Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine with improved work efficiency of inspection work.SOLUTION: There is provided a game machine comprising: a housing 1; and control means 72 provided inside the housing 1. The control means 72 has a monitor light emitting part 200 in which a plurality of light emitting elements is arranged in a prescribed direction. The housing 1 comprises a monitor table 400 provided therein. The monitor table 400 displays information related to the plurality of light emitting elements, so as to correspond to arrangement of the respective light emitting elements in the control means 72. When a dimension from a one at one end of the light emitting elements to one at the other end of the light emitting elements on the monitor light emitting part 200 is defined to be a first dimension, and a dimension from a notation range of information on the one at the one end of the light emitting elements to a notation range of information on the one at the other one end of the light emitting elements on the monitor table 400 is defined to be a second dimension, the first and second dimensions are equal or substantially equal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] As a gaming machine, a slot machine is known that is equipped with a number of reels on which a number of symbols are arranged, a start lever, a stop button, etc. In a slot machine, after a gaming value (medals) is inserted, the rotation of the multiple reels is started based on the operation of the start lever. Also, based on the operation of a stop button, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button is stopped.

[0003] In a slot machine, when a game starts, the reels start to spin and an internal lottery is held using a lottery table. When the reels stop, a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the reels. If this winning combination wins a prize, a process corresponding to the winning combination, such as a medal payout process that pays out a predetermined number of medals or a replay process that allows the player to play again without consuming any more medals, is carried out, and a gaming benefit is given to the player.

[0004] A slot machine is equipped with a main control board that controls the progress of the game, and a monitor lamp (monitor LED) is provided on the main control board (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The monitor lamp is composed of multiple LED elements, and each LED element emits light according to the operating state of each part. This makes it possible to check for the presence or absence of malfunctions, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-57659 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, there is a demand for improving the efficiency of inspection work on gaming machines.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an amusement machine in which the efficiency of inspection work is improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: A gaming machine comprising a housing and a control means provided inside the housing, the control means includes a monitor light-emitting unit configured by arranging a plurality of light-emitting elements in a predetermined direction; The housing has a monitor surface provided inside, In the monitor table, information about the plurality of light-emitting elements is written so as to correspond to an arrangement of each of the light-emitting elements in the control means, a first dimension is a dimension from a light emitting element at one end to a light emitting element at the other end in the monitor light emitting portion; If the dimension from the display range of the information on the light emitting element at one end to the display range of the information on the light emitting element at the other end in the monitor table is defined as a second dimension, The first dimension and the second dimension are the same or approximately the same.

[0009] Since the first dimension and the second dimension are the same or approximately the same, the relationship between each light-emitting element constituting the monitor light-emitting unit and the information corresponding to each light-emitting element becomes clearer. In other words, it is easy for an operator to understand at a glance. Therefore, the operator can more easily identify the light-emitting element to be inspected. This can improve the efficiency of the work of inspecting the operating state of parts. In addition, the burden on the operator can be reduced. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the work efficiency of inspection work can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the operating unit as viewed from the front side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the checkout button of the same embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the checkout button of the same embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the checkout button of the same embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the checkout button of the same embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the checkout button of the same embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining the operation of the settlement button using medals. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining the operation of the settlement button using medals. [Figure 7C] FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining the operation of the settlement button using medals. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the operating unit as viewed from the front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a front view of the reject button. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the reject button and the medal insertion slot base of the same. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the orientation of the medal. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reject button using a medal. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reject button using a medal. [Figure 12C]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reject button using a medal. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reject button using a medal. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reject button using a medal. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reject button using a medal. [Figure 14] 13 shows a modified reject button, where (a) is a view of the reject button from the front side, (b) is a cross-sectional view of line E1-E1 shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view of line E2-E2 shown in (a). [Figure 15] 13 shows the settlement button of an amusement machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view of the settlement button from above, (b) is a cross-sectional view along the A1-A1 line shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view along the A2-A2 line shown in (a). [Figure 16] 13 shows the settlement button of an amusement machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view of the settlement button from the front, (b) is a cross-sectional view along line B1-B1 shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view along line B2-B2 shown in (a). [Figure 17] 13 shows the settlement button of an amusement machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view of the settlement button from the front, (b) is a cross-sectional view along line C1-C1 shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view along line C2-C2 shown in (a). [Figure 18] 13 shows the settlement button of an amusement machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view of the settlement button from the front, (b) is a cross-sectional view along line D1-D1 shown in (a), (c) is a cross-sectional view along line D2-D2 shown in (a), and (d) is a cross-sectional view along line D3-D3 shown in (a). [Figure 19A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a gaming machine according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. [Figure 19B] 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line SS in FIG. 19A, showing the front door in the first state. [Figure 19C] 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line SS in FIG. 19A, showing the front door in the second state. [Figure 19D] 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line SS in FIG. 19A, showing the front door in a third state. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 shows the gaming medal and the gaming ball. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 shows the front door in the 22nd state. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a front view of a main control means unit of a gaming machine according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23] FIG. 11 is a front view of the main control board. [Figure 24] 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine having four reels as seen from the front side. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the passage of medals in a gaming machine according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a front view of the monitor LED surface provided inside the housing of the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a front view of another example of the monitor LED table of the same embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or the components may be omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine X. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cabinet 1 of the slot machine X. This slot machine X has a cabinet (game machine cabinet) 1. The cabinet 1 has a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5 and 6, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The back plate 3 may be thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5 and 6.

[0014] Hereinafter, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5, and the left surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "inner surface". Also, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the rear surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5, and the right surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the outside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Also, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, and for example, a part (the top plate 2) may be made of wood, and the rest (the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6) may be made of resin. Also, for example, the top plate 2 may be made of two types of materials (resin and metal).

[0015] A front door 20 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 1 to close the front opening of the cabinet 1 in an openable and closable manner. The front door 20 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as an upper part and a lower part. The slot machine X may be a so-called separated cabinet type in which the upper part of the front door 20 and the reel unit 14 can be replaced while the cabinet 1, the lower part of the front door 20, and the power supply unit 10 and the hopper unit 11 in the cabinet 1 are attached to the island equipment of the gaming facility when replacing the model in the gaming facility. When the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the upper door and the lower door can be opened and closed freely relative to the cabinet 1. The upper door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the upper opening of the cabinet 1. The lower door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the lower opening of the cabinet 1.

[0016] A flat panel 21 is provided on the upper side of the front door 20. A display device (display means, liquid crystal display) is provided on the back of the panel 21 as a presentation device. Various images (presentation images) are displayed on the liquid crystal display to assist or liven up the game. A transparent display window (window portion) 22 is provided in the center of the front door 20.

[0017] Behind the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c (see FIG. 2) are arranged in a horizontal line. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be seen through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a line along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c stop, three consecutive symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. In addition, the display window 22 is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for visually seeing the symbols of the reels 15a to 15c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of the reels 15a to 15c. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a winning line is formed by the middle row of the first reel 15a, the middle row of the second reel 15b, and the middle row of the third reel 15c. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to "3", and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the three reels 15a to 15c stop, whether or not a winning combination has been achieved is displayed through the display window 22. In the slot machine X, the reels 15a to 15c start to rotate with the start of a game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations has been achieved or not (won). When the reels 15a to 15c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination obtained in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line, the winning combination will be a winning combination, and a process (winning process) corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved will be executed.

[0018] The front door 20 is provided with lighting devices (lighting means) 24, 25, speakers (sound output means), etc., as performance devices for performing performances (notifications), etc. The lighting device 24 is provided on the upper side of the panel 21 of the front door 20. The lighting devices 25, 25 are provided on both the left and right ends of the front door 20. A decorative member 26 having a luminous or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24, 25 is provided at a predetermined part of the front door 20, and the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine has projections and recesses. In other words, the gaming machine is decorated with the decorative member 26.

[0019] A plurality of speakers (not shown) are provided on the front door 20, for example, on the upper and lower parts. The speakers output various sounds (music, background music, sound effects, voice, etc.) for supporting and livening up the game. Note that, in addition to the lighting devices 24, 25 and speakers, a display device (liquid crystal display) for displaying images (moving images, still images) for various effects, movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc. may be provided as the effect devices.

[0020] An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine X is provided at the center of the front door 20 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 30 is provided with a settlement button 60 operated when settling medals (game media, game value), a start lever 32 operated when starting a game, a stop button 33 (three stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c) operated when stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c, a medal insertion slot 34 for inserting medals, a reject button 70 operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs below the medal insertion slot 34, a MAX bet button 35 (bet button) operated when betting (investing) credited medals (operated when setting the maximum number of bets), a performance button 36 operated when progressing a performance (changing the mode of the performance), etc. Also, although not shown in the figure, a 1 bet button operated when betting one medal is provided as a bet button. The performance button 36 may be provided at a predetermined location (front door 20) other than the operation unit 30.

[0021] In addition, a medal payout outlet 50 for discharging medals from inside the slot machine and a receiving tray 38 for storing medals discharged from the medal payout outlet 50 are provided at the bottom of the front door 20. In addition, a lower panel 39 for decorating the exterior of the gaming machine is provided between the operation unit 30 and the receiving tray 38. A light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the rear side of the lower panel 39, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by light from this light source. The lower panel 39 is formed to be pushable, and may be an effect operation unit having a function equivalent to that of an effect button.

[0022] 2, a reel unit 14 and the like are provided inside the housing 1. The reel unit 14 has three reels 15a, 15b, and 15c with a plurality of symbols displayed around them, a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c, and a reel frame (frame member) 13 to which the reels 15a to 15c and the drive motor are attached and which supports them integrally.

[0023] Also, on the top surface of the bottom plate 4, there are provided a power supply unit (power supply means) 10 that supplies power to each component, a hopper unit (payout means) 11 (medal payout device 11) that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out the medals, and a cash box 12 into which surplus medals are sent when the medals stored in the medal payout device 11 reach a certain amount. Note that the unit in which components such as the power supply unit 10 are arranged inside the housing 1 may be referred to as a back box unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to each component. Note that some components may be supplied with power even when the power supply unit 10 is turned off.

[0024] Further, a main control means unit 300 that houses a main control board (main control means, first control means, main control board) 72 therein is provided on the upper side within the housing 1. Although not shown in the figure, a sub-control means unit that houses a sub-control board (sub-control means, second control means, sub-control board) therein is provided on the rear side of the front door 20.

[0025] The main control board 72 is provided with a setting change key cylinder (not shown), a setting change button (not shown), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in the power supply unit 10, for example.

[0026] The front door 20 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the front door 20 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the front door 20 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position.

[0027] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the insertion detection sensor 78 (FIG. 25) in the medal selector 67 (FIG. 25) is activated, and the inserted medals are set to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified number (specified insertion number). The gaming machine of this embodiment is capable of storing (accumulating) a maximum of 50 medals as credits, and when the MAX BET button 35 is pressed with medals stored as credits in the gaming machine, the credit-stored medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a game medal M used in a game. Here, the diameter of the game medal M is dimension L1, and the thickness of the game medal M is dimension L2. Dimension M1 is φ25 (diameter approximately 25 mm), and dimension M2 is approximately 1.6 mm. The following description is based on the assumption that a game medal M (medal) with a diameter of approximately 25 mm and a thickness of approximately 1.6 mm is used.

[0029] (Payment button 60) 4 is a perspective view of a part of the operation unit 30 as seen from the front. The settlement button 60 is attached to a panel portion 90 of the operation unit 30 provided on the front door 20. The settlement button 60 is provided for settling medals electronically stored in the slot machine X and medals that have been bet but not used in play, and discharging (paying out) them into the tray 38 via the medal discharge port. "Settlement" means returning medals used in play to the player.

[0030] The settlement button 60 is formed so as to be operable by pressing, and when the settlement button 60 is operated (pressed), a settlement process is executed. In the settlement process, medals set in at least one of the saved (credit) or bet are settled. In other words, the targets of settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 60 include not only medals set in the credit but also medals set in the bet. When medals are set in both the bet and the credit, there are, for example, the following two patterns as settlement patterns based on the operation of the settlement button 60. The first pattern is a pattern in which both the medals set in the bet and the medals set in the credit are settled together by one operation of the settlement button 60. The second pattern is a pattern in which only the medals set in the bet are settled by the first operation of the settlement button 60, and the medals set in the credit are settled by the second operation of the settlement button 60 after the medals set in the bet are settled.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view (axial cross-sectional view) of the payment button 60. Note that hatching indicating that it is a cross section has been omitted in FIG. 5. Specifically, the payment button 60 being operated means that the operation unit 61 (first operation unit) of the payment button 60 is pressed. In other words, the payment button 60 is formed so that the operation unit 61 can be pressed. Hereinafter, the side where the operation unit 61 is located when not pressed is referred to as the front side, the side where the operation unit 61 is located when pressed is referred to as the back side, and the direction from the front side to the back side is sometimes referred to as the pressing direction.

[0032] The checkout button 60 includes an operation unit 61, an elastic member 62, an operation detection unit (not shown), a case unit 64, and a connector unit 65. The case unit 64 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape from resin or the like. The operation unit 61, the elastic member 62, the operation detection unit, and the like are housed inside the case unit 64.

[0033] The operation unit 61 has a circular outer shape when viewed from the pushing direction (operation direction), and is made of resin or the like. Here, a visible surface (exposed surface) of the operation unit 61 that can be touched with a finger or the like is defined as a surface (operation surface). Note that, although the surface of the operation unit 61 has a slightly recessed shape (concave curved surface) in FIG. 5, it is not limited thereto, and may be flat or slightly convex (convex curved surface).

[0034] The elastic member 62 is, for example, a spring. The elastic member 62 is provided on the back side of the operating portion 61, is in contact with the operating portion 61, and urges the operating portion 61 in the direction opposite to the pushing direction. The operating portion 61 urged from the back side by the elastic member 62 has a predetermined portion in contact with a predetermined portion of the case portion 64, so that the operating portion 61 does not pop out from the case portion 64. When the operating portion 61 is pushed in in this state, the elastic member 62 bends, and the operating portion 61 moves (slides in) toward the back side.

[0035] An example of the operation detection unit is a sensor (photo sensor). The operation detection unit includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and light is output from the light emitting element and input to the light receiving element. When the operation detection unit detects a change in the light, it outputs a predetermined signal (ON signal). In this embodiment, when the operation unit 61 is pressed and moves to a predetermined position (detection position), a predetermined part of the operation unit 61 blocks the light. This causes the operation detection unit to detect the change in light and output an ON signal. The ON signal can be said to be a signal indicating that the operation unit 61 has been operated (that the operation of the operation unit 61 has been detected).

[0036] A connector section 65 is provided at the rear end of the case section 64. Although not shown, a mating connector having wiring is inserted into this connector section 65, and the settlement button 60 is electrically connected via this wiring. Also, signals (ON signals and OFF signals) from the operation detection section are transmitted to a predetermined control board (main control board) via the wiring.

[0037] A stopper portion 66 (mechanical end) (first stopper portion) having a smaller diameter (inner diameter) than other portions is provided on the inside (inner peripheral surface) of the case portion 64. The stopper portion 66 has a flat surface perpendicular to the axial direction, and is formed so as to be able to come into contact (abut) with a predetermined portion on the back side of the operating portion 61. The stopper portion 66 has a function of restricting the movement of the operating portion 61 toward the rear side. In other words, when the operating portion 61 comes into contact with the stopper portion 66, it cannot be pushed further in.

[0038] Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, the position of the operation unit 61 in a state where it is not being operated (not being pressed) is defined as an "initial position" (non-operated position).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6B, when the operation unit 61 is pressed from the state shown in FIG. 6A, the operation unit 61 moves to the rear side.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 6C, when the operation unit 61 is pressed further from the state shown in Fig. 6B and reaches a predetermined position, the operation detection unit detects that the operation unit 61 has been operated. In this manner, the position of the operation unit 61 at which the operation is detected is defined as a "detection position" (first detection position). Also, the movement amount of the operation unit 61 from the "initial position" to the "detection position" is defined as a movement amount T1.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6D, when the operating unit 61 is further pressed in from the state shown in FIG. 6C, the operating unit 61 comes into contact (abuts) against the stopper portion 66 and stops. In this way, the position of the operating unit 61 that comes into contact with the stopper portion 66 and stops is defined as the "stop position" (first stop position) (maximum pressed-in position). When the operating unit 61 comes into contact with the stopper portion 66 and stops, the operating unit 61 is positioned at the innermost position and the amount of pressing of the operating unit 61 is maximum. Also, the amount of movement of the operating unit 61 from the "initial position" to the "stop position" is defined as movement amount T2.

[0042] When the operation (pressing) of the operation unit 61 is released in the state shown in FIGS. 6B to 6D, the biasing force of the elastic member 62 causes the operation unit 61 to return to the "initial position" shown in FIG. 6A.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, one end (front end) of the case part 64 is exposed (visible) (constituting a design). Here, the end of the case part 64 is a button periphery part 64a (button edge part). As shown in FIG. 5, the button periphery part 64a has a predetermined width in the radial direction, the radial inner part is flat, and the radial outer part is an inclined surface that inclines downward (toward the back) as it goes outward. The button periphery part 64a and the operation surface of the operation part 61 are at approximately the same height. Approximately the same height means that, for example, when the upper surface of the panel part 90 is used as a reference, the projection from the upper surface of the panel part 90 is approximately the same. It can also be said that the button periphery part 64a and the operation surface of the operation part 61 are on approximately the same plane.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the diameter of the operation unit 61 is about 11.5 mm. The diameter of the operation unit 61 is the diameter of the portion of the operation unit 61 on the operation surface side (the outermost portion in this example). The inner diameter of the button surrounding portion 64a is about 12 mm. A predetermined gap (slight gap) is provided in the radial direction between the button surrounding portion 64a and the operation unit 61. The operation unit 61 can be pushed in, but the button surrounding portion 64a cannot be pushed in.

[0045] Next, a case where the operation unit 61 is operated using a medal will be described. A medal has a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface (side portion, outer peripheral surface), and hereinafter, when referring to the "edge of the medal", it refers to the side surface of the medal. As will be described later, when referring to the "face of the medal", it refers to either the front surface or the back surface.

[0046] 7A shows a state in which the end of the medal is in contact with the operation surface of the operation unit 61. In other words, it is possible to bring the end of the medal into contact with (the operation surface of) the operation unit 61. At this time, the end of the medal is not in contact with the button peripheral portion 64a.

[0047] FIG. 7B shows a state in which the operation unit 61 is pushed in with the end of the medal from the state shown in FIG. 7A, the end of the medal comes into contact with a predetermined location (the button peripheral portion 64a), and the operation unit 61 stops at a predetermined position. The movement amount of the operation unit 61 from the initial position at this time is less than the movement amount T2 shown in FIG. 6D. That is, the operation unit 61 does not come into contact with the stopper portion 66 and does not reach the stop position. In other words, the operation unit 61 cannot be moved to the stop position using the end of the medal (when the operation unit 61 is pushed in with the end of the medal). It can also be said that the end of the medal comes into contact with the button peripheral portion 64a before the operation unit 61 comes into contact with the stopper portion 66.

[0048] If the operating unit 61 is maliciously (mischievously) hit hard with the end of a medal instead of with a finger, and the operating unit 61 comes into contact with the stopper unit 66, a force (excessive force) greater than that applied when operating with a finger is applied to the operating unit 61 and the stopper unit 66. Therefore, there is a risk that the operating unit 61 and the stopper unit 66 may be damaged.

[0049] In this embodiment, when the operation unit 61 is operated (pushed in) with the end of a medal, which is more likely to apply a force larger than that of a finger, the operation unit 61 and the stopper portion 66 do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, excessive force due to operation with the end of the medal is not applied to the operation unit 61 and the stopper portion 66. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the parts. It can be said that when the operation unit 61 is operated with a medal having a width (diameter) larger than a finger, the end of the medal comes into contact with the button periphery portion 64a, so that the operation unit 61 cannot be pushed all the way in. In this embodiment, the stroke amount when the operation unit 61 is operated with the end of the medal is the stroke amount at which the operation unit 61 does not come into contact with the stopper portion 66, and the shape of the periphery of the button (button periphery portion 64a) relative to the size of the medal is suitably designed.

[0050] Also, in Fig. 7B, the movement amount of the operation unit 61 is less than the movement amount T2, but it may be equal to or greater than the movement amount T1 shown in Fig. 6C. That is, the operation unit 61 may not reach the stop position, but may reach the detection position. In other words, it may not be possible to use the end of the medal (when the operation unit 61 is pushed in with the end of the medal) to move the operation unit 61 to the stop position, but it may be possible to move the operation unit 61 to the detection position.

[0051] In this case, since there is no contact between the operating portion 61 and the stopper portion 66, damage to parts due to the application of excessive force can be prevented, and the settlement process can be executed even if the operation is performed with the end of the medal.

[0052] 7C shows a state in which the operating unit 61 is moved to a position (stop position) where it comes into contact with the stopper portion 66 in the state shown in FIG. 7B. In this case, a predetermined gap is formed between the end of the medal and the operating surface of the operating unit 61.

[0053] In this embodiment, the settlement button 60 is provided on the top surface of the operation unit 30 (the surface on the side where the MAX BET button 35 and the like are provided) (FIG. 4), but the settlement button 60 may be provided on the front surface of the operation unit 30 (the surface on the side where the start lever 32 is provided). In this case, the operation unit 61 is pressed from the front to the rear.

[0054] Further, in this embodiment, the button surrounding portion 64a is configured by the case portion 64, but this is not limited thereto, and the button surrounding portion 64a may be formed by a part of the panel portion 90 (design component).

[0055] (Reject button 70) 8 is a perspective view of a part of the operation unit 30 as seen from the front. In this embodiment, the reject button 70 is provided near the medal insertion slot 34 (to the left of the medal insertion slot 34) of the operation unit 30 provided on the front door 20. Specifically, a through hole 85 for the reject button 70 is provided in a medal insertion slot base 80 having the medal insertion slot 34, and an operation unit 71 of the reject button 70 is inserted into the through hole 85. The reject button 70 is provided to clear the medal jam and return the medal (remove the medal) when a medal inserted via the medal insertion slot 34 becomes jammed below the medal insertion slot 34.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a view of the reject button 70 as seen from the front. Note that FIG. 9 also illustrates the medal insertion slot base 80. The reject button 70 is formed so that an operation unit 71 (second operation unit) can be pressed in. As shown in FIG. 9, the reject button 70 includes the operation unit 71, an elastic member (not shown), a rotating member 73, and a bracket 74. The operation unit 71 has a circular outer shape when viewed from the pressing direction (operation direction), and is made of metal or the like. Here, the visible surface (exposed surface) of the operation unit 71 and the surface that can be touched with a finger or the like is defined as the front surface (operation surface).

[0057] The rotating member 73 has two arms 73a and 73b formed at positions substantially opposite to each other in the left-right direction with respect to a rotating shaft provided in the center. One arm 73a contacts the end of the back side of the operating unit 71 (supports the operating unit 71 from below), and the other end 73b engages with the end (upper end) of the bracket 74. The rotating member 73 is supported rotatably, and is biased in a direction to lift the operating unit 71 (counterclockwise in FIG. 9) by a torsion spring (not shown) as an elastic member. The operating unit 71 is prevented from jumping out of the through hole 85 by a predetermined portion contacting a predetermined portion of the medal insertion port base 80. When the operating unit 71 is pushed in in this state, the rotating member 73 rotates against the biasing force of the torsion spring, the operating unit 71 enters the back side, and the bracket 74 moves upward. When the operating portion 71 is pushed in and moves to a predetermined position, the movement amount of the bracket 74 reaches a predetermined amount, and the jammed medal is cleared.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view (axial cross-sectional view) of a part of the reject button 70 (operation unit 71) and the medal insertion slot base 80. In FIG. 10, hatching indicating a cross section is omitted. A stopper portion 86 (mechanical end) (second stopper portion) having a smaller diameter (inner diameter) than other portions is provided on the inside (inner peripheral surface) of the through hole 85 provided in the medal insertion slot base 80. The stopper portion 86 has a plane perpendicular to the axial direction and is formed so as to be able to contact (abut) with a predetermined portion on the back side of the operation unit 71. The stopper portion 86 has a function of restricting the movement of the operation unit 71 toward the back side. In other words, when the operation unit 71 contacts the stopper portion 86, it cannot be pushed further in. The stopper portion 86 may be a part of the reject button 70.

[0059] Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the position of the operation unit 71 in a state where it is not operated (not pushed in) is defined as an "initial position" (non-operated position). When the operation unit 71 is pushed in, it moves to the back side. Then, when the operation unit 71 reaches a predetermined position, the movement amount of the bracket 74 reaches a predetermined movement amount, and the medal jam is cleared. In this way, the position of the operation unit 71 when the movement amount of the bracket 74 reaches the predetermined movement amount is defined as an "operation position" (second detection position). Also, the movement amount of the operation unit 71 from the "initial position" to the "operation position" is defined as a movement amount V1. When the operation unit 71 is further pushed in, the operation unit 71 comes into contact (abuts) with the stopper portion 86 (FIG. 10) and stops. In this way, the position of the operation unit 71 that comes into contact with the stopper portion 86 and stops is defined as a "stop position" (second stop position) (maximum push-in position). When the operation unit 71 comes into contact with the stopper portion 86 and stops, the operation unit 71 is located at the backmost side, and the pushing amount of the operation unit 71 is maximum. Moreover, the amount of movement of the operation unit 71 from the "initial position" to the "stop position" is defined as a movement amount V2.

[0060] When the operation (pushing) of the operating portion 71 is released in the pressed state, the rotating member 73 rotates due to the biasing force of the elastic member, and the operating portion 71 returns to the "initial position".

[0061] 8, the portion surrounding the operation unit 71 is formed by a medal insertion slot base 80. Here, the portion of the medal insertion slot base 80 surrounding the operation unit 71 is referred to as a button surrounding portion 83. In this embodiment, the button surrounding portion 83 is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the rear to the front (a surface that slopes in the front-rear direction).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, the diameter of the operation unit 71 is about 10 mm. The diameter of the operation unit 71 is the diameter of the portion of the operation unit 71 on the operation surface side (the outermost portion in this example). The inner diameter of the button surrounding portion 83 (through hole 85) is about 10.5 mm. A predetermined gap (slight gap) is provided in the radial direction between the button surrounding portion 83 and the operation unit 71. The operation unit 71 can be pushed in, whereas the button surrounding portion 83 cannot be pushed in. In this embodiment, the operation unit 71 protrudes from the button surrounding portion 83 by a predetermined length.

[0063] Next, a case where the operating unit 71 is operated using the end of a medal will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, when the face of the medal (front and back sides) is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the left-right direction, it is referred to as the face of the medal (front and back sides) facing the left-right direction (left or right). When the face of the medal (front and back sides) is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the front-back direction, it is referred to as the face of the medal (front and back sides) facing the front-back direction (forward or backward). When the face of the medal (front and back sides) is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction, it is referred to as the face of the medal (front and back sides) facing the up-down direction (upward or downward). Although not shown in the figures, the face of the medal (front and back sides) may be oblique to a predetermined direction (predetermined axis) (left-right direction, front-back direction, or up-down direction), in which case it is referred to as the face of the medal (front and back sides) facing an oblique direction. The predetermined direction when referring to the face of the medal facing a predetermined direction includes the left-right direction, the front-back direction, the up-down direction, and the oblique direction.

[0064] FIG. 12A is a diagram in which a medal is added to the cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along the left-right direction) of line XX shown in FIG. 8. Note that hatching indicating a cross-section is omitted in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12A shows a state in which the face of the medal faces a predetermined direction (front-rear direction) and the end of the medal is in contact with the surface (operation surface) of the operation unit 71. In other words, it is possible to bring the end of the medal into contact with (the operation surface of) the operation unit 71. At this time, the end of the medal is not in contact with the button surrounding portion 83.

[0065] Fig. 12B shows a state in which the operation unit 71 is pushed in by the end of the medal from the state shown in Fig. 12A, the end of the medal comes into contact with a predetermined location (button surrounding portion 83), and the operation unit 71 stops at a predetermined position. At this time, the movement amount of the operation unit 71 from the initial position is less than the movement amount V2. In other words, the operation unit 71 does not come into contact with the stopper portion 86 and does not reach the stop position.

[0066] 12C shows a state in which the operating unit 71 is moved to a position (stop position) where it comes into contact with the stopper portion 86 in the state shown in FIG. 12B. In this case, a predetermined gap is formed between the end of the medal and the operating surface of the operating unit 71.

[0067] 13A is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along the front-rear direction) taken along line YY in FIG. 8, with a medal added. Note that hatching indicating a cross section has been omitted from FIG. 13A. FIG. 13A shows a state in which the face of the medal faces a predetermined direction (left-right direction) and the end of the medal is in contact with the surface (operation surface) of the operation unit 71. In other words, it is possible to bring the end of the medal into contact with (the operation surface of) the operation unit 71. At this time, the end of the medal is not in contact with the button peripheral portion 83.

[0068] Fig. 13B shows a state in which the operation unit 71 is pushed in by the end of the medal from the state shown in Fig. 13A, the end of the medal comes into contact with a predetermined location (button surrounding portion 83), and the operation unit 71 stops at a predetermined position. At this time, the movement amount of the operation unit 71 from the initial position is less than the movement amount V2. In other words, the operation unit 71 does not come into contact with the stopper portion 86 and does not reach the stop position.

[0069] 13C shows a state in which the operating unit 71 is moved to a position (stop position) where it comes into contact with the stopper portion 86 in the state shown in FIG. 13B. In this case, a predetermined gap is formed between the end of the medal and the operating surface of the operating unit 71.

[0070] In the above, the cases where the face of the medal faces in the front-back direction and the left-right direction have been shown, but in this embodiment, when the operating unit 71 is pushed in with the end of the medal, (1) the end of the medal can come into contact with the operating unit 71 regardless of the direction in which the face of the medal faces. Also, when the operating unit 71 is pushed in with the end of the medal, (2) the operating unit 71 cannot be moved to the stop position regardless of the direction in which the face of the medal faces. In other words, the end of the medal comes into contact with a predetermined location (the button surrounding portion 83) before the operating unit 71 comes into contact with the stopper portion 86.

[0071] The amount of movement of operation unit 71 when the face of the medal faces in the front-to-rear direction and the end of the medal pushes in operation unit 71 may be different from the amount of movement of operation unit 71 when the face of the medal faces in the left-to-right direction and the end of the medal pushes in operation unit 71. For example, the operation unit 71 may be able to be moved (pushed in) farther when the face of the medal faces left-to-right (in a direction following the inclination) than when the face of the medal faces in the front-to-rear direction (in a direction perpendicular to the inclination).

[0072] If the operating unit 71 is maliciously (mischievously) hit hard with the end of a medal instead of with a finger, and the operating unit 71 comes into contact with the stopper unit 86, a force (excessive force) greater than that applied when operating with a finger is applied to the operating unit 71 and the stopper unit 86. Therefore, there is a risk that the operating unit 71 and the stopper unit 86 may be damaged.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the operation unit 71 is operated (pushed in) with the end of a medal, which is more likely to apply a force larger than that of a finger, the operation unit 71 and the stopper portion 86 do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, excessive force due to operation with the end of the medal is not applied to the operation unit 71 and the stopper portion 86. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the parts. It can be said that when the operation unit 71 is operated with a medal having a width (diameter) larger than a finger, the end of the medal comes into contact with the button periphery portion 83, so that the operation unit 71 cannot be pushed all the way in. In this embodiment, the stroke amount when the operation unit 71 is operated with the end of the medal is the stroke amount at which the operation unit 71 does not come into contact with the stopper portion 86, and the shape of the periphery of the button (button periphery portion 83) relative to the size of the medal is suitably designed.

[0074] Also, although the movement amount of the operating unit 71 is set to be less than the movement amount V2, it may be greater than or equal to the movement amount V1. In other words, the operating unit 71 may not reach the stop position, but may reach the actuation position. In other words, it may not be possible to use the end of a medal (when pushing the operating unit 71 with the end of the medal) to move the operating unit 71 to the stop position, but it may be possible to move the operating unit 71 to the actuation position.

[0075] In this case, since there is no contact between the operating portion 71 and the stopper portion 86, damage to parts due to the application of excessive force can be prevented, and it is possible to clear a medal jam even when the operation is performed with the end of the medal.

[0076] (Modification) In this embodiment, the reject button 70 is provided on the top surface of the operation unit 30 (to the left of the medal insertion slot 34), but the reject button 70 may be provided at a position away from the medal insertion slot 34, for example, on the front surface of the operation unit 30 (front door 20) (the surface on the side where the stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c are provided). In that case, the medal insertion slot base 80 in this embodiment may be the panel unit 90. The following will be explained with reference to FIG. 14.

[0077] FIG. 14(a) is a view of the reject button 70 of this modified example seen from the front side (front side). FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E1-E1 shown in FIG. 14(a). FIG. 14(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E2-E2 shown in FIG. 14(a). The panel part 90 is provided with a recess 99 that has a circular shape when viewed from the front and is recessed toward the rear side. A through hole is provided in the bottom surface of the recess 99, and the reject button 70 (operation part 71) is inserted into this through hole. The tip of the operation part 71 protrudes a predetermined length forward from the front surface of the panel part 90. The operation part 71 can be pushed in from the front to the rear. Although not shown, the stopper part 86 is provided at a predetermined position inside the panel part 90 (front door 20).

[0078] In this modified example, the end of the medal can be brought into contact with (the operation surface of) the operation unit 71 regardless of the direction the face of the medal is facing. However, because the end of the medal comes into contact with a predetermined location (the end of the panel portion 90) (the area surrounding the button), the operation unit 71 cannot be pushed into a predetermined position (for example, the operating position or the stop position). Therefore, even when the operation is performed with the end of the medal, the operation unit 71 and the stopper portion 86 do not come into contact with each other, and damage to parts due to the application of excessive force can be prevented.

[0079] The gaming machine of this embodiment is The front door and A checkout button is provided on the front door, The settlement button includes an operating portion formed to be depressible, If the position where the pushed-in operating portion comes into contact with the stopper portion and stops is defined as a stop position, When the face of the medal is facing a predetermined direction and the operation part is pushed in with the end of the medal, Although the end of the medal can be brought into contact with the operating portion, the operating portion cannot be moved to the stop position.

[0080] If the operation part is pushed in with the end of a medal, and the operation part moves to the stop position, an excessive force is applied to the operation part and the stopper part, which may cause damage, compared to when the operation part is operated with a finger. According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the operation part is pushed in with the end of a medal, the end of the medal can come into contact with the operation part, but the operation part cannot move to the stop position. Therefore, even if the operation part is operated with the end of a medal, the operation part and the stopper part do not come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to prevent the settlement button from being damaged by excessive force caused by operation with the end of a medal.

[0081] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has If the position where the operation of the depressed operating part is detected is defined as a detection position, When the face of the medal is facing a predetermined direction and the operation part is pushed in with the end of the medal, The operation unit can be moved to the detection position.

[0082] Since there is no contact between the operating portion and the stopper portion, damage to parts due to the application of excessive force can be prevented, and the settlement process can be performed even if the operation is performed with the end of the medal.

[0083] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has The front door and A reject button provided on the front door, The reject button includes an operating portion that is formed to be depressible, If the position where the pushed-in operating portion comes into contact with the stopper portion and stops is defined as a stop position, When the face of the medal is facing a predetermined direction and the operation part is pushed in with the end of the medal, Although the end of the medal can be brought into contact with the operating portion, the operating portion cannot be moved to the stop position.

[0084] If the operation part is pushed in with the end of a medal, and the operation part moves to the stop position, an excessive force is applied to the operation part and the stopper part, which may cause damage, compared to when the operation part is operated with a finger. According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the operation part is pushed in with the end of a medal, the end of the medal can come into contact with the operation part, but the operation part cannot move to the stop position. Therefore, even if the operation part is operated with the end of a medal, the operation part and the stopper part do not come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to prevent the reject button from being damaged by excessive force caused by operation with the end of a medal.

[0085] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has The front door and A settlement button and a reject button are provided on the front door, The checkout button includes a first operation portion that is formed to be depressible, The reject button includes a second operating portion that is formed to be depressible, a first stop position is a position where the first operation portion, when pushed in, comes into contact with a first stopper portion and stops; If the position where the second operating portion is pushed in comes into contact with the second stopper portion and stops is defined as a second stop position, When the face of the medal is facing a first predetermined direction and the first operating part is pushed in with the end of the medal, the end of the medal can come into contact with the first operating part, but the first operating part cannot be moved to the first stop position; When the face of the medal is facing a second predetermined direction and the end of the medal is pushed into the second operating part, the end of the medal can come into contact with the second operating part, but the second operating part cannot be moved to the second stop position. The first predetermined direction and the second predetermined direction may be the same direction (same orientation), or may be different directions (different orientations).

[0086] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the description of the configuration similar to that of the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0087] In this embodiment, the settlement button 60 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, to the left of the MAX BET button 35) on the upper surface of the operation unit 30. The settlement button 60 is attached to the panel unit 90.

[0088] FIG. 15(a) is a view of the checkout button 60 of this embodiment seen from above. FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. 15(a). FIG. 15(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A2-A2 in FIG. 15(a). The operation unit 61 is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape and can be pressed in. The operation unit 61 may be, for example, a horizontally elongated trapezoid. The button peripheral portion 64a is formed so as to surround the periphery of the operation unit 61 (along the periphery of the operation unit 61) and has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the button peripheral portion 64a protrudes upward from the operation surface of the operation unit 61. In other words, the operation surface of the operation unit 61 is located further back than the button peripheral portion 64a. The button peripheral portion 64a may be formed as a part of a design member (panel portion 90) configured separately from the checkout button 60, or may be formed as a component (case portion 64) of the checkout button 60.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the payment button 60 is elongated in the left-right direction (horizontal direction), but is not limited to this, and may be elongated in the front-back direction (up-down direction) (that is, vertically long).

[0090] Here, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the checkout button 60 is defined as a first direction, and the direction along the lateral direction of the checkout button 60 is defined as a second direction. The second direction may be said to be perpendicular to the first direction.

[0091] When pushing the operating unit 61 with the end of the medal, the end of the medal can be brought into contact with the operating unit 61 (its operating surface) regardless of the direction in which the face of the medal is facing (regardless of the direction in which the face of the medal is facing, including the first direction and the second direction).

[0092] On the other hand, when the operation unit 61 is pushed in with the end of the medal, if the face of the medal faces the second direction (front-back direction), it is possible to move the operation unit 61 to the stop position with the end of the medal, but if the face of the medal faces the first direction (left-right direction), it is not possible to move the operation unit 61 to the stop position with the end of the medal. In other words, there are directions of the medal that allow the operation unit 61 to be moved to the stop position and directions that do not allow the operation unit 61 to be moved to the stop position. When the medal is oriented in a predetermined direction, even if the operation is performed with the end of the medal, the operation unit 61 and the stopper portion 66 do not come into contact with each other, so that damage to parts due to the application of excessive force can be prevented.

[0093] Although the reject button 70 of this embodiment is not shown, in this embodiment, when the operating unit 71 is pushed in with the end of a medal, it is possible for the end of the medal to come into contact with (the operating surface of) the operating unit 71, but it is not possible to move the operating unit 71 to the stop position. Therefore, even when the operating unit 71 is operated with the end of the medal, the operating unit 71 and the stopper portion 86 do not come into contact with each other, and damage to parts due to the application of excessive force can be prevented.

[0094] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the description of the configuration similar to that of the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0095] In this embodiment, the settlement button 60 is provided at a predetermined position (to the left of the start lever 32) on the front surface of the operation unit 30 (front door 20). The settlement button 60 is attached to the panel unit 90.

[0096] FIG. 16(a) is a view of the settlement button 60 of this embodiment as seen from the front side. FIG. 16(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B1 in FIG. 16(a). FIG. 16(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B2-B2 in FIG. 16(a). The panel portion 90 is provided with a hole 91 for exposing the settlement button 60. The hole 91 is a hole that penetrates in the front-rear direction, and the settlement button 60 is located on the back side (rear side) of the hole 91. The diameter of the hole 91 is long enough to allow a finger to be inserted, and is smaller than the diameter of a medal.

[0097] In this embodiment, no matter which direction the face of the medal faces (no matter which direction the medal is oriented), the end of the medal cannot be brought into contact with (the operation surface of) the operation unit 61. In other words, when an attempt is made to push the operation unit 61 with the end of the medal, there is no case in which the end of the medal can be brought into contact with (the operation surface of) the operation unit 61. Specifically, the end of the medal comes into contact with a predetermined location (the end of the panel unit 90) (the part around the button) (part of the shape of the front door) and the medal cannot be inserted into the hole 91, so the end of the medal cannot be brought into contact with the operation unit 61. Therefore, even when an attempt is made to operate with the end of the medal, the end of the medal does not come into contact with the operation unit 61, and the operation unit 61 and the stopper unit 66 do not come into contact with each other, so damage to parts due to excessive force being applied can be prevented.

[0098] Although the reject button 70 of this embodiment is not shown, in this embodiment, when the operating unit 71 is pushed in with the end of a medal, it is possible for the end of the medal to come into contact with (the operating surface of) the operating unit 71, but it is not possible to move the operating unit 71 to the stop position. Therefore, even when the operating unit 71 is operated with the end of the medal, the operating unit 71 and the stopper portion 86 do not come into contact with each other, and damage to parts due to the application of excessive force can be prevented.

[0099] (Modification) In this embodiment, the hole 91 is circular when viewed from the front, but the hole 91 may be, for example, elliptical when viewed from the front. In this case, the medal may be insertable into the hole 91 when the face of the medal faces a specific direction (when the face of the medal is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the minor axis direction of the ellipse). In this case, the end of the medal may be brought into contact with the operation unit 61 (the operation surface), and the end of the medal may be capable of moving the operation unit 61 to a stop position. In this way, when the face of the medal faces a specific direction, even if the end of the medal can push in the operation unit 61, the operation unit 61 is provided at the back side of the hole 91 having a predetermined length in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the finger holding the medal comes into contact with the end of the panel unit 90 and becomes an obstacle, making it difficult to vigorously operate the operation unit 61 with the end of the medal. Therefore, damage to parts caused by excessive force being applied when the medal is operated with the end of the medal can be suppressed.

[0100] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the description of the configuration similar to that of the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0101] In this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the settlement button 60 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, to the left of the start lever 32) on the front surface of the operation unit 30 (front door 20). The settlement button 60 is attached to the panel unit 90.

[0102] FIG. 17(a) is a view of the settlement button 60 of this embodiment as seen from the front side. FIG. 17(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the C1-C1 line shown in FIG. 17(a). FIG. 17(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the C2-C2 line shown in FIG. 17(a). A hole 91 is provided in the panel portion 90, and in this embodiment, the hole 91 is formed so that the opening (diameter) becomes larger (widens) from the rear to the front. In other words, the inner peripheral surface of the hole 91 is tapered so that the opening becomes larger toward the front. The hole 91 is formed to a size that allows a medal to be inserted.

[0103] In this embodiment, regardless of the direction in which the face of the medal is facing, the end of the medal can be brought into contact with (the operation surface of) the operation unit 61, and the operation unit 61 can be moved to a stop position with the end of the medal. However, even if the operation unit 61 can be operated with the end of the medal, the operation unit 61 is provided at the back side of the hole portion 91 having a predetermined length in the front-rear direction, and the fingers holding the medal come into contact with the end of the panel portion 90 and become an obstacle, making it difficult to vigorously operate the operation unit 61 with the end of the medal. Therefore, damage to parts caused by excessive force being applied when operating with the end of the medal can be suppressed.

[0104] Although the reject button 70 of this embodiment is not shown, in this embodiment, when the operating unit 71 is pushed in with the end of a medal, it is possible for the end of the medal to come into contact with (the operating surface of) the operating unit 71, but it is not possible to move the operating unit 71 to the stop position. Therefore, even when the operating unit 71 is operated with the end of the medal, the operating unit 71 and the stopper portion 86 do not come into contact with each other, and damage to parts due to the application of excessive force can be prevented.

[0105] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the description of the configuration similar to that of the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0106] In this embodiment, similarly to the third and fourth embodiments, the settlement button 60 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, to the left of the start lever 32) on the front surface of the operation unit 30 (front door 20). The settlement button 60 is attached to the panel unit 90.

[0107] Fig. 18(a) is a view of the payment button 60 of this embodiment as seen from the front side. Fig. 18(b) is a cross-sectional view of the line D1-D1 shown in Fig. 18(a). Fig. 18(c) is a cross-sectional view of the line D2-D2 shown in Fig. 18(a). Fig. 18(d) is a cross-sectional view of the line D3-D3 shown in Fig. 18(a). In this embodiment, the hole 91 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The hole 91 is formed to a size that allows a finger to be inserted, and the vertical and horizontal lengths are smaller than the diameter of the medal. The diagonal length of the hole 91 is larger than the diameter of the medal at the front side and gradually becomes smaller toward the rear. Here, the left-right direction when the hole 91 is viewed from the front is defined as a first direction, and the up-down direction is defined as a second direction. A predetermined direction other than the first direction and the second direction (a direction along the diagonal line of the hole 91) is defined as a specific direction.

[0108] When the face of the medal faces in a first direction (left-right) and when the face of the medal faces in a second direction (up-down), the end of the medal comes into contact with a predetermined location (end of panel portion 90) (area around the button) (part of the shape of the front door) and the medal cannot be inserted into hole portion 91, and therefore the end of the medal cannot come into contact with operating portion 61.

[0109] On the other hand, when the face of the medal is oriented in a specific direction, it is possible to insert the medal into the hole 91 and bring the end of the medal into contact with the operation unit 61 (the operation surface). However, even in this case, the medal comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface (inner wall) of the hole 91, so the end of the medal cannot move the operation unit 61 to the stop position. In other words, when the face of the medal is oriented in a specific direction, the end of the medal can be brought into contact with the operation unit 61, but the operation unit 61 cannot be moved to the stop position.

[0110] Therefore, even when an operation is attempted with the end of the medal, when the face of the medal faces in the first direction and when the face of the medal faces in the second direction, the end of the medal will not come into contact with the operating unit 61, and damage to parts due to excessive force being applied can be prevented. Furthermore, when the face of the medal faces in a specific direction, even if the end of the medal comes into contact with the operating unit 61, the operating unit 61 and the stopper unit 66 will not come into contact, and damage to parts due to excessive force being applied can be prevented.

[0111] Although the reject button 70 of this embodiment is not illustrated, for example, in the reject button 70 shown in Figure 14, in this embodiment, when the operating unit 71 is pressed with the end of the medal, the operating unit 71 can be moved to the stop position even if the medal face is facing left / right or up / down.

[0112] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the description of the configuration similar to that of the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0113] Fig. 19A is a front view of the gaming machine of this embodiment. Fig. 19B, Fig. 19C, and Fig. 19D are cross-sectional views taken along line SS shown in Fig. 19A. The position of line SS is offset to the left from the right end of the gaming machine (the right side surface of the cabinet 1) by a predetermined distance (e.g., a distance equivalent to the diameter of a medal). The front door 20 is rotatably (openably) connected to the housing 1 via a hinge provided on the left side of the housing 1, and opens and closes the opening (front opening) of the housing 1. Details will be described later, but Fig. 19B shows the front door 20 in a "first state", Fig. 19C shows the front door 20 in a "second state", and Fig. 19D shows the front door 20 in a "third state".

[0114] As shown in FIG. 19B, a supported portion 81 (convex portion) formed to protrude rearward is provided on the rear surface of the front door 20 at a position opposite the rotation shaft side (on the left side when facing the rear surface of the front door 20). In this embodiment, a roller portion is provided at the tip of the supported portion 81. Also, a support portion 82 is formed on the right side when the inside of the housing 1 is viewed from the front, at a position corresponding to the supported portion 81 when the front door 20 is closed. The support portion 82 is formed so as to be able to support the supported portion 81 from below.

[0115] In this embodiment, the support part 82 is formed in a plate shape and is arranged to have a plate surface that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction. The support part 82 is fixed, for example, by screwing to the inner surface of the right side plate of the housing 1. When the front door 20 is moved from an open state (open state) to a closed state (closed state), first, the roller part of the supported part 81 contacts (abuts) the front side (front side) of the support part 82, then the roller part of the supported part 81 rests (rides up) on the support part 82, and then the roller part moves backward on the support part 82 and stops at a predetermined position.

[0116] The states (positions) of the front door 20 include a first state, a second state, and a third state. (First state) 19B, the first state is a state in which the front door 20 is closed (closed state) and the supported portion 81 of the front door 20 is supported by the support portion 82 of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the supported portion 81 is applying a load (bearing a load) to the support portion 82. It can also be said that the support portion 82 is lifting the supported portion 81 upward.

[0117] (Second state) As shown in FIG. 19C, the second state is a state in which the front door 20 is open (open state) and the supported portion 81 of the front door 20 is not in contact with (is separated from) the support portion 82 of the housing 1.

[0118] (Third state) As shown in FIG. 19D, the third state is a state in which the front door 20 is open and the supported portion 81 of the front door 20 abuts (contacts) the support portion 82 of the housing 1. The third state can also be said to be a state in which the supported portion 81 abuts against the support portion 82 but is not supported by the support portion 82, and the front door 20 is not completely closed and is open (half-open state: slightly open state). The third state may be a state in which (only) the tip portion of the support portion 82 supports the supported portion 81 (the supported portion 81 may be supported by (only) the tip portion of the support portion 82). The third state can also be said to be a state in which the opening angle of the front door 20 is smaller than that of the second state. The opening angle of the front door 20 is, for example, the angle formed between the front surface of the housing 1 and the back surface of the front door 20.

[0119] The bottom surface 4b (lower surface of the bottom plate 4) of the gaming machine (cabinet 1) is the surface (installation surface) that comes into contact with the mating member (island equipment, etc.). Therefore, the bottom surface 4b is defined as the placement surface Z of the cabinet 1. The placement surface Z of the cabinet 1 is flush with the upper surface of the installation base (base). The installation base is formed so as to extend from the rear side to the front side, and is also located (present) below the tray 38. Hereinafter, the placement surface Z of the cabinet 1 may refer to the entire surface (including the upper surface of the installation base) that is flush with the placement surface Z. Note that the player can place a drink or the like in the space above the base, for example to the left of the tray 38.

[0120] The lower end (lower surface) of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) is located above the bottom surface 4b (mounting surface Z) of the housing 1. As shown in Fig. 19B, in the first state (closed state), the dimension (vertical dimension) of the gap from the lower end (lower side) Y1 of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) to the mounting surface Z of the housing 1 is the first dimension L1 (designed to be the first dimension L1). The first dimension L1 is approximately 3 to 5 mm.

[0121] 19C, in the second state (open state), the dimension (vertical dimension) of the gap from the bottom end (bottom side) Y2 of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) to the placement surface Z of the housing 1 is the second dimension L2 that is smaller than the first dimension L1 (it is designed to be the second dimension L2). The second dimension L2 is about 2 to 3 mm.

[0122] 19D, in the third state (semi-open state), the dimension (vertical dimension) of the gap from the bottom end (bottom side) Y3 of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) to the placement surface Z of the housing 1 is a third dimension L3 that is smaller than the first dimension L1 (designed to be the third dimension L3). The third dimension L3 is about 2 to 3 mm.

[0123] The first dimension L1 to the third dimension L3 can also be said to be the vertical distance (difference) between the lower end (lower surface) of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) and the bottom surface 4b (mounting surface Z) of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the receiving tray 38 is a surface that slopes upward from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the first dimension L1 to the third dimension L3 are the vertical distance between the rear end (lowest end) of the lower surface of the receiving tray 38 and the bottom surface 4b (mounting surface Z) of the housing 1. The thickness of the bottom plate 4 of the housing 1 is about 15 mm.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 20, the diameter of the game medal M is defined as dimension L4. The thickness of the medal M is defined as dimension L5. The medal M used in a game on the game machine according to this embodiment has dimension L4 of φ25 (diameter approximately 25 mm) and dimension L5 of approximately 1.6 mm. However, the medal M may have dimension L4 of φ30 (diameter approximately 30 mm) and dimension L5 of approximately 1.7 mm. The diameter of the game ball B is defined as dimension L6. Dimension L6 is approximately 11 mm.

[0125] The first dimension L1 shown in Fig. 19B is smaller than the diameter L6 of the game ball B and larger than the thickness L5 of the medal M (designed to be larger). The second dimension L2 shown in Fig. 19C is smaller than the diameter L6 of the game ball B and larger than the thickness L5 of the medal M (designed to be larger). The third dimension L3 shown in Fig. 19D is smaller than the diameter L6 of the game ball B and larger than the thickness L5 of the medal M (designed to be larger).

[0126] As described above, when the front door 20 is closed (first state), the supported portion 81 is supported from below. On the other hand, when the front door 20 is open (second state and third state), the support from below of the supported portion 81 is released (opened). Therefore, the front door 20 in the open state, which has lost support from below, is slightly lowered (downward) due to its own weight. In other words, the lower end Y2 (second state) and the lower end Y3 (third state) are located lower than the lower end Y1 (first state), and the second dimension L2 and the third dimension L3 are smaller than the first dimension L1. In other words, the lower end of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) is closer to the upper surface of the stand (the placement surface Z of the housing 1) in the open state than in the closed state.

[0127] (Relationship with the thickness of medal M) When the gaming machine of this embodiment is placed on the placement surface Z, no matter what state the front door 20 is in, a gap (first dimension L1, second dimension L2, and third dimension L3) larger than the thickness of the medal M is formed between the lower end of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) and the placement surface Z. In other words, the first dimension L1, the second dimension L2, and the third dimension L3 are larger than the thickness (dimension L5) of the medal M. For this reason, even if the front door 20 is opened and closed in a state in which the medal M has entered between the lower side of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) and the base present below the receiving tray 38 (the medal M is hidden), the lower end of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) and the medal M will not come into contact with each other. In other words, the medal M hidden in the gap between the receiving tray 38 and the base will not hinder the opening and closing of the front door 20. For this reason, even if the medal M is present on the upper surface (placement surface Z) of the base, the front door 20 can be opened and closed smoothly. Furthermore, if the lower end of the front door 20 comes into contact with the medal M when the front door 20 is opened, the medal M will be pushed out and fall off the base, resulting in the trouble of searching for the medal M, but according to this embodiment, such trouble can be prevented.

[0128] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the medals M are placed on the placement surface Z (top surface of the table) of the housing 1 without overlapping, the front door 20 is not prevented (not prevented, not hindered) from changing from the second state (open state) to the first state (closed state) by the medals M. A staff member at an amusement facility (hall) may open the front door 20 to eliminate the cause of an empty error caused by a shortage (loss) of medals M in the hopper, and when closing the opened front door 20, even if a medal M is placed on the placement surface Z of the housing 1, the medal M can be closed without contacting the front door 20. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the medal M is caught in the gap between the front door 20 and the housing 1 (front surface of the housing 1) and the front door 20 cannot be closed, or a situation in which the front door 20 is damaged by an impact caused by the medal M being caught.

[0129] In addition, when the medals M are placed on the placement surface Z (top surface of the table) of the housing 1 without overlapping, the front door 20 is not prevented from changing from the first state (closed state) to the second state (open state) by the medals M. When an amusement parlor (hall) clerk opens the closed front door 20 to eliminate the cause of an empty error caused by a shortage (loss) of medals M in the hopper, even if the medals M are placed on the placement surface Z of the housing 1, the front door 20 can be opened without the medals M coming into contact with the front door 20. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the medals M are caught in the gap between the front door 20 and the placement surface Z (top surface of the table) and the front door 20 cannot be opened, or a situation in which the front door 20 is damaged by forcibly opening the front door 20 with the medals M caught in it.

[0130] (Relationship with Game Ball B) For example, consider a case where a slot machine and a pachinko game machine are installed close to each other, and a game ball B is present near the front door 20 (receiving tray 38). Even if the game ball B rolls under the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) when the front door 20 is closed (first state), the first dimension L1 is smaller than the diameter L6 of the game ball B, so the game ball B does not enter the back side (rear side) under the receiving tray 38. The lower surface of the receiving tray 38 is inclined so as to face upward toward the front, but the game ball B abuts (comes into contact with) the inclined surface and stops before reaching the lower end of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38). Then, when the front door 20 is opened in this state, the game ball B is pushed toward the front side and falls from the top of the table. Moreover, since the game ball B falls in this way, it does not interfere with closing the open front door 20. The same can be said if the game ball B rolls under the front door 20 (tray 38) when the front door 20 is in the second or third state. That is, the game ball B comes into contact with the inclined surface and stops before reaching the bottom end of the front door 20 (tray 38), and when the front door 20 is opened in that state, the game ball B is pushed forward and falls. And because the game ball B falls, it does not interfere with closing the open front door 20.

[0131] The gap (first dimension L1 to third dimension L3) between the bottom end of the front door 20 (receiving tray 38) and the placement surface Z is smaller than the diameter L6 (approximately 11 mm) of the game ball B, but is more preferably equal to or smaller than the thickness of two medals M (the thickness of two medals M stacked on top of each other). The thickness of two medals M is approximately 3.2 mm. In this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent the game ball B from getting under the receiving tray 38.

[0132] In this embodiment, the first dimension L1 is larger than the third dimension L3, the third dimension L3 is larger than the second dimension L2, and the second dimension L2 is larger than the dimension L5 (the thickness of the medal M). In other words, the following relationship is established. L1>L3>L2>L5 The third dimension L3 may be equal to or greater than the second dimension L2 (L3≧L2). The third dimension L3 may be substantially the same as the second dimension L2 (L3≒L2). "Substantially the same" means that the difference between the two is within 1 mm, for example.

[0133] In the state shown in FIG. 19D (third state), the gap from the right side (right end) of the front door 20 to the right side (right end) of the housing 1 (the dimension of the distance (minimum distance) between the right side of the front door 20 and the right side of the housing 1) is the fourth dimension L7. The fourth dimension L7 may be the opening dimension of the right end of the front door 20 in the third state. Note that although the fourth dimension L7 is shown in FIG. 19D, FIG. 19D is a cross-sectional view of the SS line shown in FIG. 19A, and does not strictly refer to the distance (dimension) between the right end of the front door 20 and the right end of the housing 1. The fourth dimension L7 is about 33 mm. This fourth dimension L7 is larger (designed to be larger) than the diameter dimension L4 of the medal M (L7>L4).

[0134] In this embodiment, the second dimension L2 and the third dimension L3 are designed to be larger than the thickness L5 of the medal M. However, due to the accuracy (variation) of the component dimensions, the deterioration of the quality (durability) of the hinge 29 (see FIG. 2), assembly errors, etc., the second dimension L2 and the third dimension L3 may be equal to or smaller than the thickness L5 of the medal M. Even in that case, in the process of the front door 20 moving from the third state (FIG. 19D) to the first state (FIG. 19B), the supported portion 81 of the front door 20 is supported so as to rest (ride up) on the support portion 82 of the housing 1 (the supported portion 81 is supported so as to rest on the support portion 82), and a dimension equivalent to the thickness of the medal M is secured between the lower end of the front door 20 and the placement surface Z (bottom surface 4b). Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the front door 20 cannot be closed or a situation in which the front door 20 is damaged due to the medal M being pinched.

[0135] (Modification) The second state (open state) shown in FIG. 19C includes a 21st state in which the opening angle of the front door 20 is a first opening angle, and a 22nd state in which the opening angle of the front door 20 is a second opening angle that is larger than the first opening angle. The first opening angle is a predetermined angle of 10° or less. In the 21st state, the distance (gap) between the end (right end) of the front door 20 and the end (right end) of the housing 1 on the opposite side to the rotating shaft side is the distance between one end and the other end when two to three medals are lined up in a row on a horizontal plane (the distance of two to three medals, for example, about 50 mm to about 75 mm). In this modified example, in the 21st state, the bottom end (bottom end on the right side) of the front door 20 approaches the placement surface Z, and the second dimension L2 becomes smaller than the first dimension (first state: closed state) (in other words, the second state includes the 21st state in which the second dimension L2 becomes smaller than the first dimension L1). However, in the 21st state, the second dimension is larger than the thickness L5 of the medal M.

[0136] In this modification, when the opening angle of the front door 20 is greater than the first opening angle, the larger the opening angle, the more gradually the lower end (lower end on the right side) of the front door 20 moves away from the placement surface Z. In this case, if the vertical dimension between the lower end on the right side (opposite the rotation shaft side) of the front door 20 and the placement surface Z is defined as a second dimension L2, in the 22nd state (for example, the state in which the opening angle of the front door 20 is at its maximum (fully open state shown in FIG. 21)), the second dimension L2 is greater than the first dimension.

[0137] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A housing and a front door provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the housing; The state of the front door includes a first state and a second state, The first state is a state in which the front door is closed, The second state is a state in which the front door is open, a first dimension is a vertical dimension between a lower end of the front door and a placement surface of the housing in the first state; In the second state, the vertical dimension between the lower end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing is defined as a second dimension. The second dimension is smaller than the first dimension and is larger than a thickness of a game medal.

[0138] According to this configuration, the second dimension when the front door is in the second state (open state) is smaller than the first dimension when the front door is in the first state (closed state), but even in this case, the second dimension is larger than the thickness of the game medal. Therefore, even if the front door is opened or closed in a state where a game medal is present on the placement surface of the housing, the lower end of the front door does not come into contact with the game medal. Therefore, the front door can be opened and closed smoothly. In addition, it is possible to prevent problems such as the front door being unable to be opened or closed due to the presence of the game medal, and the problem of parts being damaged by pinching the game medal. In other words, it is possible to reduce the possibility of parts breaking down when the front door is opened or closed. In addition, the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension, and the gap between the lower end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing in the open state is narrower than the gap in the closed state of the front door. Therefore, it is more difficult to insert a member or the like through the gap when the front door is open. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts. In other words, fraud prevention performance can be improved.

[0139] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The state of the front door further includes a third state, The third state is a state in which the front door is open and an opening angle of the front door is smaller than that of the second state, In the third state, the vertical dimension between the lower end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing is defined as a third dimension. The third dimension is smaller than the first dimension and is larger than a thickness of a game medal.

[0140] The third dimension when the front door is in the third state (half-open state) is smaller than the first dimension when the front door is in the first state (closed state), but even in this case, the third dimension is larger than the thickness of a game medal. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as the front door being unable to be opened or closed due to the presence of the game medal, or parts being damaged by the game medal being pinched. In other words, the front door can be opened and closed smoothly, and the possibility of parts breaking when opening and closing the front door can be reduced.

[0141] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The first dimension, the second dimension and the third dimension are smaller than a diameter of a gaming ball.

[0142] Since the first, second and third dimensions are smaller than the diameter of the game ball, the game ball can be prevented from entering below the front door to a position where it reaches the bottom edge of the front door. Also, if the front door is opened while the game ball is stopped in front of the bottom edge of the front door, the game ball is pushed forward and falls from the placement surface. This prevents the game ball from interfering with the next closing of the front door.

[0143] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has A housing and a front door provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the housing; The state of the front door includes a first state and a second state, The first state is a state in which the front door is closed, The second state is a state in which the front door is open, a first dimension is a vertical dimension between a lower end of the front door and a placement surface of the housing in the first state; In the second state, the vertical dimension between the lower end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing is defined as a second dimension. the second state includes a twenty-first state in which the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension; In the twenty-first state, the second dimension is greater than the thickness of the game medal.

[0144] According to this configuration, in the 21st state, the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension, but even in that case, the second dimension is larger than the thickness of the game medal. Therefore, even if the front door is opened or closed while a game medal is present on the placement surface of the housing, the lower end of the front door does not come into contact with the game medal. Therefore, the front door can be opened and closed smoothly. In addition, it is possible to prevent problems such as the front door being unable to be opened or closed due to the presence of the game medal, and the problem of parts being damaged by pinching the game medal. In other words, it is possible to reduce the possibility of parts breaking down when the front door is opened or closed. In addition, since the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension in the 21st state, it is more difficult to insert a member or the like through the gap between the lower end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts. In other words, it is possible to improve the fraud prevention performance.

[0145] (Seventh embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the description of the configuration similar to that of the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 2, the main control unit 300 is disposed on the upper side inside the housing 1. FIG. 22 is a view of the main control unit 300 seen from the front side. The main control unit 300 is substantially rectangular when seen from the front, specifically, substantially rectangular with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction. The main control unit 300 includes a main control board (main control means) 72 (see FIG. 23) and a main board case that houses (encloses) the main control board 72 inside. The main board case includes a first board case (front side case member) that covers the front side (front side) of the main control board 72, and a second board case (rear side case member) that covers the rear side (rear side) of the main control board 72. The main board case is formed of transparent resin, and the main control board 72 disposed inside can be seen.

[0147] Here, the front side (front surface) of main control board 72 is referred to as the first surface, and the rear side (rear surface) is referred to as the second surface. Fig. 23 is a view of the first surface of main control board 72 as seen from the front side. Main control board 72 is disposed inside housing 1 such that its long sides extend along the left-right direction, its short sides extend along the up-down direction, and the normal direction to the board surface is the front-to-rear direction. Main control board 72 has one long side located on the upper side and the other long side located on the lower side, one short side located on the right side, and the other short side located on the left side.

[0148] A plurality of components (electronic components) are mounted (disposed) on a first surface of the main control board 72. The plurality of components include ICs, connectors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, switches, and the like. Although not shown, the main control board 72 is provided with a plurality of through holes (via holes). In this embodiment, the main control board 72 is a green board. In other words, the color of the resist on the main control board 72 is green.

[0149] On the main control board 72, identification information (identification code) (corresponding to each electronic component and enabling each electronic component to be identified) for identifying (specifying) each electronic component is provided near the arrangement position of each electronic component. The identification information is composed of predetermined characters or a predetermined character string (characters of the character string include numbers), and for example, in the case of a connector assigned the number "1", the alphabet "CN" representing the connector is combined with the number "1" to form the character string "CN1". The identification information is formed (written) by silk printing, and is white in this embodiment. The identification information can also be called silk characters.

[0150] The main control board 72 is provided with a monitor LED 200. The monitor LED 200 can also be called a main board monitor LED, a monitor lamp, or a monitor light-emitting unit. In this embodiment, the monitor LED 200 is provided in a predetermined range (area) on the left side of the first surface of the main control board 72. In this embodiment, the monitor LED 200 is composed of 21 LEDs (LED1 to LED21: 1st LED to 21st LED), and 21 LEDs (light-emitting elements, light sources) are arranged together. The LED1 to LED20 emit red light (a color that easily draws attention of humans), and the LED21 emits green light. The vertical (vertical) arrangement of the monitor LEDs 200 is called a "row," and the horizontal (horizontal) arrangement is called a "column." In this embodiment, the monitor LEDs 200 are provided with five "rows," with the bottom row being the first row and the top row being the fifth row. The monitor LED 200 has five "columns," with the leftmost column being the first column and the rightmost column being the fifth column. The first row has five columns, and the second to fifth rows have four columns.

[0151] In the first row, LED1 is arranged in the first column, LED2 is arranged in the second column, LED3 is arranged in the third column, LED4 is arranged in the fourth row, and LED21 is arranged in the fifth row. In the second row, LED5 is arranged in the first column, LED6 is arranged in the second column, LED7 is arranged in the third column, and LED8 is arranged in the fourth column. In the third row, LED 9 is arranged in the first column, LED 10 is arranged in the second column, LED 11 is arranged in the third column, and LED 15 is arranged in the fourth column. In the fourth row, LED 12 is arranged in the first column, LED 13 is arranged in the second column, LED 14 is arranged in the third column, and LED 16 is arranged in the fourth column. In the fifth row, LED 20 is arranged in the first column, LED 19 is arranged in the second column, LED 18 is arranged in the third column, and LED 17 is arranged in the fourth column.

[0152] LED1 to LED20 (a group of red LEDs) that emit red light are arranged (distributed) in a matrix of 5 rows and 4 columns. LED21 that emits green light is arranged to the right of LED4 at a corner of the group of red LEDs. LED21 is arranged in a position that is distinguishable from LED1 to LED20 (a position where it is not mixed in).

[0153] Near LED1, identification information "LED1" that can identify it as LED1 is written. The same is true for LED2 to LED21. Note that in the fifth row (top row), the identification information is in ascending order from the right (the numbers increase from right to left).

[0154] The monitor LED 200 is provided to indicate (report) the state (operating state) of various components (parts) provided in the gaming machine. Specifically, an operator can check the operating state of various components via the monitor LED 200 turning on / off. In other words, an operator can check the presence or absence of an abnormality (malfunction) via the monitor LED 200 turning on / off. In other words, an operator can identify the location of the abnormality (malfunction) via the monitor LED 200 turning on / off.

[0155] The LED1 is an LED corresponding to the first reel sensor (first reel index sensor). In other words, the LED1 is an LED corresponding to the detection of the rotation of the first reel 15a. In this embodiment, a first reel sensor corresponding to the first reel 15a is provided, and the turning on or off of the LED1 is controlled based on the signal state of the first reel sensor. When the first reel 15a is rotating normally, the LED1 is configured to flash in red (flashing red). A specific description will be given. The first reel 15a has an index portion formed in a semicircular band shape along the circumferential direction of the reel. When the light irradiation is blocked by the index portion, the signal state of the first reel sensor is, for example, ON, and when the light irradiation is not blocked by the index portion, the signal state is, for example, OFF, and the ON and OFF states are alternately repeated. The first reel sensor may be capable of detecting the edge of the index portion, and the signal state (ON or OFF) may change based on the detection of the edge. For example, during the rotation of the first reel 15a, the signal state may be ON based on the detection of the first edge, OFF based on the detection of the next edge, and ON based on the detection of the next edge, and the ON and OFF states may be alternately repeated. Therefore, when the first reel 15a is rotating normally, the ON and OFF states of the first reel sensor are alternately repeated, and the LED1 flashes. In this embodiment, the LED1 is turned on when the first reel sensor is in the ON state, and the LED1 is turned off when the first reel sensor is in the OFF state, but the LED1 may be turned on when the first reel sensor is in the OFF state, and turned off when the first reel sensor is in the ON state. Note that the same applies to the LED2 (second reel sensor) and LED3 (third reel sensor) shown below, although a description will be omitted to avoid duplication. Therefore, if LED1 is constantly lit while the first reel 15a is spinning, or if LED1 is off even though the first reel 15a is spinning, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0156] LED2 is an LED that corresponds to the second reel sensor (second reel index sensor). In other words, LED2 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of the rotation of the second reel 15b. When the second reel 15b is rotating normally, LED2 flashes in red (flashes red). Therefore, when LED2 is constantly lit while the second reel 15b is rotating, or when LED2 is off even though the second reel 15b is rotating, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0157] The LED3 is an LED that corresponds to the third reel sensor (third reel index sensor). In other words, the LED3 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of the rotation of the third reel 15c. The LED3 flashes red (flashes red) when the third reel 15c is rotating normally. Therefore, if the LED3 is constantly lit while the third reel 15c is rotating, or if the LED3 is off even though the third reel 15c is rotating, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0158] The left-right arrangement order of LED1, LED2, and LED3 on the main control board 72 is the same as the left-right arrangement order of the first reel 15a, the second reel 15b, and the third reel 15c when viewed from the front of the front door 20. In other words, LED1 to LED3 are arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the first reel 15a to the third reel 15c. This makes it easy for the operator to know which LED corresponds to which reel.

[0159] The LED4 is an LED that corresponds to the disconnection detection. In this embodiment, a predetermined terminal in a predetermined connector provided on a predetermined board (relay board, etc.) and a predetermined input terminal A1 in a predetermined IC provided on the main control board 72 are connected through a wiring (signal line) C1. The wiring C1 includes at least one of a pattern provided on the board and a harness that connects the boards. Also, the wiring C1 may have electronic components arranged along the way. The cathode of the LED4 is connected to the wiring C1 (pattern) on the main control board 72, and the anode of the LED4 is pulled up by the power line via a resistor for current limiting. Then, when the wiring C1 is disconnected, the input terminal A1 becomes Low, and the LED4 lights up in red. That is, the disconnection of the wiring C1 is detected. Therefore, when the LED4 is lit, the operator can recognize that an abnormality (disconnection of the wiring C1) has occurred. The disconnection of the wiring C1 includes a case where the harness is not properly connected (inserted).

[0160] The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes three reels 15a-15c and three corresponding stop buttons 33a-33c, but there are gaming machines (four-reel gaming machines) that include four reels 15a-15d and four stop buttons 33a-33d as shown in FIG. 24. In the case of a four-reel gaming machine, the LED4 corresponds to the fourth reel sensor (fourth reel index sensor) of the fourth reel 15d (the reel located at the rightmost position). In other words, the LED4 corresponds to the detection of the rotation of the fourth reel 15d. In this case, the sensor signal terminal IDXSIG4 of the fourth reel sensor and a predetermined input terminal A1 of a predetermined IC provided on the main control board 72 are connected via a wiring (signal line) C1. The cathode of the LED4 is connected to the wiring C1, and the anode of the LED4 is pulled up by the power line via a resistor for current limiting. When the signal state of the sensor signal terminal IDXSIG4 becomes ON (when an ON signal is output) based on the rotation of the fourth reel 15d, the input terminal A1 becomes Low and the LED4 turns on. That is, in the case of a four-reel gaming machine, the LED4 functions in the same way as the LED1 to LED3. The LED4 flashes red (flashes red) when the fourth reel 15d is spinning normally. Therefore, if the LED4 is constantly on while the fourth reel 15d is spinning, or if the LED4 is off even though the fourth reel 15d is spinning, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0161] The LED 5 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of the pressing of the stop button 33a. The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect the pressing of the stop button 33a, and the LED 5 is configured to light up in red (light up in red) while the stop button 33a is being pressed (while it is in the ON state). Specifically, a detection sensor is provided to detect the pressing of the stop button 33a, and this detection sensor is provided with a light-emitting section formed to be able to irradiate light (infrared light) and a light-receiving section formed to be able to receive the light from the light-emitting section. In addition, the stop button 33a is provided with a part (member) that can block the light from the light-emitting section when pressed. For example, when the light-receiving section receives the light from the light-emitting section, the signal state of the detection sensor is in the OFF state, and when the light from the light-emitting section is blocked and the light-receiving section does not receive the light, the signal state is in the ON state. Therefore, if LED 5 remains constantly lit even though stop button 33a has not been pressed, or if LED 5 does not light up (remains off) even though stop button 33a has been pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0162] The LED 6 is an LED that responds to the detection of the pressing of the stop button 33b. The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect the pressing of the stop button 33b (a detection sensor corresponding to the stop button 33b is provided), and the LED 6 is configured to light up in red (lights up in red) while the stop button 33b is being pressed (while it is in the ON state). Therefore, if the LED 6 is always on even though the stop button 33b is not being pressed, or if the LED 6 does not light up (remains off) even though the stop button 33b is pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0163] The LED 7 is an LED that responds to the detection of the pressing of the stop button 33c. The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect the pressing of the stop button 33c (a detection sensor corresponding to the stop button 33c is provided), and the LED 7 is configured to light up in red (lights up in red) while the stop button 33c is being pressed (while it is in the ON state). Therefore, if the LED 7 is always on even though the stop button 33c is not being pressed, or if the LED 7 does not light up (remains off) even though the stop button 33c is pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0164] The left-right arrangement order of LED5, LED6, and LED7 is the same as the left-right arrangement order of stop button 33a, stop button 33b, and stop button 33c when front door 20 is viewed from the front. In other words, LED5 to LED7 are arranged to correspond to the arrangement of stop buttons 33a to 33c. This makes it easy for the operator to understand which stop button corresponds to which LED. Also, LED5 to LED7 of the stop buttons corresponding to each reel are arranged immediately above (in the same row as) LED1 to LED3 corresponding to each reel (respective reel sensor). Therefore, the correspondence between the LEDs corresponding to the reels and the LEDs corresponding to the stop buttons is clear, making it easy to understand at a glance.

[0165] The LED8 is an LED that corresponds to the disconnection detection. In this embodiment, a predetermined terminal in a predetermined connector provided on a predetermined board (relay board, etc.) and a predetermined input terminal A2 in a predetermined IC provided on the main control board 72 are connected via a wiring (signal line) C2. The wiring C2 includes at least one of a pattern provided on the board and a harness that connects the boards. Also, the wiring C2 may have electronic components arranged along the way. The cathode of the LED8 is connected to the wiring C2 (pattern) on the main control board 72, and the anode of the LED8 is pulled up by the power line via a resistor for current limiting. Then, when the wiring C2 is disconnected, the input terminal A2 becomes Low, and the LED8 lights up in red. That is, the disconnection of the wiring C2 is detected. Therefore, when the LED8 is lit, the operator can recognize that an abnormality (disconnection of the wiring C2) has occurred. The disconnection of the wiring C2 includes a case where the harness is not properly connected (inserted). In addition, in the case of a four-reel gaming machine, the LED8 is an LED corresponding to the detection of pressing the stop button 33d (the stop button located at the rightmost side). In this case, the sensor signal terminal STPSIG4 of the stop button 33d and a predetermined input terminal A2 of a predetermined IC provided on the main control board 72 are connected through a wiring (signal line) C2. The cathode of the LED8 is connected to the wiring C2, and the anode of the LED8 is pulled up by the power line through a resistor for current limiting. Then, when the signal state of the sensor signal terminal STPSIG4 becomes an ON state based on pressing the stop button 33d (when an ON signal is output), the input terminal A2 becomes Low and the LED8 is turned on. That is, in the case of a four-reel gaming machine, the LED8 functions in the same way as the LED5 to LED7. The LED8 is turned on in red (red light) while the stop button 33d is being pressed (while it is in the ON state). Therefore, if LED 8 remains lit all the time even though stop button 33d has not been pressed, or if LED 8 does not light up (remains off) even though stop button 33d has been pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0166] The LED 9 is an LED that responds to the detection of pressing the MAX BET button 35. The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect pressing of the MAX BET button 35 (a detection sensor corresponding to the MAX BET button 35 is provided), and the LED 9 is configured to light up in red (lights up in red) while the MAX BET button 35 is being pressed (while it is in the ON state). Therefore, if the LED 9 is always on even though the MAX BET button 35 is not pressed, or if the LED 9 does not light up (remains off) even though the MAX BET button 35 is pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0167] The LED 10 is an LED that responds to the detection of pressing of the start lever 32. The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect pressing of the start lever 32 (a detection sensor corresponding to the start lever 32 is provided), and the LED 10 is configured to light up in red (lights up in red) while the start lever 32 is being pressed (while in the ON state). Therefore, if the LED 10 is always on even though the start lever 32 is not pressed, or if the LED 10 does not light up (remains off) even though the start lever 32 is pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0168] The LED 11 is an LED that responds to the detection of pressing the settlement button 60 (cancel button). The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect pressing of the settlement button 60 (a detection sensor corresponding to the settlement button 60 is provided), and the LED 11 is configured to light up in red (lights up in red) while the settlement button 60 is being pressed (while it is in the ON state). Therefore, if the LED 11 is constantly lit even though the settlement button 60 has not been pressed, or if the LED 11 does not light up (remains off) even though the settlement button 60 has been pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0169] The LED 15 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of an error release operation. In this embodiment, the LED 15 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of pressing a setting change button (reset switch). The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect pressing of the setting change button (a detection sensor corresponding to the setting change button is provided), and the LED 15 is configured to light up in red (lights up in red) while the setting change button is being pressed (while it is in the ON state). Therefore, if the LED 15 is always on even though the setting change button has not been pressed, or if the LED 15 does not light up (remains off) even though the setting change button has been pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0170] The LED 15 may be an LED corresponding to the detection of an operation of rotating the door key inserted in the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise (left) as an error release operation. In other words, the gaming machine of this embodiment is equipped with a door sensor capable of detecting the operation, and the LED 15 may be an LED corresponding to the door sensor. In this case, the LED 15 lights up red while the operation of rotating the door key counterclockwise is detected by the door sensor (while in the ON state). Therefore, if the LED 15 is always on even though the door key has not been rotated counterclockwise, or if the LED 15 does not light up (remains off) even though the door key has been rotated counterclockwise, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0171] The LED 12 is an LED corresponding to the door opening / closing switch. In other words, the LED 12 is an LED corresponding to the detection of the opening / closing of the front door 20. The door opening / closing switch is configured to be able to detect the opening / closing of the front door 20. For example, when the front door 20 is closed, the front door 20 comes into contact with the pressing portion and presses the pressing portion, thereby turning the switch ON. When the front door 20 is open, the front door 20 separates and the pressing portion is released, thereby turning the switch OFF. The LED 12 is configured to be lit in red (lit in red) while the front door 20 is open and the door opening / closing switch is in the OFF state (non-pressed state). In other words, when the opening of the front door 20 is detected by the door opening / closing switch, the LED 12 is lit in red. Therefore, when the LED 12 does not light up even when the door opening / closing switch is in the OFF state (front door 20 is open), or when the LED 12 does not turn off even when the door opening / closing switch is in the ON state (pressed state), the worker can recognize that an abnormality has occurred. If the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the door opening / closing switch may be configured to detect the opening and closing of the lower door. Also, door opening / closing switches corresponding to the upper door and the lower door may be provided, respectively, and configured to detect the opening and closing of the upper door and the opening and closing of the lower door, respectively.

[0172] The LED 14 is an LED that responds to the detection of the pressing of the 1 bet button. The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect the pressing of the 1 bet button (a detection sensor corresponding to the 1 bet button is provided), and the LED 14 is configured to light up in red (lights up in red) while the 1 bet button is being pressed (while it is in the ON state). Therefore, if the LED 14 is constantly lit even though the 1 bet button is not being pressed, or if the LED 14 does not light up (remains off) even though the 1 bet button is pressed, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0173] Here, the flow path of the medals (medal passage) will be described. As shown in FIG. 25, the medals inserted from the medal insertion port 34 pass through the medal selector 67, where the medals are identified and the number of medals is counted, and the medals are sent to the hopper unit 11 via the medal chute 69. The medal selector 67 is provided with an insertion detection sensor (insertion sensor) 78, a first medal passing sensor 51, and a second medal passing sensor 52. The first medal passing sensor 51 is provided upstream of the second medal passing sensor 52 in the medal selector 67 (the entrance side of the medal passage). The second medal passing sensor 52 is provided downstream of the first medal passing sensor 51 in the medal selector 67 (the exit side of the medal passage). The medal chute 69 is provided with a chute sensor 54. The hopper unit 11 is provided with a payout sensor 58. An overflow sensor 56 is provided in the portion of the cabinet 1 where the cash box 12 is located.

[0174] A medal inserted through the medal insertion port 34 is detected in this order by the insertion detection sensor 78, the first medal passage sensor 51, the second medal passage sensor 52, and the chute sensor 54. During play, or when the number of medal bets and the number of credits have reached their maximum, the medal blocker 68 built into the medal selector 67 is activated and the flow path from the medal selector 67 to the medal chute 69 is blocked. Therefore, the medal inserted through the medal insertion port 34 at this time is returned from the medal selector 67 to the medal payout outlet 50.

[0175] In addition, when the number of medals stored in the hopper unit 11 exceeds a predetermined amount (when the predetermined amount is reached), the medals sent to the hopper unit 11 are sent to the cash box 12.

[0176] Return to FIG. 23. The LED 16 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of overflow (an LED that corresponds to the overflow sensor 56). The LED 16 is configured to light up in red (red light) when the overflow sensor 56 detects that the medals stored in the cash box 12 have reached a predetermined amount. Therefore, if the LED 16 is always on even though the medals stored in the cash box 12 have not reached the predetermined amount, or if the LED 16 does not light up (remains off) even when the overflow sensor 56 is in the ON state (described later), the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred. The overflow sensor 56 is composed of, for example, two rod-shaped sensors, and when a medal exists (is present) between them and electrical conduction occurs, the signal state becomes ON, and it is detected that the stored medals have reached the predetermined amount.

[0177] The insertion detection sensor 78, the first medal passing sensor 51, the second medal passing sensor 52, and the chute sensor 54 are capable of detecting the passage of medals through the medal passage. Each sensor is provided for the purpose of preventing fraud and the like. Each sensor has a light-emitting section formed to be able to irradiate light (infrared light) and a light-receiving section formed to be able to receive the light from the light-emitting section. The light-emitting section and the light-receiving section are arranged in opposing positions across the medal passage and the like. When the light-receiving section receives light from the light-emitting section, the signal state of each sensor is OFF (a state in which the passage of a medal is not detected), and when the light from the light-emitting section is blocked as a medal passes and the light-receiving section does not receive the light, the signal state is ON (a state in which the passage of a medal is detected). The payout sensor 58, which is capable of detecting the payout of medals, is also configured in a similar manner, having a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section.

[0178] The LED 17 is an LED corresponding to the insertion detection sensor 78. In other words, the LED 17 is an LED corresponding to the detection of insertion (passage) of a medal through the medal insertion port 34. The LED 17 is configured to light up in red (lights up in red) when one medal is inserted through the medal insertion port 34 and the insertion (passage) of one medal is detected by the insertion detection sensor 78. In other words, the LED 17 is configured to light up in red every time one medal is inserted through the medal insertion port 34. Therefore, when the LED 17 is constantly lit even though no medal is inserted through the medal insertion port 34, or when the LED 17 does not light up (remains off) even when a medal is inserted through the medal insertion port 34, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0179] The LED 18 is an LED that corresponds to the first medal passing sensor 51. In other words, the LED 18 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of the passage of a medal. The LED 18 is configured to light up in red (red light) when the passage of one medal is detected by the first medal passing sensor 51. In other words, the LED 18 is configured to light up in red every time one medal passes through the medal selector 67. Therefore, if the LED 18 is constantly lit even though no medal has passed, or if the LED 18 does not light up (remains off) even when a medal has passed through the medal selector 67, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0180] The LED 19 is an LED that corresponds to the second medal passing sensor 52. In other words, the LED 19 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of the passage of a medal. The LED 19 is configured to light up in red (red light) when the passage of one medal is detected by the second medal passing sensor 52. In other words, the LED 19 is configured to light up in red every time one medal passes through the medal selector 67. Therefore, if the LED 19 is constantly lit even though no medal has passed, or if the LED 19 does not light up (remains off) even when a medal has passed through the medal selector 67, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0181] The LED 20 is an LED that corresponds to the chute sensor (R chute sensor) 54. In other words, the LED 20 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of the passage of a medal. The LED 20 is configured to light up in red (red light) when the chute sensor 54 detects the passage of one medal. In other words, the LED 20 is configured to light up in red each time one medal passes through the medal chute 69. Therefore, if the LED 20 is constantly lit even though no medal has passed, or if the LED 20 does not light up (remains off) even when a medal has passed through the medal chute 69, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0182] LED 13 is an LED that corresponds to payout sensor (hopper sensor) 58. In other words, LED 13 is an LED that corresponds to the detection of the payout of medals. LED 13 is configured to light up in red (red light) when payout sensor 58 detects the payout of one medal. In other words, LED 13 is configured to light up in red every time one medal is paid out. Therefore, if LED 13 is constantly lit even though no medals have been paid out, or if LED 13 does not light up (remains off) even when a medal has been paid out, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred.

[0183] The LED 21 is an LED that corresponds to detection of the supply of power (5V power). The LED 21 is configured to light up in green (lights up green) when power (5V) is normally supplied to the main control board 72. In other words, when the power switch provided in the power supply unit 10 is turned on to turn on the power supply of the gaming machine and the 5V power supply is normally supplied to the main control board 72, the LED 21 is configured to light up in green (lights up constantly). Therefore, if the LED 21 does not light up even though the power supply of the gaming machine is turned on, the operator can recognize that an abnormality has occurred. The LED 21 may be referred to as an LED that lights up constantly, and the above-mentioned LEDs 1 to 20 may be referred to as LEDs that light up at any time.

[0184] (Monitor LED table) 2, a monitor LED table 400 is provided on the left side of the housing 1 (the inner surface of the left side plate 5 of the housing 1), which is visible when the front door 20 is opened. The monitor LED table 400 can also be called a main board monitor LED table, a monitor lamp table, or a monitor table. The monitor LED table 400 is formed of, for example, a seal member, and is attached to the inside of the housing 1.

[0185] 26 is a front view of the monitor LED table 400. The monitor LED table 400 is a table (correspondence table) that corresponds to the monitor LEDs 200 provided on the main control board 72. By looking at (comparing) the monitor LEDs 200 with the monitor LED table 400, the operator can understand which component (or error) each LED (LED1 to LED21) of the monitor LED 200 corresponds to.

[0186] In the monitor LED table 400, explanatory information (information) regarding each LED (LED1 to LED21) is written. In this embodiment, each explanatory information is composed of a symbol part that indicates which LED it is (which number LED it is) with a symbol (figure, symbol), and a text part (text information) that indicates with text which part the LED corresponds to. The symbol part is a circular shape that imitates the external shape of the LED (external shape when viewed from above), with the LED number "n" (n is any one of 1 to 21) written inside. In addition, the text part is arranged (written) below the symbol part (immediately below). Note that the position where the text part is written is not limited to this, and it may be on the right side or above each symbol part, etc.

[0187] Hereinafter, the explanatory information corresponding to LEDn (n is any one of 1 to 21) will be referred to as the nth explanatory information. In monitor LED table 400, the position at which each piece of explanatory information is written corresponds to the position at which each LED is arranged on main control board 72. In other words, the writing of each piece of explanatory information in monitor LED table 400 corresponds to the arrangement of each LED on main control board 72. For example, LED1 is arranged at the lower left on main control board 72, and the first explanatory information corresponding to LED1 is written in the lower left of monitor LED table 400.

[0188] The text portion in the first explanatory information is "reel sensor 1." By looking at the first explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED1 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the first reel sensor. Also, the text portion in the second explanatory information is "reel sensor 2." By looking at the second explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED2 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the second reel sensor. Also, the text portion in the third explanatory information is "reel sensor 3." By looking at the third explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED3 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the third reel sensor. Also, the text portion in the fourth explanatory information is "break detection 1 / reel sensor 4." By looking at the fourth explanatory information, the worker can recognize that if the gaming machine is a three-reel gaming machine, LED4 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to break detection, and if the gaming machine is a four-reel gaming machine, LED4 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the fourth reel sensor.

[0189] The text portion in the fifth explanatory information is "STOP BUTTON 1". By looking at the fifth explanatory information, the worker can recognize that the LED5 of the main control board 72 is the LED corresponding to the stop button 33a. Also, the text portion in the sixth explanatory information is "STOP BUTTON 2". By looking at the sixth explanatory information, the worker can recognize that the LED6 of the main control board 72 is the LED corresponding to the stop button 33b. Also, the text portion in the seventh explanatory information is "STOP BUTTON 3". By looking at the seventh explanatory information, the worker can recognize that the LED7 of the main control board 72 is the LED corresponding to the stop button 33c. Also, the text portion in the eighth explanatory information is "DISCONNECTION 2 / STOP BUTTON 4". By looking at the eighth explanatory information, the worker can recognize that if the gaming machine is a three-reel gaming machine, the LED8 of the main control board 72 is the LED corresponding to the disconnection detection, and if the gaming machine is a four-reel gaming machine, the LED8 of the main control board 72 is the LED corresponding to the stop button 33d.

[0190] The text portion in the ninth explanatory information is "MAX BET BUTTON." By looking at the ninth explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED9 on the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the MAX BET button 35. Furthermore, the text portion in the tenth explanatory information is "START LEVER." By looking at the tenth explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED10 on the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the start lever 32. Furthermore, the text portion in the eleventh explanatory information is "CANCEL BUTTON." By looking at the eleventh explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED11 on the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the settlement button 60. Furthermore, the text portion in the fifteenth explanatory information is "RESET SWITCH." By looking at the fifteenth explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED15 on the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the setting change button (or the door sensor).

[0191] The text portion in the 12th explanatory information is "Door Opening / Closing Switch." By looking at the 12th explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED 12 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the door opening / closing switch. Furthermore, the text portion in the 13th explanatory information is "Hopper Sensor." By looking at the 13th explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED 13 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the payout sensor 58. Furthermore, the text portion in the 14th explanatory information is "1 BET BUTTON." By looking at the 14th explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED 14 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the 1 BET BUTTON. Furthermore, the text portion in the 16th explanatory information is "Overflow." By looking at the 16th explanatory information, the worker can recognize that LED 16 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the over error (overflow sensor 56).

[0192] Moreover, the text portion in the 17th explanatory information is "insertion sensor". By looking at the 17th explanatory information, the worker can recognize that the LED 17 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the insertion detection sensor 78. Furthermore, the text portion in the 18th explanatory information is "medal sensor 1". By looking at the 18th explanatory information, the worker can recognize that the LED 18 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the first medal passing sensor 51. Furthermore, the text portion in the 19th explanatory information is "medal sensor 2". By looking at the 19th explanatory information, the worker can recognize that the LED 19 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the second medal passing sensor 52. Furthermore, the text portion in the 20th explanatory information is "R shoot sensor". By looking at the 20th explanatory information, the worker can recognize that the LED 20 of the main control board 72 is an LED corresponding to the shoot sensor 54. Furthermore, the text portion in the 21st explanatory information is "5V power supply". By looking at the 21st explanatory information, the worker can recognize that the LED 21 on the main control board 72 is an LED that corresponds to a 5V power supply.

[0193] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine including a housing, a plurality of reels provided inside the housing, and a control means provided inside the housing, The main control means includes a monitor light-emitting unit configured by arranging a plurality of light-emitting elements, The housing has a monitor surface provided inside, In the monitor table, explanatory information regarding the plurality of light-emitting elements is written so as to correspond to an arrangement of each of the light-emitting elements in the control means, The plurality of light-emitting elements include a first light-emitting element (LED4) and a second light-emitting element (LED8), The first light-emitting element is capable of detecting a break in a predetermined wiring (and is capable of detecting the rotation of a predetermined reel (a fourth reel) in a gaming machine in which the number of the reels is four). The second light-emitting element is capable of detecting a break in a predetermined wiring (and, in a gaming machine in which the number of the reels is four, is capable of detecting pressing of a predetermined stop button (fourth stop button)). When the explanatory information corresponding to the first light-emitting element is defined as first explanatory information, the first explanatory information includes information indicating that the information corresponds to a predetermined detection performed in the gaming machine (information indicating that the information corresponds to detection of a disconnection) and information indicating that the information corresponds to a predetermined detection not performed in the gaming machine (information indicating that the information corresponds to detection of a rotation of a predetermined reel); When the explanatory information corresponding to the second light-emitting element is defined as second explanatory information, The second explanatory information includes information indicating that it corresponds to a predetermined detection performed in the gaming machine (information indicating that it corresponds to detection of a disconnection) and information indicating that it corresponds to a predetermined detection not performed in the gaming machine (information indicating that it corresponds to detection of pressing a predetermined stop button).

[0194] The first explanatory information and the second explanatory information are written with a view to a four-reel gaming machine (four-reel cabinet). In other words, the first explanatory information and the second explanatory information include information when the gaming machine is a four-reel gaming machine in addition to information when the gaming machine is a three-reel gaming machine (each of the pieces of information is written side by side). Therefore, the same monitor table can be used for a three-reel gaming machine and a four-reel gaming machine. In other words, the monitor table can be shared as a part between a three-reel gaming machine and a four-reel gaming machine, and the versatility of the part can be improved. This can reduce costs compared to the case where monitor tables corresponding to a three-reel gaming machine and a four-reel gaming machine are manufactured separately. In addition, since there is no need to paste separate monitor tables for a three-reel gaming machine and a four-reel gaming machine, the burden on the worker can be reduced and the occurrence of pasting errors can be prevented.

[0195] In this embodiment, the monitor LED 200 is provided on the left side of the first surface of the main control board 72, and the monitor LED table 400 is provided on the inner surface of the left side plate 5 of the housing 1, but this is not limiting, and for example, the monitor LED 200 may be provided on the right side of the first surface of the main control board 72, and the monitor LED table 400 may be provided on the inner surface of the right side plate 6 of the housing 1. The position where the monitor LED 200 is provided and the position where the monitor LED table 400 is attached are on the same side (left or right side) and are close to each other, which makes it easy for the worker to see (check) and improves work efficiency.

[0196] In this embodiment, an insertion detection sensor 78, a first medal passage sensor 51, a second medal passage sensor 52, and a chute sensor 54 are provided as sensors for detecting the passage of medals through the medal passage. In the monitor LED 200, LEDs 7, 18, 19, and 20 (which are referred to as first specific LEDs (specific LEDs)) corresponding to these sensors are arranged side by side in the same row (top row). Specifically, LEDs 17, 18, 19, and 20 are arranged in this order from right to left in the top row. The first specific LED is an LED whose lighting is controlled based on the detection of the passage of the game value inserted into the medal insertion slot 34.

[0197] When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the LEDs 17, 18, 19, and 20 light up in this order. In other words, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the LEDs in the top row (the LEDs constituting the first specific LED) light up in order from right to left. The LEDs 17 to 20 light up consecutively (in a series) based on the insertion of one medal.

[0198] In addition, in the monitor LED table 400, the explanatory information corresponding to LED17 to LED20 (first specific LED, specific light-emitting element) is arranged in the same row (top row). In the top row, the 17th explanatory information corresponding to LED17, the 18th explanatory information corresponding to LED18, the 19th explanatory information corresponding to LED19, and the 20th explanatory information corresponding to LED20 are arranged in this order from right to left.

[0199] The positions of the LEDs 17 to 20 in the monitor LED 200 correspond to the positions of the sensors when the front door 20 is viewed from the front side. When the front door 20 is viewed from the front side, the insertion detection sensor 78, the first medal passing sensor 51, the second medal passing sensor 52, and the chute sensor 54 are arranged in this order from right to left, and the positions of the LEDs 17 to 20 correspond to this. The LEDs 17 to 20 are arranged to correspond to the actual arrangement of the sensors, so that the operator can more easily grasp which LED corresponds to which sensor. It is also possible to guess the position where the sensor is provided based on the arrangement of the LEDs. The LEDs 17 to 20 are arranged side by side, but this is the same direction (left and right) as the LEDs 1 to 3 corresponding to each reel and the LEDs 5 to 7 corresponding to each stop button are arranged. Therefore, there is a sense of unity, and the operator can easily confirm.

[0200] Here, the timing when the LED 17 lights up based on the insertion of one medal is the first timing, the timing when the LED 18 lights up is the second timing, the timing when the LED 19 lights up is the third timing, and the timing when the LED 20 lights up is the fourth timing. Also, the period from the first timing to the second timing is the first period, the period from the second timing to the third timing is the second period, and the period from the third timing to the fourth timing is the third period. In this embodiment, the second period (about 0.02 s)<the first period (about 0.2 s)<the third period (about 0.3 s). In other words, the second period is shorter than the first period and the third period, the first period is longer than the second period and shorter than the third period, and the third period is longer than the first period and the second period.

[0201] Since the lengths of the first to third periods are different, the worker can estimate the distance between the sensors based on the lengths of these periods. Also, if a predetermined period (for example, the first period) is longer than normal (normal), it can be determined that a problem (such as the presence of dirt or deformation of parts) has occurred in the medal passage between the insertion detection sensor 78 and the first medal passing sensor 51, and that inspection or repair (cleaning) is necessary.

[0202] In this embodiment, the LEDs 17 to 20 (first specific LEDs) are arranged in the top row (fifth row) of the monitor LED 200, but this is not limiting and they may be arranged in the fourth row, for example. Also, the LEDs 17 to 20 are arranged in order from right to left so as to correspond to the arrangement positions of the sensors, but this is not limiting and they may be arranged in order from left to right. That is, the LEDs 17, LED 18, LED 19, and LED 20 may be arranged in this order from left to right.

[0203] Alternatively, LED1 to LED20 may be arranged in a matrix of, for example, 4 rows and 5 columns, with LED17 to LED20 arranged vertically (up and down) in a specific column (for example, the rightmost column). "Lined up in a row" may include lining up in a line, and "lined up in a row" may include lining up in a line. In addition, in this embodiment, the monitor LEDs 200 provided on the main control board 72 and the corresponding monitor LED table 400 are shown, but the monitor LEDs are not limited to the monitor LEDs on the main control board 72, and may be monitor LEDs provided on other control boards (for example, sub-control boards). In other words, the control board may be a control board other than the main control board 72. In addition, in this embodiment, LED1 to LED21 are bullet-type (lead-type) LEDs, but they may be chip-type LEDs.

[0204] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine comprising a housing and a control means provided inside the housing, The control means includes a monitor light-emitting unit configured by arranging a plurality of light-emitting elements, The housing has a monitor surface provided inside, In the monitor table, explanatory information regarding the plurality of light-emitting elements is written so as to correspond to an arrangement of each of the light-emitting elements in the control means, The plurality of light-emitting elements includes a predetermined number of specific light-emitting elements, The specific light-emitting element is controlled to be illuminated based on detection of passage of a game value inserted through an insertion slot, A predetermined row or a predetermined column in the monitor light-emitting unit is configured by arranging the specific light-emitting elements, A predetermined row or a predetermined column in the monitor table lists the explanatory information corresponding to the specific light-emitting element, When a gaming value is inserted into the insertion slot, the specific light-emitting elements are illuminated in a predetermined direction in sequence.

[0205] When inspecting the operation of a part corresponding to the specific light-emitting element, for example, if the specific light-emitting elements are not arranged in a predetermined row (or a predetermined column) on the control board, but are arranged across multiple rows (or multiple columns), it is difficult to identify the specific light-emitting element from among the multiple light-emitting elements. In other words, it is necessary to carefully look at the monitor table to identify (search for) which specific light-emitting element is. This causes a problem that it takes time to inspect the operating state of the part. According to this embodiment, the specific light-emitting elements are arranged in a predetermined row (or a predetermined column) in the monitor light-emitting unit, and the explanation information corresponding to the specific light-emitting elements is arranged in a predetermined row (or a predetermined column) in the monitor table. Therefore, it is only necessary to check the specific row (or a predetermined column) in each, and the specific light-emitting element can be easily identified from among the multiple light-emitting elements. Furthermore, when light-emitting elements other than the specific light-emitting element are arranged in a specific row (or a specific column), the specific light-emitting element is buried in other light-emitting elements, making it difficult to grasp where the specific light-emitting element begins and ends. However, in this embodiment, the specific row (or the specific column) is configured by arranging (only) the specific light-emitting elements (the specific light-emitting element is not mixed with light-emitting elements other than the specific light-emitting element), so that the specific light-emitting element can be easily identified. Therefore, the burden of the work of inspecting the operating state of the parts is reduced, and the efficiency of the inspection work can be improved. In other words, the work (checking) can be performed efficiently.

[0206] In addition, the specific light-emitting elements are arranged in a predetermined row (or a predetermined column), and when a medal is inserted into the insertion slot, the specific light-emitting elements are turned on in a predetermined direction (from one end to the other end) in sequence. Therefore, when inspecting the detection of the passage of a medal inserted through the insertion slot, the worker only needs to check (gaze) the predetermined row (or the predetermined column) and look from one side to the other (move his / her gaze in one direction). This improves the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0207] In this embodiment, the above description of the input detection sensor 78, the first medal passing sensor 51, the second medal passing sensor 52, the chute sensor 54, and the payout sensor 58 states that when the light receiving section receives light from the light emitting section, the signal state is OFF, when the light from the light emitting section is blocked as the medal passes and the light receiving section does not receive the light, the signal state is ON, and when the light receiving section does not receive the light, the signal state is OFF, and when the light receiving section does not receive the light, the signal state is ON. Also, the above description of the overflow sensor 56 states that when the stored medals reach a predetermined amount, the signal state is ON and the corresponding LED is turned on, but when the stored medals reach a predetermined amount, the signal state is OFF and the corresponding LED is turned on. In this way, it is possible to appropriately set whether to light up the LED when the sensor is in the ON state or to light up the LED when the sensor is in the OFF state.

[0208] In addition, in the above description, the LED1 corresponding to the first reel sensor, the LED2 corresponding to the second reel sensor, and the LED3 corresponding to the third reel sensor are turned off while the reels are not rotating and start blinking when the reels start rotating. However, they may be turned on while the reels are not rotating (but the power is ON) and start blinking when the reels start rotating (they turn on again when the reels stop rotating). In other words, the lighting mode of the LED1 to LED3 may be different from the lighting mode of the other LEDs (LED4 to LED20) that are normally turned off and turn on when a predetermined detection is performed. In this case, in the monitor LED table 400, the display mode of the first explanatory information corresponding to LED1, the second explanatory information corresponding to LED2, and the third explanatory information corresponding to LED3 may be different from the display mode of the explanatory information regarding the other LEDs. When the display mode is different, it is possible to grasp at a glance that the lighting mode of the LED1 to LED3 is different from the lighting mode of the other LEDs, and it is possible to distinguish them from the other LEDs. The different display modes of the explanatory information may mean, for example, that the colors of the symbols (numbers) or the characters are different.

[0209] (Variation 1) Next, a first modified example of the present embodiment will be described. In the first modified example, a monitor LED 200 is provided on the right side of the first surface of the main control board 72, and a monitor LED table 400 (described later) is provided on the inner surface of the right side plate 6 of the housing 1.

[0210] In the first modification, the monitor LED 200 is composed of 20 LEDs (LED1 to LED20), and the LED1 to LED20 emit red light. The LED1 to LED20 are arranged (distributed) in a vertical line at predetermined (constant) intervals. The LED1 to LED20 are arranged in order from top to bottom (ascending order from top to bottom).

[0211] On the main control board 72, identification information "LED1" is written near LED1. Similarly, identification information is provided near LED2 to LED20. The identification information may be provided on the right or left side of each LED. The orientation of the identification information may be horizontal (the length of the character string runs left to right) or vertical (the length of the character string runs up and down).

[0212] Here, among the monitor LEDs 200, the LED 1 arranged at the top end (upper side) is referred to as the upper end LED, and the LED 20 arranged at the bottom end (lower side) is referred to as the lower end LED. The dimension from the upper end LED to the lower end LED (vertical dimension) is referred to as the first dimension. The first dimension is, for example, the dimension from the upper end (upper end) of the upper end LED to the lower end (lower end) of the lower end LED, and is approximately 100 mm.

[0213] FIG. 27 shows a monitor LED table 400 according to the first modification. In the monitor LED table 400, explanatory information for LED1 to LED20 is written, and the writing of each explanatory information corresponds to the arrangement of each LED on the main control board 72. That is, each explanatory information is written in 20 pieces arranged vertically. In other words, the arrangement order of each LED on the monitor LED 200 and the writing order of each explanatory information on the monitor LED table 400 match. In the monitor LED table 400, on the left side (left column), character information "LEDn" (n is 1 to 20) indicating which LED it is (which number LED it is) is written, and on the right side (right column), character information indicating which part each LED corresponds to is written. In the first modification, the first explanatory information is composed of the characters "LED1" and "reel sensor 1". The monitor LED table 400 is attached to the inside of the right side panel 6 of the housing 1, and by writing "LEDn" in the left area of ​​the monitor LED table 400, the distance to the monitor LED 200 can be made closer, making it easier for the operator to check.

[0214] In the monitor LED table 400, the first to twentieth explanatory information are each surrounded by a frame line (separated by a frame line). In addition, a line (partition line) is provided between the left-hand character and the right-hand character in each explanatory information to separate them. Hereinafter, a cell in which the nth explanatory information is written is referred to as the nth cell (n is 1 to 20). For example, the first explanatory information is written in the first cell. The nth cell (entire) in which the nth explanatory information is written can be referred to as the display range of the nth explanatory information.

[0215] In the monitor LED table 400, the dimension (vertical dimension) from the range (zone, region, area) where the explanatory information (first explanatory information) about the top LED is written to the range (zone, region, area) where the explanatory information (twentieth explanatory information) about the bottom LED is written is defined as the second dimension. The second dimension is, for example, the dimension from the top edge (outer edge) of the first cell to the bottom edge (outer edge) of the twentieth cell, and is about 100 mm.

[0216] In this modified example, the first dimension and the second dimension are the same. Note that "same" does not necessarily mean completely same, but includes approximately same. "Identical or approximately same" refers to a state in which, when LED1 is placed at a predetermined position (predetermined height) between the upper and lower sides of the first cell, LED20 is placed at a predetermined position (predetermined height) between the upper and lower sides of the 20th cell. In other words, it refers to a state in which the center of each LEDn (n is 1 to 20) is located between the upper and lower sides of the corresponding nth cell (within the range of the nth cell). Note that "substantially the same" may also mean the following: If the monitor LED table 400 shown in FIG. 27 is superimposed on the monitor LED 200 so that, for example, LED1 is contained inside the first cell, and viewed from the front (through), each LED (LED1 to LED20) may be contained (within a frame) in its corresponding cell (first cell to twentieth cell). Note that being contained within a cell does not necessarily mean that the entire LED (one LED) is completely contained within the frame (cell corresponding to the LED), and it is sufficient that, for example, the part contained within the frame is larger than the part not contained within the frame (part protruding from the frame), and for example, it is sufficient that about 80% to 90% is contained within the frame. In addition, in the above, the first dimension is defined as the dimension from the upper end of the upper LED to the lower end of the lower LED, but the first dimension may be as follows: the distance (vertical direction) between adjacent LEDs is α, the first position is a position moved α / 2 upward from the upper end of the upper LED, and the second position is a position moved α / 2 downward from the lower end of the lower LED, and the first dimension may be the dimension from the first position to the second position. Alternatively, the first dimension may be the dimension from the center of the top LED to the center of the bottom LED, and the second dimension may be the dimension from the center (vertical center) of the first cell to the center (vertical center) of the twentieth cell. Each piece of explanatory information corresponding to an LED is written in the vertical center of each cell. In addition, the first dimension may be the dimension from the bottom end of the top LED to the top end of the bottom LED (the shortest distance between the top LED and the bottom LED), and the second dimension may be the dimension from the bottom edge of the first cell to the top edge of the twentieth cell (the shortest distance between the first cell and the twentieth cell).

[0217] In the first modification, the monitor LEDs 200 are provided in one vertical row, but as long as the first dimension of the monitor LEDs 200 and the second dimension of the monitor LED table 400 have the same (approximately the same) relationship, the monitor LEDs 200 may be provided in two or more vertical rows. In that case, the monitor LED table 400 is provided corresponding to the monitor LEDs 200, and the width of the monitor LED table 400 becomes larger.

[0218] In addition, in the first modification, the monitor LEDs 200 (LED1 to LED20) are arranged in ascending order from the top on the main control board 72, but the monitor LEDs 200 may be arranged in ascending order from the bottom. In that case, the explanation information in the monitor LED table 400 is also arranged in ascending order from the bottom. In addition, in the first modification, the monitor LEDs 200 are arranged in a vertical line, but they may be arranged in a horizontal line. In that case, the monitor LED table 400 will be horizontally long accordingly. The first dimension is, for example, the dimension from the left end (left end) of the leftmost LED (LED1) to the right end (right end) of the rightmost LED (LED20). The second dimension is, for example, the dimension from the left side of the first cell to the right side of the twentieth cell. The first dimension and the second dimension are the same (including approximately the same).

[0219] The gaming machine of the first modification is as follows: A gaming machine comprising a housing and a control means provided inside the housing, the control means includes a monitor light-emitting unit configured by arranging a plurality of light-emitting elements in a predetermined direction; The housing has a monitor surface provided inside, In the monitor table, information about the plurality of light-emitting elements is written so as to correspond to an arrangement of each of the light-emitting elements in the control means, a first dimension is a dimension from a light emitting element at one end to a light emitting element at the other end in the monitor light emitting portion; If the dimension from the display range of the information on the light emitting element at one end to the display range of the information on the light emitting element at the other end in the monitor table is defined as a second dimension, The first dimension and the second dimension are the same or approximately the same.

[0220] Since the first dimension and the second dimension are the same or approximately the same, the relationship between each light-emitting element constituting the monitor light-emitting unit and the information corresponding to each light-emitting element becomes clearer. In other words, it is easy for an operator to understand at a glance. Therefore, the operator can more easily identify the light-emitting element to be inspected. This can improve the efficiency of the work of inspecting the operating state of parts. In addition, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

[0221] For example, when the predetermined direction is the up-down direction, and the nth LED from the top (e.g., n is 1 to 20) is designated as LEDn, the distance from the top LED to LEDn and the distance from the explanatory information of the top LED to the explanatory information of LEDn are the same (or approximately the same). Therefore, LEDn is located a predetermined distance below from the top on the monitor light-emitting unit, and the explanatory information of LEDn is located a predetermined distance below from the top on the monitor table. Therefore, a predetermined LED and its explanatory information can be easily identified by comparing the monitor light-emitting unit and the monitor table.

[0222] Although not shown, an external terminal board unit including an external terminal board and an external terminal board case that houses the external terminal board inside is provided on the inside of the right side plate 6 of the housing 1. The monitor LED table 400 can be attached to the area between the upper end of the external terminal board unit (the upper surface of the upper plate of the external terminal board case) and the upper end of the right side plate 6 of the housing 1 (the boundary with the top plate 2). In the vertical direction (height direction), it is preferable that the position where the monitor LED 200 is provided and the position where the monitor LED table 400 is attached (the start point (end point) of the first dimension and the start point (end point) of the second dimension) are the same or approximately the same. Approximately the same means that the difference between the two is within the range of the height of about one cell. In other words, it is preferable that the monitor LED table 400 is attached to the inside of the housing 1 (the right side plate 6) so as to be at the same height (approximately the same height) as the monitor LED 200. In this case, each LED of the monitor LED 200 and each explanatory information corresponding to each LED are at the same height (approximately the same height). Furthermore, the center of LEDn and the center of the nth cell (center in the vertical direction) may be at the same height (approximately the same height). When the monitor LED 200 and the monitor LED table 400 are at the same height, a specific LED and its corresponding explanatory information can be more easily grasped, and the efficiency of the work can be further improved.

[0223] In addition, in the vertical direction, the position where the monitor LED table 400 is attached may be higher than the position where the monitor LED 200 is provided. Even in this case, it is preferable that there is a range where the monitor LED 200 and the monitor LED table 400 overlap (overlap range) in the vertical direction.

[0224] (Variation 2) Next, a second modified example of this embodiment will be described. In the second modification, a monitor LED 200 is provided on the left side of the first surface of the main control board 72, and a monitor LED table 400 is provided on the inner surface of the left side plate 5 of the housing 1.

[0225] The monitor LED 200 is composed of 20 LEDs (LED1 to LED20), and the light color of LED1 to LED20 is red. LED1 to LED20 are arranged (aligned) at a predetermined interval in three vertical rows along the up-down direction of the main control board 72. Of the three rows, the leftmost row is the first row (left row), the middle row is the second row (middle row), and the rightmost row is the third row (right row). Seven LEDs (first group of LEDs) are arranged in the first row, six LEDs (second group of LEDs) are arranged in the second row, and seven LEDs (third group of LEDs) are arranged in the third row.

[0226] In each row, the LEDs are arranged in order from top to bottom (ascending order from top to bottom). The top LED in the first row is LED1, the LED with the next number after the bottom LED in the first row is the top LED in the second row, and the LED with the next number after the bottom LED in the second row is the top LED in the third row. Note that the three rows of LEDs may be arranged with the top LEDs aligned, or may be arranged so that the top LEDs are positioned higher in the right-hand rows (they may be arranged in a staircase pattern going up to the right).

[0227] On the main control board 72, the identification information "LED1" is written near (above) the LED1 at the top of the first row, the identification information "LED8" is written near (above) the LED8 at the top of the second row, and the identification information "LED14" is written near (above) the LED14 at the top of the third row. Also, an LED number (only numbers) is written as identification information near (for example, at the bottom right) the LEDs other than the top LED of each row. That is, the identification information for the LEDs other than the top LED of each row is written with the letters "LED" omitted, and only the numbers (numbers) are written.

[0228] In the monitor LED table 400, explanatory information for LED1 to LED20 is written, and the writing of each explanatory information corresponds to the arrangement of each LED on the main control board 72. The explanatory information corresponding to each column (one column) of the monitor LED 200 is written in two columns in the monitor LED table 400, and the left column is written with text information "LEDn" (n is 1 to 20) indicating which LED it is (which number LED it is), and the right column is written with text information indicating which component each LED corresponds to. For example, the first explanatory information is composed of "LED1" written on the left side and "Stop button 1" written on the right side. Hereinafter, the explanatory information group corresponding to the first group of LEDs (LED1 to LED7) is referred to as explanatory information group A, the explanatory information group corresponding to the second group of LEDs (LED8 to LED13) is referred to as explanatory information group B, and the explanatory information group corresponding to the third group of LEDs (LED14 to LED20) is referred to as explanatory information group C. In the monitor LED table 400, explanatory information group A is written on the leftmost side, explanatory information group C is written on the rightmost side, and explanatory information group B is written between explanatory information group A and explanatory information group C.

[0229] The explanatory information groups A, B, and C are each surrounded by a frame line and are not in contact with each other, and a predetermined gap is provided between the frame line (outer frame) of the explanatory information group A and the frame line (outer frame) of the explanatory information group B, and between the frame line (outer frame) of the explanatory information group B and the frame line (outer frame) of the explanatory information group C in the left-right direction. Furthermore, for the explanatory information group A, the first explanatory information to the seventh explanatory information are each surrounded by a frame line (separated by a frame line). For the explanatory information group B, the eighth explanatory information to the thirteenth explanatory information are each surrounded by a frame line. For the explanatory information group C, the fourteenth explanatory information to the twentieth explanatory information are each surrounded by a frame line. Furthermore, a line (partition line) is provided between the left-side character and the right-side character in each explanatory information to separate them.

[0230] (First group of LEDs and explanatory information group A) LED1 is an LED that responds to the detection of pressing the stop button 33a. In the monitor LED table 400, the first explanation information corresponding to LED1 is written as "LED1" in the left column and "Stop button 1" in the right column. LED2 is an LED that responds to detection of pressing of the stop button 33b. In the monitor LED table 400, the second explanation information corresponding to LED2 is written as "LED2" in the left column and "Stop button 2" in the right column. LED3 is an LED that responds to detection of pressing of the stop button 33c. In the monitor LED table 400, the third description information corresponding to LED3 is written as "LED3" in the left column and "Stop button 3" in the right column. LED4 is an LED that responds to detection of pressing of the start lever 32. In the monitor LED table 400, the fourth explanation information corresponding to LED4 is written as "LED4" in the left column and as "start lever" in the right column. LED5 is an LED that responds to detection of pressing of the MAX BET button 35. In the monitor LED table 400, the fifth explanatory information corresponding to LED5 is written as "LED5" in the left column and as "MAX BET BUTTON" in the right column. LED6 is an LED that responds to the detection of pressing the 1 bet button. In the monitor LED table 400, the sixth explanatory information corresponding to LED6 is written as "LED6" in the left column and "1 bet button" in the right column. The LED7 is an LED that responds to the detection of pressing the checkout button 60. In the monitor LED table 400, the seventh explanation information corresponding to the LED7 is written as "LED7" in the left column and as "Cancel button" in the right column.

[0231] The LEDs of the first group are LEDs that correspond to the above-mentioned predetermined operation unit (operation means). In other words, the LEDs of the first group are LEDs that correspond to the detection of the predetermined operation unit. The predetermined operation unit is an operation unit that can be maintained (held) in an ON state for a certain period of time based on the operation (pressing) of the player. In other words, it is an operation unit that the player can normally operate in the game center (hall). Since a signal output based on the pressing of the predetermined operation unit is input to the main control board 72, the predetermined operation unit may be called a main system operation unit. The LEDs of the first group (first group) are LEDs that can be maintained in a lit state for a certain period of time based on the operation of the player. The predetermined row (left row) of the monitor LED 200 is arranged with the LEDs of the first group aligned (the left row is unified with the LEDs of the first group).

[0232] (2nd group LEDs and explanatory information group B) LED8 is an LED corresponding to the insertion detection sensor 78. In the monitor LED table 400, the eighth description information corresponding to LED8 is written as "LED8" in the left column and as "insertion sensor" in the right column. LED9 is an LED corresponding to the first medal passing sensor 51. In the monitor LED table 400, the ninth explanation information corresponding to LED9 is written as "LED9" in the left column and as "medal sensor 1" in the right column. The LED 10 is an LED corresponding to the second medal passing sensor 52. In the monitor LED table 400, the tenth explanation information corresponding to the LED 10 is written as "LED 10" in the left column and as "medal sensor 2" in the right column. LED11 is an LED corresponding to the shoot sensor 54. In the monitor LED table 400, the eleventh explanation information corresponding to LED11 is written as "LED11" in the left column and as "R shoot sensor" in the right column. LED12 is an LED corresponding to dispensing sensor 58. In monitor LED table 400, the twelfth explanation information corresponding to LED12 is written as "LED12" in the left column and as "hopper sensor" in the right column. LED 13 is an LED corresponding to overflow sensor 56. In monitor LED table 400, the thirteenth description information corresponding to LED 13 is written as "LED 13" in the left column and "Overflow" in the right column.

[0233] The second group of LEDs (specific LEDs (second specific LEDs, specific light-emitting elements)) are LEDs that correspond to the above-mentioned specific sensor (detection means). In other words, the lighting of the second group (second group) of LEDs is controlled based on a specific detection of medals. The specific detection includes detection of medal insertion through the medal insertion port 34, detection of medal passage through the medal passage, detection of medal payout through the hopper unit 11, detection of medals stored in the cash box 12 reaching a specific amount, etc. In further other words, the lighting of the second group of LEDs is controlled based on the signal state of medal-related detection means (detection means for detecting medals). A specific row (middle row) of the monitor LED 200 is made up of LEDs of the second group arranged side by side (the middle row is unified with LEDs of the second group).

[0234] (Third group of LEDs and explanatory information group C) LED14 is an LED corresponding to the first reel sensor. In the monitor LED table 400, the fourteenth description information corresponding to LED14 is written as "LED14" in the left column and "Reel Sensor 1" in the right column. LED15 is an LED corresponding to the second reel sensor. In the monitor LED table 400, the fifteenth explanation information corresponding to LED15 is written as "LED15" in the left column and "Reel Sensor 2" in the right column. LED16 is an LED corresponding to the third reel sensor. In the monitor LED table 400, the sixteenth description information corresponding to LED16 is written as "LED16" in the left column and as "Reel Sensor 3" in the right column. The LED 17 is an LED corresponding to the door open / close switch of the lower door. In the monitor LED table 400, the 17th explanation information corresponding to the LED 17 is written as "LED 17" in the left column and as "Lower door open / close switch" in the right column. LED 18 is an LED corresponding to the door open / close switch of the upper door. In the monitor LED table 400, the 18th explanation information corresponding to LED 18 is written as "LED 18" in the left column and as "upper door open / close switch" in the right column. LED 19 is an LED corresponding to a door sensor. In the monitor LED table 400, the 19th description information corresponding to LED 19 is written as "LED 19" in the left column and "Door Sensor" in the right column. LED 20 is an LED corresponding to the setting change button. In monitor LED table 400, the 20th description information corresponding to LED 20 is written as "LED 20" in the left column and as "setting key switch" in the right column.

[0235] The third group of LEDs are LEDs corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined sensor (switch) and the above-mentioned predetermined operation unit. These predetermined sensors and predetermined operation units (operation units that players do not normally operate in the gaming facility) have a lower frequency (opportunity) of maintaining (retaining) the ON state for a certain period of time based on the player's operation than the predetermined operation units corresponding to the first group of LEDs. Note that "low frequency" includes those that are never turned ON based on the player's operation (i.e., zero).

[0236] In other words, the LEDs of the third group (third group) are less frequently kept in a lit state (including a blinking state) for a certain period of time based on the player's operation than the LEDs of the first group. Note that "low frequency" includes those that are never lit based on the player's operation (i.e., zero). Also, it is not necessary that all the LEDs of the third group are lower in brightness than the LEDs of the first group, and it is sufficient that the LEDs of the third group are lower in brightness than the LEDs of the first group when viewed as a whole group, and some of the LEDs of the third group are equivalent to the LEDs of the first group. A certain column (right column) of the monitor LED 200 is made up of LEDs of the third group arranged side by side (the right column is unified with LEDs of the third group).

[0237] The LEDs 14 to 16 are turned on (blinking) when the reels are rotating normally, but they are not kept on (blinking) while the player is performing a predetermined operation (pressing the operation unit) (while continuing to operate). In other words, they are not kept on based on the player's operation. In addition, in order to turn on the LEDs 17 to 20, it is necessary to open the front door 20, that is, to insert the door key into the door key cylinder 66 and rotate it counterclockwise, but the door key is held by a manager such as a staff member of the game arcade. Therefore, the LEDs 17 to 20 are kept on low (including zero) frequency based on the player's operation. It can also be said that the LEDs in the third group are kept on relatively frequently for a certain period of time based on the manager's operation.

[0238] In the second modification, the columns of the monitor LEDs 200 are arranged in ascending order from the top, but may be arranged in ascending order from the bottom. In that case, the identification information in the monitor LED table 400 is also arranged in ascending order from the bottom. In the second modification, the monitor LEDs 200 are arranged in the left column, the second group LEDs in the middle column, and the third group LEDs in the right column, but this is not limited to this, and the LEDs of each group may be arranged in a predetermined column (either the left, middle, or right column). In the second modification, the monitor LEDs 200 are arranged in three columns, but this is not limited to this, and may be arranged in three rows, for example. That is, for example, the LEDs of the first group may be arranged in the first row from the top, the LEDs of the second group may be arranged in the second row from the top, and the LEDs of the third group may be arranged in the third row from the top. In that case, for example, the LEDs are arranged in ascending order from left to right. In the monitor LED table 400, the order from top to bottom is the identification information group A, the identification information group B, and the identification information group C. Also, for example, the first group of LEDs and the third group of LEDs may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (horizontal), and the second group of LEDs may be arranged side by side in the up-down direction (vertical).

[0239] In addition, in the second modification, the first group is made up of seven LEDs (LED1 to LED7), the second group is made up of six LEDs (LED8 to LED13), and the third group is made up of seven LEDs (LED14 to LED20), but each group does not necessarily have to include all of these LEDs. For example, the second group (specific LEDs) may be made up of LED8 to LED11. When the second group is made up of LED8 to LED11, LED8 to LED11 in the middle row light up in sequence as a medal is inserted into medal insertion slot 34. When the second group is made up of LED8 to LED13, some of the LEDs in the middle row (a predetermined number of LEDs) light up in sequence as a medal is inserted into medal insertion slot 34.

[0240] The gaming machine of the second modification is as follows: A gaming machine comprising a housing and a control means provided inside the housing, The control means includes a monitor light-emitting unit configured by arranging a plurality of light-emitting elements, Among the plurality of light-emitting elements, a light-emitting element that is turned on based on a signal state of a detection means related to a game value is defined as a specific light-emitting element. A predetermined row or a predetermined column in the monitor light-emitting unit is configured by arranging the specific light-emitting elements, When a gaming value is inserted into the insertion slot, the specific light-emitting elements are illuminated in a predetermined direction in sequence.

[0241] The specified row (or the specified column) in the monitor light-emitting section is configured by arranging the specified light-emitting elements (second group of LEDs), and when a game value (a medal) is inserted into the insertion slot, the specified light-emitting elements are lit up in a specified direction in sequence. Therefore, when an operator inspects the detection means related to game value, he or she only needs to look at the specified row (or the specified column) in which the specified light-emitting elements are arranged, and move his or her line of sight in one direction along it. This improves the efficiency of the inspection work to inspect the operating state of parts (allows the work to be performed efficiently). It also reduces the burden on the operator.

[0242] The gaming machine of the second modification is as follows: A gaming machine comprising a housing and a control means provided inside the housing, The control means includes a monitor light-emitting unit configured by arranging a plurality of light-emitting elements, The plurality of light emitting elements include a first group of light emitting elements, a second group of light emitting elements, and a third group of light emitting elements, The first group of light-emitting elements are arranged in a predetermined row or a predetermined column in the monitor light-emitting section, and can be kept lit up based on a player's operation; the second group of light-emitting elements are arranged in a predetermined row or a predetermined column in the monitor light-emitting section, and are turned on based on a signal state of a detection means relating to a game value; The third group of light-emitting elements are arranged in a predetermined row or column in the monitor light-emitting section, and are less frequently kept lit based on the player's operation than the first group of light-emitting elements.

[0243] The plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the monitor light-emitting section are divided into the first group of light-emitting elements, the second group of light-emitting elements, and the third group of light-emitting elements according to differences in lighting, and are arranged in different rows or columns. In other words, light-emitting elements belonging to the same group are arranged in the same row or column. For this reason, the worker only needs to check a specific row or column depending on the contents (parts) to be inspected, and the efficiency of the inspection work to inspect the operating state of the parts can be improved. In addition, the burden on the worker can be reduced. For example, when inspecting a specific detection related to the gaming value, the worker only needs to check the row or column in which the second group of light-emitting elements are arranged.

[0244] In the second modification, the display positions of each explanatory information on the monitor LED table 400 correspond (completely correspond) to the arrangement positions of each LED on the main control board 72, but it is not necessary that some of them correspond. For example, the eighth explanatory information located at the top of the explanatory information group B may be displayed at the bottom (below the seventh explanatory information) of the explanatory information group A, and the ninth explanatory information may be moved up to the top of the explanatory information group B. Also, the fourteenth and fifteenth explanatory information, which are the top two of the explanatory information group C, may be displayed below the explanatory information group B (below the thirteenth explanatory information), and the sixteenth explanatory information may be moved up to the top of the explanatory information group C.

[0245] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and any of the components may be modified or omitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In other words, the configuration of the gaming machine is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The present invention also allows free combination of the embodiments within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0246] 1 Case 72 Main control board (control means) 200 Monitor LED (monitor light emitting part) 400 Monitor LED Table (Monitor Table)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising a cabinet including a first side panel and a second side panel, a control means provided inside the cabinet, and a front door provided on the cabinet so as to be capable of being opened and closed with the left side as an axis, the control means includes a monitor light-emitting unit configured by arranging a plurality of light-emitting elements in a predetermined direction; a monitor surface on an inner surface of the first side panel of the housing; the monitor light-emitting unit is provided on the first side plate side of the housing of the control unit, In the monitor table, information about the plurality of light-emitting elements is written so as to correspond to an arrangement of each of the light-emitting elements in the control means, a first dimension is a dimension from a light emitting element at one end to a light emitting element at the other end in the monitor light emitting portion; A dimension from a predetermined position of a display range of information on the light-emitting element at one end to a predetermined position of a display range of information on the light-emitting element at the other end in the monitor table is defined as a second dimension. The first dimension and the second dimension are the same or substantially the same, The state of the front door includes a first state, a second state, and a third state, the first state is a state in which the front door is closed and a supported portion of the front door is supported by a support portion of the housing, the second state is a state in which the front door is open and a supported portion of the front door is not in contact with a support portion of the housing, the third state is a state in which the front door is open and a supported portion of the front door is in contact with a support portion of the housing, a vertical dimension between a right lower end of the front door and a placement surface of the housing in the second state is smaller than a vertical dimension between a right lower end of the front door and a placement surface of the housing in the first state and is larger than a thickness of a game medal; a vertical dimension between the lower right end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing in the third state is smaller than a vertical dimension between the lower right end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing in the first state and is larger than a thickness of a game medal; The vertical dimension between the lower right end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing in the first state, the vertical dimension between the lower right end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing in the second state, and the vertical dimension between the lower right end of the front door and the placement surface of the housing in the third state are smaller than the diameter of a game ball. Amusement machine.

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