gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine with an improved game property.SOLUTION: A game machine includes an outer button 30 and an inner button 50. The outer button 30 includes: a closed state where an access from outside into a space covering the inner button 50 to house the inner button 50 therein is limited and pressing operation of the inner button 50 is prohibited; and an opened state where the pressing operation of the inner button 50 is not prohibited. Also, the game machine includes: a design part formed at an upper part of a front frame and projecting frontward; and a game ball passage formed at an upper part of a game region and guiding the game ball toward a right hitting region. A part on a back side on a lower surface of the design part is a first design part, and a part on a front side of the lower surface of the design part is a second design part. The first design part is positioned below an apex of the second design part or an upper surface of the game ball passage, and is positioned above a lower end of the game ball in a state of being in contact with the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage. The second design part is positioned below an apex of the lower surface of the game ball passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on their outer peripheries have been known. These types of gaming machines assign a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals or pachinko balls, and players play to acquire these gaming media. Furthermore, these types of gaming machines perform an internal lottery and start the rotation of the multiple reels when the player operates a start lever to start the game. When the player operates a stop button to stop the game, the multiple reels are stopped in a manner corresponding to the results of the internal lottery. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on a winning determination line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals or other items are paid out according to the game result.

[0003] Among the gaming machines mentioned above, a slot machine equipped with a push button device that can be operated by a player to change the presentation content is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). Generally, gaming machines such as the slot machine shown in Patent Document 1 aim to improve playability by having the player operate a push button device or the like during play to change the presentation content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-183284 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Generally, buttons on push button devices of gaming machines are composed of a support member (button support), a button body (depressed body) supported so as to be linearly movable relative to the support member, and a coil spring or the like arranged between the support member and the button body.

[0006] However, with the recent surge in new and ingenious gaming machines being released onto the market, it is no longer possible to attract players with effects that are simply based on the operation of buttons that can be pressed, as in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1. For this reason, there is a strong demand for gaming machines that can improve playability through new methods.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve playability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a device comprising: a first operating means; a second operating means; Has a transparent plate The machine is provided with a design portion formed on the upper part of the front frame and protruding forward, and a game ball passage formed on the upper part of the game area for guiding game balls to the right-hand hitting area, wherein the first operating means has a first state in which external access to the space in which the second operating means is located is restricted and operation of the second operating means is prohibited, and a second state in which operation of the second operating means is not prohibited, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the machine switches from the first state to the second state, and the rear part of the underside of the design portion is the first design portion and the front part of the underside of the design portion is the second design portion, the first design portion is located above the second design portion, the first design portion has an inclined surface with the rear side facing upward, The first design portion is located below the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage, the first design portion is located above the lower end of the game ball in contact with the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage, and the second design portion is located below the apex of the lower surface of the game ball passage. When the design part is viewed from the front in the front-to-back direction in which the first design part and the second design part are aligned, the game ball in contact with the top of the upper surface of the game ball passage is not visible, but when the transparent plate is viewed from the front from a predetermined position, at least the foremost point of the game ball in contact with the top of the upper surface of the game ball passage is visible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the playability of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a performance operation device of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an effect button unit of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a left side view showing the effect button unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a right side view showing the effect button unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an effect button unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the effect button unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment in a state where an outer button is pressed. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the effect button unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment in a state where an internal button is pressed. [Figure 9] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the effect button unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a cross-sectional view seen from a different direction than in FIG. 6, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the inner button in the first position. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the effect button unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view of the inner button in the second position, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the inner button in the third position. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a gaming board of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below. Note that the first embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the first embodiment are necessarily essential constituent elements of the present invention. Furthermore, in the following description, although there are descriptions such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "same (identical) (in dimensions, shape, etc.)," ​​it is practically difficult to strictly refer to these as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "identical" due to dimensional errors (design errors, manufacturing errors), etc., and therefore "parallel," "orthogonal," and "identical" are intended to include "approximately parallel," "approximately orthogonal," and "approximately the same (approximately the same)," respectively.

[0012] [Overview of gaming machine configuration] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a slot machine 1 according to a first embodiment. The slot machine 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine that uses medals as gaming media. In the following description, the direction toward the player (nearby) will be referred to as the "front" and the opposite will be referred to as the "rear." The top, bottom, left, and right of the gaming machine are defined based on the front view of FIG. 1.

[0013] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped cabinet BX with an opening on the front side (forward side) facing the player, and a front door FD supported on the cabinet BX so that the opening can be opened and closed. The cabinet BX houses a reel unit with a plurality of reels (first reel R1 through third reel R3) arranged side by side in the left-right direction. A hopper unit (not shown) serving as a medal dispenser is also housed below the reel unit in the cabinet BX. The cabinet BX of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment also houses a main control board 100M equipped with a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, a setting change switch, a RAM clear switch, etc., and controlling the operation of the slot machine 1; a sub-control board 100S equipped with a volume adjustment switch, a RAM clear switch, etc., and controlling the performance devices described below; and a power supply unit (not shown) equipped with a main power switch that switches the power of the slot machine 1 between on and off and that supplies power to each component. The sub-control board 100S may be provided on the rear side (inside) of the front door FD.

[0014] The outer periphery of each of the first reel R1, second reel R2, and third reel R3 shown in Fig. 1 is divided into 20 virtual areas (hereinafter, each virtual area will also be referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged on each frame. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are axially supported by a stepping motor (not shown) serving as a reel drive means, and are each driven to rotate around the axis of the stepping motor. By controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of drive pulses of the stepping motor, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be stopped in frame units (predetermined rotation angle units, predetermined rotation amount units).

[0015] The front door FD is divided into an upper front door UD and a lower front door DD, which can be opened and closed independently and can close the upper half of the opening of the cabinet BX, and can close the lower half of the opening. The upper front door UD is provided with a display window DW that allows the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to be observed. When the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, three consecutive symbols (top, middle, and bottom symbols) arranged on the outer periphery of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be observed through the display window DW from the front side of the slot machine 1.

[0016] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and an activated line L1 is set for the activated line formed by the combination of the display positions of the reels. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to three in any game state, and when medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, the activated line L1 formed by the middle of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is activated.

[0017] The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the valid line L1 in the display window DW, and if the symbol combination on the valid line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is deemed to have won and medals are paid out from the hopper unit.

[0018] The front upper door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS is made up of LEDs, lamps, 7-segment displays, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, the total number of medals paid out or won in a bonus state, information on the winning combination in this game, and information suggesting how to press stop buttons B1 to B3 related to the payout of medals.

[0019] The game information display unit DS includes a main control display device 500 consisting of a 7-segment display, and when a specified number of medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated, a notification display is displayed that corresponds to a win command, which is a control signal created based on win information, which is information on the winning combination in this game, and when the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop after the notification display is displayed, the notification display ends and the number of medals paid out or won is displayed. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a notification display is executed in which each segment of the main control display device 500 lights up and goes out in a display mode corresponding to the win command.

[0020] The main control display device 500 is also provided with an interval notification section 500A, which is a dot on a 7-segment display, that lights up when an advantageous interval is started by an AT control means (not shown) and the medal payout rate is equal to or greater than 1 due to the assistance of winning a minor combination. Here, the payout rate is the ratio of the total number of medals won during a predetermined number of games to the total number of medals inserted during a predetermined number of games when a predetermined number of games (for example, 17,500 games) is played, which is a number of games that is sufficient to ignore the influence of temporary bias in probability, and is a ratio assuming that the game is played in a state where a winning combination won by internal lottery will win with the winning probability set in the gaming machine.

[0021] Various operating means are arranged on the front lower door DD. The operating means include a single bet button BT for inserting one medal and a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of medals as inserting operation means for inserting credited (stored) medals, a start lever SL as a game start operation means for causing the player to execute a start operation that triggers the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to spin and start a game, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operation means for causing the player to execute a stop operation that triggers the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that are rotated by a stepping motor, and a settlement button BS for liquidating the credited medals, a locking device (not shown), etc.

[0022] A medal payout port MO and a medal tray MP are provided below the lower front door DD, and medals corresponding to the game results are paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP. When the settlement button BS is pressed while credited medals are stored in the gaming machine, pressing the settlement button BS executes a settlement process in which medals corresponding to the credit amount (the number of credited medals) are paid out from the hopper unit 320, and the medals are paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP. When the front door FD is closed relative to the cabinet BX, its opening and closing is restricted by a locked locking device. When the locking device is released from the restriction on opening and closing of the front door FD by an operator's key operation on the locking device, the front door FD enters an unlocked state, allowing it to be opened and closed relative to the cabinet BX. When the front door FD is open relative to the cabinet BX, the main control board 100M, volume adjustment switch, sub-control board 100S, main power switch, and other components located inside the slot machine 1 become operable.

[0023] The slot machine 1 is also equipped with an effect device 300 capable of executing game-related effects to assist and enhance the game. The effect device 300 includes an effect display device 330, a sound device 340, and multiple illumination devices 360, all of which are provided on the front upper door UD, and an effect operation device 400B, which is provided on the front lower door DD. The effect display device 330 is composed of, for example, an LCD display, and executes effects by displaying various videos and images according to the progress of the game. The sound device 340 executes effects by outputting various sounds according to the progress of the game. The illumination device 360 ​​executes effects by emitting light according to the progress of the game. The effect operation device 400B is activated in accordance with the images displayed on the effect display device 330. When a player presses a button within the operation validity period, various effects are executed using the effect display device 330, the sound device 340, the illumination device 360, and the like, in response to the press. Details of the effect operation device 400B will be described later.

[0024] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a player inserts medals into the medal insertion slot MI, or when the number of medals credited exceeds the predetermined number, the player presses the single bet button BT backward (a single bet operation) or the max bet button MB downward (a max bet operation) to insert the predetermined number of medals, and the slot machine is set to a ready state in which rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started. When the player then performs a start operation (tilt operation) by tilting the start lever SL relative to the start lever SL, the main control board 100M starts rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motors, and an internal lottery is performed using random numbers. Once the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed and is in a steady state, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted, i.e., the stop operation using the stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled.

[0025] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to set a waiting time (approximately 4.1 seconds) called a wait (or wait time) when the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 start spinning. If a start operation is performed again within the period from when the waiting time is set until the waiting time has elapsed, the slot machine 1 is configured to start the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 spinning after the waiting time has elapsed.

[0026] Thereafter, when the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3 backward at any timing (hereinafter referred to as "press timing"), the stop switches (not shown) serving as stop signal output means built into each of stop buttons B1 to B3 perform an ON operation, changing the reel stop signal output to the main control board 100M from an OFF state to an ON state.

[0027] Furthermore, when the player releases any of the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to the respective stop buttons B1 to B3 perform an OFF operation, changing the reel stop signal output to the main control board 100M from ON to OFF. Then, based on the change from OFF to ON of the reel stop signal, the signal state of which changes depending on when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed and released, the main control board 100M stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at the stop position determined by the result of the internal lottery.

[0028] Additionally, a medal payout opening MO and a medal tray MP are provided on the front surface below the front lower door DD, and a number of medals corresponding to the game results are paid out from the medal payout opening MO to the medal tray MP. Furthermore, when the settlement button BS is pressed while credited medals are stored in the main control board 100M, pressing the settlement button BS turns on a medal settlement switch (not shown) built into the settlement button BS, changing the medal settlement signal output to the main control board 100M from an OFF state to an ON state. In response to the change of the medal settlement signal from an OFF state to an ON state, the main control board 100M executes a settlement process to pay out a number of medals equivalent to the number of credits (the number of credited medals) from the hopper unit 320, and pays out the medals from the medal payout opening MO to the medal tray MP, provided that the first through third reels R1 through R3 are not spinning and no medals have been bet.

[0029] [Details of the operation device] Next, the details of the performance operation device 400B will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the performance operation device 400B has a performance button unit 600, a decorative frame 11, a left case 12L, a right case 12R, a relay board 13, and a board cover 15.

[0030] The effect button unit 600 has the outer buttons 30 that are pressed by the player, and a support portion 20 that movably holds the outer buttons 30. Details of the effect button unit 600 will be described later.

[0031] The left case 12L and the right case 12R are attached to each other and are each held in an operating means arrangement section CP (see FIG. 1) that holds various operating means of the front lower door DD, and each hold a performance button unit 600, a decorative frame 11, and a board cover 15. The left case 12L and the right case 12R also cover and protect the left and right sides of the performance button unit 600, respectively. The decorative frame 11 decorates the periphery of the outer button 30. The relay board 13 is held in the performance button unit 600 and electrically connects the performance button unit 600 to the sub-control board 100S (sub-control board 200S in the second embodiment described below).

[0032] [Configuration of the effect button unit] As shown in Fig. 3, the effect button unit 600 includes a support portion 20 held by the left case 12L and the right case 12R (see Fig. 2), outer buttons (cover portion, first operating means, operating portion) 30 and inner buttons supported movably in the Y1 direction (the pressing direction (movement direction) of the outer buttons 30) relative to the support portion 20, a second operating means, an operating portion 50, a light-emitting substrate 65, a drive portion 70, a vibration device (vibration portion) 80, an outer button detection sensor (first detecting means) 62 that detects the movement of the outer buttons 30, and an inner button detection sensor (second detecting means) 63 that detects the movement of the inner buttons 50. Note that in this embodiment, the Y1 direction is substantially downward, but the movement direction of the outer buttons and inner buttons may be up-down, forward-backward, or diagonally intersecting these directions.

[0033] The support part 20 has a support part main body 21 attached to the right case 12R, a lower support part 22 attached to the support part main body 21, a middle support part 23 attached to the lower support part 22, and an upper support part 25 attached to the middle support part 23. The support part 20 is attached to one another so that they are stacked from bottom to top in the order of the support part main body 21, lower support part 22, middle support part 23, and upper support part 25. The support part main body 21 holds the drive part 70 and the vibration device 80.

[0034] The lower support portion 22 has a cylindrical outer button guide portion 22a formed along the Y1 direction to guide movement of the outer button 30 in the Y1 direction. The lower support portion 22 also holds an outer button detection sensor 62. The middle support portion 23 holds an inner button detection sensor 63 and a light-emitting board 65. The upper support portion 25 is formed along the Y1 direction and has a guide hole 25a to guide movement of the inner button 50 in the Y1 direction.

[0035] The light-emitting substrate 65 is disposed between the middle support part 23 and the upper support part 25, is held by the middle support part 23, and has a plurality of light-emitting sources such as LEDs. The light-emitting substrate 65 illuminates the outer buttons 30, the inner buttons 50, and the decorative frame 11 so that the light is visible to the player. For example, the light-emitting substrate 65 can notify the player that pressing the outer buttons 30 and the inner buttons 50 is validated by illuminating the outer buttons 30 and the inner buttons 50 during an effective operation period in which pressing the outer buttons 30 is validated or during an effective operation period in which pressing the inner buttons 50 is validated (the period in which the button cover 45 is open).

[0036] The drive unit 70 includes a drive base 72 attached to the left case 12L and held by the support unit 20, a stepping motor 71 serving as a switching device held by the drive base 72, and a motor cam 73 for transmitting the driving force of the stepping motor 71 to the outer buttons 30. The motor cam 73 is rotatably supported by the support unit 20 around a rotation center 73a extending in the left-right direction and rotates when driven by the stepping motor 71. The motor cam 73 also includes a shaft 73b that is disposed at a predetermined distance from the rotation center 73a and protrudes in the left-right direction. The shaft 73b abuts against the outer buttons 30 and transmits the driving force of the stepping motor 71 to the outer buttons 30. The stepping motor 71 transmits its driving force to the outer buttons 30, thereby opening and closing a button cover 45, which will be described later.

[0037] The vibration device 80 is a so-called moving magnet voice coil motor (VCM) and includes a fixed part 81 held by the support part 20 and a movable part (moving member, vibrator) 82 that is linearly movable relative to the fixed part 81. The vibration device 80 generates vibrations when a predetermined condition is met. The fixed part 81 includes a coil (not shown) that generates a magnetic field when supplied with power (signal). The movable part 82 includes a permanent magnet (not shown) that moves within the magnetic field generated by the fixed part 81. The movable part 82 is supported by the fixed part 81 so as to be movable along the Y1 direction relative to the fixed part 81 by the electromagnetic force exerted on the permanent magnet by the magnetic field. In other words, the movable part 82 is supported by the support part 20 via the fixed part 81. When a predetermined condition is met, i.e., when a control signal is output (supplied) from the sub-control board 100S, the vibration device 80 moves along the Y1 direction and presses the portion where the movable part 82 comes into contact. For example, when a continuous pulse signal is supplied to the vibration device 80, the movable part 82 vibrates (moves to generate vibrations) and presses against the part it abuts (collides with), thereby vibrating the part it abuts (collides with). For example, when a single pulse signal is supplied to the vibration device 80, the vibration device 80 applies an impact force to the part it abuts (collides with). In this way, the vibration device 80 is capable of performing a variety of operations depending on the signal supplied. The vibration device 80 may be a moving-coil type VCM, a latching solenoid, a rotary solenoid, a stepping motor, or the like. The vibration device 80 is not limited to a device in which a movable part moves reciprocatingly linearly relative to a fixed part, but may also be an eccentric motor in which a movable part moves circularly (simple harmonic motion) relative to a fixed part, or a vibration speaker supported by the support part 20. Details of the vibration device 80 will be described later.

[0038] The light emitting substrate 65, stepping motor 71, and vibration device 80 are electrically connected to the sub-control substrate 100S via the relay substrate 13 (see FIG. 2), and each operates by power, signals, etc. supplied from the sub-control substrate 100S. The outer button detection sensor 62 and inner button detection sensor 63 are electrically connected to the sub-control substrate 100S via the relay substrate 13. The outer button detection sensor 62 and inner button detection sensor 63 are each configured, for example, by a transmissive optical sensor. When the outer button 30 is moved, the optical axis of the outer button detection sensor 62 is blocked by the outer button 30, and the outer button detection sensor 62 outputs a detection signal. Furthermore, when the inner button 50 is moved, the optical axis of the inner button detection sensor 63 is blocked by the inner button 50, and the inner button detection sensor 63 outputs a detection signal.

[0039] [Outer button configuration] Next, the configuration of the outer button 30 that can be pressed (moved) by the player will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. As shown in Figure 3, the outer button 30 has an outer button base 31 that is movably held relative to the support part 20, a button cover unit 35 that has an openable and closable button cover (cover part, first operating means) 45, a link unit 32 that transmits driving force from the drive part 70 to the button cover 45, and a biasing unit 33 that biases the button cover 45 in the direction of opening it.

[0040] The outer button base 31 holds a link unit 32 and a biasing unit 33 and is disposed between the lower support section 22 and the middle support section 23. A through-hole 31a is formed in the outer button base 31 along the Y1 direction. The outer button guide section 22a of the lower support section 22 is inserted into the through-hole 31a, and the outer button base 31 is held movably between the lower support section 22 and the middle support section 23 while being guided by the outer button guide section 22a along the Y1 direction. The outer button base 31 also has a light-blocking section 53b that can block the optical axis of the outer button detection sensor 62 when the outer button 30 moves. An outer button spring 61 is provided between the outer button base 31 and the lower support section 22. The outer button spring 61 biases the outer button base 31 against the lower support section 22 in the opposite direction to the Y1 direction (upward).

[0041] The link unit 32 is disposed on the left side of the outer button base 31 and includes a link base 36 held by the outer button base 31, and a link cam 37. When the outer button 30 is not being pressed, the link cam 37 is supported on the link base 36 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 37a extending in the left-right direction. The rotation center 37a is disposed so as to be on the same line as the rotation center 73a of the motor cam 73. The link cam 37 is formed with a link groove 37b (see FIG. 4) into which the shaft 73b of the motor cam 73 is fitted. The width of the link groove 37b in the rotation direction of the link cam 37 is slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 73b, and fitting the shaft 73b into the link groove 37b moves the link cam 37 and motor cam 73 in conjunction with each other. The link cam 37 has a cam surface 37c (see FIG. 4) that can come into contact with the button cover 45 and whose distance from the rotation center 37a changes depending on the rotation position of the link cam 37.

[0042] The urging unit 33 is disposed on the right side of the outer button base 31 and includes a urging base 39 held by the outer button base 31, a urging arm 41 that abuts against the button cover 45, and a urging spring 42. The urging arm 41 is supported on the urging base 39 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 41a extending in the left-right direction. The urging arm 41 also has a cover abutment portion 41b (see FIG. 5) that protrudes in the left-right direction. The cover abutment portion 41b is disposed at a predetermined distance from the rotation center 73a so as to be able to abut against the button cover 45. The urging spring 42 urges the urging arm 41 to rotate in direction C (counterclockwise as viewed from the right side) relative to the urging base 39.

[0043] The button cover unit 35 is disposed above the upper support portion 25 (above the outer button base 31) and includes a cover base 43 held by the link base 36 and the biasing base 39, and a button cover 45. The cover base 43 has a bottom plate 43b (see FIG. 6) and a side wall 43c (see FIG. 6) extending upward (opposite the Y1 direction) from the periphery of the bottom plate 43b, and is formed in a box shape with an open upper side. A through hole 43a (see FIG. 6) is formed in the Y1 direction in approximately the center of the bottom plate 43b, and the upper part of the inner button 50 passes through this through hole 43a and protrudes upward.

[0044] The button cover 45 is supported on the cover base 43 so as to be rotatable (openable and closable) around a rotation center 45a extending in the left-right direction. The button cover 45 has a top plate 45d arranged so as to intersect with the Y1 direction in the closed state (first state, hereinafter referred to as the closed state) shown in Fig. 3, a left arm 45b (see Fig. 4) arranged on the left side of the top plate 45d and capable of abutting against the cam surface 37c of the link cam 37, and a right arm 45c (see Fig. 5) arranged on the right side of the top plate 45d and capable of abutting against the cover abutment portion 41b of the biasing arm 41. The top plate 45d is made of a transparent material, such as a transparent synthetic resin or glass.

[0045] When the left arm 45b is in contact with the cam surface 37c, the cam surface 37c restricts (limits) the rotation of the button cover 45 in the direction A shown in Fig. 4 (counterclockwise in left side view, the direction in which the button cover 45 opens). When the right arm 45c is in contact with the cover contact portion 41b, the cover contact portion 41b presses the button cover 45 so that it rotates in the direction A shown in Fig. 5 (clockwise in right side view, the direction in which the button cover 45 opens). In the closed state, the button cover 45 is positioned so as to block the upper side of the cover base 43 (so as to cover the upper side of the inner button 50).

[0046] As a result, the upper part of the internal button 50 is contained (disposed) within the space formed between the cover base 43 and the button cover 45, i.e., the space surrounded by the bottom plate 43b, the side wall 43c, and the top plate 45d, and access to this space from the outside by a player or the like is restricted (a state in which the internal button 50 cannot be pressed, a state in which it is impossible to press), that is, a state in which pressing of the internal button 50 is prohibited by the button cover 45. Also, as described above, because the top plate 45d is made of a transparent material, when the button cover 45 is in the closed state, the player can see the upper part of the internal button 50 from above through the top plate 45d.

[0047] In this embodiment, the side wall 43c is provided on the cover base 43, but is not limited to this. For example, the upper part of the inner button may be configured to be housed in a space surrounded by the bottom plate of the cover base and the side wall and top plate of the button cover, or part of the side wall may be provided on both the cover base and the button cover.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a left side view of the effect button unit 600 when the button cover 45 is in the closed state, and Fig. 5 is a right side view of the effect button unit 600 when the button cover 45 is in the closed state. As shown in Fig. 4, when the left arm 45b abuts on the cam surface 37c of the link cam 37 at a position that is the farthest from the rotation center 37a, the button cover 45 is in the closed state.

[0049] When a signal to drive stepping motor 71 (see FIG. 3) is sent from sub-control board 100S with button cover 45 in the closed state, motor cam 73 (see FIG. 3) rotates, moving shaft 73b, and link cam 37 rotates in direction B (counterclockwise in left side view) from the initial position shown in FIG. 4 in conjunction with the rotation of motor cam 73. When link cam 37 rotates in direction B from the initial position, button cover 45 continues to be pressed by cover abutment portion 41b (see FIG. 5) of biasing arm 41 so as to rotate in direction A, so that cam surface 37c and left arm 45b continue to abut, and the abutment point approaches rotation center 37a along cam surface 37c.

[0050] As the link cam 37 rotates from its initial position and the contact point between the cam surface 37c and the left arm 45b approaches the rotation center 37a, the button cover 45 gradually rotates from the closed state in direction A. When the motor cam 73 rotates and the shaft 73b moves to the position indicated by the shaft 73b' in FIG. 4, and the link cam 37 rotates in direction B to the operating position indicated by the link cam 37' in FIG. 4, the button cover 45 further rotates in direction A and enters an open state (second state, hereinafter referred to as the open state) indicated by the button cover 45' in FIG. 4. Note that in the open state, the left arm 45b and the cam surface 37c may abut against each other, and further rotation of the button cover 45 in direction A may be restricted by the cam surface 37c, or the left arm 45b and the cam surface 37c may move away from each other and abut against a stopper portion (not shown), and further rotation of the button cover 45 in direction A may be restricted by the stopper portion.

[0051] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the button cover 45 is in an open state, the inner button 50 is exposed upward and the player can press the inner button 50, i.e., the button cover 45 does not prohibit operation of the inner button 50. As a result, when the inner button 50 cannot be pressed, the player's desire to operate the inner button 50 can be increased, and when the inner button 50 can be pressed, the prohibited inner button 50 becomes operable, thereby releasing the player's desire to operate the inner button 50 and improving the player's interest in the game presentation (gameplay). Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment configured in this way, the player can enjoy the change between a state in which the inner button 50 can be operated and a state in which it cannot be operated, thereby improving the player's interest in the presentation (gameplay). Furthermore, by opening the button cover 45 when pressing the inner button 50 is enabled (when a state has been reached in which a new effect is executed in response to pressing the inner button 50), the player can clearly recognize from the change in shape of the effect operation device 400B whether or not pressing the inner button 50 is within the enabled operation period, thereby reducing the player's mistakes in operating the effect operation device 400B and increasing the player's interest in the effect. Furthermore, with the button cover 45 closed, a situation is created in which the inner button 50 is visible but cannot be pressed, increasing the player's desire to press the inner button 50, and then opening the button cover 45 releases the player's desire to press the button, thereby increasing the player's interest in the effect.

[0052] In this embodiment, the drive unit 70 and the link unit 32 constitute an opening / closing limiting mechanism (opening / closing prohibiting mechanism) 70K that can be switched between a restricted state and a released state. The restricted state is a state of the opening / closing limiting mechanism 70K in which the button cover 45 restricts (prohibits) operation of the internal button 50, and more specifically, a state in which the button cover 45 is closed and the motor cam 73 and the link cam 37 are positioned in a rotational position that restricts rotation of the button cover 45 (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 4). The released state is a state of the opening / closing limiting mechanism 70K in which the button cover 45 does not prohibit operation of the internal button 50, and more specifically, a state in which the motor cam 73 and the link cam 37 are positioned in a rotational position that does not restrict rotation of the button cover 45 (the state shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4). When a predetermined condition is met, i.e., when the stepping motor 71 is driven and the motor cam 73 and link cam 37 rotate, and the opening / closing restriction mechanism 70K switches from a state in which pressing the inner button 50 is prohibited to a state in which operation of the inner button 50 is not prohibited, the button cover 45 switches.

[0053] When the stepping motor 71 is driven to rotate the motor cam 73 and the link cam 37 further in direction B, the left arm 45b is pressed by the cam surface 37c, and the button cover 45 rotates in the direction opposite to direction A and returns to the closed state. Note that the stepping motor 71 may be driven to rotate the motor cam 73 and the link cam 37 in the direction opposite to direction B, thereby rotating the button cover 45 from the open state to the closed state.

[0054] [Configuration related to movement along the pressing direction of the outer button] 6 and 7, the configuration related to movement of the outer button 30 in the pressing direction will be described. As described above, the outer button base 31 is guided by the outer button guide portion 22a in the Y1 direction, held movably between the lower support portion 22 and the middle support portion 23, and biased by the outer button spring 61 in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction (upward).

[0055] When the outer button 30 is not being pressed by the player (non-operated state), it is located in the initial position shown in Fig. 6. When the outer button 30 is located in the initial position, the upper surface 31c of the outer button base 31 abuts against the lower surface 23a of the middle support part 23, restricting movement of the outer button 30 in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction.

[0056] When the player presses the outer button 30 in the closed state, the outer button 30 moves (displaces) in the Y1 direction from its initial position to a position detected by the outer button detection sensor 62, i.e., a detection position where the outer button 30 blocks the optical axis of the outer button detection sensor 62. As the player presses the outer button 30, it moves (displaces) further in the Y1 direction. When the outer button 30 reaches a distance h1, which is the length of the movable range (stroke range) of the outer button 30, the outer button base 31 abuts against the lower support portion (abutment portion) 22, as shown in FIG. 7 , and the outer button 30 reaches a pressed position (operated position, maximum pressed position) where further movement in the Y1 direction is restricted. When the outer button 30 is in the pressed position, the top plate 45d of the outer button 30 is spaced apart from the inner button 50 in the Y1 direction. This prevents the inner button 50 from being pressed via the outer button 30 when the outer button 30 is pressed.

[0057] When the outer button 30 is pressed and moves in the Y1 direction, the amount of deflection of the outer button spring 61 increases as the amount of movement increases. For this reason, the operating load (operating force) on the outer button 30 in the Y1 direction changes linearly with the amount of movement of the outer button 30 in the Y1 direction, reaching a minimum when the outer button 30 is in the initial position shown in Figure 6 and a maximum when the outer button 30 is in the pressed position shown in Figure 7.

[0058] Furthermore, when the button cover 45 is in the closed state, the link groove 37b (see FIG. 4) of the link cam 37 described above is formed so that its length in the Y1 direction is greater than the diameter of the shaft 73b (see FIG. 4) by a distance h1 or more, and when the outer button 30 is pressed with the button cover 45 in the closed state, the link groove 37b is movable in the Y1 direction along the shaft 73b. This prevents the link cam 37 from rotating when pressed by the shaft 73b when the outer button 30 is pressed with the button cover 45 in the closed state.

[0059] [Details of the inner button and configuration related to movement along the pressing direction of the inner button] Next, details of the inner button 50 and the configuration related to movement of the inner button 50 along the pressing direction will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 8 to 10. As shown in Figure 6, the performance button unit 600 has the inner button 50 described above, a first slider 67 that is movable along the Y1 direction relative to the lower support part 22, and a load mechanism (touch-providing means) 90 that is held by the lower support part 22 and changes the operation load (operation force) when the inner button 50 is pressed (moved).

[0060] The inner button 50 has an inner button upper unit 51 that is movable along the Y1 direction relative to the upper support part 25, and a second slider 55 that is disposed between the middle support part 23 and the upper support part 25 and supported by the middle support part 23 so as to be movable along the Y1 direction. The inner button upper unit 51 has an inner button base 53 that is supported so as to be movable along the Y1 direction relative to the upper support part 25, and an inner button body 52 that is attached integrally to the inner button base 53. The inner button base 53 is disposed below the inner button body 52 and has an opening 53a that allows light from the light-emitting board 65 to pass upward, a light-shielding part 53b that can block the optical axis of the inner button detection sensor 63 when the inner button 50 moves, and a restricted surface 53c (see FIGS. 3 and 9(a)) that can come into contact with the upper support part 25 in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction.

[0061] The inner button body 52 is the component that the player's finger comes into contact with when the player presses the inner button 50, and is made of a highly translucent material so that the upper surface 52a is concave, allowing the player to see the light from the light-emitting substrate 65 that passes through the opening 53a of the inner button base 53.

[0062] The load mechanism 90 has a slider spring 91 that biases the first slider 67 in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction relative to the lower support part 22, and a resistance spring 92 (see FIG. 9(a)) that applies resistance to the first slider 67 when the first slider 67 moves in the Y1 direction relative to the lower support part 22. For example, the slider spring 91 is a coil spring that is arranged with its center of winding aligned along the Y1 direction. It is desirable that the slider spring 91 is arranged so that the center of winding of the slider spring 91 overlaps with the upper surface 52a of the inner button body 52 when viewed in the Y1 direction.

[0063] The upper surface 67a of the first slider 67 abuts against the abutment surface (lower surface) 55b of the second slider 55 in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction, and the upper surface 55a of the second slider 55 abuts against the lower surface 53d of the inner button base 53 in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction. When not pressed by a player, the inner button 50 is located in the initial position shown in FIG. 6. When the inner button 50 is located in the initial position, the restricted surface 53c of the inner button 50 abuts against the upper support portion 25, restricting movement of the inner button 50 in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction. In this way, the inner button upper unit 51, the second slider 55, and the first slider 67 are supported movably in the Y1 direction while abutting against each other in the Y1 direction, and can move integrally along the Y1 direction when pressed by a player.

[0064] When pressed by a player, the inner button 50, which is composed of the inner button upper unit 51 and the second slider 55, moves (displaces) in the Y1 direction from its initial position to a position detected by the inner button detection sensor 63, i.e., a detection position that blocks the optical axis of the inner button detection sensor 63. When the inner button 50 further moves (displaces) in the Y1 direction due to the player's pressing operation and the movement distance (operation amount) from the initial position reaches a distance h2, which is the length of the movable range (stroke range) of the inner button 50, the abutment surface 55b of the second slider 55 abuts against the upper surface 22d of the lower support part 22, as shown in Fig. 8, and the inner button 50 reaches a pressed position (operated position, maximum pressed position, maximum movement position in the movement range of the inner button 50) where further movement in the Y1 direction is limited.

[0065] 9(a), 9(b), 10(a), and 10(b) are cross-sectional views of the effect button unit 600 viewed from the front, each showing a different position of the inner button 50 (the outer button 30, the middle support part 23, and the upper support part 25 are not shown). Specifically, FIG. 9(a) shows a state in which the inner button 50 is located in the initial position, FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which the inner button 50 is located in a first position between the initial position and the pressed position, FIG. 10(a) shows a state in which the inner button 50 is located in a second position downstream in the Y1 direction from the first position, and FIG. 10(b) shows a state in which the inner button 50 is located in the pressed position.

[0066] A pair of resistance springs 92 are provided on both the left and right sides of the first slider 67. The resistance springs 92 are preferably arranged symmetrically about the center of the winding of the slider spring 91 in a front view. When the inner button 50 is in its initial position, the resistance spring 92 has a spring main body 92a whose upper end is held by the lower support portion 22 and formed along the Y1 direction; a locking portion 92b formed from the lower end of the spring main body 92a toward the first slider 67 (inside) in a direction intersecting the Y1 direction, for example, a direction at an angle of 85° to 95° with respect to the Y1 direction; and a sloped portion 92c descending from the tip (inner end) of the locking portion 92b toward the outside. The locking portion 92b (or its upper surface) is preferably formed along a direction perpendicular to the spring main body 92a (Y1 direction). The resistance spring 92 is formed, for example, by bending a thin elastic metal plate.

[0067] The first slider 67 has an engaged surface 67b that is located inside the spring body 92a and faces the engaging portion 92b in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction, and an inclined surface 67c that rises inward from the outer edge of the engaged surface 67b. As shown in Fig. 9(a), when the inner button 50 is in the initial position, the engaging portion 92b and the engaged surface 67b are spaced apart in the Y1 direction. It is desirable that the engaged surface 67b be formed in a direction that forms an angle of 85° to 95° with respect to the Y1 direction, specifically, along a direction perpendicular to the Y1 direction (a direction parallel to the engaging portion 92b).

[0068] FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which the player presses the inner button 50 in the Y1 direction, where the inner button 50 is positioned in the first position (intermediate depressed position), i.e., the locking portion 92b and the locked surface 67b are in contact with each other in the Y1 direction. FIG. 10(a) shows a state in which the player presses the inner button 50 further in the Y1 direction, where the inner button 50 is positioned in the second position, where the resistance spring 92 is elastically deformed so that the distance between the inner end of one locking portion 92b and the inner end of the other locking portion 92b is the maximum width (width in the left-right direction) of the locked surface 67b. When the inner button 50 is pressed and moves from the initial position in the Y1 direction, the resistance spring 92 changes the rate of increase / decrease of the operating load of the inner button 50 (the amount of change in operating force relative to the amount of movement of the inner button 50) within a range (a predetermined range) from the first position to the second position, thereby providing a sense of resistance. Specifically, when the inner button 50 is pressed and moves from the initial position in the Y1 direction, the resistance spring 92 applies a resistance force (resistance) to the first slider 67 in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction by the engaging portion 92b hooking onto the engaging surface 67b of the first slider 67 in the range where the inner button 50 is located from the first position to the second position.

[0069] When the inner button 50 is pressed, the amount of deflection of the slider spring 91 increases as the amount of movement increases. For this reason, the operating load (operating force) of the inner button 50 in the Y1 direction gradually increases when the inner button 50 is positioned from the initial position shown in Fig. 9(a) to the first position shown in Fig. 9(b), reaches a maximum when the inner button 50 is positioned at a predetermined position (maximum load position) between the first and second positions, suddenly decreases as the inner button 50 moves from the predetermined position to the second position shown in Fig. 10(a), and then gradually increases again until the inner button 50 moves from the second position to the pressed position shown in Fig. 10(b).

[0070] Generally, buttons on gaming machines are configured to be pressed in the opposite direction to the pressing direction using a coil spring or the like. Such buttons have a monotonous feel to them because the operating force changes linearly with the amount of button operation, and when effects are executed in response to the operation of such buttons, it is difficult to sufficiently increase the player's interest in the effects.

[0071] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the load mechanism 90 changes the operation load of the inner button 50 depending on the position of the inner button 50 within its movement range, thereby making the operation feel less monotonous and providing an appropriate response (feeling of pressure) to the operation of pressing the inner button 50. This allows the player to enjoy the change in the operation feel when pressing the inner button 50, and also allows for a comfortable response (feeling of pressure), thereby improving the player's interest in the presentation (gameplay).

[0072] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the upper surface 52a of the inner button body 52 is concave (see FIG. 6). This allows the force applied to the player's fingers to be dispersed even when the load mechanism 90 increases the operating load of the inner button 50, allowing the player to obtain a comfortable operating feel.

[0073] Furthermore, the load mechanism 90 is configured to sandwich the first slider 67 with a plurality of resistance springs 92 provided on one side and the other side of the first slider 67, which makes it possible to stabilize the resistance force and suppress tilting of the first slider compared to when a resistance force is applied to the first slider by a single resistance spring or the like.

[0074] Furthermore, the spring body 92a of the resistance spring 92 is formed along the Y1 direction, which is the direction of movement of the first slider 67, when the inner button 50 is in the initial position. As a result, compared to when the spring body 92a is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the Y1 direction, for example, the tip side of the spring body 92a is less likely to move outward (toward the opposite side from the first slider 67) when the inner button 50 is pressed, making it possible to apply a greater resistance force when the inner button 50 is pressed. Furthermore, if the locking portion 92b is formed in a direction perpendicular to the spring body 92a and the locked surface 67b is formed so as to be parallel to the locking portion 92b, it becomes possible to apply an even greater resistance force compared to the size and thickness of the resistance spring 92 when the inner button 50 is pressed.

[0075] Furthermore, when the inner button 50 is pressed, the inner button detection sensor 63 detects (the movement of) the inner button 50 at a position downstream in the Y1 direction from the first position. More specifically, when the inner button 50 is pressed, the inner button detection sensor 63 detects the inner button 50 at a detection position between the second position and the pressed position. This prevents the movement of the inner button 50 from being detected before the operation load reaches its maximum, thereby reducing the player's discomfort caused by a discrepancy between the operation feel and the timing of changes in the effects, etc. In this embodiment, the maximum load position is configured to be closer to the detection position than the initial position. This allows the movement of the inner button 50 to be detected immediately after the inner button 50 passes the maximum load position, reducing the player's discomfort caused by a discrepancy between the operation feel and the timing of changes in the effects, etc. Note that the maximum load position may be configured to be closer to the initial position than the detection position. By configuring it in this manner, when a player presses the inner button 50 to the maximum load position, it is possible to prevent the player from mistakenly believing that the inner button 50 has been pressed to the operation position.

[0076] When the player finishes pressing the inner button 50 while it is in the pressed position, the inner button 50 is pressed in the opposite direction to the Y1 direction by the slider spring 91 via the first slider 67 and the second slider 55, and the resistance spring 92 is elastically deformed with a force smaller than that during the pressing operation due to the inclined surface 67c abutting the inclined portion 92c, and the inner button 50 returns to its initial position.

[0077] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the angle (e.g., 45°) formed between the direction in which the inclined surface 67c and the inclined portion 92c are formed and the pressing direction of the inner button 50 is smaller than the angle (e.g., 90°) formed between the direction in which the locked surface 67b and the locking portion 92b are formed (left-right direction in FIG. 9(a)) and the pressing direction (Y1 direction) of the inner button 50. As a result, the resistance force applied by the resistance spring 92 when moving the inner button 50 can be made smaller when the inner button 50 returns from the pressed position to the initial position than when the inner button 50 is pressed, making it possible to reliably return the inner button 50 to its initial position.

[0078] [Configuration related to the vibration of the effect button unit] Next, the configuration related to vibration of the effect button unit will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The movable part 82 of the vibration device 80 has a first surface 82a that intersects (is perpendicular to) the Y1 direction and a protruding part 82b that protrudes from the first surface 82a in the direction opposite to the Y1 direction, and a second surface 82c that is parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface 82a is formed at the upper end of the protruding part 82b. The lower support part 22 has a support part facing surface 22c that faces the first surface 82a. The outer button base 31 has an outer button facing surface 31d that faces the first surface 82a. The second slider 55 has a second slider facing surface 55c that faces the second surface 82c.

[0079] If the distance in the Y1 direction between the first surface 82a and the support portion-facing surface 22c is distance a, the distance in the Y1 direction between the first surface 82a and the outer button-facing surface 31d is distance b, and the distance in the Y1 direction between the second surface 82c and the second slider-facing surface 55c is distance c, then as shown in Fig. 6, when the outer buttons 30 and the inner buttons 50 are in their initial positions, distance a < distance b and distance a < distance c. That is, when the outer buttons 30 and the inner buttons 50 are in their initial positions, the vibration device 80 is spaced apart from the outer buttons 30 and the inner buttons 50 in the Y1 direction. As a result, when the outer buttons 30 and the inner buttons 50 are in their initial positions, when the vibration device 80 is activated, the movable part 82 does not come into contact with either the outer button base 31 or the second slider 55, but comes into contact with (collides with) the lower support portion 22 in the Y1 direction and can press the support portion 20 in the Y1 direction.

[0080] 7, when the outer button 30 is in the pressed position and the inner button 50 is in the initial position, distance b is less than distance a and distance b is less than distance c. As a result, when the outer button 30 is in the pressed position and the inner button 50 is in the initial position, when the vibration device 80 is activated, the movable part 82 does not come into contact with either the lower support part 22 or the second slider 55, but comes into contact with (collides with) the outer button base 31 in the Y1 direction, thereby pressing the outer button 30 in the Y1 direction.

[0081] 8, when the outer button 30 is in the initial position and the inner button 50 is in the pressed position, distance c<distance a and distance c<distance b. As a result, when the outer button 30 is in the initial position and the inner button 50 is in the pressed position, when the vibration device 80 is activated, the movable part 82 does not come into contact with either the lower support part 22 or the outer button base 31, but comes into contact with (collides with) the second slider 55 in the Y1 direction, and is able to press the inner button 50 via the second slider 55.

[0082] In this way, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the movable part 82 moves along the Y1 direction, which is the pressing direction of the outer button 30 and the inner button 50, and transmits force to the outer button 30 and the inner button 50 in the Y1 direction. Therefore, compared to using a vibration motor or the like, a stronger force can be transmitted to the outer button 30 and the inner button 50, thereby increasing the player's interest in the presentation.

[0083] Furthermore, because the contact points of the vibration device 80 change depending on the positions of the outer button 30 and the inner button 50, it is possible to vibrate multiple targets with one vibration device 80. This makes it possible to prevent increases in cost and size of the device compared to when a vibration device is provided for each target.

[0084] Furthermore, because there is no need to directly attach the vibration device 80 to the outer buttons 30 or inner buttons 50, the inertial mass of the outer buttons 30 or inner buttons 50 that are subject to vibration, etc., can be reduced, thereby enabling the vibration device 80 to be made smaller and its power consumption to be reduced. Note that in this embodiment, the movable body 82 of the VCM, which is the vibrator, is configured to abut against and vibrate the outer buttons 30 and inner buttons 50, which are the operating units, but this is not limiting. It is sufficient that the operating unit located at the operating position is configured to abut against the vibration device and vibrate; for example, the operating unit located at the operating position may be configured to abut against a support member that supports the vibrator, so that the vibration of the vibration device is transmitted.

[0085] [Summary of this embodiment] The gaming machine (1, 101) according to this embodiment includes a first operating means (30), and a second operating means (50), The first operating means (30) a first state in which external access to a space in which the second operating means (50) is disposed is restricted to prohibit operation of the second operating means (50), and a second state in which operation of the second operating means (50) is not prohibited; When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the state is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0086] This allows the player to enjoy the change in shape of the inner button 50 between when it can be operated and when it cannot be operated, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0087] In this embodiment, the top plate 45d of the button cover 45 is made of a transparent material, allowing the player to see the internal buttons 50 even when the button cover 45 is closed. However, this is not limiting. The top plate of the button cover may be made of an opaque material, or may be made of a transparent material with an opaque paint applied to the surface, or may be made of a transparent material with an opaque label or the like attached to the surface. In such cases, by making the buttons and the like inside the button cover, which are normally invisible to the player, visible upon a predetermined trigger, it is possible to enhance the player's interest in the presentation. Alternatively, the top plate may be made of an opaque material with an opening formed in the top plate large enough to prevent the player from operating the internal buttons when the button cover is closed.

[0088] In this embodiment, the button cover 45 is supported on the cover base 43 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center 45a, but this is not limiting. The button cover may be switchable between a first state that prohibits operation of the inner buttons and a second state that does not prohibit operation of the inner buttons. For example, the button cover may be a sliding shutter or may be composed of multiple independently operable components. Furthermore, for example, the button cover may be provided with a locking member that restricts rotation of the button cover 45 and a moving means (such as a motor) that moves the locking member between a first position that restricts rotation of the button cover 45 and a second position that does not restrict rotation. When the locking member is in the second position, the button cover can be rotated from the closed state to the open state by the player's release operation.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the inner button 50 is configured so that it cannot be pressed (is unpressable) when the button cover 45 is in the closed state, but this is not limiting. The button cover only needs to make it easier to press the inner button in the open state than in the closed state, and a gap may be formed between the button cover and the button base in the closed state.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the performance operation device 400B is configured so that the operation load of the inner button 50 is greatest at a first position downstream in the Y1 direction from the initial position, but is not limited to this. The performance operation device may be configured so that the operation load of the button is smaller at a second position downstream from the first position. For example, the performance operation device may be configured so that the locking portion 92b of the resistance spring 92 and the locked surface 67b of the first slider 67 abut against each other when the inner button 50 is in the initial position, i.e., so that the operation load of the inner button is greatest at the first position, which is the initial position. Alternatively, the performance operation device may be configured so that the abutting surface 55b of the second slider 55 abuts against the lower support portion 22 at a second position where the resistance spring 92 is no longer caught by the first slider 67, i.e., so that the second position is the pressed position (maximum pressed position). Alternatively, the first position may be configured so that the first position is closer to the pressed position than the initial position, or so that the first position is intermediate between the initial position and the pressed position.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the effect operation device 400B changes the operation load of the internal button 50 using a load mechanism 90 having a slider spring 91 and a resistance spring 92, but this is not limited to this. The effect operation device may have a tactile feedback means that changes the operation load of the button so that it is smaller at a second position downstream than at a first position. For example, the effect operation device may have a member of a different shape from the slider spring 91 that can be elastically deformed by pressing the button to switch between an impassable state and an allowable state for the button, and various configurations and shapes other than those of the load mechanism 90 of this embodiment are conceivable.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction of movement of the movable part 82 of the vibration device 80 and the direction of pressing (operation direction) of the outer button 30 and the inner button 50 of the performance operation device are the same, but are not limited to this. The movable unit such as the vibration device may be configured so that the operation part can be pressed by moving and operating the operation part, and the direction of movement of the movable part may be configured so that it is different from the direction of pressing the button.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration device 80 is configured to be able to press the outer button 30 and the inner button 50 as the first operating means and the second operating means, but is not limited to this. A movable unit such as a vibration device may be configured to be able to press a movable operating unit by a player's movement operation. Furthermore, the first operating means and the second operating means may be operating units imitating a steering wheel of a car, operating units imitating a weapon used by hand, levers that can be tilted, operating units that can be rotated, switches, etc. provided in other parts, and may be applicable to a variety of configurations other than buttons.

[0094] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, a slot machine 1 has been described as a gaming machine equipped with the effect operation device 400B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the effect operation device 400B may be provided in a gaming machine other than a slot machine, for example, a pachinko machine. Hereinafter, as a second embodiment, a pachinko machine 101 equipped with the effect operation device 400B will be described.

[0095] [Overview of gaming machine configuration] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine 101, which is a gaming machine according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a front view of the pachinko machine 101 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the pachinko machine 101 includes an outer frame 2 having four sides arranged in a substantially rectangular shape to form an enclosed space, a middle frame 4 attached to the outer frame 2 by a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable, and a front frame 6 attached to the middle frame 4 by a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable. A power supply unit (not shown) that includes a main power switch for switching the power of the slot machine 1 between an on state and a off state and supplies power to each component is provided on the rear side of the middle frame 4. A locking device (not shown) is also provided in the middle frame 4. When the front frame 6 and the middle frame 4 are closed relative to the outer frame 2, the front frame 6 and the middle frame 4 are restricted from opening and closing by the locking device in the restricted state. When the locking device is released from the restriction on opening and closing the front frame 6 and middle frame 4 by an operator's key operation on the locking device, the front frame 6 and middle frame 4 become openable and closable relative to the outer frame 2. When the front frame 6 and middle frame 4 are open relative to the outer frame 2, it becomes possible to access the inside of the pachinko machine 101, the rear side of the front frame 6 and middle frame 4, and the gaming facility equipment (island equipment) located behind the pachinko machine 101. The power supply unit may be provided behind the front frame or inside the pachinko machine 101.

[0096] Like the outer frame 2, the middle frame 4 has four sides arranged in a substantially rectangular shape to form an enclosed space. In the pachinko machine 101, a game board 530 (see FIG. 13) is held in the enclosed space of the middle frame 4. The front frame 6 holds a glass unit 470 having transparent glass or resin plates 471, 472 (see FIG. 14) arranged in the front-to-rear direction with their plate surfaces parallel. In the pachinko machine 101, when the middle frame 4 and the front frame 6 are closed against the outer frame 2, a game board surface 531 (see FIG. 13), which is the surface of the game board 530, and the glass unit 470 face each other substantially parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined distance, and the game board 530 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 101 through the glass unit 470.

[0097] An operating handle 490 that protrudes from the front side of the pachinko machine 101 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 6. A firing operating lever 491 that can be rotated by the player is provided on the operating handle 490, and when the player rotates the firing operating lever 491 to perform a firing operation, a game ball as a game value is fired by a firing mechanism (not shown) with a strength according to the rotation angle of the firing operating lever 491. The game ball thus fired rises between rails 532, 533 provided on the game board 530 and is guided to a game area 540 (see FIG. 13).

[0098] FIG. 13 is a front view of the game board 530 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the game area 540 is a space formed between the game board 530 and the glass unit 470, and is an area where game balls can flow down or roll. The game board 530 is provided with numerous nails and windmills, and game balls guided into the game area 540 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to flow down or roll in irregular directions. The rear side of the game board 530 is also provided with a main control board 200M, which is equipped with a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, a RAM clear switch, etc., and controls the operation of the pachinko machine 101, and a sub-control board 100S, which is equipped with a volume adjustment switch, a RAM clear switch, etc., and controls the performance devices described below, so that they are exposed to the rear side of the pachinko machine 101. The control boards may be provided behind or inside the front frame 6 or middle frame 4.

[0099] The play area 540 includes a first play area 540L and a second play area 540R, which have different degrees of entry of game balls depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism. The first play area 540L is located on the left side of the play area 540 as seen by a player facing the pachinko machine 101, and the second play area 540R is located on the right side of the play area 540 as seen by a player facing the pachinko machine 101. In the pachinko machine 101, the rail 533 ends at the top of the left side of the play area 540, so that game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength enter the first play area 540L, and game balls launched with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength enter the second play area 540R.

[0100] Furthermore, the game area 540 is provided with a first start opening 551, a second start opening 552, a plurality of first general winning openings 558, and a second general winning opening 559 through which game balls can enter, and in detail, a game ball that enters the first game area 540L can enter the first start opening 551 and the plurality of first general winning openings 558, and a game ball that enters the second game area 540R can enter the second start opening 552 and the second general winning opening 559. When a game ball enters the first start opening 551, the second start opening 552, the first general winning opening 558, or the second general winning opening 559, a predetermined prize ball set for each opening is paid out to the player. In the pachinko machine 101, the number of prize balls may be any number equal to or greater than one, and the number of prize balls paid out from each of the first start opening 551, the second start opening 552, the first general winning opening 558, and the second general winning opening 559 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls. In the pachinko machine 101, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls paid out when a gaming ball enters the first start opening 551 to be less than the number of prize balls paid out when a gaming ball enters the second start opening 552.

[0101] In the pachinko machine 101 of this embodiment, a first start area is provided within the first start opening 551, and a second start area is provided within the second start opening 552. When a gaming ball enters the first start opening 551 or the second start opening 552 and enters the first start area or the second start area, an internal lottery is conducted using a generated random number to determine one of a plurality of pre-defined special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with various benefits (game profits), such as whether or not a jackpot game can be executed as a special game state advantageous to the player, and what kind of game state the subsequent game state will be. Therefore, when a gaming ball enters the first start opening 551 or the second start opening 552, the player not only acquires a predetermined prize ball, but also has the opportunity to enter a lottery to win the right to receive various benefits.

[0102] Further, the second starting opening 552 is provided with a movable piece 552a that can be opened and closed, and is configured so that the ease with which the gaming ball can enter the second starting opening 552 changes depending on the state of the movable piece 552a. Specifically, when the movable piece 552a is in a closed state, the gaming ball cannot enter the second starting opening 552, and when the movable piece 552a is open and in a state where it is open wider than the diameter of the gaming ball, the gaming ball can enter the second starting opening 552.

[0103] In the pachinko machine 101, when a gaming ball passes through the entrance area within the gate 553 provided in the second gaming area 540R, a lottery for a normal symbol is held, and if a winning symbol is selected in the lottery, the movable piece 552a is controlled to an open state for a predetermined time. By controlling the movable piece 552a to an open state, in the pachinko machine 101 of this embodiment, the movable piece 552a functions as a tray that guides the gaming ball to the second starting opening 552, making it easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting opening 552. Note that the pachinko machine 101 is configured so that when the movable piece 552a is in a closed state, the gaming ball cannot enter the second starting opening 552, but it may also be configured so that the gaming ball can enter at a certain frequency even when the second starting opening 552 is in a closed state.

[0104] In addition, a warp inlet 556 and a warp outlet 557 are provided at the top of the second game area 540R, and of the game balls that enter the second game area 540R, those that flow down the right side are guided from the warp inlet 556 through the back side of the game board 530 to the warp outlet 557, and are then returned to the second game area 540R at the top of the gate 553.

[0105] A large prize opening device 560 having a large prize opening 565 into which game balls can enter is provided below the second game area 540R. The large prize opening device 560 is provided with an opening / closing door 561 that can open and close the large prize opening 565, and normally the opening / closing door 561 closes the large prize opening 565, preventing game balls from entering the large prize opening 565. In contrast, in the pachinko machine 101, when a large win game is executed, the opening / closing door 561 is opened, allowing game balls to enter the large prize opening 565. The large prize opening device 560 is provided with a rotating member 562 that rotates up and down in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening / closing door 561, and is configured so that when the opening / closing door 561 is opened, the rotating member 562 rotates upward to receive game balls flowing down from above and facilitate guiding the game balls to the large prize opening 565, thereby assisting in winning.

[0106] When a gaming ball enters the big prize opening 565, the big prize opening detection sensor 567 detects the passage of the gaming ball, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. In the pachinko machine 101, the gaming ball that entered the big prize opening 565 passes through a second communication hole 569 arranged on the lower side and is discharged to the outside from the back side of the big prize opening device 560.

[0107] Furthermore, game balls that do not enter the second starting hole 552 or the large prize hole 565 pass through the large prize hole device 560 as they are, are guided above the second general prize hole 559, and either enter the second general prize hole 559 or simply flow downward. Note that the second general prize hole 559 can be configured to notify the player that they should aim at the first game area 540L (i.e., recommending left-handed shots) when a prize is detected in a state where the number of prize balls is set to one and the game ball should be shot at the first game area 540L, for example.

[0108] At the bottom of the game area 540, there is provided an outlet 555 that discharges game balls that do not enter any of the first general winning opening 558, the first starting opening 551, the second starting opening 552, the large winning opening 565, or the second general winning opening 559 from the game area 540 to the back side of the game board 530.

[0109] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the pachinko machine 101 is equipped with a performance display device 400 consisting of a liquid crystal display device or the like, a performance prop device 410, a performance lighting device 420 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, a music output device 430 consisting of a speaker, and a performance operation device 400B that accepts player operations related to the performance, as performance devices that perform performances while the game is in progress.

[0110] The effect display device 400 is provided with an image display unit 400a that displays moving images and still images (hereinafter also referred to as images) in a position that is visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 101, approximately in the center of the game board 530. As shown in Fig. 13, the effect display device 400 variably displays effect symbols 401L, 401C, and 401R arranged on the left, center, and right sides, respectively, on the image display unit 400a, and executes a variable effect in which the jackpot lottery result is notified to the player depending on the stop display mode of the effect symbols 401L, 401C, and 401R.

[0111] The effect device 410 is positioned in front of the image display section 400a of the effect display device 400, and is normally retracted so as not to interfere with the display of the image display section 400a, but when the effect patterns 401L, 401C, 401R are being displayed in a changing state, it moves forward in front of the image display section 400a, giving the player a sense of anticipation of a big win.

[0112] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the performance lighting device 420 is configured to have, for example, an LED as a light source and a lens that diffuses the light emitted from the LED, and is provided on the front frame 6, the performance prop device 410, the game board 530, etc., and is controlled to light up in various ways in accordance with the images displayed on the performance display device 400, etc.

[0113] 11, the music output device 430 is a so-called speaker provided at the top of the front frame 6 or at the bottom of the outer frame 2, and outputs various music pieces toward the front side of the pachinko machine 101 in accordance with the images displayed on the performance display device 400. Note that music pieces include all concepts related to sound, such as musical sounds, noises, voices, and onomatopoeia.

[0114] The performance operation device 400B is located at approximately the center of the width direction (left and right direction) of the pachinko machine 101, and is located below the glass unit 470. The performance operation device 400B is activated in accordance with the images displayed on the performance display device 400, and when it receives an operation by the player within the operation activation period, various performances are executed using the performance display device 400, the performance prop device 410, the performance lighting device 420, the music output device 430, etc., according to the operation.

[0115] Additionally, an upper tray 481 is provided behind the performance operation device 400B, to which prize balls paid out from the pachinko machine 101 and game balls loaned from the game ball loaning device are guided, and a lower tray 482 is provided below the upper tray 481. In the pachinko machine 101, when the upper tray 481 is filled with game balls, game balls that cannot enter the upper tray 481 are guided to the lower tray 482. Additionally, a ball ejection hole (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 482 for ejecting game balls from the lower tray 482. The ball ejection hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but by pressing a ball ejection button 483, the opening / closing plate slides, etc., to open the ball ejection hole, making it possible to eject game balls from the ball ejection hole below the lower tray 482.

[0116] [Details of design components] 11, 12, and 14, in the pachinko machine 101 of this embodiment, a design element 850 in the shape of a substantially rectangular box that is long in the left-right direction is provided on the upper part of the front frame 6. The left-right length of the design element 850 is equal to or greater than half the left-right length of the front frame 6. The design element 850 is positioned to protrude forward so that its front surface is located forward of the game area 540 (see FIG. 13) and the glass unit 470.

[0117] Design component 850 comprises an LED board (not shown) for lighting provided inside it and exterior component 851 that covers it, with space S provided inside exterior component 851 for storing the LED board. A logo representing the model name or the like is affixed to the portion of exterior component 851 that forms the front of design component 850, and the logo is illuminated by the LED board provided inside. A speaker or the like may also be provided in space S inside design component 850.

[0118] The front portion of the underside 852 of the design element 850 is located at the lowest point. This front portion forms a flat surface 853 that is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. The rear portion of the underside 852 of the design element 850 behind the rear end of the flat surface 853 forms an inclined surface 854 that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The rear portion (inclined surface 854 portion) of the underside 852 of the design element 850 is shaped so that it slopes upward as it extends rearward. In other words, the front portion of the design element 850 protrudes downward more than the rear portion, forming a protrusion 856. The rear end of the underside 852 (inclined surface 854) of the design element 850 abuts or is close to the glass unit 470.

[0119] The shape of the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design component 850 may be formed to follow the shape of the outer rail (outer rail) 532 (see FIG. 13). That is, the rear end of the lower surface 852 may be curved so that it is convex upward when viewed from the front. Furthermore, in accordance with this, the shape of the lower surface 852 (inclined surface 854) may be a mortar shape that is concave upward.

[0120] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the E-E cross section of Figure 12, showing a cross section cut along a plane parallel to the vertical and front-to-rear directions that passes through the upper end (top: upper end of outer rail 532, see Figure 13) of play area 540 (see Figure 13). The cross section shown in Figure 14 also passes through the upper end (top) of inner rail 534 (see Figure 13) and the upper end (top) of the rear end of lower surface 852 of design member 850.

[0121] The rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is located below the upper end of the play area 540 in a portion corresponding to the upper end of the play area 540 (the portion in front of the upper end of the play area 540). In other words, the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is located below the upper end of the upper surface 840a (the inner surface 532a of the outer rail) of the game ball passage 840 formed between the outer rail 532 and the inner rail 534. In addition, the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is located above the upper end of the lower surface 840b (the inner surface 534a of the inner rail 534) of the game ball passage 840. In addition, the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is located above the lower end of the game ball T (the game ball in contact with the upper end of the upper surface 840a of the game ball passage 840) when located at the upper end of the play area 540. More specifically, it is located above the center in the up-down direction of the gaming ball T in this state (shown by the dashed line F in FIG. 14).

[0122] Furthermore, the protrusion 856 protrudes downward from the center of the game ball T when it is located at the upper end of the game area 540. In other words, the lower end (plane 853) of the protrusion 856 is located below the center of the game ball T in that state. More specifically, the lower end of the protrusion 856 is located below the lower end of the game ball T in that state. Furthermore, the protrusion 856 is located below the upper end of the lower surface 840b of the game ball passage 840.

[0123] As is clear from the above, the design element 850 is configured to overlap the game ball T located at the top of the play area 540 in the front-to-back direction (the direction perpendicular to the play board 530 and the glass unit 470), and to cover the entire game ball T in this state when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the portion of the design element 850 at the rear end of the lower surface 852 corresponding to the top of the play area 540 (the front portion of the top of the play area 540) does not overlap with at least the lower half of the game ball T located at the top of the play area 540 in the front-to-back direction (the direction perpendicular to the play board 530 and the glass unit 470) (when viewed from the front), and does not cover at least the lower half of the game ball T in this state. Furthermore, the rear portion of the lower surface 852 forms an inclined surface 854. Therefore, even when the game ball is located at the top of the play area 540, the player can easily see the game ball rolling in the play area 540.

[0124] Here, it is preferable that at least the lower half of the game ball in that state be visible from a predetermined position, specifically, the player's eye point, without the player having to move their face up, down, left, or right. The player's eye point refers to the position of the player's eyes when playing a game while sitting in a chair installed in the game center. Specifically, for example, when the distance between the glass unit 470 and the player's eyes in the front-to-back direction is less than 50 to 90 cm, the player should be able to see at least a portion (the lower half) of the game ball in that state without having to move their face up, down, left, or right. In other words, it is preferable that the design element 850 does not overlap a straight line from a predetermined point less than 50 to 90 cm away from the glass unit 470 to the game ball T located at the top of the play area 540 (the portion below the center of the game ball T). [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Gaming machines (slot machines) 30 First operating means (external button) 50 Second operating means (internal button) 101 Gaming machines (pachinko machines)

Claims

[Claim 1] a first operating means; A second operating means; a design portion formed on an upper portion of a front frame having a transparent plate and protruding forward; A game ball passage formed in the upper part of the game area and guiding the game ball to the right hitting area, The first operating means is a first state in which external access to a space in which the second operating means is disposed is restricted to prohibit operation of the second operating means, and a second state in which operation of the second operating means is not prohibited, When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the first state is switched to the second state, a rear portion of the lower surface of the design portion is a first design portion; If the front portion of the lower surface of the design portion is defined as a second design portion, The first design portion is located above the second design portion, the first design portion has an inclined surface with a rear side facing upward, The first design portion is located below the top of the upper surface of the game ball passage, The first design portion is located above the lower end of the game ball in contact with the top of the upper surface of the game ball passage, The second design portion is located below the top of the lower surface of the game ball passage, When the design portion is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction in which the first design portion and the second design portion are aligned, the game ball in contact with the top of the upper surface of the game ball passage is invisible. When the transparent plate is viewed from the front from a predetermined position, at least the foremost point of the game ball in contact with the top of the upper surface of the game ball passage is visible.

Images