Gaming Machines

Abstract

To improve efficiency in manufacture and development of a game machine while reducing environmental load.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a ROM cassette 40 capable of transition between a first state and a second state; and a performance board case 100 to which the ROM cassette 40 can be fitted, where the ROM cassette 40 can be fitted to the performance board case 100 when the ROM cassette 40 is in a first state, the ROM cassette 40 cannot be locked to the performance board case 100 when the ROM cassette remains in the first state after the ROM cassette 40 is fitted to the performance board case 100, and the ROM cassette 40 can be locked to the performance board case 100 when the ROM cassette 40 transitions to the second state from the first state after the ROM cassette 40 is fitted to the performance board case 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a board case that houses a control board. [Background technology]

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, various effects are implemented using image display devices with liquid crystal screens, audio output devices (speakers), motorized gimmicks, etc., in order to increase the interest of players. For example, a presentation pattern is determined based on the result of a lottery for a symbol held when a gaming ball enters a starting hole, and a presentation image is displayed on an image display device according to this presentation pattern (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP2015-062748A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Gaming machines are equipped with a ROM as a storage medium on their performance boards, and various performances are executed using the programs and data stored in this ROM. Recently, however, there has been a growing momentum to rewrite and reuse the programs and data on the ROM in order to reduce the environmental impact and improve the efficiency of the manufacturing and development of gaming machines. However, the process required to reuse the ROM mounted on the performance board is not necessarily easy. To carry out this work, the worker must first unseal the board case that houses the production board, remove the ROM from the board, rewrite the data on the ROM using special equipment, and then reinstall the ROM on the board. During this type of work, there is a risk that problems such as damage to the connector pins on the ROM may occur. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to make it easier to attach and detach the ROM connected to the performance board and to enable efficient rewriting of data, thereby reducing the environmental impact and streamlining the manufacturing and development of gaming machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a mounting member and a board case to which the mounting member can be attached, the board case including a first member and a second member, the board case having a closed state in which the first member and the second member are closed, and an open state in which the closure between the first member and the second member is released, and a board is accommodated inside the board case in the closed state, A first detachable part is detachable from the board, and a second detachable part is detachable from the board case; When the mounting member is not attached to the board case, the board case in the closed state is Second When the mounting member is attached to the board case, the mounting member is adapted to remove the removable part from the board case in the closed state. Second The removable parts are not removable, A cover member for covering the mounting member is provided. , the gaming machine is characterized. Effect of the Invention

[0006] As configured as described above, the present invention can improve the efficiency of manufacturing and developing gaming machines while reducing the environmental impact. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is an oblique view showing an example of the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of a game control device provided in the gaming machine of this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the state in which each unit is assembled to the base frame. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram illustrating the performance control board stored in the performance board case. FIG. [Figure 7] A diagram explaining the image control board stored in the performance board case. [Figure 8] A schematic front view illustrating the performance board case. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the performance board case. FIG. [Figure 10] This is an exploded oblique view of the performance board case. [Figure 11] This is an exploded oblique view of the performance board case. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram illustrating the components attached to the performance board case. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows a ROM board equipped with an integrated data ROM. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ROM cassette. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first state of the ROM cassette. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second state of the ROM cassette. [Figure 19] A diagram explaining the procedure for attaching a ROM cassette to a performance board case. [Figure 20] A diagram explaining the procedure for attaching a ROM cassette to a performance board case. [Figure 21] This is a diagram explaining the fastening sealing portion that seals the performance board case which combines the board cover and the board base. [Figure 22] This is a diagram explaining the fastening locking portion that locks the ROM cassette into the performance board case that combines the board cover and the board base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. <Basic configuration of gaming machine> FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to this embodiment, FIG. 2 is an oblique view showing an example of the back side of the gaming machine according to this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gaming control device provided in the gaming machine according to this embodiment.

[0009] In the gaming machine 1 shown in Figure 1, an inner frame (opening / closing frame) 3 is attached so as to be openable and closable to an outer frame 2 which is attached to the island structure of a gaming hall, and a glass frame 4 is attached so as to be openable and closable to this inner frame 3. A window 4a is formed in the glass frame 4, and a transparent plate (glass plate) 4b is attached to the window 4a. A game board 10 having a board surface from which game balls are shot out is attached to the inner frame 3, and a game area 10a in which game balls can roll and flow down is formed between the board surface of the game board 10 and the transparent plate in front of it. The transparent plate 4b is, for example, a glass plate, and is fixed to the glass frame 4 in a detachable manner.

[0010] The glass frame 4 is connected to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism 5 at one end in the left-right direction (for example, the left side when facing the gaming machine), and can be rotated in a direction to open the other end in the left-right direction (for example, the right side when facing the gaming machine) from the outer frame 2 with the hinge mechanism 5 as a fulcrum. The glass frame 4 covers the gaming board 10 together with a transparent plate, and can open the inner part of the outer frame 2 including the gaming board 10 by rotating like a door with the hinge mechanism 5 as a fulcrum. A lock mechanism is provided at the other end of the glass frame 4 to fix the other end of the glass frame 4 to the outer frame 2. The fixation by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 4 is also provided with an open detection switch 252 that detects whether the glass frame 4 is released from the outer frame 2 or not.

[0011] A tray unit 7 having storage trays 6 (upper tray 6a and lower tray 6b) for storing game balls is provided at the bottom of the glass frame 4 (the lower part of the window 4a). The tray unit 7 is equipped with a performance button 8 (Figure 1) that the player can press, a cross key 600 with which the player can perform various selection operations, and an ejection button 9 for ejecting the game balls stored in the lower tray 6b outside the gaming machine. The effect button 8 is only enabled when, for example, a message to operate the effect button 8 is displayed on the image display device 31 described later. The effect button 8 is provided with an effect button detection switch 8a (see FIG. 3), and when this effect button detection switch 8a detects an operation by the player, a further effect is executed in response to this operation. Furthermore, the cross key 600 is provided with cross key detection switches (up key detection switch, down key detection switch, left key detection switch, and right key detection switch).

[0012] An operating handle 11 is provided on the lower right side of the glass frame 4. When a player touches the operating handle 11, a touch sensor 11a (see FIG. 3) in the operating handle 11 detects that the player has touched the operating handle 11 and transmits a touch signal to the launch control board 75. When the launch control board 75 receives the touch signal from the touch sensor 11a, it allows the launch solenoid 12a to be energized. Then, the knob of the launch volume 11b rotates by changing the rotation angle of the operating handle 11. A voltage corresponding to the detected angle of the launch volume 11b is applied to the launch solenoid 12a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. Then, when a voltage is applied to the launch solenoid 12a, the launch solenoid 12a operates according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is launched into the game area 10a of the game board 10 with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating handle 11.

[0013] An outer rail R1 and an inner rail R2 are provided around the play area 10a of the play board 10. These outer rail R1 and inner rail R2 guide the play ball launched from the play ball launching mechanism to the upper part of the play area 10a when the operating handle 11 is operated. The play ball guided to the upper part of the play area 10a falls within the play area 10a. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably due to multiple nails and windmills provided in the play area 10a. A center member 12 is disposed approximately in the center of the game board 10. The center member 12 is provided with an image display device 31 such as a liquid crystal display device, and a performance prop device 32 shaped like a sword.

[0014] In addition, a first starting hole 13 through which a game ball can enter is provided in the game area 10a at the center lower side of the center member 12. A second starting hole 14 is provided below the first starting hole 13. The second starting hole 14 has an opening and closing door 14b, and is controlled to move between a first state in which the opening and closing door 14b is kept closed and a second state in which the opening and closing door 14b is open. Therefore, when the second starting hole 14 is in the first state, there is no chance of a game ball entering, and when it is in the second state, there is an increased chance of a game ball entering. In this embodiment, when the second starting hole 14 is controlled to the first mode, the game ball is prevented from entering the second starting hole 14. However, if there are fewer opportunities for the game ball to enter when the first mode is controlled than when the second mode is controlled, the game ball may enter the second starting hole 14 when the first mode is controlled. In other words, the first mode includes a state in which it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 14.

[0015] The first start hole 13 and the second start hole 14 are provided with a first start hole detection switch 13a (see FIG. 3) and a second start hole detection switch 14a, respectively, which detect the entrance of a game ball, and when these detection switches detect the entrance of a game ball, a lottery for the right to play a jackpot game, which will be described later (hereinafter, referred to as a "jackpot lottery") is held. Also, when the first start hole detection switch 13a and the second start hole detection switch 14a detect the entrance of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the first start hole 13 and the second start hole 14, for example, three gaming balls are paid out, but it is not necessary to pay out the gaming balls when they enter. Also, the number of payouts may be different for each start hole, for example, three for the first start hole 13 and one for the second start hole 14.

[0016] Gates 15 through which game balls can pass are provided in the game areas 10a on both sides of the center member 12. The gates 15 are provided with gate detection switches 15a (see FIG. 3) that detect the passage of game balls, and when the gate detection switches 15a detect the passage of game balls, a lottery for normal symbols, which will be described later, is held. Furthermore, a first large prize opening 16 and a second large prize opening 17 into which game balls can enter are provided in the game area 10a on the right side of the center member 12. For this reason, the game balls are configured not to enter the first large prize opening 16 and the second large prize opening 17 unless the game balls are shot out with great force by rotating the operating handle 11 greatly.

[0017] The first large prize opening 16 is normally kept closed by the opening / closing door 16b, making it impossible for game balls to enter. In contrast, when a big win game, which will be described later, starts, the opening / closing door 16b opens and functions as a tray that guides game balls into the first large prize opening 16, making it possible for the game balls to enter the first large prize opening 16. The first large prize opening 16 is provided with a first large prize opening detection switch 16a, and when the first large prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a preset number of prize balls (for example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

[0018] The second large prize opening 17 is normally kept in a closed state by the movable piece 17b, making it impossible for game balls to enter. In contrast, when a big win game, which will be described later, starts, the movable piece 17b is actuated and opened, and this movable piece 17b functions as a guide path that guides the game ball into the second large prize opening 17, making it possible for the game ball to enter the second large prize opening 17. The second large prize opening 17 is provided with a second large prize opening detection switch 17a, and when this second large prize opening detection switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a preset prize ball (for example, 15 game balls) is paid out. Furthermore, the game area 10a is provided with a plurality of general winning holes 18. When a game ball enters each of these general winning holes 18, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 10 game balls) are paid out.

[0019] At the bottom of the game area 10a, there is an outlet 19 for discharging game balls that do not enter any of the general winning opening 18, the first starting opening 13, the second starting opening 14, the first large winning opening 16, and the second large winning opening 17. The image display device 31 displays images during standby when no game is being played, and displays images according to the progress of the game. In particular, when a game ball enters the first start hole 13 or the second start hole 14, a performance pattern 35 that notifies the player of the lottery result is displayed in a variable manner. The performance pattern 35 is, for example, a scrolling display of three patterns (numbers), namely a first pattern (left pattern), a second pattern (right pattern), and a third pattern (center pattern), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the scrolling is stopped and specific patterns (numbers) are displayed in an array.

[0020] This gives the player the impression that a lottery is currently being drawn while the symbols are scrolling, and the player is notified of the lottery results by the symbols displayed when the scrolling stops. By displaying various images and characters during the varying display of the performance symbols 35, the player is given a high sense of expectation that he or she may win a jackpot. Although not shown, a fourth symbol is displayed on the image display device 31 in addition to the effect symbol 35. The fourth symbol is a symbol that indicates a change state of the effect symbol 35 used to notify the lottery result by the big win lottery process. Incidentally, the fourth symbol does not necessarily have to be displayed on the image display device 31, and may be displayed by a separate fourth symbol display lamp.

[0021] A pair of performance lighting devices 33, one on each side, are installed on the upper part of the glass frame 4. Each performance lighting device 33 is equipped with multiple lights, and various performances can be created by changing the irradiation direction and emission color of each light. Each of the performance lighting devices 33 is equipped with a plurality of lights, and various performances can be performed by changing the direction of light irradiation and the color of light emitted by each light. Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 34 (see FIG. 3) consisting of a speaker, which, in addition to the above-mentioned performance devices, outputs BGM (background music), SE (sound effects), etc., so as to provide sound-based performance.

[0022] At the lower left side of the game area 10a, there are provided display areas including a first special pattern display device 20, a second special pattern display device 21, a normal pattern display device 22, a first special pattern reserved display device 23, a second special pattern reserved display device 24, a normal pattern reserved display device 25, and a round number display device 26, which will be described later. The first special symbol display device 20 notifies the player of the result of the lottery for the big win, which is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 13, and is composed of multiple LEDs. In other words, multiple special symbols corresponding to the lottery results for the big win are provided, and the lottery results are notified to the player by displaying special symbols (lighting patterns) corresponding to the lottery results for the big win on the first special symbol display device 20. The special symbols displayed in this way are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a variable manner (blinking) for a predetermined period of time and then displayed stationary. More specifically, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 13, a lottery for a big win is held, but the result of this lottery is not immediately notified to the player, but is notified to the player after a predetermined time has passed. Then, after the predetermined time has passed, a special symbol corresponding to the lottery result for the big win is stopped and displayed, so that the lottery result is notified to the player.

[0023] The second special pattern display device 21 is intended to notify the result of the jackpot lottery that is triggered when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 14, and its display mode is the same as the display mode of the special pattern in the first special pattern display device 20. The normal symbol display device 22 is for notifying the result of a lottery for normal symbols, which is conducted when the game ball passes through the gate 15. As will be described in detail later, when a predetermined winning is won in the lottery for this normal symbol, the normal symbol display device 22 lights up, and then the second starting hole 14 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. Note that the lottery result for this normal symbol is not immediately notified when the game ball passes through the gate 15, but the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner, such as by flashing the normal symbol display device 22, until the predetermined time has passed. Furthermore, when a game ball enters the first start hole 13 or the second start hole 14 and a lottery for a jackpot cannot be held immediately, such as during the variable display of special symbols or during a special game described below, the right to a lottery for a jackpot is reserved under certain conditions. More specifically, the right to a lottery for a jackpot reserved when a game ball enters the first start hole 13 is reserved as a first reservation, and the right to a lottery for a jackpot reserved when a game ball enters the second start hole 14 is reserved as a second reservation.

[0024] The upper limit of the number of reserved balls for each of these two reserves is set to four, and the number of reserved balls is displayed on the first special symbol reserved indicator 23 and the second special symbol reserved indicator 24, respectively. The maximum number of reserved ordinary symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the ordinary symbol reserved indicator 25 in the same manner as the first special symbol reserved indicator 23 and the second special symbol reserved indicator 24. The round number display 26 is for notifying the number of rounds of a round game performed during a special game, which will be described later.

[0025] 3, the rear surface of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a main control board 50, a performance control board 55, a payout control board 60, a lamp control board 65, an image control board 70, a launch control board 75, a power supply board 76, and a game information output terminal board 27. In addition, the power supply board 76 is provided with a power plug 77 for supplying power to the gaming machine, and a power switch (not shown). The image control board 70 is provided with a volume changeover switch 36 for changing the volume of the sound output from the sound output device 34 .

[0026] A game control device that controls the progress of a game in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3, a main control board 50 controls the basic operations of a game. This main control board 50 is equipped with at least a one-chip microcomputer consisting of a main CPU 50a, a main ROM 50b, and a main RAM 50c, and input and output ports for main control (not shown). The main CPU 50a reads out the programs stored in the main ROM 50b and performs arithmetic processing based on the input signals from each detection switch, and also directly controls each device and display, or transmits commands to other boards according to the results of the arithmetic processing. The main RAM 50c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 50a.

[0027] The input side of the main control board 50 is connected to the first start hole detection switch 13a, the second start hole detection switch 14a, the gate detection switch 15a, the first large prize hole detection switch 16a, the second large prize hole detection switch 17a, and the general prize hole detection switch 18a, so that the detection signal of the game ball is input to the main control board 50. In addition, connected to the output side of the main control board 50 are a start opening / closing solenoid 14c which opens and closes the opening / closing door 14b of the second start opening 14, a first large prize opening opening / closing solenoid 16c which opens and closes the opening / closing door 16b of the first large prize opening 16, and a second large prize opening opening / closing solenoid 17c which opens and closes the movable piece 17b of the second large prize opening 17. Furthermore, the output side of the main control board 50 is connected to the first special pattern display device 20, the second special pattern display device 21, the normal pattern display device 22, the first special pattern reserved indicator 23, the second special pattern reserved indicator 24, the normal pattern reserved indicator 25, and the round count indicator 26, and various signals are output via the output ports. In addition, the main control board 50 outputs to the game information output terminal board 27 external information signals required for managing the gaming machines in the hall computer of the gaming establishment or the like.

[0028] The main ROM 50b of the main control board 50 stores a game control program (to be described later) and data and tables necessary for various games. Furthermore, the main RAM 50c of the main control board 50 has a plurality of storage areas. For example, the main RAM 50c includes a normal symbol reserved number (G) memory area, a normal symbol reserved memory area, a first special symbol reserved number (U1) memory area, a second special symbol reserved number (U2) memory area, a judgment memory area, a first special symbol memory area, a second special symbol memory area, a high probability game count (X) memory area, a time-saving game count (J) memory area, a round game count (R) memory area, an opening count (K) memory area, a first large prize entry ball count (C1) memory area, a second large prize entry ball count (C2) memory area, a game status memory area, a game status buffer, a stop symbol data memory area, a performance transmission data storage area, etc. The game status memory area includes a time-saving game flag memory area, a high probability game flag memory area, a special symbol special telephone processing data memory area, and a normal symbol normal telephone processing data memory area. Note that the above-mentioned memory areas are merely examples, and many other memory areas are provided.

[0029] The game information output terminal board 27 is a board for outputting external information signals generated in the main control board 50 to a hall computer or the like of an amusement facility. The game information output terminal board 27 is connected to the main control board 50 by wiring, and is provided with a connector for connecting to a hall computer or the like of an amusement facility. The power supply board 76 converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power plug 77 into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each control board. The power supply board 76 also has a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor, which monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine and outputs a power interruption detection signal to the main control board 50 when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 50a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 50a becomes inoperative. The backup power supply is not limited to a capacitor, and may be, for example, a battery, or a combination of a capacitor and a battery.

[0030] The performance control board 55 mainly controls each performance during play, standby, etc. This performance control board 55 is equipped with a sub-CPU 55a, a sub-ROM 55b, and a sub-RAM 55c, and is connected to the main control board 50 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 50 to the performance control board 55. The sub-CPU 55a reads out a program stored in the sub-ROM 55b and performs arithmetic processing based on a command transmitted from the main control board 50 or an input signal from the performance button detection switch 8a input via the lamp control board 65, and transmits corresponding data to the lamp control board 65 or the image control board 70 based on the processing. The sub-RAM 55c functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing by the sub-CPU 55a.

[0031] The sub-ROM 55b of the performance control board 55 stores programs for performance control, data required for various games, and tables. For example, a variable presentation pattern determination table (not shown) for determining a presentation pattern based on a variable pattern designation command received from the main control board 50, a presentation symbol pattern determination table (not shown) for determining a combination of presentation symbols 35 to be stopped and displayed, and the like are stored in the sub-ROM 55b. Note that the above-mentioned tables are merely examples of characteristic tables among the tables in this embodiment, and many other tables and programs (not shown) are provided in the course of the game.

[0032] The sub-RAM 55c of the performance control board 55 has multiple memory areas. The sub-RAM 55c is provided with a command receiving buffer, a game status storage area, a performance mode storage area, a performance pattern storage area, a performance symbol storage area, a judgment storage area (0th storage area), a first reserved storage area, a second reserved storage area, etc. The above-mentioned storage areas are merely examples, and many other storage areas are provided. In addition, the performance control board 55 is equipped with an RTC (real-time clock) 55d that outputs the current time. The sub-CPU 55a inputs a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 55d, and executes various processes based on the current date and time. The RTC 55d normally operates on power from the gaming machine when power is supplied to the gaming machine, and operates on power supplied from a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 76 when the gaming machine is turned off. Therefore, the RTC 55d can measure the current date and time even when the gaming machine is turned off. The RTC 55d may be operated on a battery provided on the performance control board 55.

[0033] The payout control board 60 controls the launch of game balls and the payout of prize balls. The payout control board 60 is equipped with a payout CPU 60a, a payout ROM 60b, and a payout RAM 60c, and is connected to the main control board 50 so as to be able to communicate in both directions. The payout CPU 60a reads out a program stored in the payout ROM 60b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from a payout ball counting switch 251 and an opening detection switch 252, which detect whether game balls have been paid out or not, and transmits corresponding data to the main control board 50 based on the processing.

[0034] Also, the output side of the payout control board 60 is connected to a payout motor 250 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from a game ball storage section to a player. The payout CPU 60a reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 60b and performs arithmetic processing based on a payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 50, and controls the payout motor 250 of the prize ball payout device to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls to a player. At this time, the payout RAM 60c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the payout CPU 60a. It also checks whether a game ball lending device (card unit) not shown is connected to the payout control board 60, and if the game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, it transmits launch control data to the launch control board 75 to allow the game balls to be launched. In addition, a tray full detection switch 51 and a ball jam detection switch 52 are connected to the dispensing control board 60.

[0035] The launch control board 75 permits launch when it receives launch control data from the payout control board 60. Then, it reads out the touch signal from the touch sensor 11a and the input signal from the launch volume 11b, controls the energization of the launch solenoid 12a and the ball feed solenoid 12b, and launches the game ball. The firing solenoid 12a is a rotary solenoid. A firing member (not shown) is directly connected to the firing solenoid 12a, and the firing solenoid 12a rotates to rotate the firing member. Here, the rotation speed of the launch solenoid 12a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output cycle of the crystal oscillator provided on the launch control board 75. As a result, the number of launched game balls per minute is about 99.9 (balls / minute), since one ball is launched each time the launch solenoid rotates once. In other words, a game ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds. The ball-sending solenoid 12b is composed of a linear solenoid, and sends out the game balls on the upper tray 6a (see FIG. 1) one by one toward a striking member directly connected to the launch solenoid 12a.

[0036] The lamp control board 65 is connected to the performance control board 55 so as to be able to communicate in both directions, and its input side is connected to the performance button detection switch 8a provided on the performance button 8. When a detection signal is input from the performance button detection switch 8a, it is output to the performance control board 55. The lamp control board 65 is also connected to the performance accessory device 32 and the performance lighting device 33 provided on the game board 10, and the lamp control board 65 controls the lighting of the performance lighting device 33 and controls the drive of a motor for changing the direction of light irradiation based on data transmitted from the performance control board 55. The lamp control board 65 also controls the supply of electricity to a drive source such as a solenoid or motor that operates the performance accessory device 32. In this embodiment, the performance button 8 is configured to protrude, so the performance accessory device 32 includes the performance button 8. The image control board 70 is connected to the performance control board 55 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and the image display device 31 and the audio output device 34 are connected to its output side.

[0037] Next, the performance button 8 is incorporated in the center part of the plate unit 7. The effect button 8 is configured to be movable between a normal operation position (not shown), a depressed position retracted below the normal operation position, and a protruding operation position protruding above the normal operation position. The effect button 8 is also configured to be capable of being depressed from any position including the normal operation position and the protruding operation position to the depressed position. In addition, in this specification, the detailed structure of the effect button 8 is disclosed in, for example, JP 2013-116168 A, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] <Configuration of the back of the game board> Next, the configuration of the back side of the game board will be described. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a state in which each unit is assembled to the base frame, and FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of FIG. 2, 4, 5, etc., a base frame (liquid crystal base frame) 130 having an opening penetrating in the front-rear direction is attached to the rear (rear surface) of the game board 10, and an image display unit (image display device 31, and image display cover 165) 160 is attached to the rear (rear side) of the base frame so as to cover the opening. A lamp relay board 166 is attached to the rear (rear surface) of the image display cover (liquid crystal cover) 165, and a board protection case (board case) 200 accommodating a main control board is attached to the lower rear part of the image display cover 165 below the lamp relay board 166.

[0039] The base frame (liquid crystal base) 130 is a substantially rectangular ring-shaped body having openings penetrating in the front, rear and side directions, and its ring-shaped front surface 131 is attached and fixed to the rear surface of the game board 10. There is space on the rear surface of the base frame for arranging various circuit boards and components. On the back side of the image display unit (liquid crystal unit) 160 fixed to the back side of the base frame 130, there are arranged a performance control board 55 and an image control board 70 which constitute a performance control board stored in the performance board case 100. The image display unit 160 is configured so that it can be freely slidably attached to the side (left and right direction), up and down direction, or diagonally from the base frame in a gap (storage space) for storing the image display unit provided on the front side of the performance control board. The various circuit boards arranged on the rear surface of the base frame are covered with a cover member 170 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0040] The gaming machine of this embodiment is characterized by a performance control board case that houses a performance control board 55 and an image control board 70 that constitute a performance control board. The performance control board 55 and the image control board 70 are housed in a performance board case 100 in an integrated state by being connected via a connector. In the present embodiment described below, the side of the gaming machine 1 facing the player is referred to as the front side, and the rear side not facing the player is referred to as the rear side.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the performance control board stored in the performance board case of this embodiment, where (a) is a diagram of the performance control board seen from the rear, and (b) is a diagram of the performance control board seen from the front. As shown in Figure 6, the performance control board 55 is equipped with, on its rear surface, a battery holder 80 in which a button battery for operating, for example, the RTC 55d can be attached, a connector 81 which connects to a connector provided on the ROM cassette 40 described later, an equal number of connectors 82 (second connectors) which are connected to the two connectors 72 (Figure 7) on the image control board 70, a connector 83 (third connector) to which a harness for the main control board 50 is connected, a one-chip microcomputer (IC chip) 84, a segmented LCD 85 which displays errors, and other electronic components such as capacitors, ICs, etc. The one-chip microcomputer (IC chip) 84 is an integrated (integrated) sub-CPU 55a, sub-ROM 55b, and sub-RAM 55c described with reference to FIG.

[0042] The segment LCD 85 can be configured by one 7-segment LCD or 7-segment LED. The 7-segment LCD is a liquid crystal display device that is configured by seven segments that can be individually turned on / off to represent one character of a number. A 7-segment LED is an LED display device consisting of seven segments that can be turned on and off individually to represent one digit. The segmented liquid crystal 85 may further include a segment for displaying dots in addition to the seven segments for displaying numbers.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the image control board stored in the performance board case of this embodiment, where (a) is a diagram of the image control board seen from the front, and (b) is a diagram of the image control board seen from the rear. As shown in FIG. 7, the image control board 70 has a host CPU 71 on its front surface, and has an equal number of connectors 72 on its back surface which are connected to two connectors 82 of the performance control board 55, and a VDP 73. In this embodiment, the program used for the performance control by the performance control board 55 and the image data displayed by the image control board 70 are stored in an integrated data ROM 92 contained in the removable ROM cassette 40. The image data in the integrated data ROM 92 can be supplied to the image control board 70 via the performance control board 55.

[0044] The one-chip microcomputer 84 in Fig. 6 does not necessarily have to include the sub-ROM 55b, but it can include the sub-ROM 55b and use the integrated data ROM 92 as an expansion area. The image control board 70 in Fig. 7 does not necessarily have to include an independent data ROM, but it can include an independent data ROM and use the integrated data ROM 92 as an expansion area.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a schematic front view illustrating the performance board case of this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the performance board case of this embodiment. Figs. 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of the performance board case. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating parts to be attached to the performance board case. An overview of the performance board case of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. As shown in Figs. 8 to 11, the performance board case 100 includes a board base 100B (front case piece) and a board cover 100A (rear case piece). The board cover 100A and the board base 100B are combined to form a performance board case 100 (base member) as a box that contains the performance board. The board cover 100A constituting the performance board case 100 further includes a ROM cassette 40 (mounting member), a heat sink 500, a heat sink cover 400, etc., on the rear side.

[0046] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the board base 100B and the board cover 100A are provided with a base-side board accommodating section 101 and a cover-side board accommodating section 102 for accommodating the performance control board 55 and the image control board 70, respectively. The performance board case 100 has an inner section (board storage section) formed by a base side board storage section 101 (FIG. 10) provided in the board base 100B and a cover side board storage section 102 (FIG. 11) provided in the board cover 100A, and stores the performance control board 55 and the image control board 70 in the inner section. The performance control board 55 and the image control board 70 are connected via a connector and stored in the performance board case 100 in an integrated state. In the board cover 100A, openings 115, 116 (Figure 10) are provided at locations corresponding to the positions of the connector 83 and segmented LCD 85 on the performance control board 55, and the connector 83 and segmented LCD 85 are exposed on the rear side of the board cover 100A (Figures 8 and 9). Since the connector 83 is exposed, it is easy to connect to the main control board 50 using a harness, and the display on the segmented LCD 85 can be checked through the board cover 100A, which is very convenient.

[0047] In addition, the base side substrate accommodating portion 101 and the cover side substrate accommodating portion 102 each have a plate portion formed in an approximately rectangular shape and a flange portion protruding from the peripheral edge of each plate portion and surrounding one side surface of each plate portion (Figures 10 and 11). The flange portion constituting the base side substrate accommodating portion 101 of the substrate base 100B has five L-shaped hook pieces 101a formed on each of the portions protruding along the two long sides of the substrate base 100B (Figure 10). On the other hand, among the flanges constituting the cover-side board accommodation portion 102 of the board cover 100A, the portions protruding along the two long sides of the board cover 100A are formed into a double-wall shape, and an insertion groove portion 102a into which the hook piece 101a of the board base 100B can be inserted is provided between the walls forming the double wall. Also, a hook piece is formed in each insertion groove portion 102a (FIG. 11).

[0048] When the board cover 100A and the board base 100B are assembled together, the hook pieces 101a of the board base 100B are inserted into the insertion grooves 102a of the board cover 100A. Then, the board base 100B is slid in the direction of the arrow α in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 along the left-right direction relative to the board cover 100A. Then, the hooking piece of the board cover 100A and the hooking piece of the board base 100B engage with each other, so that the board base 100B and the board cover 100A are combined so that they will not come off unless they move each other in the direction opposite to the arrow α. When combined in this way, the board cover 100A and the board base 100B form a box-shaped inner container part (board container part) that is shielded from the outside by the base side board container part 101 and the cover side board container part 102, and the performance control board 55 and the image control board 70 are stored in the inner container part. This reduces the possibility that the performance control board 55, the image control board 70, etc. will be illegally replaced.

[0049] In this embodiment, the board base 100B and the board cover 100A are sealed by a fastening seal portion 450A with the performance control board 55 and the image control board 70 sandwiched between them. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, at appropriate positions along the edges of the performance board case 100, there are provided fastening seal parts 450A for closing (sealing) the board base 100B and the board cover 100A.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 10, the board base 100B and the board cover 100A each include locked portions 120, 121 that form the fastening seal portion 450A. The fastening sealing part 450A locks the board base 100B and the board cover 100A in a closed (sealed) state by driving a locking member (rivet pin) into the fastening holes of the locked parts 120 and 121 to lock the locked parts 120 and 121 as described later. By removing the locking member (rivet pin) driven into the fastening holes of the locked parts 120 and 121, the performance board case 100 consisting of the board base 100B and the board cover 100A becomes openable. Sealing or closing the performance board case 100 means making the performance board case 100 in an unopenable state unless the sealing member driven into the sealed portion is removed or the fastening (seal) is destroyed.

[0051] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the attachment portion of the ROM cassette 40 on the performance board case 100 is provided with a fastening locking portion 450B for fastening (locking) the ROM cassette 40 to the performance board case 100. The fastening locking portion 450B is a fastening locking portion for further fixing (locking) the ROM cassette 40 to the performance board case 100 in a state in which the board base 100B and the board cover 100A are closed (sealed) by the fastening sealing portion 450A. The fastening locking portion 450B locks (fixes) the ROM cassette 40 to the performance board case 100 (board cover 100A) by driving a locking member (rivet pin) into a fastening hole provided in the locked portion 42, 109 to lock the locked portion 42, 109 as described below. The ROM cassette 40 can be removed from the board cover 100A by removing the locking member (rivet pin) driven into the fastening hole of the locked portion 42, 109. When removing the ROM cassette 40, it is necessary to release the lock by the fastening locking portion 450B, but it is not necessary to release the seal by the fastening sealing portion 450A. Furthermore, when opening the performance board case 100, it is necessary to release the seal by the fastening sealing portion 450A, but it is not necessary to release the lock by the fastening locking portion 450B. The different fastening modes of the fastening seal portion 450A and the fastening lock portion 450B will be described in detail later.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 12, the board cover 100A has an opening 103 at a position corresponding to the image control board 70 on the rear side, and further has a heat sink 500 on the rear side so as to close the opening 103. Furthermore, the board cover 100A includes a heat sink cover 400 that covers the heat sink 500 on the rear side of the board cover 100A. The board cover 100A also has a cassette attachment portion 104 on the rear side for attaching the ROM cassette 40 thereto. The cassette attachment portion 104 is provided with a positioning pin 105 that protrudes from the surface of the board cover 100A. The positioning pin 105 is used to position the ROM cassette 40 when a worker attaches it to the performance board case 100 (board cover 100A), and also fits into an insertion hole 45 (described later) provided in the ROM cassette 40 to secure the ROM cassette 40 to the performance board case 100 (board cover 100A).

[0053] In addition, the cassette mounting portion 104 has an opening 106 at a position corresponding to a connector 81 (first connector) protruding from the performance control board 55 contained in the performance board case 100, and the connector 81 is exposed from the opening 106. When the ROM cassette 40 is attached to the cassette mounting portion 104 of the performance board case 100 (board cover 100A), the connector 81 of the performance control board 55 is connected to a connector 91 (fourth connector) provided on the integrated ROM board 90 contained in the ROM cassette 40. The cassette attachment portion 104 also includes a multi-purpose claw portion 110 in the vicinity of the positioning pin 105 in the figure. The characteristics of the claw portion 110 will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the cassette mounting portion 104 is provided with an opening 107 provided at a position corresponding to a button battery that is detachably provided on the performance control board 55 contained in the performance board case 100, and a detachable cover 108 that covers the opening 107. When it is necessary to install or replace a button battery in the battery holder 80 provided on the performance control board 55, the inside of the performance board case 100 can be accessed simply by removing the removable cover 108. There is no need to open the performance board case 100.

[0054] The cassette attachment portion 104 is provided with a locked portion 109 which, when the ROM cassette 40 is normally attached, forms a fastening locking portion 450B together with the locked portion 42 of the cassette case 40A and into which a locking member (rivet pin) is driven. When the ROM cassette 40 is fastened to the board cover 100A (performance board case 100), the detachable cover 108 provided on the cassette mounting portion 104 cannot be removed, and the detachable cover 108 can be removed only after the ROM cassette 40 is removed from the board cover 100A (performance board case 100), thereby preventing unauthorized access to the inside of the performance board case 100. Fastening the ROM cassette 40 to the board cover 100A (performance board case 100) not only secures the ROM cassette 40 (prevents it from being taken away), but also makes it possible to easily control whether or not access is possible to the inside of the performance board case 100.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the side wall portion 104a of the cassette mounting portion 104 is provided with a first fixing portion 111 that fixes the first fixed portion 43 (described later) of the ROM cassette 40 when the ROM cassette 40 is attached to the board cover 100A, and a claw portion 110 that protrudes downward leaving a space 110a between itself and the surface of the cassette mounting portion 104 and fixes the second fixed portion 44 between itself and the surface of the cassette mounting portion 104.

[0056] <ROMカセット> FIG. 13 shows a ROM board on which an integrated data ROM is mounted, where (a) is a rear view of the ROM board, and (b) is a front view of the ROM board. As shown in FIG. 13, the integrated ROM board 90 has a connector 91 on its front surface for connecting to the connector of the performance control board 55, and has an integrated data ROM 92 for the performance control board 55 and the image control board 70 on its rear surface. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of a ROM cassette, where (a) is a schematic perspective view of the ROM cassette seen from the rear, and (b) is a view of the ROM cassette seen from the front. Figs. 15 and 16 are exploded perspective views of the ROM cassette.

[0057] The structure of the ROM cassette of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the ROM cassette 40 is removably attached to the cassette mounting portion 104 of the board cover 100A in the performance board case 100. The ROM cassette 40 includes a cassette body 40B that houses an integrated ROM board 90 therein, and a cassette case 40A that houses the cassette body 40B therein. The cassette case 40A comprises an engaging portion 42 which constitutes the fastening engaging portion 450B together with an engaging portion 109 provided on the performance board case 100 (board cover 100A), a first fixed portion 43 which is fixed to the performance board case 100 (board cover 100A), and a second fixed portion 44. The cassette body 40B has an insertion hole 45 into which a positioning pin 105 protruding from the cassette mounting portion 104 on the surface of the board cover 100A is inserted, and a connector 91 that is connected to the connector 81 of the performance control board 55 contained in the performance board case 100.

[0058] The connector 91 is provided on the integrated ROM board 90 housed in the cassette body 40B and protrudes from the opening 41 of the cassette body 40B. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the cassette body 40B is accommodated in a cassette body accommodating portion 46 of the cassette case 40A, and the cassette body 40B accommodates the integrated ROM board 90 in a ROM board accommodating portion 47 thereof. The cassette body 40B is movable relative to the cassette case 40A in the direction of the long side of the cassette case 40A. The ROM cassette 40 can be in a first state or a second state, which will be described below, depending on the position of the cassette body 40B relative to the cassette case 40A.

[0059] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the first state of the ROM cassette, where (a) is a diagram of the ROM cassette seen from above, and (b) is a diagram of the ROM cassette seen from below. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the second state of the ROM cassette, where (a) is a diagram of the ROM cassette seen from above, and (b) is a diagram of the ROM cassette seen from below. As shown in FIG. 17, in the first state, the cassette body 40B is positioned toward the second fixed portion 44 inside the cassette case 40A. As shown in FIG. 18, in the second state, the cassette body 40B is in a state in which it is shifted toward the locked portion 42 and the first fixed portion 43 side within the cassette case 40A. Cassette case 40A has a cutout portion 48 in the side wall on the long side on the side where first fixed portion 43 is provided, near first fixed portion 43. The function of this cutout portion 48 will be described in detail below.

[0060] 19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining the procedure for attaching the ROM cassette to the performance board case. FIG. 19 illustrates a case in which the ROM cassette can be correctly attached to the performance board case. FIG. 19(a) shows the state of the cassette attachment portion 104 of the board cover 100A before the ROM cassette 40 is attached. In the cassette mounting portion 104, the connector 81 of the performance control board 55 contained in the performance board case 100, the positioning pin 105 for positioning the cassette body 40B, the claw portion 110, and the first fixing portion 111 are exposed. In this state, the ROM cassette 40 is not attached to the performance board case 100, and removable parts of the performance board case 100 (such as the button battery mentioned above) can be accessed and removed. As described above, the claw portion 110 is a member that protrudes downward with a space 110a between it and the surface of the cassette mounting portion 104, and fixes the second fixed portion 44 between it and the surface of the cassette mounting portion 104.

[0061] From this state, the ROM cassette 40 in the first state (FIG. 17) is to be attached to the cassette attachment portion 104 in FIG. 19(b). As shown in FIG. 19(b), in the ROM cassette 40 in the first state, when the positioning pin 105 of the cassette mounting portion 104 is inserted into the insertion hole 45 of the cassette main body 40B, the claw portion 110 of the board cover 100A is accommodated within the cutout portion 48 of the cassette case 40A. The claw portion 110 does not interfere with the cassette case 40A, and the worker can push the entire ROM cassette 40 down toward the performance board case 100, completely connecting the connector 91 of the cassette body 40B with the connector 81 of the performance control board 55. The first fixed portion 43 and the second fixed portion 44 of the cassette case 40A and the cassette body 40B can all abut against the surface of the cassette mounting portion 104 of the board cover 100A. At this time, the first fixed portion 43 of the cassette case 40A is located on the opposite side to the notch 48 with the claw portion 110 in between.

[0062] According to this embodiment, with the positioning pin 105 of the performance board case 100 (cassette mounting portion 104) inserted into the insertion hole 45 of the cassette main body 40B, the connector 81 of the performance board case 100 and the connector 91 of the ROM cassette 40 can be connected simply by pushing the ROM cassette 40 straight down, so there is no need to worry about unnecessary stress being applied to both connectors, which could cause them to break. However, at this stage when the ROM cassette 40 is still in the first state, the position of the locked portion 42 of the cassette case 40A does not match the position of the locked portion 109 of the board cover 100A. Therefore, the ROM cassette 40 cannot be fastened (locked) to the performance board case 100 by locking the locked portion 42 and the locked portion 109 together. The cassette body 40B is positioned on the board cover 100A by the insertion holes 45 and the positioning pins 105, but as described above, the cassette case 40A is movable relative to the cassette body 40B. That is, with the cassette body 40B attached to the board cover 100A, the ROM cassette 40 can be shifted from the first state to the second state (FIG. 18).

[0063] 19(c), the cassette case 40A is slid in the direction of the arrow in the figure. At this time, the first fixed portion 43 moves toward the first fixing portion 111 provided on the side wall portion 104a of the cassette mounting portion 104, and the tip of the first fixed portion 43 moves in a direction to enter the space 110a between the claw portion 110 and the surface of the cassette mounting portion 104. During this time, the claw portion 110 functions as a guide means for guiding the sliding movement of the cassette case 40A.

[0064] The cassette case 40A is slid and finally, as shown in Fig. 19(d), the ROM cassette 40 is completely in the second state. At this time, the first fixed portion 43 is completely inserted and fixed in the first fixed portion 111, and the tip 43a of the second fixed portion 43 is completely inserted and fixed in the space 110a below the claw portion 110. Furthermore, since the position of the locked portion 42 coincides with the position of the locked portion 109 provided on the board cover 100A, the locked portion 42 and the locked portion 109 can be locked with a locking pin (sealing member) to fasten (lock) the cassette case 40A to the performance board case 100. The claw portion 110 functions as a locking (fixing) member for locking (fixing) the ROM cassette 40 to the board cover 100A.

[0065] The state shown in Figure 19 (d) is an installation state in which the ROM cassette 40 is attached to the performance board case 100 regardless of whether the cassette case 40A is engaged with the performance board case 100. In this state, it is not possible to attach or detach removable parts (such as a button battery) of the performance board case 100. To remove the ROM cassette 40 from the performance board case 100, the procedure described in Fig. 19 can be reversed. That is, after releasing the fastening between the locked portion 42 and the locked portion 109, the cassette case 40A is slid in the direction opposite to the arrow in Fig. 19(c). As a result, when the ROM cassette 40 returns from the second state to the first state, the fixation of the first fixed portion 43 by the first fixing portion 111 and the fixation of the second fixed portion 43 by the claw portion 110 are released, resulting in the state shown in Fig. 19(b). The ROM cassette 40 can then be removed from the performance board case 100 by pulling out the ROM cassette 40.

[0066] The ROM cassette 40 can be attached to the performance board case 100 when in the first state (FIG. 17), and locked in the performance board case 100 by putting it in the first state (FIG. 18). On the other hand, the ROM cassette 40 in the second state cannot be attached to the performance board case 100.

[0067] FIG. 20 illustrates a case where the ROM cassette cannot be properly attached to the performance board case. Figure 20(a) shows the cassette mounting part 104 in the same state as Figure 19(a). If an attempt is made to mount the ROM cassette 40 in the second state to the cassette mounting part 104 in this state, the state will be as shown in Figure 20(b). 19(b), in the ROM cassette 40 in the first state, when the positioning pin 105 of the cassette attachment part 104 is inserted into the insertion hole 45 of the cassette body 40B, the first fixed part 43 of the cassette case 40A rides up on the claw part 110 of the board cover 100A, causing the claw part 110 to interfere with the cassette case 40A. The second fixed part 44 also rides up on the side wall part 104a of the cassette attachment part 104.

[0068] In this state, the worker cannot push the entire ROM cassette 40 down toward the performance board case 100 to connect the connector 91 of the cassette body 40B to the connector 81 of the performance control board 55. The ROM cassette 40 is floating above the surface of the cassette mounting portion 104 of the board cover 100A. The position of the interlocking portion 42 of the cassette case 40A roughly coincides with the position of the interlocking portion 109 of the board cover 100A, but since the ROM cassette 40 is floating above the surface of the cassette mounting portion 104, the interlocking portion 42 and the interlocking portion 109 cannot be interlocked. If the worker forcibly pushes down the ROM cassette 40 in this state, there is a possibility that the cassette case 40A will be destroyed. However, the length of the positioning pin 105 provided in the cassette mounting part 104 is set to a length that does not allow the connector 81 on the performance board case 100 side and the connector 91 on the ROM cassette 40 side to come into contact in the case shown in Fig. 20, so even if the ROM cassette 40 is forcibly pushed down, there is no need to worry about stress being applied to both connectors, which would cause damage. The claw portion 110 functions as a restricting member that does not restrict the attachment of the ROM cassette 40 in the first state to the performance board case 100, but restricts the attachment of the ROM cassette 40 in the second state to the performance board case 100.

[0069] Conventionally, rewriting and reusing programs and data stored in a program ROM implemented on the performance control board 50 or a data ROM implemented on the image control board 70 required complicated work. The seal of the board case housing the performance control board 50 and the image control board 70 is broken and opened, the performance ROM is taken out from the board, the data on the performance ROM is rewritten using special equipment, and then the board is reinstalled on each board. When carrying out this type of work, there was a problem in that the connector pins on the performance ROM could be damaged. In response to such problems, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the performance ROM is an external component to the performance board case, and is housed in a cassette that is detachable from the performance board case, so there is no need to open and close the board case when rewriting the performance ROM, and there is no need to directly attach and detach the performance ROM to the board. In addition, because of the configuration described above, there is little risk of stress being applied to the performance ROM or the connector extending from the performance board, so there is no trouble of damaging the ROM or the performance board itself during the work process. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the efficiency and safety of the work involved in rewriting the performance ROM can be dramatically improved. In addition, the reuse of performance ROM is promoted, and the manufacturing and development of gaming machines can be significantly made more efficient while reducing the environmental burden.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the programs and data used by the performance control board 50 and the image control board 70 are consolidated into a single integrated ROM, so that by only removing and inserting the cassette ROM once, the ROM related to the performance control board 50 and the image control board 70 can be rewritten in one go. When removing the ROM cassette 40, it is only necessary to release the lock at the fastening locking portion 450B, which has the sole role of fixing (locking) the ROM cassette 40 to the performance board case 100, and there is no need to release the lock at the fastening locking portion 450B to open the performance board case 100. In this embodiment, the ROM containing the programs and data for performance control can be replaced with significantly higher efficiency than in the past.

[0071] Furthermore, in the past, it was necessary to unclasp and open the board case just to replace a removable part (such as a button battery) inside the board case. However, in this embodiment, an opening for accessing the button battery is provided in the cassette mounting portion, so that when the ROM cassette is attached and fastened to the board case, unauthorized access to the inside of the board case through the opening for accessing the button battery can be prevented. On the other hand, by simply removing the ROM cassette from the cassette mounting portion, the opening for accessing the button battery can be exposed, making it possible to perform tasks such as replacing the button battery without opening the board case.

[0072] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a fastening seal portion that seals the performance board case, which is a combination of a board cover and a board base. 21(a) shows an enlarged view of the locked portion 121 of the board cover 100A. The locked portion 121 has a fastening hole 121a. 21(b) shows an enlarged view of the locked portion 120 of the board base 100B. The locked portion 120 has a fastening hole 120a. FIG. 21(c) shows an enlarged view of the board cover 100A and the board base 100B when they are assembled together, with the fastening hole 121a and the fastening hole 120a communicating with each other to form a communicating fastening hole 122. In FIG. 21( d ), with the nut 123 b placed inside the locked portion 120 , the caulking pin 123 a is driven in from the locked portion 121 side to fasten the communicating fastening hole 122 . In FIG. 21(e), a nut cover 123c for protecting the nut 123b is attached to the locked portion 120. In FIG. 21(f), a fastening cover 123d is attached across the locked portion 121 and the locked portion 120, completing the fastening sealing portion 450A.

[0073] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a fastening locking portion that locks a ROM cassette into a performance board case that is a combination of a board cover and a board base. 22(a) shows an enlarged view of the locked portion 42 of the cassette case 40A. The locked portion 42 has a fastening hole 109b. 22(b) shows an enlarged view of the locked portion 109 of the board cover 100A. The locked portion 109 has a fastening hole 109a. 22(c) shows an enlarged view of the locked portion 124 of the board base 100B. The locked portion 119 does not have a fastening hole. Figure 22 (d) shows an enlarged view of the ROM cassette 40 attached to the performance board case 100, which is made up of a board cover 100A and a board base 100B, with the fastening hole 112a and the fastening hole 109a communicating with each other to form a communicating fastening hole 126. In FIG. 22(e), with the nut 125b placed inside the locked portion 42, the caulking pin 125a is driven in from the locked portion 42 side to fasten the communicating fastening hole 126. In FIG. 22(e), a nut cover 125c for protecting the nut 125b is attached to the locked portion . In FIG. 22(g), the fastening cover 125d is attached across the locked portions 42, completing the fastening locking portion 450B.

[0074] The ROM cassette 40 can be removed from the performance board case 100 simply by releasing the lock of the crimp pin 125a in the fastening locking portion 450B, without releasing the lock of the crimp pin 123a in the fastening sealing portion 450A. In addition, since the board base 100B does not have a connection hole, the board base 100B is not locked by the crimp pin 125a. Therefore, if the lock of the crimp pin 123a in the fastening sealing part 450A is released and the fastening cover 125d of the fastening locking part 450B is removed, the performance board case 100 can be opened with the ROM cassette 40 attached to the performance board case 100 without releasing the lock of the crimp pin 125a. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 gaming machine, 2 outer frame, 3 inner frame, 4, 4a window, 4b transparent plate, 5 hinge mechanism, 6 storage tray, 6a upper tray, 6b lower tray, 7 tray unit, 8 performance button, 8a performance button detection switch, 9 discharge button, 10 game board, 10a game area, 11 operation handle, 11a touch sensor, 11b launch volume, 12 center member, 12a launch solenoid, 12b solenoid, 13 start port, 13a start port detection switch, 14 start port, 14a start port detection switch, 14b opening and closing door, 14c start port opening and closing solenoid, 15 gate, 15a gate detection switch, 16 large prize port, 16a large prize port detection switch, 16b opening and closing door, 16c large prize port opening and closing solenoid, 17 large prize port, 17a Large prize opening detection switch, 17b movable piece, 17c large prize opening opening opening solenoid, 18 general prize opening, 18a general prize opening detection switch, 19 out opening, 20 special symbol display device, 21 special symbol display device, 22 normal symbol display device, 23 special symbol reserved indicator, 24 special symbol reserved indicator, 25 normal symbol reserved indicator, 26 round count indicator, 27 game information output terminal board, 31 image display device, 32 performance accessory device, 33 performance lighting device, 34 sound output device, 35 performance symbol, 36 volume change switch, 40 ROM cassette, 40A cassette case, 40B cassette body, 41 opening, 42 latched portion, 43 fixed portion, 44 fixed portion, 45 insertion hole, 46 notch portion, 47 ROM board housing portion, 50 Main control board, 50a Main CPU, 50b Main ROM, 50c Main RAM, 51 Full tray detection switch, 52 Detection switch, 55 Performance control board, 55a Sub CPU, 55b Sub ROM, 55c Sub RAM, 55d RTC, 60 Payout control board, 60a Payout CPU, 60b Payout ROM, 60c Payout RAM, 65 Lamp control board, 70 Image control board, 75 Launch control board, 76 Power supply board, 71 Host CPU, 72 Connector, 80 Battery holder, 81 First connector, 82 Second connector, 83 Third connector, 85 Segment LCD, 90 Integrated ROM board, 91 Fourth connector, 92 Integrated data ROM, 100 Performance board case, 100A Board cover, 100B Board base, 101 Cover side board housing section, 102Cover side board accommodating portion, 103 opening, 104 cassette mounting portion, 105 positioning pin, 106 opening, 107 opening, 108 removable cover, 109 latched portion, 110 claw portion, 111 first fixing portion, 130 base frame, 160 image display unit, 165 image display cover, 166 lamp relay board, 170 lid member, 200 main board case, 400 heat sink cover, 500 heat sink, 600 cross key

Claims

[Claim 1] A mounting member and a board case to which the mounting member can be attached, the substrate case includes a first member and a second member, the board case has a closed state in which the first member and the second member are closed, and an open state in which the first member and the second member are released from being closed, A substrate is accommodated inside the substrate case in the closed state; A first detachable part is detachable from the substrate; A second detachable part is detachable from the board case, When the mounting member is not attached to the board case, the second detachable part is detachable from the board case in the closed state, When the mounting member is attached to the board case, the second detachable component cannot be attached to or detached from the board case in the closed state, A cover member for covering the mounting member is provided. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images