gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving an amusement of a player.SOLUTION: A game machine is configured so that, swollen parts 524L, 524R are formed on side surfaces 526L, 526R where game balls which flow down a game area roll, when left and right wing members 520L, 520R are opened. The respective swollen parts 524L, 524R are formed on different positions in a direction where is orthogonal to a direction where game balls roll along planes of the side surfaces 526L, 526R. Therefore, when game balls are sent to one of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R, the swollen parts 524L, 524R can send the game balls to the swollen part 524L, 524R of the other wing member 520L, 520R. Therefore, the game balls can be suppressed from rolling and passing through the side surfaces 526L, 526R.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, game balls can now be inserted into the slots. Structure A successful goal region And then the ball Towards the field It has a guide surface to guide the game ball. do Gaming machines are known 。 [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-164598 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, There is room for improvement in terms of ball guidance. There was a problem:

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, Improvements regarding ball guidance The purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine described in claim 1 comprises an entry area configured to allow game balls to enter, and a guide means having a guide surface that guides game balls toward the entry area and configured to change its position in a front view, and when the guide means is located at a predetermined position, the game balls guided by the guide surface can enter the entry area and flow down to the predetermined area, and the guide means comprises at least a front-side erection means that is erected from a position connected to the front end of the guide surface and stands upright against the guide surface, and a back-side erection means that is erected from a position connected to the back end of the guide surface and stands upright against the guide surface, and the game balls guided by the guide surface flow down between the front end and the back end of the guide surface. The guide surface is configured so that at least a portion of its width in the front-to-back direction is reduced by the front-side erection means or the rear-side erection means, and a gaming ball guided by the guide surface can abut against either the front-side erection means or the rear-side erection means, and the front-side erection means and the rear-side erection means are configured so that a plurality of gaming balls guided by the guide surface can be aligned in a flow-down area in front of the ball entry area so that a plurality of gaming balls enter the ball entry area one by one, and the gaming machine comprises: a configuration means configured so that at least a portion of the guiding means that the front-side erection means or the rear-side erection means can abut against the guiding means when the guiding means is located at the predetermined position; The guide means is configured at a position biased at least toward the rear side thereof, and a contact means configured to allow the game ball sent to the guide surface to contact the contact means at a position upstream of the guide surface. The game ball is sent from any position on the front end of the contact means to the guide surface and headed toward the front side of the game machine, and the game ball headed toward the front side of the game machine The front side erection hand Step by step The structure is such that they can come into contact with each other.

[0007]

[0008] [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the gaming machine of claim 1, Improvements regarding ball guidance can.

[0010]

[0011] [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective front view of the operating unit. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] (a) is a front view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a rear view of the winning port unit. [Figure 11] An exploded oblique front view of the prize slot unit. [Figure 12] This is an exploded oblique rear view of the prize slot unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the base member and the first electric accessory. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective front view of the drive unit. [Figure 15] 10(a) and 10(b) are side views of the drive unit and the first electric accessory. [Figure 16] 10(a) and 10(b) are front views of the drive unit and the first electric accessory. [Figure 17] 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional views of the winning slot unit 500 taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 10(a). [Figure 18] (a) and (b) are front views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 19] 10(a) and 10(b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 20] 20(a) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XXa-XXa in FIG. 18(a), and FIG. 20(b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XXb-XXb in FIG. 18(b). [Figure 21] 10(a) and 10(b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 22] 21(a) is a partially enlarged side view of the drive unit in range XXIIa of FIG. 21(a), and FIG. 21(b) is a partially enlarged side view of the drive unit in range XXIIb of FIG. 21(b). [Figure 23] FIG. 1(a) is a front perspective view of the left wing member, and FIG. 1(b) is a front perspective view of the right wing member. [Figure 24] 24(a) is a front view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XXIVb-XXIVb in FIG. 24(a). [Figure 25] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 26] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 27] 27(a) is a top view of the winning port unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XXVIIb-XXVIIb in FIG. 27(a). [Figure 28] 27(a) and 27(b) are partially enlarged cross-sectional views of the winning slot unit in range XXVIII of FIG. 27(b). [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the gaming board in range XXIX of FIG. [Figure 30] 30(a) is a front view of the decorative pattern display device, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device taken along line XXXb-XXXb in FIG. 30(a). [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective front view of the decorative pattern display device. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective rear view of the decorative pattern display device. [Figure 33] (a) is a front view of the inner reel unfolded, and (b) is a front view of the outer reel unfolded. [Figure 34] 30(a) is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in FIG. [Figure 35] 35 is a partially enlarged view of the decorative pattern display device in the range XXXV of FIG. 34. [Figure 36] 36(a) is a partially enlarged view of the rotary member, and FIG. 36(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotary member taken along line XXXVIb-XXXVIb in FIG. 36(a). [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is a front view of the segment display device. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the segment display device. [Figure 39] FIG. 2(a) is a front view of the vertical displacement unit, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit. [Figure 40] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective front view of the vertical displacement unit. [Figure 41] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective rear view of the vertical displacement unit. [Figure 42] FIG. 10(a) is a front view of the second segment unit, and FIG. 10(b) is a rear view of the second segment unit. [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective front view of a second segment unit. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective rear view of the second segment unit. [Figure 45] FIG. 42(a) is a cross-sectional view of the second segment unit taken along line XLV-XLV in FIG. [Figure 46] FIG. [Figure 47] FIG. 42(b) is a cross-sectional view of the second segment unit taken along line XLVII-XLVII in FIG. 42(a). [Figure 48] FIG. [Figure 49] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective front view of the vertical displacement unit. [Figure 50] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective rear view of the vertical displacement unit. [Figure 51]FIG. 2(a) is a front view of the displacement member, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the displacement member. [Figure 52] FIG. [Figure 53] FIG. 51(b) is a cross-sectional view of the displacement member taken along line LIII-LIII in FIG. 51(a). [Figure 54] FIG. [Figure 55] FIG. 2 is a front view of the segment display device and the decorative pattern display device. [Figure 56] 1 is a schematic diagram of a segment display device and a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 57] 10(a) to 10(c) are front views of the vertical displacement unit. [Figure 58] 57(a) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vertical displacement unit taken along line LVIIIb-LVIIIb in FIG. 57(a). [Figure 59] 57(a) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vertical displacement unit taken along line LVIIIb-LVIIIb in FIG. 57(a). [Figure 60] 57(a) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vertical displacement unit taken along line LVIIIb-LVIIIb in FIG. 57(a). [Figure 61] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 62] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 63] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 64] 64(a) is a partially enlarged view of the rotary member in the second embodiment, and FIG. 64(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotary member taken along line LXIVb-LXIVb in FIG. 64(a). [Figure 65] A cross-sectional view of a decorative pattern display device in a third embodiment. [Figure 66] 66(a) is a partially enlarged view of the outer reel unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the outer reel unit taken along line LXVIb-LXVIb in FIG. 66(a). [Figure 67] A cross-sectional view of a decorative pattern display device in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 68] 68(a) is a partially enlarged view of the rotating member, and FIG. 68(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member taken along line LXVIIIb-LXVIIIb in FIG. 68(a). [Figure 69] A cross-sectional view of a decorative pattern display device in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 70] 70(a) is a partially enlarged view of the circular member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the circular member taken along line LXXb-LXXb in FIG. 70(a). [Figure 71] A cross-sectional view of a decorative pattern display device in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 72] 72(a) is a partially enlarged view of the rotary member, and FIG. 72(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotary member taken along line LXXIIb-LXXIIb in FIG. 72(a). [Figure 73] 73(a) is a partially enlarged view of the outer reel unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the outer reel unit taken along line LXXIIIb-LXXIIIb in FIG. 73(a). [Figure 74] FIG. 13(a) is a front view of a rotary member in a seventh embodiment, and FIG. [Figure 75] 1(a) to 1(c) are side views of the drive unit and the first electric accessory. [Figure 76] 1(a) to 1(c) are front views of the drive unit and the first electric accessory. [Figure 77] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 78] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective front view of a drive unit according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 79] 10(a) and 10(b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 80] 10(a) and 10(b) are front views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 81] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 82](a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 83] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective front view of a drive unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 84] 10(a) and 10(b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 85] 10(a) and 10(b) are front views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit. [Figure 86] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 87] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 88] FIG. 20(a) is a front view of a displacement member in the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 20(b) is a side view of the displacement member. [Figure 89] FIG. [Figure 90] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 91] 91(a) and 91(b) are partial enlarged views of the vertical displacement unit in the range XCI of FIG. 90. [Figure 92] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 93] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 94] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical displacement unit. [Figure 95] 95(a) is a top view of the winning port unit in the 12th embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XCVb-XCVb in FIG. 95(a). [Figure 96] 96(a) is a top view of the winning port unit in the thirteenth embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit taken along line XCVIb-XCVIb in FIG. 96(a). [Figure 97] FIG. 23(a) is a perspective front view of the left wing member in the fourteenth embodiment, and (b) is a perspective front view of the right wing member. [Figure 98](a) is a cross-sectional view of the prize slot unit, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the left wing member taken along line XCVIIIb-XCVIIIb in Figure 98(a), and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right wing member taken along line XCVIIIc-XCVIIIc in Figure 98(b). [Figure 99] 99(a) is a partially enlarged view of the game board in the fifteenth embodiment, and FIG. 99(b) is a cross-sectional view of the game board taken along line XCIXb-XCIXb in FIG. 99. [Figure 100] 100(a) is a partially enlarged view of the game board, and FIG. 100(b) is a cross-sectional view of the game board taken along line Cb-Cb in FIG. 100(a). [Figure 101] (a) is a front view of the first electric prop and drive unit in the 16th embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the first electric prop and drive unit 8530 along line CIb-CIb in Figure 101(a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the first electric prop and drive unit along line CIc-CIc in Figure 101(b). [Figure 102] 17(a) and 17(b) are side views of the first electric accessory and the drive unit in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 103] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 104] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the prize slot unit. [Figure 105] 105(a) is a partially enlarged view of a rotating member in the eighteenth embodiment, and FIG. 105(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member taken along line CVb-CVb in FIG. 105(a). [Figure 106] 18(a) and 18(b) are cross-sectional views of a decorative pattern display device in the 18th embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 63, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 will be described as a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of a game board 13 of the pachinko machine 10, and Fig. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, pachinko machine 10 comprises outer frame 2, the outer shell of which is formed by wooden frames assembled into a roughly rectangular shape, and inner frame 4, which is formed in roughly the same external shape as outer frame 2 and is supported so as to be able to open and close relative to outer frame 2. Metal hinges 18 are attached to outer frame 2 at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), in order to support inner frame 4, and inner frame 4 is supported so as to be able to open and close towards the front, with the side where hinges 18 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing.

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

[0016] On the front side of the inner frame 4, there is a front door 5 that covers the upper front side, and a lower tray unit 15 that covers the lower side. To support the front door 5 and lower tray unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and the front door 5 and lower tray unit 15 are supported so that they can be opened and closed toward the front, with the side where the hinges 19 are installed serving as the opening and closing axis. The inner frame 4 and the front door 5 can be unlocked by inserting a dedicated key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a specified operation.

[0017] The front door 5 is fitted with decorative resin parts, electrical parts, etc., and has a window 5c formed in a roughly oval shape at its approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass plates 8 is disposed on the rear side of the front door 5, and the front of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0018] In the front door 5, an upper tray 17 for storing balls is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top and protruding forward, and prize balls, loan balls, etc. are discharged onto this upper tray 17. The bottom of the upper tray 17 is formed to slope downward to the right when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), and this slope guides balls dropped into the upper tray 17 to the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4). In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the top surface of the upper tray 17. This frame button 22 is operated by the player, for example, to change the mode of the presentation displayed on the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 (see FIG. 2), or to change the content of the super reach presentation.

[0019] The front door 5 is provided with various light-emitting devices such as various lamps around its periphery (e.g., corners). These light-emitting devices change their light-emitting modes by lighting or blinking in response to changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or when a predetermined reach is reached, thereby enhancing the presentation effects during the game. The periphery of the window 5c is provided with illumination units 29-33 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs. In the pachinko machine 10, these illumination units 29-33 function as presentation lamps, such as jackpot lamps. When a jackpot is hit or a reach presentation is being performed, the built-in LEDs cause each illumination unit 29-33 to light up or blink, thereby indicating that a jackpot is being achieved or that the player is in a reach phase just before a jackpot. Furthermore, the upper left corner of the front door 5, as viewed from the front (see Figure 1), is provided with an indicator lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs, which can indicate when prize balls are being paid out and when an error has occurred.

[0020] Additionally, a small window 35 is formed by attaching transparent resin to the backside of the lower side of the right-side illumination unit 32 so that the backside of the front door 5 can be seen, and certificate stamps and the like affixed to the attachment space K1 (see Figure 2) on the front of the game board 13 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Additionally, in the pachinko machine 10, a plated member 36 made of chrome-plated ABS resin is attached to the area around the illumination units 29 to 33 to create a more dazzling appearance.

[0021] A ball dispensing operation unit 40 is disposed below the window 5c. The ball dispensing operation unit 40 is provided with a number display unit 41, a ball dispensing button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball dispensing unit) (not shown) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are dispensed in accordance with the operation. Specifically, the number display unit 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc. is displayed, and an internal LED lights up to display the remaining balance numerically as the remaining balance information. The ball dispensing button 42 is operated to obtain dispensed balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and dispensed balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a remaining balance on the card, etc. The return button 43 is operated to request the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. In addition, in pachinko machines where balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispensing device to the upper tray 17 without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is not necessary, but in this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation part of the ball dispensing operation unit 40 to make the parts configuration common. It is possible to standardize pachinko machines that use card units and cash machines.

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

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

[0024] A ball ejection lever 52 is provided on the lower front portion of the lower tray 50 to be operated when ejecting balls stored in the lower tray 50 downward. This ball ejection lever 52 is always biased to the right, and by sliding it to the left against this bias, a bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 50 opens, and the balls fall naturally from the bottom opening and are ejected. This ball ejection lever 52 is usually operated with a box (commonly called a "senryo box") placed below the lower tray 50 to receive the balls ejected from the lower tray 50. As mentioned above, the operating handle 51 is disposed on the right side of the lower tray 50, and an ashtray 53 is attached to the left side of the lower tray 50.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 13 is constructed by assembling a base plate 60 machined into a generally square shape when viewed from the front, along with numerous ball-guiding nails (not shown) and a windmill, as well as rails 76, 77, a general winning opening 63, a first winning opening 64, a second winning opening 140, a variable winning device 65, a first through gate 66, and a variable display unit 80, and the peripheral portion of the base plate 60 is attached to the back side of the inner frame 4 (see FIG. 1). The base plate 60 is made of wood, with thin sheets of wood glued together, and is formed so that the player cannot see the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60 from the front side. The general winning opening 63, the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 140, the variable winning device 65, and the variable display unit 80 are arranged in through-holes formed in the base plate 60 by router processing, and are fixed to the front side of the game board 13 with tapping screws or the like.

[0026] The central portion of the front surface of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 4 through the window portion 5c (see FIG. 1) of the front door 5. The configuration of the game board 13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0027] An outer rail 77 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a generally arcuate shape is installed on the front of the gaming board 13, and an arcuate inner rail 76 formed from a strip-shaped metal plate like the outer rail 77 is installed inside the outer rail 77. The inner rail 76 and outer rail 77 surround the front periphery of the gaming board 13, and the gaming board 13 and glass unit 16 (see Figure 1) surround the front and back, forming a gaming area in front of the gaming board 13 where games are played based on the behavior of the ball. The gaming area is an area in front of the gaming board 13 that is partitioned by the two rails 76, 77 and the resin outer edge member 73 connecting the rails (an area where winning slots and the like are arranged and where shot balls flow down).

[0028] The two rails 76, 77 are provided to guide the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 4) to the top of the game board 13. A ball return prevention member 68 is attached to the tip (upper left in Figure 2) of the inner rail 76, preventing a ball that has been guided to the top of the game board 13 from returning into the ball guide passage. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip (upper right in Figure 2) of the outer rail 77 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight point of the ball, and a ball launched with more than a predetermined force hits the return rubber 69 and bounces back toward the center while its force is reduced.

[0029] First symbol display devices 37A and 37B, each equipped with a plurality of LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means, are disposed in the lower left portion of the game area as viewed from the front (lower left portion of FIG. 2). The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B display information according to the controls performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and primarily display the game status of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be selectively used depending on whether the ball has entered the first winning slot 64 or the second winning slot 140. Specifically, when the ball has entered the first winning slot 64, the first symbol display device 37A is activated, and when the ball has entered the second winning slot 140, the first symbol display device 37B is activated.

[0030] Furthermore, the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a probability variable, time-saving, or normal mode, whether it is fluctuating, whether the stopped symbol corresponds to a probability variable jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a missing symbol, and the number of reserved balls, and also display the number of rounds during a jackpot and errors using a 7-segment display device. The multiple LEDs are configured to emit different colors (e.g., red, green, blue), and the various game states of the pachinko machine 10 can be indicated using a small number of LEDs by combining different colors.

[0031] In this pachinko machine 10, a lottery is held when either the first winning slot 64 or the second winning slot 140 is won. In the lottery, the pachinko machine 10 determines whether or not a jackpot has been won (jackpot lottery), and if a jackpot has been determined, it also determines the type of jackpot. The jackpot types that can be determined here include a 15R variable jackpot, a 4R variable jackpot, and a 15R regular jackpot. The first symbol display devices 37A, 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stopped symbol after the variation has ended, but also display a symbol corresponding to the type of jackpot if a jackpot has been won.

[0032] Here, a "15R probability variable jackpot" refers to a probability variable jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and a "4R probability variable jackpot" refers to a probability variable jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 4. Also, a "15R normal jackpot" refers to a jackpot that transitions to a low probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and is in a time-saving state for a predetermined number of variations (for example, 100 variations).

[0033] Furthermore, the "high probability state" refers to a state in which the probability of a subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value after a jackpot, i.e., during a so-called probability fluctuation (probability change state). In other words, it refers to a game state in which a transition to a special game state is likely. In this embodiment, the high probability state (probability change state) includes a game state in which the probability of a second symbol (described later) is increased, making it easier for a ball to enter the second winning slot 140. The "low probability state" refers to a state when the probability change state is not in a probability change state, in which the jackpot probability is normal, i.e., a state in which the jackpot probability is lower than during a probability change state. Furthermore, the time-saving state (time-saving state) within the "low probability state" refers to a game state in which the jackpot probability is normal, and the jackpot probability remains the same, but only the probability of a second symbol is increased, making it easier for a ball to enter the second winning slot 140. On the other hand, the pachinko machine 10 is in a normal state when it is neither in a probability change state nor a time-saving state (a state in which neither the jackpot probability nor the probability of a second symbol is increased).

[0034] During the probability variation or time-saving mode, not only does the probability of winning the second symbol increase, but the time for which the first electric device 520 associated with the second winning slot 140 is opened is also changed and set to a longer time than during normal play. When the first electric device 520 is in an open state (open state), it becomes easier for the ball to win the second winning slot 140 than when the first electric device 520 is in a closed state (closed state). Therefore, during the probability variation or time-saving mode, it becomes easier for the ball to win the second winning slot 140, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0035] During a probability variation or a time-saving period, instead of changing the opening time of the first electric device 520 associated with the second winning slot 140, or in addition to changing the opening time, a change may be made to increase the number of times the first electric device 520 opens with one win compared to normal play. Also, during a probability variation or a time-saving period, the probability of winning the second symbol may not be changed, but at least one of the time during which the first electric device 520 associated with the second winning slot 140 is opened and the number of times the first electric device 520 opens with one win may be changed. Also, during a probability variation or a time-saving period, the time during which the first electric device 520 associated with the second winning slot 140 is opened or the number of times the first electric device 520 opens with one win may not be changed, but only the probability of winning the second symbol may be changed to be higher compared to normal play.

[0036] The game area is provided with a plurality of general winning openings 63, through which 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the winning opening. A variable display device unit 80 is also provided in the center of the game area. The variable display device unit 80 is provided with a segment display device 600 and a decorative pattern display device 800 that display a variable third pattern in synchronization with the variable display in the first pattern display devices 37A and 37B, triggered by a winning (starting winning) in either the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 140, and a second pattern display device (not shown) consisting of an LED that displays a variable second pattern in response to a ball passing through the first through gate 66.

[0037] Furthermore, a center frame 86 is disposed in the variable display device unit 80 so as to surround the outer periphery of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. The segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be viewed from an opening formed in the center of this center frame 86.

[0038] The segment display device 600 and decorative symbol display device 800 of this embodiment perform decorative display and displacement operations according to the display of the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B, while the display of the game status in accordance with the control of the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed by the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B. Note that instead of the segment display device 600 and decorative symbol display device 800, for example, a liquid crystal display may be used to display the game status.

[0039] The second symbol display device performs a variable display in which a "circle" symbol and an "x" symbol are alternately lit for a predetermined time as a display symbol (second symbol (not shown)) each time the ball passes through the first through gate 66. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the first through gate 66, a winning lottery is held. If the result of the winning lottery is a winning lottery, the second symbol display device displays a static "circle" symbol after the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner. If the result of the winning lottery is a losing lottery, the second symbol display device displays a static "x" symbol after the third symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

[0040] The pachinko machine 10 is configured so that when the varying display on the second pattern display device stops at a predetermined pattern (in this embodiment, a "circle" pattern), the first electric device 520 attached to the second winning slot 140 is activated (opened) for a predetermined period of time.

[0041] The time required for the second symbol to change display is set to be shorter during a probability variation or time-saving mode than during a normal game state. As a result, the second symbol change display is performed in a shorter time during a probability variation or time-saving mode, allowing for more winning lotteries than during normal game states. This increases the chances of winning in the winning lottery, giving players more opportunities to open the first electric device 520 of the second winning slot 140. Therefore, during a probability variation or time-saving mode, it is possible to create a state in which it is easier for the ball to enter the second winning slot 140.

[0042] Note that if the state is such that the ball is more likely to enter second winning slot 140 during a probability variation or time-saving period by other methods, such as increasing the probability of winning or increasing the opening time or number of times first electric device 520 opens per win, the time it takes for the second symbol to change may be kept constant regardless of the game state. On the other hand, if the time it takes for the second symbol to change is set shorter during a probability variation or time-saving period than during normal play, the probability of winning may be kept constant regardless of the game state, and the opening time or number of times first electric device 520 opens per win may be kept constant regardless of the game state.

[0043] The first through gate 66 is attached to the game board in the area to the right of the variable display unit 80. The first through gate 66 is configured to allow some of the balls that are launched onto the game board to pass through as they flow down the game board. When a ball passes through the first through gate 66, a lottery is held to determine whether a second symbol will be a winning symbol. After the lottery, a variable display is performed on the second symbol display device, and if the result of the lottery is a winning symbol, a "○" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display, and if the result of the lottery is a losing symbol, an "X" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display.

[0044] The number of times that a ball passes through the first through gate 66 can be reserved up to a maximum of four times in total, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the above-mentioned first symbol display devices 37A, 37B, and is also displayed by lighting the second symbol reservation lamp (not shown). Four second symbol reservation lamps are provided, the maximum number of reserved balls, and are arranged symmetrically below the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800.

[0045] In addition, the variable display of the second symbol may be performed by switching on and off multiple lamps in the second symbol display device, as in this embodiment, or may be performed using a portion of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the segment display device 600, and the decorative symbol display device 800. Similarly, the second symbol reserve lamp may be lit by a portion of the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800. Furthermore, the maximum number of reserved balls for ball passage through the first through gate 66 is not limited to four, but may be set to three or less, or five or more times (e.g., eight times). Furthermore, the number of through gates installed is not limited to two, but may be three or more. Furthermore, the installation positions of the through gates are not limited to both the left and right sides of the variable display device unit 80, but may be, for example, below the variable display device unit 80. Furthermore, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol reserve lamp may not be illuminated.

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

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

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

[0049] A first electric device 520 is attached to the second winning opening 140. This first electric device 520 is configured to be able to open and close, and normally the first electric device 520 is in a closed state (reduced state), making it difficult for the ball to win the second winning opening 140. On the other hand, when a "○" symbol is displayed on the second symbol display device as a result of the variable display of the second symbol, which is triggered by the passage of the ball through the first through gate 66, the first electric device 520 is in an open state (expanded state), making it easier for the ball to win the second winning opening 140.

[0050] As described above, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, the probability of winning the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time it takes for the second symbol to change is shorter, so the "○" symbol is more likely to appear in the change of the second symbol, and the number of times the first electric device 520 is in the open state (expanded state) increases. Furthermore, during the probability variation or time-saving mode, the time that the first electric device 520 is open is longer than during normal play. Therefore, during the probability variation or time-saving mode, it is possible to create an environment in which the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 140 than during normal play.

[0051] Here, the probability of winning a jackpot when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and when a ball enters the second winning slot 140 is the same in both low and high probability states. However, the probability of a 15R probability jackpot being selected as the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs is set higher when a ball enters the second winning slot 140 than when a ball enters the first winning slot 64. On the other hand, the first winning slot 64 does not have the first electric device 520 found in the second winning slot 140, and is always in a state where a ball can enter.

[0052] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the electric device associated with the second winning slot 140 is often in a closed state, making it difficult to win at the second winning slot 140. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for the first winning slot 64, which has no electric device, by firing the ball so that it passes to the left of the variable display unit 80 (the so-called "left shot"), thereby gaining more opportunities to win the jackpot by winning at the first winning slot 64 and aiming to win the jackpot.

[0053] On the other hand, during the special rate or time-saving period, passing the ball through the first through gate 66 makes it easier for the first electric device 520 attached to the second winning slot 140 to open, making it easier for the ball to win at the second winning slot 140. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the ball towards the second winning slot 140 so that it passes to the right of the variable display device unit 80 (the so-called "right hit"), pass the ball through the first through gate 66 to open the first electric device 520, and aim for the ball to win at the second winning slot 140, resulting in a 15R special rate jackpot.

[0054] In this way, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment can allow the player to change the way the ball is shot between "left hit" and "right hit" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). Therefore, the player can have more fun playing the game because it can change the way the ball is shot.

[0055] A variable winning device 65 is disposed to the right of the first winning opening 64, and a horizontally elongated rectangular specific winning opening (large open opening) 65a is disposed in its approximate center. In the pachinko machine 10, when a jackpot lottery resulting from a winning entry at either the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 140 results in a jackpot, after a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is illuminated to display a jackpot stop symbol, and the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800, indicating the occurrence of a jackpot. The game state then transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which balls are more likely to win. In this special game state, the specific winning opening 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed or until 10 balls have won).

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

[0057] Specifically, the variable winning device 65 includes a horizontally elongated rectangular opening / closing plate that covers the specific winning opening 65a, and a large opening solenoid (not shown) that drives the opening / closing plate to open and close forward around the lower edge of the opening / closing plate. The specific winning opening 65a is normally in a closed state in which a ball cannot or does not easily win a prize. In the event of a jackpot, the large opening solenoid is driven to tilt the opening / closing plate downward toward the front, temporarily creating an open state in which a ball can easily win a prize in the specific winning opening 65a, and the device operates to alternate between this open state and the normal closed state.

[0058] The special game state is not limited to the above-described form. A large opening that opens and closes separately from the specific winning opening 65a may be provided in the game area, and when an LED corresponding to a jackpot is lit in the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time. While the specific winning opening 65a is open, a ball entering the specific winning opening 65a triggers the large opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a to open for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, thereby forming a special game state. The number of specific winning openings 65a is not limited to one, and one or more (e.g., three) may be provided. The location of the opening is not limited to the right side of the first winning opening 64, but may be, for example, to the left of the variable display unit 80.

[0059] An attachment space K1 is provided in the right corner of the lower side of the game board 13 for attaching stamps, identification labels, etc., and the stamps, etc. attached to the attachment space K1 can be seen through the small window 35 in the front door 5 (see Figure 1).

[0060] The game board 13 is provided with a first outlet 71. Balls flowing down the game area that do not win in any of the winning holes 63, 64, 65a, 640 are guided through the first outlet 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown). The first outlet 71 is disposed below the first winning hole 64.

[0061] The game board 13 has many nails planted thereon to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and is also provided with various components (apparatuses) such as windmills.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly equipped with control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is a unit equipped with a main board (main control device 110), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 113), and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is a unit equipped with a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115), and a card unit connection board 116.

[0063] The back pack unit 94 is a unit consisting of the back pack 92 that forms the protective cover and the payout unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each function, ports for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. as needed.

[0064] The main control device 110, the voice lamp control device 113 and the display control device 114, the payout control device 111 and the launch control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are each housed in board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 each include a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to house the respective control devices and boards.

[0065] Furthermore, the board box 100 (main control device 110) and the board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) have their box bases and box covers connected (connected by a crimping structure) by a sealing unit (not shown) so that they cannot be opened. A sealing seal (not shown) is affixed to the connecting portion between the box base and the box cover, spanning the box base and the box cover. This sealing seal is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing seal to open the board box 100, 102 or to forcibly open the board box 100, 102, it will be cut into the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or sealing seal, it is possible to know whether the board box 100, 102 has been opened.

[0066] The payout unit 93 comprises a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upward, a tank rail 131 connected to the bottom of the tank 130 and gently sloping downstream, a case rail 132 connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 132 and dispensing balls using a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The tank 130 is successively replenished with balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall, and the payout device 133 appropriately dispenses the required number of balls. A vibrator 134 is attached to the tank rail 131 to impart vibrations to the tank rail 131.

[0067] In addition, the payout control device 111 is provided with a state restoration switch 120, the firing control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 121, and the power supply device 115 is provided with a RAM deletion switch 122. The state restoration switch 120 is operated to resolve ball jamming (return to normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as ball jamming in the payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the firing force of the firing solenoid. The RAM deletion switch 122 is operated when the power is turned on to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

[0068] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0069] The main control device 110 is equipped with an MPU 201, which is a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The MPU 201 contains a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 202 are executed, and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. The main control device 110 uses the MPU 201 to execute the main processes of the pachinko machine 10, such as drawing a jackpot, setting the displays on the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the segment display device 600, and the decorative symbol display device 800, and drawing the display results on the second symbol display device.

[0070] In addition, in order to instruct sub-controllers such as the dispensing control unit 111 and the voice lamp control unit 113 to operate, various commands are sent from the main control unit 110 to the sub-controllers via a data transmission / reception circuit, but such commands are sent only in one direction from the main control unit 110 to the sub-controllers.

[0071] The RAM 203 has various areas, counters, flags, a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 201 and return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 201, and a work area (working region) for storing values of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. The RAM 203 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up.

[0072] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the stack pointer and the values of each register at the time of the power outage (including the time of the power outage; the same applies below) are stored in RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power is turned on (including the time of the power being turned on after the power outage is resolved; the same applies below), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power outage based on the information stored in RAM 203. Writing to RAM 203 is executed by main processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned off, and the restoration of each value written to RAM 203 is executed in start-up processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned on. Note that, when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SG1 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of MPU 201 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to MPU 201, NMI interrupt processing (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage processing.

[0073] An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 via a bus line 204 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 205 is connected to the payout control device 111, the sound lamp control device 113, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol display device, the second symbol hold lamp, and solenoids 209 consisting of a large opening solenoid for driving the opening and closing of the specific winning port 65a forward with the lower edge of the opening / closing plate as the axis, and a solenoid for driving the electric role device, and the like, and the MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0074] In addition, the input / output port 205 is connected to various switches 208 consisting of a group of switches (not shown) and a group of sensors including a slide position detection sensor S and a rotation position detection sensor R, as well as a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 (described below) provided in the power supply device 115, and the MPU 201 performs various processes based on signals output from the various switches 208 and a RAM erasure signal SG2 output from the RAM erasure switch circuit 253.

[0075] The payout control device 111 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by driving a payout motor 216. The MPU 211, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 212 that stores control programs executed by the MPU 211, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 213 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0076] The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (working region) in which values of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. Like the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is also configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. When the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage process.

[0077] An input / output port 215 is connected to the MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 via a bus line 214 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 215 is connected to the main control device 110, payout motor 216, launch control device 112, etc. Also, although not shown, a prize ball detection switch for detecting paid-out prize balls is connected to the payout control device 111. Note that this prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but not to the main control device 110.

[0078] When the main control device 110 issues an instruction to launch a ball, the launch control device 112 controls the ball launch unit 112a so that the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51. The ball launch unit 112a is equipped with a launch solenoid and electromagnet (not shown), and the launch solenoid and electromagnet are permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operating handle 51, and when the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the ball launch is off (not operated), the launch solenoid is excited in accordance with the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51, and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51.

[0079] The audio lamp control device 113 controls the output of audio from the audio output device (such as a speaker not shown) 226, the output of turning on and off the lamp display device (such as the illumination units 29 to 33 and the display lamp 34) 227, and the setting of the display modes of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800, such as variable performance (variable display) and advance notice performance, which are performed by the display control device 114. The MPU 221, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 222 that stores control programs executed by the MPU 221, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 223 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0080] An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the audio and lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 225 is connected to the main control device 110, the display control device 114, an audio output device 226, a lamp display device 227, other devices 228, the frame button 22, etc. The other devices 228 include drive motors KM1, KM2, and KM3.

[0081] The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800 based on various commands (variation pattern command, stop type command, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode using commands (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). The voice lamp control device 113 also monitors input from the frame buttons 22, and when the player operates the frame buttons 22, instructs the display control device 114 to change the display mode of the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800 or change the performance content during a super reach. When the display mode is changed, the voice lamp control device 113 transmits a back image change command including information regarding the changed display mode to the display control device 114 so that the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800 display decorations according to the changed display mode. Here, the back image refers to the image displayed behind the third symbol, which is the main image displayed on the segment display device 600 and the decorative symbol display device 800. The display control device 114 displays various decorations on the segment display device 600 and the decoration pattern display device 800 in accordance with commands sent from this voice lamp control device 113.

[0082] Furthermore, the voice lamp control device 113 receives commands (display commands) from the display control device 114 that indicate the display contents of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. Based on the display commands received from the display control device 114, the voice lamp control device 113 outputs voice corresponding to the display contents from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display contents of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800, and also controls the turning on and off of the lamp display device 227 in accordance with the display contents.

[0083] The display control device 114 is connected to the audio lamp control device 113, the segment display device 600, and the decorative pattern display device 800, and controls the display of the variable third pattern presentation and the like on the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 based on commands received from the audio lamp control device 113. The display control device 114 also transmits display commands to the audio lamp control device 113 as appropriate, notifying the display contents of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. The audio lamp control device 113 outputs audio from the audio output device 226 in accordance with the display contents indicated by the display commands, thereby coordinating the display of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 with the audio output from the audio output device 226.

[0084] The power supply device 115 includes a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each component of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruptions due to power outages and the like, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 provided with a RAM erasure switch 122 (see FIG. 3). The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc., via a power supply path (not shown). Briefly, the power supply unit 251 takes in 24-volt AC voltage supplied from an external source, generates 12-volt voltage for driving various switches such as the various switches 208, solenoids such as the solenoid 209, motors, etc., a 5-volt voltage for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies the necessary voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc.

[0085] The power outage monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit for outputting a power outage signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 201 of the main control unit 110 and the MPU 211 of the dispensing control device 111 when power is cut off due to a power outage or other reason. The power outage monitoring circuit 252 monitors the 24-volt DC voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and if this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power outage (power outage, power interruption) has occurred and outputs the power outage signal SG1 to the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control device 111. By outputting the power outage signal SG1, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control device 111 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute NMI interrupt processing. Note that the power supply unit 251 is configured to maintain the output of the 5-volt voltage, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute NMI interrupt processing, even after the 24-volt DC voltage falls below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control unit 111 can execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown) normally.

[0086] The RAM clearing switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM clearing signal SG2 to the main control device 110 to clear the backup data when the RAM clearing switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM clearing signal SG2 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, it clears the backup data and sends a payout initialization command to the payout control device 111 to clear the backup data in the payout control device 111.

[0087] Next, the schematic configuration of the game board 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective front view of the game board 13. Note that Fig. 13 illustrates a state in which the winning port unit 500 is disassembled from the game board 13.

[0088] 5, the winning port unit 500 is inserted from the front side into an opening 13a formed below a play area defined by two rails 76, 77 erected on the front surface of the game board 13 and a resin outer edge member 73 connecting the rails. The detailed configuration of the winning port unit 500 will be described later.

[0089] Next, the schematic configuration of the operational unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 9. Fig. 6 is a perspective front view of the operational unit 300. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective front view of the operational unit 300. Figs. 8 and 9 are front views of the operational unit 300.

[0090] In addition, Figure 8 shows a state in which the displacement members 670, which are arranged in pairs above and below the segment display device 600, are retracted to both the top and bottom, and Figure 9 shows a state in which the displacement members 670, which are arranged in pairs above and below the segment display device 600, are extended to the central position above and below from the state shown in Figure 8.

[0091] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the operating unit 300 has a box-shaped rear case 400, and the decorative pattern display device 800, segment display device 600 and decorative unit 700 are housed in the internal space of the rear case 400.

[0092] The rear case 400 includes a bottom wall 401 that is generally rectangular when viewed from the front, and outer wall 402 that stands upright toward the front from the outer edges of the four sides of the bottom wall 401, and is formed into a box shape with one side (front side) open by these walls 401, 402. An opening 401a that is rectangular when viewed from the front is formed in the center of the bottom wall 401, and the segment display device 600 is disposed from the rear side of the rear case 400 through this opening 401a.

[0093] Three decorative pattern display devices 800 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the opening 401a of the bottom wall portion 401 of the rear case 400. The decorative pattern display device 800 is provided with an inner reel unit 810 and an outer reel unit 820 (see FIG. 31) that are rotationally displaceable in the up-down direction, and is configured so that a player can visually recognize the manner in which the patterns decorated on the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 change (rotate). The decorative pattern display device 800 will be described in detail later.

[0094] The segment display device 600 is disposed on the bottom wall portion 401 of the rear case 400, and is configured to cover the decorative pattern display device 800. A predetermined gap is formed between opposing base members 660 (see FIG. 49) of the decorative pattern display device 800, and the decorative pattern display device 800 is disposed in the gap, making it possible for the player to view the decorative pattern display device 800.

[0095] Furthermore, the segment display device 600 is provided with a displacement member 670 (see FIG. 49) that can be displaced in front of the gap between the opposing base members 660 described above, and by displacing the displacement member 670 in front of the decorative pattern display device 800, it is possible to create a performance form in which the decorative pattern display device 800 is not visible to the player. A detailed description of the segment display device 600 will be given later.

[0096] The decorative units 700 are formed in the shape of horizontally elongated rectangular boxes when viewed from the front, and are arranged in pairs above and below the segment display device 600. The decorative units 700 are made of a transparent resin material, and are shaped to resemble the logo, title, etc. of the pachinko machine 10. An LED board that emits light is also arranged inside the decorative unit 700, and is configured to be able to emit light toward the player.

[0097] Next, the winning port unit 500 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 10 to 29. First, the configuration of the winning port unit 500 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 13.

[0098] Fig. 10(a) is a front view of the winning port unit 500, and Fig. 10(b) is a rear view of the winning port unit 500. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective front view of the winning port unit 500, and Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective rear view of the winning port unit 500. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the base member 510 and the first electric role device 520.

[0099] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the winning slot unit 500 is mainly formed by a base member 510 arranged on the front side of the game board 13 (see Figure 5), a first electric device 520 rotatably supported on the inside of the base member 510, and a drive unit 530 that applies a driving force to the first electric device 520.

[0100] The base member 510 is formed by fastening together a front base 511 disposed on the front side and a rear base 512 disposed at a predetermined distance from the front base 511.

[0101] The front base 511 is formed of a plate-like body that is horizontally long and rectangular when viewed from the front, and is made of a transparent resin material. The front base 511 is mainly formed with a first protrusion 511a that protrudes from the upper end of the center in the left-right direction toward the rear side, a second protrusion 511b that protrudes from the lower end of the center in the left-right direction toward the rear side, and a third protrusion 511c that protrudes from the second protrusion 511b at a predetermined gap in the left-right direction.

[0102] The front base 511 is disposed in a position where its front surface can be seen by the player, and a pattern is formed on the front surface with projections and recesses.

[0103] The first protrusion 511a is a plate member for preventing a game ball from being sent to the second winning opening 140 formed in the rear base 512 when the first electric device 520 described later is in a closed state (a state in which the tips of the blade members 520L, 520R are positioned at the top of its rotation axis (axis member JB1)).

[0104] That is, the first protrusion 511a is formed at the upper part between the pair of opposing wing members 520L, 520R in the closed state, and the distance between the first electric device 520 and the first protrusion 511a is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

[0105] The first protruding portion 511a has an upper surface that slopes downward from the approximate center position in the left-right direction toward both left and right ends, thereby allowing a game ball sent to the upper portion of the first protruding portion 511a to roll on the upper surface and fall (flow down).

[0106] The second protrusion 511b is formed to protrude in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape from the rear side of the front base 511, and the vertical position of its upper end face is set lower than the bottom face of the second winning opening 140 of the rear base 512. The second protrusion 511b is formed mainly by an erected portion 511b1 erected in front of the second winning opening 140 of the rear base 512, engagement portions 511b2 protruding from both the left and right ends of the erected portion 511b1, and a recessed portion 511b3 recessed into the bottom face portion.

[0107] In addition, a base member 511f equipped with an LED that emits light onto the underside of the standing portion 511b1 is disposed on the second protrusion 511b. The LED of the base member 511f is disposed in a manner that emits light upward. Therefore, the LED can illuminate the area around the second winning opening 140.

[0108] The standing portion 511b1 is formed by standing upright from the upper end of the second protrusion 511b, and two are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, with their standing tips connected to each other. The upper surface of the standing portion 511b1 is formed to slope downward toward the second winning opening 140 (back side), and the vertical position of the end portion on the second winning opening 140 side is set to a height that coincides with the bottom surface of the second winning opening 140. Therefore, a gaming ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 can roll toward the second winning opening 140. Therefore, a gaming ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 can enter the second winning opening 140.

[0109] In addition, the connecting portion of the juxtaposed standing portions 511b1 is formed with a shape in which the circumferential center position is recessed downward. This makes it easier for a gaming ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 to remain in the left-right center position of the standing portion 511b1. Therefore, the rolling direction of the gaming ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 can be quickly switched toward the second winning opening 140. As a result, it is possible to prevent the gaming ball sent to the upper part of the standing portion 511b1 from colliding with a gaming ball sent later and being pushed outward, making it easier for the gaming ball to enter the second winning opening 140.

[0110] The engaging portions 511b2 are portions that engage with left and right wing members 520L and 520R, which will be described later, and are formed to protrude from both the left and right sides of the base end portion of the standing portion 511b1 toward the center of a pivot support portion 511d, which will be described later.

[0111] The recessed portion 511b3 is a recess for forming a space for inserting a screwdriver when fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512. This allows a screw to be inserted into a through-hole 511b4 formed through the side surface on the rear side of the recessed portion 511b3.

[0112] The third protrusion 511c is a plate member that rolls the game ball into the first outlet 71 formed on the rear base 512, and is formed adjacent to both left and right outer sides of the first outlet 71 that are formed in two places on the rear base 512 with the second winning opening 140 in between. In other words, the third protrusion 511c is formed at a position spaced apart in the left and right direction by the left and right dimension of the second protrusion 511b and the first outlet 71.

[0113] The bottom surfaces of the third protrusions 511c are formed so as to slope downward toward the adjacent first outlet 71 (toward the center in the left-right direction of the front base 511 (left-right direction in FIG. 10(a))), and the lowest position is set higher than the bottom surface of the first outlet 71. Therefore, a game ball sent to the upper part of the third protrusions 511c can be made to roll toward the first outlet 71 and enter the first outlet 71.

[0114] The pivotal support portion 511d is formed in a circular ring shape protruding from the rear side of the front base 511, and two pivotal support portions 511d are formed at the same height in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 10(a)) with the standing portion 511b1 sandwiched therebetween. The inner diameter of the pivotal support portion 511d is formed to be larger than the diameter of the shaft member JB1, which will be described later. Therefore, the shaft member JB1 can be inserted into the inside of the pivotal support portion 511d.

[0115] The rear base 512 is formed from a horizontally elongated rectangular plate-like body that is larger in front view than the front base 511. Therefore, the player can directly view the front surface of the rear base 512 that does not overlap with the front base 511 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0116] In addition, since the front base 511 is made of a transparent material, the rear base 512 can be seen through the front base 511 in the overlapping portion in front of the front base 511. Furthermore, the player can see the game ball sent between the opposing rear base 512 and front base 511 through the front base 511.

[0117] The rear base 512 is mainly formed with a first winning opening 64 formed at the upper end on the front side, a second winning opening 140 formed below the first winning opening 64, a first outlet 71 formed on both sides of the second winning opening 140, and a general winning opening 63 formed above the first outlet 71 on the right side when viewed from the front.

[0118] The first winning opening 64 is recessed downward from the upper end of the front base 511 at approximately the center in the left-right direction (left-right direction in Figure 10(a)), and is formed to protrude in both the front and rear directions along the recessed edge. In addition, the protruding tip on the front side (the front side of the paper in Figure 10(a)) is closed by a plate member.

[0119] The recessed shape of the first winning opening 64 is formed to a size that allows a gaming ball to be inserted inside, and the bottom surface (the inner surface below the direction of gravity) is formed to be inclined toward the back side. This allows the gaming ball that enters the first winning opening 64 to be sent to the back side of the gaming board 13.

[0120] The second winning opening 140 is formed through the first winning opening 64 on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 10(a)). The second winning opening 140 is formed through the first winning opening 64 in a square shape with dimensions larger than the diameter of a gaming ball when viewed from the front. Therefore, the gaming ball can be sent to the back side of the gaming board 13 through the second winning opening 140. The second winning opening 140 also has recesses 140a recessed into the left and right inner side surfaces.

[0121] The recess 140a is recessed and curved around the axis of the shaft hole 512a. This allows the protrusions 523L, 523R of the left and right blade members 520L, 520R, which will be described later, to be accommodated inside the recess 140a. In other words, the inside of the second winning opening 140 allows the game ball to pass through and allows the protrusions 523L, 523R to be inserted therethrough.

[0122] The shaft holes 512a are recessed from the front to the rear side on both the left and right sides of the second winning opening 140 of the rear base 512. The shaft holes 512a are grooves for inserting the shaft member JB1 described later into the interior thereof, and are formed in a circular shape with a diameter larger than that of the shaft member JB1.

[0123] The first outlet 71 is formed to penetrate both the left and right sides of the second winning opening 140. The first outlet 71 is a hole for collecting game balls that have flowed down the game area formed on the front of the game board 13, and is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangle when viewed from the front, with its width in the vertical direction (short direction) set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball. In addition, the bottom surface (inner surface below the direction of gravity) of the first outlet 71 is formed to be inclined toward the rear side. Therefore, game balls that enter the first outlet 71 can be sent to the rear side of the game board 13.

[0124] A guide wall 512b that connects to the bottom surface and protrudes toward the front side is formed at the first outlet 71. The guide wall 512b is a member that receives game balls that have flowed down the game area on its upper surface and sends them to the first outlet 71, and its upper surface is formed to slope downward toward the back side.

[0125] In addition, a plurality of ribs extending in the front-rear direction are arranged side by side on the bottom surface (lower surface) of the guide wall 512b. This improves the rigidity of the guide wall 512b. As a result, damage to the guide wall 512b can be suppressed when a game ball flowing down the play area collides with the upper surface of the guide wall 512b.

[0126] The front base 511 and the rear base 512 are fastened together by the through-hole 511b4 and the fastening hole 512c formed through the rear base 512 at a position corresponding to the through-hole 511b4. That is, with the front base 511 and the rear base 512 combined in the front-to-rear direction, a screwdriver can be inserted into the recessed portion 511b3 from below the front base 511, and a screw can be fastened to the fastening hole 512c via the through-hole 511b4.

[0127] The first electric device 520 is formed as one unit by a left wing member 520L arranged on the left side of the second winning opening 140 when viewed from the front, and a right wing member 520R arranged on the right side when viewed from the front.

[0128] The only difference between left wing member 520L and right wing member 520R is the position of bulging portions 524L, 524R, which will be described later, and the other members are formed symmetrically on either side of second winning opening 140. Therefore, apart from bulging portions 524L, 524R, only left wing member 520L will be described, and a detailed description of right wing member 520R will be omitted.

[0129] Furthermore, left wing member 520L and right wing member 520R can be displaced by the drive of solenoid 531 of drive unit 530, which will be described later, between a first state (closed state) in which the corner on the far side from through-hole 521L is positioned upward in the direction of gravity, and a second state (open state) in which the corner on the far side from through-hole 521L is displaced to a position spaced outward in the left-right direction of second winning opening 140, and unless otherwise specified, the first state will be described. Furthermore, in the first state, the opposing side surfaces of left and right wing members 520L, 520R will be described using the reference numerals side surfaces 526L, 526R.

[0130] Left wing member 520L is formed in a generally triangular shape when viewed from the front, and is formed with dimensions in the front-to-rear direction that are larger than the diameter of a gaming ball. Left wing member 520L is formed mainly by through-hole 521L penetrating in the front-to-rear direction at its lower end in the gravity direction, recessed portion 522L recessed from the front side to the rear side around through-hole 521L, protrusion 523L protruding from the vicinity of through-hole 521L to the rear side, recessed portion 525L recessed in the radial direction of through-hole 521L on the end surface on the through-hole 521L side, bulging portion 524L protruding from side surface 526L, and shaft member JB1 inserted inside through-hole 521L. A detailed description of bulging portion 524L will be provided later.

[0131] The shaft member JB1 is a cylindrical rod member made of a metal material, and serves to rotatably hold the left and right wing members 520L and 520R, respectively, and is formed with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through-hole 521L.

[0132] The shaft member JB1 is formed so that its axial length is approximately the same as or slightly shorter than the distance from the recessed tip surface of the shaft hole 512a to the rear side of the front base 511. Therefore, when assembling the front base 511 and the rear base 512, one end of the shaft member JB1 (the end on the rear base 512 side) is inserted into the shaft hole 512a and the other end (the end on the front base 511 side) is inserted into the pivot support 511d, thereby holding the shaft member JB1 between the front base 511 and the rear base 512.

[0133] The dimension of left wing member 520L in the front-to-rear direction is set to be smaller than the distance between opposing front base 511 and rear base 512. Therefore, when assembling front base 511 and rear base 512, shaft member JB1 is inserted into through-hole 521L, so that wing member 520L can be rotatably held between opposing front base 511 and rear base 512.

[0134] The recess 522L is recessed from the front side around the axis of the through-hole 521L, and the recess dimension is set smaller than the protruding distance of the pivot support portion 511d. Also, the distance dimension from the axis of the through-hole 521L to the inner circumferential surface of the recess 522L is set larger than the radius dimension from the axis of the pivot support portion 511d to the outer circumferential surface.

[0135] Therefore, when the feather member 520L is disposed between the opposing front base 511 and rear base 512, it is possible to prevent the front surface of the feather member 520L from coming into contact with the rear surface of the front base 511, and the contact portion between the feather member 520L and the front base 511 can be the recess 522L and the pivot support portion 511d. Therefore, the contact between the feather member 520L and the front base 511 can be partial. As a result, when the feather member 520L is rotated by driving the solenoid 531 described later, the resistance acting on the feather member 520L can be reduced, making it easier to rotate the feather member 520L.

[0136] Furthermore, since the pivot support portion 511d can be accommodated inside the recess 522L, it is possible to reduce the distance dimension between the opposing front base 511 and rear base 512. As a result, the distance dimension in the front-rear direction of the winning opening unit 500 can be reduced.

[0137] Here, conventionally, there has been a gaming machine in which the shaft member JB1 is fitted into the through hole 521L of the wing member 520L.

[0138] However, in conventional gaming machines, because the shaft member JB1 is fitted into the through-hole 521L, when the blade member 520L is damaged, it is necessary to replace the blade member 520L and the shaft member JB1 at the time of part replacement, which poses a problem of high parts costs.

[0139] In contrast, in this embodiment, the shaft member JB1 is simply inserted into the through-hole 521L formed in the feather member 520L, and the feather member 520L and the shaft member JB1 can be disposed separately in the winning opening unit 500. Therefore, when the feather member 520L is damaged, only the feather member 520L needs to be replaced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cost of parts from increasing.

[0140] Furthermore, as described above, the front base 511 can be fastened to the rear base 512 from the front side of the front base 511. Therefore, when the blade member 520L is damaged, the front base 511 can be removed from the rear base 512 with the winning opening unit 500 attached to the game board 13. As a result, the blade member 520L can be easily replaced.

[0141] That is, when removing the front base 511 from the rear side of the rear base 512, it is necessary to remove the winning opening unit 500 from the game board 13 and then remove the front base 511 from the rear base 512, but since the front base 511 is formed so as to be removable from the front side, it is easy to remove the front base 511. As a result, it is easy to replace parts of the blade member 520L.

[0142] Here, if the front base 511 is made removable from the front side of the rear base 512, the heads of screws and the like fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512 together will be visible from the player's side (front side), and there is a risk that the player's interest will be ruined if they see the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512 together.

[0143] In contrast, in this embodiment, the front base 511 and the rear base 512 are fastened together using the space of a recessed portion 511b3 formed in the front base 511. That is, by inserting a screwdriver obliquely into the recessed portion 511b3 from below the front base 511, a screw can be fastened into the fastening hole 512c via the through-hole 511b4. Therefore, even when the front base 511 is positioned in front of the through-hole 511b4, the front base 511 and the rear base 512 can be fastened together by inserting a screwdriver obliquely into the recessed portion 511b3. Therefore, the heads of screws and the like fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512 together can be made less visible from the player's side (the front side). As a result, the player's interest can be prevented from being ruined by seeing the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512 together.

[0144] Furthermore, the decorative pattern display device 800 and the segment display device 600, which can be seen through an opening formed in the center of the gaming board 13, are usually set at the height of the player's eyes. Therefore, the winning slot unit 500 is placed below the height of the player's eyes. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to see the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512, and this can prevent the player from losing interest by seeing the heads of the screws fastening the front base 511 and the rear base 512.

[0145] Since the front base 511 is made of a transparent resin material, the heads of the screws can be seen through the front base 511, but as mentioned above, the front side of the front base 511 has an uneven pattern formed thereon, so that the difference in thickness of the board allows light to be emitted in different directions. This makes it possible to blur the heads of the screws that can be seen through the front base 511. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

[0146] Next, the drive unit 530 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 14 to 16. Figure 14 is an exploded perspective front view of the drive unit 530. Figures 15(a) and 15(b) are side views of the drive unit 530 and the first electric accessory 520. Figures 16(a) and 16(b) are front views of the drive unit 530 and the first electric accessory 520.

[0147] Note that Figures 15(a) and 16(a) illustrate the state in which the first electric device 520 is in the first state, and Figures 15(b) and 16(b) illustrate the state in which the first electric device 520 is in the second state.

[0148] As shown in Figure 14, drive unit 530 is mainly formed by a solenoid 531, a sliding member 532 connected to solenoid 531, a rotating member 533 connected to sliding member 532, a first case member 534 in which rotating member 533 and sliding member 532 are arranged in a displaceable state, and a second case member 536 attached to the back side of first case member 534.

[0149] The solenoid 531 is mainly formed of a main body 531a that has an electric wire inside and generates electromagnetic force when power is passed through the electric wire, a movable body 531b that is slidably arranged inside the main body, and an engaging part 531c that is attached to the tip of the movable body.

[0150] The main body 531a is formed in a rectangular column shape extending in the front-rear direction, and electric wires are arranged inside the main body 531a. A recess is formed on the front side of the main body 531a, which is recessed on the rear side, and the movable body 531b, which is formed in a cylindrical shape, is arranged inside the recess.

[0151] The movable body 531b is made of a metal material, and can slide toward the rear side (inside the main body 531a) when power is applied to the electric wires of the main body 531a to generate an electromagnetic force.

[0152] Engagement portion 531c is attached to the end of movable body 531b opposite main body portion 531a. Engagement portion 531c is formed in a disk shape with an outer diameter larger than that of movable body 531b, and its axis is positioned approximately in line with the axis of movable body 531b.

[0153] The engaging portion 531c is inserted into an engaging groove 532a2 of the sliding member 532, which will be described later. This allows the sliding member 532 to be displaced in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 15(a)) in accordance with the displacement of the movable body 531b.

[0154] The sliding member 532 is formed in a roughly E-shape when viewed from above, and is mainly formed with a connecting portion 532a extending in the left-right direction, two first protrusions 532b protruding from both the left and right ends of the connecting portion 532a toward the front side, and a second protrusion 532c located midway between the two first protrusions 532b and protruding toward the front side.

[0155] The sliding member 532 is formed so that the dimension in the left-right direction of the connecting portion 532a is smaller than the dimension between the opposing portions in the left-right direction on the inner circumferential surface of the first case member 534, which will be described later. This allows the sliding member 532 to be housed and disposed inside the first case member 534.

[0156] The connecting portion 532a is mainly formed by a recess 532a1 recessed on the back side, an engagement groove 532a2 recessed from the top side and connected to the front side of the recess 532a1, and notches 532a3 formed on both the left and right sides of the base end of the second protrusion 532c.

[0157] As described above, recess 532a1 is a recess that prevents movable body 531b of solenoid 531 from contacting connecting portion 532a when engaging portion 531c of solenoid 531 is inserted into engaging groove 532a2. That is, recess 532a1 is formed in an arc shape whose recessed surface is larger than the outer diameter of movable body 531b. This prevents movable body 531b of solenoid 531 from contacting connecting portion 532a.

[0158] The engagement groove 532a2 is formed so as to be connected to the front side of the recess 532a1, and the depth of the recess from the upper surface side in the direction of gravity is set to be larger than the diameter of the engagement portion 531c. The engagement groove 532a2 has a width dimension in the left-right direction larger than the diameter of the engagement portion 531c, and a width dimension in the front-rear direction that is approximately the same as or larger than the thickness dimension of the engagement portion 531c in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the engagement portion 531c can be inserted into the inside of the engagement groove 532a2.

[0159] The notch portion 532a3 is a slit that makes it easier for the sliding member 532 to elastically deform when connecting the first protrusion 532b (described later) to the rotating member 533, and as described above, is formed on both the left and right sides of the base end of the second protrusion 532c, and is also formed as a notch toward the back side.

[0160] The first protrusion 532b has an engagement hole 532d formed therethrough in the left-right direction. The engagement hole 532d is formed as an elongated hole that is long in the front-rear direction, and is formed mainly by a first opening 532d1 recessed downward in the direction of gravity from the end on the front side, and a second opening 532d2 recessed downward in the direction of gravity from the end on the rear side. The first opening 532d1 and the second opening 532d2 will be described in detail later.

[0161] The engagement hole 532d has a vertical width at its front-rear center (a portion other than the first opening 532d1 and the second opening 532d2) set to be larger than the vertical width of a protrusion 533b of the rotation member 533, which will be described later. This allows the protrusion 533b to be disposed inside the engagement hole 532d.

[0162] As described above, the second protrusion 532c is formed between the two first protrusions 532b and protrudes from the front side. The second protrusion 532c also has an erected wall 532c1 erected downward at the tip side opposite the connecting portion 532a. The erected wall 532c1 will be described in detail later.

[0163] The rotation member 533 is formed by two plate-like bodies formed in a roughly L-shape in a side view, arranged side by side at a predetermined width in the left-right direction, and the opposing ends of the two plates are connected by a connecting portion 533a. The gap between the two opposing plate-like bodies of the rotation member 533 is set to be larger than the diameter of a gaming ball. This allows the gaming ball to pass inside the rotation member 533 (between the two opposing plate-like bodies).

[0164] Furthermore, the width dimension in the left-right direction of the rotating member 533 (the dimension between the opposing outer surfaces of the two plate-like bodies) is set to be smaller than the dimension between the opposing inner surfaces of the two first protrusions 532b of the sliding member 532. This allows the rotating member 533 to be disposed between the opposing first protrusions 532b of the sliding member 532.

[0165] The rotating member 533 is mainly formed with a rotating shaft 533c protruding on both the left and right sides from the bending portion of the approximately L-shape when viewed from the side, a protrusion 533b protruding on both the left and right sides from the end portion on one side of the approximately L-shape when viewed from the side, and a drive portion 533d formed as a recess at the tip on the other side of the approximately L-shape when viewed from the side.

[0166] The rotating shafts 533c are formed to protrude outward on both the left and right sides of the rotating member 533, and the distance between the protruding tip surfaces thereof is set to be approximately the same as the width dimension in the left-right direction of the first case member 534. Furthermore, the protruding dimension of the rotating shafts 533c is set to be larger than the thickness dimension in the left-right direction of the first case member 534. Therefore, by receiving the rotating shafts 533c inside a recess 534a of the first case member 534 described below and assembling the second case member 535 to the first case member 534, the rotating member 533 can be held in a rotatable state relative to the first case member 534 and the second case member 535.

[0167] The protrusions 533b are formed to protrude from both the left and right outer sides of the rotating member 533, and the distance between the protruding tip surfaces thereof is set to be approximately the same as the distance between the left and right outer side surfaces of the two first protrusions 532b of the sliding member 532. In addition, the protrusion dimension of the protrusions 533b is set to be larger than the width dimension of the first protrusions 532b in the left-right direction. Therefore, by inserting the protrusions 533b into the engagement holes 532d of the first protrusions 532b, the sliding member 532 and the rotating member 533 can be connected.

[0168] The sliding member 532 and the rotating member 533 can be coupled together by elastically deforming the two first protrusions 532b of the sliding member 532 left and right to widen the space between the two opposing first protrusions 532b. In this case, as described above, the notched portions 532a3 are formed in the sliding member 532, which makes it easier to widen the space between the two opposing first protrusions 532b. As a result, the rotating member 533 and the sliding member 532 can be easily coupled together.

[0169] Furthermore, the distance between opposing inner surfaces of first case member 534 in the left-right direction is set to be approximately the same as the distance between opposing outer surfaces of first protrusions 532b, or to be slightly larger than the distance between opposing outer surfaces of first protrusions 532b. This makes it possible to prevent first protrusions 532b from elastically deforming outward in the left-right direction when rotating member 533 and sliding member 532 are disposed inside first case member 534. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connection between rotating member 533 and sliding member 532 from coming loose.

[0170] The drive unit 533d is recessed from the front side toward the rear side. The drive unit 533d can accommodate the protrusions 523L, 523R of the wing member 520L inside. That is, the drive unit 533d is set to have dimensions larger in the vertical direction than the protrusions 523L, 523R. By accommodating the protrusions 523L, 523R in the drive unit 533d, the first electric role object 520 can be displaced between the first state and the second state in accordance with the displacement of the drive unit 533d. The displacement of the first electric role object 520 will be described in detail later.

[0171] The first case member 534 is formed in a generally square shape when viewed from the front, with an open interior, and is formed to extend in the front-to-rear direction. The first case member 534 has a notch formed in the lower part of the rear side, and the second case member 535 can be disposed in the notch.

[0172] The first case member 534 is formed mainly by including a recess 534a recessed on the front side in a cutout portion on the rear side, and an erected portion 534b erected on the bottom surface on the inner periphery side.

[0173] As described above, recess 534a is a recess that accommodates rotating shaft 533c of rotating member 533 inside, and is recessed in a shape larger than the diameter of rotating shaft 533c. Therefore, by assembling second case member 535 to first case member 534 with rotating shaft 533c accommodated inside, rotating member 533 can be disposed inside first case member 534.

[0174] The upright portion 534b is formed so that its upright tip surface is set at the same height as the lower inner peripheral surface of the second winning opening 140 of the rear base 512, and is extended toward the rear side and inclined downward. As a result, when the drive unit 530 is arranged on the rear side of the rear base 512, a game ball that has entered the second winning opening 140 can be sent to the second case member 535 by rolling on the upper surface of the upright portion 534b.

[0175] The second case member 535 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is formed with a predetermined thickness on the rear side. The second case member 535 has a through-hole 535a formed to penetrate in the up-down direction.

[0176] The through-hole 535a is formed so that its inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the gaming ball, and as described above, the gaming ball that has been sent to the second case member 535 by rolling with the upper part of the standing portion 534b can be sent downward through the through-hole 535a. This allows the gaming ball that has flowed down the gaming area and entered the second winning opening 140 to be collected.

[0177] Next, the displacement of the first electric accessory 520 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0178] As shown in Figures 15(a) and 16(a), when the first electric accessory 520 is positioned in the first state, the movable body 531b of the solenoid 531 is arranged around the movable body 531b and protrudes to the front side (left side of Figure 15(a)) due to the biasing force of a biasing spring (not shown) interposed between the main body part 531a and the connecting part 532a.

[0179] In this case, the protrusion 533b of the rotation member 533 is positioned on the back side (second opening 532d2 side) of the engagement hole 532d. Furthermore, the center of gravity of the rotation member 533 in a side view is positioned between the drive unit 533d and the rotation shaft 533c. That is, a rotational force is constantly applied to the rotation member 533 around the axis of the rotation shaft 533c in a direction that presses the drive unit 533d downward.

[0180] Therefore, even when the protrusion 533b of the rotating member 533 is positioned on the back side of the engagement hole 532d (the second opening 533d2 side), it can remain at the top without being guided inside the second opening 533d2 (below the engagement hole 532d (lower side of Figure 15(a))).

[0181] Furthermore, because drive unit 533d is pressed downward, protrusions 523L, 523R of left and right wing members 520L, 520R housed inside drive unit 533d are pressed downward, thereby placing left and right wing members 520L, 520R in a state (first state (see FIG. 16(a))) in which the corners farther from through-holes 521L, 521R are positioned above through-holes 521L, 521R.

[0182] As shown in FIGS. 15(b) and 16(b), when power is applied to the main body 531a of the solenoid 531, the movable body 531b is drawn into the main body 531a by the electromagnetic force generated in the main body 531a.

[0183] Therefore, as the movable body 531b is displaced, the sliding member 532 connected to the tip end side of the movable body 531b is slid and displaced rearward (to the right in FIG. 15(b)). As described above, the rotating member 533 is constantly subjected to a rotational force around the axis of the rotation shaft 533c in a direction that presses the driving part 533d downward, so that the protrusion 533b housed inside the engaging hole 532d of the sliding member 532 slides inside the engaging hole 532d without getting caught on the base end portion of the second opening 533d2.

[0184] At the displacement end position of the movable body 531b, the protrusion 533b sliding inside the second opening 533d2 abuts against the end of the engagement hole 532d on the front side (first opening 532d1 side) and is displaced toward the rear side (right side in FIG. 15(b)). In this case, the protrusion 533b rotates and displaces around the axis of the rotation shaft 533c, so that the protrusion 533b can be accommodated inside the first opening 532d1. That is, the first opening 532d1 is formed in a shape corresponding to the displacement of the protrusion 533b.

[0185] Furthermore, since the rotating member 533 rotates around the axis of the rotating shaft 533c, the driving unit 533d can be displaced upward (upward in FIG. 15(b)). As a result, the blade member 520L is rotated around the axis of the through-holes 521L, 521R, and the corners on the far side from the through-holes 521L, 521R are displaced outward to the left and right (second state (see FIG. 16(b))).

[0186] On the other hand, the transition from the second state to the first state is achieved by cutting off the supply of power to the main body 531a of the solenoid 531. This causes the electromagnetic force generated in the main body 531a to disappear, and the movable body 531b is caused to protrude to the front side (left side in FIG. 15(a)) by the biasing force of a biasing spring (not shown) disposed around the movable body 531b and interposed between the main body 531a and the connecting portion 532a. As a result, the first electric accessory 520 can be displaced to the position of the first state.

[0187] As described above, the first opening 532d1 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the displacement of the protrusion 533b, so that the recess depth of the first opening 532d1 toward the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 15(b)) is formed deeper toward the back side (right side in Figure 15(b)).

[0188] As a result, when the first electric accessory 520 is displaced from the second state to the first state, the base end portion of the first opening 532d1 is caused to collide with the protrusion 533b of the rotating member 533, making it easier to displace the protrusion 533b in the direction of gravity.

[0189] Next, the operation of the second protrusion 532c will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figures 17(a) and 17(b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit 500 taken along line XVII-XVII in Figure 10(a). Note that Figure 17(a) illustrates a state in which the first electric device 520 is positioned in the first state, and Figure 17(b) illustrates a state in which the first electric device 520 is positioned in the second state.

[0190] 17(a), when the first electric device 520 is in the first state, the far corners of the through holes 521L, 521R of the left and right blade members 520L, 520R are arranged in the vicinity of the first protrusion 511a. This makes it possible to prevent game balls from flowing down between the opposing left and right blade members 520L, 520R when the first electric device 520 is in the first state.

[0191] As described above, the solenoid 531 is in a state in which the movable body 531b protrudes from the inside of the main body 531a. Therefore, the sliding member 532 connected to the movable body 531b (engagement portion 531c) is positioned on the front side (left side of FIG. 17(a)). In other words, the erected wall 532c1 of the second protrusion 532c is positioned near the second winning opening 140.

[0192] In this case, the distance dimension L1 from the upright tip of the upright wall 532c1 (the end on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 17(a))) to the upper end surface of the upright portion 534b formed in the first case member 534 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

[0193] As a result, even if the first electric device 520 is damaged and the movable body 531b of the solenoid 531 protrudes forward, if a game ball is allowed to flow between the opposing left and right blade members 520L, 520R, the game ball can be prevented from entering the second winning opening 140 and rolling. That is, the game ball rolling on the standing portion 534b of the first case member 534 can be caused to collide with the standing wall 532c1 of the sliding member 532, thereby stopping the rolling of the game ball. As a result, when the first electric device 520 is damaged, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the store is at a disadvantage even if the player continues playing.

[0194] In this embodiment, the sensor device SE1 that detects that a gaming ball has entered the second winning opening 140 is disposed in the flow path of the gaming ball in the second case member 535. Therefore, in order to detect that the gaming ball has passed through the inside of the second winning opening 140, it is necessary to make the gaming ball roll up to the second case member 535. Therefore, by stopping the rolling of the gaming ball inside the first case member 534, it is possible to prevent the pachinko machine 10 from detecting that the gaming ball has entered the second winning opening 140.

[0195] 17(b), when the first electric device 520 is in the second state, the far corners of the through holes 521L, 521R of the left and right blade members 520L, 520R are spaced farther from the first protrusion 511a than in the first state, and the distance is made larger than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, the game ball flowing down the game area can be received by the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the left and right blade members 520L, 520R and rolled into the second winning opening 140. In other words, when the first electric device 520 is in the second state, it becomes easier to make the game ball enter the second winning opening 140.

[0196] As described above, the solenoid 531 is in a state in which the movable body 531b is retracted inside the main body 531a. Therefore, the sliding member 532 connected to the movable body 531b (engagement portion 531c) is positioned on the rear side (right side in FIG. 17(b)). That is, the erected wall 532c1 of the second protrusion 532c is positioned farther from the second winning opening 140 than in the first state.

[0197] In this case, the distance dimension L2 from the upright tip of the upright wall 532c1 (the end on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 17(b))) to the upper end surface of the upright portion 534b formed in the first case member 534 is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball.

[0198] As a result, when the first electric device 520 is set to the second state, the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are displaced, making it easier for game balls flowing down the game area to enter the second winning opening 140, and the game balls that have entered the second winning opening 140 can be sent to the second case member 535 by rolling along the upright portion 534b formed on the first case member 534.

[0199] Furthermore, the displacement direction of the upright wall 532c1 can be slid in a direction that substantially coincides with the rolling direction of the gaming ball entering the second winning opening 140. Therefore, when the blade members 520L, 520R are damaged (or opened due to fraudulent activity), the gaming ball that has collided with the upright wall 532c1 and stopped can be prevented from being pushed in the opposite direction to the rolling direction due to the displacement of the upright wall 532c1. This prevents the gaming ball from clogging the second winning opening 140 when the first electric device 520 is opened by driving the solenoid 531 to allow the gaming ball to enter the second winning opening 140. As a result, when the first electric device 520 is opened, the gaming ball can be smoothly guided inside the second winning opening.

[0200] Next, a case where the first electric device 520 is shifted from the first state to the second state due to a player's fraudulent behavior will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figures 18(a) and 18(b) are front views of the winning slot unit 500. Figures 19(a) and 19(b) are side views of the first electric device 520 and the drive unit 530.

[0201] 18(a) and 18(b), the front base 511 is shown transparently to facilitate understanding. Also, in Fig. 19(a), the first electric accessory 520 and the drive unit 530 in the first state are shown, and in Fig. 19(b), the state in which only the first electric accessory 520 is displaced from the first state is shown.

[0202] 18 and 19, when the first electric role device 520 in the first state is forcibly displaced to the second state by a player's fraudulent behavior (cheating), the protrusions 523L, 523R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are displaced to the inside of the second opening 532d2 of the engagement hole 532d. That is, since a space is formed in which the protrusions 523L, 523R can be displaced, it is possible to prevent the first electric role device 520 from being damaged when the first electric role device 520 is forcibly displaced.

[0203] Next, with reference to Figures 20(a) and 11(b), the displacement of the erected portion 523c1 when the first electric accessory 520 is displaced due to a player's fraudulent behavior will be described. Figure 20(a) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 500 taken along line XXa-XXa in Figure 18(a), and Figure 20(b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 500 taken along line XXb-XXb in Figure 18(b).

[0204] As shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), when the first electric device 520 in the first state is forcibly rotated by the player's act of pushing, the positions of the solenoid 531 and the sliding member 532 of the drive unit 530 are not displaced, and only the first electric device 520 and the rotating member 533 are rotationally displaced.

[0205] As described above, when the first electric device 520 is in the first state, the distance dimension L1 from the upright tip of the upright wall 532c1 (the end on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in Figure 20(a))) to the upper end surface of the upright portion 534b formed in the first case member 534 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

[0206] Here, a gaming machine has been known that includes a second winning opening 140 formed to allow gaming balls to enter, a pair of blade members 520L, 520R arranged on either side of the second winning opening 140, a drive means (solenoid 531) that applies a drive force to the pair of blade members 520L, 520R to open or close them, and a control means that, when the pair of blade members 520L, 520R are opened by the drive force of the drive means (solenoid 531), they are positioned at an allowable position that allows gaming balls to enter the second winning opening 140, and when the pair of blade members 520L, 520R are closed by the drive force of the drive means (solenoid 531), they are positioned at a control position that controls the entry of gaming balls into the second winning opening 140.

[0207] However, in the conventional gaming machines described above, the displacement of the regulating means is not regulated, so for example, the pair of blade members 520L, 520R can be forcibly opened from the outside and the regulating means can be displaced from the regulating position to the permissible position, which creates the problem that the effect of regulating the illegal entry of gaming balls into the second winning port 140 is insufficient.

[0208] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the arrangement of the standing wall 532c1 is formed so as to be able to be maintained in the restricted position when the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are closed or when the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are open from the outside, so that the standing wall 532c1 can be prevented from being displaced to the permitted position. Therefore, it is possible to easily restrict the game ball from being illegally entered into the second winning opening 140.

[0209] That is, when the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are closed or when the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are open from the outside, the sliding member 532 is operated to set the distance dimension L3 from the upright tip of the upright wall 532c1 (the end on the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side in FIG. 20(b))) to the upper end surface of the upright portion 534b formed in the first case member 534 to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, even if the first electric device 520 is made capable of sending a game ball to the second winning opening 140 due to a player's fraudulent act, the game ball can be prevented from entering the second winning opening 140 and rolling. Therefore, the game ball rolling on the upright portion 534b of the first case member 534 can be caused to collide with the upright wall 532c1 of the sliding member 532, thereby stopping the rolling of the game ball. As a result, when the first electric device 520 is put into the second state (allowing the game ball to be sent to the second winning port 140) due to fraudulent behavior by a player, it becomes easier to restrict the game ball from being fraudulently entered into the second winning port 140.

[0210] In this case, the erected wall 532c1 that prevents game balls from entering the second winning opening 140 can be formed in connection with the sliding member 532 that displaces the pair of blade members 520L, 520R, so there is no need for a separate member that restricts balls from being illegally entered into the second winning opening 140. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced accordingly, and an increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

[0211] Next, with reference to Figures 21 and 22, a case will be described in which when the first electric role device 520 is set to the second state due to a player's fraudulent behavior, the second protrusion 532c is further pushed toward the rear side. Figures 21(a) and 21(b) are side views of the first electric role device 520 and the drive unit 530. Figure 22(a) is a partially enlarged side view of the drive unit 530 in range XXIIa of Figure 21(a), and Figure 22(b) is a partially enlarged side view of the drive unit 530 in range XXIIb of Figure 21(b).

[0212] 21 and 22, a protrusion 532d3 protruding from the inner surface on the front side (left side in FIG. 22(a)) is formed inside the second opening 532d2. Also, a notch 533b1 is formed in the protrusion 533b of the rotating member 533 by cutting into the outer circumferential surface in a side view.

[0213] The protrusion 532d3 and the cutout portion 533b1 are formed to have shapes that correspond to each other in outer diameter. That is, the protruding shape of the protrusion 532d3 in a side view and the cutout shape of the cutout portion 533b1 are substantially the same.

[0214] 21(a) and 22(a), when only the first electric device 520 is set to the second state by a fraudulent act, if the standing wall 532c1 (sliding member 532) is pushed toward the rear side, the protrusion 532d3 is accommodated inside the notch 533b1, and displacement of the standing wall 532c1 (sliding member 532) toward the rear side is restricted. As a result, when the first electric device 520 is set to the second state by a fraudulent act by the player, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the second winning opening 140 and being sent by rolling along the standing portion 534b of the first case member 534.

[0215] In this embodiment, one of the side surfaces of the protrusion 532d3 is formed to be inclined upward toward the rear surface (see FIG. 22(a)). This makes it difficult for the protrusion 532d3 to slip out of the cutout 533b1 when the protrusion 532d3 is inserted into the cutout 533b1.

[0216] That is, since the side surface of the protrusion 532d3 is formed to be inclined upward toward the rear surface side, when a force is applied to further push the upright wall 532c1 (sliding member 532) toward the rear surface while the protrusion 532d3 is inserted into the notch 532b1, the direction of the force acting on the contact surface between the protrusion 532d3 and the notch 532b1 can be set to the direction in which the protrusion 532d3 enters the inside of the notch 532b1. Therefore, when the protrusion 532d3 is inserted into the inside of the notch 533b1, the protrusion 532d3 can be made less likely to come out of the notch 533b1. As a result, when the first electric role device 520 is set to the second state due to a player's fraudulent behavior, it is possible to reliably prevent a gaming ball from entering the second winning opening 140 and being sent by rolling along the upright portion 534b of the first case member 534.

[0217] In other words, a transmission mechanism is provided that transmits the driving force of the driving means (solenoid 531) to the pair of blade members 520L, 520R. The transmission mechanism includes a sliding member 532 that is slidably displaced between an open slide position (position shown in FIG. 17(b)) and a closed slide position (position shown in FIG. 17(a)) by the driving force of the driving means (solenoid 531), and a sliding member 532 that is rotated to an open rotation position by sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the open slide position to open the pair of blade members 520L, 520R, and that is rotated to a closed rotation position by sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the closed slide position to close the pair of blade members 520L, 520R. The ball is provided with a rotating member 533, and an upright wall 532c1 is arranged on the sliding member 532, and when the sliding member 532 is slid and displaced to the open slide position, the upright wall 532c1 is arranged in an allowable position, and when the sliding member 532 is slid and displaced to the closed slide position, the upright wall 532c1 is arranged in a restricting position, and when the rotating member 533 is arranged in the open rotation position with the sliding member 532 arranged in the closed slide position, the rotating member 533 and the sliding member 532 engage with each other, thereby restricting the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the open slide position, making it easier to restrict game balls from being illegally entered into the second winning opening 140.

[0218] That is, when the pair of closed blade members 520L, 520R is forcibly opened from the outside, the rotating member 533 is rotated to the open rotation position with the sliding member 532 disposed in the closed slide position. In this state, the rotating member 533 and the sliding member 532 are engaged with each other, thereby restricting the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the open slide position, and therefore the restricting means can be maintained in the restricting position (the restricting means can be prevented from being forcibly displaced from the outside to the allowable position). As a result, even if the pair of blade members 520L, 520R are forcibly opened from the outside and a gaming ball is passed between the pair of blade members 520L, 520R, the restricting means can restrict the gaming ball from entering the second winning opening 140.

[0219] Furthermore, an engagement hole 532d is extended from one of the sliding member 532 and the rotating member 533, and a protrusion 533b is protruded from the other, and as the protrusion 533b slides along the engagement hole 532d, the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 is transmitted to rotate the rotating member 533, and as the protrusion 533b engages with the inner wall surface of the engagement hole 532d, the sliding displacement of the sliding member 532 to the open slide position is restricted, so that the restriction is difficult to release while achieving miniaturization.

[0220] That is, a means for restricting the sliding displacement of sliding member 532 to the open slide position can be formed by utilizing engagement hole 532d and protrusion 533b for transmitting the sliding displacement of sliding member 532 to rotating member 533, and it is not necessary to provide such a means separately in another location, which allows for a correspondingly smaller size. Also, by employing a structure in which protrusion 533b engages with the inner wall surface of engagement hole 532d, it is possible to make unauthorized access to such an engaged portion from the outside difficult, and therefore it is correspondingly difficult to release the restriction (engagement).

[0221] Next, the bulging portions 524L, 524R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R will be described in detail with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23(a) is a front perspective view of the left wing member 520L, and Figure 23(b) is a front perspective view of the right wing member 520R. Figure 24(a) is a front view of the winning opening unit 500, and Figure 24(b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning opening unit 500 taken along line XXIVb-XXIVb in Figure 24(a).

[0222] 23(a) and 23(b), the left-right direction when viewed obliquely is reversed between FIG. 23(a) and FIG. 23(b). Also, in FIG. 24(a), the front base 511 is shown transparently. Furthermore, in FIG. 24(b), the front base 511, which is shown transparently in FIG. 24(a), is shown opaquely. Also, in FIG. 24(b), the rolling direction of the game ball rolling on the side surfaces 526L and 526R is shown by a two-dot chain line along with the symbol of the imaginary line KS1. Furthermore, the front direction of the imaginary line KS1 is shown by an arrow F, and the rear direction is shown by an arrow B.

[0223] 23 and 24, bulge 524L formed on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L is formed at the end on the through-hole 521L side and is continuous with the end face on the front side (arrow F side in FIG. 24(b)). On the other hand, bulge 524R formed on side surface 526R of right wing member 520R is formed at the end on the through-hole 521R side and is continuous with the end face on the back side (arrow B side in FIG. 24(b)).

[0224] That is, bulging portion 524L of left wing member 520L and bulging portion 524R of right wing member 520R are formed at different positions in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 24(b)).

[0225] Furthermore, a first region is formed on the side surfaces 526L, 526R, continuing from the tip end to the base end of the feather members 520L, 520R, and bulges 524L, 524R are formed with a size that does not abut the game ball guided through the first region, and the first region of the side surfaces 526L, 526R of one feather member (one of the feather members 520L, 520R) of the pair of feather members 520L, 520R and the first region of the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the other feather member (the other of the feather members 520L, 520R) are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R.

[0226] The bulging portion 524L is formed so that the end portion farther from the through-hole 521L is inclined toward the through-hole 521L from the front side (lower side in FIG. 24(b)) to the back side (upper side in FIG. 24(b)). On the other hand, the bulging portion 524R is formed so that the end portion farther from the through-hole 521R is inclined toward the through-hole 521R from the back side to the front side.

[0227] Next, with reference to Figures 25 and 26, a case where a gaming ball is sent to the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the left and right blade members 520L, 520R will be described. Figures 25(a) and 25(b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit 500. Figures 26(a) and 26(b) are cross-sectional views of the winning port unit 500.

[0228] 25(a), 25(b), 26(a), and 26(b) correspond to the cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 500 in FIG. 24(b). In addition, in FIG. 25(a) and FIG. 25(b), the transition states of the game ball when the game ball is sent from both sides of the first electric device 520 are illustrated in order. In FIG. 26(a) and FIG. 26(b), the transition states of the game ball when the game ball is sent only to the left wing member 520L are illustrated in order.

[0229] As shown in Figures 25(a) and 25(b), when a game ball is sent to both sides of the first electric device 520, the game ball rolling on the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R can be rolled to different positions in the front-to-back direction by the bulging portions 524L, 524R.

[0230] More specifically, as described above, bulging portion 524L of left wing member 520L is formed connected to the end face on the front side. Therefore, a game ball rolling on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L rolls on side surface 526L while contacting bulging portion 524L, and is thereby rolled toward the rear side.

[0231] In this case, the bulge portion 524L is formed so that the end farther from the through hole 521L is inclined toward the through hole 521L from the front side (lower side in Figure 25(b)) to the back side (upper side in Figure 25(b)). Therefore, when a game ball rolling on the side surface 526L comes into contact with the bulge portion 524L, the resistance in the rolling direction increases, preventing the game ball from stopping its rolling.

[0232] On the other hand, bulging portion 524R of right wing member 520R is formed so as to be connected to the end face on the rear side. Therefore, a game ball rolling on side surface 526R of right wing member 520R rolls on side surface 526R while contacting bulging portion 524R, and is thereby rolled toward the front side.

[0233] In this case, the bulge portion 524R is formed so that the end farther from the through hole 521R is inclined toward the through hole 521R from the back side (upper side of Figure 25(b)) to the front side (lower side of Figure 25(b)). Therefore, when a game ball rolling on the side surface 526R comes into contact with the bulge portion 524R, the resistance in the rolling direction increases, preventing the game ball from stopping its rolling.

[0234] Therefore, the game balls rolling on the left wing member 520L side can be moved toward the rear side, while the game balls rolling on the right wing member 520R side can be moved toward the front side. As a result, when game balls are thrown from both the left and right sides, head-on collision between the game balls thrown from the left and right can be suppressed.

[0235] Here, conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine equipped with a ball entrance (second winning entrance 140) formed to allow a gaming ball to enter, and a guide member (first electric device 520) having guide surfaces (side surfaces 526L, 526R) for guiding the gaming ball to the ball entrance and formed to be displaceable. An example of the guide member is a pair of blade members (blade members 520L, 520R) having guide surfaces for guiding the gaming ball to the ball entrance, disposed on either side of the ball entrance, and rotatably supported at their base ends.

[0236] Also disclosed is a technique in which a first groove is provided on the entire surface of the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) of one of the blade members (either blade member 520L or 520R), and a second groove is provided on the entire surface of the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) of the other blade member. According to this technique, the first groove and the second groove are inclined in different directions. Therefore, even when game balls are simultaneously guided (rolled) on the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) of one of the blade members (either blade member 520L or 520R) and the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) of the other blade member (either blade member 520L or 520R), the game balls can be biased in different directions (one toward the glass plate and the other toward the game board). This allows the game balls to smoothly enter the second winning hole 140.

[0237] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has a problem that the gaming ball cannot be sufficiently biased. Also, the gaming ball that enters from one side of the guide member (either one of the blade members 520L, 520R) may pass through the guide surface (side surface 526L, 526R) and go through the other side of the guide member (either one of the blade members 520L, 520R). In this case, the gaming ball does not enter the ball entrance (second winning entrance 140), which causes a problem that the player loses interest.

[0238] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the first electric device 520 has a pair of bulging portions 524L, 524R that protrude from the side surfaces 526L, 526R and are formed so as to be able to come into contact with the game balls rolling on the side surfaces 526L, 526R, and the pair of bulging portions 524L, 524R are arranged at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game balls are guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R, so that the game balls guided (rolling) on the side surfaces 526L, 526R can be brought into contact with the bulging portions 524L, 524R, thereby reliably deflecting the game balls. As a result, the game balls can be smoothly introduced into the ball entrance.

[0239] Furthermore, by arranging the pair of bulging portions 524L, 524R at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the gaming ball is guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R, the gaming ball entering from one side of the pair of blade members 520L, 520R can be made to abut against the bulging portions 524L, 524R. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaming ball entering from one side of the pair of blade members 520L, 520R (either one of the blade members 520L, 520R) from passing through the pair of blade members 520L, 520R (to the other of the blade members 520L, 520R). As a result, the gaming ball can be made to enter the ball entrance, enhancing the player's interest.

[0240] Furthermore, the first electric device 520 is formed as a pair of feather members 520L, 520R arranged on either side of the second winning opening 140 and rotatably supported at the base end, and the pair of bulges 524L, 524R protrude from each of the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the pair of feather members 520L, 520R, and the bulge 524L, 524R of one of the pair of feather members 520L, 520R and the bulge 524L, 524R of the other feather member 520L, 520R are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R, so that the game ball being guided (rolling) along the side surfaces 526L, 526R can be reliably biased by abutting the bulge 524L, 524R against the bulge 524L, 524R. As a result, the balls can be smoothly admitted into the second winning opening 140, and ball clogging can be prevented.

[0241] Furthermore, the bulge portions 524L, 524R of one feather member 520L, 520R and the bulge portions 524L, 524R of the other feather member 520L, 520R are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side surface 526L, 526R (the direction from the tip end to the base end of the feather members 520L, 520R), so that when a game ball that has entered the side surface 526L, 526R of one feather member 520L, 520R reaches the side surface 526L, 526R of the other feather member 520L, 520R, the game ball can abut against the bulge portions 524L, 524R of the other feather member 520L, 520R. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gaming ball that has entered the side surface 526L, 526R of one of the blade members 520L, 520R from passing through the side surface 526L, 526R of the other blade member. As a result, the gaming ball can be made to enter the second winning opening 140, improving the player's interest.

[0242] In other words, since the bulges 524L, 524R are formed at different positions in the front-to-rear direction on the left and right blade members 520L, 520R, respectively, the game balls rolling from the left and right can be rolled to different positions in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, when game balls are sent from both the left and right sides, head-on collisions between the game balls sent from the left and right can be prevented. As a result, the time it takes for the game ball to enter the second winning opening 140 can be reduced.

[0243] That is, by setting the collision positions of the game balls to different positions in the front-to-back direction on the left and right, as shown in Figure 25(b), the game ball on the left side that is closer to the back side is more likely to bounce back to the back side (upper side of Figure 25(b)) upon impact, while the game ball on the right side that is closer to the front side is more likely to bounce back to the front side (lower side of Figure 25(b)) upon impact.

[0244] Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for one game ball (in this embodiment, the game ball rolling on the left wing member 520L) to enter the second winning opening 140, and by making the other game ball bounce toward the front side, it is possible to prevent the game ball from moving too far away from the second winning opening 140 when they collide. Therefore, it is possible to speed up the entry of the second game ball that enters the second winning opening 140 later into the second winning opening 140. As a result, when game balls are sent to both the left and right sides of the first electric role device 520, it is possible to shorten the time it takes for the game balls on both sides to enter the second winning opening 140, allowing the game to proceed smoothly.

[0245] In addition, since the bulging portions 524L, 524R are protruded from the side surfaces 526L, 526R at positions closer to the base end side (through-hole 521 side) than to the tip side of the blade members 520L, 520R, an area in which the game ball guided to the side surfaces 526L, 526R can roll before coming into contact with the bulging portions 524L, 524R can be secured. Therefore, the decrease in the rolling speed of the game ball can be suppressed, and the ball can be smoothly entered into the second winning port 140.

[0246] Furthermore, by providing the bulging portions 524L, 524R protruding from the side surfaces 526L, 526R at positions closer to the base end side than the tip end side of the blade members 520L, 520R, it is possible to prevent the course of the game ball that has been deflected by contact with the bulging portions 524L, 524R from returning to the course before deflection before reaching the ball entrance (the end of the guide surface). In other words, it is possible to easily send the game ball from the side surfaces 526L, 526R to the ball entrance while it remains deflected.

[0247] Furthermore, as described above, a first region that continues from the tip end to the base end of the wing members 520L, 520R is formed on the side surfaces 526L, 526R, and bulges 524L, 524R are formed with a size that does not abut the game ball guided through the first region.Therefore, when a game ball that has entered the side surfaces 526L, 526R rolls through the first region, the rolling speed of the game ball can be prevented from decreasing, and the ball can be allowed to enter the second winning port 140 smoothly.

[0248] In this case, the first region of the side surfaces 526L, 526R of one of the pair of feather members 520L, 520R (either feather member 520L, 520R) and the first region of the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the other feather member (either feather member 520L, 520R) are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the game ball is guided along the side surfaces 526L, 526R. Therefore, even if game balls are simultaneously guided (rolled) through the first region of the side surfaces 526L, 526R of one feather member (either feather member 520L, 520R) and the first region of the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the other feather member (either feather member 520L, 520R), the game balls can be biased in different directions, allowing them to enter the second winning opening 140 smoothly.

[0249] Next, as shown in Figures 26(a) and 26(b), when a game ball is sent to one of the left and right wing members 520L, 520R, the game ball can be abutted against the bulge portion 524L or bulge portion 524R of the other left and right wing member 520L, 520R, thereby preventing the game ball from rolling down the side surface 526L, 526R of the other left and right wing member 520L, 520R and falling from its tip.

[0250] More specifically, as described above, bulge 524L of left wing member 520L is formed connected to the front end surface. Therefore, a game ball rolling on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L rolls on side surface 526L while contacting bulge 524L, and is thereby rolled toward the rear side. This allows a game ball rolling on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L to be drawn toward bulge 524R formed on right wing member 520R.

[0251] In other words, the bulges 524L, 524R formed on the left and right wing members 520L, 520R are formed at different positions in the front-to-back direction, so that a game ball rolling toward the second winning opening on either the left wing member 520L or the right wing member 520R can be rolled (moved closer) to a position that matches the bulge 524L, 524R formed on the other of the left wing member 520L or the right wing member 520R in the front-to-back direction.

[0252] Therefore, when a gaming ball rolls on side surface 526L of left wing member 520L, the gaming ball can be rolled (pulled closer) to the rear side to be positioned substantially aligned with bulging portion 524R of right wing member 520R in the front-to-rear direction. On the other hand, when a gaming ball rolls on side surface 526R of right wing member 520R, the gaming ball can be rolled (pulled closer) to the front side to be positioned substantially aligned with bulging portion 524L of left wing member 520L in the front-to-rear direction.

[0253] This makes it possible to prevent the gaming ball from running onto side surfaces 526L, 526R of the other left wing member 520L or right wing member 520R when the gaming ball is rolling at a high rolling speed on either side surface 526L or 526R.

[0254] Here, in the conventional winning slot unit 500, the sides 526L, 526R of the first electric device 520 are formed as smooth surfaces, so there was a problem in that a game ball sent from one of the first electric devices 520 would run onto the other wing member 520L, 520R and be sent into the flow-down area from the tip of the other wing member 520L, 520R.

[0255] In contrast, in this embodiment, the bulging portions 524L, 524R are formed at different positions in the front-rear direction on the first electric role device 520, so that the game ball rolling from one of the blade members can be rolled to a position that is approximately aligned with the bulging portions 524L, 524R formed on the other blade member in the front-rear direction. Therefore, by making the game ball rolling on one of the blade members 520L, 520R collide with the bulging portions 524L, 524R of the other blade member 520L, 520R, it is possible to prevent the game ball from riding up onto the side surfaces 526L, 526R of the other blade member 520L, 520R and being sent to the game area from the tip of the blade member 520L, 520R.

[0256] Next, the recessed portion 525L and the engaging portion 511b2 will be described with reference to Figures 27 and 28. Figure 27(a) is a top view of the winning port unit 500, and Figure 27(b) is a cross-sectional view of the winning port unit 500 taken along line XXVIIb-XXVIIb in Figure 27(a). Figures 28(a) and 28(b) are partially enlarged cross-sectional views of the winning port unit 500 taken along range XXVIII in Figure 27(b). Note that Figure 28(a) illustrates the first electric device 520 in the first state, and Figure 28(b) illustrates the first electric device 520 in the second state.

[0257] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the engagement portions 511b2 formed on the second protrusion 511b of the front base 511 are disposed inside the recessed portions 525L and 525R of the left and right wing members 520L and 520R, respectively.

[0258] In the first state, the engaging portion 511b2 abuts against the end portions of the recessed portions 525L, 525R on the bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R) side (see Figure 28(a)), and in the second state, the engaging portion 511b2 abuts against the end portions of the recessed portions 525L, 525R on the opposite side to the bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R).

[0259] That is, when the first electric accessory 520 is displaced from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state, the engaging portion 511b2 abuts against the ends of the recessed portions 525L, 525R, thereby regulating the amount of displacement.

[0260] Furthermore, in the first state, the rotational force acting around the axis of the through-holes 521L, 521R is caused by its own weight to rotate the corners of the feather members 520L, 520R farther from the through-holes 521L, 521R toward the second winning opening 140. Therefore, by abutting the engagement portion 511b2 with the end portions of the recessed portions 525L, 525R on the bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R) side, the feather members 520L, 520R can be prevented from rotating under their own weight, and the feather members 520L, 520R can be held in the first state.

[0261] In the first state, the ends of recesses 525L, 525R on the bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R) side are brought into contact with engaging portions 511b2, so that the side surfaces of bulging portions 524L, 524R of wing members 520L, 520R can be brought into contact with engaging portions 511b2. Therefore, the rigidity of the contact portions can be increased by the amount of bulging portions 524L, 524R formed, and therefore, damage to wing members 520L, 520R due to contact with engaging portions 511b2 can be prevented.

[0262] That is, in this embodiment, a base member 510 is provided that rotatably supports the feather members 520L, 520R, and the base member 510 has engagement portions 511b2 that abut against the feather members 520L, 520R to restrict the rotation of the feather members 520L, 520R, and since the bulge portions 524L, 524R of the feather members 520L, 520R abut against the engagement portions 511b2 of the base member 510, damage to the feather members 520L, 520R can be suppressed. That is, since the bulging portions 524L, 524R are portions that protrude from the wing members 520L, 520R (side surfaces 526L, 526R), the relatively rigid portions of the wing members 520L, 520R can be used as stoppers that abut against the engagement portion 511b2 of the base member 510, thereby reducing damage to the wing members 520L, 520R.

[0263] Furthermore, the side surfaces of bulging portions 524L, 524R are formed substantially flush with the side surfaces on the base end sides of wing members 520L, 520R, and in the closed state, the side surfaces of bulging portions 524L, 524R formed substantially flush with the side surfaces on the base end sides of wing members 520L, 520R abut at least against engaging portions 511b2 of base member 510. This allows the portions (side surfaces of bulging portions 524L, 524R) farther from the rotation axis (through holes 521L, 521R) to abut against engaging portions 511b2 of base member 510, thereby reducing the reaction force input from engaging portions 511b2 to wing members 520L, 520R. This prevents damage to wing members 520L, 520R. Furthermore, for example, compared to when the protruding tip surfaces of the bulging portions 524L, 524R abut against the engaging portion 511b2 of the base member 510, the engaging portion 511b2 of the base member 510 can be spaced away from the second winning opening 140, ensuring space for a flow path to the second winning opening 140. Note that in addition to the side surfaces of the bulging portions 524L, 524R, the side surfaces of the base ends of the blade members 520L, 520R may also abut against the engaging portion 511b2 of the base member 510. In this case, the surface pressure can be reduced, further suppressing damage to the blade members 520L, 520R.

[0264] When the wing members 520L, 520R are closed, the bulging portions 524L, 524R are disposed below (below in FIG. 28(a)) the erecting portion 511b1 formed on the front base 511. In other words, the erecting portion 511b1 is disposed between the opposing bulging portions 524L, 524R.

[0265] Here, the pair of wing members 520L, 520R are arranged at positions where the opposing distance between the side surfaces 526L, 526R in the closed state is greater than the diameter of the game ball so as not to pinch the game ball. In this case, if the bulging portions 524L, 524R are protruded from the side surfaces 526L, 526R, it becomes necessary to arrange the pair of wing members 520L, 520R at a greater distance by the protruding height of the bulging portions 524L, 524R so as not to pinch the game ball between the bulging portions 524L, 524R, and the space required for arranging the pair of wing members 520L, 520R increases.

[0266] In contrast, in this embodiment, a standing portion 511b1 is provided which is located between the opposing bulge portions 524L, 524R in the closed state, and when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the opposing distance between the side surfaces 526L, 526R in the area where the bulge portions 524L, 524R are not formed is larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the opposing distance between the bulge portions 524L, 524R is smaller than the diameter of the game ball, so that the space required for arranging the pair of wing members 520L, 520R can be reduced.

[0267] That is, even if the pair of wing members 520L, 520R start to close (start to transition to the closed state) while the gaming ball is being guided (rolled) on the side surfaces 526L, 526R, the standing portion 511b1 is positioned between the opposing bulging portions 524L, 524R, so that the gaming ball is discharged from between the opposing bulging portions 524L, 524R, and it is possible to prevent the gaming ball from being caught between the bulging portions 524L, 524R. The gaming ball discharged from between the opposing bulging portions 524L, 524R by the standing portion 511b1 is positioned between the opposing side surfaces 526L, 526R in the region where the bulging portions 524L, 524R are not formed, and the opposing distance at such a position is made larger than the diameter of the gaming ball, so the gaming ball will not be caught (see FIG. 27(a)). As a result, the distance between the bulging portions 524L, 524R can be made smaller than the diameter of a gaming ball. This reduces the space required to arrange the pair of wing members 520L, 520R. In other words, the pair of wing members 520L, 520R can be arranged in a space equivalent to the space required to arrange a conventional product that does not have bulging portions 524L, 524R protruding from the side surfaces 526L, 526R.

[0268] On the other hand, in the second state, the rotational force acting around the axis of through-holes 521L, 521R is such that the corners of wing members 520L, 520R farther from through-holes 521L, 521R rotate downward in the direction of gravity due to their own weight. Therefore, by abutting engagement portion 511b2 with the end portions of recessed portions 525L, 525R opposite to bulging portions 524L, 524R (side surfaces 526L, 526R), wing members 520L, 520R can be prevented from rotating due to their own weight and wing members 520L, 520R can be held in the second state.

[0269] Therefore, since the displacement of the blade members 520L, 520R can be restricted at locations other than the drive unit 533d and the protrusions 523L, 523R, damage to the drive unit 533d and the protrusions 523L, 523R can be prevented. Therefore, there is no need to form large components to increase the rigidity of the rotation member 533, and the rotation member 533 can be made smaller. As a result, the drive unit 530 can be made smaller.

[0270] In addition, in the open state, the upper surface of the standing portion 511b1 is located lower in the direction of gravity than the lower ends of the side surfaces 526L and 526R and higher in the direction of gravity than the lower end of the second winning opening 140, so that a game ball guided to the side surfaces 526L and 526R can be sent to the upper surface of the standing portion 511b1, and can be made to enter the second winning opening 140 by rolling along the upper surface of the standing portion 511b1 (see Figure 28(b)).

[0271] Furthermore, as described above, the second protrusion 511b is provided with a base member 511f equipped with LEDs that emit light toward the blade members 520L, 520R (the second winning opening 140). As shown in FIG. 28(a), in the first state, the recesses 525L, 525R are positioned downward in the direction of gravity. This makes it easier for the light emitted from the LEDs of the base member 511f to enter the interior of the blade members 520L, 520R.

[0272] That is, by irradiating the LED light onto the recessed portions of the recesses 525L, 525R, it is possible to suppress the LED light from being reflected by the outer surfaces of the wing members 520L, 520R. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for light to enter the interior of the wing members 520L, 520R. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of light emitted from the interior of the wing members 520L, 520R toward the player. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the player to see the wing members 520L, 520R even through the front base 511 made of a transparent material.

[0273] 28(b), the recessed portions 525L, 525R are positioned at approximately the same positions in the up-down direction of the through-holes 521L, 521R. This makes it easier for the LED of the base member 511f to illuminate the game ball sent to the front side of the second winning opening 140.

[0274] That is, by positioning the recessed portions of the recessed portions 525L, 525R at approximately the same position in the up-down direction of the through-holes 521L, 521R, the gap between the opposing first electric role devices 520 can be increased. Therefore, the gaming ball sent to the front side of the second winning opening can be easily illuminated by the LED of the base member 511f. As a result, the gaming ball entering the second winning opening 140 can be easily seen by the player even through the front base 511 made of a transparent material.

[0275] Next, the manner in which the winning port unit 500 is arranged on the gaming board 13 will be described with reference to Figure 29. Figure 29 is a partially enlarged view of the gaming board 13 in range XXIX of Figure 2.

[0276] As shown in FIG. 29, the winning opening unit 500 is disposed at a predetermined gap from the inner edge of the inner rail 76.

[0277] A first outlet 71 for collecting game balls flowing down the conventional game area is formed inside the lower end portion of the inner rail 76. Therefore, the lower end portion of the inner rail 76 is formed with a curved portion 76a that is curved with a curvature larger than the curvature of the entire inner rail 76 in order to make it easier for game balls to collect.

[0278] Therefore, the gap between the winning opening unit 500 and the inner rail 76 is increased at the lower end portion (where the curved portion 76a is formed) of the inner reel. As described above, the front base 511 and the back base 512 of the winning opening unit 500 are fastened together by inserting a screwdriver or the like obliquely into the recessed portion 511b3 from below the front base 511.

[0279] The through-hole 511b4 is formed in the second protrusion 511b, which is formed at approximately the center in the left-right direction of the front base 511. Therefore, the through-hole 511b4 can be positioned above the curved portion 76a (upper in FIG. 29). Therefore, when inserting a screwdriver or the like obliquely into the recessed portion 511b3 from below the front base 511, the gap between the winning opening unit 500, which is formed by the curved portion 76a, can be used, making it easy to attach and detach the front base 511 from the rear base 512 from the front side of the game board 13.

[0280] In addition, the inner rail 76 makes it difficult for the player to see the inside of the recessed portion 511b3, so that the player's interest is prevented from being reduced by seeing the screws and the like that fasten the front base 511 and the rear base 512 together.

[0281] Next, the decorative pattern display device 800 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0282] First, the configuration of the decorative pattern display device 800 will be described with reference to Figures 30 to 33. Figure 30(a) is a front view of the decorative pattern display device 800, and Figure 30(b) is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device 800 taken along line XXXb-XXXb in Figure 30(a). Figure 31 is an exploded perspective front view of the decorative pattern display device 800, and Figure 32 is an exploded perspective rear view of the decorative pattern display device 800. Figure 33(a) is a front view of the inner reel 811 unfolded, and Figure 33(b) is a front view of the outer reel 821 unfolded.

[0283] As shown in Figures 30 to 33, the decorative pattern display device 800 is mainly formed by an inner reel unit 810 that is configured to be rotatable, an outer reel unit 820 that houses a part of the inner reel unit 810, a storage unit 880 that houses the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 inside, a drive motor KM1 attached to the storage unit 880 and driving the inner reel unit 810 to rotate, a drive motor KM2 attached to the storage unit 880 and driving the outer reel unit 820 to rotate, and a backlight unit 830 arranged inside the inner reel unit 810.

[0284] The inner reel unit 810 is formed of an approximately cylindrical inner reel 811 that penetrates from left to right, a rotating member 812 that is arranged on one end side of the opening of the inner reel 811 (left side of Figure 30(a)), and a circular member 813 that is arranged on the other end side of the opening of the inner reel 811 (right side of Figure 30(a)).

[0285] The inner reel 811 is formed by winding a strip-shaped sheet made of transparent resin in the circumferential direction. As shown in Fig. 33(a), the inner reel 811 has decorative patterns arranged at equal intervals with the longitudinal direction oriented vertically. Note that the arrangement of the decorative patterns on each of the inner reels 811 of the three decorative pattern display devices 800 arranged side by side is different.

[0286] The rotating member 812 is mainly formed by a hub 812a formed in an approximately disk shape, a rim 812b formed in an approximately annular shape with a larger diameter than the hub 812a, and spokes 812c connecting the outer peripheral surface of the hub 812a and the inner peripheral surface of the rim 812b.

[0287] The hub 812a and the rim 812b are formed so that their axes are aligned on the same straight line, but are arranged at different positions in the axial direction, so that the spokes 812c are formed so as to be inclined in the axial direction toward the radially outer side of the hub 812a.

[0288] The rim 812b is a portion to which one end of the inner reel 811 is attached on its outer peripheral surface, and is formed with an outer diameter that is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the inner reel 811. In other words, the circumferential distance dimension of the outer peripheral portion of the rim 812b is set to be approximately the same as the longitudinal dimension of the unfolded inner reel 811. Therefore, the inner reel 811 can be disposed (attached) without any gaps on the outer peripheral surface of the rim 812b.

[0289] The hub 812a is disposed inside the inner reel 811. That is, the spokes 812c connecting the hub 812a and the rim 812b are formed so as to incline toward the other end (annular member 813, described later) of the opening of the inner reel 811 as they move radially inward. This allows the hub 812a to be disposed inside the inner reel 811. The spokes 812c are formed from a plurality of rod-shaped bodies extending from the rim 812b to the hub 812a, and have inner openings 812c1 that open between adjacent spokes 812c in the circumferential direction.

[0290] The hub 812a is positioned in the axial direction at approximately the same position as the center position in the left-right direction of the inner reel 811. This ensures a space closer to the circular member 813 than the hub 812a. A drive motor KM1 that applies a rotational driving force to the inner reel unit 810 is connected to the hub 812a.

[0291] The thickness of the drive motor KM1 in the axial direction of the inner reel 811 is approximately half the axial dimension of the inner reel 811. As described above, the axial position of the hub 812a is approximately the same as the center position of the inner reel 811 in the left-right direction, and space is formed inside the other end (annular member 813) of the opening of the inner reel 811, so most of the drive motor KM1 can be disposed inside the inner reel 811. As a result, the dimensions of the inner reel unit 810 and the drive motor KM1 in the left-right direction (axial direction of the inner reel 811) can be reduced.

[0292] Furthermore, the drive motor KM1 has a rotation shaft arranged on a straight line coaxial with the shaft of the hub 812a. That is, the shaft of the hub 812a is connected to the rotation shaft of the drive motor KM1. As described above, the shaft of the hub 812a and the shaft of the rim 812b are arranged on the same straight line, so that the rotation of the drive motor KM1 can rotate the inner reel 811 around its own shaft. This allows the player to visually recognize the symbols decorated on the inner reel 811 as displacing in the vertical direction.

[0293] The circular ring member 813 is formed in a circular ring shape with an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the rim 812b. The inner peripheral surface of the circular ring member 813 on the other end side of the opening of the inner reel 811 (the right side in Figure 30(a)) is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811.

[0294] Here, the inner reel 811 is made of a transparent resin sheet as described above, and therefore has a relatively low rigidity. Therefore, when the inner reel unit 810 is rotated and displaced, it may be deformed by the centrifugal force of the rotation, wind pressure, etc., and the player may not be able to accurately recognize the symbols decorated around it.

[0295] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the inner reel 811 is connected to the rim 812b of the rotating member 812 at one end and to the circular member 813 at the other end, so that it is less likely to be displaced by the centrifugal force or wind pressure when the inner reel unit 810 rotates. As a result, when the inner reel unit 810 is rotated and displaced, the player can accurately recognize the symbols decorated around the inner reel 811.

[0296] Furthermore, since the inner reel 811 can be formed from a sheet, the weight of the inner reel 811 can be reduced accordingly. Therefore, the load on the drive motor KM1 when driving the inner reel unit 810 to rotate can be reduced. As a result, the inner reel unit 810 can start rotating smoothly.

[0297] The outer reel unit 820 is mainly formed by a cylindrical outer reel 821, a disk-shaped hub 823 with a smaller diameter than the outer reel 821, and spokes 822 connecting the inner peripheral surface of one end side of the opening of the outer reel 821 (left side of Figure 30(a)) and the outer peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0298] The outer reel 821 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner reel 811, and an axial width larger than the axial dimension of the inner reel 811. The inner reel 811 is made of a transparent resin material and has a predetermined radial thickness. The outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 is decorated with a pattern, the details of which will be described later.

[0299] The hub 823 has its axis arranged coaxially with the outer reel 821 and is arranged at approximately the center in the axial direction of the outer reel 821. In addition, a drive motor KM2 that imparts a rotational driving force to the outer reel unit 820 is connected to the hub 823.

[0300] The spokes 822 are formed at an angle in the axial direction of the outer reel 821 toward the radially outer side of the hub 823, which allows a space to be formed between the spokes 822 and one end side (left side of Figure 30(a)) of the opening of the outer reel 821. The spokes 822 are formed from a plurality of rod-shaped bodies extending from the hub 823 to the edge portion 824, and have openings 822a that open between adjacent spokes 822 in the circumferential direction.

[0301] The thickness of the drive motor KM2 in the axial direction of the outer reel 821 is approximately half the axial dimension of the outer reel 821. As described above, the axial position of the hub 823 is located approximately at the same position as the center of the outer reel 821 in the left-right direction, and a space is formed on one end of the opening of the outer reel 821 (on the left in the left-right direction in Figure 30(a)), so most of the drive motor KM2 can be disposed inside the outer reel 821. As a result, the dimensions of the outer reel unit 820 and the drive motor KM2 in the left-right direction (axial direction of the outer reel 821) can be reduced.

[0302] The storage unit 880 is formed in a box shape that is open on the front side, and can store therein the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820. The storage unit 880 is formed mainly by a pair of left and right side wall portions 881, and an upper wall portion 882, a lower wall portion 883, and a rear wall portion 884 that are disposed on the edge between the pair of opposing side wall portions 881.

[0303] The side wall portion 881 is formed from a plate-like body that is approximately rectangular when viewed from the side, and is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the outer drum in the vertical direction (vertical direction in Figure 30(a)), and smaller than the outer diameter of the outer drum in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in Figure 30(b)).

[0304] A drive motor KM2 that drives the outer reel unit 820 is disposed on the right surface (inner surface) of the side wall portion 881 on the left side as viewed from the front (left side in Figure 30(a)), and a drive motor KM1 that drives the inner reel unit 810 is disposed on the left surface (inner surface) of the side wall portion 881 on the right side as viewed from the front (right side in Figure 30(a)). That is, the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 are rotationally displaced relative to the side wall portion 881.

[0305] Additionally, the side wall 881 has a bulging portion 881a on the front side that bulges out in a curved shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811. This prevents light emitted from the backlight unit 830 (described later) from escaping from the left and right outside of the inner reel 811.

[0306] Moreover, side wall portion 881 is formed from a metal material. This can increase the rigidity of containing unit 880. Furthermore, by forming side wall portion 881 from a metal material that generally has higher thermal conductivity than a resin material, heat generated inside containing unit 880 can be discharged to the outside of containing unit 880. As a result, it is possible to prevent parts from breaking due to heat accumulating inside containing unit 880.

[0307] The upper wall portion 882 and the lower wall portion 883 are plate members that form the upper and lower side surfaces of the storage unit 880, and are arranged along the edge of the upper portion (upper portion in Figure 30(b)) and the edge of the lower portion (lower portion in Figure 30(b)) of the side wall portion 881, respectively.

[0308] The width dimension in the left-right direction (left-right direction in FIG. 30(a)) of the upper wall portion 882 and the lower wall portion is formed to be smaller than the width dimension in the left-right direction (axial direction) of the outer reel 821. This ensures a sufficient distance between opposing side wall portions 881, allowing the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 to be arranged in that opposing space.

[0309] Furthermore, a plurality of through holes are formed in the upper wall portion 882 and the lower wall portion 883, penetrating in the radial direction relative to the axis of the outer reel 821. This increases the air flow between the inside and outside of the containing unit 880. As a result, heat is prevented from accumulating inside the containing unit 880, and components are prevented from being damaged by the heat of the containing unit 880.

[0310] The rear wall portion 884 is a plate member that forms the side surface on the rear side of the containing unit 880, and is disposed along the edge of the side wall portion 881 on the rear side (right side in FIG. 30(b)).

[0311] The rear wall portion 884 has an opening 884a formed therein that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction at a position where it intersects with the axis of the outer reel 821 horizontally (left-to-right direction in Figure 30(b)), and is provided with erect portions 884b that are bent toward the front and erected at both left and right ends where the opening 884a is formed.

[0312] The opening 884a is formed so that its width in the left-right direction (left-right direction in FIG. 30(a)) is larger than the width in the axial direction of the outer reel 821. This prevents the outer reel 821 from colliding with the rear wall portion 884 when it moves (sways) in the front-to-rear direction due to the inertial force of the rotational movement, vibration, or the like.

[0313] That is, when the outer reel 821 moves (sways) back and forth due to the inertial force of the rotational motion, vibration, etc., a part of the rear side (right side in Figure 30(b)) of the outer reel 821 can be inserted inside the opening 884a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the outer reel 821 from colliding with the rear wall portion 884.

[0314] Furthermore, opening 884a can increase the air flow between the inside and outside of containing unit 880. As a result, heat can be prevented from remaining inside containing unit 880, and components can be prevented from being damaged by the heat of containing unit 880.

[0315] If an opening 884a larger than the axial width of the outer reel 821 is formed in the rear wall 884, the rigidity of the rear wall 884 on both sides of the opening 884a will be reduced, which could cause the rear wall 884 to bend.

[0316] In this case, it is also possible to increase the rigidity of the rear wall portions 884 on both sides of the opening 884a by increasing the distance between the side wall portions 881, but there is a problem in that increasing the distance between the sides increases the size of the decorative pattern display device 800 unit itself.

[0317] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, standing portions 884b are formed on both the left and right sides of the rear wall portion 884 at the position where the opening 884a is formed. This increases the rigidity of the rear wall portion 884. As a result, bending of the rear wall portion 884 can be suppressed.

[0318] In this embodiment, the rear wall portion 884 is made of a metal material, and the distances from the left and right ends of the opening 884a to the left and right ends of the rear wall portion 884 are made sufficiently small. This makes it possible to increase the deformation rate of plastic deformation when forming the left and right ends of the rear wall portion 884. As a result, it is possible to increase the rigidity.

[0319] The backlight unit 830 is a unit that emits light from inside the inner reel 811 to make it easier for the player to recognize the symbols on the inner reel 811, and is placed inside the front of the inner reel 811.

[0320] The backlight unit 830 is formed in an arc shape when viewed from the side, and the axis of the arc is arranged coaxially with the axis of the inner reel 811. The width dimension of the backlight unit 830 in the axial direction is set to be approximately the same as the width dimension of the inner reel 811 in the axial direction.

[0321] Moreover, the length L4 in the circumferential direction of the backlight unit 830 on the inner reel 811 side is formed to be the length of three symbols that decorate the inner reel 811, which will be described later.

[0322] Furthermore, backlight unit 830 has three recesses 831 arranged side by side in the circumferential direction, recessed radially inward on the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, partition plates 832 are formed between each recess 831, standing radially outward of backlight unit 830.

[0323] A base member 833 having an LED for emitting light is disposed on the radially inner side surface of each recess 831, and the LED can emit light toward the radially outer side of the backlight unit 830.

[0324] Power can be supplied to each base member 833 independently, allowing the inner reel 811 to partially emit light. In this case, each base member 833 is disposed in an area surrounded on all four sides (recess 831), so that light emitted from the LED of the base member 833 can be prevented from entering the area in front of the other base members 833. This makes it easier to partially emit light to the inner reel 811.

[0325] Next, with reference to Figure 33, we will explain the symbols that decorate the inner reel 811 and the outer reel 821. Figure 33(a) is a front view of the inner reel 811 unfolded, and Figure 33(b) is a front view of the outer reel 821 unfolded.

[0326] As shown in Fig. 33(a), multiple symbols are drawn at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (vertical direction in Fig. 33) on the inner reel 811. Note that the circumferential dimension L5 of one symbol is set to one-third the circumferential length dimension L4 of the backlight unit 830, as described above (L5 x 3 = L4).

[0327] Moreover, the inner reel 811 is entirely made of a material that can transmit light. In particular, the symbol portion (for example, the "7" marking) has a higher light transmittance than the surrounding blank portion. Therefore, by irradiating light from the LEDs of the backlight unit 830 arranged inside the inner reel 811, the LED light can pass through the inner reel 811 and make the symbol portion stand out. Therefore, if the LEDs of the backlight unit 830 are in an emitting state, the player can see the symbol on the inner reel 811 even if the inner reel 811 is not irradiated with external light (light inside the store or light from other LEDs arranged in the pachinko machine 10).

[0328] In this embodiment, 10 symbols of 5 types are drawn consecutively in the circumferential direction, and a maximum of three symbols can be seen by the player using the segment display device 600 described below. As described above, each decorative symbol display device 800 is decorated with symbols arranged in different ways, allowing a maximum of nine symbols to be seen by the player.

[0329] Furthermore, the pachinko machine 10 sets five active lines for a jackpot, three parallel lines in the horizontal direction and two diagonally crossing lines, by displaying 3x3 symbols on the inner reel 811. By stopping the inner reel 811 so that three "7" symbols are lined up on one of the active lines, the occurrence of a jackpot state can be indicated to the player.

[0330] As shown in FIG. 33(b), the outer reel 821 has a non-decorative surface 821a that is not decorated, and a non-transparent surface 821b that is decorated to block light.

[0331] The non-decorative surface 821a is not decorated and is therefore light-transmittable. That is, the outer reel 821 is formed from a transparent material (in this embodiment, a transparent resin material), thereby forming the light-transmittable non-decorative surface 821a. Note that the non-decorative surface 821a only needs to be formed to be light-transmittable, and may be, for example, decorated with a translucent decoration that allows light to pass through.

[0332] The decorative symbol display device 800 rotates the outer reel unit 820 and faces the non-decorative surface 821a toward the player, thereby allowing the player to view the symbols on the inner reel 811 arranged inside the outer reel 821. That is, the player can view the symbols on the inner reel 811 through the non-decorative surface 821a of the outer reel 821.

[0333] The non-transparent surface 821b is made non-transparent by being decorated in black on the outer peripheral surface (the front side of the page in FIG. 33(b)) of the outer reel 821. The non-transparent surface 821b is formed so that its circumferential length (the vertical length in FIG. 33(b)) is equal to or greater than three of the symbols decorating the inner reel 811.

[0334] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to display three symbols on the inner reel 811 on the player side. Therefore, by making the circumferential length of the non-transparent surface 821b equal to or greater than three symbols decorating the inner reel 811, the inner reel 811 can be made invisible to the player by rotating the outer reel unit 820 and positioning the non-transparent surface of the outer reel 821 on the player side.

[0335] The circumferential length of the non-transparent surface 821b is not limited to three or more symbols that decorate the inner reel 811, as long as the circumferential length is such that the decoration of the inner reel 811 is not visible to the player. In other words, it is sufficient that the non-transparent surface 821b is formed over the circumferential length of the inner reel 811 that is visible to the player.

[0336] The non-transmitting surface 821b has a transmissive area 821b1 that is partially light-transmitting, and a pattern 821b2 that is decorated with a pattern.

[0337] The transparent area 821b1 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction (left-right direction in FIG. 33) when viewed from the front. The transparent area 821b1 is a part that forms a seven-segment display when combined with the segment display device 600 described below, and can partially transmit light that passes through the inner reel 811 to the player side. This allows it to form part of the seven-segment display described below.

[0338] The pattern 821b2 is formed with a circumferential length equivalent to three of the patterns decorating the inner reel 811, and by stopping the outer reel 821 so that each pattern 821b2 of each decorative pattern display device 800 is aligned in parallel in the horizontal direction, the player can be informed that a jackpot has occurred.

[0339] Furthermore, as described above, the periphery of the symbol 821b2 is opaque, so the player cannot see the inner reel 811. Therefore, the symbol on the inner reel 811 can be stopped on the pay line while an effect of three symbols 821b2 lining up is produced. Therefore, the effect of the outer reel 821 spinning can make the player focus on the outer reel 821, and then, almost simultaneously with the end of the effect on the outer reel 821, the player can be made to focus on the inner reel 811. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

[0340] Next, the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 will be described with reference to Figures 34 to 36. Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device 800 taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in Figure 30(a). Figure 35 is a partially enlarged view of the decorative pattern display device 800 in range XXXV in Figure 34. Figure 36(a) is a partially enlarged view of the rotating member 812, and Figure 36(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member 812 taken along line XXXVIb-XXXVIb in Figure 36(a).

[0341] 34 to 36, a predetermined gap is formed between the opposing inner reel 811 of the inner reel unit 810 and the opposing outer reel 821 of the outer reel unit 820. In addition, a predetermined gap is formed between the opposing hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810 and an edge 824 that protrudes radially from one end of the opening of the outer reel 821 of the outer reel unit 820 (left side in FIG. 34).

[0342] The hub 812a of the rotating member 812 is formed with protrusions 812a1 that protrude toward the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820. The protrusions 812a1 are formed at predetermined intervals around the circumference of the hub 812a (in this embodiment, they are formed on extensions of the spokes 812c (see FIG. 36)). The protrusions 812a1 are formed in a mountain shape with both sides sloping around the circumference of the hub 812a. Therefore, by rotating the inner reel unit 810, the protrusions 812a1 can generate wind.

[0343] Here, conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine equipped with a rotatable first reel (outer reel unit 820) and a rotatable second reel (inner reel unit 810) disposed approximately concentrically inside the first reel (outer reel unit 820) (i.e., equipped with a double reel structure). Also known is a technology for removing and cleaning dust adhering to the display surface of the reel by bringing a rotating brush into contact with the outer circumferential surface (display surface) of the reel and rotating the rotating member in accordance with the rotation of the reel.

[0344] However, the dual reel structure presents a problem in that cleaning is difficult. That is, with a dual reel structure, there is no space between the outer reel (first reel (outer reel unit 820)) and the inner reel (second reel (inner reel unit 810)) to install the above-mentioned rotating brush, so it is not possible to clean the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel and the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel (second reel).

[0345] In other words, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 is narrow, so in order to remove dust (debris) that has entered and stuck in that gap, it is necessary to disassemble the decorative pattern display device 800, making cleaning difficult.

[0346] In contrast, in this embodiment, the protrusions 812a1 can push out air and generate wind when the inner reel unit 810 is rotated. The pushed-out air (wind) collides with the edge 824 of the opposing outer reel 821, and is thereby caused to flow between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0347] In this case, the space between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 is narrower than the space on the inner circumferential side of the rim 824 and hub 812a, so air can flow from the space on the inner circumferential side of the rim 824 and hub 812a to the space between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821. This makes it possible to blow away dust (debris) that has adhered to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 or dust that is about to adhere thereto. As a result, dust can be prevented from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0348] That is, in this embodiment, the outer reel unit 820 comprises a cylindrically formed outer reel 821 and an edge portion 824 that protrudes radially inward from one axial side of the outer reel 821, and the inner reel unit 810 comprises an inner reel 811 that is cylindrically formed and whose outer surface faces the inner surface of the outer reel 821 at a predetermined distance, and a hub 812a that protrudes radially inward from one axial side of the inner reel 811 and whose outer surface faces the inner surface of the edge portion 824 at a predetermined distance, and a protrusion 812a1 is erected from the outer surface of the hub 812a toward the inner surface of the edge portion 824, so that the protrusion 812a1 is displaced circumferentially between the inner surface of the edge portion 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a, generating wind pressure, and this wind pressure can be used to flow air between the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811. This allows the air flow to remove dust, cleaning the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the second outer circumferential surface.

[0349] Here, if an opening is formed in at least one of edge portion 824 or hub 812a, or if a portion of the circumference is partially divided, the wind pressure generated by the circumferential displacement of protrusion 812a1 between the inner surface of edge portion 824 and the outer surface of hub 812a will escape through the opening or divided portion, weakening the wind pressure and making it more difficult for air to flow between the inner surface of outer reel 821 and the outer surface of inner reel 811.

[0350] In contrast, in this embodiment, the edge portion 824 and the hub 812a are formed in an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction and have a surface that is continuous in the circumferential direction, so it is possible to increase the wind pressure generated by the circumferential displacement of the protrusions 812a1 between the inner surface of the edge portion 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a. This makes it easier to flow air between the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811. As a result, it is possible to make it easier to flow air between the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811 by utilizing the wind pressure generated by the circumferential displacement of the protrusions 812a1 between the inner surface of the edge portion 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a.

[0351] Furthermore, the protrusions 812a1 narrow the gap between the hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810 and the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820 partially in the circumferential direction of the inner reel 811. Therefore, the protrusions 812a1 make it easier to change the atmospheric pressure in the gap between the hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810 and the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820. This makes it easier to generate wind by utilizing the change in atmospheric pressure, and this wind can be caused to flow into the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821, blowing away dust (dirt) that has adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 or dust that is about to adhere thereto. As a result, dust is prevented from adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0352] More specifically, air has the tendency to flow from a higher atmospheric pressure to a lower atmospheric pressure, and by narrowing the gap between the protruding tips of the protrusions 812a1 and the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820, the atmospheric pressure can be increased locally. Therefore, the atmospheric pressure in the space between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821, where changes in atmospheric pressure are less likely to occur, is made lower than the atmospheric pressure between the protruding tips of the protrusions 812a1 and the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820. As a result, air can be easily sent to the space between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821, preventing dust from adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0353] Furthermore, since the atmospheric pressure between the protruding tip of the protrusion 812a1 and the edge 824 can be increased, it is possible to prevent the protrusion 812a1 from being displaced (wobbled) toward the edge 824 side or the edge 824 from being displaced toward the protrusion 812a1 side.

[0354] Furthermore, outer openings 825 and inner openings 812c1 are formed in the spokes 822 supporting the rim 824 and the spokes 812c supporting the hub 812a, and therefore, air between the inner surface of the rim 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a can be exhausted to the outside via the outer openings 825 and inner openings 812c1 (or air can be drawn from the outside into the space between the inner surface of the rim 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a). In other words, air flow resistance is reduced, which in turn facilitates air flow (outflow or inflow) between the inner surface of the rim 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a. As a result, air can be more easily flowed between the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811 by utilizing the wind pressure generated by the circumferential displacement of the upright portions between the inner surface of the rim 824 and the outer surface of the hub 812a.

[0355] Furthermore, the protrusions 812a1 are erected on the hub 812a (crotch edge 824) of the inner reel unit 810 (or outer reel unit 820), and at least the outer openings 825 (or inner openings 812c1) are formed in the spokes 822 (or spokes 812c) of the outer reel unit 820 (or inner reel unit 810), which makes it easier to achieve the effect of reducing flow resistance by taking in (or exhausting) air through the outer openings 825. That is, by stopping the other of the outer reel unit 820 and the inner reel unit 810, on which the protrusions 812a1 are erected, while rotating the other, on which the outer openings 825 or the inner openings 812c1 are formed, it is possible to reduce resistance to the flow (exhaust or intake) of air through the outer openings 825 or the inner openings 812c1.

[0356] The outer reel 821 is formed to be slightly inclined radially outward (expanding in diameter) from the edge 824 (one end) to which the spokes 822 are connected toward the other end. This makes it easier to send air that has flowed in from one end to the gap between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 toward the other end. As a result, it is possible to prevent the air flow between the opposing outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821 from being stopped, and to prevent dust from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0357] Furthermore, the inclination angle θ1 of spokes 812c radially outward from the axis of inner reel 811 is set to be larger than the inclination angle θ2 of spokes 822 radially outward from the axis of outer reel 821 (θ1>θ2). Therefore, when spokes 812c and 822 are rotationally displaced to a position (for example, the position shown in FIG. 34) where they overlap in the axial direction (left-right direction in FIG. 34), the dimension between them increases radially outward (up-down direction in FIG. 34).

[0358] Therefore, by rotationally displacing either or both of the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820, the difference in distance between the opposing spokes 812c and 822 makes it easier to generate wind flowing toward the opposing space between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0359] More specifically, the distance between opposing spokes 812c and 822 increases toward the radially outer side of inner reel 811 and outer reel 821. Therefore, when spokes 812c and 822 are rotationally displaced to a position where they overlap in the axial direction, the atmospheric pressure becomes higher between opposing spokes 812c and 822 on the radially inner side of inner reel 811 and outer reel 821.

[0360] As described above, air has the tendency to flow from a higher pressure to a lower pressure. Therefore, it is possible to form an air flow from the radially inner portion to the radially outer portion. In other words, it is possible to form an air flow from the axial side of the inner reel 811 and the outer reel 821 to the opposing space between the hub 812a and the edge portion 824. Therefore, it is possible to easily send air into the space between the opposing outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0361] Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer reel 821 of the outer reel unit 820 is formed to be optically transparent, and multiple symbols are arranged circumferentially on the inner reel 811 of the inner reel unit 810, so that a player can visually see the changes in the symbols accompanying the rotation of the inner reel unit 810 through the outer reel unit 820. In this case, the protrusion 812a1 is provided on the hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810, that is, the protrusion 812a1 is provided on the hub 812a of the inner reel unit 810, which rotates more times than the outer reel unit 820, so that the opportunity to clean the inner surface of the outer reel 821 and the outer surface of the inner reel 811 can be increased during the effects caused by the rotation of the outer reel unit 820 or the inner reel unit 810. In other words, cleaning can be made easier in a double reel structure.

[0362] It is preferable that the timing for rotating the inner reel unit 810 to clean the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 is when there is no operation by the player (no game balls are shot into the game area) and the pachinko machine 10 is in a standby state. In this case, the inner reel unit 810 is rotated at high speed to generate wind, so that the change of the symbols on the inner reel 811 can attract the interest of the player.

[0363] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 may be cleaned while an effect is being performed in which the non-transparent surface 821b of the outer reel 821 is rotated toward the player. In this case, the inner reel 811 is invisible to the player, so cleaning can be performed without the player seeing the cleaning state. As a result, a decrease in the player's interest can be prevented. Furthermore, since cleaning can be performed during a game play, the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 can be cleaned even if the game continues for a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust and other debris from accumulating on the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821 during play.

[0364] Next, the segment display device 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 37 to Fig. 63. First, the configuration of the segment display device 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 37 and Fig. 38. Fig. 37 is a front view of the segment display device 600, and Fig. 38 is an exploded view of the segment display device 600.

[0365] As shown in Figures 37 and 38, the segment display device 600 is formed by arranging a vertical displacement unit 600L arranged on the left side when viewed from the front, a vertical displacement unit 600R arranged on the right side when viewed from the front, and a vertical displacement unit 600C arranged between the left and right vertical displacement units 600L and 600R in a horizontal direction, and fastening and fixing a connecting member 601 from the back side.

[0366] Since the vertical displacement units 600L, 600C, and 600R have almost the same configuration, the following will only describe the vertical displacement unit 600L, which is located on the left side when viewed from the front, and will omit detailed descriptions of the vertical displacement units 600C and 600R.

[0367] Next, the vertical displacement unit 600L will be described with reference to Figures 39 to 41. Figure 39(a) is a front view of the vertical displacement unit 600L, and Figure 39(b) is a side view of the vertical displacement unit 600C. Figure 40 is an exploded perspective front view of the vertical displacement unit 600L, and Figure 41 is an exploded perspective rear view of the vertical displacement unit 600L.

[0368] 40 and 41 show the first segment unit 610, the second segment unit 620, and the displacement unit 650 in disassembled form.

[0369] As shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, the vertical displacement unit 600L is provided with a displacement unit 650 that is configured to be displaceable, and a first segment unit 610 and a second segment unit 620 that are disposed on the left and right of the displacement unit 650.

[0370] The first segment unit 610 is a unit capable of displaying one segment in the left-right direction, and the second segment unit 620 is a unit capable of displaying two segments in the left-right direction. Also, since the first segment unit 610 is formed by simply halving the second segment unit 620 in the left-right direction, only the second segment unit 620 will be described below, and the symbols in the configuration of the second segment unit 620 will be similarly assigned to the first segment unit 610.

[0371] Each of the vertical displacement units 600L, 600C, and 600R has a different arrangement of the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620, and the vertical displacement unit 610C has the second segment unit 620 arranged only on the right side when viewed from the front, while the vertical displacement unit 610R has the second segment unit 620 arranged on the right side when viewed from the front.

[0372] Therefore, the vertical displacement unit 600L can display one segment on the left side when viewed from the front and two segments on the right side when viewed from the front. Also, the vertical displacement unit 600C can display two segments only on the right side when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the vertical displacement unit 600L can display one segment only on the right side when viewed from the front. In other words, it is possible to form one segment on both the left and right sides of each of the vertical displacement units 600L, 600C, and 600R.

[0373] Next, the second segment unit 620 will be described with reference to Figures 42 to 44. Figure 42(a) is a front view of the second segment unit 620, and Figure 42(b) is a rear view of the second segment unit 620. Figure 43 is an exploded perspective front view of the second segment unit 620, and Figure 44 is an exploded perspective rear view of the second segment unit 620.

[0374] As shown in Figures 42 to 44, the second segment unit 620 is mainly formed by a light-transmitting member 621 arranged on the front side, a partition member 622 arranged on the back side of the light-transmitting member 621, a plurality of diffusion members 623 arranged on the back side of the partition member 622, a base member 624 arranged between the plurality of diffusion members 623, and reflection members 625 arranged on both sides of the base member 624.

[0375] The light-transmitting member 621 is made of a translucent resin material that allows light to pass through it. The light-transmitting member 621 is mainly formed with a light-transmitting portion 621a formed in the shape of a circular arc plate that is convex on the front side, and flat portions 621b formed above and below the light-transmitting portion 621a.

[0376] The light-transmitting portion 621a is mainly formed by erecting walls 621a1 erected from the left and right ends toward the back surface, fastening portions 621a2 protruding in a circular shape toward the back surface from the upper and lower ends, and decorative portions 621a3 recessed into the back surface in a continuous vertical direction at the center of the left and right sides of the front surface.

[0377] The standing walls 621a1 are formed to stand on the rear surface side from the left and right ends of the light transmitting portion 621a. The distance between the facing standing walls 621a1 is set to be approximately the same as the width in the left-right direction of the partition member 622 described below. Therefore, when the partition member 622 is disposed on the rear surface side of the light transmitting portion 621a, the partition member 622 can be restricted from moving left and right.

[0378] The fastening portion 621a2 is a protrusion that forms a hole for fastening the reflecting member 625 (described later) with a screw, and is formed to protrude in an annular shape from the back surface side of the light transmitting portion 621a. Therefore, the reflecting member 625 can be fastened by threading the tip of a screw into the inner edge of the fastening portion 621a2.

[0379] As described above, the decorative portion 621a3 is recessed continuously in the vertical direction at the horizontal center of the light-transmitting portion 621a. This prevents light passing through the left side as viewed from the front from being reflected inside the decorative portion 621a3 and exiting from the right side as viewed from the front. The light passing through the decorative portion 621a3 will be described in detail later.

[0380] The flat surface portion 621b is a plate member for fastening to a base member 660 of the displacement unit 650, which will be described later. The flat surface portion 621b is formed into a plate-like body having substantially the same shape as the base member 660 when viewed from the front, and the displacement unit 650 and the second segment unit 620 can be fastened together by fastening a screw via the flat surface portion 621b.

[0381] Further, elastic pieces 621b1 are formed on the flat surface portion 621b so as to protrude toward the opposite side. The elastic pieces 621b1 protrude from the opposing side surfaces of the pair of upper and lower flat surface portions 621b, and protrude in a curved shape that is convex toward the front side. The elastic pieces 621b1 are formed in a curved shape with a smaller radius than the light transmitting portion 621a, and the protruding tip thereof is configured to abut against the upper wall portion 882 or the lower wall portion 883 of the decorative pattern display device 800 disposed inside the displacement unit 650. This makes it possible to suppress vibration of the decorative pattern display device 800 when the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820 of the decorative pattern display device 800 are driven to rotate.

[0382] Partition member 622 is made of a resin material that is difficult for light to transmit, and is formed in the shape of a curved plate in side view. The radius of the curved outer peripheral surface of partition member 622 is set to be approximately the same as the radius of the inner peripheral surface of light transmitting portion 621a, and the width in the up-down direction (up-down direction in FIG. 42) is set to be smaller than the width in the up-down direction of light transmitting portion 621a. Therefore, partition member 622 can be placed with its outer peripheral surface in contact with the inner peripheral surface of light transmitting portion 621a.

[0383] In addition, when viewed from the front, the partition member 622 is mainly formed with a first recessed portion 622a recessed from both end faces on the left and right (left and right in Figure 42) toward the center, a second recessed portion 622b recessed from both end faces on the top and bottom (top and bottom in Figure 42) toward the center, and a protruding portion 622c protruding from the center position on the left and right on the back side.

[0384] The first recessed portions 622a are formed in pairs on both the left and right sides, side by side in the vertical direction. That is, the first recessed portions 622a are formed in four places in the partition member 622.

[0385] The second recessed portions 622b are recessed from both the top and bottom ends. The dimension between the opposing recessed tips of the second recessed portions 622b is set to be approximately the same as the vertical separation distance of the fastening portions 621a2 formed in the light transmitting member 621. Therefore, when the partition member 622 is disposed on the back side of the light transmitting member 621, inserting the fastening portions 621a2 inside the second recessed portions 622b can prevent the partition member 622 from moving in the vertical direction.

[0386] The protruding portion 622c is formed at the left-right central position of the partition member 622, extending in the up-down direction. The protruding portion 622c also has a recessed portion 622c1 recessed into the protruding tip surface thereof. The recessed portion 622c1 is formed so that its width in the left-right direction is greater than the thickness of the base member 624, which will be described later. Therefore, when the base member 624 is disposed in the partition member 622, the tip side of the base member 624 can be inserted inside the recessed portion 622c1. As a result, when the base member 624 is disposed, the base member 624 can be positioned and movement of the base member 624 in the left-right direction can be prevented.

[0387] The diffusing member 623 is made of a milky white resin material and can diffuse light that enters the interior. The diffusing member 623 is formed in a curved plate shape when viewed from the side, and the radius of its outer periphery (front side) is set to be approximately the same as the radius of the inner periphery (rear side) of the partition member 622. Therefore, the diffusing member 623 can be arranged in a state where it is grounded on the rear side of the partition member 622.

[0388] Two diffusion members 623 are arranged side by side, one above the other, and two are arranged left and right at a predetermined distance apart. That is, four diffusion members 623 are arranged on the rear side of the partition member 622.

[0389] The width dimension in the left-right direction of the diffusion member 623 is set to be approximately the same as the distance between the standing wall 621a1 of the light transmitting member 621 and the protruding portion 622c of the partition member 622. This makes it possible to prevent the diffusion member 623 from moving left and right when the diffusion member 623 is disposed on the back surface side of the partition member 622.

[0390] The diffusion member 623 is formed to include a protruding portion 623a that protrudes from the front side, and a recessed portion 623b that is recessed on the rear side of the protruding portion 623a.

[0391] Protrusion 623a is formed to protrude at a position corresponding to first recessed portion 622a of partition member 622 disposed on the front side of diffusion member 623, and is disposed in a state of being inserted inside first recessed portion 622a. This makes it possible to prevent partition member 622 from shifting in the left-right and up-down directions when diffusion member 623 is disposed on the back side of partition member 622.

[0392] The protruding distance of the protruding portion 623a is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension of the partition member 622. That is, the protruding portion 623a is disposed with a predetermined gap formed between the protruding tip surface and the back surface of the light transmitting member 621 (see FIG. 45).

[0393] The recessed portion 623b is formed on the opposite side of the protruding portion 623a (the rear side of the diffusion member 623) to the protruding portion 623a, and is recessed to a shape slightly smaller than the shape of the protruding portion 623a when viewed from the front. This allows the thickness of the plate of the diffusion member 623 to be approximately constant, and distortion when the diffusion member 623 is molded can be suppressed. Furthermore, by forming the recessed portion 623b to a shape slightly smaller than the protruding portion 623a, the area of the rear side of the end of the protruding portion 623a can be increased. Therefore, the amount of light incident on the diffusion member 623 from the LED 624a (described later) can be increased at the end of the protruding portion 623a. As a result, the form of light visually recognized by the player through the diffusion member 623 can be made clear (distinct), and a decrease in the player's interest can be suppressed.

[0394] Base member 624 is formed from a crescent-shaped plate-like body whose front side is curved, and is provided with LEDs 624a that emit light to the side surfaces. The radius of the arc of base member 624 is set to be approximately the same as the radius of the recessed tip surface of recess 622c1 formed in partition member 622. Therefore, when base member 624 is disposed on the back surface of partition member 622, by inserting base member 624 into recess 622c1 of partition member 622, it is possible to prevent base member 624 from shifting in position in the left-right direction.

[0395] A plurality of LEDs 624a are arranged on both the left and right sides of the base member 624, and the direction of emission of the LEDs 624a is perpendicular to the side surfaces of the base member 624. That is, the direction of emission of light from the LEDs 624a is the left-right direction. Note that the emission of light from the LEDs 624a will be described in detail later.

[0396] The reflecting members 625 are disposed one on each of the left and right sides of the base member 624. The reflecting members 625 are formed from a white resin material and are formed in an arc shape that is convex on the front side. The radius of the arc of the reflecting member 625 is set to be approximately the same as the radius of the inner circumferential surface of the diffusing member 623. This allows the reflecting member 625 and the diffusing member 623 to be grounded when the reflecting member 625 is disposed on the rear side of the diffusing member 623.

[0397] The reflecting member 625 is formed as a plate-like body that is spaced apart from the base member 624 in the left-right direction from the back side toward the front side, and is mainly formed with an inclined portion 625a that is inclined from the back side toward the front side, multiple recesses 625b that are formed in a line in the vertical direction on the front side of the inclined portion 625a, and wall portions 625c that are formed at the upper end, lower end, and middle part of the recesses 625b and protrude toward the front side.

[0398] The front side of inclined portion 625a is reflective surface 625a1 that reflects light from LEDs 624a of base member 624 toward the front side, and is formed at an angle of approximately 60 degrees with respect to the side surface of base member 624. As described above, the direction of emission of light from LEDs 624a is perpendicular to the side surface of base member 624, and therefore, by forming reflective surface 625a1 at an angle with respect to the side surface of base member 624, it is possible to reflect light emitted from LEDs 624a toward the front side. The manner in which light from LEDs 624a travels will be described later.

[0399] The recess 625b is formed in a convex curved shape on the back side. The recess 625b is also formed in a position corresponding to the LED 624a of the base member 624, which makes it possible to make uniform the amount of light from the LED 624a visible to the player through the diffusion member 623. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the player's interest.

[0400] Next, referring to Figure 45, the travel of light emitted from the LED 624a of the second segment unit 620 will be described in detail. Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the second segment unit 620 taken along line XLV-XLV in Figure 42(a). In Figure 45, the state of the light emitted from the LED 624a is partially shown by a two-dot chain line. Also, the outline of the decorative pattern display device 800 disposed on the left and right rear sides of the second segment unit 620 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0401] 45, the reflecting surface 625a1 is formed at an obtuse angle with respect to the side surface of the base member 624 (i.e., the light emitted from the LED 624a intersects with the reflecting surface 625a1 at an acute angle), so that the light can be reflected outward. In this case, the reflecting member 625 is formed from a plate member with a substantially constant thickness, so that the space on the opposite side of the reflecting surface 625a1 (the back side of the reflecting member 625) can be made larger. This allows the end of the decorative pattern display device 800 to be arranged on the back side of the second segment unit 620.

[0402] A gaming machine is known that includes a rotating decorative symbol display device 800, multiple rotatable reels arranged at a predetermined interval, a decorative member (light-transmitting member 621) disposed between the reels and at least partially light-transmitting, and a substrate (base member 624) mounted with multiple light-emitting devices (LEDs 624a) on the rear side of the decorative member, with the surface on which the light-emitting devices are mounted being oriented substantially perpendicular to the rear of the decorative member. This gaming machine not only shields the spaces between the reels from the player with the decorative member, but also forms (displays) a symbol on the surface of the decorative member using light from the light-emitting device that passes through the decorative member, allowing the player to view the symbol on the decorative member together with the symbol displayed on the outer periphery of the reels.

[0403] However, in the conventional gaming machines described above, the circuit board is arranged with the surface on which the light-emitting means is mounted perpendicular to the back surface of the decorative member, so the light emitted from the light-emitting means cannot sufficiently illuminate the back surface of the decorative member, and the symbols formed (displayed) by the light from the light-emitting means cannot be made sufficiently large. This has resulted in a problem of insufficient presentation effects. On the other hand, if the symbols formed (displayed) by the light from the light-emitting means are kept small while the decorative member (the area excluding the symbols) is made large, the sense of unity between the decorative member and the reel is impaired.

[0404] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the reflecting member 625 is provided, which reflects the light emitted from the LEDs 624a to the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621. Therefore, even when the base member 624 is disposed with the surface on which the LEDs 624a are mounted perpendicular to the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621, the range of illumination of the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621 by the light emitted from the LEDs 624a can be widened. Therefore, the pattern formed (displayed) by the light of the LEDs 624a can be enlarged, thereby enhancing the presentation effect. Furthermore, since the pattern formed (displayed) by the light of the LEDs 624a can be enlarged, the area excluding the pattern can be made smaller, thereby creating a sense of unity between the light-transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800.

[0405] 45, the light-transmitting member 621 is located closer to the front than the outer peripheral surface of the decorative pattern display device 800, and is formed with its outer edge extending to a position overlapping the outer peripheral surface of the decorative pattern display device 800 in a front view, so that the axial end face of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily shielded (made difficult to see) from the player. Also, the pattern of the light-transmitting member 621 formed (displayed) by the light emitted from the LED 624a and the pattern displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be brought closer together, so that a sense of unity between the light-transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily created.

[0406] Furthermore, by connecting the surface of the base member 624 on which the LED 624a is mounted and the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621, the reflective member 625 surrounds the area on the base member 624 on which the LED 624a is mounted and the area on the light-transmitting member 621 on which the pattern is formed, and the back surface of the reflective member 625 is inclined in a direction away from the axial end face of the decorative pattern display device 800 as it moves from the light-transmitting member 621 to the base member 624.Therefore, the size of the pattern formed (displayed) by the light emitted from the LED 624a is maintained, while the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621 can be brought close to the outer peripheral surface of the decorative pattern display device 800 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be inserted deep inside the back surface of the light-transmitting member 621 (the decorative pattern display device 800 can be brought close to the base member 624). As a result, the axial end face of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily shielded from the player (made difficult to see), and a sense of unity between the light transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily formed.

[0407] Furthermore, since the LEDs 624a are mounted on both one side and the other side of the base member 624, different patterns can be formed (displayed) independently on the light-transmitting member 621 using the light emitted from the LEDs 624a mounted on one side and the light emitted from the LEDs 624a mounted on the other side.

[0408] In this case, the number of base members 624 disposed between the adjacent decorative pattern display devices 800 can be reduced to one. Therefore, the space required for disposing the base member 624 can be reduced, and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be accordingly recessed into the back of the light-transmitting member 621 (the decorative pattern display device 800 can be brought closer to the base member 624). As a result, the axial end face of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily shielded from the player (making it difficult to see), and a sense of unity between the light-transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be easily formed.

[0409] Furthermore, as described above, the reflective surface 625a1 is formed at an obtuse angle with respect to the side surface of the base member 624 (i.e., the light emitted from the LED 624a intersects with the reflective surface 625a1 at an acute angle), so that the light can be reflected outward. This allows the reflective member 625 to be smaller (compared to when the reflective surface 625a1 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the side surface of the base member 624). This allows for more space to be secured behind the second-segment unit 620. As a result, the second-segment unit 620 and the decorative pattern display device 800 can be disposed close to each other, which makes it easier to create a sense of unity between the light-transmitting member 621 and the decorative pattern display device 800.

[0410] Next, the relationship between the LED 624a and the recess 625b will be described with reference to Figures 46 and 47. Figure 46 is a side view of the base member 624. Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view of the second segment unit 620 taken along line XLVII-XLVII in Figure 42(a).

[0411] 46, the LEDs 624a are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side, and are capable of emitting light from the entire rectangular area. The LEDs 624a are arranged spaced apart at an inclination angle θ1 in the circumferential direction around an axis that is substantially the same as the curved axis on the front side of the base member 624. This makes it possible to disperse heat that accumulates in the base member 624 due to irradiation by the LEDs 624a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the base member 624 from becoming too hot in certain parts, which would damage the LEDs 624a.

[0412] In this embodiment, eight LEDs 624a are distributed around the circumference. The LEDs 624a are arranged such that one side of the square light-emitting surface is aligned with the tangent direction of the curved shape of the base member 624.

[0413] Here, a gaming machine has been known in the past that includes a substrate (base member 624) on which multiple light-emitting means (LEDs 624a) are mounted and a transparent member (light-transmitting member 621) that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting means. The transparent member (light-transmitting portion 621a of the light-transmitting member 621) is curved, and the multiple light-emitting means are arranged along the curve of the transparent member. In this case, the multiple light-emitting means are arranged so that they are equally spaced when viewed from the front of the transparent member. That is, they are equally spaced along the direction of the line segment (chord) connecting both ends of the curved line (arc) formed by the multiple light-emitting means. However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, the spacing between some of the multiple light-emitting means and adjacent light-emitting means is narrow, which causes a problem of uneven distribution of heat emitted by the light-emitting means. As a result, heat tends to concentrate in some light-emitting means, easily shortening their lifespan.

[0414] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the LEDs 624a are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction, so that the interval between each LED 624a and the adjacent LEDs 624a can be made constant, and the distribution of heat emitted by the LEDs 624a can be made uniform. As a result, concentration of heat on some LEDs 624a can be suppressed, and the lifespan of each LED 624a can be improved.

[0415] As shown in Fig. 47, one recess 625b is formed on the rear side (right side in Fig. 47) of each LED 624a. The distance X1 from one end (lower end) to the other end (upper end) in the vertical direction of each recess 625b is set to be the same for each recess 625b.

[0416] As described above, the LEDs 624a are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at an inclination angle of θ1. Therefore, the vertical intervals between the LEDs 624a are narrower at the center in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 46) than at the outer vertical direction. Therefore, the amount of light reflected by the reflecting member 625 and irradiated toward the player is greater at the center in the vertical direction (the central side in the vertical direction is darker), which causes the problem that the light cannot be seen uniformly by the player.

[0417] In other words, when the LEDs 624a are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at equal intervals in the circumferential direction) along the curve of the light-transmitting portion 621a, the LEDs 624a are arranged at unequal intervals when viewed from the front of the light-transmitting portion 621a. That is, when viewed from the front of the light-transmitting portion 621a, there are areas where the LEDs 624a are spaced closely and areas where they are spaced widely. This results in a non-uniform distribution of the amount of light along the arrangement direction of the LEDs 624a.

[0418] In contrast, in this embodiment, a reflecting member 625 is provided that reflects light emitted from the LEDs 624a toward the light-transmitting portion 621a, and the reflecting member 625 has a plurality of recesses 625b that are defined corresponding to the plurality of LEDs 624a, and the widths of the recesses 625b defined in the light-transmitting portion 621a in a front view are set to be approximately the same, so that the amount of light visible in each recess 625b in a front view of the light-transmitting portion 621a can be made approximately the same. As a result, the distribution of the amount of light along the arrangement direction of the plurality of LEDs 624a can be made uniform.

[0419] That is, the distance X1 from one end (lower end) to the other end (upper end) in the vertical direction of each recess 625b is set to be the same for each recess 625b, so that the area of light emitted toward the player by the illumination of each LED 624a can be made approximately the same in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amount of light irradiated toward the player from becoming too large toward the center in the vertical direction. As a result, the light can be viewed uniformly by the player.

[0420] Furthermore, since the light-emitting surface of LED 624a is formed in a rectangular shape (square) when viewed from the front, light diffusion can be ensured (light can be emitted over a wider angle) compared to, for example, when the light-emitting surface is circular, and the distribution of light intensity in one recess 625b can be made uniform.

[0421] The light-emitting surface refers to the front surface of the encapsulating resin that encapsulates the LED chip. Therefore, the light-emitting surface being rectangular in front view means that the shape of the encapsulating resin (the shape of the internal space of the reflector surrounding the encapsulating resin in front view) is rectangular.

[0422] Furthermore, at least some of the LEDs 624a are arranged with one side of the light-emitting surface aligned with the tangent direction of the curved shape of the light-transmitting portion 621a, which makes it easier to uniformly diffuse the light emitted from the LEDs 624a along the curve of the light-transmitting portion 621a, thereby making it possible to uniformly distribute the amount of light that passes through the light-transmitting portion 621a and is visible.

[0423] Furthermore, the recess 625b faces the rear surface of the light-transmitting portion 621a and is formed as a curved surface recessed away from the rear surface of the light-transmitting portion 621a. The light-emitting surface of the LED 624a faces the space between the light-transmitting portion 621a and the recess 625b. This allows the base member 624 to be disposed perpendicular to the light-transmitting portion 621a. This increases the degree of freedom in disposing the unit consisting of the light-transmitting portion 621a, the base member 624, and the reflecting member 625. In this case, the recess 625b is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the LED 624a in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the light. This allows the light reflected by the recess 625b to be uniformly incident on the rear surface of the light-transmitting portion 621a. As a result, the distribution of the amount of light visible after passing through the light-transmitting portion 621a can be uniform.

[0424] Next, the manner of light emitted by the LED 624a will be described with reference to Fig. 48. Fig. 48 is a front view of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Note that in Fig. 48, the light emitted by the LED 624a is shown by a two-dot chain line and is also shown with the symbol for the illumination region SR1.

[0425] As shown in Fig. 48, by emitting light from the LED 624a, the first segment unit 610 is irradiated with light from two irradiation areas SR1 arranged in the vertical direction (vertical direction in Fig. 48). Also, the second segment unit 620 is irradiated with light from irradiation areas SR1 arranged in a 2x2 pattern vertically and horizontally. The irradiation areas SR1 of the second segment unit 620 are formed on the left and right sides of the decorative portion 621a3 of the light-transmitting member 621.

[0426] Therefore, both the left and right sides of the numbers in the seven-segment display can be displayed by the irradiation area SR1 of the first segment unit 610 and the left side of the irradiation area SR1 of the second segment unit 620. The top, bottom, and center of the numbers in the seven-segment display will be described later.

[0427] Next, the configuration of the displacement unit 650 will be described with reference to Figures 49 and 50. Figure 49 is an exploded perspective front view of the vertical displacement unit 600L, and Figure 50 is an exploded perspective rear view of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Note that Figures 49 and 50 show the displacement unit 650 of the vertical displacement unit 600L in an exploded state.

[0428] As shown in Figures 49 and 50, the displacement unit 650 is formed mainly by comprising a pair of base members 660 arranged on the left and right, a displacement member 670 that is journaled on the base members 660 and rotates and displaces, and a drive means 680 that transmits the rotational drive of a drive motor KM3 arranged on the base members 660 to the displacement member 670.

[0429] The base member 660 is formed from a pair of plate members on the left and right sides, each with a shape that has a larger space in the center than the decorative pattern display device 800 described above. The first segment unit 610 is disposed on the front side of the base member 660 on the left side as viewed from the front, and the second segment unit 620 is disposed on the front side of the base member 660 on the right side as viewed from the front. The base members 660 are disposed upside down and left to right, and in this embodiment, only the base member 660 on the left side as viewed from the front will be described, and a description of the base member 660 on the left side as viewed from the front will be omitted.

[0430] The base member 660 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the side, and includes a protrusion 661 that protrudes in a convex curve toward the front from the front side surface of the base member 660. The base member 660 is mainly formed with a through-hole 662 for inserting the shaft of the drive motor KM3 disposed at one end (upper end) in the vertical direction, an insertion hole 663 for inserting a connecting rod 681 disposed at both ends (lower end) in the vertical direction, a recess 664 in which a displacement member 670 (described later) is journaled, a sliding groove 665 formed as an arc-shaped opening centered on the axis of the recess 664, and engagement portions 666 that protrude into the spaces above and below the recess 664.

[0431] The radius of the protruding tip of the protruding portion 661 is set to be smaller than the radius of the inner peripheral surface of the above-mentioned reflecting member 625, and the curved axis of the protruding portion 661 is set to be approximately collinear with the curved axis of the reflecting member 625. Therefore, when the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620 are arranged on the base member 660, it is possible to prevent the protruding portion 661 and the reflecting member 625 from coming into contact with each other, and it is possible to prevent heat from the base member 624 from penetrating between the opposing base members 660. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the decorative pattern display device 800 arranged inside the opposing base members 660 from increasing, and to prevent damage to the drive motors KM1 and KM2 that rotate the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820.

[0432] The through-hole 662 is a hole through which the shaft of the drive motor KM3 and the gear 682 connected to the shaft are inserted, and its inner diameter is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the gear 682 and smaller than the main body of the drive motor KM3. Therefore, with the gear 682 connected to the drive motor KM3, the drive motor KM3 can be disposed on the base member 660. The drive motor KM3 is attached to the base member 660 from the opposing side of the base members 660.

[0433] The through-holes 662 are holes into which a connecting rod 681 of a driving means 680 (described later) is inserted, and are formed larger than the outer shape of the connecting rod 681 , and are formed at both the upper and lower ends of the base member 660 .

[0434] Recess 664 is formed as a circular recess extending outward from the opposing side of base member 660. Recess 664 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of connecting protrusion 671b of displacement member 670, which will be described later. This allows connecting protrusion 671b to be inserted and disposed inside recess 664.

[0435] By inserting the connecting protrusion 671b of the displacement member 670 into the slide groove 665, the displacement member 670 can be connected to the driving means 680 disposed outside the pair of base members 660. Furthermore, by keeping the connecting protrusion 671b inserted into the slide groove 665, the displacement of the displacement member 670 can be guided. Therefore, the displacement of the displacement member 670 can be performed smoothly.

[0436] Engagement portion 666 is formed on the opposing side of base member 660, with its tip provided with a gap larger than the diameter of the opposing side surface of base member 660 and one end of torsion spring SP1 (described later). This allows one end of torsion spring SP1 to engage with engagement portion 666.

[0437] The displacement members 670 are arranged in a pair, one above the other, facing in opposite directions. The displacement members 670 are formed from an extension member 671, one end of which is pivotally supported by the base member 660, and a decorative unit 672, which is connected to the other end of the extension member 671.

[0438] The extension members 671 are formed in a generally L-shaped plate shape and are arranged in a pair facing left and right opposite each other. Each extension member 671 is mainly formed by a shaft support hole 671a penetrating in the left-right direction at one end on the longitudinal side, a connecting protrusion 671b protruding outward to the left and right at approximately the center of the longitudinal side, a protrusion 671d protruding in the circumferential direction of the shaft support hole 671a from the side surface on the longitudinal side, and an elastic member 671f made of an elastic material and arranged on the side surface of the extension member 671.

[0439] The shaft support hole 671a is a hole into which a collar C is inserted, and its inner diameter is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the collar C. Therefore, by inserting the collar C into the shaft support hole 671a and fastening the collar C to the inside of the recess 664 of the base member 660 with a screw, the displacement member 670 can be connected to the base member 660 in a rotatable state.

[0440] In addition, the shaft support holes 671a of the pair of displacement members 670 are arranged coaxially, and a collar C is inserted into the shaft support holes 671a of the pair of displacement members 670 and fastened to the base member 660, so that the upper and lower displacement members 670 are arranged rotatably on the same axis.

[0441] Furthermore, the left and right extension members 671 are formed with bulging portions 671a1 that bulge outward in the left-right direction around one of the shaft support holes 671a. The bulging portions 671a1 are formed so that their outer diameters are slightly smaller than the inner diameters of the recessed portions 664 of the base member 660. The bulging portions 671a1 are also disposed on the left and right outer sides of the pair of displacement members 670.

[0442] That is, in this embodiment, since a bulge 671a1 is formed in the right shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670 arranged on the upper side, the right shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670 arranged on the lower side is arranged inside the bulge 671a1. On the other hand, since a bulge 671a1 is formed in the left shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670 arranged on the lower side, the left shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670 arranged on the upper side is arranged inside the bulge 671a1 (see FIG. 49).

[0443] This allows the bulging portion 671a1 to be inserted into the recessed portion 664 when the displacement member 670 is disposed on the base member 660 by the collar C. As a result, when a force is applied in the radial direction of the axis of the shaft support hole 671a of the displacement member 670, the outer peripheral surface of the bulging portion 671a1 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion 664, thereby preventing damage to the shaft support hole 671a or the collar C.

[0444] That is, in this embodiment, the pair of displacement members 670 are disposed coaxially on the base member 660, and therefore the axial length of the collar C is increased accordingly. Therefore, when a radial force acts on the rotation shaft of the displacement member 670, the force is likely to act strongly on the rotation shaft. Therefore, the shaft support hole 671a or the collar C is likely to be damaged. However, the abutment of the bulge 671a1 and the recess 664 makes it possible to retain the force acting radially on the rotation shaft of the displacement member 670. As a result, damage to the shaft support hole 671a or the collar C can be suppressed.

[0445] The protrusion 671d has a through-hole 671d1 that penetrates in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal side of the extension member 671. The through-hole 671d1 is a hole through which torsion springs SP1 and SP2, which will be described later, are inserted, and is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the torsion springs SP1 and SP2.

[0446] The elastic members 671f are disposed on the side surfaces of the extension members 671 on the sides of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 (described later) that approach each other. The elastic members 671f are set to a size such that the side surfaces of the elastic members 671f come into contact with each other when the upper and lower extension members 671 are disposed in positions close to each other. This makes it possible to absorb impact when the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 are displaced to positions close to each other.

[0447] The driving means 680 is a means for transmitting the power of the driving motor KM3 to the displacement member 670. The driving means 680 is mainly formed by a gear 682 connected to the shaft of the driving motor KM3, a large-diameter gear 683 meshing with the gear 682, a first link member 684 formed in a rod-like body and having one end connected to a side surface of the large-diameter gear 683 and the other end connected to the displacement member 670, a connecting rod 681 that transmits power to the opposite side via the base member 660, a cam member 685 connected to the connecting rod 681 and rotating, and a second link member 686 formed in a rod-like body and having one end rotatably connected to the cam member 685 and the other end connected to the displacement member 670.

[0448] As described above, the gear 682 is connected to the shaft of the drive motor KM3 and is rotated by the rotation of the drive motor KM3.

[0449] The large diameter gear 683 is formed in a circular shape in side view, and is provided with a gear surface 683a formed on a tooth surface that meshes with the gear 682, and a protrusion 683b that protrudes in an annular shape from a side surface in the rotation axis direction of the large diameter gear 683. Since the gear surface 683a meshes with the gear 682, the large diameter gear 683 is rotated by the rotation of the gear 682. In other words, the large diameter gear 683 is rotated by the rotation of the drive motor KM3.

[0450] Protrusion 683b is formed to protrude in an annular shape, and its axis is disposed at a position different from the rotation axis of large diameter gear 683. Therefore, when large diameter gear 683 is rotationally displaced, protrusion 683b is rotationally displaced on a circle centered on the rotation axis.

[0451] The first link member 684 is formed in a rod-like shape, and has insertion holes 684a and 684b formed at both ends thereof so as to penetrate in the left-right direction.

[0452] The insertion hole 684a is a hole into which the protrusion 683b of the large diameter gear 683 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 683b. The protrusion 683b is inserted into the insertion hole 684a, and the tip of the protrusion 683b is fastened with a screw whose head outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 684a, thereby enabling the first link member 684 to be rotatably connected to the large diameter gear 683.

[0453] The insertion hole 684b is a hole into which the connecting protrusion 671b of the displacement member 670 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting protrusion 671b. The first link member 684 can be rotatably connected to the displacement member 670 by inserting the connecting protrusion 671b into the insertion hole 684b and fastening the tip of the connecting protrusion 671b with a screw whose head outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 684b.

[0454] Therefore, when large diameter gear 683 is rotated via gear 682, the rotational displacement of large diameter gear 683 causes protrusion 683b to be rotationally displaced around the rotation axis of large diameter gear 683, causing first link member 684, one end of which is connected to protrusion 683b, to be displaced, and displacement member 670, which is connected to the other end of first link member 684, to be displaced.

[0455] One end of the connecting rod 681 is inserted into an insertion hole 663 of the base member 660 disposed on the left side when viewed from the front, and is fitted into the rotating shaft portion of the large diameter gear 683. Meanwhile, the other end of the connecting rod 681 is connected to a cam member 685. Therefore, when the drive motor KM3 is rotated, the connecting rod 681 rotates, and the cam member 685 rotates.

[0456] Cam member 685 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the side, and connecting rod 681 is fitted into the shaft portion thereof. Cam member 685 also has protrusion 685a that protrudes outward in an annular shape from the side surface in the axial direction. Protrusion 685a is formed to protrude in an annular shape, and its axis is positioned at a position different from the rotation axis of cam member 685. Therefore, when cam member 685 is rotationally displaced, protrusion 685a is rotationally displaced on a circle centered on the rotation axis.

[0457] The second link member 686 is formed in the same shape as the first link member 684, but inverted from side to side. The second link member 686 has insertion holes 686a and 686b at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0458] Insertion hole 686a is a hole into which protrusion 685a of cam member 685 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of protrusion 685a. By inserting protrusion 685a into insertion hole 686a and fastening the tip of protrusion 685a with a screw whose head outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of insertion hole 686a, second link member 686 can be rotatably connected to cam member 685.

[0459] The insertion hole 686b is a hole into which the connecting protrusion 671b of the displacement member 670 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting protrusion 671b. The second link member 686 can be rotatably connected to the displacement member 670 by inserting the connecting protrusion 671b into the insertion hole 686b and fastening the tip of the connecting protrusion 671b with a screw whose head outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 684b.

[0460] Therefore, when the cam member 685 is rotated via the connecting rod 681, the rotational displacement of the cam member 685 causes the protrusion 685a to be rotationally displaced around the rotation axis of the cam member 685, displacing the second link member 686, one end of which is connected to the protrusion 685a, and displacing the displacement member 670, which is connected to the other end of the second link member 686.

[0461] That is, this is achieved by displacement of displacement member 670, first link member 684, and second link member 686. Here, the movement of first link member 684 and the movement of second link member 686 are synchronized via connecting rod 681, so that tilting of displacement member 670 when it is displaced can be suppressed. As a result, displacement member 670 can be displaced smoothly.

[0462] Next, the displacement member 670 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 51 to 53. Figure 51(a) is a front view of the displacement member 670, and Figure 51(b) is a side view of the displacement member 670. Figure 52 is an exploded perspective front view of the displacement member 670. Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of the displacement member 670 taken along line LIII-LIII in Figure 51(a).

[0463] As described above, the displacement member 670 is formed by including an extension member 671 rotatably supported on the base member 660 and a decorative unit 672 connected to the extension member 671 .

[0464] As shown in Figures 51 to 53, the extension member 671 has a plate-shaped connecting portion 671c on its short side (the connecting side of the decorative unit 672). The surfaces of the pair of extension members 671 arranged on the left and right, where the connecting portions 671c face each other, have stepped portions 671c1 that protrude in a staircase-like pattern. The stepped portions 671c1 are formed alternately on the left and right, and the stepped portions 671c1 are interlocked with each other with a predetermined gap between them. This allows dimensional errors to be absorbed when the extension member 671 is molded.

[0465] The decorative unit 672 is a unit that has an LED that emits light inside and emits light toward the player. The decorative unit 672 is mainly formed by a rear cover 673 arranged on the rear side, a front cover 676 that covers the rear cover 673 and is arranged on the front side of the rear cover 673, a base member 674 arranged between the rear cover 673 and the front cover 676, and a diffusion member 675 and a lens member 677 arranged between the base member 674 and the front cover 676.

[0466] The rear cover 673 is formed into a plate-like body that is horizontally long and rectangular when viewed from the front, and the connecting portion 671c of the extension member 671 is fastened to the rear side. This allows the decorative unit 672 and the extension member 671 to be fastened together.

[0467] Rear cover 673 is made of a resin material that is difficult to transmit light (is opaque). Rear cover 673 includes reflecting portion 673a recessed on the rear side at a position opposite to diffusion member 675 (described later).

[0468] Reflecting portion 673a is formed on the lower edge of rear cover 673 in the left-right direction, and its inner surface is coated with a white paint that has high light reflectivity. This allows light irradiated to the inside of reflecting portion 673a to be reflected inside reflecting portion 673a and irradiated toward diffusing member 675.

[0469] The front cover 676 is formed so that its shape in front view is substantially the same as the shape of the back cover 673, and is disposed in a manner to cover the front side of the back cover 673. The front cover 676 is also formed from a resin material that can transmit light, and can emit light emitted from a first LED 674a and a second LED (described later) to the front side (player side).

[0470] The base member 674 is formed as a horizontally elongated rectangular plate-like body that is smaller than the rear cover 673 when viewed from the front. The front side of the base member 674 is mainly provided with first LEDs 674a that are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower edge part and that irradiate light toward the diffusion member 675, and second LEDs 674b that are arranged above the first LEDs 674a and that irradiate light toward the lens member 677.

[0471] The first LED 674a is disposed at a position facing the upper end of the diffusion member 675, and is disposed so as to be able to irradiate light downward on the base member 674. This makes it possible to prevent the light emitted from the first LED 674a from entering the lens member 677, which will be described later. As a result, it becomes easier for the player to distinguish between the light emitted to the front side via the diffusion member 675 and the light emitted to the front side via the lens member 677, and it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

[0472] The second LED 674b is disposed above the first LED 674a, so that light from the second LED 674b can be incident on the lens member 677 disposed above the diffusion member 675.

[0473] The diffusion member 675 is formed from a plate-like body that is horizontally elongated when viewed from the front, and is disposed at the lower end of the rear side of the front cover 676. The diffusion member 675 is formed from a milky white resin material that can diffuse light that enters the interior. This allows the light that is emitted from the first LED 674a and enters the diffusion member 675 to be diffused, making the light uniform overall and outputting it to the front side (player side).

[0474] The lens member 677 is formed from a plate-like body that is horizontally elongated when viewed from the front, and is disposed at the upper end of the rear side of the front cover 676. The lens member 677 is formed from a transparent resin material, and has multiple protrusions formed on the rear side (not shown). This makes it easier for light emitted from the second LED 674b to enter the interior via the protrusions on the rear side. As a result, even if the amount of light emitted from the second LED 674b is reduced, the light can be made to enter the lens member 677 and emitted to the front side (player side) of the front cover 676.

[0475] Next, the manner of light emitted by the first LED 674a toward the front side (player side) of the front cover 676 will be described with reference to Fig. 54. Fig. 54 is a front view of the displacement member 670. Note that in Fig. 54, the area of light emitted by the first LED 674a toward the player side is shown by a two-dot chain line and is also indicated by the symbol for illumination area SR2.

[0476] As shown in Figure 54, the area of light emitted toward the player by the first LED 674a is a rectangle that is long in the left-right direction at the bottom end of the decorative unit 672 (front cover 676). The displacement members 670 are disposed at both the top and bottom ends of the vertical displacement unit 600L, so the displacement members 670 form illuminated areas SR2 at positions spaced a predetermined distance apart in the vertical direction. Therefore, the illuminated areas SR2 of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 can display the up and down positions of numbers using a 7-segment display.

[0477] Next, with reference to Figures 55 and 56, the 7-segment display displayed by the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800 will be described. Figure 55 is a front view of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. Figure 56 is a schematic diagram of the segment display device 600 and the decorative pattern display device 800. Note that Figures 55 and 56 show a state in which the transparent region 821b1 of the outer reel 821 has rotated toward the player, and the illuminated region SR1, the illuminated region SR2, and the transparent region 821b1 are shown by two-dot chain lines.

[0478] As shown in FIG. 55, the irradiation areas SR1 formed by the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620 of the segment display device 600 are formed in pairs aligned in the vertical direction, and six aligned in the horizontal direction.

[0479] The illumination areas SR1 are formed as a set of four with the decorative pattern display device 800 sandwiched between them, and three sets of these sets are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Illumination areas SR2 are arranged above and below each set of illumination areas SR1, and a transparent area 821b1 is arranged in the middle between the top and bottom. Therefore, seven illumination areas SR1, SR2 and transparent areas 821b1 can display numbers using a 7-segment display.

[0480] As described above, three sets of four illumination regions SR1 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and each set forms a seven-segment display. That is, three seven-segment displays are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0481] Therefore, the 7-segment displays arranged in the left-right direction can be made to display numbers as active lines for the lottery for a jackpot on the pachinko machine 10 (for example, all 7-segment displays can be made to display the number 7). This makes it possible to display a jackpot not only by the decorative pattern display device 800 described above, but also by the 7-segment displays. As a result, the player can view multiple display modes, which can increase the player's interest.

[0482] Here, the light transmitting portions 621a of the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620 of the segment display device 600 are curved in a convex shape toward the front side, so when a player sees the 7-segment display, the display in the vertical center closest to the player becomes larger, and the display at both ends farther from the player becomes smaller. This poses a problem in that the player cannot clearly see the 7-segment number display.

[0483] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 56, the width of the 7-segment display is gradually increased from the vertical center toward the top and bottom edges. This makes it possible to make the 7-segment display uniform across the entire display at the top and bottom edges and the vertical center. As a result, the 7-segment number display can be clearly viewed by the player.

[0484] Furthermore, the seven-segment displays on both sides are formed with the vertical center portion tilted toward the horizontal center, allowing the player to clearly see the seven-segment displays on both sides.

[0485] That is, the player's viewpoint is usually located at the horizontal center of the pachinko machine 10. Also, the segment display device 600 is positioned at the horizontal center of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the player's viewpoint is located directly in front of the 7-segment display displayed in the center. Therefore, the farther to the left or right from the player's viewpoint, the more the 7-segment display appears curved due to the curved shapes of the light-transmitting portions 621a of the first segment unit 610 and the second segment unit 620. However, because the vertical center portion of the 7-segment display is formed at an angle toward the horizontal center, the 7-segment display is less likely to appear curved from the player's viewpoint. As a result, the 7-segment display can be clearly viewed by the player.

[0486] Next, with reference to Figures 57 to 60, the displacement mode of the displacement member 670 will be described. Figures 57(a) to GO1(c) are front views of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Figures 58(a), 59(a), and 60(a) are side views of the vertical displacement unit 600L, and Figures 58(b), 59(a), and 60(b) are cross-sectional views of the vertical displacement unit 600L taken along line LVIIIb-LVIIIb in Figure 57(a).

[0487] 57(a), 58(a), and 58(b) show the state in which the displacement member 670 is arranged in a retracted state, while FIGS. 57(b), 59(a), and 59(b) show the state in which the displacement member 670 is arranged in an intermediate state, and FIGS. 57(c), 60(a), and 60(b) show the state in which the displacement member 670 is arranged in a protruding state.

[0488] Furthermore, the retracted state of the displacement members 670 is a state in which the displacement members 670 arranged in a pair above and below are spaced apart from each other outward from the top and bottom, the extended state of the displacement members 670 is a state in which the displacement members 670 arranged in a pair above and below are abutting at an intermediate position above and below, and the intermediate state of the displacement members 670 is a state in which the displacement members 670 are positioned between the retracted state and the extended state.

[0489] As shown in Figures 57(a) and 58, when the displacement member 670 is in a retracted state, the upper displacement member 670 (upper part of Figure 57) of the pair of upper and lower members is positioned such that the first link member 684 and the second link member 686 are positioned upward, with the decorative unit 672 positioned upward with the shaft support hole 671a as the rotation axis.

[0490] Furthermore, the torsion spring SP1 inserted into the through-hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged above is engaged with the through-hole 671d1 at the base end portion on the other end side (the side inserted into the through-hole 671d1). This increases the biasing force exerted by the torsion spring SP1. As a result, the displacement member 670 can easily maintain the decorative unit 672 positioned upward in the direction of gravity.

[0491] On the other hand, the displacement member 670, which is located at the lower end (lower end of Figure 57) of the pair of upper and lower members, is positioned such that the decorative unit 672 is positioned downward with the shaft support hole 671a as the rotation axis, due to the first link member 684 and the second link member 686 being positioned downward.

[0492] Furthermore, the torsion spring SP2 inserted into the through-hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged below is engaged with the through-hole 671d1 at the base end portion on the other end side (the side inserted into the through-hole 671d1). This increases the biasing force exerted by the torsion spring SP2. As a result, the displacement member 670 can more easily displace the decorative unit 672 upward in the direction of gravity.

[0493] In the retracted state, an opening is formed between the opposing decorative units 762 of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670, and the decorative pattern display device 800 arranged inside the vertical displacement unit 600L can be seen. In this case, as described above, three symbols that decorate the inner reel 811 of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be displayed vertically on the player's side.

[0494] 57(a) and 58, when a rotational driving force is applied to the drive motor KM3, the large-diameter gear 683 and the cam member 685 are rotated. As a result, the first link member 684 and the second link member 686 are displaced to approximately the center position in the vertical direction of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Therefore, the displacement member 670 connected to the insertion holes 684b, 686b of the first link member 684 and the second link member 686 is rotationally displaced about the shaft support hole 671a, and is displaced to the state shown in FIGS. 57(c) and 60 via the state shown in FIGS. 57(b) and 59.

[0495] 57(b) and 59, when displacement member 670 is displaced to the intermediate state position, the engagement position of torsion spring SP1 inserted into through hole 671d1 of displacement member 670 arranged above with through hole 671d1 is set to the intermediate position on the other end side (the side inserted into through hole 671d1). Therefore, the biasing force of torsion spring SP1 can be increased by the amount of deformation of torsion spring SP1, and the biasing force of torsion spring SP1 can be made smaller than the engagement position in the retracted state by the amount of change in engagement position.

[0496] Similarly to torsion spring SP1, the torsion spring SP2 inserted into through hole 671d1 of displacement member 670 arranged below has an engagement position with through hole 671d1 at the intermediate position on the other end side (the side inserted into through hole 671d1). Therefore, the biasing force of torsion spring SP2 can be reduced by the amount of deformation of torsion spring SP2, and the biasing force of torsion spring SP1 can be reduced compared to the engagement position in the retracted state by the amount of change in engagement position.

[0497] In the intermediate state, an opening smaller than that in the retracted state is formed between the opposing decorative units 762 of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670, and the decorative pattern display device 800 arranged inside the vertical displacement unit 600L can be seen. In this case, one of the symbols decorating the inner reel 811 of the decorative pattern display device 800 can be displayed on the player's side.

[0498] Therefore, by displacing the displacement member 670 from a retracted state in which three symbols decorating the inner reel 811 are displayed vertically to an intermediate state in which one symbol decorating the inner reel 811 is displayed vertically, a plurality of presentation modes can be formed, thereby increasing the interest of the player. Also, by displaying one symbol decorating the inner reel 811 vertically, it is possible to draw the player's attention to one symbol. Therefore, it is possible to clearly identify the part to which the player is interested, making it easier for the player to visually recognize the presentation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from decreasing.

[0499] 57(c) and 60, when the displacement member 670 is displaced to the retracted state position, the engagement position of the torsion spring SP1 inserted into the through hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged above with the through hole 671d1 is set to the tip position of the other end side (the side inserted into the through hole 671d1). Therefore, the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be increased by the amount of deformation of the torsion spring SP1, and the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be made smaller than the engagement position in the intermediate state by the amount of change in the engagement position.

[0500] Similarly to the torsion spring SP1, the torsion spring SP2 inserted into the through-hole 671d1 of the displacement member 670 arranged on the lower side also has an engagement position with the through-hole 671d1 at the tip position of the other end (the side inserted into the through-hole 671d1). Therefore, the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 can be increased by the amount of deformation of the torsion spring SP2, and the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1 can be made smaller than the intermediate state engagement position by the amount of change in the engagement position.

[0501] That is, the biasing forces of the torsion springs SP1 and SP2 can be made nonlinear in accordance with the displacement of the displacement member 670. This makes it easier for the torsion springs SP1 and SP2 to apply the necessary biasing forces depending on the displacement position of the displacement member 670. As a result, the energy required to drive the drive motor KM3 can be minimized.

[0502] In the extended state, the decorative units 672 of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 abut at the vertical middle position of the vertical displacement unit 600L. In this case, the decorative units 672 are arranged on the front side of the decorative symbol display device 800, so that the display of the decorative symbol display device 800 cannot be seen from the player side (front side).

[0503] Therefore, by setting the displacement member 670 to the extended state, rotating and displacing the inner reel unit 810 and the outer reel unit 820, and then displacing the displacement member 670 to the intermediate state or the retracted state, the player can be made to feel a sense of expectation that the symbols will line up (that a jackpot will be drawn).As a result, the player's interest can be heightened.

[0504] In the above embodiment, the case where the upper and lower pair of displacement members 670 are displaced by the same amount is described, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to rotate one of the two drive motors KM3 to displace only one of the upper and lower pair of displacement members 670 to an intermediate state or an extended state position.

[0505] Furthermore, the maximum displacement of the pair of upper and lower displacement members 670 is not set to an intermediate position, but can be displaced beyond the position shown in Fig. 60. In other words, the pair of displacement members 670 can be displaced up and down while in contact with each other.

[0506] Next, the operation of the vertical displacement unit 600L will be described with reference to Figures 61 to 63. Figures 61 to 63 are schematic diagrams of the vertical displacement unit 600L. Note that Figures 61 to 63 sequentially illustrate transition states of the displacement member 670.

[0507] 61 to 63, the displacement member 670 disposed on the upper side of the vertical displacement unit 600L and the drive means for driving the displacement member 670 are designated by a suffix U, and the displacement member 670 disposed on the lower side of the vertical displacement unit 600L and the drive means for driving the displacement member 670 are designated by a suffix D.

[0508] 61, the vertical displacement unit 600L has extension members 671 disposed on both the left and right sides of the displacement member 670. The pair of extension members 671 are each connected to either a driven side to which the driving force of the drive motor KM3 is transmitted via a connecting rod 681, or a drive side to which the driving force of the drive motor KM3 is transmitted by a protrusion 683b of a large diameter gear 683.

[0509] As shown in FIG. 62, when the vertically disposed displacement members 670 are displaced, the side surfaces of the ornamental units 672 come into contact with each other at the vertical center position of the vertical displacement unit 600L.

[0510] As shown in FIG. 63, by displacing both of the displacement members 670 in the same direction from the state shown in FIG. 62, the decorative units 672 can be displaced in the up and down direction while the side surfaces of the decorative units 672 are in contact with each other.

[0511] Here, a gaming machine is known that includes a first displacement member (decorative unit 672U) and a second displacement member (decorative unit 672D) that are disposed opposite each other and are each formed to be displaceable in a direction toward or away from each other, and that are formed to be displaceable in the same direction with their opposing sides abutting. According to this gaming machine, by bringing the first displacement member and the second displacement member close to a position where their opposing sides abut, an object (e.g., a liquid crystal display device or a performance component) located behind the first displacement member and the second displacement member is shielded. Furthermore, by displacing the first displacement member and the second displacement member in a direction away from each other, the shielding is released, making the object visible. Furthermore, by displacing the first displacement member and the second displacement member in the same direction (e.g., reciprocating in one direction and the other) with their opposing sides abutting each other, it is possible to maintain the shielding of the object while also producing a performance before the shielding is released (a performance that draws attention to the operation of removing the shielding).

[0512] However, in the conventional gaming machines described above, due to dimensional tolerances and assembly tolerances of the components, it is difficult to bring the opposing sides of the first displacement member and the second displacement member into close contact with each other, and there is a problem in that a gap may be formed between the opposing sides. If a gap is formed between the opposing sides, the player can see objects on the back side through the gap, which impairs the presentation effect.

[0513] In contrast, according to this embodiment, a base member 660 is provided, and driving means 680U and 680D are provided which support the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D on the base member 660 so that they can be displaced, respectively. The supporting mode of the driving means 680U is biased toward one side of the opposing side of the decorative unit 672U, and the supporting mode of the driving means 680D is biased toward one side of the opposing side of the decorative unit 672D which is opposite to the other side of the opposing side of the decorative unit 672D which abuts against one side of the opposing side of the decorative unit 672U. Therefore, when the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are abutted against each other, the supporting mode of the driving means 680U and the supporting mode of the driving means 680D can be biased toward opposite sides (sides rotated 180° around the center of rotation at the center of one side and the other side of the opposing side). This makes it easier to bring the opposing sides of the ornamental unit 672U and the ornamental unit 672D into close contact with each other, and prevents gaps from being formed between the opposing sides (see FIG. 63).

[0514] In this embodiment, the number of components arranged on one side and the other side (both left and right sides) is different, so the driving force transmitted to the left and right sides of the decorative unit 672 is different. The drive means 680U and the drive means 680D can align their high-rigidity (low-rigidity) sides with the low-rigidity (high-rigidity) sides of the other. Therefore, when the opposing edges of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are in contact with each other, the drive means 680U and the drive means 680D can push (move forward) the other on the high-rigidity side and accept (move backward) the other on the low-rigidity side. As a result, the opposing edges of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D can be more easily brought into close contact with each other, preventing gaps from forming between the opposing edges.

[0515] The driving means 680U comprises a driving motor KM3U that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671U that connect the decorative unit 672U to the base member, and a first link member 684U and a second link member 686U that transmit the driving force of the driving motor KM3U to the pair of extension members 671U and have different configurations, respectively; the driving means 680D comprises a driving motor KM3D that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671U that connect the decorative unit 672D to the base member 660, and a second link member 686D and a first link member 684D that transmit the driving force of the driving motor KM3U to the pair of extension members 671U and have different configurations, respectively, thereby making it easier to bring the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D into close contact with each other and preventing gaps from forming between the opposing sides.

[0516] That is, when the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are in contact with each other, the drive means 680U and the drive means 680D can, for example, push (move forward) on the side with the larger drive force or the side with the earlier drive force transmission timing, and accept (move backward) on the side with the smaller drive force or the side with the later drive force transmission timing. As a result, the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D can be more easily brought into close contact with each other, and gaps can be prevented from forming between the opposing sides.

[0517] Furthermore, extension member 671U and extension member 671D are formed to be approximately the same length, and one end is connected to decorative unit 672U or decorative unit 672D while the other end is rotatably supported on the base member 660 on the same axis.Therefore, when decorative unit 672U and decorative unit 672D are moved back and forth in the same direction with their opposing sides abutting against each other, it is easy to maintain the opposing sides abutting against each other even when the support mode is biased.

[0518] Furthermore, an elastic member 671f made of a rubber-like elastic material is arranged on the extension member 671U or the extension member 671D, and when the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are in contact with each other at their opposing sides, an elastic body is interposed between the extension member 671U and the extension member 671D in an elastically compressed state.Therefore, when the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are moved back and forth in the same direction with their opposing sides in contact, it is easier to maintain the opposing sides in contact even when the support mode is biased.

[0519] As described above, the driving means 680U comprises a driving motor KM3U that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671U that are driven by the driving motor KM3U and connect the decorative unit 672U to the base member 660, and two torsion springs SP1 that apply different spring forces to the pair of extension members 671U, and the driving means 680D comprises a driving motor KM3D that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671D that are driven by the driving motor KM3D and connect the decorative unit 672D to the base member 660, and two torsion springs SP2 that apply different spring forces to the pair of extension members 671D, thereby making it easier to bring the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D into close contact with each other and preventing gaps from forming between the opposing sides.

[0520] That is, when the opposing sides of the ornamental unit 672U and ornamental unit 672D are in contact with each other, the drive means 680U and drive means 680D can, for example, push (move forward) on the side with the larger biasing force, and accept (move backward) on the side with the smaller biasing force. As a result, the opposing sides of the ornamental unit 672U and ornamental unit 672D can be easily brought into close contact with each other, and gaps can be prevented from forming between the opposing sides.

[0521] The two torsion springs SP1 may have the same configuration. That is, the positions at which the biasing force is applied may be different, or the amounts of elastic deformation may be different, so that the biasing forces applied to the pair of extension members 671U are different. The same applies to the two torsion springs SP2.

[0522] Furthermore, the driving means 680U comprises a driving motor KM3U that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671U that are driven by the driving motor KM3U and connect the decorative unit 672U to the base member 660, and a first biasing member that applies a biasing force to one of the pair of extension members 671U, and the driving means 680D comprises a driving motor KM3D that generates a driving force, a pair of extension members 671D that are driven by the driving motor KM3D and connect the decorative unit 672D to the base member 660, and a second biasing member that applies a biasing force to one of the pair of extension members 671D, thereby making it easier to bring the opposing edges of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D into close contact with each other and preventing gaps from forming between the opposing edges.

[0523] That is, when the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are in contact with each other, the drive means 680U and the drive means 680D can, for example, push (move forward) on the side to which the biasing force is applied, and accept (move backward) on the side to which the biasing force is not applied. As a result, the opposing sides of the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D can be easily brought into close contact with each other, and gaps can be prevented from forming between the opposing sides.

[0524] As described above, the torsion spring SP1 is formed as a torsion spring, one leg of which is connected to the extension member 671U and the other leg of which is connected to the base member 660, and which applies a biasing force in a direction that moves the decorative unit 672U closer to the decorative unit 672D. Therefore, when displacing the decorative unit 672U closer to the decorative unit 672D, the driving force of the drive motor KM3U required to rotate the extension member 671U can be assisted by the biasing force of the torsion spring SP1. Therefore, for example, when displacing the decorative unit 672U from a stopped state from a retracted position away from the decorative unit 672D to an abutting position where it abuts the decorative unit 672D, the displacement can be started smoothly.

[0525] In this case, as the extension member 671U is rotated in a direction that brings the decorative unit 672U closer to the decorative unit 672D, at least one of the connection points between one leg of the torsion spring SP1 and the extension member 671U or the connection point between the other leg of the torsion spring SP1 and the base member 660 is moved away from the winding portion. This increases the distance from the winding portion to the position where the force acts, thereby weakening the biasing force that brings the decorative unit 672U closer to the decorative unit 672D. Therefore, for example, when stopping the decorative unit 672U that has been brought closer to the decorative unit 672D, the displacement can be reliably stopped, thereby reducing damage caused by collisions. Furthermore, when the decorative units 672U and 672D are reciprocated in the same direction with their opposing sides abutting, the driving force required for the reciprocating displacement can be reduced, thereby increasing the displacement speed and improving the presentation effect.

[0526] On the other hand, the torsion spring SP2 is formed as a torsion spring, with one leg connected to the extension member 671D and the other leg connected to the base member, and applies a biasing force in a direction that brings the decorative unit 672D closer to the decorative unit 672U. As the extension member 671D is rotated in the direction that brings the decorative unit 672D closer to the decorative unit 672U, at least one of the connection position between one leg of the torsion spring SP2 and the extension member 671D or the connection position between the other leg of the torsion spring SP2 and the base member becomes separated from the wound portion, so that the torsion spring SP2 has the same effect as the torsion spring SP1. This is particularly effective when the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are reciprocated in the same direction with their opposing sides abutting, because the driving force required for the reciprocating displacement can be suppressed in both. Furthermore, the configuration of torsion spring SP1 and torsion spring SP2 is particularly effective when decorative unit 672U and decorative unit 672D are at the same height (placed in the direction of gravity), the position where they abut is the highest position (or lowest position) in the direction of gravity, and the position where they are separated (retracted position) is the lowest position (or highest position) in the direction of gravity.

[0527] Since the decorative unit 672U is moved closer to the decorative unit 672D by being displaced upward in the direction of gravity, the further downward the decorative unit 672U is positioned in the direction of gravity, the stronger the urging force in the direction of displacing the decorative unit 672U upward in the direction of gravity (i.e., the further upward the decorative unit 672U is positioned in the direction of gravity, the weaker the urging force in the direction of displacing the decorative unit 672U upward in the direction of gravity).

[0528] Therefore, when the ornamental unit 672U is displaced (raised) from a stopped state upward in the direction of gravity, the displacement (raising) can be started smoothly, and when the raised ornamental unit 672U is stopped, the displacement can be stopped reliably not only by the action of gravity but also by the weakening of the biasing force. As a result, damage due to collision with the ornamental unit 672D can be suppressed. On the other hand, when the ornamental unit 672U that has been displaced (lowered) downward in the direction of gravity is stopped, the biasing force is strengthened, so that the biasing force can counteract the action of gravity that tries to continue the descent. As a result, the ornamental unit 672U can be stopped reliably.

[0529] The extension member 671U is formed as a torsion spring, with one leg connected to the extension member 671D and the other leg connected to the base member 660, and is equipped with a torsion spring SP2 that applies a biasing force in a direction that moves the decorative unit 672D away from the decorative unit 672U, and the decorative unit 672D is moved away from the decorative unit 672U by being displaced upward in the direction of gravity. Therefore, when the decorative unit 672D is displaced in a direction that moves it away from the decorative unit 672U, that is, when it is necessary to displace (raise) the decorative unit 672D against the direction of gravity, the driving force of the drive motor KM3D required to rotate the extension member 671U can be assisted by the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2. Therefore, the displacement can be performed smoothly.

[0530] In this case, as the extension member 671D is rotated in the direction of bringing the decorative unit 672D closer to the decorative unit 672U, at least one of the connecting position between one leg of the torsion spring SP2 and the extension member 671D or the connecting position between the other leg of the torsion spring SP2 and the base member 660 is moved away from the winding portion, and the distance from the winding portion to the position where the force acts becomes longer, thereby weakening the urging force in the direction of moving the decorative unit 672D away from the decorative unit 672U (the direction of raising it upward in the direction of gravity). Therefore, for example, when the decorative unit 672U and the decorative unit 672D are displaced back and forth in the same direction with their opposing sides abutting, the driving force required for the reciprocating displacement can be suppressed, and the displacement speed of the reciprocating displacement can be increased, improving the presentation effect.

[0531] Next, a rotating member 2812 of a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 64. In the first embodiment described above, the protrusions 812a1 formed on the rotating member 812 are formed in a mountain shape that slopes on both sides along the circumferential direction of the hub 812a, but the protrusions 2812a formed on the rotating member 2812 of the second embodiment are formed in a curved hemispherical shape. Note that the same parts as in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0532] Figure 64(a) is a partially enlarged view of a rotation member 2812 in the second embodiment, and Figure 64(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotation member 2812 taken along line LXIVb-LXIVb in Figure 64(a). Figure 64(a) corresponds to Figure 36(a).

[0533] 64, protrusions 2812a1 that protrude toward the edge 824 of the outer reel unit 820 are formed on the hub 812a of the rotating member 2812. The protrusions 2812a1 are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the hub 812a.

[0534] The protrusion 2812a1 is curved in a bowl shape. This allows air to be pushed out and wind to be generated when the inner reel unit 810 is rotated. The pushed-out air (wind) collides with the edge 824 of the opposing outer reel 821, and is then drawn into the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the outer reel. This allows dust (dirt) that has adhered to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821, or dust that is about to adhere thereto, to be blown away. As a result, dust can be prevented from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0535] Furthermore, the protrusion 2812a1 of the second embodiment is curved in a bowl shape, which makes it more rigid than the protrusion 812a1 of the first embodiment. As a result, even if the inner reel unit 810 or the outer reel unit 820 becomes unsteady when rotated and the tip of the protrusion 2812a1 comes into contact with the spokes 822 of the outer reel unit 820, damage to the protrusion 2812a can be suppressed.

[0536] Next, an outer reel unit 820 of a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 65 and 66. In the first embodiment, the protrusion 812a1 is formed on the rotating member 812, but in the second embodiment, the protrusion 3824a is formed on the edge portion 824. Note that the same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0537] Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device 800 in the third embodiment, Figure 66(a) is a partially enlarged view of the outer reel unit 820, and Figure 66(b) is a cross-sectional view of the outer reel unit 820 along line LXVIb-LXVIb in Figure 66(a).

[0538] 65 and 66, protrusions 3824a that protrude toward the rotating member 812 of the inner reel unit 810 are formed on the edge 824 on the extension line of the spokes 3822 of the outer reel unit 820. The protrusions 3824a are formed on the outer end (on the outer reel 821 side) of each spoke 3822.

[0539] The protrusions 3824a are formed with both sides inclined in the circumferential direction of the outer reel 821. Therefore, by rotating the outer reel unit 820, air can be pushed out to generate wind. The pushed-out air (wind) collides with the hub 812a of the opposing inner reel unit 810, and is then flowed into the space between the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 and the outer reel. This makes it possible to blow away dust (debris) that has adhered to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821, or dust that is about to adhere thereto. As a result, dust can be prevented from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner circumferential surface of the outer reel 821.

[0540] Next, a rotating member 4812 of a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 67 and 68. In the first embodiment described above, the protrusions 812a1 formed on the rotating member 812 are formed in a mountain shape with both sides inclined along the circumferential direction of the hub 812a, but the protrusions 4812a formed on the rotating member 4812 of the fourth embodiment are formed inclined relative to the radial direction of the hub 812a. Note that the same parts as in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0541] Figure 67 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative pattern display device 800 in the fourth embodiment, Figure 68(a) is a partially enlarged view of the rotating member 4812, and Figure 68(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member 4812 along line LXVIIIb-LXVIIIb in Figure 68(a).

[0542] 67 and 68, protrusions 4812a1 that protrude toward the edge portion 824 of the outer reel unit are formed on the hub 812a of the rotating member 4812. The protrusions 4812a1 are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the hub 812a.

[0543] The protrusion 4812a1 is formed in a rectangular shape in a side view, and is formed in such a manner that its longitudinal direction intersects with the radial direction of the hub 812a. That is, the protrusion 4812a1 is formed to be inclined circumferentially from the radially outer end toward the radially inner end of the hub 812a. Furthermore, the inclination direction is formed to be inclined toward the normal rotation direction of the inner reel unit 810.

[0544] Therefore, when the inner reel unit 810 is rotated, air is pushed out, generating wind. Furthermore, the pushed-out air (wind) collides with the edge 824 of the opposing outer reel 821, and is thereby caused to flow into the space between the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 and the outer reel 821. This makes it possible to blow away dust (dirt) that has adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821, or dust that is about to adhere thereto. As a result, dust can be prevented from adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral surface of the outer reel 821.

[0545] Furthermore, the protrusions 4812a1 of the fourth embodiment are formed to be inclined circumferentially from the radially outer end to the radially inner end of the hub 812a, and the inclination direction is set to the normal rotation direction of the inner reel unit 810, which makes it easier to generate wind with the rotation of the inner reel unit 810. As a result, dust can be prevented from adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the inner reel 811 or the inner peripheral...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising: an entry area configured to allow game balls to enter; and guide means having a guide surface for guiding game balls toward the entry area, the guide surface being configured to be able to change its position in a front view; and when the guide means is located at a predetermined position, the game balls guided by the guide surface can enter the entry area and flow down to the predetermined area. The guide means comprises at least a front side erection means configured to stand upright relative to the guide surface from a position connected to the front side end of the guide surface, and a rear side erection means configured to stand upright relative to the guide surface from a position connected to the rear side end of the guide surface, and is configured so that game balls guided by the guide surface flow down between the front side end and the rear side end of the guide surface, The guide surface is configured such that the width in the front-to-rear direction is reduced at least in part by the front side erection means or the back side erection means, and the game ball guided by the guide surface can abut against either the front side erection means or the back side erection means, The front side erection means and the rear side erection means are configured to be able to align a plurality of game balls guided by the guide surface in a flow-down area on the front side of the ball entry area so that a plurality of game balls enter the ball entry area one by one, The gaming machine includes: a component configured so that at least a part of the guide means, which is configured as the front side erection means or the back side erection means, can come into contact with the guide means when at least the guide means is located at the predetermined position; and a contact means configured to be biased at least toward the rear side of the guide means and configured so that the game ball sent to the guide surface can contact the contact means at a position upstream of the guide surface. A gaming machine characterized in that a gaming ball that has contacted the contact means is sent from any position on the front end of the contact means to the guide surface and headed toward the front side of the gaming machine, and that a gaming ball heading toward the front side of the gaming machine is capable of contacting the front side standing means.

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