine 10 is also provided with a prize ball sensor 77C that detects the entry of a gaming ball into one of the winning slots. The prize ball counter C1 counts the number of prize balls corresponding to each ball detected by the prize ball sensor 77C during a winning game. When a new winning game is started, the prize ball counter C1 resets its count value to "0" and counts the number of prize balls for each winning game. The first display unit 71 displays the number of prize balls counted by the prize ball counter C1 in synchronization with the display screen 71G.

[0183] In this embodiment, the first display unit 71 is configured to display the number of prize balls on the display screen 71G in synchronization with the count of the prize ball counter C1, but this is not limiting, and the display screen 71G may be configured to update and display the count of the prize ball counter C1 at predetermined intervals, or when a preset value is reached. Also, at the end of a winning game, the display screen 71G may be configured to display only the total number of winning balls in that winning game.

[0184] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first display unit 71 is configured to display the number of winning balls for each winning game, but it may also be configured to display the cumulative number of winning balls won in winning games executed since the player started playing, rather than for each winning game.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 55, the display screen 71G is strip-shaped and faces diagonally upward, covering substantially the entire front surface of the lower unit 61. Its size is, for example, approximately half the width of the gaming machine 10 in the left-right direction and approximately one-sixth the height in the up-down direction. The first display unit 71 is equipped with five 7-segment LEDs, and is capable of displaying five-digit numbers on the display screen 71G. In this embodiment, the display screen 71G is a 7-segment LED display, but this is not limiting and a liquid crystal display may also be used.

[0186] In addition, in this embodiment, the display screen 71G is configured to flash a "-" during periods other than when a winning game is being played, but this is not limited to this, and the display screen 71G may also be configured to display the number of winning balls won in the previous winning game until the next winning game.

[0187] 55, the second display unit 72 constitutes the left rear portion of the top surface of the lower unit 61. The second display unit 72 displays the number of balls in the player's possession (game balls owned by the player) on a display screen 72G.

[0188] In an enclosed gaming machine, actual gaming balls are not dispensed, but the number of gaming balls corresponding to the loan amount is stored. Therefore, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a card unit 78 (see FIG. 57). The card unit 78 performs information processing, such as reading and writing, regarding the gaming balls owned by the player on the player's card inserted into a card insertion slot (not shown). Specifically, the card unit 78 writes the number of balls the player owns onto the card as the number of balls stored on the card. It also reads the number of balls stored on the card written on the card. The card unit 78 also has a bill insertion slot for dispensing gaming balls with cash, and the remaining balance information can also be written onto the card. The player can then use the card unit 78 to set some of the balls stored on the card as gaming machine-side balls that can be consumed in the gaming machine 10, or to dispense gaming balls using cash inserted into the bill insertion slot.

[0189] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 57, a retained ball counter C2 is provided to count the number of balls stored in the gaming machine. A fired ball sensor 77A detects balls fired toward the gaming area R, and a foul ball sensor 77B detects balls fired toward the gaming area R but not reaching the gaming area R. When the fired ball sensor 77A detects a ball, the retained ball counter C2 subtracts the number of detected balls from the number of balls stored in the gaming machine. When the foul ball sensor 77B detects a ball, the retained ball counter C2 adds the number of detected balls to the number of balls stored in the gaming machine. When the prize ball sensor 57 detects a ball entering one of the prize slots, the retained ball counter C2 adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the ball entering to the number of balls stored in the gaming machine. The second display unit 72 displays the number of balls stored in the gaming machine counted by the retained ball counter C2 as the number of balls stored in the gaming machine in synchronization with the display screen 72G. In this embodiment, the second display unit 72 is configured to display the number of balls in possession on the display screen 72G in synchronization with the count of the ball counter C2, but this is not limited to this. The display screen 72G may be configured to update and display, for example, the count of the ball counter C2 at predetermined intervals, or to update and display when a preset number is reached.

[0190] 55, the display screen 72G is strip-shaped and faces diagonally upward. Its size is, for example, approximately 1 / 5 of the width of the gaming machine 10 in the left-right direction and approximately 1 / 6 of the width of the gaming machine 10 in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, like the first display unit 71, the display screen 72G may be a 7-segment LED display or a liquid crystal display.

[0191] Figure 57 shows the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. The main control board 81K has a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and receives detection signals from various sensors for detecting ball entry via input / output circuits to execute the main control board main program. Then, depending on the processing results, it outputs control data to the sub-control board 82K, gaming ball management board 76, etc. The sub-control board 82K outputs control data to the LCD modules 80A and 80B depending on the control data output from the main control board 81K.

[0192] The gaming ball management board 76 manages the number of winning balls and the number of balls held by the player. Specifically, the gaming ball management board 76 receives detection signals from the card unit 78, the shot ball sensor 77A, the foul ball sensor 77B, the prize ball sensor 77C, etc. Based on these detection signals, the gaming ball management board 76 counts the number of gaming balls in the prize ball counter C1 and the held ball counter C2, and outputs information on the number of gaming balls to the ball display unit 70 to display on the first and second display sections 71 and 72 of the ball display unit 70.

[0193] As described above, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a novel configuration in which the lower unit 61, which is disposed below the glass window 60W of the front door 60, is provided with the first and second display units 71, 72 for display, thereby improving the ingenuity of the display. Moreover, the display screen 71G of the first display unit 71 is large enough to cover almost the entire front surface of the lower unit 61, allowing a large display to be displayed in front of the player's eyes, thereby realizing an impactful display effect. In this embodiment, the first display unit 71 executes a winning ball suggestion effect during a winning game, but this is not limiting, and a display effect other than the winning ball suggestion effect may be executed during or outside of a winning game.

[0194] In this embodiment, a prize ball suggestion effect is executed on the first display unit 71, and during a winning game, the number of prize balls won in that winning game is added up and displayed on the display screen 71G, thereby enhancing the player's sense of elation when they win. Moreover, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is an enclosed type, and actual prize balls are not paid out in front of the player, but as in this embodiment, the first display unit 71 installed in front of the player displays the number of prize balls being added up, so the player can be given the impression that prize balls are being paid out (a sense of ball payout).

[0195] In this embodiment, the prize ball suggestion effect is configured to display the number of prize balls acquired during a winning game on the first display unit 71. However, a similar effect can be achieved by displaying a different display that suggests the increasing number of prize balls, rather than the number of prize balls. A different display that suggests the increasing number of prize balls may, for example, display a gauge corresponding to the number of prize balls, or display an image evoking the increasing number of prize balls. Examples of images evoking the increasing number of prize balls include an image of the display screen 71G gradually filling up with game balls, or an image of a so-called "dollar box" being filled with game balls, or an image of game balls accumulating. Furthermore, the dollar box may be displayed to stack up each time the number of prize balls reaches a preset value. A comment evoking the increasing number of prize balls may also be displayed.

[0196] In this embodiment, a lower lamp 66 is attached to the lower unit 61. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56 , the lower lamp 66 is disposed in a position corresponding to a plurality of through-holes 65K formed in the lower surface 65A of the base portion 65. As shown in FIG. 58A , the lower lamp 66 includes a light-emitting substrate 68 formed in a strip-like shape extending in the left-right direction and having a plurality of light-emitting elements 67 mounted on one side thereof, and a cover plate 69 covering one side of the light-emitting substrate 68. The lower lamp 66 is housed in the base portion 65 such that the surface of the light-emitting substrate 68 facing the light-emitting elements 67 faces downward and the light-emitting surfaces of the plurality of light-emitting elements 67 are exposed in the plurality of through-holes 65K of the base portion 65. In other words, the lower lamp 66 emits light downward through the plurality of through-holes 65K of the base portion 65. A convex lens 69L for narrowing the light from the light-emitting elements 67 is formed in a portion of the cover plate 69 facing the light-emitting surfaces of the light-emitting elements 67 (see FIG. 58B ).

[0197] As described above, the speaker unit 73 is placed on the lower surface 65A of the base portion 65, but as shown in Fig. 59, the plurality of through-holes 65K on the lower surface 65A are formed in positions near the front end where the speaker unit 73 does not overlap, and are arranged in positions that are exposed when the gaming machine 10 is viewed from below. As a result, light emitted from the lower lamps 66 is directed toward a mounting base 79 (see Fig. 1) on which the gaming machine 10 is placed. The mounting base 79 in this embodiment is made of a stainless steel decorative plate, and the light emitted from the lower lamps 66 is reflected by the mounting base 79.

[0198] In this embodiment, during a winning game, a special light-emitting effect is executed in which the lower lamp 66 irradiates light onto the mounting base 79. This special light-emitting effect may be configured so that the color or light emission pattern of the light emitted from the lower lamp 66 changes during a winning game, for example, as the number of winning balls increases or as time passes, or the color of light emitted from each through-hole 65K may be different.

[0199] In this way, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a novel configuration in which the lower unit 61, which is located below the glass window 60W of the front door 60, is provided with the lower lamp 66 that irradiates light downward, irradiating the vicinity of the player, thereby improving the ingenuity of the light effects. In this embodiment, the lower lamp 66 is configured to light up during a winning game, but this is not limiting and the lower lamp 66 may be configured to light up during periods other than a winning game.

[0200] In this embodiment, by lighting the lower lamp 66 during a winning game, it is possible to present a value corresponding to the winning, thereby enhancing the player's sense of elation when they win. Moreover, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is an enclosed type, and unlike conventional machines, actual prize balls are not dispensed into a so-called dollar box placed on the mounting base 79. However, because the lower lamp 66 illuminates the mounting base 79, it is possible to give not only the player but also surrounding players the impression that prize balls have been dispensed (a sense of balls being dispensed). As described above, in this embodiment, during a winning game, a prize ball suggestion effect is also executed on the first display unit 71. This, combined with the prize ball suggestion effect, further enhances the player's sense of balls being dispensed.

[0201] Furthermore, the light emitted from the lower lamp 66 is reflected by the stainless steel mounting base 79, making it appear to the player as if the entire lower part of the lower unit 61 is emitting light, providing an excellent visual effect.

[0202] Here, in this embodiment, the light emitted from the lower lamp 66 is configured to be reflected by the mounting base 79, but it is also possible to provide a protruding portion at a position above the mounting base 79 on the lower unit 61 or the gaming machine 10, and to configure the light emitted from the lower lamp 66 to be reflected by that protruding portion.

[0203] Furthermore, although the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is an enclosed type, the lower lamp 66 may be provided in a gaming machine that is not an enclosed type. In this case, for example, if the lower lamp 66 is configured to irradiate light toward the front tray from which the acquired prize balls are paid out, the paid-out prize balls will be illuminated, thereby enhancing the player's sense of elation when they win.

[0204] <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.

[0205] [First group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine having a cable support member on which a cable is supported. Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, a gaming machine in which cables are fixed to a plurality of positions on the cable support member with cable ties is known (for example, JP 2023-176725 A (paragraph

[0066] )). In the conventional gaming machine described above, the cable may be fixed to the cable support member with the cable ties in an incorrect position. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology that can reduce the occurrence of incorrect assembly using cable ties more than conventionally, and the following features 1 to 14 can solve this problem.

[0206] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine in which a cable is laid on a resin cable support member having a plurality of band winding portions, and the plurality of band winding portions and the cable are bound together with a plurality of cable ties, the cable support member is integrally molded with a plurality of marks corresponding to the plurality of band winding portions.

[0207] According to feature 1, the positions of the multiple band wrapping portions are easily identified by the multiple markers, which reduces the chance of incorrect assembly, such as attaching the cable tie in the wrong position, compared to conventional methods.

[0208] [Feature 2] The cable support member is provided with a support wall that protrudes in a first direction and extends in a direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of through holes that penetrate the support wall at multiple locations in the longitudinal direction, and the tip side portion of the support wall from the plurality of through holes forms the plurality of band winding portions, and the plurality of markers are arranged on the cable support member at positions on the side of the support wall and visible from the first direction.

[0209] As in Feature 2, when multiple through holes are located in a place that is difficult to find when viewed from the first direction, i.e., when multiple band winding portions are located in a place that is difficult to find, multiple markers placed in positions that are visible from the first direction become effective, and the above-mentioned effects can be further enjoyed.

[0210] [Feature 3] The cable support member is provided with a plurality of guide portions that face the plurality of through holes and slide against the tip of the cable tie when inserted into the through hole, guiding the tip in the direction of the protruding portion of the support wall, and the plurality of guide portions also serve as the plurality of markers.

[0211] According to feature 3, the plurality of guide portions can function not only as markers but also as guides for winding the cable ties.

[0212] [Feature 4] A gaming machine as described in Feature 3, wherein the plurality of guide portions have an inclined surface that moves away from the support wall as it moves from the base end side to the tip end side of the support wall, and the inclined surface faces the entire through hole.

[0213] According to feature 4, regardless of where the tip of the cable tie is inserted in the first direction of the through hole, the tip of the cable tie can be slid against the inclined surface and directed in the protruding direction of the support wall.

[0214] [Feature 5] The cable support member is provided with an auxiliary support wall extending parallel to the support wall and facing the cable, and the auxiliary support wall has a plurality of notches formed in positions corresponding to the plurality of through holes, and the plurality of notches also serve as the plurality of markers.

[0215] According to feature 5, multiple notches are formed in the auxiliary support wall at positions corresponding to multiple through holes, which makes it possible to suggest that the cable tie be inserted into the through hole from the auxiliary support wall side and makes it easier to insert the cable tie into the through hole.

[0216] [Feature 6] The gaming machine described in Feature 5, wherein the cable support member is provided with a plurality of guide portions that face the plurality of through holes from the side opposite the auxiliary support wall and that slide against the tip of the cable tie when inserted into the through hole, guiding the tip in the direction of the protruding support wall.

[0217] According to feature 6, the multiple notches and multiple guide portions of the auxiliary support wall can more clearly indicate the direction in which the cable tie should be inserted into the through hole.

[0218] [Feature 7] A gaming machine according to feature 5 or 6, wherein the bottoms of the plurality of notches are positioned lower than the tip opening edges of the plurality of through holes in the first direction.

[0219] According to Feature 7, the tip of the cable tie can be inserted into the through hole with the cable tie applied to the bottom of the notch.

[0220] [Feature 8] Each of the binding bands has a head portion into which a band-shaped band portion is inserted, A gaming machine described in any one of features 5 to 7, wherein the plurality of notches are sized to accommodate the head portions of each of the plurality of cable ties.

[0221] According to feature 8, it is possible to suggest that the head portions of the multiple cable ties are tilted toward the multiple notches to tie the cable ties together.

[0222] [Feature 9] A gaming machine as described in Feature 2, in which a plurality of recesses are formed at the tip end of the plurality of band winding portions of the tip end portion of the support wall, and the plurality of recesses also serve as the plurality of markers.

[0223] According to feature 9, the recesses function as markers, and the recesses can restrict the movement of the cable tie in the width direction and prevent the cable tie from protruding from the support wall.

[0224] [Feature 10] In a gaming machine in which a cable is laid on a resin cable support member having a plurality of band winding portions, and the plurality of band winding portions and the cable are bound together with a plurality of binding bands, tape is pre-wrapped around a plurality of locations on the cable where the plurality of binding bands are to be wound.

[0225] According to Feature 10, since the cable tie can be wrapped around the cable using the tape as a guide, it is possible to reduce the chance of attaching the cable tie in the wrong position. Also, by wrapping the tape around the cable in advance, it is possible to prevent the cable from being damaged by the cable tie and it is easy to wrap the cable tie.

[0226] [Feature 11] The gaming machine described in Feature 10, wherein the cable is made up of multiple electrical wires.

[0227] [Feature 12] Feature 10 or 11 of the gaming machine, wherein the tape is transparent or the same color as the cable.

[0228] According to feature 12, the mark indicates the position where the cable tie is to be wrapped, but is less noticeable after the cable tie has been wrapped.

[0229] [Feature 13] 12. A gaming machine according to feature 10 or 11, wherein the tape is a different color from the cable.

[0230] According to feature 13, the position of the tape becomes easy to find.

[0231] [Feature 14] In this gaming machine, a cable is laid on a resin cable support member and bound by a plurality of binding bands, and tape for bundling the cable is wrapped around a plurality of locations on the cable where the plurality of binding bands are to be wrapped in advance.

[0232] According to feature 14, the cable ties can be attached using the tape as a marker, which reduces the chance of incorrect assembly due to the cable ties. Also, since the tape is already wrapped around the cables, the cables are bundled together, making it easier to wrap the cable ties. Note that features 12 and 13 can be subordinate to feature 14.

[0233] [Correspondence between components of the first feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, cable support member: cable support member 203, cable: cable 208, tape: tape 208P, support wall: support wall 212, band winding portion: band winding portion 215, through hole: through hole 215H, guide portion: guide portion 217, auxiliary support wall: auxiliary support wall 222, notch: notch 225, cable tie: cable tie 230, band portion: band portion 231, head portion: head portion 232

[0234] [Second group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and gaming machines that use light-emitting means to produce light effects have been known for some time, as described in, for example, JP 2019-187779 A (paragraph

[0267] and FIG. 47). In contrast, the present disclosure aims to improve the ingenuity of the light effects, and the following second feature group can solve this problem.

[0235] [Feature 1] A gaming machine having a lower component part disposed at the front lower part of the gaming machine and protruding forward, A gaming machine having a light-emitting means for irradiating light downward on a downward-facing surface provided on the lower component.

[0236] [Feature 2] Feature 1: The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the light-emitting means is arranged on the downward-facing surface of the lower component that is exposed when the gaming machine is viewed from below.

[0237] [Feature 3] 3. The gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the light emitting means irradiates light toward a base on which the gaming machine is placed.

[0238] [Feature 4] 4. A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the lower component has an irradiated portion that faces the downward surface and is illuminated by the light-emitting means.

[0239] [Feature 5] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 4, in which multiple gaming balls are circulated and used within the gaming machine alone, and prize balls are not discharged outside the gaming machine.

[0240] [Feature 6] The lower component is provided with a front plate from which prize balls are paid out, The gaming machine according to feature 4, wherein the front plate is the irradiated part.

[0241] [Feature 7] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, in which a special light-emitting effect is performed by activating the light-emitting means during a winning game, which is performed based on the result of a win / loss judgment being a win.

[0242] [Feature 8] The light emitting means is a light emitting substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements are mounted, the light emitting substrate is accommodated inside the lower component; A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 7, wherein a plurality of through holes penetrating downward are formed in a horizontal row on the downward surface, and each of the light-emitting elements is exposed within the plurality of through holes.

[0243] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, a light-emitting means is provided on the downward-facing surface of the lower component that protrudes forward from the lower front of the gaming machine, and the light-emitting means irradiates light downward, making it possible to provide light effects at a position closer to the player and improving the appeal of the light effects. As an example of the light-emitting means, as in Feature 8, a configuration can be given in which a light-emitting substrate on which a plurality of light-emitting elements are mounted is provided, and the light-emitting elements are exposed downward from a plurality of through-holes formed through the downward-facing surface.

[0244] If the illumination by the light emitting means is configured to be performed during a winning game to produce a value corresponding to the winning, as in Feature 7, the player's sense of elation when they win can be enhanced. Here, the light emitting means may be configured to illuminate an irradiated portion provided in the lower component, as in Feature 4. In this case, if the irradiated portion is, for example, the front tray from which the won prize balls are paid out (Feature 6), the player's sense of elation when they win can be further enhanced.

[0245] The light-emitting means may also be configured, as in Feature 2, to be located in a position on the lower component that is exposed when the gaming machine is viewed from below. In this case, for example, if a box containing prize balls dispensed from the front tray is installed below the lower component, the box into which the prize balls are dispensed will be illuminated, enhancing the player's sense of excitement when they win. Even in cases where actual prize balls are not dispensed in front of the player, as in the case of the enclosed gaming machine of Feature 5, illuminating the base below the lower component (Feature 3) can give the player and surrounding players the impression that the prize balls are actually being dispensed (a sense of ball dispensing). In this case, the base is usually made of a stainless steel decorative panel, so the light is reflected by the base, resulting in an even more excellent visual effect.

[0246] [Correspondence between components of the second feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, lower component: lower component 60D, light emitting means: lower lamp 66, mounting base: mounting base 79, light emitting element: light emitting element 67, light emitting board: light emitting board 68, through hole: through hole 65K

[0247] [Third group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine. Conventionally, gaming machines have been known in which a gaming machine frame and a gaming machine component attached to the gaming machine frame are connected by connectors via wiring (for example, JP 2008-048958 A (

[0097] ,

[0098] , FIG. 10, etc.)). In the above-described conventional gaming machine, when attaching the gaming machine component, after the gaming machine component is placed in the attachment position, the wiring assembled to the gaming machine frame is connected to a connector on the rear surface of the gaming machine component. However, if the wiring gets into the moving area of ​​the gaming machine component when the gaming machine component is moved, the wiring may interfere with the gaming machine component, preventing the gaming machine component from being moved to the attachment position or causing damage to the wiring. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent interference between the gaming machine component and the wiring. In light of this, there is a demand for making it easier than ever to prevent interference between the gaming machine component and the wiring, and the following third feature group can solve this problem.

[0248] [Feature 1] A gaming machine comprising: a gaming machine frame to which wiring is attached; a gaming machine component that is inserted into the gaming machine frame and moves to an installation position where it can be prevented from coming loose, and has a connector connected to the rear surface of the end of the wiring; and a wiring holding section that is provided on the gaming machine frame, faces the gaming machine component from behind, and prevents the wiring from moving toward the moving area of ​​the gaming machine component.

[0249] According to feature 1, the wiring holding portion that faces the gaming machine component from behind prevents the wiring from moving toward the movement area of ​​the gaming machine component, thereby preventing interference between the gaming machine component and the wiring more effectively than in the past.

[0250] Incidentally, one method of preventing interference between the gaming machine components and the wiring is to bundle the wiring that has come off the gaming machine components and temporarily fasten it to the gaming machine frame, as in the gaming machine in the above cited document, but this requires adjusting the way the wiring is bundled so that it does not come into contact with the moving area of ​​the gaming machine components, and it is also possible that an operator who finds temporary fastening too much trouble may install the gaming machine components without temporarily fastening them. In contrast, according to the configuration of Feature 1, interference between the gaming machine components and the wiring is prevented by the wiring holding portion that faces the gaming machine components from behind, thereby reducing the effort required of the operator.

[0251] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the wiring holding portion has a rotation axis at the rear side of the gaming machine frame in the direction of movement of the gaming machine component to the mounting position, and is capable of rotating rearward.

[0252] According to feature 2, by rotating the wiring holding portion and positioning it at the rear, the wiring can be kept away from the movement area of ​​the gaming machine components, thereby further preventing interference between the gaming machine components and the wiring.

[0253] [Feature 3] A gaming machine as described in Feature 2, which is provided with a locking portion that can lock the wiring holding portion in a position facing the gaming machine component from behind.

[0254] According to feature 3, after the gaming machine components are attached, the wiring holding portion can be locked, thereby preventing the wiring holding portion from rotating unintentionally and pulling the wiring.

[0255] [Feature 4] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the wiring holding portion has a plate portion facing the gaming machine component, and the wiring is routed along the outer edge of the plate portion.

[0256] According to feature 4, the wiring holding portion has a plate portion along which the wiring is routed along the outer edge, which improves the strength of the wiring holding portion and prevents damage compared to a linear configuration extending along the wiring.

[0257] [Feature 5] A gaming machine according to feature 4, wherein the plate portion has a through hole formed therein that allows operation of an operating portion arranged on the gaming machine component.

[0258] When an operating unit is arranged on a gaming machine component, operation of the operating unit may be hindered by the wiring holding unit, but according to feature 5, the operating unit arranged on the gaming machine component can be operated through the through hole.

[0259] [Feature 6] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, comprising: a first connector portion arranged in the gaming machine frame below the gaming machine component; and a second connector portion arranged in the gaming machine component, wherein the wiring holding portion has a rotation axis at the rear side of the gaming machine frame in the direction of movement of the gaming machine component to the mounting position, is capable of rotating rearward, and has a first holding portion that holds the wiring along the rotation axis; and a second holding portion that is arranged in the wiring holding portion and holds the wiring bent from the first holding portion so as to extend to the front side in the direction of movement of the gaming machine component to the mounting position.

[0260] According to feature 6, the wiring extending from the first connector portion is held by the first holding portion of the wiring holding portion, then bent and held by the second holding portion, toward the second connector portion, and connected to the second connector portion.

[0261] [Feature 7] A gaming machine as described in Feature 6, which has a control board fixed to the gaming machine frame below the gaming machine components, and a cover member facing the control board from behind, and the wiring extends within the cover member from the first connector portion to a position below the first holding portion, and is then held by the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

[0262] According to feature 7, the portion of the wiring from the first connector portion to the portion held by the wiring holding portion is arranged inside the cover member, thereby preventing this portion from interfering with gaming machine components or other parts.

[0263] [Feature 8] The gaming machine frame comprises a frame main body portion that is open in the front-to-rear direction, and a cover portion that is attached to the frame main body portion from above and hingedly connected to the rear end portion of one side of the frame main body portion, and overlaps the frame main body portion from the rear, and an upper wall is provided at the upper end of the cover portion, while the gaming machine frame is provided with a covering portion that overlaps the upper wall of the cover portion from above, and the upper wall of the cover portion has a notch formed in it to avoid interference with the covering portion when the cover portion is removed with the cover portion opened to a predetermined angle.

[0264] The cover part is lifted up and removed while opened to a position where it does not overlap with the covering part, but according to feature 8, it can be removed at a smaller opening angle than when no notch is formed, making it easier to remove the cover part.

[0265] [Feature 9] A gaming machine as described in feature 8, in which an insertion port for inserting the gaming machine component is arranged on the other side opposite the one side of the frame main body portion, and the cover portion covers the insertion port.

[0266] According to Feature 9, when the cover portion is rotated open, the insertion port is opened, so that the gaming machine components can be attached and detached without removing the cover portion.

[0267] [Feature 10] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 9, wherein the gaming machine component is a liquid crystal display, and the wiring connects between a first control board fixed to the rear surface of the liquid crystal display and a second control board fixed to the gaming machine frame below the gaming machine component.

[0268] The gaming machine component may be a gaming board, or as in Feature 10, may be a liquid crystal display.

[0269] [Feature 11] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 10, wherein the gaming machine frame has an upper edge receiving portion that receives the upper edge of the gaming machine component and a lower edge receiving portion that receives the lower edge of the gaming machine component, and at least one of the upper edge receiving portion and the lower edge receiving portion has a friction reducing portion that is textured.

[0270] According to feature 11, when the gaming machine component is moved relative to the gaming machine frame, the contact area between the upper edge receiving portion or the lower edge receiving portion and the gaming machine component is reduced, making it easier for the gaming machine component to slide, and the movement of the gaming machine component is smoother.

[0271] [Feature 12] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 11, wherein the gaming machine frame has a front receiving portion capable of receiving the first gaming machine component and a rear receiving portion capable of receiving the second gaming machine component, arranged in front to back, and is capable of attaching either the first gaming machine component or the second gaming machine component.

[0272] [Feature 13] A gaming machine according to feature 12, in which the orientations in which the gaming machine components are attached are different between the front receiving portion and the rear receiving portion.

[0273] [Feature 14] A gaming machine according to feature 13, wherein the gaming machine component is inserted into the rear receiving portion from the side, while the gaming machine component is attached to the front receiving portion from the front.

[0274] According to Feature 12, the mounting position of the gaming machine components can be changed depending on the model of gaming machine and the size and arrangement of surrounding parts. In addition, the mounting orientation of the gaming machine components in the front receiving section and the rear receiving section may be the same or different as in Feature 13 and Feature 14.

[0275] [Feature 15] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 14, comprising: an insertion port formed in the gaming machine frame for inserting the gaming machine component; a removal prevention member provided in the gaming machine frame that is displaceable between a first position where it overlaps with the insertion port and prevents the gaming machine component from falling out, and a second position where it does not overlap with the insertion port; and a locking member that holds the removal prevention member in the first position, wherein the removal prevention member and the locking member can be operated simultaneously with one hand.

[0276] [Feature 16] The gaming machine described in feature 15, wherein the locking member is capable of holding the anti-pullout member in the second position, and is provided with engaging portions on the anti-pullout member and the locking member that engage with each other in a concave-convex manner, and the engagement depth between the engaging portions when the anti-pullout member is positioned at the second position is smaller than the engagement depth between the engaging portions when the anti-pullout member is positioned at the first position.

[0277] According to Feature 15, the removal prevention member prevents the gaming machine component from unintentionally shifting in the direction of removal. Also, since the locking member and the removal prevention member can be released simultaneously with one hand, the operation of removing the gaming machine component becomes easy. Furthermore, according to Feature 16, the removal prevention member is held in the second position, so that the removal prevention member is prevented from shifting and interfering when inserting the gaming machine component.

[0278] [Correspondence between components of the third feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, wiring: harnesses 51, 52, 53, gaming machine frame: gaming frame 11, gaming machine components: liquid crystal modules 80A, 80B, wiring holding portion: cable support door 27, locking portion: latch member 30, through hole 210D, plate portion: main plate 27P, through hole: operation hole 27S, first connector portion: connector 210F, second connector portion: connectors 81F, 82F, first holding portion: cable receiving groove 21M, second holding portion: cable receiving groove 27M, control board: power supply board unit 210, cover member: board cover 210C, frame main body portion: rear resin frame 21, cover portion: Rear cover door 20, upper wall: upper wall 20C, covering portion: upper protruding wall 21D, notch: notch 20C1, socket: socket 24S, first control board: main board unit 81, sub-board unit 82, second control board: power supply board unit 210, upper edge receiving portion: upper support groove 24N, lower edge receiving portion: second support groove 24M, friction reduction portion: ceiling surface of upper support groove 24N, front receiving portion: spare receiving portion 23, rear receiving portion: module assembly portion 24, removal prevention member: removal prevention member 25, locking member: locking member 26, engaging portion: step portion 25E and main plate portion 26A, second recess 25V and protrusion 26T

[0279] [Fourth group of features] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2019-33791 (paragraph

[0016] , Figure 4) discloses a sealed gaming machine in which multiple gaming balls are circulated and used within the gaming machine alone. In the conventional gaming machines described above, the number of enclosed gaming balls must be kept within a predetermined appropriate range, and there is a need for the development of technology that makes this task easier. In contrast, with the present features, if a sufficient number of gaming balls are inserted, excess gaming balls are discharged from the discharge port, making it possible to keep the number of gaming balls within a specific range with an extremely simple procedure.

[0280] [Feature 1] This game machine is used by circulating a plurality of game balls within a specific range within a single game machine, and is provided with an outlet that is arranged in a passage along which the game balls inserted into the game machine are lined up and can discharge excess game balls.

[0281] Gaming balls are inserted into gaming machines when they arrive or during maintenance. An appropriate range (specific range) is set for the number of gaming balls contained in a gaming machine. If the number of gaming balls is less than the specific range, an insufficient number of gaming balls will be released into the gaming area. If the number of gaming balls is more than the specific range, problems such as ball jamming may occur. Therefore, in the past, the number of gaming balls had to be counted before insertion, which was a time-consuming process. In contrast, with the gaming machine of Feature 1, if a sufficient number of gaming balls are inserted, the excess will be ejected from the outlet, making it easy to keep the number of gaming balls within the specific range.

[0282] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1 has an outlet that opens at a predetermined position in the passage between the position where the lowest gaming ball in the specific range is placed and the position where the highest gaming ball in the specific range is placed, and discharges gaming balls lined up behind the predetermined position in order, and is equipped with a door member that can open and close the outlet.

[0283] As in Feature 2, by providing an outlet at a predetermined position in the passageway where game balls are lined up and opening and closing it with a door member, it becomes possible to adjust the number of game balls without providing any large-scale equipment.

[0284] [Feature 3] The gaming machine according to Feature 2, wherein the door element is biased to a closed position to close the discharge outlet, and is operated to be displaced to an open position to open the discharge outlet.

[0285] The door element may be electrically controlled or may be operated to be placed in the open position. The door element may also be manually displaced from the open position to the closed position, or may be biased to the closed position as in Feature 3. The configuration of Feature 3 prevents the door element from being left closed.

[0286] [Feature 4] The gaming machine described in Feature 3, wherein the door element has an indication of the direction of operation.

[0287] According to feature 4, even workers who are not familiar with the work can easily understand how to operate the door elements.

[0288] [Feature 5] A gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 4, wherein the outlet opens to the bottom surface of the passage and the upper surface of the door member is flush with the bottom surface of the passage.

[0289] If the outlet is located at the bottom of the passage, the balls will fall due to gravity when the door member is in the open position, making it easier to remove excess balls. Also, since the bottom of the passage is flush with the top of the door member, balls are less likely to get stuck.

[0290] [Feature 6] A gaming machine described in any one of features 2 to 5, wherein the discharge outlet is arranged on the bottom surface of a rolling path in the passage, the bottom surface of which is inclined to cause the gaming ball to roll downstream.

[0291] The outlet may be provided on a part with a horizontal bottom, or on an inclined part as in Feature 6. With the configuration of Feature 6, multiple game balls are lined up in a row toward the downstream side, so when the outlet is opened, the game balls behind the outlet roll and are automatically discharged, making the operation even easier.

[0292] [Feature 7] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, wherein the passage is a circulation passage that guides gaming balls from the outlet of the gaming area to the launching device.

[0293] With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the number of game balls by using the existing circulation passage, so no large-scale device is required.

[0294] [Feature 8] The gaming machine described in Feature 3, wherein the door element has an operating portion that protrudes forward, and the operating portion is displaced from the closed position to the open position by pressing the operating portion from the front.

[0295] The door element may be one that is displaced between an open position and a closed position by operating a switch, or may be one that is displaced by pressing an operating portion, as in Feature 8.

[0296] [Feature 9] The outlet is open to the bottom surface of the passage, The gaming machine described in Feature 8, wherein the door element has, from the side closest to the passage, a rolling portion that forms a rolling path as part of the passage in the closed position, an opening that communicates with the discharge outlet in the open position, and the operating portion, in that order.

[0297] [Feature 10] a side wall of the passage adjacent to the door element is formed with a retraction recess that receives the rolling portion of the door element displaced to the open position; A gaming machine as described in Feature 9, wherein an elastic member is provided between the side wall of the retraction recess away from the passage and the end of the rolling portion, which returns the door element arranged in the open position to the closed position.

[0298] The door element may be configured as in Features 9 and 10, or the positions of the rolling portion and the opening may be reversed. In the latter case, pulling the operating portion toward you causes the door element to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0299] [Feature 11] A support frame and a front door that rotates and opens relative to the support frame, A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 10, which is provided with a discharge passage that discharges gaming balls discharged from the discharge outlet forward from the support frame when the front door is open.

[0300] For example, if the discharge passage is open toward the rear of the gaming machine, the adjustment of the number of gaming balls must be performed with the support frame opened and the back of the gaming machine exposed. However, if the passage is open toward the front as in Feature 10, the work can be simplified by simply opening the front door of the gaming machine.

[0301] [Feature 12] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 11, comprising a shortage detection unit that detects when the number of gaming balls is less than the specific range.

[0302] [Feature 13] A gaming machine according to Feature 12, wherein the shortage detection unit is a proximity sensor.

[0303] [Feature 14] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 13, comprising an excess detection unit that detects when the number of gaming balls is greater than the specified range.

[0304] [Feature 15] A gaming machine as described in Feature 14, wherein the excess detection unit is a proximity sensor.

[0305] As in Features 12 and 14, if a detection unit that detects when the number of game balls is outside a specific range is provided, when the number of game balls is greater than the specific range, only the surplus balls are discharged, and when the number of game balls is less than the specific range, a sufficient number of game balls are inserted and then the surplus balls are discharged, thereby bringing the number of game balls within the specific range. Note that only one of the shortage detection unit and the excess detection unit may be provided. Furthermore, as in Features 13 and 15, the shortage detection unit and the excess detection unit may be a proximity sensor, a distance measurement sensor, or the like.

[0306] [Feature 16] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 15, wherein the outlet is wide enough to allow two or more gaming balls to pass through side by side.

[0307] The outlet needs only to be wide enough for one or more game balls to pass through, but by making it wide enough for two balls to pass through side by side as in Feature 16, game balls can be discharged efficiently.

[0308] [Feature 17] A lifting passage included in the passage for lifting the game ball; a cleaning means for contacting the game balls passing through the lifting passage to remove dirt; a cover member that covers the cleaning means in a closed position and exposes the cleaning means in an open position; A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 16, wherein the cleaning means is detachable from the front of the gaming machine, and when the cover member is displaced from the open position to the closed position when the cleaning means is not attached in the correct position, the cleaning means is pushed by the cover member and guided to the correct position.

[0309] [Feature 18] A lifting passage included in the passage for lifting the game ball; a cleaning means for contacting the game balls passing through the lifting passage to remove dirt; a cover member that covers the cleaning means in a closed position and exposes the cleaning means in an open position; A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 16, wherein the cleaning means is detachable from the front of the gaming machine, and when the cleaning means is not attached in the correct position, the cover member cannot be displaced to the closed position.

[0310] In sealed gaming machines, a limited number of gaming balls are reused, which means that dirt easily accumulates on the gaming balls. Therefore, cleaning means are provided to remove dirt from the gaming balls after they have flowed down the playing area before they are sent to the launching device. This cleaning means is a part that needs to be replaced periodically, but there is a problem in that if a worker who is not familiar with the work attempts to replace it, they may not be able to install it correctly.

[0311] In contrast, in Feature 17, even if the cleaning means is installed in the wrong position, when the cover member is closed, it is pushed by the cleaning means and guided to the correct position, thereby reducing installation errors.

[0312] Furthermore, as in Feature 18, the cover member may be configured not to close if the cleaning mechanism is installed in an incorrect position. This configuration also makes it possible to alert the operator that the cleaning mechanism is not installed correctly, thereby preventing installation errors.

[0313] [Correspondence between components of the fourth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, passage: recovery passage 142, discharge outlet: discharge outlet 101, door member: door member 102, indication: operation indication portion 105A, bottom surface: bottom surface 106, rolling path: third passage 146, game area: game area R, outlet: outlet 90L, launching device: launching device 100, circulation passage: circulation passage 120, operation portion: operation portion 105, discharge passage: discharge passage 110, shortage detection portion: shortage detection portion 111, excess detection portion: excess detection portion 112, rolling portion: rolling portion 103, opening: opening 104, side wall: side wall 107, retraction recess: retraction recess 108, elastic member: spring 109, rib: rib 110A, lifting passage: lifting passage 131, cleaning means: cleaning member 133, cover member: cover member 121

[0314] [5th ​​feature group] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and gaming machines equipped with a display unit have been known for some time, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-187779 (paragraphs

[0030] ,

[0031] , and Figures 3 and 4). In contrast, the present disclosure aims to improve the entertainment value of the display on the display unit, and the following fifth feature group can solve this problem.

[0315] [Feature 1] A gaming machine having a lower component part disposed at the front lower part of the gaming machine and protruding forward, A gaming machine having a display unit in the lower component.

[0316] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1 has a display that displays a prize ball suggestion that indicates the increase in prize balls acquired during a winning game, which is performed based on the result of a win / loss judgment being a win.

[0317] [Feature 3] The gaming machine according to Feature 2, wherein the winning ball suggestion effect displays on the display unit the number of winning balls that will be acquired during the winning game.

[0318] [Feature 4] A counting means is provided for counting the number of winning balls during the winning game, The gaming machine according to Feature 3, wherein the winning ball suggestion effect updates the display on the display unit at predetermined intervals during the winning game based on the count value counted by the counting means.

[0319] [Feature 5] A gaming machine according to feature 3 or 4, wherein the display unit displays the number of winning balls for one winning game.

[0320] [Feature 6] A gaming machine according to feature 3 or feature 4, wherein the display unit displays the cumulative number of prize balls won in the winning game since the start of the game.

[0321] [Feature 7] The gaming machine described in Feature 1 has a first display unit and a second display unit as the display unit.

[0322] [Feature 8] A gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 6, having as the display unit a first display unit on which the winning ball suggestion effect is performed and a second display unit on which the balls held by the player are displayed.

[0323] [Feature 9] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 8, wherein the display unit is a first display unit provided on the front surface of the lower component, the first display unit being large enough to cover almost the entire front surface.

[0324] [Feature 10] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 9, wherein the display unit is composed of multiple 7-segment displays and is capable of displaying multi-digit numbers.

[0325] [Feature 11] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 10, in which multiple gaming balls are circulated and used within the gaming machine alone, and prize balls are not discharged outside the gaming machine.

[0326] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, the display unit is provided on a lower component that extends forward from the lower front of the gaming machine, which is a novel configuration that can enhance the entertainment value of the display. If the display unit is provided on the front of the lower component, covering almost the entire front (Feature 9), a large display can be provided near the player, realizing a display effect with impact. Furthermore, multiple display units may be provided (Feature 7). For example, a first display unit may be provided that displays a prize ball suggestion effect that indicates the increase in prize balls acquired during a winning game, and a second display unit may be provided that displays the balls held by the player (Features 2 and 8). The prize ball suggestion effect can enhance the player's sense of elation when they win.

[0327] The prize ball suggestion effect may show the player the number of prize balls won during a winning game as a number, as in Feature 3. Furthermore, if the number of prize balls is displayed as a count, as in Feature 4, the player's sense of elation upon winning can be further enhanced. Even if actual prize balls are not dispensed in front of the player, as in the sealed-in gaming machine of Feature 11, the player can be given the impression that they are actually being dispensed (a sense of balls being dispensed). Here, the prize ball suggestion effect may be configured to display the number of prize balls won in a single winning game, as in Feature 5, or may be configured to display the cumulative number of prize balls won in winning games since the start of play, as in Feature 6. Furthermore, the display of the number of prize balls may be configured, for example, with multiple 7-segment displays capable of displaying multi-digit numbers, as in Feature 10.

[0328] [Correspondence between components of the fifth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, lower component: lower component 60D, counting means: prize ball counter C1, first display unit: first display unit 71, second display unit: second display unit 72

[0329] [Sixth feature group] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-101031 (paragraph

[0042] , Figure 10) discloses a sealed gaming machine in which multiple gaming balls are circulated and used within a single gaming machine. In the conventional gaming machines described above, a limited number of gaming balls are reused, which makes it easy for dirt to accumulate on the gaming balls. Therefore, cleaning means is provided to remove dirt from the gaming balls after they have flowed down the playing area before being sent to the launching device. This cleaning means is a component that needs to be replaced periodically, but there is a problem in that it may not be installed correctly when performed by workers who are unfamiliar with the work. In light of this, there is a need to reduce errors when installing the cleaning means. The following sixth feature group can solve the above problem.

[0330] [Feature 1] A gaming machine in which a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used within a single gaming machine, A guide passage through which the game balls that have been shot into the game area by the launching device and have flowed down pass on their way back to the launching device; a cleaning means for contacting the game ball passing through the guide passage to remove dirt; a cover member that covers the cleaning means in a closed position and exposes the cleaning means in an open position; The cleaning means is detachable from the front of the gaming machine, In this gaming machine, when the cover member is displaced from the open position to the closed position when the cleaning means is not attached in the correct position, the cleaning means is pushed by the cover member and guided to the correct position.

[0331] According to Feature 1, even if the cleaning means is attached in the wrong position, when an attempt is made to close the cover member, it is pushed by the cleaning means and guided to the correct position, thereby reducing the chance of mistakes during attachment.

[0332] [Feature 2] A gaming machine in which a plurality of gaming balls within a specific range are circulated and used by the gaming machine alone, the gaming machine comprising: a guide passage through which gaming balls pass in a line after being shot into a gaming area by a launching device and having flowed down are on their way back to the launching device; cleaning means that contacts the gaming balls passing through the guide passage to remove dirt; and a cover member that covers the cleaning means in a closed position and exposes the cleaning means in an open position, the cleaning means being detachable from the front of the gaming machine, and the cover member being unable to be displaced to the closed position when the cleaning means is not attached in the correct position.

[0333] According to feature 2, it is possible to make the worker aware that the cleaning means is not installed correctly, thereby preventing installation errors.

[0334] [Correspondence between the components of the sixth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, guide passage: lifting passage 131, cleaning means: cleaning member 133, cover member: cover member 121

[0335] [7th feature group] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-033466, a gaming machine in which a display member is attached to a gaming machine frame is known. In the gaming machine described above, because a holding mechanism is provided on both sides of the display member, the display member cannot be placed at the rear of the gaming machine frame, which narrows toward the rear, making it difficult to secure a large space in front of the display member. In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can secure a large space in front of the display member, and the seventh feature group described below can solve the above problem.

[0336] [Feature 1] A gaming machine in which a display member is slid into the gaming machine frame from the side or from above while being positioned in the front-to-back direction.

[0337] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, the display member is slid into the gaming machine frame while being positioned in the front-to-rear direction, so the mechanism for holding the display member in the gaming machine frame (particularly the mechanism for preventing it from falling over in the front-to-rear direction) can be simplified, and since a holding mechanism is not required on the side of the display member, the display unit can be positioned further back than before with respect to the gaming machine frame, and the space in front of the display member can be made larger. This also makes it possible to make the movable device larger or more complex.

[0338] [Feature 2] A gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein an insertion port for inserting the display member is formed on the side of the gaming machine frame.

[0339] According to feature 2, the gaming machine frame can be slid while bearing the weight of the display member, making the operation easier than inserting and removing it from above.

[0340] [Feature 3] The gaming machine frame is provided with an upper edge receiving portion that receives the upper edge of the display member and a lower edge receiving portion that receives the lower edge of the display member, and at least one of the upper edge receiving portion and the lower edge receiving portion is formed with a friction reducing portion that is textured.

[0341] According to feature 3, when the display member is moved relative to the gaming machine frame, the contact area between the upper edge receiving portion or the lower edge receiving portion and the display member is reduced, making it easier for the display member to slide, and the movement of the display member becomes smoother.

[0342] [Feature 4] A gaming machine as described in feature 2 or 3, which is provided with a removal prevention member that is provided on the gaming machine frame and displaces between a first position that overlaps the insertion port and prevents the display member from falling out, and a second position that does not overlap the insertion port, and a locking member that holds the removal prevention member in the first position, and the removal prevention member and the locking member can be operated simultaneously with one hand.

[0343] [Feature 5] The locking member is capable of holding the anti-pullout member in the second position, and is provided with engaging portions on the anti-pullout member and the locking member that engage with each other in a concave-convex manner, and the engagement depth between the engaging portions when the anti-pullout member is positioned at the second position is smaller than the engagement depth between the engaging portions when the anti-pullout member is positioned at the first position.

[0344] According to Feature 4, the removal prevention member prevents the display member from unintentionally shifting in the direction of removal. Furthermore, the locking member and the removal prevention member can be released simultaneously with one hand, making it easy to remove the display member. Furthermore, according to Feature 5, the removal prevention member is held in the second position, preventing the removal prevention member from shifting and interfering when inserting the display member.

[0345] [Feature 6] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine frame has a front receiving portion to which the first display member can be attached from the front, and a rear receiving portion to which the second display member can be slid in from the side or above, arranged front to back.

[0346] According to Feature 6, the gaming machine frame can also be used for machines equipped with a first display member of a conventional configuration.

[0347] [Correspondence between the components of the seventh feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, gaming machine frame: gaming frame 11, display member: liquid crystal module 80A, insertion port: insertion port 24S, upper edge receiving portion: upper support groove 24N, lower edge receiving portion: second support groove 24M, friction reduction portion: ceiling surface of upper support groove 24N, front receiving portion: spare receiving portion 23, rear receiving portion: module assembly portion 24, removal prevention member: removal prevention member 25, locking member: locking member 26, engagement portion: step portion 25E and main plate portion 26A, second recess 25V and protrusion 26T, first display member: liquid crystal module 80A, second display member: liquid crystal module 80B

[0348] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0349] 10 Gaming machines 11 Gaming slots (gaming machine slots) 20 Rear cover door (cover part) 20C1 Notch 23 Reserve receiving section (front receiving section) 24 Module assembly section (rear receiving section) 24S outlet 25 Stopper 26 Locking member 27 Cable support door (wiring holding section) 30 Latch member (lock part) 51, 52, 53, Harness (wiring) 80A, 80B LCD module (game machine component) 60D Lower Component 65K through hole 66 Lower Lamp 67 Light-emitting element 68 Light-emitting substrate 79 Mounting table 100 Launcher 101 Outlet 102 Door material 109 Spring (elastic member) 110 Discharge passage 111 Shortage detection unit 112 Excessive detection section 120 Circulation passage 131 Lifting Passage 142 Collection Passage (Passage) 146 3rd passage (rolling path) 203 Cable support member 208 Cable 208P tape 212 Supporting wall 215 Band winding part 215H through hole 217 Guide section 222 Auxiliary support wall 225 Notch 230 Cable Ties 231 Band Club 232 Head

Claims

1. In a gaming machine in which a cable is laid on a resin cable support member and the cable is bound by a plurality of binding bands, In the gaming machine, tape is wrapped around the cables in advance at a plurality of locations where the plurality of binding bands are to be wrapped around the cables to bundle them together.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the tape is transparent or has a color similar to that of the cable.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the tape is a different color from the cable.

Images