Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving amusement of games.SOLUTION: A distribution member 31983 is disposed on a rear side (on the right side in Figure 178 (a)) from a first winning port 64. Therefore, game balls are displaced in a front-rear direction (in a left-right direction in Figure 178 (a)) during a period from the entrance to the first winning port 64 to the arrival at the distribution member 31983. Consequently, a player who is viewing game balls on the front side of a game board 13 moving in a downward direction (in the downward direction in Figure 178 (a)) or moving in the left-right direction (in a perpendicular direction to the paper in Figure 178 (a)) is caused to view the displacement of the game balls in a different direction (in the front-rear direction) from before. In this way, amusement of games can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 178

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a gaming machine that includes a transmission means for transmitting a driving force to a displacement means. (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-234152 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional gaming machines described above, There is room for improvement in displacement means There was a problem:

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, The displacement means needs to be improved. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this object, the gaming machine described in claim 1 is a gaming machine comprising displacement means configured to be displaceable in a manner visible to a player, drive means for generating a drive force to displace the displacement means, and transmission means for transmitting the drive force of the drive means to the displacement means, wherein the transmission means comprises a member having a shape in which the dimension in a second direction intersecting with the first direction is shorter than the dimension in the first direction and the ease of bending varies depending on the direction, the member is made of a single material, and the transmission means is configured so that the angle formed between the direction of the force received from the displacement means and the second direction changes before and after the displacement means passes a predetermined reference position as a result of displacement in a predetermined direction due to an external force, and the gaming machine comprises a gaming board equipped with predetermined ball entry means into which gaming balls can enter, and the displacement means is configured to be capable of displacement corresponding to a predetermined entry of a gaming ball into the predetermined ball entry means. The gaming machine includes a means for transmitting a load to the transmission means in a direction opposite to the external force when the external force is generated. .

[0007]

[0008] [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the gaming machine of claim 1, The displacement means needs to be improved. can.

[0010]

[0011] [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board and the operating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board and operating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the window movable unit taken along line XX in FIG. 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 2(a) is a rear view of the window movable unit, and FIG. 2(b) is a front view of the window movable unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 2(a) is a rear view of the window movable unit, and FIG. 2(b) is a front view of the window movable unit. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board, the outer edge member, and the metal plate-shaped member. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board, the outer edge member, and the metal plate-shaped member. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first operating unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first operating unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 22] 1(a) is an exploded front perspective view of a first operating unit, and FIG. 1(b) is a front perspective view of a feather-shaped member and an auxiliary member showing the meshing state of the feather-shaped member and the auxiliary member. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of a first operating unit. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a top view of the first operating unit. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 33] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 34] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the support plate portion, the vane-shaped member, the auxiliary member, and the fixed transmission plate. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the support plate portion, the vane-shaped member, the auxiliary member, and the fixed transmission plate. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the support plate portion, the vane-shaped member, the auxiliary member, and the fixed transmission plate. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the support plate portion, the vane-shaped member, the auxiliary member, and the fixed transmission plate. [Figure 39] 10(a) to 10(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the displacement relationship of the first operating unit. [Figure 40] FIG. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a second operating unit. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the second operating unit. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of a second operating unit. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of a second operating unit. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the second operating unit. [Figure 46] FIG. [Figure 47] FIG. [Figure 48]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a hollow member 740. [Figure 49] 48(a) to 48(c) are cross-sectional views of the light guide member, the plate-like displacement member, and the hollow member taken along the line XLIX-XLIX in FIG. 47. [Figure 50] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the drive unit. [Figure 51] 1(a) and 1(b) are front views of the drive unit. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is a front view of a second operating unit. [Figure 53] FIG. 10 is a front view of a second operating unit. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a front view of a second operating unit. [Figure 55] 54(a) is a cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LVa-LVa in FIG. 53, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LVb-LVb in FIG. [Figure 56] 10(a) and 10(b) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the time-dependent change in conduction of the left and right electromagnetic solenoids and the change in the posture of the plate-like displacement member. [Figure 57] 10(a) and 10(b) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the time-dependent change in conduction of the left and right electromagnetic solenoids and the change in the posture of the plate-like displacement member. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is a top view of the second operating unit. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LIX-LIX in FIG. 58. [Figure 60] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LIX-LIX in FIG. 58. [Figure 61] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LIX-LIX in FIG. 58. [Figure 62] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LIX-LIX in FIG. 58. [Figure 63] 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXIII-LXIII in FIG. 58. [Figure 64] 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXIII-LXIII in FIG. 58. [Figure 65] 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXIII-LXIII in FIG. 58. [Figure 66] 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXIII-LXIII in FIG. 58. [Figure 67] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the rotational displacement of the large receiving portion. FIG. [Figure 68] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXVIII-LXVIII in FIG. 58. [Figure 69] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXVIII-LXVIII in FIG. 58. [Figure 70] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXVIII-LXVIII in FIG. 58. [Figure 71] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXVIII-LXVIII in FIG. 58. [Figure 72] 59 is a cross-sectional view of the second operating unit taken along line LXXII-LXXII in FIG. 58. [Figure 73] 10(a) and 10(b) are rear views of the window movable unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 74] FIG. 11 is a front view of a first operating unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 75] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 76] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 77] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 78] 10(a) to 10(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the displacement relationship of the first operating unit. [Figure 79] 10(a) and 10(b) are front views of a drive unit of a second operating unit in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 80] 54(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the second operating unit of the fifth embodiment taken along a line corresponding to the line LVa-LVa in FIG. 53. [Figure 81] FIG. 13 is a front view of the game board in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 82] An exploded oblique front view of the base plate, prize slot unit, and ball throwing unit. [Figure 83] (a) is a front view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a rear view of the winning port unit. [Figure 84] 1(a) is a perspective front view of the winning opening unit, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective rear view of the winning opening unit. [Figure 85] An exploded oblique front view of the prize slot unit. [Figure 86] This is an exploded oblique rear view of the prize slot unit. [Figure 87] 1A is a front view of the front unit, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the front unit. [Figure 88] FIG. [Figure 89] FIG. [Figure 90] 1A is a front view of the displacement member, FIG. 1B is a side view of the displacement member, and FIG. 1C is a perspective front view of the displacement member. [Figure 91] A rear view of the prize slot unit and displacement member in range XCI of Figure 87(b). [Figure 92] A rear view of the prize slot unit and displacement member in range XCI of Figure 87(b). [Figure 93] 1A is a side view of the drive unit, FIG. 1B is a top view of the drive unit, and FIG. 1C is a perspective front view of the drive unit. [Figure 94] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective front view of the drive unit. [Figure 95] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective rear view of the drive unit. [Figure 96] 93(a) and 93(b) are cross-sectional views of the drive unit taken along line XCVI-XCVI in FIG. 93(b). [Figure 97] A cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit taken along line XCVII-XCVII in Figure 83. [Figure 98]97(a) and 97(b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit taken along line XCVIII-XCVIII in FIG. [Figure 99] (a) is a front view of the specific winning port unit, (b) is a rear view of the specific winning port unit, and (c) is a top view of the specific winning port unit. [Figure 100] An exploded oblique front view of a specific winning port unit. [Figure 101] This is an exploded oblique rear view of the specific winning port unit 950. [Figure 102] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of a specific winning slot unit taken along line CII-CII in Figure 99(c). [Figure 103] (a) and (b) are oblique front views of a specific winning port unit. [Figure 104] (a) is a front view of the specific winning port unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the specific winning port unit along the line CIVb-CIVb in Figure 104(a). [Figure 105] 10A is a top view of the specific winning opening unit and the drive unit, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the specific winning opening unit and the drive unit. [Figure 106] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the specific winning port unit and drive unit taken along line CVIa-CVIa in Figure 105(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the specific winning port unit and drive unit taken along line CVIb-CVIb in Figure 106(a). [Figure 107] FIG. 2A is a front view of the throwing unit, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the throwing unit. [Figure 108] 1A is an exploded perspective front view of the ball throwing unit, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective rear view of the ball throwing unit. [Figure 109] FIG. 2(a) is a front view of the sorting unit, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the sorting unit. [Figure 110] FIG. [Figure 111] FIG. [Figure 112]112(a) is a cross-sectional view of the distribution unit taken along line CXIIa-CXIIa in FIG. 109(a), and FIG. 112(b) is a cross-sectional view of the distribution unit taken along line CXIIb-CXIIb in FIG. 112(a). [Figure 113] 112(a) and 112(b) are partially enlarged cross-sectional views of the distribution unit in the range CXIII of FIG. 112(b). [Figure 114] FIG. 2(a) is a front view of the passage unit, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the passage unit. [Figure 115] FIG. [Figure 116] FIG. [Figure 117] FIG. 2A is a front view of the replacement unit, and FIG. 2B is a rear view of the replacement unit. [Figure 118] 118(a) is a cross-sectional view of the replacement unit taken along line CXVIIIa-CXVIIIa in FIG. 117(a), and FIG. 118(b) is a cross-sectional view of the replacement unit taken along line CXVIIIb-CXVIIIb in FIG. 118(a). [Figure 119] 82 is a cross-sectional view of the game board taken along line CXIXa-CXIXa in FIG. 81. [Figure 120] 120(a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the game board in the range CXXa of FIG. 119, and FIG. 120(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the game board in the line CXXb-CXXb of FIG. 120(a). [Figure 121] 120(a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the game board in the range CXXa of FIG. 119, and FIG. 120(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the game board in the line CXXb-CXXb of FIG. 120(a). [Figure 122] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the front unit and the displacement member in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 123] 13(a) and 13(b) are cross-sectional views of a drive unit and a drive shaft according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 124] 13(a) and 13(b) are cross-sectional views of a drive unit and a displacement member in a ninth embodiment. [Figure 125]FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective rear view of the rear base and the displacement member in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 126] 10(a) and 10(b) are rear views of the front unit and the displacement member. [Figure 127] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective rear view of the rear base and the displacement member in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 128] 10(a) and 10(b) are rear views of the front unit and the displacement member. [Figure 129] 129(a) is a rear view of the front unit in the 12th embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning slot unit along line CXXIXb-CXXIXb in FIG. 129(a). [Figure 130] 130(a) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit in the thirteenth embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along the line CXXXb-CXXXb in FIG. 130(a). [Figure 131] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit along line CXXXIb-CXXXIb in Figure 131(a). [Figure 132] 20(a) is a side view of a drive unit in a fourteenth embodiment, (b) is a top view of the drive unit, and (c) is a perspective front view of the drive unit. FIG. [Figure 133] FIG. 133(a) is a cross-sectional view of the game board, and FIG. 133(b) is a cross-sectional view of the game board taken along line CXXXIIIb-CXXXIIIb in FIG. 133(a). [Figure 134] 15(a) is a cross-sectional view of a game board in a fifteenth embodiment, and FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view of a game board in a sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 135] (a) is a schematic diagram of the winning port unit in the 17th embodiment viewed from the back, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line CXXXVb-CXXXVb in Figure 135(a). [Figure 136] FIG. 136(a) is a schematic diagram of the winning port unit as viewed from behind, and FIG. 136(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 930 taken along line CXXXVIb-CXXXVIb in FIG. 136(a). [Figure 137] 137(a) is a schematic diagram of the winning port unit as viewed from behind, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 930 taken along line CXXXVIIb-CXXXVIIb in FIG. 137(a). [Figure 138] FIG. 22 is an exploded oblique front view of the game board in the 18th embodiment. [Figure 139] (a) is a front view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a rear view of the winning port unit. [Figure 140] 1(a) is a perspective front view of the winning opening unit, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective rear view of the winning opening unit. [Figure 141] An exploded oblique front view of the prize slot unit. [Figure 142] This is an exploded oblique rear view of the prize slot unit. [Figure 143] 143(a) is a front view of the front unit, (b) is a rear view of the front unit, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the front unit taken along line CXLIIIc-CXLIIIc in FIG. 143(a). [Figure 144] 1A is a perspective front view of the front unit, and FIG. 1B is a perspective rear view of the front unit. [Figure 145] FIG. [Figure 146] FIG. [Figure 147] FIG. 2(a) is a front view of the sorting unit, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the sorting unit. [Figure 148] FIG. 2A is a perspective front view of the distribution unit, and FIG. 2B is a perspective rear view of the distribution unit. [Figure 149] FIG. [Figure 150] FIG. [Figure 151](a) is a side view of the first side base as viewed in the direction of arrow CLIa in Figure 149, (b) is a side view of the first side base as viewed in the direction of arrow CLIb in Figure 149, (c) is a side view of the second side base as viewed in the direction of arrow CLIc in Figure 149, and (d) is a side view of the second side base as viewed in the direction of arrow CLId in Figure 149. [Figure 152] 147(a) is a cross-sectional view of the sorting unit taken along line CLIIa-CLIIa in FIG. 147(a). [Figure 153] 152(a) is a cross-sectional view of the distribution unit taken along line CLIIII-CLIII in FIG. [Fig. 154] (a) is a front view of the passage unit, (b) is a top view of the passage unit, (c) is a side view of the passage unit, and (d) is a cross-sectional view of the passage unit along the line CLIVd-CLIVd in Figure 154(a). [Figure 155] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective front view of the passage unit, and FIG. 2(b) is a perspective rear view of the passage unit. [Figure 156] FIG. [Figure 157] FIG. [Figure 158] A cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along the line CLVIII-CLVIII in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the wing member in a closed state, and (b) shows the wing member in an open state. [Figure 159] 139(a) is a partially enlarged view of the winning opening unit in the range CLIXa of FIG. 139(a) when the wing members are in the closed state, and FIG. 139(b) is a side view of the winning opening unit when the wing members are in the closed state. [Figure 160] 139(a) is a partially enlarged view of the winning port unit in the range CLIXa of FIG. 139(a) when the wing members are in the open state, and FIG. 139(b) is a side view of the winning port unit when the wing members are in the open state. [Figure 161]A cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit along the line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 162] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line CLXIIa-CLXIIa in Figure 161, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line CLXIIb-CLXIIb in Figure 162(a). [Figure 163] FIG. 109(a) is a cross-sectional view of the sorting unit in the nineteenth embodiment, corresponding to the cross section taken along line CXIIa-CXIIa in FIG. 109(a). [Fig. 164] This is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit in the 20th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a). [Figure 165] This is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit in the 21st embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a). [Figure 166] A cross-sectional view of the winning port unit in the 22nd embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a). [Figure 167] A cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit in the 23rd embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 168] A cross-sectional view of the prize winning slot unit in the 24th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 169] A cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit in the 25th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 170]A cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit in the 26th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 171] A cross-sectional view of the prize winning slot unit in the 27th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Fig. 172] A cross-sectional view of the prize winning slot unit in the 28th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 173] A cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit in the 29th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Fig. 174] (a) is a top view of the winning port unit in the 30th embodiment, and (b) is a side view of the winning port unit. [Figure 175] A cross-sectional view of the winning port unit in the 31st embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a). [Figure 176] A cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit in the 32nd embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 177]This is a cross-sectional view of the prize winning slot unit in the 33rd embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is displaced forward while maintaining the attitude (angle) arranged in the first position inside the bearing part described later, and (c) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 178] A cross-sectional view of the prize winning slot unit in the 34th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 179] A cross-sectional view of the prize winning slot unit in the 35th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 180] A cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit in the 36th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 181] A cross-sectional view of the prize winning slot unit in the 37th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 182] A cross-sectional view of the prize winning slot unit in the 38th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), where (a) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position, and (b) shows the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the second position. [Figure 183] A cross-sectional view of the winning port unit in the 39th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a), showing the state in which the distribution member is arranged in the first position. [Figure 184] A cross-sectional view of the winning port unit in the 40th embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CLXI-CLXI in Figure 139(a). [Figure 185] (a) is a side view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a rear view of the winning port unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 44, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") 10 will be described as a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of a game board 13 of the pachinko machine 10, and Fig. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, pachinko machine 10 comprises outer frame 11, an outer shell formed by wooden frames assembled into a substantially rectangular shape, and inner frame 12, which is formed to have substantially the same external shape as outer frame 11 and is supported so as to be able to open and close relative to outer frame 11. Metal hinges 18 are attached to outer frame 11 at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), in order to support inner frame 12, and inner frame 12 is supported so as to be able to open and close towards the front, with the side where hinges 18 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing.

[0015] A game board 13 (see FIG. 2) having numerous nails and winning holes 63, 64, etc., is detachably attached to the back side of the inner frame 12. A pinball game is played by balls (game balls) flowing down the front of the game board 13. Attached to the inner frame 12 are a ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) that launches balls into the front area of ​​the game board 13, a launching rail (not shown) that guides the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a to the front area of ​​the game board 13, and the like.

[0016] On the front side of the inner frame 12, there is a front frame 14 that covers the upper front side, and a lower tray unit 15 that covers the lower side. To support the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15 are supported so that they can be opened and closed toward the front, with the side where the hinges 19 are installed serving as the opening and closing axis. The locks on the inner frame 12 and the front frame 14 can be unlocked by inserting a dedicated key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a specified operation.

[0017] The front frame 14 is fitted with decorative resin parts, electrical parts, etc., and has a window 14c formed as a roughly oval opening in the approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass plates is disposed on the back side of the front frame 14, and the front of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0018] In the front frame 14, an upper tray 17 for storing balls is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top that protrudes toward the front, and prize balls, loan balls, etc. are discharged onto this upper tray 17. The bottom of the upper tray 17 is formed to slope downward to the right when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and this slope guides balls dropped into the upper tray 17 to the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 4). In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the top surface of the upper tray 17. This frame button 22 is operated by the player, for example, to change the stage of the effect displayed on the third pattern display device 81 (see Figure 2) or to change the content of the super reach effect.

[0019] The front frame 14 is provided with various light-emitting devices such as lamps around its periphery (e.g., corners). These light-emitting devices change their light-emitting modes by lighting or blinking in response to changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or a predetermined reach is reached, thereby enhancing the presentation effects during play. The periphery of the window 14c is provided with illumination units 29-33 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs. In the pachinko machine 10, these illumination units 29-33 function as presentation lamps, such as jackpot lamps. When a jackpot is hit or a reach presentation is being performed, the built-in LEDs cause each illumination unit 29-33 to light up or blink, thereby indicating that a jackpot is being achieved or that the player is in a reach phase just before a jackpot. Furthermore, the upper left corner of the front frame 14, as viewed from the front (see Figure 1), is provided with an indicator lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs, which can indicate when prize balls are being paid out and when an error has occurred.

[0020] Additionally, a small window 35 is formed by attaching transparent resin to the underside of the right-side illumination unit 32 from the backside so that the backside of the front frame 14 can be seen, and certificate stamps and the like affixed to the attachment space K1 (see Figure 2) on the front of the game board 13 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Additionally, in the pachinko machine 10, a plated member 36 made of chrome-plated ABS resin is attached to the area around the illumination units 29 to 33 to create a more dazzling appearance.

[0021] A ball dispensing operation unit 40 is disposed below the window 14c. The ball dispensing operation unit 40 is provided with a power display unit 41, a ball dispensing button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball dispensing unit) (not shown) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are dispensed in accordance with the operation. Specifically, the power display unit 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc. is displayed, and an internal LED lights up to display the remaining balance numerically as the remaining balance information. The ball dispensing button 42 is operated to obtain dispensed balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and dispensed balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a remaining balance on the card, etc. The return button 43 is operated to request the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. In addition, in pachinko machines where balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispensing device to the upper tray 17 without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is not necessary, but in this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation part of the ball dispensing operation unit 40 to make the parts configuration common. It is possible to standardize pachinko machines that use card units and cash machines.

[0022] The lower tray unit 15, located below the upper tray 17, has a lower tray 50 on its left side, which is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top, for storing balls that cannot be stored in the upper tray 17. An operating handle 51 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 50, which is operated by the player to hit the ball into the front of the game board 13.

[0023] The operating handle 51 contains a touch sensor 51a for permitting the operation of the ball launching unit 112a, a launch stop switch 51b that stops the launch of balls while the switch is pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51 by changes in electrical resistance. When the operating handle 51 is rotated clockwise by a player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes corresponding to the amount of rotation, launching the ball with a strength (launch strength) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, thereby hitting the ball toward the front of the game board 13 at a distance corresponding to the player's operation. When the operating handle 51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the launch stop switch 51b are off.

[0024] A ball removal lever 52 is provided on the lower front portion of the lower tray 50 to be operated when discharging balls stored in the lower tray 50 downward. This ball removal lever 52 is always biased to the right, and by sliding it to the left against this bias, a bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 50 opens, and the balls fall naturally from the bottom opening and are discharged. This ball removal lever 52 is usually operated with a box (commonly called a "senryo box") placed below the lower tray 50 to receive the balls discharged from the lower tray 50. As mentioned above, the operating handle 51 is disposed on the right side of the lower tray 50, and an ashtray (not shown) is attached to the left side of the lower tray 50.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the game board 13 is constructed by assembling a number of nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) for guiding balls to a base plate 60 cut into an approximately square shape when viewed from the front, as well as rails 61, 62, a general winning port 63, a first winning port 64, a second winning port 140, a variable winning device 65, a through gate 67, a variable display device unit 80, etc., and its peripheral portion is attached to the back side of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1).

[0026] The base plate 60 is formed from a wooden plate member. The general winning slot 63, the first winning slot 64, the second winning slot 140, and the variable display unit 80 are arranged in through holes formed in the base plate 60 by router processing, and are fixed from the front side of the game board 13 with tapping screws or the like. The base plate 60 may be made from a light-transmitting resin material. In this case, it becomes possible for the player to see the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60 from the front side.

[0027] The central front portion of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 12 through a window portion 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14. The configuration of the game board 13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0028] An outer rail 62 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a generally arcuate shape is set up on the front of the gaming board 13, and an inner rail 61, also formed from a strip-shaped metal plate like the outer rail 62, is set up inside the outer rail 62. The outer periphery of the front of the gaming board 13 is surrounded by the inner rail 61 and outer rail 62, and the front and back are surrounded by the gaming board 13 and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1), so that a gaming area where games are played based on the behavior of the ball is formed in front of the gaming board 13. The gaming area is an area (an area where winning slots and the like are arranged and where shot balls flow down) defined in front of the gaming board 13 by the two rails 61, 62 and the resin outer edge member 73 connecting the rails.

[0029] The two rails 61, 62 are provided to guide the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 4) to the top of the game board 13. A ball return prevention member 68 is attached to the tip (upper left in Figure 2) of the inner rail 61, preventing a ball that has been guided to the top of the game board 13 from returning into the ball guide passage. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip (upper right in Figure 2) of the outer rail 62 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight point of the ball, and a ball launched with more than a predetermined force hits the return rubber 69 and bounces back toward the center while its force is reduced.

[0030] First symbol display devices 37A and 37B, each equipped with a plurality of LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means, are disposed in the lower left portion of the game area as viewed from the front (lower left portion of FIG. 2). The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B display information according to the controls performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and primarily display the game status of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be selectively used depending on whether the ball has entered the first winning slot 64 or the second winning slot 140. Specifically, when the ball has entered the first winning slot 64, the first symbol display device 37A is activated, and when the ball has entered the second winning slot 140, the first symbol display device 37B is activated.

[0031] Furthermore, the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a probability variable, time-saving, or normal mode, whether it is fluctuating, whether the stopped symbol corresponds to a probability variable jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a missing symbol, and the number of reserved balls, and also display the number of rounds during a jackpot and errors using a 7-segment display device. The multiple LEDs are configured to emit different colors (e.g., red, green, blue), and the various game states of the pachinko machine 10 can be indicated using a small number of LEDs by combining different colors.

[0032] In this pachinko machine 10, a lottery is held when a prize is won in the first prize slot 64 or the second prize slot 140. In the lottery, the pachinko machine 10 determines whether or not a jackpot has been won (jackpot lottery), and if a jackpot has been determined, it also determines the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be determined here include a 15R variable jackpot, a 4R variable jackpot, and a 15R regular jackpot. The first symbol display devices 37A, 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stopped symbol after the variation has ended, but also display a symbol corresponding to the type of jackpot if a jackpot has been determined.

[0033] Here, a "15R probability variable jackpot" refers to a probability variable jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and a "4R probability variable jackpot" refers to a probability variable jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 4. Also, a "15R normal jackpot" refers to a jackpot that transitions to a low probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and is in a time-saving state for a predetermined number of variations (for example, 100 variations).

[0034] Furthermore, the "high probability state" refers to a state in which the probability of a subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value after a jackpot, i.e., during a so-called probability fluctuation (probability change state). In other words, it refers to a game state in which a transition to a special game state is likely. In this embodiment, the high probability state (probability change state) includes a game state in which the probability of a second symbol (described later) is increased, making it easier for a ball to enter the second winning slot 140. The "low probability state" refers to a state when the probability change state is not in a probability change state, in which the jackpot probability is normal, i.e., a state in which the jackpot probability is lower than during a probability change state. Furthermore, the time-saving state (time-saving state) within the "low probability state" refers to a game state in which the jackpot probability is normal, and the jackpot probability remains the same, but only the probability of a second symbol is increased, making it easier for a ball to enter the second winning slot 140. On the other hand, the pachinko machine 10 is in a normal state when it is neither in a probability change state nor a time-saving state (a state in which neither the jackpot probability nor the probability of a second symbol is increased).

[0035] During the probability variation or time reduction, not only does the probability of winning the second symbol increase, but the time for which the feather member 945 (electric device) attached to the second winning port 140 is opened is also changed and set to a longer time than during normal play. When the feather member 945 is in an open state (open state), it becomes easier for the ball to enter the second winning port 140 than when the feather member 945 is in a closed state (closed state). Therefore, during the probability variation or time reduction, it becomes easier for the ball to enter the second winning port 140, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0036] During a probability variation or a time-saving period, instead of changing the opening time of the feather member 945 associated with the second winning slot 140, or in addition to changing the opening time, a change may be made to increase the number of times the feather member 945 opens in one win compared to normal play. Also, during a probability variation or a time-saving period, the winning probability of the second symbol may not be changed, but at least one of the opening time of the feather member 945 associated with the second winning slot 140 and the number of times the feather member 945 opens in one win may be changed. Also, during a probability variation or a time-saving period, the opening time of the feather member 945 associated with the second winning slot 140 or the number of times the feather member 945 opens in one win may not be changed, but only the winning probability of the second symbol may be changed to be increased compared to normal play.

[0037] The game area is provided with a plurality of general winning slots 63, through which 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the slot. A variable display unit 80 is also provided in the center of the game area. The variable display unit 80 includes a third symbol display device 81, which is a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as "display device") that displays a variable third symbol in synchronization with the variable display in the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, triggered by a winning (initial winning) in the first winning slot 64 and the second winning slot 140, and a second symbol display device (not shown) that is an LED that displays a variable second symbol in response to a ball passing through the through gate 67. A center frame 86 is also provided in the variable display unit 80, surrounding the outer periphery of the third symbol display device 81.

[0038] The third symbol display device 81 is configured with a large 9-inch liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 114 (see FIG. 4), thereby displaying, for example, three symbol rows: top, middle, and bottom. Each symbol row is composed of multiple symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols are scrolled horizontally for each symbol row, so that the third symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 81. While the game status display associated with the control of the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the third symbol display device 81 of this embodiment performs decorative display corresponding to the display of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B. Note that the third symbol display device 81 may be configured using, for example, reels instead of a display device.

[0039] The second symbol display device performs a variable display in which a "circle" symbol and an "x" symbol are alternately lit for a predetermined time as a display symbol (second symbol (not shown)) each time the ball passes through the through gate 67. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the through gate 67, a winning lottery is held. If the result of the winning lottery is a winning lottery, the second symbol display device displays a static "circle" symbol after the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner. If the result of the winning lottery is a losing lottery, the second symbol display device displays a static "x" symbol after the third symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

[0040] The pachinko machine 10 is configured so that when the changing display in the second pattern display device stops at a predetermined pattern (in this embodiment, a ``circle'' pattern), the feather member 945 attached to the second winning port 140 becomes activated (opens) for a predetermined period of time.

[0041] The time required for the second symbol to change is set to be shorter during a probability variation or time-saving mode than during a normal game state. As a result, the second symbol change is displayed in a shorter time during a probability variation or time-saving mode, allowing for more winning lotteries than during normal game states. This increases the chances of winning in the winning lottery, giving players more opportunities to open the wing member 945 of the second winning slot 140. Therefore, during a probability variation or time-saving mode, it is possible to create a state in which the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 140.

[0042] Note that, if the state is such that the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 140 during a probability variation or time-saving period by other methods, such as increasing the probability of winning, or increasing the opening time or number of times that the feather member 945 opens per win, the time it takes for the variable display of the second symbol may be kept constant regardless of the game state. On the other hand, if the time it takes for the variable display of the second symbol to be set shorter during a probability variation or time-saving period than during normal play, the probability of winning may be kept constant regardless of the game state, and the opening time or number of times that the feather member 945 opens per win may be kept constant regardless of the game state.

[0043] The through gates 67 are attached to the game board 13 in the left and right areas of the variable display unit 80, and are configured to allow a portion of the ball shot to the game board 13 to pass through. When the ball passes through the through gate 67, a lottery for a second symbol is held. After the lottery for a second symbol is held, a variable display is performed on the second symbol display device, and if the result of the lottery for a second symbol is a win, a "○" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol of the variable display, and if the result of the lottery for a second symbol is a loss, an "X" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol of the variable display.

[0044] The number of times that a ball passes through the through gate 67 can be reserved up to a maximum of four times in total, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and is also displayed by lighting the second symbol reservation lamp (not shown). Four second symbol reservation lamps are provided, the number being the maximum number of reserved balls, and are arranged symmetrically below the third symbol display device 81.

[0045] In addition, the variable display of the second symbol may be performed by switching on and off multiple lamps in the second symbol display device, as in this embodiment, or may be performed using a portion of the first symbol display device 37A, 37B and the third symbol display device 81. Similarly, the second symbol reserve lamp may be lit by a portion of the third symbol display device 81. Furthermore, the maximum number of reserved balls for balls passing through the through gate 67 is not limited to four, but may be set to three or less, or five or more times (e.g., eight times). Furthermore, the number of installed through gates 67 is not limited to two, but may be, for example, one. Furthermore, the installation position of the through gate 67 is not limited to the left or right of the variable display device unit 80, but may be, for example, below the variable display device unit 80. Furthermore, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, the second symbol reserve lamp may not be illuminated.

[0046] A first winning hole 64, into which a ball can win, is disposed below the variable display unit 80. When a ball wins in this first winning hole 64, a first winning hole switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and when the first winning hole switch is turned on, a lottery for a jackpot is held in the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37A.

[0047] On the other hand, a second winning opening 140 into which a ball can enter is disposed below the first winning opening 64 as viewed from the front. When a ball enters this second winning opening 140, a second winning opening switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and when the second winning opening switch is turned on, a lottery for a jackpot is conducted by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37B.

[0048] Furthermore, each of the first winning slot 64 and the second winning slot 140 is also one of the winning slots from which five balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the slot. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 is the same as the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 140, but the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 140 may be different; for example, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 may be three, and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 140 may be five.

[0049] A feather member 945 is attached to the second winning opening 140. This feather member 945 is configured to be able to open and close, and normally the feather member 945 is in a closed state (reduced state), making it difficult for the ball to win the second winning opening 140. On the other hand, when the second pattern display device displays a "○" pattern as a result of the variable display of the second pattern, which is triggered by the passage of the ball through the through gate 67, the feather member 945 is in an open state (expanded state), making it easier for the ball to win the second winning opening 140.

[0050] As described above, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, the probability of winning the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time it takes for the second symbol to change is shorter, so the "○" symbol is more likely to appear in the change display of the second symbol, and the number of times that the wing member 945 is in the open state (expanded state) increases. Furthermore, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, the time that the wing member 945 is open is longer than during normal play. Therefore, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, it is possible to create an environment in which the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 140 than during normal play.

[0051] Here, the probability of winning a jackpot when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and when a ball enters the second winning slot 140 is the same in both low and high probability states. However, the probability of a 15R variable jackpot being selected as the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs is set higher when a ball enters the second winning slot 140 than when a ball enters the first winning slot 64. On the other hand, the first winning slot 64 does not have the feather members found in the second winning slot 140, and is always in a state where a ball can enter.

[0052] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the wing members attached to the second winning slot 140 are often in a closed state, making it difficult to win at the second winning slot 140. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for the first winning slot 64, which does not have wing members, by firing the ball so that it passes to the left of the variable display device unit 80 (the so-called "left shot"), thereby gaining more opportunities to win the jackpot by winning at the first winning slot 64 and aiming to win the jackpot.

[0053] On the other hand, during the special rate or time-saving period, passing the ball through the through gate 67 makes it easier for the feather member 945 attached to the second winning slot 140 to be opened, making it easier for the ball to win at the second winning slot 140. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the ball towards the second winning slot 140 so that it passes to the right of the variable display device 80 (the so-called "right hit"), pass through the through gate 67 to open the feather member, and aim for the ball to win at the second winning slot 140, resulting in a 15R special rate jackpot.

[0054] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the game board 13 is configured symmetrically, so it is possible to aim for the first winning slot 64 by "hitting to the right" and for the second winning slot 140 by "hitting to the left." Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment does not require the player to change the way the ball is shot between "hitting to the left" and "hitting to the right" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). This eliminates the hassle of changing the way the ball is shot.

[0055] A variable winning device 65 (see FIG. 2) is disposed below the first winning opening 64, and a specific winning opening 65a is disposed in its approximate center. In the pachinko machine 10, when a jackpot lottery held due to a winning entry into the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 140 results in a jackpot, after a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is illuminated to display a jackpot stop symbol, and the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device 81, indicating the occurrence of a jackpot. The game state then transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which balls are more likely to win. In this special game state, the specific winning opening 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed or until 10 balls have won).

[0056] This specific winning opening 65a is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed, and after that closure, the specific winning opening 65a is opened again for a predetermined time. The opening and closing operation of this specific winning opening 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds). The state in which this opening and closing operation is being performed is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player is paid out a larger number of prize balls than usual as an added gaming value (game value).

[0057] The special game state is not limited to the above-described form. A large opening that opens and closes separately from the specific winning opening 65a may be provided in the game area, and when an LED corresponding to a jackpot is lit in the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time. While the specific winning opening 65a is open, a ball entering the specific winning opening 65a triggers the large opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a to open for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, thereby forming a special game state. The number of specific winning openings 65a is not limited to one, and one or more (e.g., three) may be provided. The location of the opening is not limited to the lower right or lower left of the first winning opening 64, but may also be, for example, to the left of the variable display unit 80.

[0058] An attachment space K1 is provided in the right corner of the lower side of the game board 13 for attaching stamps, identification labels, etc., and the stamps, etc. attached to the attachment space K1 can be seen through a small window 35 in the front frame 14 (see Figure 1).

[0059] The game board 13 is provided with outlets 71. Balls that flow down the game area but do not win in any of the winning holes 63, 64, 65a, 640 are guided through the outlets 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown). The outlets 71 are arranged in pairs on the left and right of the specific winning hole 65a.

[0060] The game board 13 has many nails planted thereon to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and is also provided with various components (apparatuses) such as windmills.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly equipped with control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is a unit equipped with a main board (main control device 110), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 113), and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is a unit equipped with a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115), and a card unit connection board 116.

[0062] The back pack unit 94 is a unit consisting of the back pack 92 that forms the protective cover and the payout unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each function, ports for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. as needed.

[0063] The main control device 110, the voice lamp control device 113 and the display control device 114, the payout control device 111 and the launch control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are each housed in board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 are equipped with a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to house the respective control devices and boards.

[0064] Furthermore, the board box 100 (main control device 110) and the board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) have their box bases and box covers connected (connected by a crimping structure) by a sealing unit (not shown) so that they cannot be opened. A sealing seal (not shown) is attached to the connecting portion between the box base and the box cover, spanning the box base and the box cover. This sealing seal is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing seal to open the board box 100, 102 or to forcibly open the board box 100, 102, it will be cut into the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or sealing seal, it is possible to know whether the board box 100, 102 has been opened.

[0065] The payout unit 93 comprises a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upward, a tank rail 131 connected to the bottom of the tank 130 and gently sloping downstream, a case rail 132 connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 132 and dispensing balls using a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The tank 130 is successively replenished with balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall, and the payout device 133 appropriately dispenses the required number of balls. A vibrator 134 is attached to the tank rail 131 to impart vibrations to the tank rail 131.

[0066] In addition, the payout control device 111 is provided with a state restoration switch 120, the firing control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 121, and the power supply device 115 is provided with a RAM deletion switch 122. The state restoration switch 120 is operated to resolve ball jamming (return to normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as ball jamming in the payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the firing force of the firing solenoid. The RAM deletion switch 122 is operated when the power is turned on to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

[0067] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0068] The main control device 110 is equipped with an MPU 201, which is a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The MPU 201 contains a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 202 are executed, and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. The main control device 110 uses the MPU 201 to execute the main processes of the pachinko machine 10, such as drawing a jackpot, setting the display on the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and the third symbol display device 81, and drawing the display result on the second symbol display device.

[0069] In addition, in order to instruct sub-controllers such as the dispensing control unit 111 and the voice lamp control unit 113 to operate, various commands are sent from the main control unit 110 to the sub-controllers via a data transmission / reception circuit, but such commands are sent only in one direction from the main control unit 110 to the sub-controllers.

[0070] The RAM 203 has various areas, counters, flags, a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 201 and return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 201, and a work area (working region) for storing values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. The RAM 203 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up.

[0071] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the stack pointer and the values ​​of each register at the time of the power outage (including the time of the power outage; the same applies below) are stored in RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power is turned on (including the time of the power being turned on after the power outage is resolved; the same applies below), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power outage based on the information stored in RAM 203. Writing to RAM 203 is executed by main processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned off, and the restoration of each value written to RAM 203 is executed in start-up processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned on. Note that, when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SG1 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of MPU 201 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to MPU 201, NMI interrupt processing (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage processing.

[0072] An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 via a bus line 204 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 205 is connected to the payout control device 111, the sound lamp control device 113, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol display device, the second symbol reservation lamp, and solenoids 209 consisting of a large opening solenoid for driving the opening and closing of the specific winning port 65a to the front side with the lower edge of the opening / closing plate as the axis, and a solenoid for driving the blade member, and the like, and the MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0073] In addition, the input / output port 205 is connected to various switches 208 consisting of a group of switches (not shown) and a group of sensors including a slide position detection sensor S and a rotation position detection sensor R, as well as a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 (described below) provided in the power supply device 115, and the MPU 201 performs various processes based on signals output from the various switches 208 and a RAM erasure signal SG2 output from the RAM erasure switch circuit 253.

[0074] The payout control device 111 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by driving a payout motor 216. The MPU 211, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 212 that stores control programs executed by the MPU 211, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 213 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0075] The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (working region) in which values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. Like the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is also configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. When the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage process.

[0076] An input / output port 215 is connected to the MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 via a bus line 214 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 215 is connected to the main control device 110, payout motor 216, launch control device 112, etc. Also, although not shown, a prize ball detection switch for detecting paid-out prize balls is connected to the payout control device 111. Note that this prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but is not connected to the main control device 110.

[0077] When the main control device 110 issues an instruction to launch a ball, the launch control device 112 controls the ball launch unit 112a so that the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51. The ball launch unit 112a is equipped with a launch solenoid and electromagnet (not shown), and the launch solenoid and electromagnet are permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operating handle 51, and when the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the ball launch is off (not operated), the launch solenoid is excited in accordance with the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51, and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51.

[0078] The audio lamp control device 113 controls the output of audio from the audio output device (such as a speaker not shown) 226, the output of lighting and extinguishing from the lamp display device (such as the illumination units 29 to 33 and the display lamp 34) 227, and the setting of the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 performed by the display control device 114, such as variable performance (variable display) and advance notice performance. The MPU 221, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 222 that stores control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 221, and a RAM 223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0079] An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the voice and lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 225 is connected to the main control device 110, the display control device 114, the voice output device 226, the lamp display device 227, other devices 228, the frame button 22, etc. The other devices 228 include the drive motor MT1 and the electromagnetic solenoids SOL1 and SOL2.

[0080] The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 based on various commands (variation pattern command, stop type command, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode by commands (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). The voice lamp control device 113 also monitors input from the frame button 22, and when the player operates the frame button 22, instructs the display control device 114 to change the stage displayed on the third symbol display device 81 or change the performance content during a super reach. When the stage is changed, the voice lamp control device 113 transmits a back image change command including information about the changed stage to the display control device 114 so that the third symbol display device 81 displays a back image corresponding to the changed stage. Here, the back image refers to an image displayed behind the third symbol, which is the main image displayed on the third symbol display device 81. The display control device 114 displays various images on the third symbol display device 81 in accordance with the commands transmitted from the voice lamp control device 113.

[0081] Furthermore, the voice lamp control device 113 receives a command (display command) representing the display content of the third pattern display device 81 from the display control device 114. Based on the display command received from the display control device 114, the voice lamp control device 113 outputs a voice corresponding to the display content from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content of the third pattern display device 81, and also controls the turning on and off of the lamp display device 227 in accordance with the display content.

[0082] The display control device 114 is connected to the voice lamp control device 113 and the third pattern display device 81, and controls the display of the third pattern display device 81, such as the variable performance of the third pattern, based on commands received from the voice lamp control device 113. The display control device 114 also transmits display commands to the voice lamp control device 113 as appropriate, notifying the display content of the third pattern display device 81. The voice lamp control device 113 can match the display of the third pattern display device 81 with the voice output from the voice output device 226 by outputting voice from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content indicated by the display command.

[0083] The power supply device 115 includes a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each component of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruptions due to power outages and the like, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 provided with a RAM erasure switch 122 (see FIG. 3). The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc., via a power supply path (not shown). Briefly, the power supply unit 251 takes in 24-volt AC voltage supplied from an external source, generates 12-volt voltage for driving various switches such as the various switches 208, solenoids such as the solenoid 209, motors, etc., a 5-volt voltage for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies the necessary voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc.

[0084] The power outage monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit for outputting a power outage signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 201 of the main control unit 110 and the MPU 211 of the dispensing control device 111 when power is cut off due to a power outage or other reason. The power outage monitoring circuit 252 monitors the 24-volt DC stabilized voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and if this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power outage (power outage, power interruption) has occurred and outputs the power outage signal SG1 to the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control device 111. By outputting the power outage signal SG1, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control device 111 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute NMI interrupt processing. Note that the power supply unit 251 is configured to maintain the output of the 5-volt voltage, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute NMI interrupt processing, even after the 24-volt DC stabilized voltage falls below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control unit 111 can execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown) normally.

[0085] The RAM clearing switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM clearing signal SG2 to the main control device 110 to clear the backup data when the RAM clearing switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM clearing signal SG2 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, it clears the backup data and sends a payout initialization command to the payout control device 111 to clear the backup data in the payout control device 111.

[0086] Next, the structure of the game board 13 and the operation unit 300 will be described. Fig. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board 13 and the operation unit 300, and Fig. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board 13 and the operation unit 300. In the explanation of Figs. 5 and 6, Fig. 2 will be referred to as appropriate. In Fig. 6, the third pattern display device 81 is omitted from the illustration.

[0087] As described above, the game board 13 is constructed by assembling a number of nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) for guiding balls to a base plate 60 cut into an approximately square shape when viewed from the front, as well as rails 61, 62, a general winning opening 63, a first winning opening 64, a second winning opening 140, a through gate 67, a variable winning device 65, a variable display device unit 80, a pair of left and right window movable units 150, and a ball flow-down unit 290 that allows balls discharged from the game area to flow down, and the peripheral portion of the board is attached to the back side of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1).

[0088] As mentioned above, the base plate 60 is made of plywood made by overlapping plywood sheets, and is formed so that it can be shielded by the front side so that the player cannot see the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6, the base plate 60 has, in addition to a through hole drilled at approximately the center position to allow the variable display device unit 80 to be arranged, multiple (two in this embodiment) small through holes 60a drilled to pass electrical wiring connected to the through gate 67, multiple (three in this embodiment) mating recesses 60b recessed to allow for concave-convex engagement with the front end of the operating unit 300, and multiple (two in this embodiment) light-transmitting holes 60c drilled in the front-to-back direction at the lower left and right sides.

[0090] The light transmitting holes 60c are formed at positions that allow light irradiated from the operation unit 300 side to pass through, and from the viewpoint of light emission presentation, the presentation effect of the game board 13 is improved. This will be explained in detail.

[0091] Downflow surface constituent members 91, 92 formed from a light-transmitting resin material are arranged on the front side of the light passage hole 60c, and the downflow surface constituent members 91, 92 are fastened and fixed to the base plate 60 in such a manner that the outer portions 94 of the downflow surface constituent members 91, 92 cover the light passage hole 60c.

[0092] The left and right flow surface constituent members 91, 92 are configured in an approximately symmetrical shape, except that a covering plate FB is arranged on the front side of the right flow surface constituent member 92.Therefore, the left flow surface constituent member 91 will be explained in detail, and an explanation of the right flow surface constituent member 92 will be omitted.

[0093] As shown in Figure 5, the flow-down surface component 91 is configured so that the play area is divided by a plate-shaped portion arranged along the front of the base plate 60, a band-shaped portion 93 formed in a band shape of the same width as the inner rail 61, and is provided with the band-shaped portion 93, an outer portion 94 which is the outer portion (outer portion when viewed from the front) of the play area divided by the band-shaped portion 93, and an inner portion 95 which is the inner portion (inner portion when viewed from the front) of the play area divided by the band-shaped portion 93.

[0094] As described above, the outer portion 94 is located outside the play area and is therefore configured as a portion that is unlikely to affect the flow of the ball. Therefore, since there is no need to consider the effect on the ball caused by the displacement of the outer plate portion 94, the thickness of the outer portion 94 can be designed to be thin.

[0095] Furthermore, even if the thickness of the inner portion 95 becomes thin as a result of designing the outer portion 94 to be thin, the thickness of the base plate 60 is disposed on the back side of the inner portion 95, so that it is possible to suppress displacement in the front-to-rear direction (deformation in the thickness direction) of the inner portion 95 by utilizing the rigidity of the base plate 60. Furthermore, by designing the thickness of the outer portion 94 and the inner portion 95 to be thin, it is possible to ensure a sufficient front-to-rear width of the play area.

[0096] In this way, the thickness of the outer part 94 can be designed to be thin without impairing the functionality required of the inner part 95, and as a result, the light irradiated from the operating unit 300 side and passing through the light-transmitting hole 60c can be more easily seen by the player through the outer part 94.

[0097] In this embodiment, since the base plate 60 is formed from a wooden plate member, it is difficult for the player to see the light irradiated from the back side through the thickness of the base plate 60. On the other hand, by forming a light transmission hole 60c (see FIG. 6) as in this embodiment and arranging a light emitting means on the back side thereof, it is possible to easily change the brightness seen through the base plate 60 while constructing the base plate 60 from a wooden plate member.

[0098] For example, when forming a decorative pattern that appears to be continuously connected between the outer part 94 and other parts when viewed from the front, the appearance of the same decorative pattern can be changed into multiple types by changing the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting means 778 arranged on the illumination board 777 located on the back side of the outer part 94 and changing the brightness of the outer part 94.

[0099] Also, for example, a decorative member that changes a visible pattern depending on the light emission mode of the light emitting means 778 may be attached to the outer portion 94. In this case, the appearance (image) of the game board 13 can be significantly changed depending on the light emission mode of the light emitting means 778.

[0100] The decorative member that changes the visible pattern depending on the light emission mode is not limited in any way. For example, it may be a member designed to make different patterns visible depending on the angle at which light is shone, such as an illumination plate. Furthermore, it may be a member that has a pattern drawn in multiple colors and is designed so that the visible pattern changes by changing the light emission color, assuming that multiple colors of light are also available.

[0101] As described above, the inner portion 95 is disposed inside the play area. If the inner portion 95 were to be displaced (deformed), it could affect the balls flowing down the play area. However, in this embodiment, the base plate 60 is configured so that the solid portion is disposed on the back side of the inner portion 95 (the light transmission hole 60c is configured to be located on the outer portion 94 side relative to the band-shaped portion 93 in a front view), and therefore, the rigidity of the base plate 60 can be utilized to prevent displacement (deformation) of the inner portion 95. This stabilizes the flow of the balls down the play area.

[0102] A general winning opening 63 is arranged in the inner part 95, and this general winning opening 63 is arranged in a through hole formed in the base plate 60 by router processing, and the flow-down surface component 91 is fixed by being fixed from the front side of the game board 13 with a tapping screw or the like.

[0103] The central front portion of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 12 through a window portion 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14. The configuration of the game board 13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0104] As described above, the variable display device unit 80 has a center frame 86 arranged around the outer periphery of the third pattern display device 81, and the window section movable unit 150 is arranged at the upper left and right corners of the center frame 86.

[0105] Fig. 7 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board 13. Note that in Fig. 7, the illustration of the lower part of the game board 13 is omitted, and the auxiliary device 160 is shown exploded and in a front perspective view.

[0106] The window movable unit 150 is equipped with a displacement member 151 that is rotatably displaceable and configured to be visible to the player at the window inside the center frame 86, and an auxiliary device 160 that is arranged on the back side of the displacement member 151 and generates a driving force to drive the displacement member 151 and irradiates light toward the displacement member 151.

[0107] The displacement member 151 is formed in a bifurcated shape when viewed from the front to back direction, and includes a bifurcated portion 152 that is pivotally supported at a base end formed near the bent portion, a tip portion 153 that is disposed at both tip ends of the bifurcated portion 152 and is formed in a box shape (bag-like, cup-like) with an open back side, and a protrusion portion 154 that protrudes radially from the base end of the bifurcated portion 152.

[0108] The tip portion 153 comprises a presentation portion 153a formed in a box shape (bag-shaped, cup-shaped) with the bottom side facing the front and arranged so that it can be seen by the player, and a ring-shaped portion 153b fastened and fixed to the open side of the presentation portion 153a, with the opposite side of the presentation portion 153a tapering compared to the side of the presentation portion 153a.

[0109] The performance section 153a has a light-diffusing shape (jagged shape) formed on the inner surface, which can diffuse the light that is irradiated from the back side to the inside of the open section. Therefore, even if the light that is actually irradiated is only irradiated over a narrow range, the entire performance section 153a can be seen to be glowing (faintly) to a player viewing the performance section 153a from the front side.

[0110] The range in which the overhanging portion 154 can be displaced in both rotational directions is defined by a pair of claws 86a protruding from the center frame 86. That is, the displacement member 151 is configured to be rotatable and displaceable within an angle (an angle less than 360 degrees) defined by the arrangement of the claws 86a and its relationship with the overhanging portion 154.

[0111] Fig. 8 is an exploded front perspective view of auxiliary device 160, and Fig. 9 is an exploded rear perspective view of auxiliary device 160. Auxiliary device 160 includes a contact member 161 arranged at a position where it can contact displacement member 151 (see Fig. 7), a metal (brass in this embodiment) transmission shaft rod portion 162 having one end (front end) connected to the contact member 161 so as not to rotate relative to the contact member 161, a driven member 163 connected to the other end (rear end) of the transmission shaft rod portion 162 so as not to rotate relative to the contact member 161, well-known E-rings 164 fitted radially onto both ends of transmission shaft rod portion 162, a support case 170 configured to be able to pivotally support transmission shaft rod portion 162 and having a case-like overall shape, and an illumination board 180 disposed inside support case 170.

[0112] The transmission shaft rod portion 162 is a columnar member whose central portion has a perfect circular outer shape when viewed in the axial direction (front-rear direction), and both ends are cut into a planar shape from a predetermined radial direction, giving both ends a generally D-shaped cross section. These both end portions fit into the insertion hole 161b of the abutting member 161 and the insertion hole 163b of the driven member 163, thereby connecting the abutting member 161, transmission shaft rod portion 162, and driven member 163 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other (integrally).

[0113] The abutment member 161 is formed from a resin material and includes a base end 161a having a through hole 161b with a D-shaped cross section that is a through hole through which the transmission shaft rod portion 162 is inserted, and an arm portion 161c that extends outward from the base end 161a and is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the front.

[0114] The driven member 163 is formed from a resin material and includes a base end 163a having an insertion hole 163b formed therein, which is a through hole through which the transmission shaft rod portion 162 is inserted and has a D-shaped cross section, and an arm portion 163c extending straight outward from the base end 161a and having an approximately flat plate shape.

[0115] A metal plate member MB1 made of metal (magnetic material) is disposed on the upper surface of the driven member 163. In this embodiment, the metal plate member MB1 is fixed to the driven member 163 by engagement with the elastic claws 163d.

[0116] More specifically, rail portions that guide the forward and backward sliding of the metal plate member MB1 are disposed at both radial ends of the arm portion 163c, and these rail portions are formed so as to be able to guide the metal plate member MB1 only from the front side (only the front side is fully open). When the metal plate member MB1 is slid along the rail portions, the elastic claws 163d are pressed down by the metal plate member MB1, and if the metal plate member MB1 is slid in this state, the metal plate member MB1 hits the rear side wall of the rail portions, thereby restricting the sliding. At this position, the metal plate member MB1 is no longer pressing down on the elastic claws 163d (the metal plate member MB1 has risen to a position facing the side surface of the metal plate member MB1), and the elastic claws 163d engage to restrict the metal plate member MB1 from retracting toward the front side.

[0117] It should be noted that the method of fixing the metal plate member MB1 to the driven member 163 is not limited to this. For example, the metal plate member MB1 may be fastened to the driven member 163, may be bound with a cable tie, or may be attached with adhesive tape or the like.

[0118] The support case 170 comprises a rear member 170B, a middle member 170M arranged on the front side of the rear member 170B and having a support hole 174 through which the transmission shaft rod portion 162 is inserted, and a front member 170F arranged on the front side of the middle member 170M and having a decorative shape (wave pattern) formed on the front side, and these multiple (three in this embodiment) plate-like members are stacked front to back and fastened together.

[0119] The illumination board 180 is formed in a roughly L-shaped plate shape when viewed from the front to match the shape of the front member 170F, and is equipped with a light-emitting means 181 consisting of a plurality of LEDs etc. arranged in a position designed with the presentation in mind, a connector 182 arranged as a part to which electrical wiring is connected, and a plurality of through holes 183 drilled in the illumination board 180 for assembly.

[0120] The light emitting means 181 includes a strong light emitting means 181a arranged inside the light transmitting hole 177 in a front view, and a weak light emitting means 181b arranged outside the light transmitting hole 177 (arranged opposite the rear plate surface of the front member 170F).

[0121] The through hole 183 is formed in an oval shape that is long along the inclined direction, which makes it easy to assemble the through hole 183 to the protruding cylindrical portion 172, which has a perfect circular outer shape when viewed from the front.

[0122] That is, while the posture of the illumination board 180 is inclined (see Figure 10), the protruding direction of the protruding cylindrical portion 172 is not inclined (front-to-back direction), so assembly problems (failure to assemble or loosening) are more likely to occur compared to when assembling in the same direction, but in this embodiment, the through hole 183 is formed in a long oval shape along the direction in which the posture of the illumination board 180 is inclined, so that the margin of the through hole 183 along the inclination direction can be made larger, making it easier to assemble the through hole 183 to the protruding cylindrical portion 172.

[0123] The illumination board 180 is housed between the front member 170F and the middle member 170M, and at this time, the illumination board 180 is oriented so that the front surface of the board faces diagonally downward (the normal line is inclined downward toward the front side). This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0124] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the window movable unit 150 taken along line XX in Fig. 2. For ease of understanding, the rear member 170B is omitted from the illustration, and the outline of the displacement member 151 is shown by imaginary lines. Line XX is positioned so as to pass through the center of the upper protruding columnar portion 172. In the following description, Figs. 8 and 9 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0125] The front wall of the central member 170M is configured differently between an upper wall portion 170MU and a lower wall portion 170MD. That is, the upper wall portion 170MU is configured as a non-inclined wall portion (with a normal line facing horizontally), while the lower wall portion 170MD is configured as an inclined wall portion (with a normal line facing downward toward the front side).

[0126] In this way, the illumination board 180 is supported so that the back surface of the board is aligned with the lower wall portion 170MD (the normal is tilted downward toward the front side) with respect to the wall portions having different normals. That is, in the assembled state (see FIG. 2), the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the light-emitting means 181 of the illumination board 180 is tilted downward toward the front side.

[0127] The central member 170M includes a protruding frame portion 171 that protrudes in a frame-like manner toward the front side, a plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 172 that protrude in the form of thin cylinders toward the front side inside the protruding frame portion, and wiring holes 173 that are drilled in the front-to-rear direction in an arrangement that surrounds the connector 182 at the left and right outer (left) corners.

[0128] The protruding frame portion 171 abuts against the outer frame portion of the front member 170F at the front and rear, thereby sealing the periphery of the illumination board 180. This makes it possible to prevent the illumination board 180 from being seen from between the front member 170F and the middle member 170M, and also to prevent light leakage from similar positions.

[0129] The protruding cylindrical portion 172 has a large diameter seat portion and a small diameter insertion portion that protrudes further from the seat portion, and by assembling it so that the insertion portion fits into the through hole 183 of the illumination board 180, the back surface of the plate of the illumination board 180 is supported by the seat portion, and the position of the illumination board 180 can be stabilized.

[0130] Here, the seat of the protruding columnar portion 172 disposed on the upper wall-like portion 170MU is higher than the seat of the protruding columnar portion 172 disposed on the lower wall-like portion 170MD. This allows the illumination board 180, which is assembled in the above-mentioned inclined position, to be stably supported, and also ensures a gap between the upper wall-like portion 170MU and the illumination board 180.

[0131] The protruding tip of the seat of the protruding columnar portion 172 is formed as an inclined surface (a inclined surface configured so that the protruding length becomes shorter as it goes downward) that matches the posture of the illumination board 180. This allows the protruding columnar portion 172 to be given not only the function of stabilizing the positioning of the illumination board 180 but also the function of stabilizing the posture of the illumination board 180.

[0132] The wiring hole 173 is a through-hole for passing electrical wiring connected to the connector 182 of the illumination board 180. The posture of the illumination board 180 can be maintained by the load applied to the illumination board 180 via this electrical wiring, so the posture of the illumination board 180 can be stably supported without fastening the illumination board 180.

[0133] The front member 170F is formed from a colored (white in this embodiment) light-transmitting resin material in a shape such that the rear surface is a surface approximately parallel to the lower wall-like portion 170MD, and is provided with a plurality of light-transmitting holes 177 drilled in a circular shape in the front-to-rear direction, a plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 178 protruding in the shape of thin cylinders toward the rear side, and an L-shaped support portion 179 that is L-shaped when viewed from the left to right and connects between the rear surface of the plate and the frame portion that forms the outer periphery.

[0134] The light transmitting hole 177 is formed so as to surround, in a front view, any of the LEDs that constitute the light emitting means 181. As a result, the light emitting means 181 disposed on the rear side of the light transmitting hole 177 and the other light emitting means 181 are visually recognized differently from the front side of the front member 170F. In other words, the inside of the light transmitting hole 177 can be visually recognized as emitting stronger light than the other locations.

[0135] The protruding cylindrical portions 178 are formed with a plurality of protruding lengths. This allows the distance between the main body plate portion of the front member 170F and the illumination board 180 to be uniform throughout the entire installation range of the illumination board 180, while the inclined illumination board 180 can be surface-supported at a plurality of positions. This maintains the freedom of placement of the light-emitting means 181 and reduces unevenness in the light emission mode, improving the stability of the support of the illumination board 180.

[0136] That is, since the illumination board 180 is inclined with the front of the board facing downward toward the front side, it is preferable to support it from the front side to maintain that position, but if a large-area support part is provided in one place to support the illumination board 180, there is a tendency for the area in which the light-emitting means 181 disposed on the front side of the illumination board 180 can be arranged to be limited. If the area of ​​the support part is reduced in order to prioritize the area in which the light-emitting means 181 can be arranged, the position of the illumination board 180 will be disrupted, and the distance between the main plate part of the front member 170F and the illumination board 180 will be likely to vary within the range in which the illumination board 180 is arranged, which could easily result in uneven light emission.

[0137] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, a plurality of thin-diameter protruding cylindrical portions 178 of the same protruding height are provided, and these are configured to simultaneously support the front surface of the illumination board 180 at a plurality of points, so that a plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 178 supporting the illumination board 180 can be disposed in a plurality of small gap positions that occur between adjacent light-emitting means 181. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the support of the illumination board 180 while maintaining the degree of freedom in the placement of the light-emitting means 181 and suppressing unevenness in the light emission mode.

[0138] In the assembled state, the L-shaped support portion 179 is disposed opposite the upper surface and front surface of the illumination board 180, and functions to suppress displacement of the illumination board 180. In other words, the lower portion of the L-shaped support portion 179, which is disposed opposite the front surface of the illumination board 180, supports the illumination board 180 from below, preventing it from tipping forward due to its own weight.

[0139] Furthermore, the rear part of the L-shaped support part 179, which is positioned opposite the upper surface of the illumination board 180, and the illumination board 180 are normally positioned with a gap between them, so that the illumination board 180 can be loosely supported while minimizing the vertical displacement of the illumination board 180.

[0140] Note that support portions having the same shape as the L-shaped support portion 179 are also formed on the front side of the lower wall portion 170MD of the central member 170M (formed at two positions, left and right), and are arranged opposite the underside and backside of the illumination board 180, functioning to suppress displacement of the illumination board 180. That is, in this embodiment, the L-shaped support portions arranged above and below the illumination board 180 are configured to be able to suppress displacement of the illumination board 180 in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions.

[0141] In this way, in this embodiment, the illumination board 180 is not directly fastened and fixed, but is supported stably by being sandwiched and supported from the front and back between the front member 170F and the middle member 170M. This is a measure to take into account the possibility that the illumination board 180 may vibrate due to the influence of vibrations generated in the middle member 170M, for example, if the middle member 170M and the illumination board 180 are fastened and fixed and configured as a single rigid body.

[0142] That is, according to this embodiment, the illuminated board 180 is not fastened to either the middle member 170M or the front member 170F, so even if vibration occurs in the middle member 170M or the front member 170F, it is easy to maintain the position of the illuminated board 180 independently of the vibration.

[0143] Here, it is thought that the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1 arranged on the back side of the inner member 170M is the most likely cause of vibration of the inner member 170M, but in this embodiment, the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1 is arranged on the opposite side (back side) of the illuminated board 180, across a gap that occurs on the front side of the upper wall-shaped portion 170MU.

[0144] With this configuration, the vibration of the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1 is transmitted to the illumination board 180 via the thin-diameter protruding cylindrical portion 172, so that the vibration of the vibration solenoid SOL1 can be alleviated by the deformation of the protruding cylindrical portion 172, and the transmission of vibration to the illumination board 180 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the direct transmission of vibration from the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1 as a vibration source to the illumination board 180.

[0145] The middle member 170M has a support hole 174 drilled in the front-to-rear direction with a diameter slightly longer than the diameter of the transmission shaft rod portion 162 and configured to rotatably support the transmission shaft rod portion 162, a lower regulating portion 175 arranged below the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1, and an upper regulating portion 176 arranged on the opposite side of the support hole 174 from the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1.

[0146] The driven member 163 normally tilts due to its own weight (see FIG. 11(a)), but when electricity is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1, a magnetic force (electromagnetic force) is generated, and the metal plate member MB1 is attracted by the magnetic force (electromagnetic force) and displaced upward. That is, in this embodiment, the abutting member 161 and the driven member 163 undergo rotational displacement as the metal plate member MB1 displaces between a raised position where it is located as a result of being raised by the electromagnetic force and a lowered position where it is located as a result of being lowered due to its own weight after the electromagnetic force is lost. Hereinafter, the rotational displacement will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0147] Fig. 11(a) is a rear view of the window movable unit 150, and Fig. 11(b) is a front view of the window movable unit 150. Also, Fig. 12(a) is a rear view of the window movable unit 150, and Fig. 12(b) is a front view of the window movable unit 150.

[0148] 11(a) and 11(b) show a state in which no electricity is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1 and the driven member 163 is tilted by its own weight (downward position), while FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) show a state in which electricity is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1 and the metal plate member MB1 and the driven member 163 are raised by the generated electromagnetic force (upward position).

[0149] In addition, in Figures 11(a) and 12(a), the rear member 170B is omitted from the illustration to facilitate understanding, and in Figures 11(b) and 12(b), the outer shape of the displacement member 151 and the shape of the opening on the back side are shown by imaginary lines.

[0150] As shown in Figures 11(a) and 12(a), when the driven member 163 is in the lowered position, it abuts against a cushion portion 175a attached to the upper surface of the lower regulating portion 175, thereby restricting its downward displacement, and when it is in the raised position, it abuts against a cushion portion 176a attached to the lower surface of the upper regulating portion 176, thereby restricting its upward displacement.

[0151] The material of cushion portions 175a, 176a is not limited in any way. For example, it may be general-purpose plastic such as polypropylene or polystyrene, engineering plastic such as polycarbonate, thermosetting resin such as melamine resin, polyurethane or epoxy resin, or rubber material. Furthermore, cushion portions 175a, 176a may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0152] Here, the lower regulating portion 175 and the upper regulating portion 176 are configured to have different positions (distance from the transmission shaft rod portion 162) based on the transmission shaft rod portion 162, and the effects that result from this will be explained.

[0153] First, the load applied to the lower restricting portion 175 via the driven member 163 is mainly a load caused by the weight of the driven member 163, so the driven member 163 can be stably supported by supporting the center of gravity of the driven member 163. For this reason, the lower restricting portion 175 is disposed at the center of gravity of the driven member 163 (approximately the center position of the arm length).

[0154] In contrast, the load applied to the upper regulating portion 176 via the driven member 163 is mainly a load due to the magnetic force (electromagnetic force) generated by the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1, and therefore there is little advantage to relating the position of the upper regulating member 176 to the center of gravity position of the driven member 163. In this embodiment, by arranging the upper regulating member 176 opposite the rotation tip of the driven member 163, the load transmitted to the upper regulating member 176 via the driven member 163 is reduced.

[0155] In other words, when a moment of force of the same magnitude is generated, the load transmitted via the driven member 163 is smaller at a position farther from the rotation axis of the driven member 163 (a position where the arm related to the moment is longer), and therefore the load transmitted to the upper regulating member 176 can be reduced.

[0156] In this way, since it is desirable that the load be transmitted to the upper regulating member 176 at the rotation tip of the driven member 163, in this embodiment the width dimension (radial width) of the cushion portion 176a is made short (shorter than the width dimension of the cushion portion 175a). This prevents the load from being transmitted at the middle portion of the driven member 163, and allows the load to be transmitted stably at the rotation tip.

[0157] Furthermore, since the magnetic force (electromagnetic force) continues to be generated by the electromagnetic solenoid SOL1 at the raised position, it is unlikely that the driven member 163 will bounce back after colliding with the cushion portion 176a.

[0158] On the other hand, by making the width dimension (radial width) of the cushion portion 175a of the lower restricting portion 175 longer (longer than the width dimension of the cushion portion 176a), the area of ​​the surface that receives the load can be increased, and the pressure (stress) generated in the cushion portion 175a due to the load caused by the weight of the driven member 163 can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the driven member 163 from bouncing back after colliding with the cushion portion 175a.

[0159] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the rebound of the driven member 163 can be suppressed while reducing the load transmitted to the cushion portions 175a and 176a via the driven member 163 during displacement in both the up and down directions.

[0160] A curved protruding portion 176b is formed on the back surface side of the intermediate member 170M below the upper restricting portion 176. The protruding portion 176b is disposed opposite the rotation tip of the driven member 163, and guides the rotation of the driven member 163 while minimizing contact with the driven member 163 when the driven member 163 is displaced toward the front surface.

[0161] 11(b) and 12(b), the tip 153 of the displacement member 151 is disposed in front of the strong light emitting means 181a, which is disposed inside the light transmitting hole 177 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the light emitted from the strong light emitting means 181a is visible to the player through the tip 153.

[0162] As described above, the internal shape of the performance unit 153a makes it possible for a player viewing the performance unit 153a from the front to see the entire performance unit 153a as if it were glowing (faintly). Therefore, even in a situation where the actual position of the strong light emitting means 181a does not change but the displacement member 151 is displaced, changes in the light emitting mode of the performance unit 153a can be suppressed.

[0163] In other words, the light visible through the performance unit 153a can be perceived by the player as if it is displacing in sync with the displacement of the performance unit 153a, creating the illusion that an LED or other light-emitting means is arranged inside the performance unit 153a and is displacing in sync with the displacement of the performance unit 153a.

[0164] On the other hand, since the weak light emitting means 181b can be made to appear to emit light at a fixed position, while a fixedly positioned illumination board 180 is employed, the weak light emitting means 181b arranged on the illumination board 180 can be made to appear to emit light at a fixed position, and the strong light emitting means 181a arranged on the illumination board 180 can be made to appear to emit light while displacing.

[0165] This allows for a single, fixed-position illumination board to be used, which is a common approach to achieving a lighting effect by using multiple illumination boards, with the first board in a fixed position and the second board being movable.As a result, the number of illumination boards can be reduced while still achieving the same effect.

[0166] Returning to Fig. 5, the operation unit 300 is disposed on the rear side of the game board 13, and various light emitting means and various operation units are disposed inside.

[0167] 13 is an exploded front perspective view of the operating unit 300. The operating unit 300 includes a bottom wall portion 311, an outer wall portion 312 erected from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion 311, and a rear case 310 formed in a box shape with the front side open.

[0168] The rear case 310 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front by forming a rectangular opening 311a in the center of the bottom wall 311. The opening 311a is formed to a size that corresponds to the outer shape (outer edge) of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 (i.e., capable of dividing the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 when viewed from the front).

[0169] The operating unit 300 is configured as one unit by accommodating a first operating unit 400 in the internal space of the rear case 310, in which a movable device is arranged so as to be displaceable along a path including the upper side of the opening 311a, left and right performance units 600 arranged on both the left and right sides of the opening 311a and performing light-emitting performances, etc., and a second operating unit 700 arranged below the opening 311a.

[0170] Specifically, the first operating unit 400 is disposed above the opening 311a, and the second operating unit 700 is disposed below the opening 311a, on the bottom wall 311 of the rear case 310. Note that Fig. 5 illustrates a state in which the first operating unit 400 and the second operating unit 700 are attached to the rear case 310.

[0171] The rear case 310 is provided as a flat plate extending from the front end of the outer wall portion 312 along the rear surface of the game board 13 (for example, arranged parallel to it), and is provided with a support plate portion 313 that provides surface support for the game board 13 in the assembled state (see Figure 2).

[0172] The support plate portion 313 has a positioning protrusion 313a that protrudes toward the front side and has a shape that can fit into a fitting recess 60b formed in the base plate 60 of the game board 13, and a plurality of insertion holes 313b that are drilled so that fastening screws that are fastened to the base plate 60 can be inserted through them.

[0173] The rear case 310 is positioned relative to the base plate 60 by fitting the positioning protrusion 313a into the fitting recess 60b (see Figure 6), and the fastening screw is inserted into the insertion hole 313b and screwed into the base plate 60, thereby fixing the game board 13 and the operating unit 300 together, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the game board 13 and the operating unit 300.

[0174] The shape of the positioning protrusion 313a is not limited in any way, and various embodiments are exemplified. For example, the positioning protrusion 313a may have an outer shape slightly smaller than the inner shape of the fitting recess 60b (circular or oval in this embodiment), or may have a shape (even smaller outer shape) that increases the fitting gap in consideration of ease of assembly. Furthermore, if the inner shape of the fitting recess 60b is rectangular, it is naturally assumed that the positioning protrusion 313a will also be rectangular in shape accordingly.

[0175] As shown in Figures 5 and 13, in this embodiment, many support plate portions 313 are densely arranged on the left and upper sides of the rear case 310, and fewer support plate portions 313 are formed on the right and lower sides.This is the result of a design that takes into consideration the balance between improving the overall rigidity of the game board 13 and operating unit 300 and space efficiency.

[0176] In other words, when the base plate 60 of the game board 13 is formed from plywood made by overlapping plywood as in this embodiment, the movable members arranged on the back side of the game board 13 cannot be seen through the flesh of the base plate 60, so the entire back side of the area where an opening can be formed (a recess formed from the side) in the base plate 60 of the game board 13 becomes effective as an area for displaying the movable members so that they can be seen.

[0177] On the other hand, in the location where support plate 313 is formed, the internal space of rear case 310 is encroached upon inward by the area of ​​support plate 313 in a front view, and the area in which the movable member can be disposed is thereby narrowed. Therefore, if the strength problem can be resolved and maintained even if support plate 313 is omitted, omitting support plate 313 can avoid limiting the range in which the movable member can be disposed.

[0178] In this embodiment, the reason why many support plate portions 313 are arranged on the left and upper sides of the rear case 310 is that this is related to the range of the area in which a player can see a ball that has been shot into a playing area, etc. In other words, the support plate portions 313 are formed in places other than the range in which the shot ball can be seen.

[0179] To explain in more detail, in this embodiment, the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a (Fig. 4) is introduced into the play area by passing between the inner rail 61 and the outer rail 62 and passing through the return ball prevention member 68, and thereafter flows down the play area. In a pinball game, the area that is thought to attract the most attention is the area where the ball passes, and other outer areas (for example, the area on the opposite side of the outer rail 62 or inner rail 61 from the third pattern display device 81) usually attract less attention.

[0180] Therefore, it is thought that players will pay less attention to the lower left and upper left areas based on the left-convex arc formed by the outer rail 62, and the upper left and upper right areas based on the upward-convex arc, which are areas that the ball cannot reach.

[0181] In addition, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned outer edge member 73 and the block-shaped member 74, which is arranged on the front side of the game board 13 and whose surfaces facing the outer rail 62 at the lower left and upper left of the outer rail 62 are formed in a shape that follows the outer rail 62, are made of an opaque resin material, and in addition to the game board 13 being made of plywood, which is difficult for light to transmit in the first place, the back side of the game board 13 cannot be seen from the front side of the game board 13 through the outer edge member 73 or the block-shaped member 74.

[0182] In this embodiment, support plate portions 313 are preferentially disposed in locations that attract less attention or are not visible. In fact, even on the left side and upper side where many support plate portions 313 are formed, support plate portions 313 are formed near the corners of rear case 310, avoiding the central portion that forms the protruding end portion of outer rail 62.

[0183] In other words, by selecting the area where space is encroached upon by forming the support plate portion 313 from an area that is low in visibility (low in performance potential) to begin with, it is possible to ensure the rigidity of the operating unit 300 and the entire game board 13 while also ensuring a high degree of freedom in designing the area that is visible to the player who is focusing on the ball.

[0184] From this perspective, since the configuration is common to pachinko machines in that the balls launched by the ball launching unit 112a are rolled along the outer rail 62 and introduced into the playing area, areas where the balls do not flow down can be easily arranged in the lower left, upper left and upper right parts.

[0185] A notch 312a is provided in the lower half of the right outer wall 312. The notch 312a is cut out toward the rear side. When viewed from the front, the notch 312a is cut out below the band-shaped portion 93 (see FIG. 5) of the gaming board 13, and forms a gap between the gaming board 13 and the notch 312a in the assembled state (see FIG. 2).

[0186] Forming the cutout 312a in this manner can provide the following effects. For example, the gap formed by the cutout 312a can function as a wiring passage through which the electrical wiring connected to the variable winning device 65 passes to the outside of the rear case 310. This reduces the possibility of the electrical wiring interfering with other components compared to when the wiring is routed up and down.

[0187] Furthermore, the gap formed by the cutout portion 312a can be used as a space for arranging components required for the variable winning device 65. Examples of components required for the variable winning device 65 include a solenoid that generates a driving force, a flow path for the balls, a circuit board for the light-emitting effect, a detection sensor that detects the balls, and other structures.

[0188] Furthermore, by arranging a light-emitting means such as an LED near the cutout portion 312a, the light emitted from the light-emitting means can be more easily recognized by the player as light with a blurred outline. In other words, compared to when the entire periphery of the rear case 310 is connected to the gaming board 13 (when the boundary of the light emitted from the rear side of the gaming board 13 is formed along the shape of the rear case 310), the boundary of the light visible through the gaming board 13 can be made vague. This makes it possible to prevent the boundary of the light visible through the gaming board 13 from depending on the shape of the rear case 310, thereby improving the degree of freedom in light-emitting effects.

[0189] Furthermore, compared to the case where the electrical wiring connected to the light-emitting means such as the LED is arranged so as to extend outside the operating unit 300 along the back of the game board 13, the configuration of this embodiment in which the electrical wiring is extended outside the operating unit 300 through the cutout portion 312a reduces the possibility that the electrical wiring will block the light emitted from the LED.

[0190] That is, by configuring the electrical wiring so that it can be routed outside the operating unit 300 without being routed to the front side of the LED, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the electrical wiring will block the light emitted from the LED, thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing the effects using light emitted from light-emitting means such as LEDs.

[0191] The length (vertical length) of the cutout portion 312a is not limited in any way. For example, the cutout portion 312a may be formed over the entire region (vertical width) between the upper and lower support plate portions 313.

[0192] As described above, in this embodiment, fastening and fixing to the game board 13 is omitted on the right side of the rear case 310, so when considering the rigidity of the right side of the game board 13, the rigidity of the operating unit 300 cannot be relied upon.

[0193] To address this issue, in this embodiment, a metal plate member 75 made of metal is disposed on the outer edge portion 73 at a position corresponding to the right end of the game board 13. The metal plate member 75 will be described below.

[0194] Figure 14 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board 13, the outer edge member 73, and the metal plate-like member 75, and Figure 15 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board 13, the outer edge member 73, and the metal plate-like member 75. In Figures 14 and 15, for ease of understanding, the game board 13 is shown alone, and other members arranged on the game board 13 are not shown.

[0195] The outer edge member 73 is made of a resin material and includes an arc wall portion 73a that forms the upper portion and has an arc-shaped inner surface, a vertical wall portion 73b that extends downward from the lower end of the arc wall portion 73a like a thin wall, and an inclined wall portion 73c that is formed with an upper surface that slopes downward to the left from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 73b. By configuring the outer edge member 73 from a single member that covers almost the entire area in the vertical direction in this way, the number of steps required to assemble the outer edge member 73 to the game board 13 can be reduced compared to when the outer edge member 73 is formed from multiple members that are separated into upper and lower parts.

[0196] The vertical wall portion 73b includes a plurality of plate-like protrusions 73b1 that protrude in a plate-like manner along the right surface portion toward the rear side, a plurality of bent portions 73b2 that are bent in a U-shape from the front edge of the right surface portion when viewed in the vertical direction, a cylindrical protrusion portion 73b3 that protrudes in a cylindrical shape toward the rear side at the joint between the arc wall portion 73a and the inclined wall portion 73c, and a fastening portion 73b4 that is attached to the cylindrical protrusion portion 73b3 and is formed so that a fastening screw can be screwed in.

[0197] The bent portion 73b2 is disposed at a middle position between the adjacent plate-shaped protruding portions 73b1, which allows for a reduction in the number of joint-penetrating portions 75c formed in the metal plate member 75, and improves the holding force of the metal plate member 75 relative to the vertical wall portion 73b.

[0198] In other words, compared to when only the three plate-shaped protruding portions 73b1 resist bending of the metal plate member 75, the plate-shaped protruding portions 73b1 and the bent portions 73b2 can generate resistance to bending of the metal plate member 75, thereby reducing the load generated at one location. In addition, by arranging the plate-shaped protruding portions 73b1 and the bent portions 73b2 at equal intervals, the load generated when bending of the metal plate member 75 can be evenly distributed, preventing excessive load from being generated at any one location.

[0199] The metal plate-like member 75 comprises a main body plate portion 75a which is folded back multiple times in the short direction but formed without any creases in the longitudinal direction, a bent portion 75b which is formed by bending to the left at the rear side edge of the main body plate portion 75a, a plurality of joint through-holes 75c which are formed to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction at the joint between the main body plate portion 75a and the bent portion 75b, through-holes 75d which are formed to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction at the upper and lower ends of the bent portion 75b, and an insertion hole 75e which is drilled in the plate portion where the through-hole 75d is formed and which is stepped toward the front side so that a fastening screw can be inserted.

[0200] In addition to the creases in the main body plate portion 75a, the bent portions 75b are formed in the vertical direction, which creates particularly strong resistance to bending in the longitudinal direction of the metal plate member 75. Therefore, by arranging the bent portions 75b integrally with the vertical wall portion 73b, which is prone to bending in the longitudinal direction, the vertical wall portion 73b can be efficiently reinforced.

[0201] The joint penetrating portion 75c is formed to a size that allows the plate-shaped protruding portion 73b1 of the vertical wall portion 73b to be inserted therethrough. In this embodiment, the joint penetrating portion 75c is formed so that the vertical wall portion 73b and the metal plate-shaped member 75 can be integrated by inserting the plate-shaped protruding portion 73b1 through the joint penetrating portion 75c.

[0202] When the metal plate member 75 is assembled integrally with the vertical wall portion 73b, the front side edge of the main body plate portion 75a is sandwiched between the bent portion 73b2 and the outer surface of the vertical wall portion 73b, and the cylindrical protrusion 73b3 is inserted into the through-hole 75d. In this manner, the metal plate member 75 and the vertical wall portion 73b are positioned relative to each other at multiple locations in the vertical direction. In this state, the outer edge member 73 and the metal plate member 75 can be fastened together by threading a fastening screw inserted through the insertion hole 75e into the fastening portion 73b4.

[0203] With the above-described configuration, the metal plate member 75 is disposed above and below the vertical wall portion 73b, thereby reinforcing the entire vertical wall portion 73b. Here, the plate-like protrusions 73b1 and the cylindrical protrusions 73b3 of the vertical wall portion 73b penetrate the metal plate member 75 and extend to the back side, with their tips engaging with the gaming board 13. The engagement between the metal plate member 75 and the gaming board 13 will be described below.

[0204] The game board 13 has a plurality of recessed portions 13e recessed on the right edge of the front surface to be able to accept the plate-shaped protrusion portion 73b1, and a plurality of positioning holes 13f recessed above and below the recessed portions 13e as depressions that can accept the cylindrical protrusion portion 73b3.

[0205] When the outer edge member 73 and the metal plate-like member 75 are assembled together on the gaming board 13, the plate-like protruding portion 73b1 is received in the recessed portion 13e, and the circular protruding portion 73b3 is received in the positioning hole 13f, respectively, for positioning. That is, the plate-like protruding portion 73b1 and the circular protruding portion 73b3 are used not only for positioning with the metal plate-like member 75, but also for positioning with the gaming board 13. This makes it possible to reduce the number of positioning pieces.

[0206] In this embodiment, as described above, the metal plate-like member 75 is assembled so as to suppress the curvature of the vertical wall portion 73b, so there is no need to impart sufficient rigidity to the vertical wall portion 73b alone, and the vertical wall portion 73b can be formed thin enough that it will easily curve in the left-right direction alone.

[0207] Furthermore, the rigidity of the metal plate member 75 can suppress deformation of the game board 13 (can improve rigidity), so even if a gap occurs between the game board 13 and the rear case 310, the shape of the game board 13 can be maintained.

[0208] Returning to Figures 5 and 13, the explanation will be made. The first operation unit 400 is disposed above the third symbol display device 81 of the operation unit 300. The first operation unit 400 is provided with a light-emitting effect device LA1 that can be displaced from the state shown in Figures 5 and 13 to a position in front of the third symbol display device 81, and is a device that visually entertains the player by controlling the displacement in synchronization with the display of the third symbol display device 81 or in synchronization with the operation of the frame button 22 that can be operated by the player. The first operation unit 400 will be described in detail below.

[0209] 16 and 17 are partial front views of the operation unit 300. Fig. 16 illustrates a retracted state in which each component of the first operation unit 400 is retracted to the upper side of the third pattern display device 81, and Fig. 17 illustrates a protruding state in which each component of the first operation unit 400 protrudes (lowers) toward the third pattern display device 81 from the retracted state.

[0210] 16 and 17, the interior shape of the rear case 310 is not symmetrical. In particular, the upper wall (ceiling surface) is lower on the right side as viewed from the front compared to the left side as viewed from the front due to its relationship with the shape of the tank 130 of the dispensing unit 93 (see FIG. 3). That is, since the tank 130 is disposed on the upper right side of the operating unit 300, the upper wall of the rear case 310 is disposed at a position lower on the right side compared to the left side in order to secure an area for the tank 130 to be disposed (disposed along the wall schematic line UL).

[0211] As such, since it is easier to secure a larger area on the left side inside the rear case 310 than on the right side (there is more ceiling height), in this embodiment, auxiliary devices such as the drive motor MT1 and coil spring SP1 that do not directly affect the appearance of the presentation (are not intended to be visible to the player) are arranged on the left side.

[0212] This allows the drive motor MT1 and coil spring SP1 to be arranged by effectively utilizing the recess (gap) created by the asymmetric shape of the upper wall of the rear case 310, and since the lower edge of the first operating unit 400 can be moved as far upward as possible while maintaining a symmetrical shape, it is easier to ensure a large vertical dimension for the viewing area of ​​the display of the third pattern display device 81.

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the feather-shaped members 460 (see FIG. 16) of first operating unit 400 that faces the top wall of rear case 310 when first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state is designed to match the asymmetrical shape of the top wall of rear case 310. In other words, feather-shaped member 460 on the left side is designed to have a shape that protrudes more toward the top wall of rear case 310 than feather-shaped member 460 on the right side.

[0214] Furthermore, the feather-shaped members 460 are configured to combine and be visible as a single unit when the first operating unit 400 changes state from the retracted state to the extended state, and are designed to have a left-right symmetrical shape in this state, making it difficult for players to notice that the left and right feather-shaped members 460 are configured in an asymmetrical shape.

[0215] In this embodiment, when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, the asymmetrical portion of the feather-shaped member 460 (the upper edge that abuts when combined) is hidden by the game board 13 (see Figure 2), making it difficult for players to notice that the left and right feather-shaped members 460 are configured with an asymmetrical shape.

[0216] 18 and 19 are front perspective views of the first operating unit 400, and Fig. 20 and 21 are rear perspective views of the first operating unit 400. Fig. 18 and 20 show the retracted state of the first operating unit 400, and Fig. 19 and 21 show the extended state of the first operating unit 400.

[0217] In the first operating unit 400, when the drive motor MT1 is rotationally driven, the arm member 414 rotates via a plurality of gears interposed therebetween, and the lifting plate 430 moves up and down in synchronization with the rotation.

[0218] The lift plate 430 is disposed at approximately the center in the left-right direction and is supported by a metal rail 405 made of metal and configured to be extendable and contractible up and down, and an auxiliary arm member 444 disposed on the left-right opposite side of the arm member 414.

[0219] A relative displacement member 442 is arranged on the lifting plate 430, which is displaced relatively in the vertical direction in synchronization with the change in posture of the auxiliary arm member 444, and multiple feather-shaped members 460, which are displaced in rotational symmetry in left and right directions, are displaced in synchronization with the displacement of this relative displacement member 442.

[0220] Therefore, the components of the first operating unit 400 are displaced between the retracted state and the extended state in a displacement mode that combines lifting and rotation as the drive motor MT1 is driven. This allows the components to be displaced in multiple directions even though only a single drive motor MT1 is used, thereby improving the presentation effect.

[0221] 20, when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, the upper end position portion of the arc-shaped gear portion 444b of the auxiliary arm member 444 is configured to protrude above the upper edge of the lifting plate 430. When the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, the upper edge of the lifting plate 430 is shielded by the base plate 60 of the gaming board 13 (see FIG. 2) and is difficult to see, so it is possible to make it difficult for a player to notice that the arc-shaped gear portion 444b protrudes from the upper edge of the lifting plate 430.

[0222] On the other hand, the auxiliary arm member 444 rotates in conjunction with the downward displacement of the lifting plate 430 from the retracted state of the first operating unit 400 to the extended state, so that the arc-shaped gear portion 444b, which protruded above the upper edge of the lifting plate 430 in the retracted state (see Figure 27), is displaced downward as the lifting plate 430 is displaced downward, and is hidden below the upper edge of the lifting plate 430 (see Figure 28).

[0223] In this way, the arc-shaped gear portion 444b of the auxiliary arm member 444 is allowed to protrude (stick out) from the lifting plate 430 in a location that is shielded by the base plate 60 due to its arrangement, and the auxiliary arm member 444 is configured to be displaced so that the protruding portion is hidden on the back side of the lifting plate 430 before the lifting plate 430 is displaced to a position where it is not shielded by the base plate 60. This improves the design freedom of the auxiliary arm member 444 and the lifting plate 430 compared to a configuration in which the auxiliary arm member 444 is always hidden on the back side of the lifting plate 430.

[0224] For example, since the upper edge of the lifting plate 430 can be positioned lower, it is possible to more easily avoid interference between the upper edge of the lifting plate 430 and the upper outer wall 312 of the rear case 310 (see FIG. 16).

[0225] Furthermore, by configuring the auxiliary arm member 444 to be rotatably displaced, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the rack gear-shaped portion (the portion having gear teeth formed along a straight line) remains protruding toward the third pattern display device 81, while ensuring a sufficient protruding length of the lifting plate 430 toward the third pattern display device 81.

[0226] That is, even if a fixed rack gear-shaped portion is formed on the lift plate 430 side of the main plate portion 401 and configured to mesh with the rotary gear 441, the relative displacement member 442 can be displaced up and down relative to the lift plate 430 in accordance with the up and down displacement of the lift plate 430, but in this case, it is necessary to always arrange the fixed rack gear-shaped portion along the position where the lift plate 430 is arranged. Therefore, if a configuration in which the majority of the lift plate 430 protrudes downward from the lower edge of the main plate portion 401, as in the lift plate 430 of this embodiment, is used, it was necessary to form the fixed rack gear-shaped portion protruding from the lower edge of the main plate portion 401 toward the third pattern display device 81.

[0227] Therefore, there is a risk that the visibility of the third pattern display device 81 will be reduced due to the third pattern display device 81 being obstructed by the fixed rack gear-shaped part, or that the design freedom of the lifting plate 430 will be reduced in order to hide the rack gear-shaped part with the lifting plate 430 when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state.

[0228] In contrast to this, according to this embodiment, instead of a fixed rack gear-shaped part, a variable auxiliary arm member 444 is employed, so that the auxiliary arm member 444 can be arranged on the back side (so as to be hidden) of the lifting plate 430 in accordance with the displacement of the lifting plate 430. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently secure the protruding length (displacement amount) of the lifting plate 430 toward the third pattern display device 81 while avoiding a situation in which the rack gear-shaped part remains protruding toward the third pattern display device 81 side.

[0229] Figures 22(a) and 23 are exploded front oblique views of the first operating unit 400, Figure 22(b) is a front oblique view of the feather-shaped member 460 and the auxiliary member 470 showing the meshing state of the feather-shaped member 460 and the auxiliary member 470, and Figures 24 and 25 are exploded rear oblique views of the first operating unit 400.

[0230] As shown in Figures 22(a), 23, 24 and 25, the first operating unit 400 is formed from a resin material in the shape of a long, horizontally extending plate and includes a main body plate portion 401 that is fastened and fixed to the bottom wall portion 311 of the rear case 310 (see Figure 16), a transmission unit 410 consisting of multiple members rotatably supported on the main body plate portion 401, a rear arrangement plate 420 consisting of multiple plate-like portions arranged on the same plane, including a connecting plate portion 421 that is connected to the tip of the arm member 414 of the transmission unit 410, a lifting plate 430 that is arranged on the front side of the rear arrangement plate 420 and to which the rear arrangement plate 420 is fastened and fixed, and a synchronous operating unit 440 that is supported between the lifting plate 430 and the storage plate portion 425 of the rear arrangement plate 420 (see Figures 23 and 25).

[0231] In addition, the first operating unit 400 comprises a plate-shaped support plate portion 450 fastened to the lifting plate 430, a pair of left and right vane-shaped members 460 rotatably supported on the support plate portion 450 and which undergo rotational displacement due to the load applied by the displacement of a fixed transmission plate 490 fastened to the front side of the synchronous operating unit 440, and an auxiliary member 470 which rotates synchronously with the vane-shaped members 460 (see Figures 22(a), 22(b) and 24).

[0232] The main body plate portion 401 comprises an axial support portion 402 that supports the transmission gear 412, an end support portion 403 that is located at the lower right of the axial support portion 402 and supports the end gear 413, an arm support portion 404 that is a pillar-shaped portion that supports the arm member 414, a metal rail 405 that is located in the center left and right and to which the back side is fixed so that the front side can be displaced up and down, a long hole portion 406 that is drilled as a long opening extending left and right to the right of the metal rail 405, a cover portion 407 that is formed in a plate shape from a light-transmitting resin material and covers the area where the long hole portion 406 is formed from the back side, and a detection sensor SC1 for detecting the state.

[0233] End support portion 403 includes a shaft support portion 403a formed in the same shape as shaft support portion 402, an annular protrusion 403b protruding along a circle centered on shaft support portion 403a, and a stopper portion 403c protruding in a fan shape toward the front side at a position between annular protrusion 403b and shaft support portion 403a. Stopper portion 403c is formed by general compression molding, and the side opposite to the protrusion is formed as a recess.

[0234] The lid 407 closes the area where the elongated hole 406 is formed. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the electrical wire DH1 passes through a wire-through hole 401a formed through the main body plate 401 from the front side of the main body plate 401, reaches the rear side of the elongated hole 406, and is then guided to the front side through the elongated hole 406. Therefore, when the rear side is open without the lid 407, the electrical wire DH1 protrudes toward the rear side and may be pinched between the bottom wall 311 (see FIG. 13 ) of the rear case 310 and the main body plate 401 during assembly. In contrast, in this embodiment, the area where the electrical wire DH1 is arranged is partitioned by the lid 407, so that the electrical wire DH1 can be prevented from being pinched between the bottom wall 311 and the main body plate 401.

[0235] This allows the first operating unit 400 to be assembled to the rear case 310 without checking the arrangement of the electrical wiring DH1, thereby improving the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0236] The transmission unit 410 includes a drive gear 411 connected to the rotating shaft of the drive motor MT1 so as not to rotate relative to the drive motor MT1, a transmission gear 412 meshed with the drive gear 411 and rotatably supported on the shaft support portion 402, an end gear 413 meshed with the transmission gear 412 and rotatably supported on the shaft support portion 403a, and an arm member 414 supported on the arm support portion 404 so that its posture can be changed as the end gear 413 rotates.

[0237] The terminal gear 413 includes an annular protrusion 413a that protrudes toward the back side in an annular shape with an inner diameter slightly longer than the outer diameter of the annular protrusion 403b, a stopped portion 413b that protrudes in a fan shape similar to the stopper portion 403c with a gap between it and the inner surface of the annular protrusion 413a, a cylindrical protrusion 413c that protrudes in a cylindrical shape toward the front side at an eccentric position away from the shaft support portion 403a, and a detected portion 413d that extends in a fan shape toward the outer diameter from a flange portion that is formed in a flange shape on the front side of the gear portion.

[0238] The annular protrusion 413a is disposed so that its shaft-side side faces the annular protrusion 403b, and sandwiches the annular protrusion 403b between itself and the stopped portion 413b. That is, the annular protrusion 403b serves as a guide rail that guides the rotation of the terminal gear 413.

[0239] The stoppered portion 413b is formed by general compression molding, and the opposite side of the protrusion is formed as a recess. The stoppered portion 413b interferes with the stopper portion 403c in the rotation direction. That is, in this embodiment, the rotation angle of the terminal gear 413 is limited by the circumferential dimensions of the stopper portion 403c and the stoppered portion 413b. That is, the terminal gear 413 rotates through an angle less than 360 degrees.

[0240] When designing the shapes of the stopper portion 403c and the stopped portion 413b, the rotation angle required for the terminal gear 413 is calculated, and the shapes of the stopper portion 403c and the stopped portion 413b are designed using an angle obtained by dividing the remainder angle (the angle obtained by subtracting the rotation angle of the terminal gear 413 from 360 degrees) in half. This makes it possible to prevent either the stopper portion 403c or the stopped portion 413b from becoming weak in strength, thereby extending the service life of the first operating unit 400.

[0241] The cylindrical protrusion 413c is a brass metal rod, and is fitted and fixed to the resin terminal gear 413. A ring-shaped collar C1 for reducing friction and a known E-ring E1 are arranged at the tip of the protrusion, and the arm member 414 is connected and supported to the cylindrical protrusion 413c so that it cannot fall off.

[0242] The detectable portion 413d is formed with a thickness that allows it to pass through the detection gap of the detection sensor SC1, and when the detectable portion 413d is detected by the detection sensor SC1, the MPU 221 of the voice lamp control device 113 can determine that the first operating unit 400 is in a retracted state.

[0243] The arm member 414 comprises an annular portion 414a rotatably supported on the arm support portion 404, a plate-like portion 414b extending radially from the front side of the annular portion 414a in a plate-like shape, an intermediate plate portion 414c arranged parallel to the rear side of the plate-like portion 414b and connected to the extended end of the plate-like portion 414b, a long hole portion 414d drilled in the intermediate plate portion 414c in the shape of a long hole, a tip plate portion 414e arranged parallel to the rear side of the intermediate plate portion 414c and connected to the extended end of the intermediate plate portion 414c, and a cylindrical extension portion 414f extending cylindrically toward the front side from the extended tip of the tip plate portion 414e.

[0244] The elongated hole portion 414d is formed with a size that allows the cylindrical protruding portion 413c of the end gear 413 to be inserted therethrough, and the driving force of the driving motor MT1 is transmitted via this elongated hole portion 414d.

[0245] The cylindrical extension portion 414f is a brass metal rod, and is fitted and fixed to the resin tip plate portion 414e. A ring-shaped collar C1 for reducing friction and a known E-ring E1 are disposed at the tip of the extension portion of the cylindrical extension portion 414f, and the connecting plate portion 421 of the rear arrangement plate 420 is connected and supported by the cylindrical extension portion 414f so as not to come off.

[0246] Fig. 26 is a top view of the first operating unit 400. Fig. 26 illustrates the second intermediate position of the first operating unit 400, and for ease of understanding, the coil spring SP1, the fixed pulley that guides the coil spring SP1, the drive motor MT1, and the base plate to which the drive motor MT1 is fastened and fixed are not illustrated.

[0247] 26, in this embodiment, the shape of the arm member 414 is designed to ensure a large area on the front side of the arm member 414. In other words, by forming the arm member 414 in a shape that is bent forward and backward, interference with other members can be functionally avoided. This will be explained below.

[0248] The plate-shaped portion 414b is disposed closer to the front side than the detection sensor SC1 to avoid interference with the detection sensor SC1. That is, since the restriction on the front-rear position of the plate-shaped portion 414b is due to its relationship with the detection sensor SC1, the front-rear position can be designed arbitrarily in a location not related to the detection sensor SC1 (a location on the opposite side of the rotation axis (arm support portion 404) with the detection sensor SC1 as the reference).

[0249] In this embodiment, the intermediate plate portion 414c, which is disposed on the opposite side of the rotation axis (arm support portion 404) with respect to the detection sensor SC1, is disposed on the rear side compared to the plate-shaped portion 414b. This makes it possible to narrow the front-to-rear distance between the plate front surface of the terminal gear 413 and the arm member 414, and to transmit the load to the arm member 414 at the base side of the cylindrical protrusion portion 413c, thereby preventing a decrease in load transmission efficiency due to deformation of the cylindrical protrusion portion 413c when the load is transmitted.

[0250] Furthermore, since the front-to-back position of the intermediate plate portion 414c is determined by its relationship with the terminal gear 413, the front-to-back position can be designed arbitrarily in a location not related to the terminal gear 413 (a location on the opposite side of the rotation axis (arm support portion 404) with the terminal gear 413 as the reference).

[0251] In this embodiment, the tip plate portion 414e, which is disposed on the opposite side of the rotation axis (arm support portion 404) with respect to the terminal gear 413, is disposed on the rear side compared to the intermediate plate portion 414c. This makes it possible to ensure a large space on the front side of the tip plate portion 414e, making it easier to ensure the front-to-rear dimensions of components such as the rear arrangement plate 420 and synchronous operation unit 440, which are disposed in a position on the front side of the tip plate portion 414e and on the rear side of the lifting plate 430.

[0252] In this way, in this embodiment, the shape of the arm member 414 is set to avoid interference with other members, but there are other structural effects as well. For example, by forming the arm member 414 so that it is bent in stages, it is possible to prevent the load acting on the arm member 414 from concentrating locally (at one point) (it is possible to alleviate stress concentration), and it is possible to improve the durability of the arm member 414.

[0253] Furthermore, by creating the minimum necessary gap to avoid interference with other components, a large gap can be created on the opposite side of arm member 414 from the other components that secure that gap, and this gap can be used to run electrical wiring (electrical wiring different from electrical wiring DH1) or to install additional performance components (such as an electric lighting board).

[0254] 26, in this embodiment, the electrical wiring DH1, which is arranged so as to extend from the main body plate portion 401 side to the light emitting performance device LA1, is configured to be able to prevent the electrical wiring DH1 from being unintentionally pinched between the vane-shaped member 460 or caught in the gear teeth of the rotary gear 441 or the relative displacement member 442. This will be explained below. In this explanation, FIG. 25 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0255] The electrical wiring DH1 first passes through the elongated hole 406 from the main body plate portion 401 side and is guided to the auxiliary arm member 444. At this time, the electrical wiring DH1 is inserted into the through-hole 448a of the end side plate 448 and passes inside the extension portion 444c.

[0256] Inside the extension portion 444c, the electrical wiring DH1 is guided to the base end portion 444a while being prevented from falling off by the retaining portion 444c1. Thereafter, the electrical wiring DH1 is guided from the base end portion 444a to the back surface side of the accommodating plate portion 425, passes through an L-shaped area partitioned by the frame portion protruding toward the back surface side of the accommodating plate portion 425 and the closure plate 428, and reaches the through-hole 427.

[0257] The frame portion protruding from the rear side of the accommodating plate portion 425 has an omission portion 425b in which the protrusion is omitted over approximately half the circumference centered on the insertion hole 425a. The omission portion 425b makes it possible to set the angle at which the electrical wiring DH1 is guided to the front side of the closure plate 428 at 180 degrees. This reduces the possibility that the electrical wiring DH1 will bend near the insertion hole 425a when the auxiliary arm member 444 rotates.

[0258] The electrical wiring DH1 is passed through the through hole 427 to the front side, and is guided to the front side of the lifting plate 430 through a cylindrical portion 433 formed at a position overlapping the through hole 427 at the front and rear, and is temporarily fastened to the fastening portion 451 of the support plate portion 450 with a cable tie or the like, and is connected to a connector arranged on the electric lighting board of the light-emitting performance device LA1.

[0259] In this way, the electrical wiring DH1 is arranged inside the components (auxiliary arm member 444 and rear mounting plate 420) for most of its path, so that the possibility of the electrical wiring DH1 colliding with other movable parts and being subjected to loads can be reduced compared to when the electrical wiring is exposed (uncovered) for most of its path as in conventional pachinko machines.

[0260] In addition, in this embodiment, the guide path of the electric wiring DH1 is separated from the slidingly displaceable relative displacement member 442. That is, deformation such as bending or curving in the electric wiring DH1 can only be caused by the rotational displacement of the auxiliary arm member 444 (rotational displacement accompanied by the sliding displacement of the rotation shaft).

[0261] As a result, even if the displacement speed of the lifting plate 430 moving up and down and the displacement speed of the relative displacement member 442 are configured to be significantly different, by severing the relationship between the deformation of the electrical wiring DH1 and the displacement speed of the relative displacement member 442, it is possible to avoid the load applied to the electrical wiring DH1 becoming too large.

[0262] 22(a), 23, 24, and 25. The rear arrangement plate 420 includes a plate-shaped connecting plate portion 421 connected to the cylindrical protruding portion 414f of the arm member 414 and fastened to the lifting plate 430, a storage plate portion 425 disposed on the right side of the connecting plate portion 421 and fastened to the lifting plate 430 and to which the front side member of the metal rail 405 is fastened, and an L-shaped blocking plate 428 fastened to the storage plate portion 425 and which partially blocks the rear side portion of the storage plate portion 425.

[0263] The connecting plate portion 421 includes a long insertion hole 422 drilled in the main plate portion in the left-right direction in the shape of a long hole through which the cylindrical extension portion 414f can be inserted, and a support box portion 423 formed in a box shape below the long insertion hole 422 with the front and upper sides open.

[0264] The support box portion 423 is formed to extend downward from the elongated insertion hole 422, and thus the support box portion 423 can be used to reinforce the rigidity of the accommodating plate portion 425. That is, the support box portion 423 is disposed opposite the support wall portion 426 on the left and right, and when the support wall portion 426 is significantly deflected and deformed to the left and comes into contact with the support box portion 423, the rigidity of the support box portion 423 can suppress the deformation.

[0265] The storage plate portion 425 has a support wall portion 426 that protrudes toward the front side in the form of a linear plate extending in the vertical direction on the left edge of the main body plate portion, and a through hole 427 that is drilled on the front side of the closure plate 428.

[0266] In this embodiment, the electrical wiring DH1 is inserted into the through-hole 427. That is, the through-hole 427 is formed with an inner diameter that allows a connector disposed at the end of the electrical wiring DH1 to be inserted therethrough.

[0267] The closure plate 428 is formed so that its front surface abuts against a frame portion that protrudes in a frame shape from the rear side of the storage plate portion 425, and is configured to separate the area between the storage plate portion 425 and the closure plate 428. In this embodiment, the electrical wiring DH1 is configured to be arranged only inside the frame portion of the storage plate portion 425 (on the front side of the closure plate 428). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrical wiring DH1 from entering the metal rail 405 side (to the left of the frame portion).

[0268] A specially shaped hole 428a is formed through the closure plate 428 so that a temporary fastening portion 425c, which is a portion that protrudes in a U-shape toward the rear side at a position closer to the through-hole 427 than the omitted portion 425b, can be seen in rear view.

[0269] The irregularly shaped hole 428a is formed from a horizontally elongated portion whose left-to-right width is slightly longer than the width of the temporary fastening portion 425c, and a vertically elongated portion that intersects with the horizontally elongated portion to ensure an area through which the cable tie can be passed.

[0270] The temporary fastening portion 425c serves as a fastening portion for a cable tie. Temporarily fastening the electrical wiring DH1 with a cable tie can stabilize the position of the electrical wiring DH1. In this case, by tightening the cable tie, the path of the electrical wiring DH1 guided from the auxiliary arm member 444 toward the closure plate 428 can be shifted toward the closure plate 428, thereby creating a gap between the edge of the semicircular plate portion of the storage plate 425 centered on the insertion hole 425a and the electrical wiring DH1 (see FIGS. 25 and 26). This prevents the electrical wiring DH1 from rubbing against the edge of the storage plate 425, thereby extending the service life of the electrical wiring DH1.

[0271] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cable ties that temporarily fasten the electrical wiring DH1 (see Figure 26) guided between the omitted portions 425b can be exposed from the irregular hole 428a of the blocking plate 428, so that the cable ties can be replaced or assembled without removing the blocking plate 428.

[0272] As a result, the electrical wiring DH1 is temporarily fastened at a position between the accommodation plate portion 425 and the closure plate 428, which is a location where the position of the electrical wiring DH1 relative to the components of the first operation unit 400 is fixed (i.e., a location where, when the electrical wiring DH1 travels along its path from the light-emitting performance device LA1 to which one end of the electrical wiring DH1 is connected, it overlaps with the path to the base end side portion 444a of the auxiliary arm member 444, which is the first portion where the electrical wiring DH1 is displaced relative to the lift-up plate 430), and the cable ties can be replaced without removing the closure plate 428. This makes it possible to improve the service life of the electrical wiring DH1 and also improve the ease of maintenance of the cable ties associated with the electrical wiring DH1.

[0273] In this embodiment, the electrical wiring DH1 is routed along the front side of the closure plate 428 along the shape of the closure plate 428, but because the closure plate 428 is L-shaped when viewed from behind, the electrical wiring DH1 curves along a first plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction on the front side of the closure plate 428, and curves along a second plane (a plane perpendicular to the first plane) perpendicular to the left-right direction near the through-hole 427. This can improve the holding force that holds the electrical wiring DH1 to the closure plate 428 and the accommodation plate 425, and can stabilize the position of the electrical wiring DH1.

[0274] The lifting plate 430 includes a fastening portion 431 consisting of multiple parts for fastening and fixing the rear arrangement plate 420, a support portion 432 consisting of multiple parts for supporting the synchronous operation unit 440, a tubular portion 433 formed to allow the electrical wiring DH1 to be inserted therethrough, a fastening portion 434 consisting of multiple parts for fastening and fixing the support plate portion 450, multiple countermeasure portions 435 formed on the main plate portion to avoid interference between the components, and a decorative portion 436 with a pattern of approximately left-right symmetrical shape on the front of the plate.

[0275] The fastening portion 431 has at least a pair of gourd-shaped protrusions 431a that are arranged at the lower end of the lifting plate 430 and support the vertical displacement of the relative displacement member 442 (slide rack). The gourd-shaped protrusions 431a are a portion that supports the relative displacement member 442, but also have a female screw shape formed at the tip, into which a fastening screw that fastens and fixes the accommodation plate portion 425 to the lifting plate 430 is screwed. In other words, the gourd-shaped protrusions 431a serve both as a portion related to fastening and fixing the rear arrangement plate 420 and as a portion related to supporting the synchronous operation unit 440.

[0276] The cylindrical portion 433 extends toward the rear side through a gap between the components of the synchronous operation unit 440, and its rear end abuts against the front surface of the accommodating plate portion 425, and in this abutting state, the through-hole 427 and the inside of the cylindrical portion 433 are continuously connected. Electrical wiring DH1 is inserted from front to back through this continuously connected portion.

[0277] Examples of the countermeasure portion 435 include a notch portion 435a cut out from the lower edge of the main body plate portion upward to avoid interference with the connecting portion between the fixed transmission plate 490 and the relative displacement member 442 (in this embodiment, the raised fastening portion arranged side by side above and below), and a recessed portion 435b recessed into a wall portion formed in a wall shape to protect the upper part of the axis of the arc-shaped gear portion 444b of the auxiliary arm member 444 so as to avoid interference with the arc-shaped gear portion 444b.

[0278] The decorative portion 436 is arranged on the rear side of the feather-shaped member 460, and is configured to cooperate with the feather-shaped member 460 to make a series of patterns visible as the feather-shaped member 460 is displaced, as will be described in detail later.

[0279] The synchronous operation unit 440 comprises a pair of rotating gears 441 that mesh with each other, a relative displacement member 442 that meshes with one of the rotating gears 441 and is formed so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction, a pair of elongated holes 443 that are drilled in the relative displacement member 442 in the shape of elongated holes, an auxiliary arm member 444 that has rotating gear teeth that mesh with the other rotating gear 441, and an end side plate 448 that is fastened and fixed to the rotating tip of the auxiliary arm member 444 from the back side.

[0280] The gourd-shaped protrusion 431a is inserted into the long hole 443. By arranging the longitudinal direction of the gourd shape and the longitudinal direction of the long hole 443 to be approximately parallel, the posture of the relative displacement member 442 can be stabilized.

[0281] In addition, the area of ​​contact with the elongated hole 443 can be made smaller than when the gourd-shaped protrusion 431a is formed in an oval shape, so that the frictional resistance generated between the gourd-shaped protrusion 431a and the relative displacement member 442 can be reduced.

[0282] The auxiliary arm member 444 comprises a ring-shaped base end side portion 444a pivotally supported on the large diameter protrusion 432a of the support portion 432, an arc gear portion 444b having gear teeth formed concentrically with the ring shape of the base end side portion 444a, an extension portion 444c extending radially from the base end side portion 444a of the ring shape, and a cylindrical member 444d which is formed in an approximately semi-cylindrical shape and is disposed at the extended tip portion of the extension portion 444c, and which is configured so that the open portion on the inside of the cylinder is continuously connected to the open portion of the extension portion 444c.

[0283] When the base end side portion 444a is inserted into the large diameter protrusion 432a, its movement toward the rear side is restricted by the accommodating plate portion 425 having an insertion hole 425a through which a fastening screw is inserted to be threaded into a female screw portion formed at the tip of the large diameter protrusion 432a. In other words, the base end side portion 444a is pivotally supported so as not to come off by the lifting plate 430 and the accommodating plate portion 425 in a manner facing each other from the front and rear.

[0284] The extension portion 444c is formed in a box shape with an open rear side, and includes a retaining portion 444c1 that extends from one side in the short side direction to the other side on the rear side and has a gap between it and the other side that is slightly longer than the short side dimension (width dimension) of the electrical wiring DH1. This retaining portion 444c1 has the role of preventing the electrical wiring DH1, which is disposed inside the extension portion 444c, from falling off after the electrical wiring DH1 has been passed between it and the other side in the short side direction of the extension portion 444c.

[0285] The configuration of the retaining portion 444c1 is not limited to this. For example, the gap between the extension portion 444c and the retaining portion 444c1 may be configured to be shorter than the short-side dimension (width dimension) of the electrical wiring DH1. In this case, when assembling (inserting) the electrical wiring DH1 into the gap between the extension portion 444c and the retaining portion 444c1, it becomes necessary to flex the retaining portion 444c1 to widen the gap, but this can improve the effect of preventing the electrical wiring DH1 from falling off after assembly.

[0286] As long as the electrical wiring DH1 is arranged inside the extension portion 444c, the expansion and contraction of the electrical wiring DH1 due to the up and down displacement of the first operating unit 400 can be minimized, but details will be described later with reference to Figures 27 to 30.

[0287] The cylindrical member 444d is designed so that its outer diameter is slightly shorter than the short-side dimension of the long hole portion 406, and when inserted into the long hole portion 406, it enables the auxiliary arm member 444 to slide along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the long hole portion 406 and to rotate.

[0288] The end side plate 448 is provided with a through-hole 448a through which the electrical wiring DH1 can be inserted, and the electrical wiring DH1 inserted into the through-hole 448a passes through the inside of the cylindrical portion 444d inserted into the elongated hole portion 406, passes through the inside of the extension portion 444c, is guided to the back side of the base end side portion 444a, and enters between the closure plate 428 and the storage plate portion 425. Then, it passes through the through-hole 427 and the cylindrical portion 433 and is guided to the front side.

[0289] Because the electrical wiring DH1 is passed through the through-hole 448a in this manner, the inner shape of the through-hole 448a is formed larger than the outer shape of the connector connected to the end of the electrical wiring DH1. In other words, the through-hole 448a is formed to a size that allows the connector to be inserted therethrough.

[0290] The through-hole 448a is formed in an irregular shape including an eccentric region radially outward, rather than only in the center of the end side plate 448, and is particularly large on the extension portion 444c side. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the auxiliary arm member 444, the electrical wiring DH1 can be moved closer to the extension portion 444c side, and it is possible to prevent the position of the electrical wiring DH1 relative to the auxiliary arm member 444 from changing significantly (moving wildly) as the posture of the auxiliary arm member 444 changes.

[0291] In addition, the through-hole 448a is extended counterclockwise in rear view from the extension portion 444c side at the outer diameter side portion of the end side plate 448. This extension allows the opening range of the through-hole 448a to be expanded to the right when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, thereby reducing the width of left-right displacement required for the electrical wiring DH1.

[0292] In this case, even in the configuration of this embodiment in which the end side plate 448 is displaced left and right when the lift plate 430 is lifted and lowered, changing the orientation of the through hole 448a can function to mitigate left and right displacement of the end side plate 448. Therefore, the displacement width required of the electrical wiring DH1 can be made shorter than the displacement width of the end side plate 448, so that the excess length of the wiring that is set in consideration of the displacement of the electrical wiring DH1 can be shortened and the load applied from the end side plate 448 to the electrical wiring DH1 can be reduced.

[0293] A fixed transmission plate 490 is fastened and fixed to the front side of the relative displacement member 442. That is, just as the lift-up plate 430 and the relative displacement member 442 are displaced relative to each other, the support plate portion 450 fastened and fixed to the lift-up plate 430 and the fixed transmission plate 490 fastened and fixed to the relative displacement member 442 are displaced relative to each other.

[0294] The support plate portion 450 is a plate-like member formed in a disk shape and having a light-emitting substrate arranged on the back side thereof, to which the light-emitting performance device LA1 is fastened and fixed on the front side thereof, and is equipped with a plurality of fastening portions 451 into which fastening screws inserted into the lifting plate 430 are threaded, a pair of left and right fastening shaft support portions 452 which are fitted into the cylindrical portion 461 of the vane-shaped member 460 and into which fastening screws inserted into the lifting plate 430 are threaded, a pair of left and right through holes 453 drilled on the underside of the fastening shaft support portions 452, and a support portion 454 which hooks onto and supports the upper protrusion LA1b of the light-emitting performance device LA1.

[0295] The light emitting performance device LA1 has a pair of fastening portions LA1a at the bottom into which fastening screws that are inserted into the support plate portion 450 are threaded, and a pair of protruding pieces LA1b at the top that protrude so as to be insertable into the support portion 454. In this way, by supporting the bottom of the light emitting performance device LA1 by fastening and fixing, and supporting the top by engaging, it is possible to ensure sufficient support strength while avoiding the shadow of the fastening screws on the upper back side of the illumination board.

[0296] A three-dimensional or two-dimensional decorative pattern that is visible to the player is applied to the front of light-emitting performance device LA1. This decorative pattern is configured so that it can be seen as a decoration integrated with feather-shaped member 460 or auxiliary member 470 when it is visible without being hidden by feather-shaped member 460 or auxiliary member 470 (see FIG. 34).

[0297] In this embodiment, the shapes of feather-shaped member 460 and auxiliary member 470 are made to resemble shells (for example, scallops), and the shape of light-emitting performance device LA1 placed between them is formed into a generally circular shape when viewed from the front, which can be visually recognized as a pearl. In other words, by making light-emitting performance member LA1, feather-shaped member 460, and auxiliary member 470 visible as a single unit, it is possible to create an appearance that evokes the concept of "a pearl placed inside an open shell."

[0298] The feather-shaped member 460 is composed of a plurality of members supported by the fastening shaft support portion 452, and includes a cylindrical portion 461 rotatably supported by the fastening shaft support portion 452, an arc-shaped gear 462 formed in an arc shape centered on the cylindrical portion 461 and meshing with each other, an extension portion 463 extending in a plate shape from the cylindrical portion 461 to the opposite side of the arc-shaped gear 462, formation portions 464L, 464R formed on the extension end side of the extension portion 463 and configured to be able to strongly reflect light by plating the front surface of the plate, a downstream gear 465 formed on the front side of the arc-shaped gear 462 along an arc with a smaller diameter than the arc-shaped gear 462, a flange portion 466 formed in a flange shape covering the back side of the arc-shaped gear 462, and a cylindrical extension portion 467 extending in a cylindrical shape toward the back side from the extension end portion to which the flange portion 466 extends in the outer direction.

[0299] The arc-shaped gear 462 is formed as gear teeth formed on an arc of the same diameter that mesh with the pair of cylindrical portions 461 at the midpoint between them. That is, the rotation angles of the multiple (left and right) feather-shaped members 460 that rotate due to meshing of the arc-shaped gear 462 are the same (symmetrical).

[0300] The extension portion 463 has a recessed portion 463a formed only on the right side thereof. The recessed portion 463a is a shaped portion for easily avoiding interference with the electrical wiring that passes through the cylindrical portion 433 and is guided to the front side of the lift plate 430, and will be described in detail later.

[0301] The forming portions 464L, 464R are combined when the first operating unit 400 is in the extended state and are configured as a series of approximately semicircular (approximately semi-elliptical) decorative bodies (see Figure 17), while when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, they are arranged separately on the left and right, and their sizes are asymmetrical (see Figure 16).

[0302] More specifically, the lower side is formed symmetrically, while the upper side that comes into contact when combined has the left forming portion 464L projecting in the rotational direction more than the right forming portion 464R, making it larger. In other words, when the first operating unit 400 is in the projecting state, the contact surfaces S1 of the forming portions 464L, 464R are positioned closer to the right (see FIG. 17).

[0303] The shapes of the upper ends of the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R that are arranged facing each other differ depending on the distance from the cylindrical member 461. That is, the side closer to the cylindrical member 461 (the side closer to the rotation axis, the inner diameter side) is shaped to have interference portions 464a that are positioned offset in the direction of the rotation axis of the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R so that when the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R are closest to each other, they can overlap in a front view.

[0304] In this embodiment, the side closer to the cylindrical portion 461 corresponds to the portion where the decorative pattern that is visually recognized as a continuous pattern is formed when the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R are closest to each other. The interference portion 464a described above prevents the occurrence of a gap in the contact surface S1 of the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R when the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R are closest to each other, so that the decorative pattern can be visually recognized by the player without any sense of incongruity.

[0305] On the other hand, on the side farther from the cylindrical portion 461 (the side farther from the rotation axis, the outer diameter side), the abutment surfaces are shaped to be positioned at a position that coincides in the direction of the rotation axis of the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R so that the rotation of the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R can be stopped by abutment.

[0306] By locating the part where the load generated by contact when the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R are stopped at the outermost diameter part where the arm length is longest in the calculation of the force moment, the load generated by contact on the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R can be minimized.

[0307] In this way, by changing the shape of the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R depending on the distance from the cylindrical portion 461, the player can see the series of decorative patterns formed when the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R are closest to each other without feeling uncomfortable, and the load that may occur on the feather-shaped members 464L, 464R when they are closest to each other can be minimized.

[0308] The flange portion 466 serves both to suppress displacement of the arc-shaped gear 462 in the front-rear direction and to separate the arc-shaped gear 462 from the fixed transmission plate 490. This makes it possible to optimize the meshing state of the arc-shaped gear 462 and to prevent the arc-shaped gear 462 from coming into contact with and getting caught on the fixed transmission plate 490, thereby preventing excessive resistance from occurring.

[0309] The cylindrical protrusion 467 is inserted into the elongated hole 491 of the fixed transmission plate 490, and a ring-shaped collar C1 for reducing friction is inserted into the tip of the protrusion. In addition, a female thread is formed at the tip of the protrusion, and a fastening screw is inserted into the collar C1 and has a head portion larger than the inner diameter of the collar C1. This connects the fixed transmission plate 490 to the cylindrical protrusion 467 so that it cannot come off.

[0310] The auxiliary member 470 is composed of a pair of left and right plate-like members that are rotatably supported, and includes a supported portion 471 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, a metal insertion rod 472 made of metal that is passed through the through hole 453 and inserted into the supported portion 471 and fitted non-rotatably, and a gear portion 473 that is fitted non-rotatably to the end of the insertion metal rod 472 and has gear teeth formed on an arc centered on the insertion metal rod 472.

[0311] A female screw is formed in the radial direction on the front side of the inserting metal rod 472, and a through hole is formed at the corresponding position of the supported part 471, into which the threaded part of a fastening screw that is threaded into the female screw can be inserted. After inserting the inserting metal rod 472 into the supported part 471, the fastening screw can be threaded into the female screw through the through hole, thereby preventing the inserting metal rod 472 from falling off from the supported part 471.

[0312] As the inserted metal rod 472 is supported in the through-hole 453, the gear portion 473 is axially supported so as to be rotatable about the through-hole 453. The gear portion 473 is in mesh with the downstream gear 465 (see FIG. 22(b)), and therefore rotates in synchronization with the rotation angle of the vane-shaped member 460.

[0313] The fixed transmission plate 490 comprises a plate-shaped portion fastened to the front side of the relative displacement member 442, a long hole portion 491 drilled as a curved long hole in the plate-shaped portion, a metal rod 492 which is a metal rod-shaped member supported non-rotatably at the lower end of the plate-shaped portion and protrudes toward the front side, and a decorative portion 493 fixed non-rotatably to the protruding tip of the metal rod 492.

[0314] Slot 491 includes vertical portion 491a formed along the vertical direction, and curved portion 491b formed by bending more in the left-right direction than vertical portion 491a. By dividing slot 491 into sections in this way, it is possible to provide a deviation in the synchronization between vertical displacement of fixed transmission plate 490 and the associated rotational displacement of vane-shaped member 460 rather than completely synchronizing them, as will be described in detail later.

[0315] The metal rod 492 and the decorative portion 493 are connected and fixed in the same manner as the above-mentioned inserted metal rod 472 and the supported portion 471. This makes it possible to prevent the metal rod 492 from falling off the decorative portion 493.

[0316] Next, the operation of the first operating unit 400 will be described. Figures 27, 28, 29, and 30 are rear views of the first operating unit 400. Figures 27 to 30 illustrate how each component is displaced as the drive motor MT1 rotates, with Fig. 27 showing the retracted state of the first operating unit 400, Fig. 28 showing a first intermediate state of the first operating unit 400 in which the lifting plate 430 has descended from the retracted state by a distance slightly longer than the vertical deviation dimension of the wall schematic line UL (see Fig. 16), Fig. 29 showing a second intermediate state of the first operating unit 400 in which the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary arm member 444 faces the left-right direction, and Fig. 30 showing the extended state of the first operating unit 400.

[0317] 27, when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, the detected portion 413d enters the detection gap of the detection sensor SC1, thereby determining the posture of the terminal gear 413. In this embodiment, the state detected by the detection sensor SC1 is only the retracted state, and the other states (first intermediate state, second intermediate state, and extended state) are states after displacement by a preset displacement amount from the retracted state, and are not detected by the detection sensor SC1.

[0318] 27, when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, the straight line connecting the rotation axis of the terminal gear 413 and the cylindrical protrusion 413c is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 414d of the arm member 414 (the radial direction of rotation of the arm member 414). As a result, the load applied from the arm member 414 to the terminal gear 413 occurs along a straight line passing through the rotation axis of the terminal gear 413, so that the posture of the arm member 414 can be maintained even when the power of the drive motor MT1 is cut off (utilization of the dead point).

[0319] The tip plate portion 414e of the arm member 414 is disposed outside the arc MXS that circumscribes the disk portion of the terminal gear 413 with the rotation axis of the arm member 414 as its center. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the tip plate portion 414e and the terminal gear 413 during rotational displacement of the arm member 414.

[0320] The auxiliary arm member 444 functions to prevent the right side of the lifting plate 430 from descending. Although the auxiliary arm member 444 is supported so as to be able to slide in the elongated hole portion 406, it is not a resistance-free member, and movement resistance occurs due to contact friction generated between the cylindrical portion 444d (see FIG. 25) and the elongated hole portion 406. In other words, the right side of the lifting plate 430 can be supported by the auxiliary arm member 444 due to the action of this movement resistance.

[0321] As shown in Figure 28, when the arm member 414 is rotated and displaced, the lifting plate 430 is displaced downward, and as the rotating gear 441 that meshes with the auxiliary arm member 444 that is displaced accordingly rotates, the relative displacement member 442 is displaced downward by an amount that exceeds the displacement amount of the lifting plate 430.

[0322] Although it has a complex shape, the driving force is transmitted from the auxiliary arm member 444 to the relative displacement member 442 by gear meshing, so there is a one-to-one correspondence between the amount of displacement of the relative displacement member 442 relative to the lifting plate 430 and the rotation angle of the auxiliary arm member 444.

[0323] As shown in FIG. 28, while the arm member 414, auxiliary arm member 444, lift plate 430 and relative displacement member 442 are displaced as described above, the feather-shaped member 460 maintains the same posture as in the retracted state.

[0324] That is, according to this embodiment, a time lag occurs between the timing at which lifting plate 430 starts to descend from the retracted state of first operating unit 400 and the timing at which vane-shaped member 460 starts to rotate. The cause of this time lag will be described later.

[0325] In this embodiment, the lifting plate 430 descends by the vertical dimension of the wall schematic line UL (see Figure 16) before the feather-shaped member 460 starts to rotate, which makes it easier to prevent the feather-shaped member 460 from colliding with the upper wall portion of the rear case 310 when it is rotated and displaced.

[0326] In other words, the displacement mode in which the vane-shaped member 460 rotates after descending by the vertical dimension of the wall schematic line UL is the same as the displacement mode (conventional displacement mode) in which the vane-shaped member 460 rotates simultaneously with the descent of the lifting plate 430 when the upper wall portion of the rear case 310 is formed so that there is no height difference between the left and right. Therefore, the operation of the first operating unit 400 of this embodiment can be realized by utilizing the operating conditions (parameters such as gear ratio and displacement amount) of the conventional displacement mode. This reduces the cost required for design.

[0327] As shown in FIG. 27, the arm member 414, which is hidden behind the lifting plate 430 in the retracted state, is displaced so as to protrude above the lifting plate 430 as the lifting plate 430 descends, as shown in FIG. 28.

[0328] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the feather-shaped member 460 is configured to be displaceable relative to the lifting plate 430 so as to hide the arm member 414 (see FIG. 29). In other words, the feather-shaped member 460 not only serves as an effect that allows the player to see the decorative pattern formed on the surface side to create an effect that adds excitement to the game, but also functions as a shielding means that, together with the lifting plate 430, hides the arm member 414 for drive transmission.

[0329] In particular, in this embodiment, the forming portion 464L of the feather-shaped member 460 on the side where the arm member 414 having the function of transmitting driving force is arranged is made larger in shape than the forming portion 464R of the feather-shaped member 460 on the opposite side, making it easier to hide the arm member 414 from the player's view.

[0330] Similarly, the forming portion 464R is configured to hide the auxiliary arm member 444 (see FIG. 30). In this embodiment, due to this configuration, in the second intermediate state, the arm member 414 protrudes above the lifting plate 430, while the auxiliary arm member 444 is still hidden behind the lifting plate 430. In other words, the arm member 414 is configured to protrude above the lifting plate 430 after the auxiliary arm member 444 protrudes above the lifting plate 430 (see FIG. 30).

[0331] Therefore, even when using forming portion 464R, which is smaller in shape than forming portion 464L (the amount of upward protrusion of lifting plate 430 at the same time is smaller than forming portion 464L), the auxiliary arm member 444 can be hidden from the player's view without any problems.

[0332] 29, the auxiliary arm member 444 assumes a position in which its longitudinal direction faces the left-right direction when the cylindrical protrusion 414f is slightly past the position where it is farthest to the left from the rotation axis of the arm member 414. When the cylindrical protrusion 414f is farthest to the left from the rotation axis of the arm member 414, the load applied to the right from the arm member 414 to the lifting plate 430 tends to increase. However, if the auxiliary arm member 444 applies a load to the left from the lifting plate 430 at the same time, the displacement resistance of the lifting plate 430 increases.

[0333] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the auxiliary arm member 444 is tilted at a position slightly past the position where the cylindrical protrusion portion 414f is farthest to the left from the rotation axis of the arm member 414, and the cylindrical portion 444d (see Figure 25) is positioned at the right end of the long hole portion 406, so that a load in the leftward direction can be applied to the lifting plate 430 via the auxiliary arm member 444.This makes it possible to suppress the displacement resistance of the lifting plate 430 to move up and down, while also suppressing the lifting plate 430 from being displaced in the left and right directions due to the left and right load applied to the lifting plate 430.

[0334] In the state shown in Figure 29, the cylindrical protrusion 413c of the terminal gear 413 is positioned outside the arc MXS, but since the tip plate portion 414e has already gone too far below the cylindrical protrusion portion 413c, interference between the tip plate portion 414e and the terminal gear 413 can be avoided.

[0335] In other words, the arc MXS is defined merely as a guideline position, and the design of the terminal gear 413 and the arm member 414 is carried out by dynamically examining whether or not interference will occur when the terminal gear 413 and the arm member 414 are actually linked together.

[0336] 30, when the first operating unit 400 is in the extended state, the terminal gear 413 rotates from an end point where the stopped portion 413b of the terminal gear 413 abuts against the stopper portion 403c of the main body plate portion 401. Note that, as a control, the drive motor MT1 is driven so that the terminal gear 413 stops at a position slightly before the position where the stopped portion 413b abuts against the stopper portion 403c. This makes it possible to structurally prevent the terminal gear 413 from over-rotating while avoiding early damage to the stopped portion 413b and the stopper portion 403c.

[0337] 30, when the first operating unit 400 is in the extended state, the straight line connecting the rotation axis of the terminal gear 413 and the cylindrical extension portion 413c is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole portion 414d of the arm member 414 (the radial direction of rotation of the arm member 414). As a result, the load applied from the arm member 414 to the terminal gear 413 occurs along a straight line passing through the rotation axis of the terminal gear 413, so that the posture of the arm member 414 can be maintained even when the power of the drive motor MT1 is cut off (utilization of the dead point).

[0338] The posture is maintained in both directions along the rotation direction of the arm member 414. That is, not only is it possible to prevent displacement in the direction of gravity, but it is also possible to prevent upward displacement of the first operating unit 400 from the extended state to the retracted state.

[0339] This prevents the lifting plate 430 connected to the arm member 414 from bouncing back and being displaced upward after reaching the extended state, thereby preventing displacement of the components downstream of the lifting plate 430 in the drive force transmission path (synchronous operation unit 440, vane-shaped member 460, auxiliary member 470, etc.). This makes it easier to maintain the contact state of the vane-shaped member 460.

[0340] The auxiliary arm member 444 functions to prevent the right side of the lifting plate 430 from rising. Although the auxiliary arm member 444 is supported so as to be able to slide in the elongated hole portion 406, it is not a resistance-free member, and movement resistance occurs due to contact friction generated between the cylindrical portion 444d (see FIG. 25) and the elongated hole portion 406. In other words, the right side of the lifting plate 430 can be supported by the auxiliary arm member 444 due to the action of this movement resistance.

[0341] In addition, the auxiliary arm member 444 suspends and supports the lifting plate 430. This prevents the posture of the lifting plate 430 from becoming unstable on the left and right sides of the metal rail 405, even though the driving force from the drive motor MT1 and the biasing force from the coil spring SP1 are generated only on one side (the left side).

[0342] Here, as described above, as long as the electrical wiring DH1 is arranged inside the extension portion 444c, it is possible to minimize the expansion and contraction of the electrical wiring DH1 when the lifting plate 430 of the first operating unit 400 is lifted and displaced.

[0343] When the path of the electrical wiring DH1 is traced from the light emitting performance device LA1 side, the path is fixed to the lifting plate 430 until it reaches the auxiliary arm member 444, and the path becomes variable only at the auxiliary arm member 444. On the other hand, the extension portion 444c in which the electrical wiring DH1 is disposed maintains a fixed shape even while the lifting plate 430 is displaced up and down, which reduces the possibility of expansion and contraction displacement occurring in the electrical wiring DH1.

[0344] At the position where the electrical wiring DH1 exits from the through-hole 448a to the rear side, a left-right displacement occurs in the electrical wiring DH1 in accordance with the left-right displacement of the end side plate 448. In this way, the displacement that may cause expansion or contraction of the electrical wiring DH1 is limited to that caused by the displacement of the end side plate 448. Therefore, in this embodiment, the left-right displacement of the end side plate 448 is measured, the necessary excess length is calculated, and this excess length is added to the electrical wiring DH1 in the path from the fixed position of the electrical wiring DH1 to the end side plate 448 (in a state where the electrical wiring DH1 is loosened), and then the electrical wiring DH1 is fixed to the main body plate portion 401.

[0345] In other words, the location where expansion and contraction of the electrical wiring DH1 due to the vertical displacement of the lifting plate 430 can be limited to the vicinity of the end side plate 448, and in addition, the amount of displacement that causes expansion and contraction can be kept to less than half of the vertical displacement of the lifting plate 430.

[0346] Furthermore, as described above, the shape of the through hole 448a of the end side plate 448 allows the displacement width of the electrical wiring DH1 to be reduced compared to the displacement width of the end side plate 448, so that the excess length of the electrical wiring DH1 can be shortened.

[0347] 31, 32, 33, and 34 are front views of the first operating unit 400. Figures 31 to 34 show how each component is displaced as the drive motor MT1 rotates, with Fig. 31 showing the retracted state of the first operating unit 400, Fig. 32 showing the first intermediate state of the first operating unit 400, Fig. 33 showing the second intermediate state of the first operating unit 400, and Fig. 34 showing the extended state of the first operating unit 400.

[0348] 31, the lower edge of the feather-shaped member 460 is formed symmetrically. Therefore, when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, the first operating unit 400, which enters the field of view of the third pattern display device 81, can be visually recognized by the player as a movable member with a symmetrical shape.

[0349] As shown in Fig. 32, when the lifting plate 430 is slightly displaced downward, the attitude of the feather-shaped member 460 is maintained. Therefore, even in the state shown in Fig. 32, the first operating unit 400, which enters the field of view of the third pattern display device 81, can be visually recognized by the player as a movable member having a symmetrical shape.

[0350] In the first intermediate state shown in Figure 32, the posture of the feather-shaped member 460 does not change compared to the retracted state shown in Figure 31, but as the lifting plate 430 descends, the feather-shaped member 460 and the auxiliary member 470 are displaced downward by the same amount, and the decorative part 493 is displaced downward by an amount that exceeds this amount of downward displacement.

[0351] Therefore, when the first operating unit 400 is changed from the retracted state to the first intermediate state, a player viewing the lifting plate 430 can see not only the up and down displacement of the lifting plate 430 alone, but also the up and down displacement of the decorative part 493, which displaces by an amount different from the up and down displacement amount of the lifting plate 430, thereby improving the presentation effect.

[0352] As shown in FIG. 33, in the second intermediate state, the difference between the displacement amount of the lifting plate 430 and the displacement amount of the decorative part 493 increases compared to the first intermediate state, and in addition, the positions of the feather-shaped member 460 and the auxiliary member 470 change.

[0353] 34 shows the state in which feather-shaped members 460 abut against each other in opposing positions. Feather-shaped member 460 is a pair of left and right members joined together, and is visually recognized as a single, approximately semicircular (semi-elliptical) decorative member, with abutment surface S1 formed in a position shifted to the right from the center position where metal rail 405 is disposed.

[0354] In this embodiment, the upper edge side of the forming portion 464L is configured to be larger on the forming portion 464R side than the upper edge side of the forming portion 464R, so that the contact surface S1 in the protruding state is offset from the center on the left and right.

[0355] When the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, the upper edges of the forming portions 464L, 464R are disposed in a position that is shielded by the base plate 60 of the gaming board 13 (see FIG. 2), making it difficult for a player to notice that the forming portions 464L, 464R are configured with an asymmetrical shape. This makes it possible to avoid giving a player a feeling of discomfort due to the asymmetrical shape of the forming portions 464L, 464R.

[0356] Furthermore, since the contact surface S1 is offset from the metal rail 405 when viewed from the front, even if the feather-shaped member 460 bounces back due to the impact at the time of contact, creating a gap again, it is possible to prevent the rail member 405 from being seen through the gap, and it is possible to ensure that the decorative shape formed on the front surface of the main body plate portion 401 is visible.

[0357] This prevents the inorganic metal rail 405 (in other words, a component that is essential for realizing the displacement of the movable props and is not intended for decoration) from reducing the reduction in the presentation effect compared to when it is visible through the gap.

[0358] Furthermore, the contact surface S1 is positioned at a position shifted from the center position on the left and right that a player would generally expect as the gap between the pair of movable members that come into contact and separate on the left and right. In other words, by not creating a gap at the position where a player would visually recognize it while expecting a gap to occur (the center position on the left and right), and by locating the contact surface S1 where a gap may occur at a position shifted from that position, it is possible to make the gap less noticeable even if it does occur.

[0359] 31 to 34, the visibility of the decorative part 436 changes depending on the arrangement of the feather-shaped members 460. That is, when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state (see FIG. 31) to the second intermediate state (see FIG. 33), the outer shape of the decorative part 436 is hidden by the feather-shaped members 460, making it difficult for the player to grasp its entire appearance.

[0360] On the other hand, when the first operating unit 400 is in the extended state (see Figure 34), the outer shape of the decorative part 436 arranged on the underside of the feather-shaped member 460 is visible, and the outer shape is formed so as to be continuous with the outer shape of the feather-shaped member 460 when viewed from the front.

[0361] That is, the decorative portion 436 is formed so that the series of decorative shapes (in this embodiment, "shell" shapes) that are visible when the pair of feather-like members 460 is in the protruding state of the first operating unit 400 extend further downward from the lower edge. Therefore, it is possible to form a series of decorative shapes that are larger than the series of decorative shapes (see Figure 38) that are formed by combining the pair of feather-like members 460, and this can be visible to the player.

[0362] As described above, in this embodiment, there is more than one displacement process that leads to the formation of a series of decorative shapes by the displacement of the feather-shaped members 460. That is, the first displacement process is a process in which a pair of feather-shaped members 460, which are part of a series of decorative shapes, are displaced close to each other and united to form the series of decorative shapes.

[0363] On the other hand, the second displacement process is a process in which the feather-shaped member 460 and the decorative part 436, which are one component of a series of decorative shapes, overlap front to back when viewed from the front when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state, and as the first operating unit 400 approaches the extended state, the feather-shaped member 460 displaces in a direction in which the overlap becomes smaller (in the direction in which the feather-shaped member 460 moves away from the decorative part 436), thereby forming a series of decorative shapes.

[0364] These different processes allow the displacement of the feather-shaped members 460 to be a simple displacement mode of proximity displacement, while connecting the shapes at both end edges along the displacement direction of the feather-shaped members 460, thereby forming a series of decorative shapes. Therefore, while the shapes of the individually displacing feather-shaped members 460 can be kept small, the series of decorative shapes formed by combining together when the first operating unit 400 is in the extended state can be made larger compared to their size.

[0365] 35, 36, 37, and 38 are rear views of the support plate portion 450, the vane-shaped member 460, the auxiliary member 470, and the fixed transmission plate 490. Figs. 35 to 38 show how each component member is displaced as the drive motor MT1 rotates, with Fig. 35 showing the retracted state of the first operating unit 400, Fig. 36 showing the first intermediate state of the first operating unit 400, Fig. 37 showing the second intermediate state of the first operating unit 400, and Fig. 38 showing the extended state of the first operating unit 400.

[0366] 35, a plurality of through-holes LA1c are formed in a circular arc shape on the back side of light-emitting performance device LA1, and light is configured to leak out through these through-holes LA1c to the back side. When first operating unit 400 is in the extended state, vane-shaped members 460 are arranged to cover the back sides of through-holes LA1c, so that light leaking out from through-holes LA1c can be reflected to the front side by forming portions 464L, 464R of vane-shaped member 460.

[0367] 35 to 38, the rotational displacement of the feather-shaped member 460 will be described. The rotational displacement of the feather-shaped member 460 is caused by the relationship between the cylindrical protrusion 467 and the elongated hole 491 of the fixed transmission plate 490, so this part will be described in particular detail.

[0368] From the retracted state shown in Figure 35 to the first intermediate state shown in Figure 36, the direction in which the vertical portion 491a of the long hole portion 491 through which the cylindrical extension portion 467 is inserted is opened (vertical direction) and the displacement direction of the fixed transmission plate 490 are the same, so that the feather-shaped member 460 can be prevented from being rotated and displaced by the load applied to the cylindrical extension portion 467.

[0369] In this embodiment, no separate member is provided to bias the feather-shaped member 460 toward the retracted state, but due to the shape of the forming portions 464L and 464R, the center of gravity is positioned to the left and right of the rotation axis, and the retracted state is maintained by its own weight.

[0370] 37, the cylindrical protrusion 467 enters the curvature change portion 491b, causing a lateral load on the cylindrical protrusion 467 and causing the blade-shaped member 460 to begin rotational displacement. From the perspective of the drive force transmission path, the drive force of the drive motor MT1 is transmitted from the fixed transmission plate 490 via the cylindrical protrusion 467 to the left blade-shaped member 460, and then to the right blade-shaped member 460. In other words, the left blade-shaped member 460 is located upstream of the right blade-shaped member 460 in the drive force transmission path.

[0371] In this embodiment, forming portion 464L of left vane-shaped member 460, which is located upstream in the path of transmission of driving force, is slightly larger (heavier) than forming portion 464R, and therefore the movable members can be arranged so that they become lighter in order toward the downstream side of the path of transmission of driving force. This ensures good transmission of driving force and also prevents each component from bouncing back after it has reached its terminal position.

[0372] One of the reasons for arranging cylindrical portion 433, which serves as a guide path for electrical wiring DH1, on the forming portion 464R side is the difference in weight between forming portions 464L, 464R. More specifically, the positions of forming portions 464L, 464R after displacement are determined by the meshing of arc-shaped gear 462 and the abutment of the opposing surfaces of forming portions 464L, 464R, but the positions of forming portions 464L, 464R after displacement may change slightly due to errors in the meshing of arc-shaped gear 462, aging deformation of elongated hole portion 491 that determines the rotation angle of feather-shaped member 460, and the like.

[0373] In this case, the change in position after displacement largely depends on the weight balance of the forming portions 464L and 464R. That is, there is a high possibility that the forming portion 464L will be pushed down so that it rests on the forming portion 464R.

[0374] Taking this into consideration, in this embodiment, extension portion 463 of feather-shaped member 460 is disposed below cylindrical portion 433 through which electrical wiring DH1 passes. In addition, recessed portion 463a is provided to reduce overlap between cylindrical portion 433 and extension portion 463. This reduces the possibility of interference between electrical wiring DH1 and formation portion 464L even if formation portion 464L is unintentionally pushed down and displaced.

[0375] Furthermore, since the side where displacement is likely to occur in forming portion 464L can be predicted, it is possible to design it so that cylindrical portion 433 and recessed portion 463 partially interfere with each other in rear view (see FIG. 38), thereby improving the degree of freedom in design.

[0376] In this embodiment, the formation range of the recessed portion 463a is set to a range that particularly opens up the lower portion of the cylindrical portion 433. This makes it possible to minimize the difference in shape between the pair of left and right extension portions 463 while avoiding contact between the electrical wiring DH1, which tends to sag due to its own weight inside the cylindrical portion 433, and the extension portion 463.

[0377] In other words, it is possible to prevent the recessed portion 463 from getting too close to the forming portion 464, and as a result, when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted state or the first intermediate state, the recessed portion 463a can be positioned on the back side of the auxiliary member 470, and the recessed portion 463a can be configured to be partially hidden by the auxiliary member 470 (see Figure 31).

[0378] This allows the recessed portion 463a to be configured to be partially hidden by the auxiliary member 470 in any state of the first operating unit 400, from the retracted state to the extended state. Therefore, the extension portions 463 and the lower edge portions of the formed portions 464L, 464R of the pair of left and right feather-shaped members 460 can be easily viewed symmetrically, and it is possible to avoid giving the player an uncomfortable feeling due to the asymmetrical configuration of members that are displaced symmetrically.

[0379] The driving force is transmitted from the fixed transmission plate 490 to the cylindrical extension portion 467 by the fixed transmission plate 490 being displaced downwardly away from the cylindrical portion 461 of the blade-shaped member 460. As the driving force is transmitted, the cylindrical extension portion 467 is pulled by the fixed transmission plate 490 and undergoes rotational displacement around the cylindrical portion 461, but the cylindrical extension portion 467 is configured not to displace at a constant speed (it is configured so that the angular velocity changes) when it is assumed that the fixed transmission plate 490 displaces at a constant speed.

[0380] More specifically, since the initial position of the cylindrical protrusion 467 is set near the left or right of the tubular portion 461 (see FIG. 35), if we assume that the curvature change portion 491b is an elongated hole extending horizontally (left and right), the angle of rotational displacement of the cylindrical protrusion 467 relative to the displacement range in the up and down direction increases as the cylindrical protrusion 467 is displaced downward. Therefore, when the fixed transmission plate 490 is displaced at a constant speed, the speed (angular velocity) of the rotational displacement of the cylindrical protrusion 467 gradually increases.

[0381] Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the pair of feather-like members 460 decelerate during displacement, it is possible to create a powerful effect in which the feather-like members 460 displace and combine at high speed.

[0382] On the other hand, the gradual increase in the angular velocity of the cylindrical protrusion 467 leads to an increase in the speed of the pair of feather-like members 460 just before they approach and combine. However, if the speed increases too much, the impact of combining the pair of feather-like members 460 may cause the pair of feather-like members 460 to bounce back significantly, which may reduce the dramatic effect of this embodiment, in which the pair of feather-like members 460 combine to form a series of decorative patterns.

[0383] In contrast, in this embodiment, curvature change portion 491b is formed as an elongated hole that extends in a direction that is inclined upward relative to the horizontal direction (left-right direction) toward the rotation axis of feather-shaped member 460 (left feather-shaped member 460) that includes cylindrical protrusion portion 467. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the speed (angular velocity) of the rotational displacement of cylindrical protrusion portion 467.

[0384] The degree of suppression corresponds to the amount of upward displacement (hereinafter also referred to as "upward correction amount") of the curved portion 491b relative to the slot parallel to the horizontal direction (left-right direction) at the location where the columnar protrusion 467 is arranged.

[0385] In the present embodiment, when curve change portion 491b is configured as an elongated hole extending in a direction inclined upward toward the rotation axis, the amount of upward correction increases as cylindrical protrusion portion 467 is displaced downward (as the pair of feather-shaped members 460 approach a combined state). Therefore, the degree to which the increase in the speed (angular velocity) of the rotational displacement of cylindrical protrusion portion 467 is suppressed (the reduction range) can be gradually increased as the position of cylindrical protrusion portion 467 is changed downward.

[0386] Therefore, compared to a structure exemplified by a brake structure that maintains the same friction state, the increase in speed can be moderately suppressed. The actual displacement speed of the feather-shaped member 460 will be described later.

[0387] Figures 39(a) to 39(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the displacement relationship of first operating unit 400. In Figures 39(a) to 39(c), the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of terminal gear 413, and in Figure 39(a), the vertical axis represents the downward displacement amount of lifting plate 430, in Figure 39(b), the vertical axis represents the rotation amount (angle change) of auxiliary arm member 444, and in Figure 39(c), the vertical axis represents the rotation amount (angle change) of feather-shaped member 460.

[0388] Now, let us consider a case where the drive motor MT1 rotates at a constant speed. In this case, while the terminal gear 413 rotates at a constant speed, the arm member 414 does not rotate at a constant speed, and the lift plate 430 does not move up and down at a constant speed either.

[0389] That is, a discrepancy occurs between the control mode of the drive motor MT1 (for example, constant speed rotation) and the control mode of the lift plate 430 (non-uniform speed displacement), and the displacement mode downstream of the lift plate 430 in the transmission path of the driving force is affected by this discrepancy. Therefore, even if the drive motor MT1 is rotated at a constant speed, it is difficult to displace the components arranged downstream in the transmission path at a constant speed.

[0390] For example, even if a fixed rack gear-like portion is formed on the main body plate portion 401 and configured to mesh with the rotating gear 441 of the synchronous operation unit 440, the vertical displacement of the relative displacement member 442 depends on the vertical displacement mode of the lifting plate 430, and therefore does not result in a uniform displacement.

[0391] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the up and down displacement of the relative displacement member 442 is not determined by a fixed rack gear-like part, but rather a configuration is adopted in which the rotational displacement of the auxiliary arm member 444 is converted into the up and down displacement (vertical displacement) of the relative displacement member 442, similar to how the rotational displacement of the arm member 414 is converted into the up and down displacement (vertical displacement) of the lifting plate 430.

[0392] That is, by applying a predetermined rule (for example, a conversion formula for converting the numerical value on the horizontal axis of Figure 39(a) into the numerical value on the vertical axis) for converting the rotational displacement of the terminal gear 413 into the lifting displacement of the lifting plate 430 accompanying the vertical displacement of the cylindrical protrusion 414f of the arm member 414 in reverse to convert the lifting displacement of the cylindrical portion 444d of the auxiliary arm member 444 accompanying the vertical displacement of the lifting plate 430 into the rotational displacement of the rotating gear 441, the discrepancy in the displacement pattern can be partially offset and the displacement pattern of the terminal gear 413 and the displacement pattern of the rotating gear 441 can be made similar.

[0393] In other words, the vertical displacement of the lifting plate 430 begins to deviate from the displacement pattern of the terminal gear 413 when the rotation angle of the terminal gear 413 is around 90 degrees or 140 degrees (see Figure 39(a)), while the rotation angle of the auxiliary arm member 444 is prevented from deviating from the displacement pattern of the terminal gear 413 when the rotation angle of the terminal gear 413 is between 30 degrees and around 170 degrees (see Figure 39(b)).

[0394] As a result, for example, by rotating the drive motor MT1 and the terminal gear 413 at a constant speed, the auxiliary arm member 444 can be rotated at a constant speed for the most part (see Figure 39 (b)), and the relative displacement member 442 can be displaced up and down at approximately a constant speed relative to the lifting plate 430.

[0395] This makes it easier to link the speed control of the drive motor MT1 to the displacement mode of the relative displacement member 442, making it easier to set the speed of the drive motor MT1 by working backwards from the displacement mode that you want the first operating unit 400 to execute as a drive performance that the player can see.

[0396] Furthermore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the influence of a configuration that produces advantageous effects only on the drive device side of the drive force transmission path on the tip side of the transmission path can be reduced. Here, the description will be given by taking the lift plate 430 as the reference and defining the drive motor MT1 side as the drive device side of the transmission path, and the opposite side as the tip side of the transmission path.

[0397] On the drive device side of the transmission path, the rotation angle of the arm member 414 relative to the rotation angle of the terminal gear 413 is suppressed when the first operating unit 400 is in the retracted or extended state, which is preferable from the perspective of quickly starting and stopping the arm member 414, but on the tip side of the transmission path, there is a problem in that the speed of the arm member 414 becomes extremely small just before it reaches the retracted or extended state, which makes the displacement prone to become slow.

[0398] From this perspective, in order to configure the displacement pattern at the tip end of the transmission path so that it is not affected by the deceleration of the arm member 414, it is possible to address this by changing the operating speed of the drive motor MT1 before the arm member 414 reaches the end of its displacement, or by controlling the arm member 414 to stop before deceleration occurs (sufficiently before it reaches the retracted or extended state).

[0399] However, the former requires complex control, and the latter has the problem that the rotation angle of the arm member 414 that can be used to displace the tip end of the transmission path is small, narrowing the range of displacement patterns.

[0400] In contrast to this, according to this embodiment, the displacement mode at the tip end of the transmission path can be made similar to the displacement mode of the drive motor MT1 and the terminal gear 413, which makes it easier to reduce the degree to which the relative displacement member 442 of the synchronous operation unit 440 decelerates just before reaching the retracted state or the extended state. Therefore, it is possible to make maximum use of the rotation angle of the arm member 414 and prevent the displacement of the relative displacement member 442 disposed on the tip end side of the transmission path (and the feather-shaped member 460 and auxiliary member 470 disposed downstream thereof) from becoming slow.

[0401] What is visible to the player is the displacement of the feather-shaped member 460 and the auxiliary member 470. As shown in Figure 39(c), when the terminal gear 413 is rotated at a constant speed, the rotational angular velocity of the feather-shaped member 460 and the auxiliary member 470 tends to increase (at or above a constant speed) until just before they stop, at which point they decelerate in accordance with the shape of the curved change portion 491b of the elongated hole portion 491 described above.

[0402] This allows the displacement of the feather-shaped members 460 and auxiliary members 470 to be made more rapid and rapid compared to when the displacement mode of the lifting plate 430 is determined depending on the displacement mode of the lifting plate 430, thereby achieving a more powerful displacement and improving the dramatic effect.

[0403] On the other hand, by providing a section in which the rotational angular velocity of the feather-shaped members 460 and the auxiliary members 470 is decelerated immediately before the feather-shaped members 460 are combined, rather than stopping the rotational angular velocity while it is increasing (combining the feather-shaped members 460), it is possible to prevent the feather-shaped members 460 from bouncing and displacing after they are combined.

[0404] Thus, according to this embodiment, the displacement mode of the lifting plate 430, which is displaced in series by the driving force of the drive motor MT1, can be made different from the displacement modes of the relative displacement member 442, fixed transmission plate 490, feather-shaped member 460, and auxiliary member 470 of the synchronous operation unit 440, which are displaced downstream thereof.

[0405] In particular, the displacement pattern that has changed can be returned to its original state while the driving force is moving downstream along the transmission path, thereby enabling a unique displacement pattern to be achieved in a configuration in which multiple members are displaced synchronously.

[0406] Although the control mode of the drive motor MT1 has been described as being displaced from the retracted state to the extended state, this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the drive motor MT1 may be controlled to reverse its direction at an intermediate position. That is, for example, the rotation direction of the drive motor MT1 may be reversed so that the first operating unit 400 reciprocates (repeatedly reciprocates) between the retracted state and the first intermediate state.

[0407] In this case, the lifting plate 430 is raised and returned to the retracted state after it starts to descend and before the feather-shaped member 460 and auxiliary member 470 start to rotate, so that the displacement of the first operating unit 400 that is visible to the player is limited to vertical displacement, and rotational displacement can be eliminated.

[0408] Furthermore, even when displacing to the first intermediate state, the fixed transmission plate 490 and the decorative part 493 displace relative to the lifting plate 430 in the vertical direction, which makes it easier to change the appearance of the first operating unit 400.

[0409] Figure 40 is an exploded front perspective view of the operation unit 300. Figure 40 illustrates a state in which the game board 13 has been removed from the operation unit 300 and placed on the front side, and the illustration of the operation unit 300 and the upper part of the game board 13 is omitted. Also, in Figure 40, the outline of the transparent cover member 790, which is arranged along the lower edge of the third pattern display device 81 and is made of a colorless, light-transmitting resin, is illustrated by imaginary lines, and the configuration below it is illustrated so that it can be seen.

[0410] When the game board 13 and the operation unit 300 are fastened and fixed together and used for play, the light-guiding member 714 and the upper surface of the second operation unit 700 are arranged so as to be visible on the front side below the display area of ​​the third symbol display device 81 through a window defined in the center frame 86 (see FIG. 2). In addition, light emitted to the front side by the illumination board 777 passes through the light transmission hole 60c and is therefore visible from the front side of the base plate 60.

[0411] Fig. 41 is a front perspective view of the second operating unit 700, and Fig. 42 is a rear perspective view of the second operating unit 700. As shown in Fig. 41 and Fig. 42, the second operating unit 700 includes a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) light-guiding members 714 arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and illumination boards 777 arranged on the left and right.

[0412] Each of the light-guiding members 714 is configured to be able to guide the irradiated light irradiated from below and transmit the irradiated light from its upper end. The illumination board 777 is equipped with light-emitting means 778 such as an LED configured to be able to irradiate light toward the front side. In this way, the second operating unit 700 can emit light toward the upper side through the light-guiding members 714 and emit light toward the front side through the illumination board 777.

[0413] Figures 43 and 44 are exploded front perspective views of the second operating unit 700, and Figure 45 is an exploded rear perspective view of the second operating unit 700. Figure 43 shows a view looking down from above, while Figures 44 and 45 show a view looking up from below. Also, Figure 45 shows an enlarged view of the protruding holding portion 724.

[0414] 43, 44, and 45, the second operating unit 700 includes a base member 701 fastened to the bottom wall 311 of the rear case 310 (see FIG. 40), a cover member 720 that is placed over the base member 701 and fastened to the base member 701, a plate-shaped displacement member 730 that is sandwiched between the cover member 720 and the base member 701 and pivotally supported so as to be rotatable (rotatable at a rotation angle of about 6 degrees), and a hollow member that is placed on the top surface of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 and that can be displaced at least vertically. The base member 701 includes a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) hollow members 740 that are configured to be able to move up and down, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) variable decorative members 750 that are placed on the top surface of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 on the front side of the hollow members 740 and are configured to be able to move at least up and down, a pair of drive units 760 that are arranged on the left and right lower sides of the base member 701 and each have a configuration that is approximately linearly symmetrical with respect to a straight line along the up and down direction and are configured to be able to apply a load to the plate-shaped displacement member 730, and a transparent cover member 790 (see Figure 40).

[0415] The transparent cover member 790 is a colorless, transparent resin member shaped to cover the top and front surfaces of the cover member 720 of the second operating unit 700, and acts to prevent dust and fine particles from reaching the cover member 720, and to prevent the first operating unit 400 from colliding with the cover member 720 and the light-guiding member 714 even if any of the components of the first operating unit 400 malfunctions.

[0416] Since the upper surface of the transparent cover 790 is inclined downward toward the rear side, a part of the light emitted directly upward from the upper end of the light-guiding member 714 can be refracted toward the rear side. This makes it easier for the light emitted from the light-guiding member 714 to be reflected on the third pattern display device 81, so even if the player is paying attention to the third pattern display device 81, it is easier for the player to notice changes in the lighting state of the light-guiding member 714 (including changes in brightness, vibration of light, and those based on displacement of the hollow member 740).

[0417] 43, 44, and 45, the transparent cover member 790 is omitted from the illustration. First, the base member 701 that forms the framework of the second moving unit 700 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0418] Figure 46 is an exploded front perspective view of base member 701. As shown in Figure 46, base member 701 includes a plate-like member 702 formed to have sufficient strength, an illumination board 705 fastened and fixed to the upper surface of plate-like member 702 opposite to the upper surface of illumination board 705, a partition member 708 arranged opposite to the upper plate surface of illumination board 705 and fastened and fixed to plate-like member 702, a thin-film cover member 712 formed of a thin film of resin as a member to cover partition member 708, a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) light-guiding members 714 placed in contact with thin-film cover member 712, and a displacement-regulating member 716 as a plate-like member to cover light-guiding member 714 from above and to regulate the upward movement and horizontal displacement of light-guiding member 714.

[0419] The plate-shaped member 702 includes an engaging portion 702a formed to be able to engage with the hook-shaped portion 721c of the cover member 720, a pair of receiving recesses 702b formed on the left and right sides of the plate-shaped member 702 and recessed so that the supported portion 731 of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 can be pivotally supported, a regulating protrusion 702c protruding upward from the front edge and formed so that the rotation of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 can be restricted, a plurality of fastening portions 703a formed so that fastening screws can be screwed in, a plurality of columnar protrusions 703b protruding upward beyond the fastening portions 703a and formed so that fastening screws can be screwed into the protruding tips, and a plurality of through holes 704 drilled in the vertical direction.

[0420] The multiple fastening portions 703a are used to fasten and fix fastening screws inserted into the illumination board 705, and are formed in three locations: the center on the left and right, and on both the left and right ends.In particular, the fastening portions 703a at both the left and right ends are provided with protruding pins for positioning.

[0421] By positioning the illumination board 705 so that the protruding pins are inserted into the through holes drilled in the illumination board 705 corresponding to the positioning protruding pins, the through holes drilled in the illumination board 705 for inserting the fastening screws and the fastening portion 703a are continuously connected, so that the illumination board 705 can be fastened and fixed to the plate-like member 702 by passing and screwing the fastening screws through the through holes.

[0422] The columnar protrusion 703b is a portion into which a fastening screw is inserted, which is inserted through the displacement restriction member 716, the thin film cover member 712, and the partition member 708 in that order, and the base end side is formed in a platform-like incline. This makes it easier to position the illumination board 705 in an appropriate position.

[0423] The through-hole 704 is drilled to a size that allows a connector (not shown) disposed on the underside of the illumination board 705 and electrical wiring connected to the connector to pass through. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electrical wiring connected to the illumination board 705 is disposed on the underside of the illumination board 705 and does not protrude above the illumination board 705. This allows the entire upper surface of the illumination board 705 to be used as an area where light-emitting means 706 such as LEDs can be disposed.

[0424] The illumination board 705 includes a plurality of light emitting means 706 made up of LEDs or the like, and an open portion 707 formed so as to leave a slight gap between the columnar protrusion portion 703b and the base member 701 when it is assembled (see FIG. 43).

[0425] The light-emitting means 706 includes a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) individual light-emitting means 706a arranged along a straight line facing left and right, and a plurality of overall light-emitting means 706b arranged at positions different from the individual light-emitting means 706a.

[0426] The opening 707 is formed at a position corresponding to the columnar protrusion 703b, and the protrusion end position of the columnar protrusion 703b is set above the position where the illumination board 705 is disposed in the assembled state. Therefore, when the illumination board 705 is displaced downward to the position where it is disposed in the assembled state, the opening 707 moves along the columnar protrusion 703b.

[0427] In this embodiment, the base end side of the columnar protrusion 703b is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above and a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front, which tapers as it goes upward, so that the side surface of the base end side of the columnar protrusion 703b is inclined in the vertical direction. When the illumination board 705 is displaced downward, if it is significantly displaced in the front-to-back direction from the position where it is arranged in the assembled state, the displacement of the illumination board 705 can be corrected along the inclination of the side surface of the base end side of the columnar protrusion 703b, making it easier to arrange the illumination board 705 in the desired position.

[0428] The partition member 708 is formed from a colored (black in this embodiment) hard resin material that is difficult for light to transmit, and is equipped with a plurality of light-transmitting holes 709 drilled at positions corresponding to the individual light-emitting means 706a, a plurality of through holes 710a drilled with an inner diameter large enough to insert the tips of the columnar protrusions 703b, a plurality of fastening portions 710b formed so that fastening screws inserted into the displacement control member 716 can be screwed in, and a plurality of receiving portions 710c recessed (or drilled) so as to be able to receive protruding pins 716b protruding from the underside of the displacement control member 716 at positions shifted in the front-to-rear direction from the fastening portions 710b.

[0429] The light-transmitting holes 709 are formed with a long crystal-shaped (approximately oval or tortoiseshell) cross section in the front-to-rear direction, and their long lengths face in different directions depending on their position from the left-to-right center. That is, the light-transmitting holes 709 closer to the center have a smaller deviation between their long length direction and the front-to-rear direction (in this embodiment, they are the same), and the longer lengths of the light-transmitting holes 709 closer to the left or right ends are inclined toward the front and the left-to-right center.

[0430] That is, the longitudinal direction of the light-transmitting hole 709 is set in a direction that inclines toward the center of the left and right direction toward the front side, and the angle of inclination is designed to increase as it approaches the left and right ends. In this embodiment, the increment of the inclination angle is configured to be constant (about 5 degrees).

[0431] The thin film cover member 712 is a thin, colorless, transparent resin member with low rigidity, which is formed so that the center is raised and the bottom side is open, and is equipped with a pair of large through holes 712a drilled vertically at the left and right ends of the upper base, a plurality of middle through holes 712b drilled vertically left and right more inward than the outer through holes 712a, and a plurality of small through holes 712c drilled vertically and offset in the front-to-back direction from the middle through holes 712b.

[0432] The large through hole 712a is formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of a protruding portion 716e (see FIG. 72) that protrudes in a ring shape surrounding the periphery of the insertion hole 716a from the lower surface of the displacement restricting member 716. The protruding portion 716e that protrudes from the lower surface of the displacement restricting member 716 protrudes by a length that exceeds the thickness of the thin film cover member 712, and therefore it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a load (fastening load) on the edge portion of the large through hole 712a during assembly.

[0433] One of the through holes 712b is disposed at a position corresponding to the columnar protrusion 703b in the center of the front side, and the other is disposed at a position corresponding to the fastening portion 710b.

[0434] The small through hole 712c is positioned offset in the front-to-rear direction relative to the middle through hole 712b, which is positioned at a position corresponding to the fastening portion 710b, and is formed to a size that allows the insertion of a protruding pin 716b that protrudes from the underside of the displacement control member 716 and is received in the receiving portion 710c of the partition member 708.

[0435] Therefore, the thin film cover member 712 is placed over the partition member 708, and the displacement control member 716 is then placed on top of it, and the various components are fastened and fixed by screwing in fastening screws at various locations.Since the protruding pin 716b protruding from the underside of the partition member 716 is inserted into the small through hole 712c and the receiving portion 710c, the thin film cover member 712 and the displacement control member 716 can be easily (simultaneously) aligned with the partition member 708 before the fastening screws are screwed in, and the efficiency of the subsequent work of screwing in the fastening screws can be improved.

[0436] The light-guiding member 714 is formed from a colorless, light-transmitting resin material into a bottomed, cylindrical shape with a bottom at the top, and is equipped with a main body portion 714a whose outer shape when viewed from above is formed in an elongated crystal shape (approximately oval or tortoiseshell shape) from front to back, a protruding edge portion 714b that protrudes left and right and forward from the lower edge of the main body portion 714a, and an inclined surface portion 714c that slopes downward at the upper end of the main body portion 714a as it approaches the front side.

[0437] The upper outer surface of the main body 714a is embossed, so that when the light emitted from the single individual light-emitting means 706a travels through the light-guiding member 714 and reaches the upper end, the light is perceived by the player as if it is being emitted from a surface rather than as a point emission.

[0438] On the other hand, the main body 714a is not textured in any part other than the outer surface at the top (such as the middle part), and has a smooth surface. This prevents diffused reflection when light traveling inside the light-guiding member 714 is incident on the inner wall surface of the main body 714a, and makes it easier for the light to be totally reflected by the smooth surface and directed toward the upper end of the main body 714a, thereby reducing the energy loss of light at a midpoint in the main body 714a.

[0439] The longitudinal direction of the main body 714a of each light-guiding member 714 as viewed from above follows the setting of the longitudinal direction of the above-described light-transmitting hole 709. That is, the closer to the center of the light-guiding member 714, the smaller the deviation between the longitudinal direction and the front-rear direction (in this embodiment, they are the same), and the closer to the left or right end, the more the longitudinal direction is inclined toward the front and toward the left-right center.

[0440] That is, the longitudinal direction of the light-guiding member 714 is set in a direction that inclines toward the center of the left and right direction toward the front side, and the angle of inclination is designed to increase toward the left and right ends. In this embodiment, the increment of the inclination angle is configured to be constant (about 5 degrees).

[0441] By configuring it in this way, the front end of the light-guiding member 714 in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above (the part that irradiates light toward the player and is closer to the player) can be made to face the player side (the center of the front side) compared to the center position in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the player can feel as if the light irradiated from the light-guiding member 714 toward the player side is converging toward the player.

[0442] The protruding edge portion 714b is formed with a constant thickness from top to bottom and functions as a part for stabilizing the position and posture of the light-guiding member 714, and the inclined surface portion 714c functions to emit light that enters from below the light-guiding member 714 toward the front side, as will be described in detail later.

[0443] The displacement regulating member 716 is formed from a colored (black in this embodiment) hard resin material that is difficult for light to transmit, and is equipped with a plurality of insertion holes 716a drilled to allow fastening screws to be inserted therethrough, a plurality of protruding pins 716b protruding from the underside, a plurality of cylindrical receiving portions 716c formed in a cylindrical shape that penetrates vertically at positions corresponding to the light-guiding member 714, and a plurality of recessed portions 716d that are recessed with a step to expand the inner shape of the lower edge of the receiving cylindrical portions 716c and are configured in a shape that can receive the protruding edge portion 714b of the light-guiding member 714.

[0444] The receiving tube portion 716c has an inner shape that is substantially the same as the inner shape of the light-transmitting hole 709 when viewed from above, and the light-guiding member 714 is inserted inside. Furthermore, the recess depth of the recessed portion 716d is set to be equal to the thickness dimension of the protruding edge portion 714b of the light-guiding member 714, and therefore, in the assembled state of the second operating unit 700 (see FIG. 40 ), the protruding edge portion 714b can be sandwiched and stably supported by the surface between the upper surface of the thin film cover member 712 and the lower surface (lower surface of the recessed portion 716d) of the displacement-regulating member 716.

[0445] The protruding edge portions 714b are formed to protrude on the left and right sides and the front side, and are not formed on the rear side. Correspondingly, the recessed portions 716d of the displacement restricting member 716 are also recessed on the left and right sides and the front side, and are not formed on the rear side. This makes it possible to prevent the light guiding member 714 from being assembled in the front-reverse direction.

[0446] That is, even if light guiding member 714 is arranged in the front-to-back direction and displacement restricting member 716 is to be attached, the recessed portion 716d and the protruding edge portion 714b are misaligned, so that the protruding edge portion 714b cannot be inserted into the recessed portion 716d, and the protruding edge portion 714b protrudes from the underside of the displacement restricting member 716. A gap equal to the thickness of the protruding edge portion 714b is generated between the thin film cover member 712 and the displacement restricting member 716, making it difficult to fasten and fix them, thereby making it possible to alert the assembler (or an automatic assembly machine) that the light guiding member 714 is arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0447] In the assembled state of the base member 701 (see FIG. 43), the protruding edge 714b is sandwiched between the recessed portion 716d and the thin film cover member 712 in the vertical direction, thereby stably fixing the position and posture of the light guide member 714.

[0448] The following describes the procedure for assembling the base member 701. First, the illumination board 705 is placed in the fastening position through the columnar protrusion 703b and fastened to the plate-like member 702. Next, the components are placed above the illumination board 705 in this order: the partition member 708, the thin film cover member 712, the light-guiding member 714, and the displacement-regulating member 716.

[0449] At this time, the partition member 708 is positioned on the plate-like member 702 by passing the tip of the columnar protrusion 703b through the through-hole 710a of the partition member 708, and the displacement restricting member 716 and the thin film cover member 712 are positioned on the partition member 708 by passing the protrusion pin 716b through the receiving portion 710c and the small through-hole 712c. Furthermore, the light guiding member 714 is positioned on the displacement restricting member 716 by passing the main body portion 714a through the receiving cylindrical portion 716c. In this way, the components are positioned relative to each other before the fastening screws are screwed in, which makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the work of screwing in the fastening screws.

[0450] Finally, the fastening screws are inserted into the insertion holes 716a and screwed into the fastening portions 710b and the columnar protrusions 703b, thereby fastening and fixing the components together. According to this embodiment, after the components arranged above the illumination board 705 are placed in the appropriate positions, multiple fastening screws can be screwed in all at once, simplifying the work process. In addition, the process of screwing in the fastening screws can be automated (using an automatic screwdriver).

[0451] In this embodiment, the partition member 708 cannot be removed when the fastening screw inserted into the insertion hole 716a is threaded into the columnar protrusion portion 703b, but by threading the fastening screw inserted into the insertion hole 716a into the fastening portion 710b, the partition member 708 can be brought closer to the displacement control member 716 side.

[0452] As a result, although the light-guiding member 714 is placed on the thin-film cover member 712, this can be essentially regarded as the same as a configuration in which the light-guiding member 714 is placed on the partition member 708, and the rigidity of the partition member 708 supports the light-guiding member 714 from below, thereby stabilizing the support of the light-guiding member 714.

[0453] In addition, by sandwiching the thin film cover member 712, the vertical distance between the displacement restriction member 716 and the partition member 708 can be reduced, thereby preventing light leakage from between the displacement restriction member 716 and the partition member 708.

[0454] 43, 44, and 45 will be described again. The cover member 720 is made of a colored (blue in this embodiment) light-transmitting resin material, and is a member that is fastened and fixed to the base member 701. The cover member 720 includes a plurality of connecting portions 721 that are arranged on the periphery as viewed from the bottom and are used for connecting to the base member 701, a plurality of rear through-holes 722 that are bored in the base member 701 to correspond to the positions of the light guiding members 714 and have shapes that are larger than the light guiding members 714, a plurality of front through-holes 723 that are bored at a plurality of locations (three locations in this embodiment) on the front side of the rear through-holes 722 as a pair of left and right through-holes, and a plurality of protruding pressing portions 724 that protrude downward from left and right outer portions on the back side and left and right inner portions on the front side of the rear through-holes 722.

[0455] The connecting portion 721 has a plurality of insertion holes 721a through which fastening screws can be inserted from above, a plurality of fastening portions 721b into which fastening screws are threadedly inserted into the base member 701 from below, and a plurality of hook-shaped portions 721c formed in a hook shape on the left and right outer back portions and engaged with the base member 701.

[0456] The rear through-holes 722 have lower edges at four locations near the center and four locations on the left and right sides, with the vertical positions of the lower edges being different. In this embodiment, the locations closer to the center are formed higher. This is due to the design of the top surface shape of the cover member 720. That is, in order to give the top surface shape of the cover member 720 a three-dimensional appearance, the portions closer to the center are formed to curve upward so that they appear raised, and the vertical positions of the lower edges of the rear through-holes 722 are adjusted accordingly.

[0457] The protruding lengths of the protruding retainers 724 are adjusted to partially offset the difference in the vertical position of the lower edge of the rear through-hole 722. That is, by making the protruding lengths of the protruding retainers 724 disposed closer to the center longer, the vertical displacement range of the hollow member 740 is adjusted to be equal on the left and right. Note that the front-side protruding retainers 724 and the rear-side protruding retainers 724 are both disposed at positions that overlap the protruding columnar portions 743 of the hollow member 740 when viewed in the vertical direction, and therefore, even if the posture of the hollow member 740 is distorted, the protruding columnar portions 743 of the hollow member 740 can be prevented from falling off the small receiving portions 735 of the plate-shaped displacement member 730.

[0458] In this embodiment, the vertical position of the lower end of the protruding retainer 724 on the rear side is positioned lower than the vertical position of the lower end of the protruding retainer 724 on the front side. This makes it possible to tilt the posture of the hollow member 740 backward even when the hollow member 740 abuts against the protruding retainer 724. This makes it possible for a player looking down from the front side at the hollow member 740 to easily see the shape and pattern on the front side of the cylindrical main body 741 of the hollow member 740.

[0459] The plate-shaped displacement member 730 is formed from a colorless, light-transmitting resin material, and is a member that is rotatably supported by the receiving recesses 702b formed in a pair on the left and right sides of the plate-shaped member 702 and by the underside of the cover member 720, and is equipped with a pair of supported shaft portions 731 that protrude coaxially with a circular cross section from both the left and right ends, light-transmitting holes 732 that are drilled in the vertical direction at multiple locations, a pair of loaded portions 733 that extend in a plate-like manner toward the front side of the supported shaft portions 731 and receive an upward pushing load from below, a plurality of light-guiding insertion holes 734 that are drilled in the vertical direction and are large enough to allow the light-guiding member 714 of the base member 701 to be inserted through, a plurality of small receiving portions 735 that are arranged in pairs diagonally on the light-guiding insertion holes 734 and protrude in a ring shape when viewed from above, and a plurality of large receiving portions 736 that are positioned in the center of the front through hole 723 of the cover member 720 when viewed from above and protrude in a ring shape when viewed from above.

[0460] 47 is a top view of the plate-shaped displacement member 730. The loaded portion 733 is disposed on the front side of the rotation axis passing through the center of the supported portion 731, and separate drive units 760 correspond to the left and right sides, and a load is applied from below.

[0461] The plate-shaped displacement member 730 rotates and displaces around the supported portion 731 in different ways depending on the type of load applied to the loaded portion 733 (for example, whether the load is applied to only one side or both sides, or whether the load is applied for a short time interval or a continuous load, etc.), and details will be given later.

[0462] 47, the shape of the light guide insertion hole 734 is formed following the shape of the above-mentioned light transmitting hole 709. That is, the light guide insertion hole 734 is formed in a long crystal shape (approximately oval or tortoise shell shape) in the front and back, and the long direction of the hole faces in different directions depending on the position from the center of the left and right.

[0463] That is, the closer to the center the light guide insertion hole 734 is, the smaller the deviation between the longitudinal direction and the front-to-back direction (in this embodiment, they are aligned), and the closer to the left or right ends, the more the longitudinal direction is inclined toward the front and toward the center of the left and right directions.

[0464] That is, the longitudinal direction of the light guide insertion hole 734 is set in a direction that inclines toward the center of the left and right direction toward the front side, and the angle of inclination is designed to increase as it approaches the left and right ends. In this embodiment, the increment of the inclination angle is configured to be constant (about 5 degrees).

[0465] The small receiving portions 735 are portions that support the hollow member 740 while allowing for rattling, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1 that passes through the center position of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 in the left-right direction, so that the relationship with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light-guiding insertion hole 734 (the spacing between the pair of small receiving portions 735 and the angle between the straight line connecting the pair of small receiving portions 735 and the longitudinal direction of the light-guiding insertion hole 734) is maintained.

[0466] This allows the multiple hollow members 740 arranged on one side of the center line CL1 to have the same shape (while having a bilaterally symmetrical shape with respect to the hollow members 740 arranged on the other side), while making the postures of the hollow members 740 different when the second operating unit 700 is assembled (see Figure 40).

[0467] That is, similar to the shape of the light guide insertion hole 734, the deviation between the longitudinal direction and the front-to-back direction becomes smaller the closer to the center of the hollow member 740, and the closer to the left and right ends, the more the longitudinal direction inclines toward the front and toward the center of the left and right.

[0468] That is, the longitudinal direction of the hollow member 740 is set in a direction that inclines toward the center of the left and right direction toward the front side, and the angle of inclination is designed to increase as it approaches the left and right ends. In this embodiment, the increment of the inclination angle is configured to be constant (about 5 degrees).

[0469] The pair of small receiving portions 735 comprises a front small receiving portion 735a which is arranged on the front side of the reference O1 and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and a circular cross section, and a rear small receiving portion 735b which is arranged on the back side of the reference O1 and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and a circular cross section.

[0470] In this embodiment, the diameter of the inner tube of rear small receiving portion 735b is designed to be longer than the diameter of the inner tube of front small receiving portion 735a. Specifically, the cross-sectional diameter of protruding columnar portion 743 of hollow member 740 is designed to be 3 mm, the diameter of the inner tube of front small receiving portion 735a is designed to be 4.8 mm, and the diameter of the inner tube of rear small receiving portion 735b is designed to be 5.0 mm.

[0471] That is, the gap dimension that occurs in the opposing direction between the small receiving portion 735 and the protruding columnar portion 743 is smaller between the front small receiving portion 735a and the protruding columnar portion 743 than between the rear small receiving portion 735b and the protruding columnar portion 743.

[0472] This allows for order in the displacement of the supported hollow member 740, allowing for rattle. That is, in this embodiment, rotational displacement around the front small receiving portion 735a as an axis can be made more likely to occur than rotational displacement around the rear small receiving portion 735b as an axis.

[0473] In other words, the hollow member 740 can be configured so that its position is easily maintained near the front small receiving portion 735a, while the hollow member 740 is more likely to shift in position near the rear small receiving portion 735b, so that the direction of displacement of the hollow member 740 associated with the rotational displacement of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 described below can be adjusted to spread outward to the left and right toward the rear side.

[0474] The large receiving portion 736 is a portion that supports the variable decorative member 750 while allowing for rattling, and compared to the large receiving portion 736 that is positioned on the center line CL1, the large receiving portions 736 that are positioned on both the left and right sides are spaced longer from the rotation axis that passes through the center of the supported portion 731, and are also formed at different vertical positions; details will be given later.

[0475] 43, 44, and 45. The hollow members 740 are configured in a symmetrical shape, with four identically shaped members arranged side by side on the left side and four identically shaped members arranged side by side on the right side, so the hollow member 740 arranged on the right side will be described in detail, and a description of the hollow member 740 arranged on the left side will be omitted.

[0476] Fig. 48 is a front perspective view of the hollow member 740. As shown in Fig. 48, the hollow member 740 is disposed so as to surround the front, rear, left and right of the light-guiding member 714, thereby blocking light leaking from the front, rear, left and right sides of the light-guiding member 714 so that it is not (difficult to) be seen by a player, and is configured to draw the player's attention to the upper end of the light-guiding member 714 where the light is easily seen, and is provided with a cylindrical main body 741 formed in a cylindrical shape that is open at the top and bottom and has an outer frame designed in a long crystal shape (approximately oval or tortoiseshell shape) in the front and rear, a flat plate extension portion 742 that extends in a flat plate shape in the front, rear, left and right directions from the lower edge of the cylindrical main body 741, and a pair of protruding columnar portions 743 that protrude in a columnar shape downward from the plate underside of the flat plate extension portion 742.

[0477] The outer shape of the cylindrical main body portion 741 in a top view is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner shape of the rear through-hole 722 of the cover member 720 in a top view, while the outer shape of the flat plate extension portion 742 in a top view is formed to be larger than the inner shape of the rear through-hole 722 of the cover member 720 in a top view. That is, in the assembled state of the second operating unit 700 (see FIG. 40 ), the hollow member 740 is inserted into the rear through-hole 722 and is displaceable up and down, but is restricted from being pulled out upward from the cover member 720.

[0478] The upper edge of the cylindrical main body 741 is lowered as it approaches the front side. This allows light that reaches the upper end of the light-guiding member 714 to be emitted in a concentrated manner toward the upper front side. On the other hand, most of the light that travels toward the upper back side is blocked by the cylindrical main body 741. Therefore, the light that reaches the upper end of the light-guiding member 714 can be delivered to the player's eyes effectively, and it is possible to prevent the light that reaches the upper end of the light-guiding member 714 from being reflected in large amounts onto the third pattern display device 81, thereby reducing the visibility of the display.

[0479] The flat plate extension portion 742 also functions as a portion whose upward displacement is restricted by the protruding retainer 724 (see FIG. 45). That is, the protruding retainer 724 is formed at a position corresponding to the protruding columnar portion 743 on the back side, and restricts the upward displacement of the hollow member 740. By thus forming the protruding retainer 724 and the protruding columnar portion 743 at corresponding positions, even if the posture of the hollow member 740 changes, the protruding columnar portion 743 can be prevented from coming out of the small receiving portion 735 of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, and the hollow member 740 can be stably supported.

[0480] The protruding columnar portion 743 has a hemispherical protruding tip, is arranged to match the spacing of the small receiving portions 735 of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 (see Figure 43), and is received by the small receiving portions 735 when the second operating unit 700 is in an assembled state (see Figure 40).

[0481] The pair of protruding columnar portions 743 and the cylindrical main body portion 741 are configured so as not to be rotationally symmetrical, which allows for a change in the positional relationship with the light guiding member 714 when assembled backwards, thereby preventing incorrect assembly. Note that the four hollow members 740 arranged on each side are formed to have a bilaterally symmetrical shape, which prevents hollow members 740 assembled to the left of the bilateral center position from being assembled to the right (preventing incorrect assembly).

[0482] Here, the small receiving portion 735 undergoes rotational displacement about a rotation axis facing the left-right direction, similar to the displacement mode of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, while the protruding columnar portion 743 is mainly displaced by vertical displacement allowed for the hollow member 740, and since the protruding tip of the protruding columnar portion 743 is formed in a hemispherical shape, it is possible to displace the hollow member 740 with little resistance. Here, the displacement mode of the hollow member 740 accompanying the rotational displacement of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 will be described.

[0483] 49(a), 49(b), and 49(c) are cross-sectional views of the light-guiding member 714, the plate-shaped displacement member 730, and the hollow member 740 taken along line XLIX-XLIX in FIG. 47. Fig. 49(a) illustrates the lower end position (initial position) of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, Fig. 49(b) illustrates the horizontal position of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, and Fig. 49(c) illustrates the upper end position of the plate-shaped displacement member 730. The horizontal position corresponds to a position in which the plate-shaped displacement member 730 has rotated (displaced upward) by approximately 2.1 degrees from the lower end position around reference O1, and the upper end position corresponds to a position in which the plate-shaped displacement member 730 has rotated (displaced upward) by approximately 4 degrees from the horizontal position around reference O1.

[0484] 49(a), when the drive unit 760 is not operating, the plate-shaped displacement member 730 is stably supported in a position (lower end position (initial position)) inclined forward by approximately 2.1 degrees from the horizontal position. In this embodiment, the rear small receiving portion 735b is recessed deeper than the front small receiving portion 735a, thereby preventing vertical deviation between the support position (bottom) of the front small receiving portion 735a and the support position (bottom) of the rear small receiving portion 735b in the lower end position (initial position) of the plate-shaped displacement member 730.

[0485] This makes it possible to prevent the posture of the hollow member 740 supported by the plate-shaped displacement member 730 in the lower end posture (initial posture) from tilting forward. Also, since the surfaces of the support positions (bottoms) of the front small receiving portion 735a and the rear small receiving portion 735b are configured to be inclined downward as they approach the front side, similar to the inclination of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, even if the hollow member 740 is displaced toward the rear side, the hollow member 740 can be returned to the front side by sliding it using the inclination of the support position (bottom).

[0486] Therefore, even if the hollow member 740 is displaced due to the load generated when opening and closing the front frame 14, the position of the hollow member 740 can be stably maintained at a position closer to the front (initial position) even before the drive unit 760 is activated.

[0487] 49(b), when the plate-shaped displacement member 730 is in a horizontal position, the protruding columnar portions 743 of the hollow member 740 can ensure a sufficient gap between them and the small receiving portions 735 in both the front and rear. Therefore, for example, when the plate-shaped displacement member 730 vibrates slightly in a position close to the horizontal position, there is not much difference in the vibration pattern inside the small receiving portions 735 of the protruding columnar portions 743 between the front and rear protruding columnar portions 743, and the hollow member 740 is likely to be displaced disorderly in all directions.

[0488] As shown in FIG. 49(c), in the process of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 being displaced to the upper end position, the front protruding columnar portion 743 of the hollow member 740 comes into contact with the front small receiving portion 735a and is pushed toward the rear side.

[0489] Therefore, for example, when the plate-shaped displacement member 730 vibrates slightly with the upper end position as a reference (near the upper end position), the hollow member 740 is likely to rotate and displace around the protruding columnar portion 743 supported by the front small receiving portion 735a as an axis. In other words, the hollow member 740 is configured to be able to change the displacement mode that is likely to occur in accordance with the position of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 that serves as a reference for the small vibration.

[0490] In hollow member 740, light guiding member 714 is inserted into the inside of cylindrical main body 741, and a pair of protruding columnar portions 743 are received in small receiving portions 735 of plate-shaped displacement member 730, thereby supporting hollow member 740. Therefore, displacement of hollow member 740 corresponds to displacement of small receiving portion 735, and therefore, first, the manner of displacement of small receiving portion 735 will be described.

[0491] Since the small receiving portion 735 is part of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, it displaces following the displacement of the plate-shaped displacement member 730. Since the plate-shaped displacement member 730 undergoes rotational displacement about a reference O1, which is a straight line (a straight line facing the left-right direction) connecting the supported shaft portions 731, the small receiving portion 735 does not displace in the direction of the reference O1 (left-right direction), but displaces on a plane perpendicular to the reference O1. Accordingly, the degree of inclination of the straight line connecting the pair of small receiving portions 735 arranged on the left and right of the light guiding member 714 with respect to the center line CL1 changes. Therefore, the degree of inclination of the hollow member 740 with respect to the center line CL1 is also encouraged to change.

[0492] The hollow member 740 supported by the pair of small receiving portions 735 is allowed to not only move on a plane perpendicular to the reference O1, but also move forward, backward, left and right (horizontally) and change its posture as the degree of inclination changes as described above.

[0493] Since the arrangement of the small receiving portions 735 of the plate-shaped displacement member 730 is symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1, the change in the degree of inclination described above is also symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1, so that the displacement or posture change of the hollow member 740 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions (horizontal direction) can be caused to occur symmetrically.

[0494] Furthermore, since the change in the degree of inclination relative to the center line CL1 corresponds to the arrangement of the pair of small receiving portions 735 in the state before the change, the change in the degree of inclination of the pair of small receiving portions 735 on the side closer to the center line CL1 (the central side) differs from the change in the degree of inclination of the pair of small receiving portions 735 on the side farther from the center line CL1 (the left and right outer sides). In this embodiment, because the displacement in the direction parallel to the center line CL1 is maintained, the degree of change in the inclination of the pair of small receiving portions 735 on the left and right outer sides, which have a larger inclination angle relative to the center line CL1 in the state before the change, is greater than the degree of change in the inclination of the pair of small receiving portions 735 on the central side (see FIG. 47). This allows the amount of change in the posture of the hollow member 740 when the plate-like displacement member 730 is displaced in a certain manner to vary depending on whether it is on the side closer to or farther from the center line CL1.

[0495] The relationship between hollow member 740 and light guiding member 714 when displacement occurs will be described. To suppress resistance when hollow member 740 is displaced, the arrangement of small receiving portion 735, the shape of hollow member 740, and the shape of light guiding member 714 are designed to have a dimensional relationship that creates a gap between the inner surface of hollow member 740 and the outer surface of light guiding member 714.

[0496] Here, the designed gap is different between the longitudinal direction of the light guiding member 714 in top view and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. That is, the gap in the longitudinal direction is larger than the gap in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0497] Therefore, the larger the inclination angle of the light-guiding member 714 relative to the center line CL1 in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above (the further to the left or right it is arranged), the narrower the gap in the front-to-back direction between the inner surface of the hollow member 740 and the outer surface of the light-guiding member 714.

[0498] Therefore, if the hollow members 740 are displaced by the same amount in the front-to-rear direction in accordance with the rotational displacement of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, the hollow members 740 disposed on the left and right outer sides will be pressed against the light-guiding member 714, causing friction or making them more susceptible to a large load, which may result in damage. On the other hand, if a large gap is set in advance in the front-to-rear direction between the inner surface of the hollow member 740 and the outer surface of the light-guiding member 714 as a countermeasure, the light-guiding member 714 and the hollow member 740 will be too far apart, which will reduce the effect of shielding all parts of the light-guiding member 714 except for the tip end with the hollow member 740 and drawing the player's attention to the tip end of the light-guiding member 714.

[0499] In contrast, in this embodiment, the amount of longitudinal displacement of the hollow members 740 arranged on the left and right outer sides is configured to be smaller than the amount of longitudinal displacement of the hollow members 740 arranged on the left and right central sides.

[0500] That is, in this embodiment, in a configuration in which multiple small receiving portions 735 are arranged on the same plane parallel to the reference O1, the small receiving portions 735 arranged on the left and right outer sides are arranged so that the front-to-back distance between the front small receiving portion 735 and the reference O1 is shorter than the small receiving portions 735 arranged on the left and right central sides.

[0501] As a result, when the front small receiving portion 735 is displaced rearward in accordance with the rotational displacement of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, the amount of front-to-rear displacement of the hollow member 740 that is pushed forward and displaced rearward can be geometrically defined so that the amount of front-to-rear displacement is slightly smaller for the members arranged on the outside left and right sides than for the members arranged on the center left and right sides.

[0502] In the initial position of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, the gap between the small receiving portion 735 and the protruding columnar portion 743 of the hollow member 740 is configured to be approximately equal in the front, back, left and right directions, and is set to such an extent that the gap between the light-guiding member 714 and the hollow member 740 is not filled even when the hollow member 740 moves parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0503] Therefore, when the plate-shaped displacement member 730 is in the initial position (the electromagnetic solenoid SOL2 is in a non-excited state), even if an external force is applied to the pachinko machine 10, such as when a player hits or tries to shake the pachinko machine 10, causing the hollow member 740 to be displaced, the displacement is kept below the dimension of the gap between the light-guiding member 714 and the hollow member 740. Therefore, the load transmitted between the light-guiding member 714 and the hollow member 740 can be reduced.

[0504] As the plate-shaped displacement member 730 is rotated and displaced, the distance between a pair of small receiving portions 735 arranged on the left and right sides of the light-guiding insertion hole 734 changes when viewed from above, so it is unlikely that the hollow member 740 will be displaced in the forward and backward directions while the centers of the small receiving portions 735 and the protruding columnar portions 743 of the hollow member 740 remain aligned.

[0505] At least in the gap between the small receiving portion 735 and the protruding columnar portion 743, the position of the protruding columnar portion 743 relative to the small receiving portion 735 changes, and this change can cause left-right displacement and a change in posture of the hollow member 740.

[0506] A description will be given of how the hollow member 740 is pushed forward. As shown in Fig. 49, during rotational displacement of the plate-shaped displacement member 730, the front side portion of the inner surface of the front small receiving portion 735a (the small receiving portion 735 on the side where the displacement in the front-rear direction is greater) begins to abut against the front side surface of the protruding columnar portion 743, and the hollow member 740 is pushed forward toward the rear side.

[0507] At this time, due to the dimensional relationship described above, a gap is maintained between the front part of the inner surface of the rear small receiving part 735b and the front part of the protruding pillar part 743. Therefore, rattle is permitted in the rotational direction around the protruding pillar part 743 supported by the front small receiving part 735a as an axis. Displacement utilizing this rattle is configured to be able to respond to changes in the spacing between the small receiving parts 735 when viewed from above.

[0508] In this way, small receiving portion 735 is configured to displace hollow member 740 toward the rear side, and is configured to provide a play between rear small receiving portion 735b and protruding columnar portion 743 that allows rotational displacement about the axis of front protruding columnar portion 743. Therefore, even if hollow member 740 and light guiding member 714 collide during displacement of hollow member 740 based on rotational displacement of plate-shaped displacement member 730 driven by electromagnetic solenoid SOL2, the load generated between hollow member 740 and light guiding member 714 can be kept small, and therefore, cracking or chipping of hollow member 740 or light guiding member 714 can be prevented.

[0509] 43, 44, and 45. Variable decorative member 750 comprises a bifurcated support member 751 supported between cover member 720 and plate-shaped displacement member 730, and a decorative member 756 fastened and fixed to bifurcated support member 751 and disposed above cover member 720.

[0510] The bifurcated support member 751 comprises a columnar protrusion 752 that protrudes downward in a columnar shape from the underside of the center of the plate-like main body, which is formed in the shape of a long plate on both sides, a pair of cylindrical protrusions 753 (of different lengths) that protrude upward in a cylindrical shape from both the left and right ends of the plate-like main body, and a plate-like extension 754 that extends in a plate-like shape from the center of the plate-like main body to the back side.

[0511] The protruding tip of the columnar protrusion 752 is formed in a hemispherical shape and is received in the large receiving portion 736 of the plate-shaped displacement member 730. The tubular protrusion 753 of the bifurcated support member 751 is formed so that it can be inserted into the front through-hole 723, which allows the bifurcated support member 751 to be displaced up and down, while the large receiving portion 736 is displaced by rotation about an axis passing through the center of the supported portion 731. Therefore, although the directions of displacement are different, the hemispherical shape of the protruding tip of the columnar protrusion 752 allows the variable decorative member 750 to be displaced with little resistance as the plate-shaped displacement member 730 is displaced.

[0512] The plate-shaped extension 754 acts to position the center of gravity of the variable decorative member 750 toward the rear side of the center of the column-shaped protrusion 752. In other words, the position in which the variable decorative member 750 stabilizes under its own weight can be set to a backward-leaning position. As a result, when the plate-shaped displacement member 730 is in its initial position, the contact position between the column-shaped protrusion 752 and the plate-shaped displacement member 730 can be moved closer to the front than when the variable decorative member 750 is upright and not tilted, thereby increasing the amount of displacement of the variable decorative member 750 near the start of the positional change of the plate-shaped displacement member 730.

[0513] Decorative member 756 has a pair of protruding legs 757 that protrude downward to correspond to cylindrical protruding portion 753, and a female screw is formed at the tip of protruding leg portions 757. Protruding leg portions 757 are inserted into the inside of cylindrical protruding portion 753.

[0514] An insertion hole through which a fastening screw can be inserted is formed in the plate-like main body of bifurcated support member 751, along the center position of cylindrical protruding portion 753. By inserting the fastening screw into the insertion hole and screwing it into the female thread at the tip of protruding leg portion 757, bifurcated support member 751 and decorative member 757 are fastened and fixed together.

[0515] The assembly process for the second operating unit 700 will be described below. First, the variable decorative member 750 is attached to the cover member 720. That is, the cylindrical protrusion 753 of the bifurcated support member 751 is passed through the front through-hole 723 of the cover member 720 from below, the protruding leg 757 of the decorative member 756 is inserted into the cylindrical protrusion 753, and a fastening screw is screwed into the female thread at the tip of the protruding leg 757.

[0516] Next, the plate-shaped displacement member 730, hollow member 740, and cover member 720 are placed in this order on the base member 701, and the cover member 720 is fastened and fixed to the base member 701. When assembling the cover member 720 to the base member 701, fastening screws are inserted into the insertion holes 721a from above with the hook-shaped portions 721c engaged with the engaging portions 702a formed on the back side of the plate-shaped member 702 to fasten and fix the cover member 720 to the base member 701, and then the cover member 720 is turned upside down and the fastening screws are screwed into the fastening portions 721b.

[0517] This allows for a configuration in which multiple components are arranged unfixed between the base member 701 and the cover member 720, and fastening screws are screwed into multiple locations from the underside, but it is also possible to prevent each component from falling out from between the base member 701 and the cover member 720 during assembly.

[0518] Finally, the drive unit 760 is placed below the base member 701, and fastened by screwing in a fastening screw from below. When the second operating unit 700 is in an assembled state (see FIG. 40), the direction of the fastening screw screwed in from below interferes with the outer wall 312 of the rear case 310, making it difficult to remove the fastening screw while the second operating unit 700 is housed in the rear case 310. Therefore, if the front side of the operating unit 300 is opened unauthorizedly, it is possible to prevent the drive unit 760 from being removed independently from the rear case 310.

[0519] Furthermore, fastening portions 766 are formed on the rear side of the drive unit 760 to which fastening screws inserted into the bottom wall portion 311 of the rear case 310 are fastened. Therefore, if the second operating unit 700 is assembled to the rear case 310 without the drive unit 760 being assembled, there will be locations where the fastening screws cannot be fastened at the stage of inserting the fastening screws into the bottom wall portion 311 to fasten and fix the second operating unit 700, so it is possible to make the worker aware that the drive unit 760 is missing. This makes it possible to prevent the drive unit 760 from being forgotten to be assembled.

[0520] Figure 50 is an exploded front perspective view of drive unit 760. Figure 50 illustrates drive unit 760 disposed on the right side as viewed from the front. Although the drive units 760 differ slightly in appearance, the components are bilaterally symmetrical, so the right drive unit 760 will be described in detail and a description of the left drive unit 760 will be omitted.

[0521] The drive unit 760 includes a load member 761 configured to be able to apply a load to the plate-shaped displacement member 730, a cylindrical axial rod portion 762 made of metal (made of brass in this embodiment) that rotatably supports the base end side of the load member 761, a support case 763 to which the axial rod portion 762 is fixed and which is configured in the shape of a case as a whole, an electromagnetic solenoid SOL2 arranged inside the support case 763, a front cover member 770 arranged on the front side of the support case 763 and fastened and fixed to the support case 763, and an illuminated board 777 fastened and fixed to the front side of the front cover member 770.

[0522] The load member 761 is formed from a resin material and comprises a base end 761a having a through hole through which the axial rod portion 762 is inserted, a rod-shaped extension portion 761b extending outward from the base end 761a and bent in a roughly L-shape, a vertical rod-shaped extension portion 761c formed in a rod shape that bends upward from the extending tip of the rod-shaped extension portion 761b toward the front side, a protruding portion 761d protruding from the extending tip of the rod-shaped extension portion 761b in the extension direction of the rod-shaped extension portion 761b, and an opposing curved portion 761e formed in an arc shape centered on the axial rod portion 762 at the boundary between the protruding portion 761d and the rod-shaped extension portion 761b and arranged opposite the curved protrusion portion 774 of the front cover member 770.

[0523] A metal plate member MB2 made of metal (magnetic material) is disposed on the upper surface of the rod-shaped extending portion 761b. In this embodiment, the metal plate member MB2 is fixed to the rod-shaped extending portion 761b by engagement with elastic claws, similar to the above-mentioned metal plate member MB1.

[0524] More specifically, rail portions that guide the forward and backward sliding of the metal plate member MB2 are disposed on both longitudinal sides of the rod-shaped extension portion 761b, and these rail portions are formed so as to be able to guide the metal plate member MB2 only from the rear side (only the rear side is sufficiently open). When the metal plate member MB2 is slid along the rail portions, the elastic claws are pressed down by the metal plate member MB2, and if the metal plate member MB2 is slid in this state, the metal plate member MB2 hits the front side wall of the rail portions, restricting the sliding; at this position, the metal plate member MB2 no longer presses down on the elastic claws (the metal plate member MB2 has risen to a position facing the side surface of the metal plate member MB1), and the elastic claws engage to restrict the metal plate member MB2 from retracting toward the rear side.

[0525] The method for fixing the metal plate member MB2 to the rod-shaped extending portion 761b is not limited to this. For example, the metal plate member MB2 may be fastened to the rod-shaped extending portion 761b, or may be fastened with a cable tie, or may be attached with adhesive tape or the like.

[0526] The front cover member 770 comprises a protruding frame portion 771 that protrudes in a frame-like manner toward the front side, a plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 772 that protrude in the form of thin cylinders toward the front side inside the protruding frame portion 771, a wiring passage recess 773 that is recessed at the lower edge so that electrical wiring connected to the illumination board 777 or a connector connected to the end of the electrical wiring can be passed through, and a curved protruding portion 774 that protrudes in a curved plate shape from the back surface of the plate along an arc shape centered on the axial rod portion 762.

[0527] The protruding frame portion 771 is formed so as to be disposed opposite the periphery of the illumination board 777, and is a portion that prevents loads from being applied to the illumination board 777 in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0528] Protruding columnar portion 772 has a gourd-shaped seat portion when viewed from the front, and a small-diameter insertion portion that further protrudes from the seat portion, and by assembling it so that the insertion portion fits into through-hole 779 of illumination board 777, the back surface of the board of illumination board 777 is supported by the seat portion, thereby stabilizing the position of illumination board 777. The seat portion has a female threaded portion adjacent to the insertion portion into which a fastening screw can be screwed, and illumination board 777 is fastened and fixed to front cover member 770 by the fastening screw that is screwed into this female threaded portion.

[0529] The illumination board 777 is provided with a light emitting means 778 consisting of a plurality of LEDs or the like arranged at positions designed in consideration of the presentation, and a plurality of through holes 779 drilled in the illumination board 777 for assembly.

[0530] The through holes 779 are formed at a plurality of locations (two locations in this embodiment) with pairs of circular through holes corresponding to the insertion portion and female screw portion of the protruding cylindrical portion 772 as one set.

[0531] In this embodiment, the illumination board 777 is directly fastened to the front cover member 770. That is, this corresponds to the case where the front cover member 770, which is arranged in close proximity to the front side of the electromagnetic solenoid SOL2, and the illumination board 777 are configured as a single rigid body. Therefore, the illumination board 777 can be easily vibr...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising: a displacement means configured to be displaceable in a manner visible to a player; a drive means for generating a drive force for displacing the displacement means; and a transmission means for transmitting the drive force of the drive means to the displacement means, the transmission means includes a member having a shape in which a dimension in a second direction intersecting with the first direction is shorter than a dimension in the first direction and the flexibility differs depending on the direction, the member being made of a single material; the transmission means is configured such that an angle between a direction of a force received from the displacement means and the second direction changes before and after the displacement means passes a predetermined reference position in accordance with displacement in a predetermined direction due to an external force, The gaming machine includes a gaming board having a predetermined ball entry means into which a gaming ball can enter; The displacement means is configured to be capable of displacement corresponding to a predetermined entry of a game ball into the predetermined ball entry means, The gaming machine is characterized by comprising a means for transmitting a load to the transmission means in a direction opposite to the direction of the external force when the external force is generated.

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