Gaming machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a gaming machine that allows the movable parts to be easily moved manually to a predetermined position as needed. [Solution] The movable performance means includes a movable body supported in a state that it can move between an origin position and a performance position, a driving means for driving the movable body, and a driving force transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the driving means to the movable body. A cover means is provided to block external contact with the driving force transmission means, and openings 601 and 602 are provided in a part of the cover means that allow external contact with the predetermined transmission part 312 which constitutes a part of the driving force transmission means, and the movable body can be moved by applying an external force to the predetermined transmission part 312 from the outside of the cover means through the openings 601 and 602.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Many gaming machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with movable effect means having a movable body for special effects. The movable effect means includes a driving means such as a motor and a driving force transmission means composed of a plurality of gears and the like, and the driving force of the driving means is transmitted to the movable body by the driving force transmission means, so that the movable body can be moved between the origin position and the effect position (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a gaming machine equipped with movable effect means, the movable body is usually held at the origin position. However, the movable bodies mounted on recent gaming machines may be larger in size, and may move unintentionally from the origin position due to vibration or the like. In such a case, even if one tries to move the moved movable body directly by hand, it is often impossible to return it to the origin position where, for example, a mechanical lock is applied. Also, during maintenance work or the like, even when one wants to intentionally move the movable body from the origin position to check the back side, it has been impossible or difficult to move the movable body by hand because the mechanical lock (movable body holding mechanism) works. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of easily moving a movable body manually to a predetermined position as needed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention provides a movable performance means comprising a movable body supported in a state that it can move between an origin position and a performance position, a driving means for driving the movable body, and a driving force transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the driving means to the movable body, and a cover means for blocking external contact with the driving force transmission means, wherein an opening is provided in a part of the cover means that allows external contact with a predetermined transmission part which constitutes a part of the driving force transmission means, and the movable body can be moved by applying an external force to the predetermined transmission part from the outside of the cover means through the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the movable body can be easily moved manually to a predetermined position as needed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 3] These are a front view (a) of the mounting base on the back of the game board of the pachinko machine and a plan view (b) of the game board. [Figure 4] This is a front cross-sectional view of the third component that constitutes the central display frame unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5] This is a rear view of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the upper prize winning unit of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 7] This is a disassembled perspective view of the main components of the upper prize winning unit of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 8] This is a disassembled perspective view of the main components of the upper prize winning unit of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 9] This is a disassembled perspective view of the main components of the upper prize winning unit of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 10]It is a perspective view of the middle winning unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the main part disassembled of the middle winning unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the winning device that constitutes the middle winning unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the main part disassembled of the winning device that constitutes the middle winning unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the main part disassembled of the winning device that constitutes the middle winning unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the main part disassembled of the winning device that constitutes the middle winning unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the main part disassembled of the winning device that constitutes the middle winning unit of the pachinko machine. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It is an explanatory diagram of the mechanical lock state in the first movable effect means of the pachinko machine. [Figure 29] It is a rear view of the main part related to the first movable effect means and its vicinity on the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 30] It is a side sectional view of the main part related to the first movable effect means and its vicinity on the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 31] It is a front sectional view of the main part showing the arrangement state of LEDs behind the stage of the pachinko machine. [Figure 32] It is a side sectional view of the main part showing the arrangement state of LEDs behind the stage of the pachinko machine. [Figure 33] It is an explanatory diagram showing the difference in the state of light reflection by the game ball when the arrangement height of the LEDs behind the game ball passage of the pachinko machine is different. [Figure 34] It is a front sectional view of the main part showing the arrangement state of LEDs behind the first passage of the pachinko machine. [Figure 35] It is a side sectional view of the main part showing the arrangement state of LEDs behind the first passage of the pachinko machine. [Figure 36] It is an explanatory diagram showing the difference in the state of light reflection by the game ball when LEDs are arranged in the central region with respect to the vertical game ball passage of the pachinko machine. [Figure 37] It is an explanatory diagram showing the difference in the state of light reflection by the game ball when LEDs are arranged in the outer region with respect to the vertical game ball passage of the pachinko machine. [Figure 38] It is a front sectional view of the main part showing the arrangement state of LEDs on the side of the first large winning means of the pachinko machine. [Figure 39] It is a plan sectional view of the main part showing the arrangement state of LEDs on the side of the first large winning means of the pachinko machine. [Figure 40] It is a front sectional view of the main part showing the arrangement state of LEDs behind the fourth passage and the winning passage of the pachinko machine. [Figure 41] It is a side sectional view of the main part showing the arrangement state of LEDs behind the fourth passage and the winning passage of the pachinko machine. [Figure 42]This is a rear view of the main parts relating to the second movable performance means and its vicinity in a game board of a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] This is a side cross-sectional view of the main part relating to the second movable display means and its vicinity in the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 44] This is a front view of the main parts relating to the second movable performance means and its vicinity in a pachinko machine game board according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] This is a side cross-sectional view of the main part relating to the second movable display means and its vicinity in the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 46] This is a side cross-sectional view of a key part relating to the first movable performance means and its vicinity in a game board of a pachinko machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] This is a side cross-sectional view of the lower prize-winning unit and its surrounding area of ​​a pachinko machine according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 41 illustrate a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine. In Figure 1, the gaming machine body 1 comprises a rectangular outer frame 2 in front view, and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to the front of the outer frame 2 by a hinge 3 on one side, for example, the left side, so as to be able to open and close. On the front of the front frame 4, a glass door 5 and a front panel 6 are arranged adjacent to each other vertically, and each is pivotally supported on the front frame 4 by a hinge 7 on the same side as the hinge 3 so as to be able to open and close. Of course, the glass door 5 and the front panel 6 may be made to be able to open and close together as a single door body.

[0009] On the front of the front panel 6, an upper tray 8 is positioned at the top to store game balls dispensed from the dispensing means 524 (Figure 5) and supply them to the launching means (not shown). Below the upper tray 8, a lower tray 9 is positioned at the left end to store excess balls when the upper tray 8 is full, and a launching handle 10 for operating the launching means is positioned at the right end. Furthermore, on the upper tray cover 11 that covers the upper tray 8 etc. from the front, operation buttons 12, 13 for effects, a ball dispensing operation unit 14 etc. are positioned.

[0010] A game board 15 (Figure 2) is detachably mounted on the front frame 4, corresponding to the rear of the glass door 5. The game board 15 has a base plate 16 made of transparent synthetic resin or the like, and a guide rail 17 that guides the game balls launched from the launching means is mounted in an annular shape on the front of the base plate 16, and in the game area 18 inside the guide rail 17, a central display frame unit 21, a starting prize unit 22, a normal prize unit 23, and many game pins are arranged. One or more mounting holes are formed in the base plate 16 in a through-hole in the front-to-back direction within the area corresponding to the game area 18, and the unit parts 21 to 23 are detachably mounted and fixed to these mounting holes from the front. Furthermore, within the game area 18, a normal symbol starting means 31, a first special symbol starting means 32, a second special symbol starting means 33, a first major prize winning means 34, a second major prize winning means 35, multiple (in this case, four) normal prize winning means 36a to 36d, and out slots 37a to 37d are arranged on the unit components 21 to 23 and at other arbitrary positions.

[0011] The central display frame unit 21 is positioned on the upper side, approximately in the center of the game area 18, and is formed in a frame shape with an opening window 51 positioned approximately in the center, corresponding to the rear liquid crystal display means (image display means) 50. Game balls launched by the launching means and entering the upper side of the game area 18 are distributed to the left and right at the top of the central display frame unit 21 and flow down either the left-flow path 52a on the left side of the central display frame unit 21 or the right-flow path 52b on the right side. The central display frame unit 21 is broadly composed of first to third members 53 to 55.

[0012] The first member 53 is formed in a roughly curved shape, extending from the upper right part of the opening window 51 through the upper side to near the center on the left side. It integrally includes a front mounting plate 53a positioned outside the mounting hole along the front surface of the base plate 16, through which game balls can pass, and a peripheral wall portion 53b that prevents game balls from entering the opening window 51 side. The second member 54 is formed in a roughly curved shape, extending from near the center on the left side of the opening window 51 through the lower side to the lower right side. Its left end is connected to the first member 53, and it is provided with a warp inlet 54a into which game balls can flow on the left side and a stage 54b on the lower side. Game balls that flow down the left-down path 52a and enter the warp inlet 54a roll freely in the left-right direction on the stage 54b, and then fall to the front from either the central drop section 56, which is provided corresponding to the left-right center of the game area 18, or the other parts.

[0013] The third member 55 is positioned along the guide rail 17 to connect the first member 53 and the second member 54 vertically to the right of the opening window 51, and a portion of the rightward flow path 52b is provided to pass through this third member 55. The third member 55 is further composed of four parts: an upper prize unit 55a, a middle prize unit 55b, a lower prize unit 55c, and a decorative unit 55d. The middle prize unit 55b is connected to the lower side of the upper prize unit 55a, the lower prize unit 55c is connected to the lower prize unit 55c, and the decorative unit 55d is connected to the upper side of the lower prize unit 55c and to the left of the middle prize unit 55b.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the upper prize winning unit 55a is equipped with a first passage 61 into which game balls that have been distributed to the rightward downward passage 52b flow in, a first major prize winning means 34 located downstream of the first passage 61, an discharge guide passage 62 that guides game balls that have entered the first major prize winning means 34 to the out opening 37a on the middle prize winning unit 55b side, a second passage 63 that guides game balls that have not entered the first major prize winning means 34 downstream, and a first branching section 68 that branches into first to fourth branching passages 64 to 67 downstream of the second passage 63.

[0015] As shown in Figure 4, the first major prize-winning mechanism 34 includes a first major prize-winning opening 71, an opening / closing member 72 that can switch the first major prize-winning opening 71 between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which entry is impossible (or more difficult than in the open state), a solenoid (drive source) 73 (Figure 9) that drives the opening / closing member 72, and a game ball detection means 74 that detects a game ball that has entered the first major prize-winning opening 71. A second passage 63 is connected to the lower side of the first passage 61, and the first major prize-winning opening 71 is positioned to open to the left toward the connection portion.

[0016] The opening / closing member 72 is formed in an elongated shape that can swing around a rotation axis 75 in the front-rear direction at one end. As shown in Figures 4, 6 to 8, it integrally includes a front decorative plate 76 parallel to the surface of the base plate 16, a cylindrical shaft insertion portion 77 positioned at the rear end of one end of the front decorative plate 76 and through which the rotation axis 75 can be inserted, a ball guide wall 78 projecting from the back side of the front decorative plate 76 with a substantially constant width, and a drive projection 79 positioned spaced apart from the shaft insertion portion 77 and projecting further back than the ball guide wall 78 and the shaft insertion portion 77. The ball guide wall 78 is a portion that guides the game ball on the passage in a predetermined direction and is positioned to substantially surround the area of ​​the back side of the front decorative plate 76, excluding a part of the front end (an end side different from the shaft end). That is, the opening / closing member 72 is provided with a non-guiding portion 80 at its front end, where the front decorative plate 76 exists but the ball guide wall 78 does not exist on its back side.

[0017] The opening / closing member 72 is positioned such that its rotating shaft 75 is located near the lower end of the first large prize opening 71. In the closed state, it faces approximately upward (shown by a solid line in Figure 4), and the ball guide wall 78 closes the first large prize opening 71 in a way that makes it impossible for balls to enter, while also allowing game balls to flow down from the first passage 61 to the second passage 63. In the open state, it faces diagonally upward to the left (shown by a dashed line in Figure 4), and the ball guide wall 78 guides game balls flowing down from the first passage 61 to the right, allowing them to enter the first large prize opening 71.

[0018] When the opening / closing member 72 is in the open position (shown by the dashed line in Figure 4), the front decorative plate 76 extends from the right end to the left end of the inflow section of the second passage 63. Therefore, to the player, it appears as though all the game balls flowing down from the first passage 61 are guided to the first large prize opening 71. However, the ball guide wall 78 located on the back side of the front decorative plate 76 does not reach the left end of the inflow section of the second passage 63, and there is a gap (non-guiding section 80) that is at least the size of one game ball. Therefore, even when the opening / closing member 72 is in the open position, some of the game balls flowing down from the first passage 61 may flow down to the second passage 63 via the non-guiding section 80 without entering the first large prize opening 71. The game ball detection means 74 is located on the discharge guide passage 62. Game balls that enter the first large prize opening 71 are detected by the game ball detection means 74 as they pass through the discharge guide passage 62, and then discharged to the rear of the game board 15 from the outlet 37a on the middle prize unit 55b side.

[0019] Downstream of the second passage 63, as shown in Figure 4, the first to fourth branch passages 64 to 67 are connected via a first branch section 68 where multiple game pins are arranged. Game balls that flow down the second passage 63 without entering the first large prize opening 71 flow down one of the first to fourth branch passages 64 to 67 via the first branch section 68. The first branch passage 64 merges with the discharge guide passage 62 downstream of the game ball detection means 74. Game balls that flow down to the first branch passage 64 side via the first branch section 68 are discharged to the rear of the game board 15 from the out opening 37a on the middle prize unit 55b side via the discharge guide passage 62.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the middle prize unit 55b is equipped with an outlet 37a, a second to fourth branching passage 65 to 67, a normal symbol starting means 31 located on the third branching passage 66, a second special symbol starting means 33 located downstream of the second to fourth branching passages 65 to 67, a discharge guide passage 82 that guides game balls that have entered the second special symbol starting means 33 to the discharge outlet 81 on the lower prize unit 55c side, and a third passage 83 that guides game balls that have not entered the second special symbol starting means 33 downstream.

[0021] In the second to fourth branching passages 65 to 67, the third branching passage 66 is located in the center in the left-right direction, with the second branching passage 65 to its right and the fourth branching passage 67 to its left. The third branching passage 66 is equipped with a game ball detection means 84, which constitutes the normal symbol starting means 31. Game balls flowing down the third branching passage 66 are detected by the game ball detection means 84 before flowing downstream. Since the third branching passage 66 is located directly below the second passage 63, game balls flow down it with a higher probability than in the other first, second, and fourth branching passages 64, 65, and 67.

[0022] The second special symbol starting means 33 comprises a second special symbol starting opening 91, an opening / closing member 92 that can switch the second special symbol starting opening 91 between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which entry is impossible (or more difficult than in the open state), a solenoid (drive source) 93 (Figure 14) that drives the opening / closing member 92, and a game ball detection means 94 that detects a game ball that has entered the second special symbol starting opening 91, and is arranged corresponding to the lower sides of the second and third branch passages 65 and 66 of the second to fourth branch passages 65 to 67. The second special symbol starting opening 91 is provided in a leftward opening shape near the lower side of the second branch passage 65, and the game ball detection means 94 is arranged near the downstream side of the second special symbol starting opening 91.

[0023] The opening / closing member 92 is positioned near the left side of the second special symbol start opening 91 and includes an opening / closing plate 92a that is angled downward to the right toward the second special symbol start opening 91, and is supported in a state that allows it to slide in the front-rear direction. In the closed state, the opening / closing member 92 retracts the opening / closing plate 92a to the rear side of the game ball passage, allowing game balls that have flowed down from above (i.e., from the second and third branch passages 65 and 66) to continue flowing downward. In the open state, the opening / closing plate 92a protrudes toward the game ball passage side (i.e., the front side), receiving game balls that have flowed down from above (i.e., from the second and third branch passages 65 and 66) and guiding them to the right, so that they enter the second special symbol start opening 91.

[0024] Furthermore, near the entrance side of the second special symbol start opening 91, a shutter member 95 (Figures 12 to 14, etc.) is positioned, which operates together with the opening / closing member 92 and is controlled by a solenoid 93. This shutter member 95 prevents game balls from entering the second special symbol start opening 91 when the opening / closing member 92 is closed (Figure 12(a)), and allows game balls to enter the second special symbol start opening 91 when the opening / closing member 92 is open (Figure 12(b)). Game balls that enter the second special symbol start opening 91 are detected by the game ball detection means 94 and then discharged through the discharge guide passage 82 to the rear side of the game board 15 from the discharge port 81 on the lower prize entry unit 55c side.

[0025] If a game ball that has flowed down the second to fourth branch passages 65 to 67 does not enter the second special symbol starting means 33, it will flow down to the third passage 83. Since the opening and closing member 92 of the second special symbol starting means 33 is positioned corresponding to the lower side of the second and third branch passages 65 and 66 of the second to fourth branch passages 65 to 67, a game ball that has flowed down the fourth branch passage 67 will flow down to the downstream third passage 83 with a high probability, even if the second special symbol starting means 33 is open.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the lower prize unit 55c is equipped with an outlet 81, a fourth passage 101 connected to the downstream side of the third passage 83, a second major prize means 35, a normal prize means 36d, an outlet 37b, and a second branching section 102 that branches downstream of the fourth passage 101 to the normal prize means 36d side, the outlet 37b side, and the downstream side (left side). The fourth passage 101 is provided in a downward sloping shape to the left, and its upstream end (right end) is connected to the third passage 83.

[0027] The second major prize-winning mechanism 35 includes a second major prize-winning opening 111, an opening / closing member 112 that can switch the second major prize-winning opening 111 between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which entry is impossible (or more difficult than in the open state), a solenoid (drive source) 113 (Figures 19 and 20) that drives the opening / closing member 112, and a game ball detection means 114 that detects a game ball that has entered the second major prize-winning opening 111. The second major prize-winning opening 111 is provided in the bottom wall of the fourth passage 101 in an upward-facing opening shape, and the game ball detection means 114 is located on the downstream side of the second major prize-winning opening 111.

[0028] The opening / closing member 112 is equipped with an opening / closing plate 112a that is formed in a downward sloping shape to the left corresponding to the second large prize opening 111, and is supported in a state that allows it to slide in the front-rear direction. In the closed state, the opening / closing plate 112a protrudes into the fourth passage 101 to close the second large prize opening 111, thereby guiding the game balls that have flowed down the fourth passage 101 directly downstream. In the open state, the opening / closing plate 112a is retracted to the rear side of the fourth passage 101 to open the second large prize opening 111, thereby allowing the game balls that have flowed down the fourth passage 101 to enter the second large prize opening 111. Game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 111 pass through the prize passage 115 below the second large prize opening 111, are detected by the game ball detection means 114, and are then discharged from the discharge port 116 to the rear side of the game board 15. Game balls that flow down the fourth passage 101 without entering the second major prize opening 111 pass through the second branching section 102 and either enter the normal prize winning means 36d, are discharged to the rear of the game board 15 from the out opening 37b, or flow downstream (to the left). Game balls that enter the normal prize winning means 36d are detected by the game ball detection means 117 and then discharged to the rear of the game board 15.

[0029] As described above, the normal symbol starting means 31, the second special symbol starting means 33, the first major prize winning means 34, and the second major prize winning means 35 are arranged on the third member 55 on the right side of the game area 18, allowing game balls flowing down the rightward flow path 52b side by so-called rightward shooting to pass through or win prizes.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the starting prize unit 22 is positioned along the guide rail 17 at the lower center of the central display frame unit 21, and the first special symbol starting means 32, the out opening 37c, etc. are located there. The first special symbol starting means 32 is a non-operational prize-winning means and is positioned as an upward-facing opening directly below the central drop section 56 of the stage 54b. Because there is a route from the warp entrance 54a on the left-flowing path 52a side through the stage 54b to win a prize, game balls that have flowed down the left-flowing path 52a by so-called right-handed shooting have a higher probability of winning a prize than game balls that have flowed down the right-flowing path 52b by so-called right-handed shooting. Game balls that have entered the first special symbol starting means 32 are detected by the game ball detection means 117 and then discharged to the rear of the game board 15, while game balls that have not entered the first special symbol starting means 32 are discharged to the rear of the game board 15 via the out opening 37c.

[0031] The regular prize winning unit 23 is positioned below the central display frame unit 21 and to the left of the starting prize winning unit 22, along the guide rail 17, and includes the regular prize winning means 36a to 36c, the out slot 37d, etc. Game balls that enter any of the regular prize winning means 36a to 36c are detected by either of the game ball detection means 118 or 119 and then discharged to the rear of the game board 15.

[0032] Furthermore, various display means such as a normal symbol display means 41, a normal reserve count display means 42, a first special symbol display means 43, and a second special symbol display means 44 are provided on the front side of the game board 15, including the game area 18. The normal symbol display means 41 is for displaying a normal symbol in a variable manner and is composed of, for example, two LEDs. When the normal symbol start means 31 detects a game ball, the two LEDs that make up the normal symbol light up in a normal variable light pattern, and then the variable stops in a winning state if the random value for winning judgment included in the normal random number information acquired when the normal symbol start means 31 detects the game ball matches a predetermined winning judgment value, and in a losing state otherwise. When the symbol that stops after the variable of the normal symbol display means 41 is in a winning state, a normal profit state is generated, and the opening / closing member 92 of the second special symbol start means 33 is switched from the closed state to the open state according to a predetermined opening / closing pattern.

[0033] Furthermore, if the normal symbol activation means 31 detects a game ball during the normal symbol display means 41's symbol variation and normal profit state, the acquired normal random number information is stored in reserve up to a predetermined upper limit, for example, 4 units. One unit is consumed each time the normal reserve period ends, and the normal symbols are varied. The number of stored normal random number information units (normal reserve units) is notified to the player by the normal reserve unit display means 42, etc.

[0034] The first special symbol display means 43 is composed of a display means such as a 7-segment type capable of displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner. The first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, conditional on a game ball entering the first special symbol starting means 32. If the jackpot judgment random value included in the first special random number information acquired when the ball enters the first special symbol starting means 32 matches a predetermined jackpot judgment value, it stops in a jackpot manner; otherwise, it stops in a losing manner.

[0035] The second special symbol display means 44 is composed of a display means such as a 7-segment type capable of displaying the second special symbol in a variable manner. The second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, conditional on a game ball entering the second special symbol starting means 33. If the jackpot judgment random number value included in the second special random number information acquired when the ball enters the second special symbol starting means 33 matches a predetermined jackpot judgment value, it stops in a jackpot manner; otherwise, it stops in a losing manner.

[0036] If the stopping symbols after the first special symbol display means 43 or the second special symbol display means 44 change to a jackpot pattern, a jackpot state (special profit state) is entered, and the first jackpot entry means 34 and the second jackpot entry means 35 open according to one or more types of jackpot opening patterns. Therefore, during the jackpot state (special profit state), the player aims for the jackpot entry means 34 and 35 and shoots to the right (right-shooting period).

[0037] Furthermore, if the first and second special symbol starting means 32 and 33 detect a game ball during the special holding period, including the symbol change of the first special symbol display means 43, the symbol change of the second special symbol display means 44, and the jackpot state, the first and second special random number information acquired thereby is stored in the holding storage means, each up to a predetermined upper limit of four units. When the special holding period ends, if there is one or more units of holding storage for the second special symbol, one unit of holding storage for the second special symbol is consumed and the second special symbol changes. If only the holding storage for the first special symbol is one or more units, one unit of holding storage for the first special symbol is consumed and the first special symbol changes. Thus, in this embodiment, the first and second special symbols are never both changing at the same time, and if there is holding storage for both the first and second special symbols, the second special symbol changes are prioritized.

[0038] In this embodiment, during normal gameplay, except during the special game state described later, the player aims to the first special symbol starting means 32 and shoots to the left, and during the special game state, the player aims to the normal symbol starting means 31 and the second special symbol starting means 33 and shoots to the right (right-shooting period). Therefore, during normal gameplay, the first special symbol mainly changes, and during the special game state, the second special symbol mainly changes. The number of first and second special random number information (number of first and second special reserved items) stored in the reserved storage means is notified to the player by the liquid crystal display means 50, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, when the first and second special symbols are changed by the first and second special symbol display means 43 and 44, the performance symbols 45 are displayed on the liquid crystal display means 50 in parallel. The performance symbols 45 consist of multiple symbol rows (three in the left-right direction in the example of Figure 2), each composed of a number symbol or multiple other symbols. Each symbol constituting each of these symbol rows is composed of a symbol body part 45a consisting of numbers such as 1 to 8, and other symbols, and a character or other decorative part 45b attached to this symbol body part 45a. The performance symbols 45 can be displayed in any way that is appropriate, such as by enlarging or shrinking them, changing their display position, or erasing the decorative part 45b.

[0040] The performance symbols 45 begin to move by vertical scrolling or the like for each symbol row according to a predetermined movement pattern, for example, approximately simultaneously with the start of movement of the first and second special symbols, and come to a final stop approximately simultaneously with the stop of movement of the first and second special symbols, for example, so that the stopping symbols on a predetermined active line are in a predetermined state. In the performance symbols 45, for example, if all the stopping symbols on an active line are the same, it is a jackpot performance pattern, and otherwise it is a losing performance pattern. If the first and second special symbols are in a jackpot pattern or a losing pattern, the first and second special symbols will be in a jackpot pattern or a losing performance pattern.

[0041] After the jackpot state ends, a special game state (for example, either a probability variation state or a time-saving state) occurs with a predetermined probability. During the time-saving state, the variation time of the first and second special symbols display means 43 and 44 is switched to a shortened variation time, which is shorter than the normal variation time. In addition, for the regular symbols, the winning probability is switched from the normal probability to the high probability, the variation time is switched from the normal variation time to the shortened variation time, and the opening and closing pattern of the second special symbol starting means 33 in the regular profit state is switched from the normal opening and closing pattern (for example, 0.2 seconds x 1 opening) to the special opening and closing pattern (for example, 2 seconds x 3 openings). The time-saving state starts when the jackpot state ends and ends when the first and second special symbols vary a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), or when the next jackpot state occurs before then. Furthermore, during the probability variation state, in addition to the same switching as in the time-saving state, the jackpot probability is switched from the low probability to the high probability. The probability variation state begins when the jackpot state ends, and ends, for example, when the next jackpot state occurs.

[0042] Furthermore, if the number of special reserve symbols for both the first and second symbols is 0 and the variation of the first and second special symbols ends, resulting in a waiting state for variation of the first and second special symbols (when the customer waiting start condition is met), the customer waiting state will begin and will continue until the variation of the first and second special symbols begins again (when the customer waiting end condition is met). During the customer waiting state, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) of "pre-customer waiting performance," the game will transition to "customer waiting performance," and if the demo start condition is met thereafter, the "demo performance" will be executed repeatedly, for example, with "customer waiting performance" in between.

[0043] In the "pre-customer waiting performance," the LCD display means 50 displays the performance symbols 45 in the state they were in when they stopped in the previous symbol change, the lights on the front frame 4 and the game board 15 illuminate in a predetermined customer waiting illumination pattern, and predetermined background music continues to be output from the speaker. After a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the "pre-customer waiting performance," the machine transitions to the "customer waiting performance," at which point the background music fades out. If the demo start condition is met during the customer waiting performance (for example, 180 seconds have elapsed since the start of the customer waiting state), the machine transitions from the "customer waiting performance" to the "demo performance." In the "demo performance," the following are repeatedly executed in a predetermined order until the customer waiting end condition is met, such as the start of the first and second special symbol changes: "machine image demo" which runs an image movie of the machine; "machine logo display" which displays a machine logo image showing the logo of the machine; "corporate logo display" which displays a corporate logo image showing the logo of the manufacturer; and "addiction prevention display" which displays an addiction prevention display image. Of course, the content of this "customer-waiting performance" is just one example and is not the only one that can be used.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, on the rear side of the base plate 16 of the game board 15, in addition to the liquid crystal display means 50, several types, such as two types of first and second movable performance means 46 and 47, are mounted via a rear mounting base 49. The first and second movable performance means 46 and 47 each consist of a first and second movable body 46a and 47a, respectively. The first movable performance means 46 is positioned to correspond to the upper left side of the liquid crystal display means 50, and the first movable body 46a, positioned in front of the liquid crystal display means 50, is movable between the origin position (shown by a solid line in Figure 3(a)) and the performance position closer to the liquid crystal display means 50 than the origin position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 3(a)). In addition, the first movable body 46a performs a second operation (in this case, separation / assembly operation by multiple parts) that is different from the movement operation when it moves between the origin position and the performance position.

[0045] The second movable display means 47 is positioned at a location corresponding to the lower side of the liquid crystal display means 50, and the second movable body 47a, which is positioned in front of the liquid crystal display means 50, is movable between the origin position (shown by a solid line in Figure 3(a)) and a display position closer to the liquid crystal display means 50 than the origin position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 3(a)).

[0046] As shown in Figures 3(a), (b), etc., the rear mounting base 49 is made of transparent synthetic resin (light-transmitting material) and integrally comprises a rear wall portion 501 that is roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from the rear and is arranged roughly parallel to the base plate 16, a peripheral wall portion 502 that extends roughly forward from the outer circumference of the rear wall portion 501, and a fixing portion 503 that is provided on the front edge side of the peripheral wall portion 502 and fixed to the base plate 16. A roughly rectangular opening 504 is formed in the rear wall portion 501, and the liquid crystal display means 50 is detachably mounted from the rear side with the display screen corresponding to the opening 504. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, on the rear side of the rear mounting base 49, a main control board case 512 housing the main control board 511 is arranged, for example, on the lower side, and above it, a performance board case 516 housing the performance interface board 513, liquid crystal interface board 514, liquid crystal control board 515, etc., is arranged behind the liquid crystal display means 50.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a rear cover 521 that can be opened and closed to cover the back of the game board 15 is detachably attached to the back of the front frame 4. Above it are a game ball tank 522 and a first tank rail 523a, and on one side each are a second tank rail 523b, a dispensing means 524, and a dispensing passage 525. When a game ball enters a prize-winning means such as the big prize means 34, 35, or when a ball dispensing command is received from an automatic ball dispensing machine (not shown), the game balls in the game ball tank 522 are dispensed via the first and second tank rails 523a and 523b by the dispensing means 524, and the game balls are guided to the upper tray 8 via the dispensing passage 525.

[0048] The rear cover 521 is made of transparent synthetic resin (light-transmitting material), and has a vertical hinge 526 on one end in the left-right direction, for example, the right end (left end when viewed from the rear), and one or more latching means 527 for fixing it in the closed position on the other end in the left-right direction, for example, the left end (right end when viewed from the rear). When closed, it covers substantially the entire performance board case 516 and a part of the upper side of the main control board case 512 from the rear.

[0049] Furthermore, a circuit board mounting base 531 is positioned below the game board 15 on the lower rear side of the front frame 4. A power supply board case 533 housing the power supply board 532 and a payout launch board case 535 housing the payout launch control board 534 are detachably mounted on the rear side of this circuit board mounting base 531. The power supply board case 533 and the payout launch board case 535 are positioned near the bottom of the main control board case 512, for example, overlapping front to back. The power supply board case 533 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the circuit board mounting base 531, and the payout launch board case 535 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the power supply board case 533.

[0050] Next, we will explain in more detail the configuration of the main components having movable parts, and also explain the use of lubricant on the gaming machine body 1. As mentioned above, the gaming machine body 1 is equipped with multiple movable parts, and to improve the sliding properties of these movable parts and to suppress the generation of abnormal noise and wear particles, lubricant is applied to the application area including the sliding parts as needed. Here, lubricants can be broadly classified into liquid, semi-solid, and solid types, but here we will use liquid lubricant, and in the following explanation, this liquid lubricant will be simply referred to as "lubricant." Lubricants are composed of a thickener such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) + base oil + solvent, etc. Since lubricants have different properties such as concentration and viscosity depending on the difference in components and their ratios, it is desirable to use a lubricant with optimal properties (viscosity, etc.) according to the condition of the movable parts and application area.

[0051] Furthermore, caution is required if there are areas on a part where lubricant should be applied (application areas) that also have areas where lubricant should not be applied (hereinafter referred to as application-prohibited areas). Possible application-prohibited areas include the parts where game balls may come into contact, the various parts of screws, the seating areas where screw seats make contact, the adhesive areas where adhesives are attached, and the decorative lens parts. Regarding the parts of screws and seating areas, applying lubricant can not only cause the game balls to become dirty, but may also affect the direction and speed of the game balls' rolling. Regarding the various parts of screws and seating areas, applying lubricant may cause them to loosen easily. Regarding adhesive areas, applying lubricant may prevent sufficient adhesive strength from being obtained, potentially leading to misalignment or peeling of the adhesive. Regarding decorative lens parts, applying lubricant may cause uneven light transmission or make the paint more prone to peeling. For these reasons, it is desirable to designate all of these as application-prohibited areas.

[0052] Furthermore, known methods for applying lubricants include brush application (including the use of brushes or cotton swabs), immersion (so-called dipping or partial dipping), and spray application. Immersion and spray application are very efficient, but it is difficult to apply lubricants to specific areas. Brush application allows for precise application, but it is less efficient. Thus, each method of applying lubricants has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of work efficiency and accuracy, so it is necessary to select the appropriate application method for each part.

[0053] Next, we will describe in more detail the configuration of the upper prize unit 55a, middle prize unit 55b, and lower prize unit 55c that constitute the central display frame unit 21, which are among the unit components including movable parts, and the first movable performance means 46 of the two first and second movable performance means 46, 47, and will also specifically describe the application area and application method of lubricant for each component.

[0054] First, let's describe the upper prize unit 55a. The upper prize unit 55a is provided with a first major prize means 34 as a movable part, and as shown in Figures 4, 6 to 9, it comprises an opening / closing member 72, a base plate member 121 that is attached and fixed to the base plate 16 and supports the opening / closing member 72 from the rear, a front decorative member 122 that supports the opening / closing member 72 from the front, a solenoid 73, a mechanism cover member 123 that houses the solenoid 73, a link member 124 that connects the drive shaft 73a of the solenoid 73 and the opening / closing member 72, a rotation shaft 75 of the opening / closing member 72, a game ball detection means 74, a decorative sheet 125 that is attached to the front of the front decorative member 122, and LED boards 541 to 543 (Figure 4) that are arranged on the rear or side of the base plate member 121. The rotating shaft 75 is slidably inserted into a shaft insertion hole 126 in the front-rear direction formed in the shaft insertion portion 77 of the opening / closing member 72.

[0055] The base plate member 121 includes a back plate 131 positioned along the front surface of the base plate 16. The back plate 131 has side wall portions 132 projecting forward to form side walls for the first passage 61, the discharge guide passage 62, the second passage 63, etc. It also includes a shaft fixing hole 133 for supporting the rear end of the rotating shaft 75, a stopper portion 134 for restricting the opening / closing member 72 in the open and closed positions, an insertion hole 135 for inserting the drive projection 79 of the opening / closing member 72 to the rear side of the back plate 131, and a switch housing portion 136 for housing the game ball detection means 74.

[0056] The front side of the back panel 131 is provided with a substantially circular rear sliding contact surface 137 into which the rear end surface of the shaft insertion portion 77 on the opening / closing member 72 side slides. In the center of the rear sliding contact surface 137, a shaft fixing hole 133 is formed as a rearward recess into which the rear end of the rotating shaft 75 can be inserted. In addition, a stopper portion 134 and an insertion hole 135 are provided near the outer circumference of the rear sliding contact surface 137. The stopper portion 134 is positioned near the upper side of the rear sliding contact surface 137 and is integrally formed to protrude forward from the front side of the back panel 131.

[0057] The stopper portion 134 is positioned in the space behind the opening / closing member 72 when the opening / closing member 72 is installed, that is, in the space surrounded by the ball guide wall 78. It is formed in a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the front, and has a closing side restricting surface 134a that abuts against the first inner surface of the ball guide wall 78 when the opening / closing member 72 is in the closed state, and an opening side restricting surface 134b that abuts against the second inner surface of the ball guide wall 78 when the opening / closing member 72 is in the open state. The insertion hole 135 is an elongated hole that penetrates the back plate 131 from front to back, and is positioned on one side of the stopper portion 134 in the left-right direction (in this case, the right side). It is formed in an arc shape centered on the shaft fixing hole 133, corresponding to the movement trajectory of the drive projection 79 due to the swinging motion of the opening / closing member 72.

[0058] The front decorative member 122 is equipped with a front plate 141 parallel to the surface of the base plate 16. Multiple screw fastening bases 142 for screw fastening to the base plate member 121 and a shaft fixing part 143 for supporting the front end of the rotating shaft 75 are integrally provided protruding from the back side of the front plate 141. The front plate 141 is attached to the front side of the base plate member 121 so that the back side of the front plate 141 abuts against the front edge of the side wall portion 132 on the base plate member 121, and is fixed detachably by screws or the like. The front plate 141 constitutes the front wall of the first passage 61, the discharge guide passage 62, the second passage 63, etc. At least the portion corresponding to the passages 61 to 63, etc. is made transparent so that the game balls passing through these passages 61 to 63, etc. can be seen from the front. In addition, an adhesive area 125a (Figure 6) is provided on the front side of the front decorative member 122, and a decorative sheet 125 is attached to the adhesive area 125a. The decorative sheet 125 has any pattern or text printed on it, but at least the parts corresponding to the aisles 61-63 are made transparent.

[0059] The shaft fixing portion 143 is positioned in front of the shaft fixing hole 133 on the base plate member 121 and is formed in a short cylindrical shape that protrudes rearward from the front plate 141. The front end of the rotating shaft 75 is inserted into the shaft fixing hole 144 formed in the center and fixed in place. The opening / closing member 72 has a rearward-facing recessed portion 145 formed on the front end of the shaft insertion portion 77, corresponding to the shaft fixing portion 143.

[0060] The mechanism cover member 123 is equipped with a solenoid housing 151, a link guide section 152, etc. on its front side, and is detachably fixed to the back side of the base plate member 121 by screws or the like. The solenoid 73 is mounted and fixed in the solenoid housing 151 with the drive shaft 73a facing downwards. The link guide section 152 guides the link member 124 in the direction of movement and is equipped with a guide hole 153 that is long in the vertical direction.

[0061] The link member 124 is for converting the up-and-down motion of the solenoid 73 into the rotational (oscillating) motion of the opening / closing member 72. It integrally comprises a drive-side engaging portion 154 that engages axially (up and down) with the drive shaft 73a of the solenoid 73, a movable-side engaging portion 155 that rotatably engages vertically with the drive projection 79 of the opening / closing member 72, a link portion 156 that connects the drive-side engaging portion 154 and the movable-side engaging portion 155, a guided portion 157 corresponding to the link guide portion 152, and a sliding portion 158. The guided portion 157 is formed to protrude backward near the drive-side engaging portion 154 (in this case, near the rear) and slidably engages with the guide hole 153 of the link guide portion 152 from the front. Furthermore, the sliding portion 158 is formed in a rearward-facing projection shape with a smaller projection than the guided portion 157, near both sides of the guided portion 157, and slides against the front side of the link guide portion 152 on both sides of the guide hole 153. As a result, in response to the ON / OFF switching of the solenoid 93, the link member 124 is guided by the link guide portion 152 and moves back and forth, thereby causing the opening / closing member 72 to swing between the open and closed states.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the LED board 541 has multiple LEDs 544 on one side and is positioned behind the first passage 61 with its LED-arranged surface facing forward, and is detachably mounted, for example, to the base plate member 121. The LED board 542 has multiple LEDs 545 on one side and is positioned behind the second passage 63, the first branch section 68, etc., with its LED-arranged surface facing forward, and is detachably mounted, for example, to the base plate member 121. The LED board 543 has multiple LEDs 546 on one side and is positioned to the side of the first major prize-winning means 34 (in this case, the right side) with its LED-arranged surface facing the game ball passage side in the left-right direction (in this case, the left side), and is detachably mounted, for example, to the base plate member 121. In this way, the LED boards 541 and 542 illuminate the game ball passage from the rear, and the LED board 543 illuminates the game ball passage from the side.

[0063] Regarding the top prize unit 55a described above, the application area for lubricant, the application prohibition area, and the application method will now be explained. Among the components of the top prize unit 55a, the base plate member 121, the front decorative member 122, the mechanism cover member 123, the link member 124, and the opening / closing member 72 are provided with a lubricant application area. These predetermined parts to which lubricant is applied include a first part in which almost the entire area is designated as the application area, and a second part in which only a portion is designated as the application area.

[0064] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the base plate member (second part) 121, the rear sliding contact surface 137, to which the rear end surface of the shaft insertion portion 77 slides, is set as the coating area A1, and lubricant is applied by brushing. Note that the shaft fixing hole 133 formed in the center of the rear sliding contact surface 137 is the part that supports the rear end side of the rotating shaft 75, so its inner surface is not part of the coating area. Furthermore, the stopper portion 134 is the part that restricts the swinging motion of the opening / closing member 72 to the open and closed positions, so its outer surface is set as the coating prohibited area N1. This is to ensure the smooth operation of the opening / closing member 72.

[0065] Furthermore, near the coating area A1, a coating prohibition area N2 is set on the opposite side of the rear sliding contact surface 137, with the insertion hole 135 in between. This coating prohibition area N2 corresponds to the inner surface of the discharge guide passage 62 (the part that comes into contact with the game balls). Between this coating prohibition area N2 and the coating area A1, there is an insertion hole 135 which acts as a buffer area that is neither a coating area nor a coating prohibition area, and since the coating area A1 does not come into contact with the coating prohibition area N2, the accidental application of lubricant to the coating prohibition area N2 can be effectively prevented. In addition, on the front side of the base plate member 121, not only the coating prohibition area N2, but also the parts corresponding to the inner surface (back and sides) of the game ball passages such as the discharge guide passage 62 and the second passage 63 (the parts that come into contact with the game balls) are set as coating prohibition areas N3.

[0066] In the front decorative member (second part) 122, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the outer surface of the shaft fixing portion 143, which the recessed portion 145 of the opening / closing member 72 slides against, is set as the coating area A2, and lubricant is applied by brushing. Note that the shaft fixing hole 144 formed in the center of the shaft fixing portion 143 is the part that supports the front end of the rotating shaft 75, so its inner surface is not part of the coating area. Furthermore, on the back side of the front decorative member 122, the part that constitutes the inner surface (front) of the game ball passages such as the discharge guide passage 62 and the second passage 63 (game ball contact area) is set as the coating prohibition area N4. Although both the coating area A2 and the coating prohibition area N4 are provided on the back side of the front decorative member 122, the two areas do not touch, and a buffer area exists between them, so that accidental application of lubricant to the coating prohibition area N4 can be effectively prevented. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the front side of the decorative member 122 has an application area 125a where the decorative sheet 125 is attached, which is designated as a coating-prohibited area N5. In this way, since the coating-prohibited area N5 is located on a different surface (front) from the application area A2, it is possible to effectively prevent the accidental application of lubricant to the coating-prohibited area N5.

[0067] In the opening / closing member (second part) 72, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the rear end surface of the shaft insertion portion 77 that slides against the rear sliding contact surface 137 on the front decorative member 122 side, the inner surface of the recessed portion 145 that slides against the shaft fixing portion 143 on the front decorative member 122 side, and the inner surface of the shaft insertion hole 126 through which the rotating shaft 75 is slidably inserted are set as the coating area A3, and lubricant is applied by brushing. In addition, the outer surface of the ball guide wall 78 and the back surface of the front decorative plate 76 corresponding to the non-guide portion 80 are game ball contact areas and are therefore set as the coating prohibition area N6. The coating area A3 and the coating prohibition area N6 are not in contact, and a buffer area exists between them, so the accidental application of lubricant to the coating prohibition area N6 can be effectively prevented.

[0068] In the mechanism cover member (second part) 123, as shown in Figure 9, the surface of the link guide portion 152, which is in sliding contact with the guided portion 157 and sliding portion 158 on the link member 124 side, that is, the inner surface of the guide hole 153 and the front surfaces on both the left and right sides, are set as coating area A4, and lubricant is applied by brushing. In addition, the entire outer surface of the link member (first part) 124 is set as coating area A5, and lubricant is applied to the entire surface by so-called dipping.

[0069] Thus, in the top-winning unit 55a, the base plate member 121, front decorative member 122, mechanism cover member 123, and opening / closing member 72, which correspond to the second part and are set to be coated in only a portion of the area, are coated using a brush, while the link member 124, which corresponds to the first part and is set to be coated in almost its entirety, is coated using a dip-type coating, thus the method of applying lubricant differs between the first and second parts.

[0070] Next, the middle prize unit 55b will be described. The middle prize unit 55b is provided with a second special symbol starting means 33 as a movable part, and as shown in Figures 10 to 12, it comprises a base plate member 161 that is attached and fixed to the base plate 16, a front decorative member 162 that is attached to the front side of the base plate member 161, a prize device 163 that is attached to the rear side of the base plate member 161, a decorative sheet 164 that is attached to the front surface of the front decorative member 162, and an LED board 551 (Figure 4) that is positioned behind the base plate member 161.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, the base plate member 161 includes a back plate 171 positioned along the front surface of the base plate 16. This back plate 171 constitutes the back wall of the game ball passages, such as the second to fourth branch passages 65 to 67, the discharge guide passage 82, and the third passage 83. It has an opening / closing member insertion hole 172 for the opening / closing member 92 that constitutes the second special symbol starting means 33 to move in and out, and a switch insertion hole 173 for the game ball detection means 94, which also constitutes the second special symbol starting means 33, to protrude forward of the back plate 171, both formed in a through-hole in the front-to-back direction.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11, the front decorative member 162 is equipped with a front plate 174 parallel to the surface of the base plate 16. The front plate 174 has side wall portions 175 projecting backward, forming the side walls of the game ball passages such as the second to fourth branch passages 65 to 67, the discharge guide passage 82, and the third passage 83. The front plate 174 is attached to the front side of the base plate member 161 so that the rear edges of these side wall portions 175 abut against the back plate 171 of the base plate member 161, and is detachably fixed by screws or the like. The front plate 174 constitutes the front walls of the second to fourth branch passages 65 to 67, the third passage 83, etc., and at least the portion corresponding to these passages 65 to 67, etc. is made transparent so that game balls passing through these passages 65 to 67, etc. can be seen from the front. Furthermore, an adhesive area 164a (Figure 10) is provided on the front side of the front decorative member 162, and a decorative sheet 164 is attached to this adhesive area 164a. The decorative sheet 164 has any design or text printed on it, but at least the parts corresponding to the aisles 65-67 are made transparent.

[0073] As shown in Figures 12 to 16, the prize winning device 163 includes an opening / closing member 92, a solenoid 93, a solenoid base member 181 housing the solenoid 93, an opening / closing base member 182 positioned below the opening / closing member 92, an opening / closing cover member 183 positioned above the opening / closing member 92, a drive head member 184 mounted on the drive shaft 93a of the solenoid 93, an opening / closing arm member 185 connecting the drive head member 184 and the opening / closing member 92, a shutter member 95, and a game ball detection means 94.

[0074] The opening / closing member 92 integrally comprises an opening / closing plate 92a, a guided portion 191 positioned on the lower side of the opening / closing plate 92a, a lower sliding portion 192 also positioned on the lower side of the opening / closing plate 92a, side sliding portions 193 positioned on the left and right side edges of the opening / closing plate 92a, and a shutter drive portion 194 positioned on the rear side of the opening / closing plate 92a. The guided portion 191 is positioned on the lower side of the rear end of the opening / closing member 92 and is formed as a downward projection with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a driven pin 195 with a circular cross-section is further provided protruding downward from its lower side.

[0075] The lower sliding portion 192 and the side sliding portion 193 are parts that slide on the opening / closing base member 182 when the opening / closing member 92 moves in the front-rear direction. The lower sliding portion 192 is formed as a downward projection on the lower surface side of the opening / closing plate 92a, and the side sliding portion 193 is formed as a laterally projection from the left and right side edges of the opening / closing plate 92a. The lower sliding portion 192 is formed in an elongated shape in the front-rear direction and is provided in multiples (three in this case) at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. Since the opening / closing plate 92a is formed in an inclined shape in the left-right direction, the multiple lower sliding portions 192 each have different projection heights depending on their height from the opening / closing base member 182. The shutter drive unit 194 is projected from the rear end side of the opening / closing plate 92a toward the side (to the right in this case) and is formed in an inclined shape that slopes downwards toward the front.

[0076] The solenoid base member 181 comprises a solenoid housing 201 that houses the solenoid 93 and an arm shaft 202 that rotatably supports the opening / closing arm member 185. The solenoid 93 is detachably mounted in the solenoid housing 201 with the drive shaft 93a facing to the left. The arm shaft 202 is positioned on the drive shaft 93a side (left side) relative to the solenoid housing 201 and is formed to protrude upward.

[0077] The opening / closing arm member 185 integrally comprises a shaft insertion portion 203 in the vertical direction, a first arm portion 204 projecting from the shaft insertion portion 203 in a predetermined radial direction (approximately to the right in this case), a drive engagement portion 205 provided on the tip side of the first arm portion 204 and engaging with the driven pin 195, and a second arm portion 207 projecting from the shaft insertion portion 203 in a predetermined radial direction different from the first arm portion 204 (approximately to the rear in this case), with a drive connecting shaft 206 projecting from its tip in the vertical direction (down in this case). The arm shaft 202 is inserted through the shaft insertion portion 203, thereby rotatably supporting the arm member 181. The drive engagement portion 205 engages with the driven pin 195 on the opening / closing member 92 side in the operating direction of the opening / closing member 92, i.e., the front-to-back direction, in a rotatable manner.

[0078] The drive head member 184 integrally includes a shaft fixing portion 211 for fixing to the drive shaft 93a of the solenoid 93 and a connecting shaft engaging portion 212 for engaging with the drive connecting shaft 206. The connecting shaft engaging portion 212 is rotatably engaged with the drive connecting shaft 206 on the opening / closing arm member 185 side in the direction of the drive axis of the solenoid 93, i.e., in the left-right direction. In this way, the drive head member 184 and the opening / closing arm member 185 convert the left-right driving operation of the solenoid 93 into a front-back movement of the opening / closing member 92. In response to the ON / OFF switching of the solenoid 93, the drive head member 184 moves back and forth, causing the opening / closing arm member 185 to swing and the drive engaging portion 205 to move back and forth, so that the opening / closing member 92 moves back and forth between the open and closed states via the driven pin 195. In the closed position, the opening / closing member 92 is retracted behind the back plate 171 of the base plate member 161 (Figure 12(a)), and in the open position, it protrudes forward of the back plate 171 of the base plate member 161 through the opening / closing member insertion hole 172 (Figure 12(b)).

[0079] The opening / closing base member 182 supports the opening / closing member 92 from below, and as shown in Figure 14, etc., it is detachably mounted on the upper side of the solenoid base member 181 so as to cover the solenoid 93, drive head member 184, opening / closing arm member 185, etc. from above. The opening / closing base member 182 is provided with an opening / closing guide hole 221 into which the guided portion 191 on the opening / closing member 92 side is inserted from above, a lower guide portion 222 into which the lower sliding portion 192 on the opening / closing member 92 side slides, a side guide portion 223 into which the side sliding portion 193 on the opening / closing member 92 side slides, and a switch housing portion 224 for housing the game ball detection means 94.

[0080] The opening / closing guide hole 221 is an elongated hole in the front-to-back direction, and the guided portion 191 on the opening / closing member 92 side is fitted into it from above so as to be slidable in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the driven pin 195 protrudes from the bottom of the opening / closing base member 182 through the opening / closing guide hole 221 and engages with the drive engagement portion 205 of the opening / closing arm member 185. The lower guide portions 222 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the opening / closing guide hole 221, corresponding to the lower sliding portion 192 on the opening / closing member 92 side, and are formed in the front-to-back direction as grooves or planes. In addition, side wall portions 225 are provided projecting upward along the left and right side edges of the opening / closing plate 92a on the upper surface of the opening / closing base member 182, and the sides of these side wall portions 225 serve as side guide portions 223.

[0081] The switch housing 224 is positioned to the right of the opening / closing member 92 and supports the game ball detection means 94 such that the detection hole 94a faces diagonally upward to the left. As shown in Figure 11, the game ball detection means 94 supported by the switch housing 224 has a portion of the detection hole 94a protruding forward through a switch insertion hole 173 formed in the back plate 171 of the base plate member 161, and the entrance side of this detection hole 94a is the second special symbol start opening 91.

[0082] The opening / closing cover member 183 covers the opening / closing member 92 from above. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, it is positioned above the opening / closing member 92 and the game ball detection means 94, and is detachably attached to the opening / closing base member 182, etc. The opening / closing cover member 183 has an upper guide portion 226 formed on its lower surface, and a switch cover portion 227, etc., which supports the game ball detection means 94 from above, is integrally provided.

[0083] The upper guide portion 226 is a part that guides the opening / closing member 92 while restricting its upward movement when it operates in the front-rear direction. It is formed as a downward projection on the lower surface side of the opening / closing cover member 183, corresponding to the upper surface side of the opening / closing member 92. The upper guide portion 226 is formed in an elongated shape in the front-rear direction and is provided in multiples (two in this case) at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction, with their lower edges close to the upper surface side of the opening / closing member 92. Since the opening / closing plate 92a is formed in an inclined shape in the left-right direction, the projection lengths of the multiple upper guide portions 226 differ depending on the distance to the upper surface side of the opening / closing member 92.

[0084] The shutter member 95 is for opening and closing the second special symbol start opening 91 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member 92. As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the shutter member 95 is positioned near the entrance side (left side) of the second special symbol start opening 91, i.e., the detection hole 94a of the game ball detection means 94, and near the upper side of the shutter drive unit 194 of the opening and closing member 92. The shutter member 95 is supported at its rear end so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis, and has a ball entry restricting piece 95a at its front end and a driven part 95b in the middle of its front-to-rear direction. When the opening / closing member 92 is in the closed state (rear position), the ball entry restricting piece 95a is positioned on the entrance side of the second special symbol start opening 91, thereby preventing the ball from entering the second special symbol start opening 91 (Figure 12(a)). When the opening / closing member 92 moves forward from the closed state to the open state, the driven part 95b is pushed by the inclined surface of the shutter drive unit 194, causing it to swing upward, thereby causing the ball entry restricting piece 95a to retract to the upper side of the second special symbol start opening 91, allowing the ball to enter the second special symbol start opening 91 (Figure 12(b)).

[0085] As shown in Figure 4, the LED substrate 551 has multiple LEDs 552 on one side and is positioned behind the fourth branch passage 67, the third passage 83, etc., with the LED-arranged surface facing forward, and is detachably attached to, for example, the base plate member 161. In this way, the LED substrate 551 illuminates the game ball passage from the rear.

[0086] Regarding the intermediate prize-winning unit 55b described above, the application area, application prohibition area, and application method of the lubricant will now be explained. Of the components of the intermediate prize-winning unit 55b, the parts for which the lubricant is applied are the opening / closing member 92, the opening / closing cover member 183, the drive head member 184, and the opening / closing arm member 185.

[0087] In the opening / closing member (second part) 92, as shown in Figures 13 to 16, the surfaces of the lower sliding part 192 and the side sliding part 193 that slide against the lower guide part 222 and side guide part 223 on the opening / closing base member 182 side are set as application area A11, and the side surface of the guided part 191 that slides against the inner surface of the opening / closing guide hole 221 is set as application area A12, and lubricant is applied by brushing. In addition, the upper surface of the opening / closing plate 92a is the part that comes into contact with the game ball and is therefore set as application prohibited area N11. Although the application areas A11, A12 and the application prohibited area N11 are both provided on the opening / closing member 92, they are located on different surfaces (lower side and upper side), so that accidental application of lubricant to the application prohibited area N11 can be effectively prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, in the opening / closing cover member (second part) 183, as shown in Figure 13, the surface of the upper guide portion 226 that can slide against the upper surface of the opening / closing member 92 is set as the coating area A13, and lubricant is applied by brushing. In addition, the entire outer surface of the drive head member (first part) 184 and the opening / closing arm member (first part) 185 is set as the coating areas A14 and A15, and lubricant is applied to the entire surface by so-called dipping.

[0089] Thus, in the intermediate prize-winning unit 55b, the opening / closing member 92 and opening / closing cover member 183, which correspond to the second part and whose coating area is set to only a portion, are applied by brush, while the drive head member 184 and opening / closing arm member 185, which correspond to the first part and whose coating area is set to almost the entire surface, are applied by dipping. Thus, the method of applying lubricant differs between the first and second parts.

[0090] Next, the lower prize unit 55c will be described. The lower prize unit 55c is provided with a second major prize means 35 as a movable part, and as shown in Figures 17 to 19, it comprises a base plate member 231 that is attached and fixed to the base plate 16, a front decorative member 232 that is attached to the front side of the base plate member 231, a prize device 233 that is attached to the rear side of the base plate member 231, a decorative sheet 234 that is attached to the front surface of the front decorative member 232, and LED boards 561, 562 (Figure 4) that are positioned on the rear side of the base plate member 231.

[0091] The base plate member 231 is equipped with a back plate 241 positioned along the front surface of the base plate 16. This back plate 241 constitutes the back wall of the game ball passages such as the fourth passage 101, the second branch section 102, and the discharge guide passage 82, and has an opening / closing member insertion hole 242 formed in a front-to-back direction for the opening / closing member 112 that constitutes the second major prize winning means 35 to move in and out.

[0092] The front decorative member 232 is equipped with a front plate 251 parallel to the surface of the base plate 16. The front plate 251 has side wall portions 252 projecting backward, which form the side walls (including the top and bottom walls) of the game ball passages such as the fourth passage 101, the second branching section 102, and the discharge guide passage 82. The front decorative member 232 is attached to the front side of the base plate member 231 so that the rear edges of these side wall portions 252 abut against the back plate 241 of the base plate member 231, and is detachably fixed by screws or the like. The second large prize opening 111, which constitutes the second large prize means 35, is formed by a missing portion formed at a predetermined location on the side wall portion 252.

[0093] The front panel 251 constitutes the front wall of the fourth passage 101, the second branching section 102, etc., and at least the parts corresponding to the fourth passage 101, the second branching section 102, etc. are made transparent so that the game balls passing through them can be seen from the front. In addition, an adhesive area 234a is provided on the front side of the front decorative member 232, and a decorative sheet 234 is attached to this adhesive area 234a. The decorative sheet 234 has arbitrary patterns or characters printed on it, but at least the parts corresponding to the fourth passage 101, the second branching section 102, etc. are made transparent.

[0094] As shown in Figures 18 to 21, the award-winning device 233 includes an opening / closing member 112, a solenoid 113, a solenoid holder member 261 that houses the solenoid 113, an opening / closing base member 262 that slidably supports the opening / closing member 112, a drive head member 263 that is mounted on the drive shaft 113a of the solenoid 113, and an opening / closing arm member 264 that connects the drive head member 263 and the opening / closing member 112.

[0095] The opening / closing member 112 integrally comprises an opening / closing plate 112a, side edge sliding parts 271 arranged along the left and right edges of the opening / closing plate 112a, a lower sliding part 272 arranged on the lower surface side of the opening / closing plate 112a, and an upper sliding part 273 arranged on the upper surface side of the opening / closing plate 112a. In addition, a through hole or other engaged part 275 is provided near the rear end of the opening / closing plate 112a, into which the drive engaging part 274 of the opening / closing arm member 264 engages from below.

[0096] The side edge sliding portion 271 is the part that slides on the opening / closing base member 262 when the opening / closing member 112 moves in the front-rear direction, and is provided along the left and right edges of the opening / closing plate 112a. It consists of an upper projection 271a that protrudes upward from the edge of the opening / closing plate 112a and a lower projection 271b that protrudes downward from the edge of the opening / closing plate 112a. The lower projection 271b is provided over substantially the entire front-rear direction of the left and right edges of the opening / closing plate 112a, but the upper projection 271a is provided only in a predetermined range on the rear end side of the left and right edges of the opening / closing plate 112a, so that even when the opening / closing member 112 is in the closed state, i.e., moved to the front position, the upper projection 271a does not protrude in front of the back plate 241 on the base plate member 231 side.

[0097] The lower sliding portion 272 is the part that slides on the solenoid holder member 261 when the opening / closing member 112 moves in the front-rear direction, and is formed in a downward-projecting and elongated shape in the front-rear direction at a predetermined position on the lower surface side of the opening / closing plate 112a, for example, near the side of the engaged portion 275. The upper sliding portion 273 is the part that slides on the opening / closing base member 262 when the opening / closing member 112 moves in the front-rear direction, and is formed in an upward-projecting shape at a predetermined position on the upper surface side of the opening / closing plate 112a, for example, near the side of the engaged portion 275. In this embodiment, the upper sliding portion 273 is an upward-projecting short cylindrical shape, and multiple (two in this case) are arranged along the front-rear direction in a predetermined range on the rear end side of the opening / closing plate 112a, and even when the opening / closing member 112 is in the closed state, i.e., moved to the front position, the upper sliding portion 273 does not extend in front of the back plate 241 on the base plate member 231 side.

[0098] The solenoid holder member 261 includes a solenoid housing portion 281 for housing the solenoid 113 and a lower guide portion 282 for guiding the lower sliding portion 272 on the opening / closing member 112 side in the front-rear direction. The solenoid 113 is detachably mounted in the solenoid housing portion 281 with the drive shaft 113a facing to the right. The lower guide portion 282 is formed in the front-rear direction as a groove on the upper surface of the solenoid holder member 261 and at a position corresponding to the lower sliding portion 272 on the opening / closing member 112 side.

[0099] The opening / closing base member 262 includes side guide portions 283 that slidably support the opening / closing member 112 at its left and right edges, an upper guide portion 284 that guides the upper sliding portion 273 on the opening / closing member 112 side in the front-rear direction, and an arm shaft 285 that rotatably supports the opening / closing arm member 264. The side guide portions 283 are provided on both the left and right ends of the upper wall of the opening / closing base member 262, and are formed in a substantially U-shape in cross-section, covering each side edge of the opening / closing member 112, on which the side edge sliding portion 271 is provided, from the side, top, and bottom. The upper guide portion 284 is formed in a groove shape in the front-rear direction on the bottom side of the upper wall of the opening / closing base member 262 and at a position corresponding to the upper sliding portion 273 on the opening / closing member 112 side.

[0100] The arm shaft 285 is formed to protrude downward from the opening / closing base member 262. This arm shaft 285 is located below the opening / closing member 112 and above the drive shaft 113a of the solenoid 113. The opening / closing arm member 264 integrally comprises a shaft insertion portion 286 in the vertical direction, an arm portion 287 projecting from the shaft insertion portion 286 in a predetermined radial direction (approximately to the left in this case), a drive engagement portion 274 provided on the tip side of the arm portion 287, and an engaged portion 288 arranged from the shaft insertion portion 286 in a predetermined radial direction different from that of the arm portion 287 (approximately to the front in this case), and is rotatably supported by the opening / closing base member 262 by inserting the arm shaft 285 through the shaft insertion portion 286. The drive engagement portion 274 is rotatably engaged with the engaged portion 275 on the opening / closing member 112 side in the operating direction of the opening / closing member 112, i.e., the front-to-back direction.

[0101] The drive head member 263 integrally includes a shaft fixing portion 291 for fixing to the drive shaft 113a of the solenoid 113 and a drive engagement portion 292 for engaging with the engaged portion 288 on the opening / closing arm member 264 side. The drive engagement portion 292 is composed of a pair of left and right upward-facing protrusions and engages with the engaged portion 288 on the opening / closing arm member 264 side from below, sandwiching it from both sides in the rotational direction. In this way, the drive head member 263 and the opening / closing arm member 264 convert the left-right driving operation of the solenoid 113 into a front-rear movement of the opening / closing member 112. In response to the ON / OFF switching of the solenoid 113, the drive head member 263 moves back and forth, causing the opening / closing arm member 264 to swing via the drive engagement portion 292 and the engaged portion 288, thereby causing the opening / closing member 112 to move back and forth between the open and closed states via the drive engagement portion 274 and the engaged portion 275. In the open position, the opening / closing member 112 retracts behind the back plate 241 of the base plate member 231, thereby opening the second large prize opening 111 (Figure 19(b)), and in the closed position, it protrudes forward of the back plate 241 of the base plate member 231 through the opening / closing member insertion hole 242, thereby closing the second large prize opening 111 (Figure 19(a)).

[0102] As shown in Figure 4, the LED substrate 561 has multiple LEDs 563 on one side and is positioned behind the fourth passage 101, etc., with the LED-arranged surface facing forward, and is detachably mounted, for example, to the base plate member 232. The LED substrate 562 has multiple LEDs 564 on one side and is positioned behind the prize-winning passage 115, etc., with the LED-arranged surface facing forward, and is detachably mounted, for example, to the base plate member 232. In this way, the LED substrates 561 and 562 illuminate the game ball passage from the rear.

[0103] Regarding the lower prize unit 55c described above, the application area for lubricant, the application prohibition area, and the application method will now be explained. Among the components of the lower prize unit 55c, the parts for which lubricant is applied are the opening / closing member 112, the solenoid holder member 261, the opening / closing base member 262, the drive head member 263, and the opening / closing arm member 264.

[0104] In the opening / closing member (second part) 112, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the left and right side edges of the opening / closing plate 112a and the surfaces of the side edge sliding parts 271 provided along them are set as coating area A21, the surface of the lower sliding part 272 is set as coating area A22, and the surface of the upper sliding part 273 is set as coating area A23, and lubricant is applied by brushing. In addition, the front area of ​​the upper surface of the opening / closing plate 92a that extends in front of the back plate 241 of the base plate member 231 when in the closed state is the area that comes into contact with the game ball and is therefore set as a no-coating area N21. Although coating areas A21 to A23 and the no-coating area N21 are both provided on the opening / closing member 112, they do not touch and there is a buffer area between them, so the accidental application of lubricant to the no-coating area N21 can be effectively prevented.

[0105] Furthermore, in the solenoid holder member (second part) 261, as shown in Figure 20, the inner surface of the lower guide portion 282, which the side edge sliding portion 271 on the opening / closing member 112 side slides against, is set as coating area A24, and lubricant is applied by brushing. Similarly, in the opening / closing base member (second part) 262, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the inner surface of the side guide portion 283, which the side edge sliding portion 271 on the opening / closing member 112 side slides against, is set as coating area A25, and the inner surface of the upper guide portion 284, which the upper sliding portion 273 slides against, is set as coating area A26, and lubricant is applied by brushing. Furthermore, in the drive head member (first part) 263 and the opening / closing arm member (first part) 264, the entire outer surface is set as coating areas A27 and A28, and lubricant is applied to the entire surface by so-called dipping.

[0106] Thus, in the lower-prize winning unit 55c, the opening / closing member 112, solenoid holder member 261, and opening / closing base member 262, which correspond to the second component and are set to be coated only in a portion, are coated using a brush, while the drive head member 263 and opening / closing arm member 264, which correspond to the first component and are set to be coated almost entirely, are coated using a dip-type coating method, thus the method of applying lubricant differs between the first and second components.

[0107] Next, the first movable display means 46 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the first movable display means 46 is positioned in front of the liquid crystal display means 50, corresponding to the upper left part of the liquid crystal display means 50. As shown in Figures 22 to 27, it comprises a mechanism base body 301 that is attached and fixed to the back mounting base 49, an opening / closing mechanism 302 that is pivotably mounted on the front of the mechanism base body 301, an opening / closing decorative member 303 that is movable to the front of the opening / closing mechanism 302, a motor (driving means) 304 for driving the opening / closing decorative member 303 via the opening / closing mechanism 302, and a gear train 305 for transmitting the driving force of the motor 304 to the opening / closing mechanism 302. The opening / closing mechanism 302 and the opening / closing decorative member 303 constitute a first movable body (movable body) 46a that is supported in a state that it can move between the origin position and the display position, and the gear train 305 constitutes a driving force transmission means that transmits the driving force of the motor (driving means) 304 to the first movable body 46a.

[0108] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the mechanism base 301 includes a horizontally elongated drive base portion 306, a vertically elongated swing base portion 307 formed downward from one end (in this case, the left end) of the drive base portion 306, a drive gear support portion 308 positioned near the swing base portion 307 side end (left end) of the drive base portion 306, a motor mounting portion 309 positioned near the opposite end (right end) of the drive base portion 306 from the swing base portion 307, a drive base swing shaft 310 positioned near the opposite end (lower end) of the swing base portion 307 from the drive base portion 306, and an opening / closing arm guide hole 311 positioned near the drive base portion 306 side end (upper end) of the swing base portion 307.

[0109] The drive gear support portion 308 rotatably supports the drive gear 312 and is provided within a drive gear housing portion 313 formed in a recess on the front side of the drive base portion 306. It comprises a drive gear shaft portion 314 for rotatably supporting the drive gear 312, a retaining base portion 315 positioned at the tip (front end) of the drive gear shaft portion 314, and a drive gear sliding contact portion 316 into which the back side of the drive gear 312 slides. The drive gear shaft portion 314 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes forward from the bottom wall 313a of the drive gear housing portion 313, and the drive gear 312's shaft hole portion 317 slides into it, thereby rotatably supporting the drive gear 312.

[0110] The retaining base 315 is for fixing the retaining screw 318. It protrudes coaxially from the tip of the drive gear shaft 314 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the drive gear shaft 314. It is inserted through the insertion hole 319 on the drive gear 312 side. The insertion hole 319 has a smaller diameter than the shaft hole 317 and is located in front of the shaft hole 317 in the drive gear 312. By screwing the retaining screw 318 into the retaining base 315 from the front of the insertion hole 319 in the drive gear 312, the drive gear 312 is held in a state supported by the drive gear shaft 314.

[0111] The drive gear sliding contact portion 316 is a protruding portion provided at a constant height on the bottom wall 313a of the drive gear housing portion 313, and is arranged in a substantially circular shape so as to concentrically surround the drive gear shaft portion 314. The drive gear 312 constitutes a part of the gear train (driving force transmission means) 305 and integrally comprises a gear portion 321 with a shaft hole portion 317 and an insertion hole 319 in the center, a detectable portion 322 provided in a predetermined circumferential range of the gear portion 321, and a forward-facing protruding guide projection 323 provided at a predetermined circumferential position at a predetermined distance from the center. A position detection switch 324 capable of detecting the detectable portion 322 is located near the drive gear 312. The position detection switch 324, together with the detected part 322 on the drive gear 312 side, constitutes a position detection means. Based on the rotational position information of the drive gear 312 obtained by this position detection switch 324, the rotation of the drive gear 312, i.e., the driving of the motor 304, is controlled.

[0112] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, a gear cover 320 corresponding to the drive gear housing 313 is detachably mounted on the front side of the drive base 306. This gear cover 320 substantially covers the drive gear 312 and the position detection switch 324 from the front, and an arc-shaped guide hole 320a through which the guide projection 323 is inserted is formed at its front, corresponding to the range of movement of the guide projection 323.

[0113] The motor mounting section 309 is provided on the front side of the drive base section 306, and the motor 304 is detachably mounted therein with its drive shaft 304a exposed on the rear side of the drive base section 306. Between the motor 304 and the drive gear 312, as shown in Figure 23, there are several (three in this case) gears 325 to 327 that, together with the drive gear 312, constitute a gear train 305. The gears 325 to 327 are arranged in a gear train housing section 328 formed in a recess on the back (rear) side of the drive base section 306, with the motor gear 325 fixed to the drive shaft 304a of the motor 304, the second relay gear 326 meshing with the gear portion 321 of the drive gear 312, and the first relay gear 327 meshing with both the motor gear 325 and the second relay gear 326.

[0114] Thus, among the gears 325-327 and 312 that constitute the gear train 305, the motor gear 325 corresponds to the first transmission unit located on the drive shaft of the drive means, and the intermediate gears 326, 327 and the drive gear 312 correspond to the second transmission unit that transmits the driving force from the first transmission unit to the working body. Since a partition wall 329 exists between the gear train housing unit 328 located on the rear side of the drive base unit 306 and the drive gear housing unit 313 located on the front side of the drive base unit 306, the intermediate gear 326 and the drive gear 312 are connected via an opening 329a provided in the partition wall 329.

[0115] The drive base pivot shaft 310 pivots to support the drive base body 331, which constitutes the opening / closing mechanism 302, and is formed to protrude forward from the front side of the pivot base portion 307. The opening / closing arm guide hole 311 guides the guide projection 354 of the opening / closing arm 332, which constitutes the opening / closing mechanism 302, and is formed as an elongated hole sloping downward to the right.

[0116] The opening / closing mechanism 302 swings when driven by the motor 304 and converts this swinging motion into an opening / closing motion of the opening / closing decorative member 303. As shown in Figures 23 to 27, it comprises a drive base body 331, an opening / closing arm 332, an opening / closing mechanism cover 333, an LED substrate 330, an inner lens 334, and opening / closing links 335 to 342. The drive base body 331 comprises an elongated base plate 343 with its surface facing forward, and on the base plate 343 are a swing shaft insertion hole 344, a drive gear guide hole 345, an opening / closing arm swing shaft 346, guide holes 347a and 347b, and screw holes 348.

[0117] The pivot shaft insertion hole 344 is located near the lower end of the drive base body 331, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, and is formed as a circular hole in the front-to-back direction through which the drive base pivot shaft 310 on the mechanism base body 301 side can be rotatably inserted. The pivot shaft insertion hole 344 is attached to the drive base pivot shaft 310 via a rear end bush 349a located at the rear end and a front end bush 349b located at the front end. The front end bush 349b also serves to prevent the drive base body 331 from coming off and is detachably fixed to the drive base pivot shaft 310 by screw fastening.

[0118] The drive gear guide hole 345 guides the guide projection 323 of the drive gear 312 and is located on the left edge side of the longitudinal center of the drive base body 331. It is formed as an elongated hole that is slightly inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the drive base body 331. As a result, when the drive gear 312 rotates due to the drive of the motor 304, the guide projection 323 of the drive gear 312 moves within the drive gear guide hole 345, and the drive base body 331 swings around the drive base pivot axis 310 accordingly. The guide projection 323 is inserted into the drive gear guide hole 345 via a pair of bushings 350a and 350b located on both the front and rear sides of the drive gear guide hole 345.

[0119] The opening / closing arm pivot shaft 346 is for rotatably supporting the opening / closing arm 332. As shown in Figure 23, it is located approximately in the center of the longitudinal direction of the drive base body 331 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes backward. The guide holes 347a and 347b are located on the front and rear ends of the drive base body 331 in the longitudinal direction, flanking the opening / closing arm pivot shaft 346, and are each formed in an arc shape of a predetermined length centered on the opening / closing arm pivot shaft 346. On the back side of the guide holes 347a and 347b, a peripheral wall portion 360 surrounding the outer circumference is provided to protrude at a certain height, allowing the front side of the opening / closing arm 332 to slide against it. The screw holes 348 are for screwing and fixing the opening / closing mechanism cover 333 to the front side of the drive base body 331. They are located in multiple places (four in this case) on the base plate 343, including near both ends. A conical and other seating portion 348a is formed at the rear end of each hole, against which the screw heads abut.

[0120] The opening / closing arm 332 is positioned on the rear side of the drive base body 331 and has an elongated arm plate 351 that is shorter than the drive base body 331. The arm plate 351 has a pivot shaft insertion hole 352, guide holes 353a, 353b, and a guide projection 354. The pivot shaft insertion hole 352 is the pivot center of the opening / closing arm 332 and is positioned near the longitudinal center of the arm plate 351. It is formed as a circular hole in the front-to-back direction through which the opening / closing arm pivot shaft 346 on the drive base body 331 side can be rotatably inserted. The pivot shaft insertion hole 352 is attached to the opening / closing arm pivot shaft 346 via a bush 355 positioned at its rear end and a washer 356 positioned at its front end. The guide holes 353a and 353b correspond to the guide holes 347a and 347b of the drive base body 331, and are located on both ends of the opening / closing arm 332 in the longitudinal direction, flanking the pivot shaft insertion hole 352, and are formed as elongated holes along the longitudinal direction of the opening / closing arm 332.

[0121] The guide projection 354 corresponds to the opening / closing arm guide hole 311 on the mechanism base body 301 side, and is formed as a rearward protrusion near one end (lower end) of the arm plate 351, and is inserted rearward into the opening / closing arm guide hole 311 via a pair of bushes 357a and 357b which are positioned on the rear and front sides of the opening / closing arm guide hole 311.

[0122] The opening / closing mechanism cover 333 pivotably supports the opening / closing links 335 to 342. As shown in Figure 25, it comprises a cover plate 361 formed in a cross shape when viewed from the front by a vertical plate portion 361a and a horizontal plate portion 361b. It is positioned in front of the drive base body 331, sandwiching the opening / closing links 335 to 342, and is detachably fixed to the drive base body 331 by screws. On the rear side of the cover plate 361, link pivot shafts 362 to 369 for pivotably supporting the opening / closing links 335 to 342, and screw base portions 370 corresponding to screw holes 348 on the drive base body 331 are formed, each projecting backward.

[0123] Of the link pivot shafts 362 to 369, link pivot shafts 362 to 365 are arranged in a single row with spacing between them along the left edge of the vertical plate portion 361a from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction, and similarly, link pivot shafts 366 to 369 are arranged in a single row with spacing between them along the right edge of the vertical plate portion 361a from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction. The left link pivot shafts 362 to 365 and the right link pivot shafts 366 to 369 correspond to each other, and the spacing in the left-right direction is the same for all of them. The screw-fastening base 370 is provided in multiple locations (four locations in this case) corresponding to the screw-fastening holes 348 on the drive base body 331. In this embodiment, link pivot shafts 366 and 369 of the link pivot shafts 362 to 369 also serve as the screw-fastening base 370.

[0124] Each of the opening and closing links 335 to 342 is equipped with a pivot shaft insertion hole 371 through which the link pivot shafts 362 to 369 are rotatably inserted, and an opening and closing shaft insertion hole 381 through which the opening and closing shafts 372 to 379 on the opening and closing decorative member 303 side are rotatably inserted. The distance between the pivot shaft insertion hole 371 and the opening and closing shaft insertion hole 381 is the same for all of the opening and closing links 335 to 342. Furthermore, for opening and closing links 336, 337, 340, and 341, an interlocking gear 382 is provided around the central axis of the pivot shaft insertion hole 371, so that the interlocking gears 382 of adjacent opening and closing links 336, 340 and opening and closing links 337, 341 mesh with each other and their pivoting movements are synchronized. Furthermore, for the opening and closing links 337 and 340, opening and closing drive shafts 383a and 383b are formed to protrude backward at a predetermined distance from the center of the pivot shaft insertion hole 371. The opening and closing drive shafts 383a and 383b correspond to the guide holes 347a and 347b on the drive base body 331 side and the guide holes 353a and 353b on the opening and closing arm 332 side. The opening and closing drive shaft 383a is slidably inserted into the guide hole 347a and the guide hole 353a behind it, and the opening and closing drive shaft 383b is slidably inserted into the guide hole 347b and the guide hole 353b behind it.

[0125] An inner lens 334 is mounted on the front side of the opening / closing mechanism cover 333, sandwiching the LED board 330. The inner lens 334 is a decorative lens that is light-transmitting and emits light from the LED board 330. It is formed in a cross shape when viewed from the front by a vertical plate portion 391a and a horizontal plate portion 391b, matching the shape of the cover plate 361 of the opening / closing mechanism cover 333, and is detachably fixed to the opening / closing mechanism cover 333 by screws or the like. The LED board 330 is also formed in a cross shape when viewed from the front, corresponding to the inner lens 334, and multiple LEDs 330a are arranged on its front side.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, a sliding portion 392 for opening and closing is formed on the front side of the inner lens 334, projecting forward. This sliding portion 392 for opening and closing maintains a certain gap between the inner lens 334 and the decorative member 303 when the decorative member opens and closes (slides along the front surface of the inner lens 334). It is formed to a height that is close to or sliding against the back side of the decorative member 303, and is symmetrically arranged near both edges in the width direction at multiple locations (two locations in this case) along the longitudinal direction of the vertical plate portion 391a and the horizontal plate portion 391b. In addition, a restricting portion 393 for opening and closing is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner lens 334, projecting outward. The opening / closing restricting section 393 is designed to restrict further movement of the opening / closing decorative member 303 by approaching or contacting its inner circumferential surface when the decorative member 303 is in the closed position. It is arranged symmetrically on both sides in the width direction at multiple locations (two locations in this case) along the longitudinal direction of each of the vertical plate section 391a and horizontal plate section 391b.

[0127] In the opening and closing mechanism 302 described above, when the drive base body 331 etc. is driven by the motor 304, it swings between the first position (the origin position, Figure 26(a)) and the second position (Figure 26(b))), the opening and closing arm 332 swings between the third position (the origin position) and the fourth position relative to the drive base body 331. Then, due to the relative swinging motion of the opening and closing arm 332 with respect to the drive base body 331, the opening and closing links 337, 340 swing between the fifth position (the origin position) and the sixth position, and via the interlocking gear 382, ​​the opening and closing links 336, 341 also swing between the fifth position (the origin position) and the sixth position.

[0128] The opening and closing decorative member 303 performs both swinging and opening / closing operations simultaneously in front of the opening and closing mechanism 302. As shown in Figures 22 and 25, it consists of a front plate 401 formed in a cross shape when viewed from the front, corresponding to the shape of the inner lens 334, and a peripheral wall portion 402 that protrudes backward from the outer edge of the front plate 401 along the outer circumference of the inner lens 334. The cross shape is separated into four members, namely the upper left member 303a, lower left member 303b, upper right member 303c, and lower right member 303d, by the centerlines of the vertical and horizontal plate portions.

[0129] The opening / closing decorative member 303 is integrally provided with approximately cylindrical opening / closing shafts 372 to 379 that protrude backward from the rear side of the front plate 401. Of these, opening / closing shafts 372 and 373 are located on the upper left member 303a, opening / closing shafts 374 and 375 on the lower left member 303b, opening / closing shafts 376 and 377 on the upper right member 303c, and opening / closing shafts 378 and 379 on the lower right member 303d. The opening / closing shafts 372 to 379 are rotatably inserted into the opening / closing shaft insertion holes 381 of the opening / closing links 335 to 342, via the outer circumference of the inner lens 334 and the opening / closing mechanism cover 333.

[0130] In the opening and closing links 335 to 342, the opening and closing shafts 372 to 379 of the opening and closing decorative members 303 are inserted through the respective opening and closing shaft insertion holes 381, thereby fixing the distance between the opening and closing shaft insertion holes 381 between opening and closing links 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, and 341, 342, and this distance is the same as the distance between the respective pivot shaft insertion holes 371. In other words, in the opening and closing links 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, and 341, 342, the four insertion holes 371, 371, 381, 381 each constitute the four vertices of a parallelogram. As described above, the opening and closing links 337, 340 and 336, 341 swing between the fifth position (Figure 26(a)) and the sixth position (Figure 26(b)), changing the shape of their parallelograms and causing the position of the opening and closing shaft insertion hole 381 to move. Consequently, the opening and closing decorative member 303 slides (opens and closes) between a closed state (Figures 26(a), 22(a)) where each member 303a to 303d converges towards the center to form a cross shape, and an open state (Figures 26(b), 22(b)) where each member 303a to 303d separates from each other.

[0131] Of course, since the opening and closing decorative member 303 is supported by the opening and closing mechanism 302, it performs not only opening and closing operations but also swinging operations together with the opening and closing mechanism 302. In this way, the opening and closing mechanism 302 and the opening and closing decorative member 303 (first movable body 46a) are movable between an origin position where each member 303a to 303d is in a closed state (Figures 26(a), 22(a)) and a performance position where each member 303a to 303d is in an open state (Figures 26(b), 22(b)) by the drive of the motor 304.

[0132] Furthermore, the first movable performance means 46 has a movable body holding mechanism capable of holding the first movable body 46a at the origin position (a so-called mechanical lock state). The mechanical lock state by this movable body holding mechanism means that when a force in the direction of moving the movable body from the origin position is transmitted from the drive force transmission means side toward the movable body side, the transmission is permitted, and when a force is transmitted from the movable body side toward the drive force transmission means side, the transmission is prevented.

[0133] The first movable performance means 46 moves between the origin position shown in Figure 28(a) and the performance position shown in Figure 28(c), passing through an intermediate position shown in Figure 28(b). In the origin position shown in Figure 28(a), the straight line connecting the rotation center of the drive gear 312 and the center of the guide projection 323 intersects approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the guide projection 323, i.e., the direction of the drive gear guide hole 345 of the drive base body 331. In this state, even if an external force is applied to the drive base body 331, the drive gear 312 does not rotate, and therefore the first movable body 46a does not move from the origin position (mechanical lock state). Of course, even in this state, if the drive gear 312 rotates due to the operation of the motor 304, the drive base body 331 will swing, and the first movable body 46a can be moved from the origin position. Incidentally, this first movable performance means 46 is configured to be in a mechanically locked state even at the performance position shown in Figure 28(c), just as it is at the origin position.

[0134] However, even in this mechanically locked state, there is still a non-zero possibility that the first movable body 46a may unintentionally move from its home position due to vibration or other reasons, and it is also possible that the driving force may be interrupted for some reason when the first movable body 46a is not in its home position. In such cases, even if one opens the glass door 5 and tries to move the first movable body 46a directly by hand, it is difficult to move it to the home position where the mechanical lock engages. Furthermore, even if it is necessary to intentionally move the first movable body 46a from its home position during maintenance work, it is not possible to move the first movable body 46a directly by hand because the mechanical lock is engaged.

[0135] Therefore, the first movable performance means 46 makes it possible to move the first movable body 46a to the origin position or move the first movable body 46a from the origin position by directly applying an external force to the drive gear (second transmission unit) 312 which constitutes part of the drive force transmission means. This will be explained in detail below. In the first movable performance means 46, the drive force transmission means including the drive gear 312 is arranged between the drive base unit 306 and the gear cover 320 in front of it, or between the drive base unit 306 and the rear mounting base 49 behind it, and is substantially covered by the cover means such as the drive base unit 306, gear cover 320, and rear mounting base 49 so as to block contact from the outside.

[0136] However, these covering means are provided with openings in the portion corresponding to a part of the drive gear (predetermined transmission part) 312, and it is possible to apply external force to the drive gear 312 from the outside of the gaming machine through these openings to make it operate. That is, as shown in Figures 29 and 30(a), the drive gear 312 is covered from the rear by the drive base part 306 and the rear mounting base 49, but the drive base part 306 and the rear mounting base 49 each have openings 601 and 602 formed on the rear side, corresponding to a part of the drive gear 312 (in this case, a part of the lower gear part 321).

[0137] These openings 601 and 602 are formed in a shape that, for example, is too small for a game ball to pass through, and are arranged in a nearly straight line from the rear of the back mounting base 49 toward the lower gear portion of the drive gear 312. As shown in Figure 30(a), by inserting a tool such as a flathead screwdriver into the openings 601 and 602 from the rear of the back mounting base 49 and engaging it with the gear portion 321 of the drive gear 312, and applying force in the rotational direction, it is possible to move the first movable body 46a, which is not in the origin position, to the origin position where the mechanical lock is engaged, or to move the first movable body 46a, which is in the origin position where the mechanical lock is engaged, away from the origin position.

[0138] Furthermore, by making the openings 601 and 602 too large for game balls to pass through, it is possible to prevent accidental entry of game balls into the back mounting base 49 during work. In the case where multiple openings are provided for one transmission unit (in this case, the drive gear 312) from the outside to the inside (towards the transmission unit) of the game machine, at least the innermost opening may be made too large for game balls to pass through, while one or more other openings may be made large enough for game balls to pass through. Making the outer openings, which are further from the transmission unit, larger than the inner openings, which are closer to the transmission unit, has the advantage of improving workability with a flathead screwdriver or the like. Conversely, at least the outermost opening may be made too large for game balls to pass through, while one or more other openings may be made large enough for game balls to pass through.

[0139] Furthermore, since openings 601 and 602 are provided to correspond to the drive gear 312 which has a detected part 322 corresponding to the position detection switch 324, it is possible to rotate the drive gear 312 with a flathead screwdriver or the like to visually confirm the positional relationship between the detected part 322 and the position detection switch 324, and to check whether the ON / OFF signal output of the position detection switch 324 is being performed correctly. For this reason, it is desirable that the cover means covering the drive force transmission means be made transparent, not only the rear mounting base 49 but also the drive base part 306, etc.

[0140] Although a guide hole 320a is provided in the gear cover 320 that covers the front of the drive gear 312, this guide hole 320a corresponds to the guide projection 323, and a flange portion 312a that protrudes radially is provided on the front of the gear portion 321. Therefore, even when the glass door 5 is open, for example, it is not possible to access the gear portion 321 of the drive gear 312 from the front of the game board 15 through the guide hole 320a. Thus, when it is necessary to provide some kind of opening in the cover that covers the drive force transmission means, it is desirable to position the opening so that it does not correspond to the gear portion.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 29 and 30(b), the parts of the drive force transmission means other than the drive gear (second transmission unit) 312 are substantially covered by cover means such as the rear mounting base 49, and no openings are provided, so that it is not possible to access them from the outside and directly apply external force. For example, of the multiple gears 325 to 327 that constitute the gear train 305 together with the drive gear 312, not only the motor gear (first transmission unit) 325 but also the intermediate gears (second transmission units) 326 and 327 are housed in a gear train housing 328 separate from the drive gear housing 313, and are covered by cover means such as the drive base unit 306 and the rear mounting base 49, so that even if a flathead screwdriver or the like is inserted into the openings 601 and 602, it is not possible to reach the gears 325 to 327.

[0142] Regarding the first movable performance means 46 described above, the application area for lubricant, the application prohibition area, the application method, etc. will now be explained. Among the components of the first movable performance means 46, the lubricant application area is provided for the mechanism base body 301, the drive base body 331, the inner lens 334, the opening / closing links 335-342, the intermediate gears 326, 327, and various bushings, etc.

[0143] In the mechanism base body (second component) 301, as shown in Figure 24, the surface of the drive gear shaft portion 314, which the shaft hole portion 317 of the drive gear 312 slides against, and the surface of the drive gear sliding contact portion 316, which the back side of the drive gear 312 slides against, are set as application area A31, and lubricant is applied by brushing. On the other hand, in the mechanism base body 301, the front end surface of the retaining base portion 315, which the seating surface of the retaining screw 318 contacts, and the screw hole in the center thereof are set as application prohibited area N31. Although both application area A31 and application prohibited area N31 are provided on the mechanism base body 301, they do not touch and a buffer area exists between them, so that accidental application of lubricant to the application prohibited area N31 can be effectively prevented.

[0144] Furthermore, in the drive base body (second component) 331, as shown in Figure 23, the surface of the peripheral wall portion 360 of the guide holes 347a and 347b, with which the opening and closing arm 332 slides, is set as the application area A32, and lubricant is applied by brushing. On the other hand, in the drive base body 331, the seat portion 348a of the screw fastening hole 348 is set as the application prohibited area N32. Although both the application area A32 and the application prohibited area N32 are provided on the drive base body 331, they do not touch and a buffer area exists between them, so that accidental application of lubricant to the application prohibited area N32 can be effectively prevented.

[0145] Furthermore, in the inner lens (second component) 334, as shown in Figure 27, the surfaces of the sliding portion 392 and the restricting portion 393 during opening and closing, which the opening and closing decorative member 303 slides or abuts against, are set as the coating area A33, and lubricant is applied by brushing. On the other hand, in the inner lens 334, areas of a certain width along the centerlines of the vertical plate portion 391a and the horizontal plate portion 391b are areas that emit light from the rear LED 330a, and are therefore set as the coating-prohibited area N33 to prevent a decrease in appearance due to uneven light transmission, etc. Although both the coating area A33 and the coating-prohibited area N33 are provided on the inner lens 334, they do not touch and a buffer area exists between them, so the accidental application of lubricant to the coating-prohibited area N33 can be effectively prevented.

[0146] For the opening / closing links 335-342, intermediate gears 326, 327, bushes 349a, 350a, 350b, 355, 357a, 357b, and washer 356, the entire outer surface is set as coating area A34 (first part), and lubricant is applied to the entire surface by so-called dipping. For bush 349b, it is not just a bush but also serves to prevent the drive base body 331 from coming off, and a screw insertion hole for fixing to the drive base pivot shaft 310 is formed on its front side. Therefore, for bush 349b, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the bush portion on the back side is set as coating area A35, and the front side that constitutes the screw seating area and the inner surface of the screw insertion hole are set as coating prohibited area N34 (second part), and lubricant is applied by brushing. Although both the application area A35 and the application prohibition area N34 are located on the bush 349b, they are located on different surfaces, which effectively prevents accidental application of lubricant to the application prohibition area N34.

[0147] Thus, in the first movable performance means 46, the mechanism base body 301, drive base body 331, inner lens 334, and bush 349b, which correspond to the second parts where only a portion is set as the coating area, are applied by brush, while the opening / closing links 335-342, intermediate gears 326, 327, bush 349a, 350a, 350b, 355, 357a, 357b, and washer 356, which correspond to the first parts where almost the entire surface is set as the coating area, are applied by dipping. Thus, the method of applying lubricant differs between the first and second parts.

[0148] Furthermore, in the first movable performance means 46, among the multiple parts for which lubricant is applied, the concentration of the lubricant used (second lubricant) for the inner lens (translucent part) 334, which includes the decorative lens (translucent part), is lower than the concentration of the lubricant (first lubricant) used for other parts (non-translucent parts) that do not include the translucent part such as the decorative lens. This is because using a lower concentration of lubricant makes the application marks less noticeable, and even if lubricant is applied to the decorative lens part, it does not significantly impair the appearance.

[0149] Furthermore, it is desirable to use different viscosities of lubricants for the upper prize unit 55a, middle prize unit 55b, and lower prize unit 55c, and the first movable performance means 46, as described above. Specifically, it is desirable to make the viscosity of the lubricant (first lubricant) used for the components (first components) of the first movable performance means 46, which uses a motor as a drive source, higher than the viscosity of the lubricant (second lubricant) used for the upper prize unit 55a, middle prize unit 55b, and lower prize unit 55c (second components), which use a solenoid as a drive source. This is because the load on the sliding parts is greater in the case of the first movable performance means 46, which uses a motor as a drive source, compared to the case of the upper prize unit 55a, etc., which use a solenoid as a drive source.

[0150] Next, we will describe the LEDs (light-emitting means) among the many LEDs arranged on the game board 15 that are arranged to illuminate the game ball passage. First, we will describe the LEDs that are located behind the stage 54b. The stage 54b is made of transparent synthetic resin (light-transmitting material) and, as shown in Figures 2, 31, and 32, has an inclined passage section 571 on which the game balls that enter the warp entrance 54a roll. The inclined passage section 571 is formed in a downward sloping shape, for example, and has a bottom wall 571a corresponding to the underside of the rolling game balls and a back wall 571b corresponding to the rear side.

[0151] A second movable performance means 47 is positioned behind the stage 54b. When the second movable body 47a of the second movable performance means 47 is at the origin position (shown by a solid line in Figures 3 and 31), a portion of the second movable body 47a (in this case, near the upper edge) is positioned behind the inclined passage 571. In this embodiment, when the second movable body 47a is in the performance position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 3), almost the entire second movable body 47a is positioned above the stage 54b.

[0152] The second movable body 47a includes an LED board 573 on which a plurality of LEDs 572 are arranged on the front side, and a decorative cover 574 that substantially covers the front side of the LED board 573. The decorative cover 574 is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin and is decorated as desired. Light from the LEDs 572 of the LED board 573 is transmitted through the decorative cover 574 and illuminates the front side of it.

[0153] Of the multiple LEDs 572 on the LED substrate 573, multiple specific LEDs (predetermined light-emitting means) 572a are capable of irradiating light onto the inclined passage section (game ball passage) 571. That is, the multiple specific LEDs 572a are positioned behind or near the stage 54b when the second movable body 47a is in the origin position. None of these specific LEDs 572a are positioned on the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball rolling on the bottom wall 571a of the inclined passage section 571 when viewed from the front, but are positioned above or below it.

[0154] When an LED is positioned on the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball in a front view, when the game ball passes in front of the LED, most of the light emitted forward from the LED is reflected backward near the center of the game ball (Figure 33(a)), resulting in the problem that the inclined passage 571 becomes momentarily dark each time the game ball passes. In this respect, the specific LED 572a of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 31, is positioned above or below the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball in a front view, so that even when the game ball passes in front of it, the light emitted forward from the LED is reflected around the rear side of the game ball, or does not reflect off the game ball at all, and most of it is emitted forward (Figures 33(b), (c)), thus minimizing the decrease in brightness inside the inclined passage 571 due to the passage of the game ball.

[0155] Furthermore, the greater the vertical displacement of the specific LED 572a relative to the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball, the greater the proportion of light reflected forward from the game ball, thereby further suppressing the decrease in brightness within the inclined passage section 571 due to the passage of the game ball. Additionally, if the specific LED 572a is positioned above the upper end movement trajectory TMT of the game ball rolling along the bottom wall 571a of the inclined passage section 571 (Figure 33(d)) or below the upper surface of the bottom wall 571a (Figure 33(e)) in a front view, the amount of light reflected from the game ball can be minimized, thereby further suppressing the decrease in brightness within the inclined passage section 571 due to the passage of the game ball.

[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 31, the specific LEDs 572a are arranged such that the spacing D between them in the direction of the flow of the game balls is greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball, except for those whose position in a front view is outside the inclined passage section 571 (i.e., those that cannot be hidden behind the game balls). As a result, a single game ball does not straddle multiple specific LEDs 572a and be positioned in front of them, thus further suppressing the decrease in brightness within the inclined passage section 571 caused by the passage of game balls. Furthermore, the spacing D between the LEDs may be less than the diameter of the game ball, as long as a single game ball does not straddle multiple specific LEDs 572a. In other words, the game ball may straddle at least a portion of each of the multiple specific LEDs 572, but none of them should be hidden behind the game ball. Also, the further the specific LEDs 572a are from the back wall 571b of the inclined passage section 571, the less light will be reflected backward from the game ball. Therefore, as shown in Figure 32, it is desirable to position them at a sufficient distance behind the back wall 571b of the inclined passage section 571, for example, a distance greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball.

[0157] Next, we will explain the LEDs arranged on the third member 55, focusing on some of the main parts. First, we will explain the LED substrates 541 and 543 on the upper prize unit 55a. As shown in Figures 4, 34, and 35, the LED substrate 541 is arranged corresponding to the rear side of the first passage 61. The first passage (game ball passage) 61 guides the game balls in a generally downward direction and is formed of a transparent synthetic resin (light-transmitting member) with a passage width slightly wider than the diameter of the game balls. As shown in Figures 34 and 35, it is integrally provided with a pair of side walls 576a, 576a corresponding to the sides of the game balls and a back wall 576b corresponding to the rear side of the game balls.

[0158] Of the multiple LEDs 544 on the LED substrate 541, a plurality of specific LEDs (predetermined light-emitting means) 544a are capable of irradiating light onto the first passage 61. These plurality of specific LEDs 544a are not located in the central region CA (shaded area in Figure 34) where the distance from one side of the pair of side walls 576a, 576a and the distance from the other side are both greater than or equal to the radius r of the game ball, but are located in the outer region OA outside the central region CA. The "central region" is the area through which the center of the game ball can pass when viewed from the front, while the "outer region" is, conversely, the area through which the center of the game ball cannot pass when viewed from the front.

[0159] When LEDs are positioned in a game ball passage that is arranged roughly vertically, if the LEDs are positioned in the central region CA of the game ball passage, as a game ball passes in front of the LED, a large portion of the light emitted forward from the LED is reflected backward near the center of the game ball, as shown in Figures 36(a) to (c). This causes a problem in that the inside of the first passage 61 becomes momentarily dark each time a game ball passes through. In this respect, the specific LED 544a of the present invention is positioned in the outer region OA, which is inaccessible to the center of the game ball when viewed from the front. Therefore, even when a game ball passes in front of it, the light emitted forward from the LED is reflected at the peripheral area on the back side of the game ball, or does not reflect off the game ball at all, and a large portion of it is emitted forward (Figures 37(a) to (c)). This minimizes the decrease in brightness inside the first passage 61 caused by the passage of the game ball.

[0160] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which multiple specific LEDs 544a capable of irradiating light onto the first passage 61 are not placed in the central region CA but all are placed in the outer region OA. However, specific LEDs 544a may also be placed in the central region CA as well as the outer region OA. In that case, however, it is desirable to have more specific LEDs 544a placed in the outer region OA than in the central region CA.

[0161] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 34, the specific LEDs 544a are arranged such that their spacing D is greater than or equal to the diameter of a game ball, except for those whose position in a front view is outside the game ball passage such as the first passage 61 (i.e., those that cannot be hidden behind a game ball). This prevents a single game ball from straddling multiple specific LEDs 544a and being positioned in front of them, thus further suppressing the decrease in brightness within the first passage 61 caused by the passage of game balls. In addition, the further the specific LEDs 544a are from the back wall 576b of the first passage 61, the less light is reflected backward from the game balls. Therefore, it is desirable to position them at a sufficient distance behind the back wall 576b of the first passage 61, for example, a distance greater than or equal to the diameter of a game ball.

[0162] Furthermore, it is desirable that the specific LED 544a corresponding to the first passage 61 be illuminated during the right-hand shooting period, such as during the special game state or the jackpot state, that is, during the period when the game ball can or is highly likely to pass through the first passage 61.

[0163] As shown in Figures 4, 38, and 39, the LED substrate 543 is positioned along the side wall 577 of the first prize winning mechanism 34, facing outwards, with the LED 546 facing inwards (to the left) of the first prize winning mechanism 34. Since the side wall 577 of the first prize winning mechanism 34 is made of transparent synthetic resin (light-transmitting material), the light from the LED 546 of the LED substrate 543 passes through the side wall 577 and illuminates the inside of the first prize winning mechanism 34. At this time, the light from the LED 546 also illuminates the opening / closing member 72. Of course, it is also possible to place an LED capable of illuminating the first prize winning mechanism 34 on the rear side of the first prize winning mechanism 34, but in that case, the opening / closing member 72 may be obscured by the LED and difficult for the player to see. In this respect, illuminating the first prize winning mechanism 34 from the side, as in this embodiment, has the advantage that the opening / closing member 72 is also illuminated from the side, improving visibility for the player.

[0164] Furthermore, it is desirable to arrange the LEDs 546 such that the spacing D between them is greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball, except for those whose position in the direction directly facing the LED board 543 is away from the first major prize-winning means 34 (i.e., those that cannot be hidden on the opposite side of the first major prize-winning means 34 relative to the game ball). This prevents a single game ball from being positioned in the shadow of multiple LEDs 546, thus further suppressing the decrease in brightness inside the first major prize-winning means 34 caused by the passage of the game ball. Note that the further the LEDs 546 are from the side wall 577, the less light will be reflected outside the first major prize-winning means 34 when they hit the game ball. Therefore, they may be arranged at a sufficient distance from the side wall 577, for example, a distance greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball.

[0165] Furthermore, instead of arranging the LED board 543 equipped with the top-view (front-emitting) type LED 546 horizontally as in this embodiment, the LED board may be arranged facing forward, and a side-view (side-emitting) type LED may be mounted on its front side to illuminate the first jackpot means 34 from the side. In addition, it is desirable that the LED 546 corresponding to the first jackpot means 34 illuminates when the jackpot state is reached and the first jackpot means 34 is open.

[0166] Next, the LED boards 561 and 562 on the lower prize unit 55c will be described. As shown in Figures 4, 40, and 41, the LED board 561 is positioned with its LED arrangement surface facing forward, corresponding to the rear side of the fourth passage 101. The fourth passage (first game ball passage) 101 is made of transparent synthetic resin (light-transmitting material) and is formed in a downward sloping shape to the left along the upper side of the second large prize opening 111. It has a bottom wall 581a corresponding to the underside of the rolling game balls and a back wall 581b corresponding to the rear side, and the second large prize opening 111 is formed such that a part of the bottom wall 581a becomes the opening / closing member (opening / closing means) 112 when closed. That is, when the opening / closing member (opening / closing means) 112 is in the closed state, the opening / closing member 112 constitutes the bottom wall 581a of the fourth passage 101.

[0167] Of the multiple LEDs 563 on the LED substrate 561, multiple specific LEDs (predetermined light-emitting means) 563a are positioned behind or near the fourth passage 101, thereby enabling light to be irradiated onto the fourth passage 101. All of the specific LEDs 563a are not positioned on the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball rolling on the bottom wall 581a of the fourth passage 101 (including the opening / closing member 112 when closed) when viewed from the front, but are positioned above or below it.

[0168] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4, 40, and 41, the LED substrate 562 is positioned with its LED arrangement surface facing forward, corresponding to the rear side of the prize entry passage 115. The prize entry passage (second game ball passage) 115 is made of transparent synthetic resin (light-transmitting material) and is formed inside the second large prize opening 111, i.e., below the opening / closing member 112, in a sloping shape, for example, downward to the left, to guide the entered game balls toward the game ball detection means 114. It is equipped with a bottom wall 582a corresponding to the underside of the rolling game balls and a back wall 582b corresponding to the rear side, and the game ball detection means 114 is positioned corresponding to one end of the bottom wall 582a (in this case, the left end).

[0169] Of the multiple LEDs 564 on the LED substrate 562, multiple specific LEDs (predetermined light-emitting means) 564a are positioned behind or near the prize-winning passage 115, thereby enabling light to be irradiated onto the prize-winning passage 115. None of the specific LEDs 564a are positioned on the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball rolling on the bottom wall 582a of the prize-winning passage 115 when viewed from the front, but are positioned above or below it.

[0170] When an LED is positioned on the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball in a front view, when the game ball passes in front of the LED, most of the light emitted forward from the LED is reflected backward near the center of the game ball (see Figure 33(a)), resulting in the problem that the inside of the game ball passage becomes momentarily dark each time a game ball passes. In this respect, the specific LEDs 563a and 564a of the present invention, as shown in Figure 40, are positioned above or below the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball in a front view. Even when a game ball passes in front of it, the light emitted forward from the LED is reflected around the rear side of the game ball, or does not reflect off the game ball at all, and most of it is emitted forward (see Figures 33(b) and (c)), thus minimizing the decrease in brightness inside the fourth passage 101 and the prize passage 115 when a game ball passes.

[0171] As shown in Figure 41, a decorative plate 583 made of a light-transmitting material is placed in front of the fourth passage 101, the prize passage 115, etc., and some of the light from specific LEDs 563a and 564a is reflected by the game balls passing through the fourth passage 101 and the prize passage 115, or is shone onto the decorative plate 583 without being reflected by the game balls, so that the illumination of the decorative plate 583 can be made to appear more dynamic and a high level of visual effect can be achieved.

[0172] Furthermore, the greater the positional deviation of the specific LEDs 563a and 564a from the central movement trajectory CMT of the game ball, the greater the proportion of light reflected forward from the game ball, thereby further suppressing the decrease in brightness within the fourth passage 101 and the prize entry passage 115 due to the passage of the game ball. In addition, if the specific LED 563a is positioned above the upper end movement trajectory TMT of the game ball rolling on the bottom wall 581a of the fourth passage 101 (see Figure 33(d)) or below the bottom wall 581a (see Figure 33(e)) in a front view, the amount of light reflected from the game ball can be minimized, thereby further suppressing the decrease in brightness within the fourth passage 101 due to the passage of the game ball. Similarly, if the specific LED 564a is positioned above the upper end movement trajectory TMT of the game ball rolling on the bottom wall 582a of the prize passage 115 (see Figure 33(d)) or below the bottom wall 582a (see Figure 33(e)) in a front view, the amount of light reflected by the game ball can be minimized, thereby reducing the decrease in brightness inside the prize passage 115 caused by the passage of the game ball.

[0173] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 40, the specific LEDs 563a and 564a are arranged such that the spacing D between them in the direction of the flow of the game balls is greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball, except for those whose position in a front view is outside the fourth passage 101 and the prize passage 115 (i.e., those that cannot be hidden behind the game balls). This prevents a single game ball from straddling multiple specific LEDs 563a and 564a and being positioned in front of them, thereby further suppressing the decrease in brightness within the fourth passage 101 and the prize passage 115 due to the passage of game balls. In addition, the further the specific LEDs 563a and 564a are located behind the back walls 581b and 582b of the fourth passage 101 and the prize passage 115, the less light is reflected backward from the game balls. Therefore, it is desirable to position them at a sufficient distance behind the back walls 581b and 582b of the fourth passage 101 and the prize passage 115, for example, a distance greater than or equal to the diameter of the game balls.

[0174] Furthermore, it is desirable that the specific LED 563a corresponding to the fourth passage 101 be illuminated during the right-hand play period when the game ball can or is highly likely to pass through the fourth passage 101, that is, during the special play state or the jackpot state. By illuminating the specific LED 563a not only during the jackpot state when the second large prize entry means 35 is open, but also during other right-hand play periods, the player can be made aware that they are in the right-hand play state. Similarly, it is desirable that the specific LED 564a corresponding to the prize entry passage 115 be illuminated during the period when the game ball can pass through the prize entry passage 115, that is, during the jackpot state when the second large prize entry means 35 is open, but by illuminating it during any right-hand play period, not just during the jackpot state, the player can be made aware that they are in the right-hand play state. That's fine.

[0175] Furthermore, it is desirable that at least one of the specific LED 563a corresponding to the fourth passage 101 and the specific LED 564a corresponding to the prize-winning passage 115 be able to light up not only during gameplay such as when a jackpot is won, but also during the waiting state, for example, during a demo performance. This is because if the specific LEDs 563a and 564a are not allowed to light up except when a jackpot is won, the area near the second prize-winning means 35 will become dark during the waiting state, which may reduce the attractiveness to players.

[0176] Figures 42 and 43 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which an opening is provided in the cover means for a gear that does not have a detected part corresponding to a position detection switch. In this embodiment, the drive system of the second movable performance means 47 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second movable performance means 47 is positioned in front of the liquid crystal display means 50, corresponding to the lower left part of the liquid crystal display means 50, and as shown in Figures 42 and 43, it comprises a mechanism base body 585 that is attached and fixed to the back mounting base 49, a second movable body (movable body) 47a that is supported by the mechanism base body 585 in a state that it can move between the origin position and the performance position, a motor (drive means) 586 for driving the second movable body 47a, and a gear train (drive force transmission means) 587 for transmitting the driving force of the motor 586 to the second movable body 47a.

[0177] The gear train 587 is composed of multiple (six in this case) gears 588 to 593. The motor gear (first transmission unit) 588 is fixed to the drive shaft of the motor 586. The first intermediate gear (second transmission unit) 589 is a so-called two-stage gear, with the large-diameter gear portion 589a meshing with the motor gear 588 and the small-diameter gear portion 589b meshing with the second intermediate gear (second transmission unit) 590. The third intermediate gear (second transmission unit) 591 is also a so-called two-stage gear, with the large-diameter gear portion 591a meshing with the second intermediate gear 590 and the small-diameter gear portion 591b meshing with the fourth intermediate gear 592. The fourth intermediate gear (second transmission unit) 592 meshes with the drive gear 593 at the end of the gear train 587.

[0178] The drive gear (second transmission unit) 593 is connected to the second movable body 47a via a coupling mechanism (not shown), and a detection unit 594 is integrally provided protruding from its outer circumference in a predetermined range in the circumferential direction. A position detection switch 595 capable of detecting the detection unit 594 is located near the drive gear 593. The position detection switch 595, together with the detection unit 594, constitutes a position detection means, and the rotation of the drive gear 593, i.e., the driving of the motor 586, is controlled based on the rotational position information of the drive gear 593 obtained by this position detection switch 595.

[0179] The gear train 587 is housed in a gear train housing 596 provided on the rear side of the mechanism base body 585. The gear train housing 596 is substantially closed from the rear by a rear mounting base 49. In other words, the mechanism base body 585 and the rear mounting base 49 constitute a cover means to prevent external contact with the gear train 587.

[0180] However, these covering means are provided with openings in the form of an opening or other openings in the part corresponding to a part of the third relay gear (predetermined transmission part) 591, and it is possible to apply an external force to the third relay gear 591 from the outside of the gaming machine through these openings to make it operate. That is, the third relay gear 591 is covered from the rear by the rear mounting base 49, and the rear mounting base 49 is provided with an opening 597 on the rear side corresponding to a part of the third relay gear 591 (in this case, a part of the large diameter gear part 591a). The opening 597 is formed in the form of an opening that is, for example, too large for a game ball to pass through.

[0181] As shown in Figure 43, by inserting a flathead screwdriver or the like into the opening 597 from the rear of the rear mounting base 49 and engaging it with the large-diameter gear portion 591a of the third relay gear 591 and applying force in the rotational direction, it is possible to move the second movable body 47a, which is not in the origin position, to the origin position where the mechanical lock is engaged, or to move the second movable body 47a, which is in the origin position where the mechanical lock is engaged, from the origin position. Furthermore, by making the opening 597 too large for game balls to pass through, it is possible to prevent problems caused by game balls accidentally entering the gear train housing 596 during work.

[0182] Furthermore, since the opening 597 is provided for the third relay gear 591, which does not have a detectable part for the position detection switch, rather than for the drive gear 593 which has a detectable part 594 for the position detection switch 595, it is possible to prevent damage to the detectable part or the position detection switch when operating the third relay gear 591 by inserting a flathead screwdriver or the like through the opening 597.

[0183] Furthermore, the second movable performance means 47 may also be provided with an opening corresponding to a gear equipped with a detected part corresponding to a position detection switch, as shown in the first movable performance means 46 in the first embodiment, or the first movable performance means 46 in the first embodiment may also be provided with an opening corresponding to a gear that does not have a detected part for a position detection switch, as shown in the second movable performance means 47 in this embodiment.

[0184] Figures 44 and 45 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the second embodiment is partially modified to allow access to a predetermined gear from the front of the game board 15. In both the first movable performance means 46 described in the first embodiment and the second movable performance means 47 described in the second embodiment, an opening corresponding to the predetermined gear is provided on the rear mounting base 49 side of the game board 15, and access to the predetermined gear from the opening had to be done from the rear of the game board 15 by opening the front frame 4.

[0185] In contrast, in the second movable performance means 47 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 44 and 45, an opening 598 corresponding to the large-diameter gear portion 589a of the first relay gear (second transmission unit) 589 is formed on the upper side of the mechanism base body (cover means) 585 that covers the gear train 587. As a result, access to the first relay gear 589 from the outside is possible by opening the glass door 5 and going through the opening window 51 from the front side of the game board 15. Furthermore, a part of the large-diameter gear portion 589a of the first relay gear 589 is exposed to the outside through the opening 598, protruding outward (upward) from the mechanism base body 585. As a result, it is easy to rotate the first relay gear 589 by applying external force, and it is even possible to operate it directly by hand without using tools such as a flathead screwdriver. Furthermore, by allowing only a portion of the first relay gear 589 to protrude (be exposed) from the opening 598 and housing the rest within the cover mechanism, it is possible to minimize the risk of workers inadvertently touching the first relay gear 589 during assembly, and to prevent malfunctions caused by harnesses arranged outside the cover mechanism getting caught. This embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments except for the configuration of the opening in the second movable display mechanism 47.

[0186] By applying rotational force to the first relay gear 589 exposed through the opening 598 from the front of the game board 15, it is possible to move the second movable body 47a, which is not in the origin position, to the origin position where the mechanical lock is engaged, or to move the second movable body 47a, which is in the origin position where the mechanical lock is engaged, from the origin position. Furthermore, by forming the opening 598 to a size that prevents game balls from passing through, it is possible to prevent problems caused by game balls accidentally entering the gear train housing 596 during work.

[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second movable performance means 47 is configured such that when the second movable body 47a is in the origin position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 44), the exposed portion of the first relay gear 589 is hidden behind the second movable body 47a in a front view and is not visible from the front. This avoids a decrease in decorative appeal due to the exposed portion of the first relay gear 589 being visible from the front. In this embodiment, when the second movable body 47a moves to the performance position (shown by a solid line in Figure 44), the exposed portion of the first relay gear 589 becomes visible from the front in a front view. However, from the viewpoint of decorative appeal, it is desirable that even when the second movable body 47a moves to the performance position, the exposed portion of the first relay gear 589 is hidden behind the second movable body 47a in a front view and is not visible from the front.

[0188] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a portion of the drive gear (predetermined transmission unit) 312 of the first movable performance means 46 may be made to protrude (expose) to the outside of the cover means through an opening, or the exposed portion may be made accessible from the front of the game board 15. In the second embodiment, a portion of the third relay gear 591 of the second movable performance means 47 may also be made to protrude (expose) to the outside of the cover means through an opening.

[0189] Figure 46 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the position detection switch is not protected by the cover means, with some modifications from the first to third embodiments. In the first movable performance means 46 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 30, the position detection switch 324 was covered together with the drive gear 312 by a cover means such as a gear cover 320. However, in the first movable performance means 46 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 46, the position detection switch 324 is located outside the gear cover 320. Thus, when openings 601 and 602 corresponding to the drive gear 312, which has a detected part 322 corresponding to the position detection switch 324, are provided in the cover means that covers the drive gear 312, the position detection switch 324 may be located outside the cover means and not protected by the cover means.

[0190] Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments, an opening is provided in the cover means for gears that do not have a detected part corresponding to a position detection switch, and the position detection switch is also covered by the cover means. However, even in this case, the position detection switch may be placed outside the cover means and not protected by the cover means.

[0191] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, comparing the first movable performance means 46 with the upper prize winning unit 55a, the former has a larger movable part than the latter, and therefore the load on the sliding part is considered to be larger. For this reason, it is desirable to make the viscosity of the lubricant (first lubricant) used in the former part (first part) higher than the viscosity of the lubricant (second lubricant) used in the latter part (second part).

[0192] Furthermore, even when there are two movable means with different operating distances, the load on the sliding parts will differ for each, so it is desirable to make the viscosity of the lubricant (first lubricant) used for the component of the movable means with a longer operating distance (first component) higher than the viscosity of the lubricant (second lubricant) used for the component of the movable means with a shorter operating distance (second component). Similarly, even when there are two movable means with different operating speeds, the load on the sliding parts will differ for each, so it is desirable to make the viscosity of the lubricant (first lubricant) used for the component of the movable means with a faster operating speed (first component) higher than the viscosity of the lubricant (second lubricant) used for the component of the movable means with a slower operating speed (second component).

[0193] Furthermore, even when there are two movable means that use motors as driving sources, the load on the sliding parts will differ depending on the torque of the motors used, etc. Therefore, it is desirable to make the viscosity of the lubricant (first lubricant) used for the component of the movable means with the higher motor torque (first component) higher than the viscosity of the lubricant (second lubricant) used for the component of the movable means with the lower motor torque (second component). Similarly, even when there are two movable means that use solenoids as driving sources, the load on the sliding parts will differ depending on the attractive force of the solenoids used, etc. Therefore, it is desirable to make the viscosity of the lubricant (first lubricant) used for the component of the movable means with the higher attractive force of the solenoid (first component) higher than the viscosity of the lubricant (second lubricant) used for the component of the movable means with the lower attractive force of the solenoid (second component).

[0194] With regard to so-called shutter-type prize-winning means such as the second special symbol activation means 33 and the second major prize-winning means 35, lubricant is applied to the sliding parts of the opening / closing member (movable body) and the main body case (support) that supports it so that it can slide. However, in order to prevent the game ball from coming into contact with the coated area on the main body case side as much as possible, when the opening / closing member is retracted away from the game area 18 towards the main body case side (rear side) (second state; closed state in the case of the second special symbol activation means 33 (Figure 12(a)), open state in the case of the second major prize-winning means 35 (Figure 19(b))), the tip side of the opening / closing member (the end on the game area side) may be configured to protrude forward of the front end side of the main body case (i.e., beyond the coated area on the main body case side). Figure 47 is a side cross-sectional view of the second major prize-winning means 35, showing the open state with the opening / closing member 112 retracted to the rear. As shown in the figure, even when the opening / closing member 112 is in the open position, its tip protrudes forward of the front end X of the opening / closing base member 262 that constitutes the main case. As a result, the possibility of the game balls flowing down the fourth passage 101 coming into contact with the opening / closing base member 262 due to the tip of the opening / closing member 112 obstructing them is reduced, and therefore the problem of the lubricant applied to the coating area A25 of the side guide portion 283 adhering to the game balls can be effectively prevented.

[0195] In the embodiment, an example was shown in which a lubricant is applied to a sliding area, but even in sliding areas, it is possible not to apply lubricant or to designate it as a no-application area. For example, in a clamp fixing means for fixing fixed parts such as glass units or substrate cases, the clamp that holds the fixed part slides around an axis, allowing it to switch between a fixed state and a released state, but it is desirable to designate this sliding part as a no-application area. This is because if lubricant is applied to the sliding part of the clamp fixing means, the fixing strength will weaken, and it may easily switch to the released state, causing the fixed part to come off.

[0196] The coating area may be omitted from the portion facing the coating prohibition area, such as the ball contact area (for example, the upper surface of the opening / closing member 92 in Figure 13), i.e., the portion that may come into contact with the coating prohibition area (for example, the upper guide portion 226 in Figure 13).

[0197] In the embodiment, the application of lubricant to each component of the prize winning units 55a to 55c and the movable performance means 46 was explained. However, all of these components are located on the game board 15 and are not easily touched by players or even employees of the game hall. Therefore, the risk of lubricant spreading to areas where application is prohibited due to employees touching the applied area is low. On the other hand, for movable parts such as the glass unit and the attachment / detachment mechanism of the circuit board case, which can be easily touched by employees of the game hall and are expected to be operated by employees (attachment / detachment operations, etc.), it is desirable not to apply lubricant (designate these as areas where application is prohibited). This is because there is a possibility that lubricant may accidentally spread to areas where application is prohibited on other components during operation by employees, causing malfunctions.

[0198] In the embodiment, an example was shown in which an opening is provided in the cover means to apply external force to a predetermined transmission part from the outside for a movable performance means that is mechanically locked at the origin position. However, for movable performance means that are not mechanically locked at the origin position, it is possible to move the movable body directly by hand from or to the origin position, so it is preferable not to provide an opening in the cover means. Furthermore, even for movable performance means that are mechanically locked at the origin position, if the movable body does not move to the front of the image display means, the impact on the game is small even if the movable body stops at a position other than the origin position, so it is not necessary to provide an opening in the cover means.

[0199] When rotating gears or the like through an opening in the cover mechanism, it is preferable to use a tool such as a flathead screwdriver to rotate the gear rather than rotating it directly by hand. This is because attempting to rotate the gear by hand increases the likelihood of lubricant being removed from the gear or its surroundings, or spreading to areas where lubricant application is prohibited, compared to using a tool. Therefore, it is desirable to position the opening in the cover mechanism so that it corresponds to the side of the gear teeth, making it easier to rotate the gear using a tool such as a flathead screwdriver.

[0200] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which no openings were provided for the intermediate gears 326 and 327 (Figure 23), which are coated with lubricant by so-called dipping, and openings 601 and 602 were provided for the drive gear 312 (Figures 23 and 24), which does not have a lubricant application area. However, it is desirable that the gears targeted by the openings (predetermined transmission parts) do not have a lubricant application area. Furthermore, even when a lubricant application area is provided for the gears targeted by the openings (predetermined transmission parts), it is desirable that at least the portion corresponding to the opening (for example, the gear portion 321 of the drive gear 312) not be included in the application area. Accordingly, it is desirable that the third intermediate gear 591 in the second embodiment and the first intermediate gear 589 in the third embodiment do not have a lubricant application area, and at least the large-diameter gear portion 591a in the second embodiment and the large-diameter gear portion 589a in the third embodiment not be included in the application area.

[0201] When an opening is provided in a part of a cover means to correspond to a predetermined transmission part that constitutes part of the driving force transmission means, it is desirable that the predetermined transmission part be a gear other than the motor gear (first transmission part) mounted on the drive shaft of the motor (driving means) (second transmission part), as shown in the embodiment. Since the motor gear mounted on the drive shaft of the motor is often small in diameter, attempting to rotate that gear directly would require applying a very large external force, which would not only be inefficient but also risk damaging the motor gear. Furthermore, since the motor needs to be firmly fixed, it is often difficult to provide space around the motor to create an opening, and even if an opening is provided, there may not be enough space to apply external force to the motor gear, which would worsen workability. Of course, if these problems can be resolved, an opening may be provided to correspond to the motor gear (first transmission part) mounted on the drive shaft of the motor (driving means).

[0202] In the embodiment, a gear train was exemplified as the driving force transmission means, a gear as a predetermined transmission part corresponding to the opening in the cover means, and a motor as the driving means. However, the embodiment is not limited to these examples. For example, an electromagnetic solenoid may be used as the driving means, a link mechanism as the driving force transmission means, and links or the like that constituting the link mechanism may be used as predetermined transmission parts, with an opening corresponding to a part of the link mechanism provided in a part of the cover means that covers the link mechanism.

[0203] When LEDs capable of illuminating the game ball passage are used as in the embodiment, the switching of the lighting mode of each LED (including not only switching between off and on, but also switching (changing) the light color, switching (changing) the brightness, etc.) may be performed sequentially in the direction of the game ball's flow. For example, if LEDs 1 to 5 are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the game ball passage, the lighting mode of each LED may be switched with a time delay in the direction of the game ball's flow, such as LED1 on → LED2 on → ... → LED5 on, or LED1 blue / red switching → LED2 blue / red switching → ... → LED5 blue / red switching. This allows for a flowing light effect that expresses the dynamism caused by the movement of the game ball, and a high level of visual effect can be expected.

[0204] In this case, it is desirable to make the switching speed of the lighting patterns of each LED different from the average speed at which the game balls move through the game ball passage. This prevents the movement of the game balls from being synchronized with the switching of the lighting patterns of the LEDs behind them, thus preventing the passage from remaining dark for extended periods due to the game balls passing through. The switching speed of the lighting patterns of each LED can be faster or slower than the speed of the game balls, but making it faster than the speed of the game balls allows for a more dynamic visual effect.

[0205] Furthermore, when LEDs capable of illuminating the game ball passage are arranged as in the embodiment, it is desirable not to place LEDs behind the out-ball passage through which the out-balls pass (for example, the out-ball passage from the first branch passage 64 to the out-out opening 37a in Figure 4, or the out-ball passage on the side of the second branch 102 to the out-out opening 37b). This is because illuminating such out-ball passages would make it easier for players to see the game balls flowing down towards the out-out opening, potentially diminishing their desire to play.

[0206] In the embodiment, it was explained that not only LEDs located in the rear region in the direction of light irradiation relative to the game ball passage, but also LEDs located outside the rear region may be included in the "light-emitting means capable of irradiating light onto the game ball passage." However, only LEDs located in the rear region in the direction of light irradiation relative to the game ball passage may be considered as "light-emitting means capable of irradiating light onto the game ball passage."

[0207] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented in various pinball games such as arrangement ball machines and mahjong ball games, as well as in games other than pinball games such as slot machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0208] 34. First major prize-winning method (game ball passage) 46 1st movable performance means 46a 1st movable body 47 Second movable performance means 47a 2nd movable body 49 Rear mounting base (covering mechanism) 54b Stage (Game Ball Path) 61. First aisle (game ball aisle) 101 Fourth aisle (game ball aisle) 115 Prize-winning passage (game ball passage) 304 Motor (driving means) 305 Gear train (means of power transmission) 306 Drive base section (covering means) 312 Drive gear (predetermined transmission unit, second transmission unit) 320 Gear cover (covering mechanism) 322 Detected Unit 324 Position detection switch 325 Motor Gear (First Transmission Section) 544a Specific LED (predetermined light-emitting means) 546 LED (light-emitting means) 563a Specific LED (predetermined light-emitting means) 564a Specific LED (predetermined light-emitting means) 571 Inclined passageway (game ball passageway) 571a Bottom wall 571b Back wall 572a Specific LED (predetermined light-emitting means) 576a side wall 576b Back wall 581a Bottom wall 581b Back wall 582a Bottom wall 582b Back wall 587 Gear train (means of power transmission) 588 Motor Gear (First Transmission Section) 591 Third relay gear (designated transmission unit, second transmission unit) 594 Detected part 595 Position detection switch 597 Opening 598 Opening 601 Opening 602 Opening

Claims

[Claim 1] A movable body supported in a state that allows it to move between the origin position and the performance position, A driving means for driving the movable body, The movable performance means includes a driving force transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the driving means to the movable body, A cover is provided to prevent external contact with the aforementioned drive force transmission means. In gaming machines, In accordance with a predetermined transmission unit that constitutes a part of the driving force transmission means, an opening is provided in a part of the cover means that allows external contact to the predetermined transmission unit. The movable body can be moved by applying an external force to the predetermined transmission part from the outside of the cover means through the opening. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images