gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can favorably change an allocation state of an allocation member.SOLUTION: A protective cover We500 includes a body part, and an engagement part We530a formed separably from the body part and engaged with a box cover We200. Because the protective cover is formed by using the engagement part We530a separated from the body part to allow changing of an allocation state of a seal WSL, carrying a tool (for example, a cutter knife) for changing the allocation state of the seal WSL is not required. In addition, because the engagement part We530a of the protective cover We500 is relatively small and can prevent an interference with the surroundings of the seal WSL (the box cover We200 or a box base We300), it is easy to carry out a work of changing the allocation state of the seal WSL. Therefore, changing the allocation state of the seal WSL can be favorably carried out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 88

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] No. 1 means and the second means and, The first and second means Engageable with composition Engagement means and ,of A gaming machine equipped with such a mechanism is known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-244900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] however, As mentioned above Conventional In gaming machines, Regarding the engagement means There is room for improvement There was a problem that .

[0005] The present invention is To solve the problem It was done, Improvements regarding engagement means The purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine described in claim 1 comprises first means and second means, and engaging means configured so that a first engaging body and a second engaging body can engage with the first means and the second means, respectively, wherein at least a part of a first arrangement body disposed on the first means is configured to be interposed between at least a part of the first means and the first engaging body of the engaging means, and at least a part of a second arrangement body disposed on the second means is configured to be interposed between at least a part of the second means and the second engaging body of the engaging means, and the first engagement body has a first engaging body side protrusion configured in a manner that it can be protruded toward a predetermined part of the first arrangement body, and the first engagement body and the first means are interposed is in charge In a state where the first engagement body is engaged with the first means, at least a part of the first engagement body side protrusion is configured to be able to abut against the first arrangement body when the first engagement body is displaced in a direction to release the engagement with the first means, and the second engagement body includes a second engagement body side protrusion configured in a manner that it can be protruded toward a specific part of the second arrangement body, and the second engagement body and the second means are is in charge In the engaged state, when the second engagement body is displaced in a direction to release the engagement with the second means, at least a part of the second engagement body side protrusion can be abutted against the second arrangement body, The first engagement body, the second engagement body, and in a state where the first engagement body and the second engagement body are separated a connecting member configured to be able to connect the first engaging member and the second engaging member; and, The engaging means is provided with the first engaging body and the first means. is in charge The second engaging body and the second means are joined together. is in charge In a mated state, the connecting body is configured so that a plurality of locations on the first engaging body side and another plurality of locations on the second engaging body side of the connecting body can be cut, and a predetermined hole portion penetrating at least a portion of the first means is No. The first disposing body is formed in one means, and is configured to be disposed on the first means in a manner that the specified hole portion can be blocked, and the connecting body is configured to have a portion that can be positioned on the opposite side of the displacement direction of the first engaging body when the engagement between the first engaging body and the first means is released, rather than the end of the first engaging body on the displacement direction side of the first engaging body when the engagement between the first engaging body and the first means is released. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the gaming machine of claim 1, Improvements regarding engagement means can. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board and the operating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board and operating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first operating unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of a first operating unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 19] 10(a) and 10(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 20] 10(a) and 10(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first operating unit. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a second operating unit. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the second operating unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of a second operating unit. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the second operating unit. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 33] 10(a) and 10(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 34] 10(a) and 10(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a third operating unit. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the third operating unit. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of a third operating unit. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the third operating unit. [Figure 39] FIG. [Figure 40] FIG. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the opening / closing operation unit of the third operation unit. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the opening / closing operation unit of the third operation unit. [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the light guide plate unit. [Figure 44] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the light guide plate unit. [Figure 45] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 46] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 48] 47. (a) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit taken along line XLVIIIa-XLVIIIa in FIG. 47, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit taken along line XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb in FIG. [Figure 49] 10(a) to 10(f) are schematic front views of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 50] FIG. [Figure 51] FIG. [Figure 52] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 53] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 54] FIG. 2 is a front view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit taken along the line LV-LV in FIG. 54. [Figure 56] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of a downstream guide member. [Figure 57] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the downstream guide member. [Figure 58] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a visual appearance changing sheet. [Figure 59] 10(a) and 10(b) are schematic diagrams showing how the downstream guide member looks different depending on the viewing direction. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first operating unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 61] FIG. 11 is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 62] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 63] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 64] 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional views of a ball guide unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 65] 10(a) and 10(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 66] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path front component in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 67] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the pachinko machine according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 68] FIG. [Figure 69] FIG. [Figure 70] FIG. [Figure 71] 71(a) is a rear view of the board box, and (b) is a side view of the board box as seen in the direction of arrow LXXIb in FIG. 71(a). [Figure 72] FIG. 2(a) is a partial front perspective view of the board box, and FIG. 2(b) is a partial rear perspective view of the board box. [Figure 73] 1A and 1B are partial front views of the board box, and 1C and 1D are partial rear views of the board box. [Figure 74] 73(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXIVa-LXXIVa in FIG. 73(b), and FIG. 73(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in FIG. 73(b). [Figure 75] FIG. 1A is a partial front view of the board box, and FIG. 1B is a partial rear view of the board box. [Figure 76] FIG. 75(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXVI-LXXVI in FIG. [Figure 77]FIG. 1A is a partial front view of the board box, and FIG. 1B is a partial rear view of the board box. [Figure 78] (a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the eighth embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box along line LXXVIIIb-LXXVIIIb in Figure 78(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 79] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 10th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXIXb-LXXIXb in Figure 79(a), (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXIXc-LXXIXc in Figure 79(a), and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXIXd-LXXIXd in Figure 79(a). [Figure 80] 12(a) to 12(c) are partial cross-sectional views of a board box according to an eleventh embodiment, and FIG. 12(d) is a partial cross-sectional view of a board box according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 81] 81(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the thirteenth embodiment, and FIG. 81(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXXIb-LXXXLb in FIG. 81(a). [Figure 82] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box in the 14th embodiment, (b) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 15th embodiment, and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXXIIc-LXXXIIc in Figure 82(b). [Figure 83] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box in the 16th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXXIIIc-LXXXIIIc in Figure 83(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box. [Figure 84] (a) is a front view of the protective cover of the substrate box in the 17th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the protective cover as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXXIVb in Figure 84(a), and (c) is a back view of the protective cover as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXXIVc in Figure 84(b). [Figure 85] (a) is a rear view of the board box, (b) is a side view of the board box as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXXVb in Figure 85(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box along line LXXXVc-LXXXVc in Figure 85(b). [Figure 86] 73(a) is a side view of a protective cover of a board box in the eighteenth embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in FIG. 73(b). [Figure 87] (a) is a front view of the protective cover of the substrate box in the 19th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the protective cover as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXXVIIb in Figure 87(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in Figure 73(b). [Figure 88] (a) is a partial rear view of the protective cover of the substrate box in the 20th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in Figure 73(b), (c) is a partial rear view of the protective cover in the 21st embodiment, and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover along line LXXXViiid-LXXXVIIId in Figure 88(c). [Figure 89] (a) is a partial rear view of the protective cover Wg500 in the 22nd embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover along line LXXXIXb-LXXXIXb in Figure 89(a), and (c) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 23rd embodiment. [Figure 90] 90(a) is a side view of the protective cover of the board box in the 24th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the board box, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line XCc-XCc in FIG. 90(b). [Figure 91] 91(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 25th embodiment, (b) is a partial side view of the board box as viewed in the direction of arrow XCIb in FIG. 91(a), and (c) is a rear view of the protective cover. [Figure 92](a) and (c) are rear views of the substrate box at part XCIIa in Figure 91(a), (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box Wj100 at line XCIIb-XCIIb in Figure 92(a), and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box at line XCIId-XCIId in Figure 92(c). [Figure 93] 93(a) is a rear view of the board box at part XCIIa in FIG. 91(a), and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line XCIIIb-XCIIIb in FIG. 93(a). [Figure 94] (a) is a partial front view of the substrate box in the 26th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line XCIVb-XCIVb in Figure 94(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line XCIVc-XCIVc in Figure 94(a). [Figure 95] 94(a) and (c) are partial cross-sectional views of the substrate box taken along line XCIVb-XCIVb in FIG. 94(a), and (b) and (d) are partial cross-sectional views of the substrate box taken along line XCIVc-XCIVc in FIG. 94(a). [Figure 96] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 27th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line XCVIb-XCVIb in Figure 96(a), (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line XCVIc-XCVIc in Figure 96(a), (d) is a rear view of the protective cover, and (e) is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover along line XCVIe-XCVIe in Figure 96(d). [Figure 97] (a) is a rear view of the substrate box at part XCVIIa of Figure 96(a), (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box at line XCVIb-XCVIb of Figure 96(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box at line XCVIc-XCVIc of Figure 96(a). [Figure 98] 98(a) is a partial front view of the board box in the 28th embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line XCVIIIb-XCVIIIb in FIG. 98(a). [Figure 99](a) is a partial front view of the substrate box in the 29th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the protective cover as viewed in the direction of arrow XCIXb in Figure 99(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along line XCIXc-XCIXc in Figure 99(a). [Figure 100] 100(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 30th embodiment, and FIG. 100(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along the line Cb-Cb in FIG. 100(a). [Figure 101] FIG. 31 is a rear view of the protective cover in the thirty-first embodiment. [Figure 102] 102(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 32nd embodiment, and FIG. 102(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line CIIb-CIIb in FIG. 102(a). [Figure 103] 10(a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a board box according to the 33rd embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of a board box according to the 34th embodiment. [Figure 104] 104(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 35th embodiment, and FIG. 104(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line CIVb-CIVb in FIG. 104(a). [Figure 105] FIG. 36 is a partial rear view of the board box according to the thirty-sixth embodiment. [Figure 106] 106(a) is a partial rear view of the board box in the 37th embodiment, and FIG. 106(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the board box taken along line CVIb-CVIb in FIG. 106(a). [Figure 107] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a substrate box in the 38th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of a substrate box in the 39th embodiment, and (c) is a partial rear view of a protective cover of a substrate box in the 40th embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 55, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") 10 will be described as a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of the game board A13 of the pachinko machine 10, and Fig. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

[0014] In the following explanation, the front side of the paper will be referred to as the front (front) side and the back side of the paper will be referred to as the rear (rear) side with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in Fig. 1. Also, with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in Fig. 1, the upper side will be referred to as the upper (upper) side, the lower side will be referred to as the lower (lower) side, the right side will be referred to as the right (right) side, and the left side will be referred to as the left (left) side. Furthermore, arrows UD, LR, and FB in the figure (see Fig. 2, for example) indicate the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction of the pachinko machine 10, respectively.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, pachinko machine 10 comprises outer frame 11, an outer shell formed by wooden frames assembled into a substantially rectangular shape, and inner frame 12, which is formed to have substantially the same external shape as outer frame 11 and is supported so as to be able to open and close relative to outer frame 11. Metal hinges 18 are attached to outer frame 11 at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), in order to support inner frame 12, and inner frame 12 is supported so as to be able to open and close towards the front, with the side where hinges 18 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing.

[0016] A game board A13 (see FIG. 2) having a number of nails and winning holes 63, 64, etc., is detachably attached to the back side of the inner frame 12. A pinball game is played by balls (game balls) flowing down the front of the game board A13. Attached to the inner frame 12 are a ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) that launches balls into the front area of ​​the game board A13, and a launching rail (not shown) that guides the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a to the front area of ​​the game board A13.

[0017] On the front side of the inner frame 12, there is a front frame 14 that covers the upper front side, and a lower tray unit 15 that covers the lower side. To support the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15 are supported so that they can be opened and closed toward the front, with the side where the hinges 19 are installed serving as the opening and closing axis. The locks on the inner frame 12 and the front frame 14 can be unlocked by inserting a dedicated key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a specified operation.

[0018] The front frame 14 is fitted with decorative resin parts, electrical parts, etc., and has a window 14c formed as a roughly oval opening in the approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass plates is disposed on the back side of the front frame 14, and the front of the game board A13 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0019] In the front frame 14, an upper tray 17 for storing balls is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top that protrudes toward the front, and prize balls, loan balls, etc. are discharged onto this upper tray 17. The bottom of the upper tray 17 is formed to slope downward to the right when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and this slope guides balls dropped into the upper tray 17 to the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 4). In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the top surface of the upper tray 17. This frame button 22 is operated by the player, for example, to change the stage of the effect displayed on the third pattern display device 81 (see Figure 2) or to change the content of the super reach effect.

[0020] The front frame 14 is provided with various light-emitting devices such as lamps around its periphery (e.g., corners). These light-emitting devices change their light-emitting modes by lighting or blinking in response to changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or a predetermined reach is reached, thereby enhancing the presentation effects during play. The periphery of the window 14c is provided with illumination units 29-33 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs. In the pachinko machine 10, these illumination units 29-33 function as presentation lamps, such as jackpot lamps. When a jackpot is hit or a reach presentation is being performed, the built-in LEDs cause each illumination unit 29-33 to light up or blink, thereby indicating that a jackpot is being achieved or that the player is in a reach phase just before a jackpot. Furthermore, the upper left corner of the front frame 14, as viewed from the front (see Figure 1), is provided with an indicator lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs, which can indicate when prize balls are being paid out and when an error has occurred.

[0021] Additionally, a small window 35 is formed by attaching transparent resin to the underside of the right-side illumination unit 32 from the backside so that the backside of the front frame 14 can be seen, and certificate stamps and the like affixed to the attachment space K1 (see Figure 2) on the front of the game board A13 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Additionally, in the pachinko machine 10, a plated member 36 made of chrome-plated ABS resin is attached to the area around the illumination units 29 to 33 to create a more dazzling appearance.

[0022] A ball dispensing operation unit 40 is disposed below the window 14c. The ball dispensing operation unit 40 is provided with a power display unit 41, a ball dispensing button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball dispensing unit) (not shown) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are dispensed in accordance with the operation. Specifically, the power display unit 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc. is displayed, and an internal LED lights up to display the remaining balance numerically as the remaining balance information. The ball dispensing button 42 is operated to obtain dispensed balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and dispensed balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a remaining balance on the card, etc. The return button 43 is operated to request the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. In addition, in pachinko machines where balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispensing device to the upper tray 17 without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is not necessary, but in this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation part of the ball dispensing operation unit 40 to make the parts configuration common. It is possible to standardize pachinko machines that use card units and cash machines.

[0023] The lower tray unit 15, located below the upper tray 17, has a lower tray 50 on its left side, which is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top, for storing balls that cannot be stored in the upper tray 17. On the right side of the lower tray 50, an operating handle 51 is provided which is operated by the player to shoot the ball into the front of the game board A13.

[0024] The operating handle 51 contains a touch sensor 51a for permitting the operation of the ball launching unit 112a, a launch stop switch 51b that stops the launch of balls while the switch is pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51 by changes in electrical resistance. When the operating handle 51 is rotated clockwise by a player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes corresponding to the amount of rotation. The ball is launched with a strength (launch intensity) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, and the ball is shot toward the front of the game board A13 at a distance corresponding to the player's operation. When the operating handle 51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the launch stop switch 51b are off.

[0025] A ball ejection lever 52 is provided on the lower front portion of the lower tray 50 to be operated when ejecting balls stored in the lower tray 50 downward. This ball ejection lever 52 is always biased to the right, and by sliding it to the left against this bias, a bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 50 opens, and the balls fall naturally from the bottom opening and are ejected. This ball ejection lever 52 is usually operated with a box (commonly called a "senryo box") placed below the lower tray 50 to receive the balls ejected from the lower tray 50. As mentioned above, the operating handle 51 is disposed on the right side of the lower tray 50, and an ashtray 53 is attached to the left side of the lower tray 50.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the game board A13 is constructed by assembling a number of nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) for guiding balls to a base plate A60 that has been machined into an approximately square shape when viewed from the front, as well as rails 61, 62, a general winning port 63, a first winning port 64, a second winning port 640, a variable winning device 65, a through gate 67, a variable display device unit 80, etc., and the peripheral portion of the board is attached to the back side (or front side) of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1).

[0027] The base plate A60 is formed from a wooden plate member. The general winning slot 63, the first winning slot 64, the second winning slot 640, and the variable display unit 80 are arranged in through holes formed in the base plate A60 by router processing, and are fixed from the front side of the game board A13 with tapping screws or the like. The base plate A60 may be made of a light-transmitting resin material. In this case, it becomes possible for the player to see the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate A60 from the front side.

[0028] The front central portion of the game board A13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 12 through a window portion 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14. The configuration of the game board A13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0029] An outer rail 62 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a generally arcuate shape is set up on the front of the gaming board A13, and an inner rail 61, also formed from a strip-shaped metal plate like the outer rail 62, is set up inside the outer rail 62. The inner rail 61 and outer rail 62 surround the front periphery of the gaming board A13, and the gaming board A13 and glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1) surround the front and back, forming a gaming area in front of the gaming board A13 where games are played based on the behavior of the ball. The gaming area is an area (an area where prize slots and the like are arranged and where shot balls flow down) defined in front of the gaming board A13 by the two rails 61, 62 and the resin outer edge member 73 connecting the rails.

[0030] The two rails 61, 62 are provided to guide the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 4) to the top of the game board A13. A ball return prevention member 68 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 61 (upper left in Figure 2), preventing a ball that has been guided to the top of the game board A13 from returning into the ball guide passage. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip of the outer rail 62 (upper right in Figure 2) at a position corresponding to the maximum flight point of the ball. A ball launched with more than a predetermined force hits the return rubber 69, and is bounced back toward the center while its force is reduced.

[0031] First symbol display devices 37A and 37B, each equipped with a plurality of LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means, are disposed in the lower left portion of the game area as viewed from the front (lower left portion of FIG. 2). The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B display information according to the controls performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and primarily display the game status of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be selectively used depending on whether the ball has entered the first winning slot 64 or the second winning slot 640. Specifically, when the ball has entered the first winning slot 64, the first symbol display device 37A is activated, and when the ball has entered the second winning slot 640, the first symbol display device 37B is activated.

[0032] Furthermore, the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a probability variable, time-saving, or normal mode, whether it is fluctuating, whether the stopped symbol corresponds to a probability variable jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a missing symbol, and the number of reserved balls, and also display the number of rounds during a jackpot and errors using a 7-segment display device. The multiple LEDs are configured to emit different colors (e.g., red, green, blue), and the various game states of the pachinko machine 10 can be indicated using a small number of LEDs by combining different colors.

[0033] In this pachinko machine 10, a lottery is held when a prize is won in the first prize slot 64 or the second prize slot 640. In the lottery, the pachinko machine 10 determines whether or not a jackpot has been won (jackpot lottery), and if a jackpot has been determined, it also determines the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be determined here include a 15R variable jackpot, a 4R variable jackpot, and a 15R regular jackpot. The first symbol display devices 37A, 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stopped symbol after the variation has ended, but also display a symbol corresponding to the type of jackpot if a jackpot has been won.

[0034] Here, a "15R probability variable jackpot" refers to a probability variable jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and a "4R probability variable jackpot" refers to a probability variable jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 4. Also, a "15R normal jackpot" refers to a jackpot that transitions to a low probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and is in a time-saving state for a predetermined number of variations (for example, 100 variations).

[0035] Furthermore, the "high probability state" refers to a state in which the probability of a subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value after a jackpot, i.e., during a so-called probability fluctuation (probability change state). In other words, it refers to a game state in which a transition to a special game state is likely. In this embodiment, the high probability state (probability change state) includes a game state in which the probability of a second symbol (described later) is increased, making it more likely for a ball to enter the second winning slot 640. The "low probability state" refers to a state when the probability change state is not in a probability change state, in which the jackpot probability is normal, i.e., a state in which the jackpot probability is lower than during a probability change state. Furthermore, the time-saving state (time-saving state) within the "low probability state" refers to a game state in which the jackpot probability is normal, and the jackpot probability remains the same, but only the probability of a second symbol is increased, making it more likely for a ball to enter the second winning slot 640. On the other hand, the pachinko machine 10 is in a normal state when it is neither in a probability change state nor a time-saving state (a state in which neither the jackpot probability nor the probability of a second symbol is increased).

[0036] During the probability variation or time-saving mode, not only does the probability of winning the second symbol increase, but the time for which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is opened is also changed and set to a longer time than during normal play. When the electric device 640a is in an open state (open state), the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640 than when the electric device 640a is in a closed state (closed state). Therefore, during the probability variation or time-saving mode, the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0037] The state change between the open state and the closed state of the electric device 640a is caused by the opening and closing operation of an opening / closing plate that can slide back and forth. When the electric device 640a is in the open state, the opening / closing plate is retracted behind the front of the base plate A60, allowing the game ball to enter the second winning opening 640, and when the electric device 640a is in the closed state, the opening / closing plate blocks the space between the game area and the second winning opening 640, making it difficult for the ball to enter the second winning opening 640 (the ball is swept to the left).

[0038] The change between the open state and the closed state of the electric device 640a may be caused by the opening and closing operation of an opening / closing plate that has a rotation axis at its lower end and rotates to tilt or stand up toward the game area. In this case, when the electric device 640a is in the open state, the ball is easily guided along the upper surface of the opening / closing plate to the second winning opening 640, and when the electric device 640a is in the closed state, the opening / closing plate blocks the gap between the game area and the second winning opening 640, making it difficult for the ball to enter the second winning opening 640.

[0039] During a probability variation or a time-saving period, instead of changing the opening time of the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640, or in addition to changing the opening time, a change may be made to increase the number of times the electric device 640a opens per hit compared to normal times. Also, during a probability variation or a time-saving period, the probability of winning the second symbol may not be changed, but at least one of the time during which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is opened and the number of times the electric device 640a opens per hit may be changed. Also, during a probability variation or a time-saving period, the time during which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is opened and the number of times the electric device 640a opens per hit may not be changed, but only the probability of winning the second symbol may be changed to be higher compared to normal times.

[0040] The game area is provided with a plurality of general winning slots 63, through which 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the slot. A variable display unit 80 is also provided in a position (behind the window in the base plate A60) that is visible through the center of the game area. The variable display unit 80 is provided with a third symbol display device 81, which is comprised of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as "display device") that displays a variable third symbol in synchronization with the variable display in the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, triggered by a winning (initial winning) in the first winning slot 64 and the second winning slot 640, and a second symbol display device (not shown) that is comprised of an LED that displays a variable second symbol in response to a ball passing through the through gate 67. A center frame A86 is also provided on the base plate 60, surrounding the third symbol display device 81 in a front view.

[0041] The third symbol display device 81 is configured with a large liquid crystal display (LCD) of approximately 9 to 19 inches in size, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 114 (see FIG. 4), thereby displaying, for example, three symbol rows: top, middle, and bottom. Each symbol row is composed of multiple symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols are scrolled horizontally for each symbol row, so that the third symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 81. While the game status display associated with the control of the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the third symbol display device 81 of this embodiment performs decorative display corresponding to the display of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B. Note that the third symbol display device 81 may be configured using, for example, reels instead of a display device.

[0042] The second symbol display device performs a variable display in which a "circle" symbol and an "x" symbol are alternately lit for a predetermined time as a display symbol (second symbol (not shown)) each time the ball passes through the through gate 67. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the through gate 67, a winning lottery is held. If the result of the winning lottery is a winning lottery, the second symbol display device displays a static "circle" symbol after the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner. If the result of the winning lottery is a losing lottery, the second symbol display device displays a static "x" symbol after the third symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

[0043] The pachinko machine 10 is configured so that when the variable display on the second pattern display device stops at a predetermined pattern (in this embodiment, a "circle" pattern), the electric device 640a attached to the second winning slot 640 is activated (opened) for a predetermined period of time.

[0044] The time required for the second symbol to change is set to be shorter during a probability variation or time-saving mode than during a normal game state. As a result, the second symbol changes and changes over a shorter period of time during a probability variation or time-saving mode, allowing for more winning lotteries than during normal game states. This increases the chances of winning in the winning lottery, giving players more opportunities to open the electric device 640a of the second winning slot 640. Therefore, during a probability variation or time-saving mode, it is possible to create a state in which the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640.

[0045] Note that, if the state is such that the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640 during a probability variation or time-saving period by other methods, such as increasing the probability of winning or increasing the opening time or number of times that the electric device 640a opens for one win, the time it takes for the variable display of the second symbol may be kept constant regardless of the gaming state. On the other hand, if the time it takes for the variable display of the second symbol to be set shorter during a probability variation or time-saving period than during normal play, the probability of winning may be kept constant regardless of the gaming state, and the opening time or number of times that the electric device 640a opens for one win may be kept constant regardless of the gaming state.

[0046] The through gate 67 is attached to the game board A13 in the area to the right of the variable display unit 80, and is configured to allow a portion of the ball shot to the game board A13 to pass through. When the ball passes through the through gate 67, a lottery for a second symbol is held. After the lottery for a second symbol is held, a variable display is performed on the second symbol display device, and if the result of the lottery for a second symbol is a win, a "○" symbol is displayed as the stopped symbol on the variable display, and if the result of the lottery for a second symbol is a loss, an "X" symbol is displayed as the stopped symbol on the variable display.

[0047] The number of times that a ball passes through the through gate 67 can be reserved up to a maximum of four times in total, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and is also displayed by lighting the second symbol reservation lamp (not shown). Four second symbol reservation lamps are provided, the number being the maximum number of reserved balls, and are arranged symmetrically below the third symbol display device 81.

[0048] In addition, the variable display of the second symbol may be performed by switching on and off a plurality of lamps in the second symbol display device as in this embodiment, or may be performed using a part of the first symbol display device 37A, 37B and the third symbol display device 81. Similarly, the lighting of the second symbol reservation lamp may be performed by a part of the third symbol display device 81.

[0049] Furthermore, the maximum number of balls that can be retained for passing through the through gate 67 is not limited to four, but may be set to three or less, or five or more (e.g., eight). Furthermore, the number of through gates 67 that can be installed is not limited to one, but may be, for example, two.

[0050] In addition, the installation position of the through gate 67 is not limited to the right side of the variable display unit 80, but may be, for example, on the left, right, or bottom of the variable display unit 80. In addition, since the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol reserved lamp may not be illuminated.

[0051] A first winning hole 64, into which a ball can win, is disposed below the variable display unit 80. When a ball wins in this first winning hole 64, a first winning hole switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board A13 is turned on, and when the first winning hole switch is turned on, a lottery for a jackpot is held in the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37A.

[0052] Meanwhile, a second winning opening 640 into which a ball can enter is disposed on the lower right side of the through gate 67 as viewed from the front. When a ball enters this second winning opening 640, a second winning opening switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on. When the second winning opening switch is turned on, a lottery for a jackpot is conducted by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37B. Note that the location of the second winning opening 640 is not limited to this. For example, it may be below the first winning opening 64 as viewed from the front, or it may be to the left of the center of the game area.

[0053] Furthermore, each of the first winning slot 64 and the second winning slot 640 is also one of the winning slots from which five balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the slot. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 is the same as the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 640, but the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 may be different; for example, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 may be three, and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 may be five.

[0054] An electric device 640a is attached to the second winning opening 640. This electric device 640a is configured to be able to open and close, and is normally in a closed state (reduced state), making it difficult for the ball to win into the second winning opening 640. On the other hand, when a "○" symbol is displayed on the second symbol display device as a result of the variable display of the second symbol, which is triggered by the passage of the ball through the through gate 67, the electric device 640a is in an open state (expanded state), making it easier for the ball to win into the second winning opening 640.

[0055] As mentioned above, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, the probability of winning the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time it takes for the second symbol to change is shorter, so the "○" symbol is more likely to appear in the change display of the second symbol, and the number of times that the electric device 640a is in the open state (expanded state) increases. Furthermore, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, the time that the electric device 640a is open is longer than during normal play. Therefore, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, it is possible to create an environment in which the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640 than during normal play.

[0056] Here, the probability of winning a jackpot when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 is the same in both low and high probability states. However, the probability of a 15R probability jackpot being selected as the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs is set higher when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 than when a ball enters the first winning slot 64. On the other hand, the first winning slot 64 does not have the electric device 640a that the second winning slot 640 has, and the ball is always able to win a prize.

[0057] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is often in a closed state, making it difficult to win at the second winning slot 640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for the first winning slot 64, which does not have the electric device 640a, by firing the ball so that it passes to the left of the variable display device unit 80 (the so-called "left shot"), thereby gaining more opportunities to win the jackpot by winning at the first winning slot 64.

[0058] On the other hand, during the special rate or time-saving period, passing the ball through the through gate 67 tends to open the electric device 640a attached to the second winning slot 640, making it easier to win at the second winning slot 640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the ball towards the second winning slot 640 so that it passes to the right of the variable display device 80 (the so-called "right hit"), pass through the through gate 67 to open the electric device 640a, and aim for the ball to win at the second winning slot 640, resulting in a 15R special rate jackpot.

[0059] Unlike the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, if the configuration of the game board 13 is symmetrical, it is possible to aim for the first winning slot 64 by "hitting to the right" and for the second winning slot 640 by "hitting to the left." Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment does not require the player to change the way the ball is shot between "hitting to the left" and "hitting to the right" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the hassle of changing the way the ball is shot.

[0060] On the other hand, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is configured so that a "right hit" cannot aim at the first winning slot 64, and a ball shot by a "left hit" does not pass through the through gate 67. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment can request the player to change the way the ball is shot between "left hit" and "right hit" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). Therefore, adding a game feature that changes the way the ball is shot can prevent the game from becoming sluggish.

[0061] A variable winning device 65 (see FIG. 2) is disposed to the right of the first winning opening 64, and a specific winning opening 65a is disposed in its approximate center. In the pachinko machine 10, when a jackpot lottery held due to a winning entry into the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 640 results in a jackpot, after a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is illuminated to display a jackpot stop symbol, and the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device 81, indicating the occurrence of a jackpot. The game state then transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which balls are more likely to win. In this special game state, the specific winning opening 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed or until 10 balls have won).

[0062] This specific winning opening 65a is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed, and after that closure, the specific winning opening 65a is opened again for a predetermined time. The opening and closing operation of this specific winning opening 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds). The state in which this opening and closing operation is being performed is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player is paid out a larger number of prize balls than usual as an added gaming value (game value).

[0063] The special game state is not limited to the above-described form. A large opening that opens and closes separately from the specific winning opening 65a may be provided in the game area, and when an LED corresponding to a jackpot is lit in the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time. While the specific winning opening 65a is open, a ball entering the specific winning opening 65a triggers the large opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a to open for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, thereby forming a special game state. The number of specific winning openings 65a is not limited to one, and one or more (e.g., three) may be provided. The location of the opening is not limited to the right of the first winning opening 64, but may also be, for example, below the right side of the first winning opening 64, below the left side of the first winning opening 64, or to the left or right of or above the variable display unit 80.

[0064] An attachment space K1 is provided in the right corner of the lower side of the game board A13 for attaching stamps, identification labels, etc., and the stamps, etc. attached to the attachment space K1 can be seen through the small window 35 in the front frame 14 (see Figure 1).

[0065] The game board A13 is provided with an outlet 71. Balls that flow down the game area and do not win in any of the winning holes 63, 64, 65a, 640 are guided through the outlet 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown).

[0066] The game board A13 has many nails planted thereon to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and various components (apparatuses) such as windmills are also arranged thereon.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly equipped with control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is a unit equipped with a main board (main control device 110), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 113), and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is a unit equipped with a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115), and a card unit connection board 116.

[0068] The back pack unit 94 is a unit consisting of the back pack 92 that forms the protective cover and the payout unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each function, ports for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. as needed.

[0069] The main control device 110, the voice lamp control device 113 and the display control device 114, the payout control device 111 and the launch control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are each housed in board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 are equipped with a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to house the respective control devices and boards.

[0070] Furthermore, the board box 100 (main control device 110) and the board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) have their box bases and box covers connected (connected by a crimping structure) by a sealing unit (not shown) so that they cannot be opened. A sealing seal (not shown) is attached to the connecting portion between the box base and the box cover, spanning the box base and the box cover. This sealing seal is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing seal to open the board box 100, 102 or to forcibly open the board box 100, 102, it will be cut into the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or sealing seal, it is possible to know whether the board box 100, 102 has been opened.

[0071] The payout unit 93 comprises a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upward, a tank rail 131 connected to the bottom of the tank 130 and gently sloping downstream, a case rail 132 connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 132 and dispensing balls using a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The tank 130 is successively replenished with balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall, and the payout device 133 appropriately dispenses the required number of balls. A vibrator 134 is attached to the tank rail 131 to impart vibrations to the tank rail 131.

[0072] In addition, the payout control device 111 is provided with a state restoration switch 120, the firing control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 121, and the power supply device 115 is provided with a RAM erase switch 122. The state restoration switch 120 is operated to resolve ball jamming (return to normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as ball jamming in the payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the firing force of the firing solenoid. The RAM erase switch 122 is operated when the power is turned on to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

[0073] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0074] The main control device 110 is equipped with an MPU 201, which is a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The MPU 201 contains a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 202 are executed, and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. The main control device 110 uses the MPU 201 to execute the main processes of the pachinko machine 10, such as drawing a jackpot, setting the display on the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and the third symbol display device 81, and drawing the display result on the second symbol display device.

[0075] In addition, in order to instruct sub-controllers such as the dispensing control unit 111 and the voice lamp control unit 113 to operate, various commands are sent from the main control unit 110 to the sub-controllers via a data transmission / reception circuit, but such commands are sent only in one direction from the main control unit 110 to the sub-controllers.

[0076] The RAM 203 has various areas, counters, flags, a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 201 and return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 201, and a work area (working region) for storing values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. The RAM 203 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up.

[0077] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the stack pointer and the values ​​of each register at the time of the power outage (including the time of the power outage; the same applies below) are stored in RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power is turned on (including the time of the power being turned on after the power outage is resolved; the same applies below), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power outage based on the information stored in RAM 203. Writing to RAM 203 is executed by main processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned off, and the restoration of each value written to RAM 203 is executed in start-up processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned on. Note that, when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SG1 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of MPU 201 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to MPU 201, NMI interrupt processing (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage processing.

[0078] An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 via a bus line 204 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 205 is connected to the payout control device 111, the sound lamp control device 113, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol display device, the second symbol hold lamp, and solenoids 209 consisting of a large opening solenoid for driving the opening / closing plate of the specific winning port 65a to open and close in the front-rear direction, and a solenoid for driving the electric role device 640a, and the like, and the MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0079] In addition, the input / output port 205 is connected to various switches 208 consisting of a group of switches (not shown) and a group of sensors including a slide position detection sensor S and a rotation position detection sensor R, as well as a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 (described below) provided in the power supply device 115, and the MPU 201 performs various processes based on signals output from the various switches 208 and a RAM erasure signal SG2 output from the RAM erasure switch circuit 253.

[0080] The payout control device 111 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by driving a payout motor 216. The MPU 211, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 212 that stores control programs executed by the MPU 211, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 213 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0081] The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (working region) in which values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. Like the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is also configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. When the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage process.

[0082] An input / output port 215 is connected to the MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 via a bus line 214 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 215 is connected to the main control device 110, payout motor 216, launch control device 112, etc. Also, although not shown, a prize ball detection switch for detecting paid-out prize balls is connected to the payout control device 111. Note that this prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but is not connected to the main control device 110.

[0083] When the main control device 110 issues an instruction to launch a ball, the launch control device 112 controls the ball launch unit 112a so that the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51. The ball launch unit 112a is equipped with a launch solenoid and electromagnet (not shown), and the launch solenoid and electromagnet are permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operating handle 51, and when the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the ball launch is off (not operated), the launch solenoid is excited in accordance with the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51, and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51.

[0084] The audio lamp control device 113 controls the output of audio from the audio output device (such as a speaker not shown) 226, the output of lighting and extinguishing from the lamp display device (such as the illumination units 29 to 33 and the display lamp 34) 227, and the setting of the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 performed by the display control device 114, such as variable performance (variable display) and advance notice performance. The MPU 221, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 222 that stores control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 221, and a RAM 223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0085] An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the audio and lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device 110, display control device 114, audio output device 226, lamp display device 227, other devices 228, frame button 22, etc. are connected to the input / output port 225. The other devices 228 include drive motors AMT1, AMT2, AMT3, AMT4, etc.

[0086] The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 based on various commands (variation pattern command, stop type command, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode by commands (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). The voice lamp control device 113 also monitors input from the frame button 22, and when the player operates the frame button 22, instructs the display control device 114 to change the stage displayed on the third symbol display device 81 or change the performance content during a super reach. When the stage is changed, the voice lamp control device 113 transmits a back image change command including information about the changed stage to the display control device 114 so that the third symbol display device 81 displays a back image corresponding to the changed stage. Here, the back image refers to an image displayed behind the third symbol, which is the main image displayed on the third symbol display device 81. The display control device 114 displays various images on the third symbol display device 81 in accordance with the commands transmitted from the voice lamp control device 113.

[0087] Furthermore, the voice lamp control device 113 receives a command (display command) representing the display content of the third pattern display device 81 from the display control device 114. Based on the display command received from the display control device 114, the voice lamp control device 113 outputs a voice corresponding to the display content from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content of the third pattern display device 81, and also controls the turning on and off of the lamp display device 227 in accordance with the display content.

[0088] The display control device 114 is connected to the voice lamp control device 113 and the third pattern display device 81, and controls the display of the third pattern display device 81, such as the variable performance of the third pattern, based on commands received from the voice lamp control device 113. The display control device 114 also transmits display commands to the voice lamp control device 113 as appropriate, notifying the display content of the third pattern display device 81. The voice lamp control device 113 can match the display of the third pattern display device 81 with the voice output from the voice output device 226 by outputting voice from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content indicated by the display command.

[0089] The power supply device 115 includes a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each component of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruptions due to power outages and the like, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 provided with a RAM erasure switch 122 (see FIG. 3). The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc., via a power supply path (not shown). Briefly, the power supply unit 251 takes in 24-volt AC voltage supplied from an external source, generates 12-volt voltage for driving various switches such as the various switches 208, solenoids such as the solenoid 209, motors, etc., a 5-volt voltage for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies the necessary voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc.

[0090] The power outage monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit for outputting a power outage signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 201 of the main control unit 110 and the MPU 211 of the dispensing control device 111 when power is cut off due to a power outage or other reason. The power outage monitoring circuit 252 monitors the 24-volt DC stabilized voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and if this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power outage (power outage, power interruption) has occurred and outputs the power outage signal SG1 to the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control device 111. By outputting the power outage signal SG1, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control device 111 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute NMI interrupt processing. Note that the power supply unit 251 is configured to maintain the output of the 5-volt voltage, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute NMI interrupt processing, even after the 24-volt DC stabilized voltage falls below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control unit 111 can execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown) normally.

[0091] The RAM clearing switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM clearing signal SG2 to the main control device 110 to clear the backup data when the RAM clearing switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM clearing signal SG2 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, it clears the backup data and sends a payout initialization command to the payout control device 111 to clear the backup data in the payout control device 111.

[0092] Next, the structure of the game board A13 and the operation unit A200 will be described. Fig. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board A13 and the operation unit A200, and Fig. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board A13 and the operation unit A200. Note that in Figs. 5 and 6, the liquid crystal display device (variable display unit 80) disposed in the opening A211a of the rear case A210 is omitted, and the back side is shown visible through the opening A211a. In addition, Fig. 2 will be referred to as appropriate in the description of Figs. 5 and 6.

[0093] The operating unit A200 includes a bottom wall A211 and an outer wall A212 extending from the outer edge of the bottom wall A211, forming a box-shaped rear case A210 with an open front side. The rear case A210 has a rectangular opening A211a formed in the center of the bottom wall A211, so that the rear case A210 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. The opening A211a is formed to a size that corresponds to the outer shape (outer edge) of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 (i.e., is large enough to divide the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 when viewed from the front).

[0094] The rear case A210 is provided as a flat plate extending from the front end of the outer wall portion A212 along the rear surface of the game board A13 (for example, arranged parallel to it), and is provided with a support plate portion A213 that is supported by its surface on the game board A13 in the assembled state (see Figure 2).

[0095] With the support plate portion A213 supported by the surface of the game board A13, the game board A13 and the operating unit A200 can be fixed together by screwing a fastening screw into the base plate A60 of the game board A13, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the game board A13 and the operating unit A200.

[0096] A pair of displacement restriction devices A214 are disposed on the rear side of the rear case A210. The displacement restriction devices A214 are configured to be able to change between a protruding state and a immersed state by manual operation from the rear of the rear case A210, and in the protruding state, restrict the movable props (first operating unit A400 and second operating unit A500) described later from starting to move from the performance standby state.

[0097] By adopting the displacement control device A214, it is possible to facilitate shipping and transporting of the pachinko machine 10 even when the central opening of the base plate A60 is blocked by the light guide plate unit A700, as in this embodiment.

[0098] In more detail, in the past, displacement of movable parts was suppressed by stuffing the area where the movable parts would displace with buffer material (cushioning material such as cotton) and removing the buffer material after arrival at the amusement hall, thereby preventing displacement of movable parts during shipping or transportation. However, if the central opening of the base plate A60 is closed as in this embodiment, there is no penetration for removing the buffer material, and therefore the buffer material cannot be removed without disassembling the game board A13 and the back case A210, which may result in a significant burden on the amusement hall.

[0099] To address this issue, the present embodiment employs a displacement restriction device A214. This allows the state of the displacement restriction device A214 to be switched between a protruding state in which the movement of the movable role object is restricted and a recessed state in which the restriction is released, without releasing the fixation of the game board A13 and the rear case A210.

[0100] The pair of displacement restriction devices A214 are arranged as members that restrict the movement of different movable parts. In other words, if the number of movable parts increases or decreases, this can be accommodated by increasing or decreasing the number of displacement restriction devices A214.

[0101] The base plate A60 is formed into a plate shape from a light-transmitting resin material and is configured to allow the player to easily see the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate A60 from the front side. This allows the structures arranged on the back side to be seen regardless of the shape or arrangement of the base plate A60, and can be used for various effects. Note that if there are areas that you do not want the player to see, you can address this by attaching a seal member with low light transmittance (or no light transmittance), for example.

[0102] The operation unit A200 is disposed on the rear side of the game board A13, and various light emitting means and various operation units are disposed therein. That is, the operation unit A200 includes a rear case A210, a first operation unit A400 disposed on the inner right and upper inside of the rear case A210 as viewed from the front and disposed near the front side of the rear case A210, a second operation unit A500 disposed on the inner left and upper inside of the rear case A210 as viewed from the front and disposed between the first operation unit A400 and the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210, a third operation unit A600 disposed on the inner lower part of the rear case A210 as viewed from the front, and a light guide plate unit A700 fastened and fixed to the front end surface of the outer wall A212 of the rear case A210 on the front side of the first operation unit A400.

[0103] Specifically, the third operating unit A600 is fastened to the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 at a position below the opening A211a, and the second operating unit A500 is fastened to the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 at positions to the left and above the opening A211a. The first operating unit A400 is fastened to the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 at a position to the right of the opening A211a, and is fastened to the front side surface of the second operating unit A500 at a position above the opening A211a. First, an overview of the operation control of this operating unit A200 will be described.

[0104] 7 to 12 are front views of the operating unit A200 showing an example of the operation control of the operating unit A200. Fig. 7 illustrates the first operating unit A400, second operating unit A500, and third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state, and Fig. 8 illustrates the first operating unit A400 in an extended state, and the second operating unit A500 and third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state.

[0105] In addition, Figure 9 illustrates the second operating unit A500 in an extended state, and the first operating unit A400 and third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state, Figure 10 illustrates the first operating unit A400 and second operating unit A500 in an extended state, and the third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state, and Figure 11 illustrates the third operating unit A600 in an extended state, and the first operating unit A400 and second operating unit A500 in a performance standby state.

[0106] Figure 12 also illustrates the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 after they have rotated from the performance standby state without causing any change in their external shape, and the third operating unit A600 after they have risen while maintaining their external shape in the performance standby state.

[0107] 7 to 12, the shape surrounded by the edge of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b of the light guide plate unit A700, the edge of the decorative member A808, and the edge of the center frame A86 is shown by imaginary lines. The shape surrounded by this imaginary line is the actual size at which the third pattern display device 81 can be seen when viewed from the front, and outside the shape surrounded by this imaginary line (particularly on the left and right sides), the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b of the light guide plate unit A700 and the decorative member A808 are hidden, so that the visibility of the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 in the retracted state can be reduced.

[0108] 8 to 10, the displacement trajectory of the first operating unit A400 and the displacement trajectory of the second operating unit A500 partially overlap in a front view, but the displacement trajectory of the first operating unit A400 and the displacement trajectory of the second operating unit A500 are shifted front to back (do not overlap in a top view), so the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 do not collide with each other during operation. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, both the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 can be in an extended state.

[0109] 8 to 11, the displacement trajectory of the first operating unit A400 or the second operating unit A500 partially overlaps with the displacement trajectory of the third operating unit A600 in a front view. Therefore, for example, when the first operating unit A400 or the second operating unit A500 is in the extended state, if the third operating unit A600 changes state from the performance standby state, there is a possibility of a collision.

[0110] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the state change of the first operation unit A400 or the second operation unit A500 from the standby state is controlled so as to be executable on the condition that the third operation unit A600 is in the standby state, or the state change of the third operation unit A600 from the standby state is controlled so as to be executable on the condition that the first operation unit A400 is in the standby state and the second operation unit A500 is in the standby state, thereby making it possible to avoid collision between the first operation unit A400 or the second operation unit A500 and the third operation unit A600. This makes it possible to improve the degree of freedom in the placement of the first operation unit A400, the second operation unit A500, and the third operation unit A600 (it is possible to allow the displacement trajectories to overlap in a front view).

[0111] The operation of the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 is configured to be performed in a manner that changes the length and width of the rotated rotation operating units A400b, A500b during the rotation operation, and this will be described in detail later.

[0112] The operation mode of the third operating unit A600 is configured so that the lifting and lowering operation of the opening and closing operating unit A600b and the opening and closing operation of the moving member A650 can be performed at different times. That is, the opening and closing operation of the moving member A650 is controlled to be performed when the opening and closing operating unit A600b is disposed at the upper end position.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, the operation timing of each operating unit A400, A500, and A600 may be controlled to be staggered in anticipation of the possibility of a collision, but if the possibility of a collision can be eliminated from the beginning, it is of course possible to drive them simultaneously, and Figure 12 shows a case where each operating unit A400, A500, and A600 is driven simultaneously from a performance standby state and moved to a position where they will not collide with each other.

[0114] That is, the state change that moves each of the operating units A400, A500, and A600 from a standby state for performance to the state shown in FIG. 12 can be realized by driving the drive devices that drive each of the operating units A400, A500, and A600, provided that each of the operating units A400, A500, and A600 is in a standby state for performance, so that it is possible to realize a unified performance of the operations by the multiple operating units A400, A500, and A600.

[0115] In the state shown in Fig. 12, the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 are in a position immediately before the length and width of the rotational operating units A400b, A500b begin to change during rotation. In other words, if further tilting occurs, the driving force will be consumed in changing the length and width of the rotational operating units A400b, A500b, and the operating resistance of the rotational operating units A400b, A500b will increase. Therefore, it is possible to easily stop the operating units A400, A500 in the position shown in Fig. 12, where the operating resistance begins to change.

[0116] As the tilting motion progresses further, the amount of change in the length and width of the rotational motion units A400b and A500b increases, and the motion resistance also increases. This resistance generates a change in motion resistance similar to the elastic force of a spring, making it easier to maintain the motion units A400 and A500 in the position shown in Figure 12 and to return them to their original position even if they have been tilted too far.

[0117] As will be described later, the third operating unit A600 is separate from the drive device used for the lifting and lowering operation and the drive device that opens and closes the movable member A650. Therefore, by only driving the drive device used for the lifting and lowering operation and not driving the movable member A650, it is possible to easily control the third operating unit A600 to stop in the state shown in Figure 12.

[0118] In this way, it is possible to execute control to simultaneously drive the first operating unit A400, the second operating unit A500, and the third operating unit A600, thereby realizing a sense of unity in operation while avoiding collisions between the operating units A400, A500, and A600.

[0119] The range in which the display of the third pattern display device 81 arranged behind it can be seen changes depending on the arrangement of the operating units A400, A500, and A600. That is, when all of the operating units A400, A500, and A600 are in a performance standby state, the range (area) in which the display of the third pattern display device 81 can be seen is at its largest (see FIG. 7), and the range (area and position) in which the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is hidden varies depending on the operating units A400, A500, and A600 that are in a protruding state.

[0120] The extent to which each operating unit A400, A500, A600 extends from the standby state of the performance also differs, which causes the range (area and position) of the hidden display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81. Also, for example, even when the same operating unit (for example, the first operating unit A400) operates, the state shown in Fig. 8 and the state shown in Fig. 12 differ in the amount of operation and the external shape of the rotation operating unit A400b (the extended position side is larger), so the range (area and position) of the hidden display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is different.

[0121] Furthermore, even if the same operating unit (e.g., the third operating unit A600) is operating, the state shown in Figure 11 and the state shown in Figure 12 have the same up-down position, but the left-right arrangement of the movable member A650 is different, so the range (area and position) of the hidden display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is different.

[0122] Furthermore, even if multiple identical operating units (for example, a first operating unit A400 and a second operating unit A500) are operating, the state shown in Figure 10 differs from the state shown in Figure 12 in that the multiple operating units A400, A500 intersect or not, and therefore the number of ranges that are continuously visible in the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 as ranges that are not hidden by the multiple operating units A400, A500 (four above, below, left, and right in Figure 10, and one in Figure 12) differs.

[0123] In this way, by providing multiple types of ranges in which the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is hidden by each operating unit A400, A500, A600, it is possible to increase the variety of presentations in which the display of the third pattern display device 81 and each operating unit A400, A500, A600 are visible together.

[0124] That is, the third pattern display device 81 is controlled to develop a display effect in the range that is not hidden by each of the operating units A400, A500, and A600, and since the range that is hidden by each of the operating units A400, A500, and A600 changes in multiple types, it is possible to increase the variety of display effects in the range that is not hidden by each of the operating units A400, A500, and A600, thereby improving the presentation effect of the display effect.

[0125] For example, when a continuously visible display area that spans a large range is maintained, as in Figure 12, the player can be relaxed by viewing an animation on the full screen, whereas when the display area is viewed as being divided, as in Figures 8, 9 or 10, the displays in each divided range can be differentiated (for example, as displays differentiated between advantageous and unfavorable developments), and one of these displays can be selected to determine the subsequent development of the presentation, thereby increasing attention to the displays in each divided range.

[0126] Next, the first operating unit A400 will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 26. Figure 13 is a front perspective view of the first operating unit A400, and Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the first operating unit A400.

[0127] The first operating unit A400 comprises a support unit A400a held in the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a rotational operating unit A400b supported on the support unit A400a so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis AJ1 located at the lower right side when viewed from the front.

[0128] In the first operating unit A400, the drive motor AMT1 is disposed on the upper left side, and the rotary shaft AJ1 is disposed on the lower right side. This simplifies the structure around the rotary shaft AJ1 compared to when the drive motor AMT1 is disposed near the rotary shaft AJ1, and allows the rotary shaft AJ1 to be positioned closer to the right corner.

[0129] Furthermore, the front-to-rear width of the first operating unit A400 can be made shorter than when the driving motor AMT1 is disposed in front or behind the rotary operating unit A400b, as occurs when the driving motor AMT1 is disposed near the rotary shaft AJ1. Therefore, sufficient space can be secured when multiple movable accessories are stacked in the front-to-rear direction of the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5).

[0130] Fig. 15 is an exploded front perspective view of the first operating unit A400, and Fig. 16 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first operating unit A400. In Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the support unit A400a is shown disassembled, and the rotation operating unit A400b is shown in an undisassembled state.

[0131] The support unit A400a includes a fixed support unit A410 that is fastened to the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a drive transmission unit A420 that has a drive motor AMT1 that is fixedly positioned on the fixed support unit A410 and is configured to be able to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 to the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0132] The fixed support unit A410 includes a vertical member A411 fastened to the right side of the bottom wall portion A211 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) when viewed from the front, a horizontal member A413 arranged opposite the upper end side of the vertical member A411 in the front-to-rear direction, a reinforcing member A415 formed by bending a sheet metal member disposed between the horizontal member A413 and the vertical member A411 forward, and an upper cover member A417 fastened to the horizontal member A413 in such a way that the bent portion of the reinforcing member A415 is sandwiched between the horizontal member A413 and the vertical member A411.

[0133] The vertical member A411 includes a cylindrical support portion A411a through which the rotation shaft rod AJ1 of the rotation operation unit A400b is inserted, a non-performance hole A411b through which the protruding tip of the displacement control device A214 (see Figure 6) arranged on the lower right side is inserted, a repair hole A411c formed through the member to a size that allows fastening screws to be attached and removed for maintenance, and a detection sensor A411d for detecting whether the first operation unit A400 is in a performance standby state or an extended state by detecting the position of the rotation operation unit A400b.

[0134] The non-performance hole A411b is formed in a position that is concealed by the decorative member A808 on the right side when viewed from the front (see FIG. 8). Therefore, regardless of the arrangement of the rotational motion unit A400b, it is possible to easily prevent the displacement restriction device A214 (see FIG. 6) from being seen by the player through the non-performance hole A411b.

[0135] This concealing effect also occurs for the upper displacement regulation device A214. That is, the upper displacement regulation device A214 is intended to regulate the displacement of the second operating unit A500, but by being concealed by the upper decorative member A808, it is possible to easily prevent the displacement regulation device A214 from being seen by the player.

[0136] The detection sensor A411d is usually a photocoupler type sensor, but is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic sensor or a contact type sensor may also be used.

[0137] The horizontally elongated member A413 comprises a plate-shaped main body A413a formed from a resin material in the shape of a horizontally elongated plate, a guide elongated hole A414 formed through the plate-shaped main body A413a, a motor support hole A413b formed through a bulge that bulges forward at the left end side of the plate-shaped main body A413a so as to be able to support the drive motor MT1, and a plate-shaped extension portion A413d extending forward from the upper end portion of the plate-shaped main body A413a in a plate-like shape and having multiple protrusions A413c with female threads formed at the extended tip end thereof.

[0138] The reinforcing member A415 is a member formed by bending a metal plate, and includes a plate-shaped main body A415a that is arranged so as to be attached to the back side of the plate-shaped main body A413a and is sandwiched between the vertically elongated member A411 and the horizontally elongated member A413 in the assembled state (see Figure 13), a bent plate A415c that is bent from the upper end of the plate-shaped main body A415a to the front side and has a plurality of through holes A415b through which a plurality of protrusions A413c can be inserted, a pair of retaining bent portions A415d that are bent from the bent plate A415c and have through holes through which the metal rod AMB1 can be inserted, and a long hole A415e that is drilled in a shape that surrounds the guide long hole A414 from the outside.

[0139] The upper cover member A417 is a member formed from a resin material and includes a plate-shaped main body A417a that is fastened to the horizontal member A413 by a fastening screw that is threaded into the female thread of the protrusion A413c that is inserted into the through hole A415b in a positional relationship that sandwiches the reinforcing member A415 between it and the horizontal member A413, a biasing spring A417b whose one end is supported by the plate-shaped main body A417a, and a damper member A417c whose other end is supported by the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b and which is biased to the right end of its range of motion extending in the left-right direction by the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b.

[0140] The drive transmission unit A420 comprises a support member A421, which is a sheet metal member on whose left end the drive motor AMT1 is supported and which is fastened to the horizontal member A413 at both left and right ends; a transmission mechanism A423 consisting of a plurality of rotating members rotatably supported on the front side of the support member A421; a covering cover A425 fastened to the support member A421 so as to cover the rotating members of the transmission mechanism A423 from the front side; and a connecting mechanism A427 which connects the transmission mechanism A423 and the rotational operation unit A400b.

[0141] The transmission mechanism A423 includes a circular belt A423a with teeth formed on its inner circumference, a pair of left and right pulleys A423b, A423c with teeth formed on its outer circumference that mesh with the teeth of the belt A423a and that are rotatably supported on the columnar portion A421a of the support member A421 so as to support the belt A423a without slack, a drive gear A423d that is fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT1 so as not to move relative to it, and a transmission gear A423f that is rotatably supported on the columnar portion A421a of the support member A421 so as to mesh with a gear portion A423e formed on the back side of the left pulley A423c and the drive gear A423d.

[0142] The covering cover A425 is fastened and fixed not only to the female screw formed on the main body plate portion of the support member A421, but also to the female screw formed on the tip of the columnar portion A421a that supports the pulleys A423b, A423c and the transmission gear A423f, thereby improving the rigidity of the columnar portion A421a and stabilizing the rotation of the pulleys A423b, A423c and the transmission gear A423f.

[0143] The connecting mechanism A427 comprises a connecting member A427a to which the upper end side of the rotational motion unit A400b is connected and which receives the metal rod AMB1 in a recess A427b on the front side, thereby making the direction of operation horizontal, a preventing member A427c which is fastened and fixed to the connecting member A427a so as to cover the recess A427b of the connecting member A427a from the front side, thereby preventing the metal rod AMB1 from falling out from between the connecting member A427a and the connecting member A427a, and a belt fixing member A427d which is fastened and fixed to the preventing member A427c in an arrangement in which the belt A423a is sandwiched between the preventing member A427c and the preventing member A427c.

[0144] A cylindrical collar A427f through which the metal rod AMB1 is inserted is disposed in the pair of recesses A427b, and a pulley A427g that supports the metal rod AMB1 in a groove on the outer periphery while the collar is inserted is rotatably supported by the connecting member A427a. This makes it easier to prevent the position of the connecting member A427a relative to the metal rod AMB1 from shifting and reduces operating resistance.

[0145] The belt fixing member A427d has an upper surface facing the belt A423a, on which engaging protrusions A427h corresponding to the tooth shapes formed on the inner circumferential side of the belt A423a are formed. The belt A423a is positioned so that the engaging protrusions A427h engage with the teeth of the belt A423a, and the preventing member A427c is positioned facing the outer circumferential side of the belt A423a (above the upper belt A423a), thereby fastening and fixing the belt fixing member A427d and the preventing member A427c.

[0146] This prevents the belt A423a from falling off the engaging protrusion A427h. Also, unlike when the belt A423a is fixed by pressing it, it is possible to improve the durability of the belt A423a and prevent the belt A423a from slipping relative to the connecting mechanism A427.

[0147] With this structure, the connecting mechanism A427 is moved left and right, guided by the metal rod AMB1, as the drive motor AMT1 is driven to rotate and the left pulley A423c is rotated through gear transmission, causing the portion of the belt A423a extending left and right to move left and right.

[0148] The connecting member A427a has a guide slot A427e extending in the vertical direction, into which the columnar protrusion A448 of the rotational motion unit A400b is inserted. The columnar protrusion A448 of the rotational motion unit A400b is inserted into the guide slot A427e and the guide slot A414 of the fixed support unit A410, so that as the connecting mechanism A427 is moved in the horizontal direction, the columnar protrusion A448 of the rotational motion unit A400b is moved in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0149] In this way, a driving force is transmitted to the rotational motion unit A400b via the connecting mechanism A427 which moves in the left-right direction, and the rotational motion unit A400b is displaced. Details of the rotational motion unit A400b will be explained below.

[0150] FIG. 17 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotational motion unit A400b, and FIG. 18 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotational motion unit A400b. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the rotational motion unit A400b comprises a base plate member A430 into which the rotational shaft rod AJ1 is fitted at its lower end, a movable member A440 connected to the base plate member A430 so as to be able to slide in a linear direction passing through the rotational shaft rod AJ1 on a plane perpendicular to the rotational shaft rod AJ1, a direction switching member A450 inserted through the base plate member A430 and the movable member A440 so as to be able to move in a direction perpendicular to the sliding movement of the movable member A440 when the movable member A440 slides, a decorative member A460 which changes its position or posture due to the movement of the direction switching member A450, thereby giving the player the appearance that the length of the rotational motion unit 400b in the short side direction is changing, and a covering member A470 which is fitted or fastened to the base plate member A430 so as to position the direction switching member A450 in the space formed between the base plate member A430 and the movable member A440, and is shaped to cover the direction switching member A450 from the front side.

[0151] The base plate member A430 includes a long plate-like plate-like main body A431 into which the rotary shaft AJ1 is fitted, a pair of upper and lower elongated guide holes A432 drilled in the plate-like main body A431 on the same straight line passing through the rotary shaft AJ1, a plurality of auxiliary elongated holes A433 drilled between the pair of elongated guide holes A432 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the elongated guide holes A432, and a base plate member A431 near the lower end of the upper elongated guide hole A432. The plate-shaped main body A431 is provided with a pair of support elongated holes A434 formed as elongated holes parallel to the guide elongated holes A432 at the short-side ends thereof, a malfunction prevention tubular portion A435 protruding in a tubular shape from the plate-shaped main body A431 toward the rear side, a pair of guide extension portions A436 protruding from the front of the lower end of the plate-shaped main body A431 in a shape extending parallel to the straight line along which the guide elongated holes A432 are arranged, and a plate-shaped detection piece A437 protruding downward in a plate shape from the lower end of the plate-shaped main body A431.

[0152] The malfunction prevention tube portion A435 is a through-hole formed to a size that allows the protruding tip of the right-side displacement regulation device A214 (see FIG. 6) to be inserted through. This malfunction prevention tube portion A435 is disposed in front of the non-performance hole A411b (see FIG. 8) when the first operating unit A400 is in a performance standby state.

[0153] When the protruding tip of the displacement restriction device A214 is brought into a protruding state in which it protrudes forward, the protruding tip passes through the non-performance hole A411b and is inserted into the malfunction prevention tube portion A435, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0154] The plate-shaped detection piece A437 is formed at a front-to-rear position that allows it to be placed in the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d (see FIG. 15). The plate-shaped detection piece A437 is formed on the side (rear side) where the rotary shaft rod AJ1 is supported. This minimizes positional deviation of the plate-shaped detection piece A437 even if the rotary shaft rod AJ1 is bent (tilted) due to deformation of the rotary shaft rod AJ1, making it easier to avoid the plate-shaped detection piece A437 being placed at a position that deviates from the front-to-rear position that allows it to fit into the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d.

[0155] The position of the plate-shaped detection piece A437 is detected by the detection sensor A411d (see Figure 15), so that the posture of the rotational motion unit A400b can be grasped, and therefore, even when multiple motion units A400 to A600 are driven by individual drive sources, collisions between each other can be avoided.

[0156] The movable member A440 is configured to be able to brightly illuminate the decorative plate A441 on the front side with light emitted from the light-emitting means of the light-emitting substrate arranged inside, and is equipped with a plate-shaped main body A442 arranged to sandwich the light-emitting substrate between it and the decorative plate A441, a pair of insertion protrusions A443 protruding from the back side of the plate-shaped main body A442, a plurality of functional long holes A444 drilled in a shape that combines the vertical direction and the left-right inclined direction at positions corresponding to the auxiliary long holes A433 of the base plate member A430, an extension portion A445 extending parallel to the straight line on which the pair of insertion protrusions A443 are arranged, and a columnar protrusion portion A448 protruding from the upper right corner of the plate-shaped main body A422 toward the back side and inserted into the guide long hole A427e (see Figure 15) of the drive transmission unit A420.

[0157] The decorative plate A441 includes a translucent area A441a extending in the longitudinal direction in the center in the lateral direction, and plated areas A441b on both sides of the translucent area A441a in the lateral direction where plating is applied.

[0158] As a result, even if the placement of the board is restricted to the center of the short side due to the formation of the functional long hole A444, the light emission effect is performed in the translucent area A441a near the center of the short side, and the other plated area A441b is performed using reflection from the plating, thereby avoiding a reduction in the presentation effect.

[0159] The insertion protrusion A443 is configured to be inserted into the elongated guide hole A432 of the base plate member A430 and to be prevented from falling out of the elongated guide hole A432 by a screw and a collar member AC1 that are screwed into the tip.

[0160] The functional elongated hole A444 is composed of four elongated holes: a pair of upper and lower elongated holes and another pair of upper and lower elongated holes whose shape is inverted by the straight line connecting the pair of insertion protrusions A443, and the shapes of each elongated hole are the same except for the inversion relationship.

[0161] Of the multiple functional elongated holes A444, a pair of upper and lower elongated holes are formed at positions obtained by moving one of the elongated holes in parallel along a straight line connecting a pair of insertion protrusions A443. In other words, the corresponding portions of the pair of upper and lower elongated holes extend on the same straight line or maintain a relationship of being arranged in parallel.

[0162] The extension portion A445 has a width and length slightly shorter than the distance between the pair of guide extension portions A436 of the base plate member A430, and functions as a guide for the movement of the movable member A440. The extension portion A445 has a U-shaped cross section in the extension direction, with the front side open. This shape not only improves rigidity but also prevents breakage of the wiring A449 connected to the substrate. By holding the wiring A449 on the extension portion A445 from the open side of the U shape, contact between the wiring A449 and other moving members can be avoided.

[0163] The wiring A449 is made up of a flat cable, and is made up of a wiring that is flexible in a direction corresponding to the rotation around the rotary shaft AJ1, and a wiring that is flexible in the extending direction of the extension portion A445.

[0164] In this embodiment, since the drive motor AMT1 is disposed at a position away from the rotary shaft AJ1 (see FIG. 14), it is easy to secure space around the rotary shaft AJ1, and this space can be used as space for the wiring A449 to flex. This makes it possible to avoid applying an excessive load to the wiring A449, and improve the durability of the wiring A449.

[0165] The direction switching member A450 and the decorative member A460 will be described together. The direction switching member A450 is composed of a pair of left and right members, and includes a plate-like main body A451, a pair of upper and lower columnar members A452 protruding from the back surface on the left and right inner sides of the plate-like main body A451, and a pair of upper and lower through-holes A453 drilled on the left and right outer sides of the plate-like main body A451.

[0166] The columnar portion A452 is inserted successively through the functional elongated hole A444 of the movable member A440 and the auxiliary elongated hole A433 of the base plate member A430, and is displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the line connecting the pair of insertion protrusions A443 according to the arrangement of the movable member A440. That is, according to the arrangement of the movable member A440, the direction switching member A450 can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the line connecting the pair of insertion protrusions A443 (displaced in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the movable member A440).

[0167] The decorative member A460 includes a pair of left and right translation members A461 and a pair of left and right rotation members A465. The translation members A461 include a plate-shaped main body A462, columnar portions A463 protruding from lower corners on the left and right outer sides of the plate-shaped main body A462 toward the back side, and long columnar portions A464 protruding from central sides on the left and right outer sides of the plate-shaped main body A462 toward the back side.

[0168] The rotational movement member A465 includes a plate-shaped main body A466, a columnar portion A467 protruding from the rear surface at the upper end of the plate-shaped main body A466, and a through-hole A468 formed below the columnar portion A467.

[0169] The columnar portion A463 has a female thread formed at the tip thereof, and a fastening screw inserted into the through-hole A453 on the lower side of the direction switching member A450 is threaded into the female thread, thereby fastening and fixing the decorative member A460 and the direction switching member A450 together.

[0170] The long columnar portion A464 has a female screw formed at its tip, but this is not used for fastening but for preventing the member from falling off. In other words, the rotational movement member A465 into which the long columnar portion A464 is inserted is configured to be rotatable relative to the parallel movement member A461.

[0171] The long columnar portion A464 is first inserted through the upper through-hole A453 of the direction switching member A450, and then inserted through the through-hole A468 of the rotational movement member A465. A large-head screw is fixed to the tip of the long columnar portion A464, thereby preventing the rotational movement member A465 from falling off the long columnar portion A464.

[0172] The displacement of the columnar portion A467 of the rotational movement member A465 is reduced by being supported by the support elongated hole A434 of the base plate member A430. With this configuration, the displacement of the opposite end (bottom end) of the columnar portion A467 of the rotational movement member A465 can be made larger than the displacement of the direction switching member A450 that displaces the through-hole A468.

[0173] The covering member A470 includes a light-transmitting area A471 extending in the longitudinal direction in the center in the lateral direction, and plated areas A472 on both sides of the light-transmitting area A471 in the lateral direction where plating is applied.

[0174] This makes it possible to maintain a high level of presentation effect even at both sides of the short side where the light irradiated from the moving member A440 side is easily blocked by the arrangement of the direction switching member A450 and the decorative member A460. In other words, the light-emitting presentation is performed in the translucent area A471 near the center of the short side, and the presentation is performed by reflection from the plating in the other plated area A472, thereby avoiding a decrease in presentation effect.

[0175] The covering member A470 has a pair of protrusions A473 protruding from the rear side at the lower end thereof, which are disposed at positions corresponding to the front side ends of the guide extensions A436 of the base plate member A430.

[0176] By arranging them in this manner, in the assembled state, the covering member A470 and the base plate member A430 can form an opening through which the extension portion A445 of the moving member A440 is inserted, thereby stabilizing the movement direction of the moving member A440 in the extension direction of the extension portion A445.

[0177] 19(a), 19(b), 20(a), and 20(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit A400b. In FIGS. 19(a), 19(b), 20(a), and 20(b), the relative movement of the moving member A440 of the rotational motion unit A400b with respect to the base plate member A430 is illustrated in chronological order.

[0178] That is, the relative movement is shown from the rotational movement unit A400b (see FIG. 19(a)) in the performance standby state (see FIG. 7) of the first movement unit A400 to the rotational movement unit A400b (see FIG. 20(b)) in the extended state (see FIG. 8). Note that the up and down on the paper in FIGS. 19 and 19A differ from the actual up and down directions, and the direction of sliding movement of the moving member A440 is shown in a position that matches the up and down directions on the paper.

[0179] The functional long hole A444 comprises a first parallel portion A444a extending parallel to a straight line passing through the pair of insertion protrusions A443, an inclined portion A444b formed so that one end is connected to the first parallel portion A444a and extending linearly in a direction inclined relative to the first parallel portion A444a, and a second parallel portion A444c formed so that the other end is connected to the inclined portion A444b and extending parallel to the extension direction of the first parallel portion A444a.

[0180] Here, Figure 19(a) illustrates a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged on the end side of the first parallel portion A444a, Figure 19(b) illustrates a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged at the intersection of the first parallel portion A444a and the inclined portion A444b, Figure 20(a) illustrates a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged at the intersection of the inclined portion A444b and the second parallel portion A444c, and Figure 20(b) illustrates a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged on the end side of the second parallel portion A444c.

[0181] The first parallel portion A444a is formed to be sufficiently long, so that even when the moving member A440 starts to move relative to the base plate member A430 from the state shown in Fig. 19(a), the direction switching member A450 does not move in the short-side direction of the moving member A440 for a while (until the state shown in Fig. 19(b)), and the rotational movement unit A400b can be rotated while maintaining its appearance of being short in the short-side direction.

[0182] The inclined portion A444b extends outward in the short side direction of the movable member A440 from the position where the first parallel portion A444a is formed. Therefore, when the movable member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430 from a state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is arranged on the first parallel portion A444a, and the columnar portion A452 enters the inclined portion A444b, the direction switching member A450 moves outward in the short side direction of the movable member A440.

[0183] The pair of columnar portions A452 of the direction switching member A450 are inserted into the pair of auxiliary elongated holes A433 and are guided in parallel, so that the relative movement of the direction switching member A450 with respect to the base plate member A430 is parallel movement in the short direction of the base plate member A430.

[0184] The speed of the movement is proportional to the speed at which the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430 because the inclined portion A444b is formed linearly, which makes it easier to perform interlocking movements between the moving member A440, the direction switching member A450, and the decorative member A460.

[0185] The second parallel portion A444c is not as long as the first parallel portion A444a and is formed to have the minimum necessary length. The purpose of forming the second parallel portion A444c is to improve the dramatic effect of the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0186] In other words, when the first operating unit A400 is driven to the extended state and the drive motor AMT1 (see Figure 15) is stopped, the connecting mechanism A427 is pushed back slightly by the spring force applied to the damper member A417c by the spring A417b, and even if the movable member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430 in the opposite direction (return direction), the presence of the second parallel portion A444c makes it possible to prevent the position of the direction switching member A450 in the short direction of the movable member A440 from changing.

[0187] This makes it easier to maintain the appearance of the first operating unit A400 in the extended state (the short-side length of the rotational operating unit A400b) even if a push-back action occurs due to the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b, which can occur when adopting control to stop the drive of the drive motor AMT1 when the first operating unit A400 is in the extended state.

[0188] In the state shown in Figure 19(a), the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 is the first length AD1, and the angle between the line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 and the line passing through the pair of insertion protrusions A443 is the first angle Aθ1.

[0189] In the state shown in Figure 19(b), the distance between the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 is the second length AD2, and the angle between the line passing through the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 and the line passing through the pair of insertion protrusions A443 is the second angle Aθ2.

[0190] The second length AD2 is configured to be longer than the first length AD1 (first length AD1<second length AD2), and the second angle Aθ2 is configured to be smaller than the first angle Aθ1 (first angle Aθ1>second angle Aθ2).

[0191] In the state shown in Figure 20(a), the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 is the third length AD3, and the angle between the line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 and the line passing through the pair of insertion protrusions A443 is the third angle Aθ3.

[0192] The third length AD3 is configured to be longer than the second length AD2 (first length AD1 < second length AD2 < third length AD3). The third angle Aθ3 is configured to be smaller than the second angle Aθ2 (first angle Aθ1 > second angle Aθ2 > third angle Aθ3).

[0193] In the state shown in Figure 20(b), the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 is the fourth length AD4, and the angle between the line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 and the line passing through the pair of insertion protrusions A443 is the fourth angle Aθ4.

[0194] The fourth length AD4 is configured to be longer than the third length AD3 (first length AD1 < second length AD2 < third length AD3 < fourth length AD4). The fourth angle Aθ4 is configured to be smaller than the third angle Aθ3 (first angle Aθ1 > second angle Aθ2 > third angle Aθ3 > fourth angle Aθ4).

[0195] Therefore, as the first operating unit A400 changes from the performance standby state to the extended state, the rotation operating unit A400b changes so that the distance between the rotation axis rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 gradually becomes longer, and accordingly, the angle between the line passing through the rotation axis rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 and the line passing through the pair of insertion protrusions A443 gradually becomes smaller.

[0196] 21, 22, and 23 are front views of the first operating unit A400. In Fig. 21, 22, and 23, the manner in which the first operating unit A400 is driven from the performance standby state to the extended state is illustrated in chronological order.

[0197] Figure 21 illustrates the first operating unit A400 in a standby state for performance, Figure 22 illustrates a state between the first operating unit A400's standby state for performance and its extended state, in which the appearance of the rotation operating unit A400b is the same as in the standby state for performance except for the change in posture, and Figure 23 illustrates the extended state of the first operating unit A400.

[0198] 21, the plate-shaped detection piece A437 is placed in the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d, which allows the corresponding control device to know that the first operating unit A400 is in a performance standby state.

[0199] The guide elongated hole A414 has an arc portion A414a that follows an arc shape centered on the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and is formed to the right of the columnar protrusion A448 shown in Figure 22, and a straight portion A414b that is formed in a straight line to the left of the columnar protrusion A448 shown in Figure 22 and smoothly connects to the arc portion A414a (extending in the tangent direction of the arc portion A414a at the connecting portion).

[0200] That is, when the columnar protrusion A448 is positioned on the arc portion A414a (see Figures 21 and 22), even if the rotational motion unit A400b rotates, the distance between the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 is maintained at the first length AD1 (see Figure 19(a)), and no relative movement of the movable member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs, so the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b is maintained.

[0201] In the process of the rotational movement from the state shown in FIG. 22 to the state shown in FIG. 23, the appearance of the rotational movement unit A400b changes so that the rotational movement member A465 protrudes in the short side direction of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0202] Between the state shown in Figure 22 and the state shown in Figure 23, the straight section A414b along which the columnar protrusion A448 is guided is arranged so that it intersects with a circle centered on the rotating shaft AJ1 at one point, so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the arrangement of the columnar protrusion A448 and the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448.

[0203] The amount of protrusion of the rotational movement member A465 is configured to correspond to the distance between the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 (see Figures 19 and 20), so the position of the columnar protrusion portion A448 at which the rotational movement member A465 begins to protrude and the amount of protrusion of the rotational movement member A465 corresponding to the position of the columnar protrusion portion A448 can be identified from a structural aspect.

[0204] This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the rotational movement member A465 protrudes and collides with the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) when the amount of change (angle) in the attitude of the rotational movement unit A400b is insufficient, which can be a problem when the posture change of the rotational movement unit A400b and the extension of the rotational movement member A465 are performed by separate drive sources.

[0205] When the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 (see FIG. 15) is transmitted and the belt A423a is operated, the connecting mechanism A427 is guided by the metal bar AMB1 and slid left and right. In this embodiment, by controlling the driving amount of the drive motor AMT1, it is possible to operate the rotational motion unit A400b so as to reciprocate between the state shown in FIG. 21 and the state shown in FIG. 22, to operate the rotational motion unit A400b so as to reciprocate between the state shown in FIG. 22 and the state shown in FIG. 23, or to operate the rotational motion unit A400b so as to reciprocate between the state shown in FIG. 21 and the state shown in FIG. 23.

[0206] On the extended state side (left side), the connecting mechanism A427 abuts against the damper member A417c and is decelerated by the elastic force of the biasing spring A417b. As a result, even when the belt A423a is operated at high speed in a direction that puts the first operating unit A400 in the extended state, the connecting mechanism A427 bounces back on the extended state side (left side), making it easier to avoid applying an excessive load to the belt A423a, and improving the durability of the belt A423a and the connecting mechanism A427.

[0207] When the rotational motion unit A400b starts from the performance standby state of the first motion unit A400 shown in Figure 21, the starting direction of the columnar protrusion A448 will be in the tangent direction AT1 of a circle centered on the rotation axis rod AJ1 and passing through the columnar protrusion A448.

[0208] In this embodiment, in the state shown in Figure 21, the angle formed between the tangential direction AT1 and the direction in which the metal bar AMB1 extends (left and right direction) is configured to be small, so that the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 can be efficiently transmitted to perform the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0209] In the state shown in Fig. 22, the tangential direction AT1 is parallel to the straight line portion A414b, so that resistance in the rotational direction can be reduced when the rotational motion unit A400b is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the front from the state shown in Fig. 22.

[0210] 22 to 23, the angle between the tangential direction AT1 and the direction in which the metal bar AMB1 extends (left-right direction) gradually increases, and the downward component of the tangential direction AT1 becomes larger. As a result, the proportion of the force that rotates the rotational motion unit A400b due to its own weight increases, and excess driving force is generated in the drive motor AMT1. This excess driving force can be used to move the movable member A440 relative to the base plate member A430.

[0211] In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 is utilized for both the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b and the relative movement of the movable member A440 relative to the base plate member A430, and by staggering the timing at which driving force is required for these multiple movements, the maximum driving force required at one time can be reduced, and the drive motor AMT1 can be made smaller.

[0212] As shown in Figure 23, the angle formed by the moving direction AM1, in which the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, and the extending direction of the metal rod AMB1 is smaller than the angle formed by the straight line connecting the rotating shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448, which is the point of transmission of the driving force, and the extending direction of the metal rod AMB1.

[0213] In this embodiment, the angle formed by the movement direction AM1 and the extension direction of the metal bar AMB1 is an acute angle, which makes it easier to ensure that the component of the driving force of the drive motor AMT1, which is transmitted in the extension direction of the metal bar AMB1, is directed in the movement direction AM1.This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the driving force is transmitted in a direction that rotates the rotational motion unit A400b before the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430, resulting in increased operating resistance of the rotational motion unit A400b.In this embodiment, the movement direction AM1 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0214] When a load from the drive motor AMT1 is transmitted to the columnar protrusion A448 in the left-right direction, the load is resolved into a downward load that moves the moving member A440 relatively in the movement direction AM1, and an upward load that rotates (raises) the rotational motion unit A400b about the rotation shaft AJ1. Because the load from the drive motor AMT1 is in the left-right direction (directly to the side), this resolution of the load in the up-down direction can be smoothly generated.

[0215] At this time, since the rotary shaft AJ1 is not disposed in the direction of the load resolved into the movement direction AM1, the load also acts to rotate the rotational motion unit A400b around the rotary shaft AJ1.

[0216] That is, in this embodiment, the columnar protrusion A448 is positioned at a position offset from a straight line passing through the rotation axis rod AJ1 and parallel to the movement direction AM1, so that the load component that moves the moving member A440 relatively in the movement direction AM1 also occurs in the rotation direction of the rotational movement unit A400b, making it easier to avoid malfunctions in rotational movement, such as when the load from the columnar protrusion A448 to the rotation axis rod AJ1 becomes excessive.

[0217] 24, 25, and 26 are rear views of the first operating unit A400. In Fig. 24, 25, and 26, the first operating unit A400 is shown in chronological order as it moves from the standby state to the extended state, and the vertical member A411 is not shown.

[0218] Figure 24 illustrates the first operating unit A400 in a standby state for performance, Figure 25 illustrates a state between the standby state for performance and the extended state for the first operating unit A400, in which the appearance of the rotation operating unit A400b is the same as in the standby state for performance except for the change in posture, and Figure 26 illustrates the extended state for the first operating unit A400.

[0219] That is, Figure 24 corresponds to a rear view of the rotational motion unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 21, Figure 25 corresponds to a rear view of the rotational motion unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 22, and Figure 26 corresponds to a rear view of the rotational motion unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 23.

[0220] The operation of the rotational operation unit A400b, which starts from the effect standby state of the first operation unit A400, will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 25. Figs. 19 and 20 will also be referred to as appropriate.

[0221] 25, the rotational motion unit A400b is rotated clockwise in rear view until the distance between the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 becomes the second length AD2 (see FIG. 19(b)). The moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, but the direction switching member A450 does not move in the short-side direction of the moving member A440. Therefore, the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b changes to extend in the longitudinal direction, and no change occurs in the short-side direction.

[0222] When the rotational motion unit A400b is further rotated clockwise when viewed from the rear, and the distance between the rotational axis rod AJ1 and the columnar protrusion portion A448 changes from the second length AD2 to the third length AD3 (see Figure 20(a)), relative movement of the movable member A440 occurs with respect to the base plate member A430, and further movement of the direction switching member A450 occurs in the short direction of the movable member A440.

[0223] Therefore, the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b changes so that it extends in the longitudinal direction and widens in the lateral direction. In this way, the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b changes in two stages during the rotation of the rotational motion unit A400b: a state in which only the longitudinal direction changes, and a state in which both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction change.

[0224] As the rotational motion unit A400b is further rotated clockwise in rear view until the distance between the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 changes from the third length AD3 to the fourth length AD4 (see FIG. 20(b)), the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, but the direction switching member A450 does not move in the short-side direction of the moving member A440. Therefore, the appearance of the rotational motion unit A400b changes to extend in the longitudinal direction, and no change occurs in the short-side direction.

[0225] This makes it easier to maintain the appearance of the first operating unit A400 in the extended state (the short-side length of the rotational operating unit A400b) even if a push-back action occurs due to the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b (see Figure 21), which can occur when adopting control to stop the drive of the drive motor AMT1 when the first operating unit A400 is in the extended state (see Figure 26).

[0226] In this way, in the tilting operation of the rotational motion unit A400b, the number of members that move relative to the base plate member A430 varies in each section. By controlling the control load of the drive motor AMT1 to switch in accordance with the number of members that move relative to it (for example, by increasing the control load in a range where the number of members increases and decreasing the control load in a range where the number of members decreases), the influence of changes in the motion resistance can be suppressed, making it easier to prevent local changes in the motion speed of the rotational motion unit A400b.

[0227] We will now explain the change in the rotation angle of the rotational motion unit A400b when the columnar protrusion A448 moves at a constant leftward velocity component from the state shown in Fig. 25. First, in the state shown in Fig. 25, the straight line connecting the rotation shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 is perpendicular to the straight line portion A414b of the elongated guide hole A414.

[0228] When the columnar protrusion A448 moves with a constant velocity component to the left from the state shown in FIG. 25, the columnar protrusion A448 is guided by the straight portion A414b of the guide slot A414, and therefore the rotation angle Aφ1 of the rotational motion unit A400b is specified as the acute angle of a right triangle, as shown in FIG. 26, with the straight line connecting the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 as the hypotenuse, the straight line connecting the rotational shaft AJ1 and the columnar protrusion A448 shown in FIG. 25 as the base, and the straight line along the straight portion A414b as the height AX1.

[0229] Here, if we assume that the first length AD1 is a unit length, then Equation 1 [tan Aφ1=AX1] holds as a relational equation for a right-angled triangle from trigonometric functions, and Equation 2 [Aφ1=arctanAX1] holds as its inverse function.

[0230] From Equation 2, when the height AX1 increases at a constant speed as the columnar protrusion A448 moves at a constant speed to the left, the amount of change in the rotation angle Aφ1 gradually decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the drive motor AMT1 is driven at a constant speed and the connecting member A427a (see FIG. 21) of the connecting mechanism A427 is moved left and right at a constant speed, the rotational motion unit A400b can be rotated in an operating mode in which the amount of change in the rotation angle Aφ1 is maximum at the start from the state shown in FIG. 25 to the state shown in FIG. 26 and then gradually decreases.

[0231] That is, while employing simple control in which the drive motor AMT1 is driven at a constant speed, an operating mode can be realized in which the rotational speed of the rotational motion unit A400b is gradually reduced.

[0232] As a result, when the first operating unit A400 operates from the standby state to the extended state, it rotates at high speed at the start, but the closer it gets to the extended state, the slower the rotation speed of the rotation operating unit A400b becomes. Therefore, by controlling the drive motor AMT1 to drive at a constant speed, it is possible to surprise the player when the rotation operating unit A400b appears, while maintaining the position and posture of the rotation operating unit A400b in the extended state, making it easier for it to remain in the player's field of view.

[0233] On the other hand, when the first operating unit A400 operates from the extended state toward the performance standby state, the rotation speed of the rotation operating unit A400b is increased as the first operating unit A400 approaches the performance standby state, while rotating at a slow speed at start. Therefore, by increasing the rotation speed of the rotation operating unit A400b near the performance standby state while retaining the afterglow of the start of the rotation operating unit A400b toward the retraction side, the rotation operating unit A400b can be quickly retracted by controlling the drive motor AMT1 to drive at a constant speed.

[0234] This allows the operation of the rotational motion unit A400b to simultaneously generate rotational displacement and linear displacement, and to configure an operating state in which the rotational displacement is noticeable (high rotation speed) and an operating state in which the rotational displacement is not noticeable (low rotation speed) but the linear displacement is noticeable.

[0235] That is, when the first operating unit A400 is caused to perform a clockwise rotational motion as viewed from the rear from the performance standby state (see Figure 24), the relative movement of the movable member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 is hardly caused until the state shown in Figure 25 is reached, and further, in the rotational motion from the state shown in Figure 25, the rotational speed of the first operating unit A400 is gradually reduced when the drive motor AMT1 is driven at a constant speed.

[0236] This allows for a smooth and natural transition between an operating state in which rotational displacement is noticeable and an operating state in which linear displacement is noticeable but rotational displacement is not, with the boundary being the state in which the columnar protrusion A448 is positioned at a position where the tip of the straight line of the second length AD2 coincides with the center line of the guide elongated hole A414.

[0237] As shown in Figures 24 to 26, when the rotational movement unit A400b rotates from the performance standby state, from the start of rotation from Figure 24 to the state shown in Figure 25, the columnar protrusion portion A448 is guided by the arc portion A414a, so no relative movement of the movable member A440 occurs with respect to the base plate member A430, and only rotational movement occurs.

[0238] 25 to 26, the rotation of the rotational motion unit A400b causes the moving member A440 to move relative to the base plate member A430. The relative movement occurs in the order shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0239] Figure 25 shows the first length AD1, second length AD2, third length AD3, and fourth length AD4 shown in Figures 19 and 20. The postures of the first length AD1, second length AD2, third length AD3, and fourth length AD4 shown in Figure 25 correspond to the postures of the rotational motion unit A400b in each state of the first length AD1, second length AD2, third length AD3, and fourth length AD4 shown in Figures 19 and 20.

[0240] That is, when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the state shown in FIG. 25 to the posture of the second length AD2, only the relative movement of the moving member A440 occurs with respect to the base plate member A430 (see FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b)).

[0241] Furthermore, when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the posture of the second length AD2 to the posture of the third length AD3, in addition to the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430, the direction switching member A450 also moves relative to the base plate member A430 (see Figures 19(b) and 20(a)).

[0242] Furthermore, when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the third length AD3 to the position of the fourth length AD4, only the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs (see FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b)).

[0243] In this way, in this embodiment, the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b is accompanied by relative movement of multiple other members, but the start timing of the relative movements of the members is not the same, but is shifted from one another, which makes it possible to avoid a sudden increase in the driving force required for the movement of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0244] The following describes the correspondence between changes in the first length AD1, second length AD2, third length AD3, and fourth length AD4 and changes in posture, as shown in Fig. 25. The angle between the first length AD1 and the second length AD2 and the angle between the second length AD2 and the third length shown on the right are almost the same (about 18 degrees), but the difference between the first length AD1 and the second length AD2 and the difference between the second length AD2 and the third length AD3 is more than three times larger than the former.

[0245] Therefore, when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the second length AD2 to the position of the third length AD3, the movement length of the moving member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 per unit angle is more than three times longer than the movement length of the moving member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the first length AD1 shown on the right to the position of the second length AD2.

[0246] Furthermore, when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the third length AD3 to the position of the fourth length AD4, the movement length of the moving member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 per unit angle is longer than the movement length of the moving member A440 relative to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational motion unit A400b rotates from the position of the second length AD2 to the position of the third length AD3.

[0247] This allows the operating mode of the rotational operation unit A400b to be gradually shifted from a state in which rotational operation is the main focus to a state in which relative movement (linear movement) of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 is the main focus.

[0248] Here, at the end of the rotational movement of the first operating unit A400 toward the extended state (for example, from the position of the third length AD3 to the position of the fourth length AD4 in Figure 25), the moving direction AM1 is configured to be returned to the counterclockwise direction as viewed from behind for the columnar protrusion portion A448, which moves in the clockwise direction as viewed from behind around the rotation axis rod AJ1 (see Figures 19 and 20).

[0249] That is, the angle between the columnar protrusion A448 and the movement direction AM1 is reduced so as to partially offset the rotation angle of the rotational motion unit A400b, thereby suppressing the change in angle of the movement direction AM1 (see FIG. 23) in the state shown in FIG. 26. As a result, even if the rotational motion unit A400b is pushed back slightly by the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b via the damper member A417c (see FIG. 23), the resulting change in angle of the movement direction AM1 can be suppressed.

[0250] This not only makes it difficult for the width of the rotational motion unit A400b to change in the short-side direction when the first motion unit A400 is in the extended state (see Figure 20), but also suppresses the change in the angle of the movement direction AM1, making it easier to stabilize the first motion unit A400 in the extended state.

[0251] Furthermore, since the rotational motion unit A400b is configured to become longer in the longitudinal direction as it approaches the extended state, the air resistance applied to the rotational motion unit A400b from the rotational direction becomes greater as it approaches the tilt end, thereby making it possible to effectively generate a braking action due to the air resistance.

[0252] Furthermore, with the rotational motion unit A400b, the direction switching member A450 and the decorative member A460 protrude in the short direction as the unit approaches the protruding state, increasing the area as viewed in the front-to-back direction. This increases the air resistance against tipping in the front-to-back direction, making it easier to prevent the rotational motion unit A400b from tipping in the front-to-back direction.

[0253] Next, the second operating unit A500 will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 34. Figure 27 is a front perspective view of the second operating unit A500, and Figure 28 is a rear perspective view of the second operating unit A500.

[0254] The second operating unit A500 comprises a support unit A500a held in the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a rotation operating unit A500b supported on the support unit A500a so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis AJ2 located at the lower left side when viewed from the front.

[0255] In the second operating unit A500, the drive motor AMT2 is disposed on the upper right side, and the rotary shaft AJ2 is disposed on the lower left side. This simplifies the structure around the rotary shaft AJ2 compared to when the drive motor AMT2 is disposed near the rotary shaft AJ2, and allows the rotary shaft AJ2 to be positioned closer to the left corner.

[0256] Furthermore, the front-to-rear width of the second operating unit A500 can be made shorter than when the drive motor AMT2 is disposed in front or behind the rotary operating unit A500b, as occurs when the drive motor AMT2 is disposed near the rotary shaft AJ2. Therefore, sufficient space can be secured when multiple movable accessories are stacked in the front-to-rear direction of the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5).

[0257] Furthermore, by orienting the axis of the drive motor AMT2 in the vertical direction, the front-to-rear width is kept to approximately the diameter of the main body of the drive motor AMT2, thereby enabling the front-to-rear width of the second operating unit A500 to be shortened.

[0258] Furthermore, by making the axial direction of the drive motor AMT1 (see Figure 14) and the axial direction of the drive motor AMT2 perpendicular to each other, it is easier to avoid the drive motor AMT2 being moved (malfunctioning) by vibrations (vibrations on a plane perpendicular to the axis) that occur when one of the drive motors AMT1 is driven.

[0259] Fig. 29 is an exploded front perspective view of the second operating unit A500, and Fig. 30 is an exploded rear perspective view of the second operating unit A500. In Figs. 29 and 30, the support unit A500a is shown disassembled, and the rotation operating unit A500b is shown in an undisassembled state.

[0260] The support unit A500a includes a fixed support unit A510 that is fastened to the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a drive transmission unit A520 that has a drive motor AMT2 that is fixedly positioned on the fixed support unit A510 and is configured to be able to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT2 to the rotational motion unit A500b.

[0261] The fixed support unit A510 includes a vertical member A511 fastened to the right side of the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) when viewed from the front, a horizontal member A513 fastened to the upper end side of the vertical member A511, a reinforcing member A515 formed by bending a sheet metal member arranged on the rear side of the horizontal member A513, and a covering member A517 arranged on the lower side of the vertical member A511 and configured to cover the lower end of the rotational motion unit A500b from the front.

[0262] The horizontally elongated member A513 includes a plate-shaped main body A513a formed from a resin material in the shape of a horizontally elongated plate, a guide slot A514 formed through the plate-shaped main body A513a, a support portion A513b formed with a bifurcated protrusion protruding forward at the right end side of the plate-shaped main body A513a so as to be able to support the drive gear A523d of the drive transmission unit A520, a biasing spring A513c having one end supported by the plate-shaped main body A513a, and a damper member A513d having the other end supported by the biasing force of the biasing spring A513c and biased to the left end of its range of motion extending in the left-right direction.

[0263] The shape of the elongated guide hole A514 is symmetrical to the shape of the elongated guide hole A414 (see FIG. 24) described above for the first operating unit A400. As a result, the relationship of the rotational operation of the rotational operation unit A500b (the relationship between the rotation angle and the longitudinal movement width) is the same as the rotational operation described for the rotational operation unit A400b (see FIGS. 21 to 26) except for the left-right symmetry, so a description of the rotational operation of the second operating unit A500 will be omitted.

[0264] The elongated guide hole A514 corresponds to the portion through which the protruding tip of the upper displacement regulation device A214 (see FIG. 6) is inserted. When the upper displacement regulation device A214 is in the protruding state, the protruding tip interferes with the columnar protrusion portion A546 (see FIG. 28) and is configured to restrict the movement of the columnar protrusion portion A546.

[0265] The reinforcing member A515 is a member formed by bending a metal plate, and comprises a plate-shaped main body A515a arranged so as to be attached to the back side of the plate-shaped main body A513a, a pair of retaining bent portions A515b formed by bending the plate-shaped main body A515a and having through holes through which the metal rod AMB2 is inserted, and a long hole A515c drilled in a shape that surrounds the guide long hole A514 from the outside.

[0266] The covering member A517 is a member formed from a resin material and comprises a main body portion A517a formed in a shape in which the left and right side ends and the lower end of the plate-shaped portion extend toward the back side, a cylindrical support portion A517b formed on the main body portion A517a and into which the rotation shaft rod AJ2 of the rotational movement unit A500b is inserted, and a detection sensor A517c for detecting whether the second movement unit A500 is in a performance standby state or an extended state by detecting the position of the rotational movement unit A500b.

[0267] The detection sensor A 517d is usually a photocoupler type sensor, but is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic sensor or a contact type sensor may also be used.

[0268] The drive transmission unit A520 comprises a support member A521 that is fastened to the right end of the horizontal member A513 and supports the drive motor AMT2, a transmission mechanism A523 that is composed of a plurality of rotating members that are rotatably supported on the upper surface side of the support member A521, a left end holding member A525 that holds the rotating member at the left end of the transmission mechanism A523 and is fastened to the horizontal member A513, and a connecting mechanism A527 that connects the transmission mechanism A523 to the rotational operation unit A500b.

[0269] The transmission mechanism A523 includes a circular belt A523a with teeth formed on its inner circumference, a pair of left and right pulleys A523b, A523c with teeth formed on its outer circumference that mesh with the teeth of the belt A523a and are rotatably supported on the horizontal member A513 via the support member A521 and the left end holding member A525 so as to be able to support the belt A523a without slack, a drive gear A523d fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT2 so as not to move relative to it, and a transmission gear portion A523e, which is a gear-shaped portion formed at the lower end of a cylindrical portion extending from the underside of the right pulley A523b in a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis and which meshes with the drive gear A523d.

[0270] The rotation axes of the pulleys 523b and 523c and the drive gear A523d are parallel to each other. As a result, when the drive motor AMT2 is driven and the drive gear A523d rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the transmission gear portion A523e, causing the right pulley A523b to rotate, and the belt A523a is driven in such a manner that the portion of the belt A523a extending in the left-right direction is moved in the left-right direction.

[0271] The left end holding member A525 comprises an upper member A525a formed from a resin material, fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped main body A513a, and rotatably supporting the left pulley A523c, and a lower member A525b formed from a metal material, fastened and fixed to the upper member A525a in an arrangement in which the left pulley A523c is sandwiched between the upper member A525a and the lower member A525b.

[0272] The connecting mechanism A527 comprises a connecting member A527a to which the upper end side of the rotational motion unit A500b is connected and which receives the metal rod AMB2 in a recess A527b on the front side, thereby making the direction of operation left and right, and a prevention member A527c which is fastened and fixed to the connecting member A527a so as to block the recess A527b of the connecting member A527a from the front side, thereby preventing the metal rod AMB2 from falling out from between the connecting member A527a and the connecting member A527a.

[0273] The connecting member A527a has a flat plate-like contact portion A527d at its upper end that comes into contact with the rear surface of the belt 523a, and the preventing member A527c has a saw-toothed contact portion A527e at a position corresponding to the contact portion A527d.

[0274] By sandwiching the belt A523a between the abutment portion A527d and the sawtooth abutment portion A527e while the abutment portion A527d is positioned opposite the flat portion (outer peripheral portion) of the belt A523a and the sawtooth abutment portion A527e is positioned opposite the sawtooth portion (inner peripheral portion) of the belt A523a, it is possible to prevent misalignment due to slippage of the flat abutment portion A527d and the sawtooth abutment portion A527e relative to the belt A523a.

[0275] The connecting member A527a has columnar fastening portions formed thereon for fastening and fixing to the prevention member A527c, and the connecting mechanism A527 is designed so that a pulley A527g is rotatably supported on one of these fastening portions, and the metal bar AMB2 is placed in a groove on the outer periphery of the pulley A527g. This reduces the operating resistance generated between the connecting mechanism A527 and the metal bar AMB2, thereby reducing the driving force required of the drive motor AMT2 to operate the second operating unit A500 and enabling the drive motor AMT2 to be made more compact.

[0276] With this structure, the connecting mechanism A527 is moved left and right, guided by the metal bar AMB2, as the drive motor AMT2 is driven to rotate and the right pulley A523b is rotated through gear transmission, causing the part of the belt A523a extending left and right to move left and right.

[0277] The connecting member A527a has a guide slot A527f extending in the vertical direction, through which the columnar protrusion A546 of the rotational motion unit A500b is inserted. The columnar protrusion A546 of the rotational motion unit A500b is inserted into the guide slot A527f and the guide slot A514 of the fixed support unit A510, so that as the connecting mechanism A527 is moved left and right, the columnar protrusion A546 of the rotational motion unit A500b is moved up and down and left and right.

[0278] In this way, a driving force is transmitted to the rotational motion unit A500b via the connecting mechanism A527 which moves in the left-right direction, and the rotational motion unit A500b is displaced. Details of the rotational motion unit A500b will be explained below.

[0279] Fig. 31 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotational motion unit A500b, and Fig. 32 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotational motion unit A500b. As shown in Fig. 31 and Fig. 32, the rotational motion unit A500b comprises a base member A530 rotatably supported at its lower end by the rotational shaft AJ2, a moving member A540 connected to the base member A530 so as to be slidable in a linear direction passing through the rotational shaft AJ2 on a plane perpendicular to the rotational shaft AJ2, and a movable member A540 inserted through the base member A530 and the moving member A540 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the sliding movement of the moving member A540. The device comprises a switching member A550, a change member A560 that changes its position or posture by moving the direction switching member A550, thereby making it appear to the player that the length of the short side of the rotational motion unit 500b is changing, and a covering member A570 that is fixed to the base member A530 via a fixed support member A565 and is arranged and fixed in front of the change member A560 so that the moving member A540 and the direction switching member A550 are positioned in the space formed between the change member A560 and the base member A530.

[0280] The base member A530 comprises a long, plate-shaped main body A531, a pair of upper and lower guide elongated holes A532 drilled as elongated holes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped main body A531, a plurality of functional elongated holes A533 drilled at a position between the pair of guide elongated holes A532 in a shape combining the vertical direction and a direction inclined left and right, a spatial component A534 fastened to both ends of the shorter side of the lower end of the plate-shaped main body A531 so as to form a space between it and the plate-shaped main body A531, a support hole A535 drilled in the front-to-rear direction in the spatial component A534 and supported by the rotating shaft rod AJ2, and a pair of protruding insertion portions A536 formed to protrude in the shorter side direction of the plate-shaped main body A531 above the position where the spatial component A534 is fastened and fixed, and function as insertion portions for fastening screws.

[0281] The functional long hole A533 is composed of four long holes: a pair of upper and lower long holes and another pair of upper and lower long holes that have an inverted shape compared to the first pair of long holes, and the shapes of each long hole are the same except for the inversion relationship.

[0282] Of the multiple functional slots A533, a pair of upper and lower slots are formed at positions obtained by moving one slot parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide slot A532. In other words, the corresponding portions of the pair of upper and lower slots are on the same line or maintain a parallel arrangement.

[0283] Of the functional elongated holes A533, one pair of upper and lower elongated holes and another pair of upper and lower elongated holes are offset in the extension direction of the guide elongated holes A532. This configuration makes it easier to utilize the free space compared to when the holes are not offset, and makes it easier to ensure the length of the functional elongated holes A533 in the short direction of the plate-shaped main body A531 while reducing the length of the plate-shaped main body A531 in the short direction.

[0284] The space forming member A534 has a plate-shaped detection piece A534a that protrudes in a plate shape from the lower end on the front side in a direction away from the support hole A535. The plate-shaped detection piece A534a is formed in a front-rear position so that it can be placed in the detection groove of the detection sensor A517c (see FIG. 30).

[0285] The plate-shaped detection piece A534a is formed on the side (front side) where the rotary shaft rod AJ2 is supported. This minimizes positional deviation of the plate-shaped detection piece A534a even if the rotary shaft rod AJ2 is bent (tilted) due to deformation of the rotary shaft rod AJ2, making it easier to avoid the plate-shaped detection piece A534a being positioned out of the front-to-rear position where it fits into the detection groove of the detection sensor A517c.

[0286] The position of the plate-shaped detection piece A534a is detected by the detection sensor A517c, so that the posture of the rotational motion unit A500b can be grasped, and therefore, even when multiple motion units A400 to A600 are driven by individual drive sources, collisions between each other can be avoided.

[0287] The movable member A540 comprises a plate-shaped main body A541 made of a resin material, a light-emitting substrate A542 that is fastened to the front side of the plate-shaped main body A541 and has a plurality of light-emitting means such as LEDs arranged on the front side, a decorative member A543 that is fastened to the plate-shaped main body A541 and has a shape that covers the upper side of the light-emitting substrate A542 and has a portion that can transmit light from the light-emitting means of the light-emitting substrate A542, a pair of insertion protrusions A544 that protrude to an extent that they can be inserted into the guide elongated holes A532 of the base member A530, a plurality of auxiliary elongated holes A545 that are drilled at positions corresponding to the functional elongated holes A533 of the base member A530 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide elongated holes A532, and a columnar protrusion A546 that protrudes from the upper left corner of the plate-shaped main body A541 to the rear side and is inserted into the guide elongated hole A527f (see Figure 30) of the drive transmission unit A520.

[0288] By configuring the movable member A540 in this manner, it is possible to brightly illuminate the decorative member A543 with light emitted from the light-emitting means disposed on the light-emitting substrate A542. In addition, the light-emitting means, such as LEDs, disposed on the light-emitting substrate A542 include not only LEDs with their optical axes facing forward (perpendicular to the front surface of the substrate), but also LEDs with their optical axes facing sideways (parallel to the front surface of the substrate), particularly at the short ends. This improves the effect of the light-based presentation, as will be described in detail below.

[0289] When the second operating unit A500 is in a standby state for performance (see FIG. 27), the lower end of the movable member A540 is disposed in the space formed between the plate-like main body A531 of the base member A530 and the space forming member A534. That is, the movable member A540 is configured to be able to overlap with the rotation shaft rod AJ2 inserted through the support hole A535 in a front view, thereby improving the degree of freedom in arranging the movable member A540.

[0290] The decorative member A543 has a translucent region A543a extending in the longitudinal direction in the center in the lateral direction, and plated regions A543b on both sides of the translucent region A543a in the lateral direction where plating is applied.

[0291] As a result, even if the placement of the board is restricted to the center of the short side due to the formation of the functional long hole A533 and the auxiliary long hole A545, the front-facing light emission effect is achieved in the translucent area A543a near the center of the short side, and the other plated area A543b is achieved by reflection from the plating, thereby avoiding a reduction in the presentation effect.

[0292] Furthermore, the short ends of the decorative member A543 do not extend to the rear side and do not cover the sides of the light-emitting substrate A542. This prevents the light emitted laterally from the light-emitting substrate A542 from being attenuated by the decorative member A543, allowing the light to sufficiently illuminate the target object in the light-emitting effect.

[0293] The insertion protrusion A544 is configured to be inserted into the elongated guide hole A532 of the base member A530 and to be prevented from falling out of the elongated guide hole A532 by the screw and collar member AC1 threaded into the tip. With this configuration, the moving member A540 is configured to be movable along the elongated guide hole A532 relative to the base member A530.

[0294] The direction switching member A550 is composed of a set of corresponding left and right members, and includes a corresponding plate-shaped main body A551, front columnar portions A552 arranged in a pair in the longitudinal direction and protruding toward the front side from the left and right inner parts of the plate-shaped main body A551, back columnar portions A553 arranged in a pair in the longitudinal direction and protruding toward the back side in the same straight line as the protruding direction of the front columnar portions A552, through holes A554 drilled in the longitudinal direction on the left and right outer parts of the plate-shaped main body A551, movable decorative members A555 fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped main body A551 at the left and right outer and upper outer peripheral ends of the plate-shaped main body A551 so as to maintain space between them to allow the movable member A540 to be placed, and a through hole A556 drilled in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the through hole A554) from the lower end of the movable decorative member A555.

[0295] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 are made of a colored, transparent, light-transmitting resin material in consideration of the presentation. In particular, the resin is yellow, which improves the color continuity with the gold-plated area A543b (gold plating) of the movable member A540, thereby improving the light-emitting presentation effect when the movable member A540 is in operation.

[0296] If the plate-shaped main body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 can be made of identically shaped components, it may be possible to use common components, which may be preferable. In contrast, in this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 are made of two corresponding components, and although they are not made of exactly the same shape, this difference in shape is designed based on functional requirements.

[0297] For example, the difference in shape at the upper end is due to the formation of a notch on the side where the columnar protrusion A546 of the moving member A540 is located to avoid interference with the columnar protrusion A546.

[0298] Furthermore, for example, the difference in the arrangement of the front columnar portion A552 and the rear columnar portion A553 is that the functional slots A533 and the auxiliary slots A545 are disposed in asymmetric positions, resulting in different shapes.

[0299] By having the rear side configuration take care of such functional requirements, the design freedom of the shape of the front side of the movable decorative member A555 that is visible to the player can be improved, and in this embodiment, by making the shape symmetrical from left to right, the presentation effect of the rotational movement unit A500b can be improved.

[0300] The front columnar portion A552 is inserted into the auxiliary elongated hole A545 of the movable member A540, and the rear columnar portion A553 is inserted into the functional elongated hole A533 of the base member A530. This allows the direction switching member A550 to be displaced in the direction in which the auxiliary elongated hole A545 extends, depending on the arrangement of the movable member A540 relative to the base member A530.

[0301] The rear columnar portion A553 is inserted into the functional elongated hole A533 of the base member A530 and is configured to be prevented from falling off from the functional elongated hole A533 by a screw and a collar member AC1 that are screwed into the tip.

[0302] On the other hand, since the movable member A540 is connected to the base member A530 by the insertion protrusion A544 and the direction switching member A550 is connected by the rear columnar portion A553, which is sufficient to prevent them from falling off, a collar member AC1 is arranged between the front columnar portion A552 and the movable member A540, and no prevention of falling off by screwing in a screw is performed.

[0303] As a result, even if the light-emitting substrate A542 is formed very close to the auxiliary elongated hole A545, there is no friction between the collar member AC1 and the light-emitting substrate A542, so the durability of the light-emitting substrate A542 is not reduced and the design freedom of the shape of the light-emitting substrate A542 can be improved.

[0304] In addition, it is possible to prevent the screw head from interfering with the moving decorative member A555, and shorten the front-to-back distance between the moving decorative member A555 and the moving member A540, thereby shortening the front-to-back thickness of the direction switching member A550.

[0305] The change member A560 is composed of a pair of left and right members, and includes a guide support member A561 that is supported in a displaceable manner in the through hole A554 of the direction switching member A550 (capable of rotational displacement and displacement in the direction in which the through hole A554 extends), a wing-shaped member A562 to which the guide support member A561 is fastened to the back side, an intermediate displacement member A563 that is rotatably supported by the wing-shaped member A562, a fixed member A564 that is fastened to the wing-shaped member A562 in a position where the intermediate displacement member A563 is sandwiched between it and the wing-shaped member A562, a fixed support member A565 that is fastened to the protruding insertion portion A536 of the base member A530 and rotatably supports the intermediate displacement member A563, and a fixed member A566 that is fastened to the fixed support member A565 in a position where the intermediate displacement member A563 is sandwiched between it and the fixed support member A565.

[0306] The wing-shaped member A562 is a columnar portion that rotatably supports the intermediate displacement member A563, and is equipped with a support fastening portion A562a to which the fixing member A564 is fastened by screwing a fastening screw into the female thread formed at the tip, and a fastened portion A562b to which the guide support member A561 is fastened.

[0307] The intermediate displacement member A563 is a plate-shaped member and includes a first through hole A563a through which the support fastening portion A562a is inserted, a second through hole A563b through which the fixed support member A565 is inserted and which is rotatably supported by the fixed support member A565, and an insertion protrusion A563c which is inserted into the through hole A556 of the direction switching member A550 and is supported so as to be displaceable (capable of rotational displacement and displacement in the direction in which the through hole A556 extends).

[0308] The fixed support member A565 has a symmetrical shape with a pair of straight legs formed from the outer periphery of the arc-shaped portion, and is equipped with a columnar fixing portion A565a that protrudes from the lower end of the leg toward the back side in a columnar shape and is fastened and fixed to the protruding insertion portion A536 of the base member A530, and a columnar support portion A565b that protrudes toward the back side at the upper left and right ends of the arc-shaped portion and rotatably supports the second through hole A563b of the intermediate displacement member A563.

[0309] The columnar support portion A565b has a female thread formed at its tip, and a fastening screw inserted into the insertion hole A566a of the fixing member A566 is screwed into the female thread, thereby fastening and fixing the fixing member A566 to the fixing support member A565 in a manner that prevents the intermediate displacement member A563 from falling off from the fixing support member A565.

[0310] In this embodiment, in addition to the insertion hole A566a, an insertion hole A566b is also provided as the insertion portion for the fastening screw of the fixing member A566, through which the fastening screw is inserted to fasten and fix the fixing member A566 to the fixing support member A565 without sandwiching any other member therebetween.

[0311] Therefore, the screwing positions of the fastening screws can be changed flexibly. For example, fastening screws may be inserted and screwed into all of the insertion holes A566a and A566b. In this case, the strength of the columnar support A565b can be improved by the strength of the fastening screws, making it easier to prevent the columnar support A565b from being damaged and the intermediate displacement member A563 from falling off.

[0312] Also, for example, a fastening screw may be inserted and screwed into either the insertion hole A566a or the insertion hole A566b. In this case, the number of fastening screws required can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the product.

[0313] The covering member A570 comprises a translucent region A571 extending longitudinally in the center of the short side, a plated region A572 having plating applied to both short sides of the translucent region A571, a pair of claw-shaped portions A573 extending from the outer short side ends to the back side on the back side of the plated region A572 and formed by bending the extended ends, and a plurality of fastened column-shaped portions A574 fastened to the fixed support member A565.

[0314] The translucent region A571 and the plated region A572 make it possible to maintain a high light-emitting effect even when the shape of the light-emitting substrate A542 is restricted to a shape that does not interfere with the auxiliary slot A545. That is, the light-emitting effect is performed in the translucent region A571 near the center in the short side direction, and the other plated regions A572 perform the effect by using reflection from the plating, thereby avoiding a decrease in the effect of the light-emitting effect.

[0315] The claw-shaped portions A573 are configured to support and guide both short sides of the decorative member A543 of the movable member A540. This makes it possible to suppress displacement of the movable member A540 in the front-to-rear direction, making it easier to prevent the movable member A540 from tipping forward or backward relative to the base member A530, particularly in the extended state (see FIG. 9).

[0316] The fastened columnar portion A574 is positioned at a position corresponding to the central side portion of a pair of legs of the fixed support member A565 and the central portion of the arc-shaped portion, and is fastened to the fixed support member A565 by screwing in fastening screws inserted into the fixed support member A565 at each position.

[0317] Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a), and 34(b) are rear views of the rotational motion unit A500b. Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a), and 34(b) chronologically illustrate the relative movement of the moving member A540 of the rotational motion unit A500b with respect to the base member A530. Note that the collar member AC1 is not shown in Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a), and 34(b).

[0318] Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a) and 34(b) illustrate the relative movement from the rotational movement unit A500b (see Figure 33(a)) in the performance standby state (see Figure 7) of the second movement unit A500 to the rotational movement unit A500b (see Figure 34(b)) in the extended state (see Figure 9).

[0319] The guide slots A532 are a pair of slots that extend parallel to one another, but are not aligned in a straight line. The upper guide slot A532 is formed in the center of the base member A530 in the short-side direction, while the lower guide slot A532 is positioned slightly off-center in the short-side direction so as to avoid the rotation shaft AJ2.

[0320] In this way, even if the elongated guide holes A532 are slightly misaligned, the movable member A540 is supported by the pair of elongated guide holes A532, so the movable member A540 can be moved smoothly in the direction in which the elongated guide holes A532 extend. Furthermore, by misaligning the elongated guide holes A532 in this way, the rotation shaft AJ2 can be disposed at the center position in the short side direction of the base member A530.

[0321] The functional elongated hole A533 comprises a first parallel portion A533a extending parallel to the extension direction of the guide elongated hole A532, an inclined portion A533b formed so that one end is connected to the first parallel portion A533a and extending linearly in a direction inclined relative to the first parallel portion A533a, and a second parallel portion A533c formed so that the other end is connected to the inclined portion A533b and extending parallel to the extension direction of the first parallel portion A533a.

[0322] Here, Figure 33(a) illustrates a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is positioned at the end side of the first parallel portion A533a, Figure 33(b) illustrates a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is positioned at the intersection of the first parallel portion A533a and the inclined portion A533b, Figure 34(a) illustrates a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is positioned at the intersection of the inclined portion A533b and the second parallel portion A533c, and Figure 34(b) illustrates a state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is positioned at the end side of the second parallel portion A533c.

[0323] The first parallel portion A533a is formed to be sufficiently long so that even if the moving member A540 starts to move relative to the base member A530 from the state shown in Fig. 33(a), the direction switching member A550 is unlikely to move in the short-side direction of the moving member A540 for a while (until the state shown in Fig. 33(b)).

[0324] In the operation of the second operating unit A500, the relative movement of the movable member A540 with respect to the base member A530 is performed simultaneously with the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A500b around the rotational axis rod AJ2, but from the state shown in FIG. 33(a) to the state shown in FIG. 33(b), the rotational movement unit A500b can be rotated while maintaining its appearance of being short in the short side width.

[0325] The inclined portion A533b extends outward in the short side direction of the base member A530 from the position where the first parallel portion A533a is formed. Therefore, when the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is arranged on the first parallel portion A533a and the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530 and the rear columnar portion A553 enters the inclined portion A533b, the direction switching member A550 moves outward in the short side direction of the moving member A540.

[0326] The pair of rear columnar portions A553 of the direction switching member A550 are inserted into a pair of auxiliary elongated holes A545 (see FIG. 32) and are guided in parallel, so that the relative movement of the direction switching member A550 with respect to the moving member A540 is parallel movement in the short direction of the moving member A540.

[0327] The speed of the movement is proportional to the speed at which the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530 because the inclined portion A533b is formed linearly, which makes it easier to perform an action performance in which the moving member A540 and the direction switching member A550 move in conjunction with each other.

[0328] The second parallel portion A533c is not as long as the first parallel portion A533a and is formed to have the minimum necessary length. The purpose of forming the second parallel portion A533c is to improve the dramatic effect of the rotational motion unit A500b.

[0329] In other words, when the second operating unit A500 is driven to the extended state and the drive motor AMT2 (see Figure 29) is stopped, the connecting mechanism A527 is pushed back slightly by the force applied to the damper member A513d by the spring A513c, and even if the movable member A540 moves in the opposite direction (return direction) relative to the base member A530, the presence of the second parallel portion A533c makes it possible to prevent the position of the direction switching member A550 in the short direction of the movable member A540 from changing.

[0330] This makes it easier to maintain the appearance of the second operating unit A500 in the extended state (the short-side length of the rotation operating unit A500b) even if a push-back action occurs due to the biasing force of the biasing spring A513c (see Figure 29), which can occur when adopting control to stop the drive of the drive motor AMT2 when the second operating unit A500 is in the extended state.

[0331] Here, the differences between the rotational motion unit A500b of the second motion unit A500 and the rotational motion unit A400b of the first motion unit A400 will be described. First, as described above, in the rotational motion unit A500b, the guide elongated holes A532 are not arranged in a straight line.

[0332] In the rotational motion unit A500b of the second motion unit A500, the functional elongated holes A533 are not aligned in the lateral direction of the base member A530 but are shifted in the longitudinal direction. This allows some of the functional elongated holes A533 formed on the opposite side in the lateral direction to fit into the gaps between the functional elongated holes A533 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the base member A530, thereby shortening the lateral length of the base member A530.

[0333] The rear columnar portions A553 of the direction switching member A550 are configured to be vertically offset in accordance with the vertical offset of the functional slots A533. This allows the timing of the left and right direction switching members A550 to move in opposite directions (the short-side directions of the moving member A540) to be synchronized.

[0334] In the rotational motion unit A400b, the functional elongated hole A444 is formed in the moving member A440, but in the rotational motion unit A500b, the functional elongated hole A533 is formed in the base member A530.

[0335] For this reason, in the first operating unit A400, as the rotational operating unit A400b rotates and the movable member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, the functional long hole A444 also moves relative to the base plate member A430 (see Figures 19 and 20), but in the second operating unit A500, even if the rotational operating unit A500b rotates and the movable member A540 moves relative to the base member A530, the arrangement of the functional long hole A533 does not move relative to the base member A530.

[0336] Conversely, in the first operating unit A400, an auxiliary elongated hole A433 (see Figure 17) is formed in the base plate member A430, while in the second operating unit A500, an auxiliary elongated hole A545 is formed in the movable member A540 (see Figure 32), so the correspondence is reversed.

[0337] Due to this relationship, the functional elongated hole A533 formed in the rotational motion unit A500b of the second motion unit A500 is upside down with respect to the functional elongated hole A444 formed in the rotational motion unit A400b of the first motion unit A400.

[0338] In this way, by reversing the vertical relationship of the functional elongated holes A444, A533 to the auxiliary elongated holes A433, A545, the rotational motion unit A500b can also achieve an operating mode similar to that of the rotational motion unit A400b, in which the length of the rotational motion unit A500b in the short direction increases as it extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0339] In the second operating unit A500, the arrangement of the direction switching member A550 in the longitudinal direction of the rotational operating unit A500b corresponds to the arrangement of the auxiliary elongated hole A545 of the moving member A540. Therefore, as the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530 in the longitudinal direction of the rotational operating unit A500b, the direction switching member A550 moves in the longitudinal direction of the rotational operating unit A500b by an amount similar to the amount of movement of the moving member A540, and at the same time, moves in the lateral direction of the moving member A540.

[0340] That is, the movement of the direction switching member A550 is a relative movement in the short direction of the moving member A540 (a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide slot A532) with respect to the moving member A540, and a relative movement in the formation direction of the functional slot A533 with respect to the base member A530.

[0341] The change member A560 has its second through hole A563b supported by the columnar support portion A565b of the fixed support member A565 fixed to the base member A530, while its insertion protrusion A563c is supported by the through hole A556 of the displaceable direction switching member A550, and the guide support member A561 is supported by the displaceable through hole A554. This allows the change member A560 to rotate in accordance with the amount of displacement of the movable member A540 in the short direction with the base member A530 as a fulcrum, a displacement different from the displacement of the movable member A540 and the displacement of the direction switching member A550.

[0342] In addition, as the second operating unit A500 changes from the performance standby state to the extended state, the rotation operating unit A500b changes so that the distance between the rotation axis rod AJ2 and the columnar protrusion A546 gradually increases, and accordingly the angle between the line passing through the rotation axis rod AJ2 and the columnar protrusion A546 and the line extending in the longitudinal direction of the rotation operating unit A500b (the direction of movement of the moving member A540) gradually decreases, which is the same as what was described above in the explanation of the first operating unit A400 with reference to Figures 19 and 20, so explanation will be omitted here.

[0343] Next, the third operating unit A600 will be described with reference to Figures 35 to 42. Figure 35 is a front perspective view of the third operating unit A600, and Figure 36 is a rear perspective view of the third operating unit A600.

[0344] The third operating unit A600 includes a support unit A600a held by the rear case A210 (see FIG. 5), and an opening / closing operating unit A600b supported by the support unit A600a so as to be movable up and down.

[0345] Fig. 37 is an exploded front perspective view of the third operating unit A600, and Fig. 38 is an exploded rear perspective view of the third operating unit A600. In Fig. 37 and Fig. 38, the support unit A600a is shown disassembled, and the opening / closing operating unit A600b is shown in an undisassembled state.

[0346] The support unit A600a includes a fixed support unit A610 that is fastened to the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a drive transmission unit A620 that has a drive motor AMT3 that is fixedly positioned on the fixed support unit A610 and is configured to be able to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT3 to the opening / closing operation unit A600b.

[0347] The fixed support unit A610 comprises a horizontal member A611 fastened to the lower part of the bottom wall portion A211 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) when viewed from the front, a decorative member A613 fastened to the upper right side portion of the horizontal member A611, a right side member A615 fastened to the horizontal member A611 below the decorative member A613, and a left side member A617 fastened to the left side portion of the horizontal member A611 with a space between them allowing the drive transmission unit A620 to move.

[0348] The horizontal member A611 comprises a plate-shaped main body A611a, a pair of support formation portions A611b formed by bending the upper and lower ends of the plate-shaped main body A611a toward the front side, and a lifting support rod A611c formed from a metal cylindrical member that is inserted into and fixed to the support formation portions A611b in the vertical direction.

[0349] The lifting support rod A611c is supported by the support formation portion A611b while being inserted into the rear side of the opening / closing operation unit A600b, thereby guiding the lifting and lowering direction of the opening / closing operation unit A600b and functioning to maintain the front-to-back positioning of the opening / closing operation unit A600b relative to the plate-shaped main body A611a.

[0350] The decorative member A613 has a main body A613a formed in a box shape with an open back side, and a protruding portion A613b formed by protruding leftward from the left end of the front side surface of the main body A613a. The protruding portion A613b functions to prevent the opening / closing operation unit A600b from tipping forward when the third operation unit A600 is in a standby state for performance, as will be described in detail below.

[0351] The right-side member A615, together with the left-side member A617, supports the light guide plate unit A700 (see FIG. 5), and is a member to which the light guide plate unit A700 is fastened and fixed. That is, the opening / closing operation unit A600b is disposed behind the light guide plate unit A700 when the third operation unit A600 is in the standby state for performance, and is configured to be displaced upward toward the center of the light guide plate unit A700 when the opening / closing operation unit A600b is changed to the protruding state.

[0352] The left side member A617 comprises a plate-shaped main body A617a, a support portion A617b formed in a cylindrical shape protruding from the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A617a, a fan-shaped through hole A617c drilled along an arc centered on the support portion A617b, a torsion spring A617d biased in the upward direction, wound around a metal rod arranged in the plate-shaped main body A617a and coaxial with the support portion A617b, with one end fixed and the other end arranged in a position facing the fan-shaped through hole A617c, and a box-shaped spring A617d formed below the plate-shaped main body A617a and with an open rear side. The box-shaped portion A617e includes a box-shaped portion A617e, a support portion A617f formed to protrude cylindrically from the back side of the box-shaped portion A617e, an insertion hole A617g drilled in the box-shaped portion A617e large enough to allow the insertion of the drive gear AMG3 of the drive motor AMT3, a covering portion A617h extending from the lower edge of the insertion hole A617g to the back side with an arc-shaped cross section and partially covering the insertion hole A617g at the extended end, and a detection sensor A617i fastened to the back side of the box-shaped portion A617e with the detection gap facing the support portion A617f.

[0353] The covering portion A617h functions as a stopper that prevents the drive gear AMG3 from coming off the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT3 and falling off to the rear side, thereby preventing the drive gear AMG3 from falling off the drive motor AMT3.

[0354] The detection sensor A617i is a device that detects the position of the drive transmission unit A620, thereby making it possible to determine whether the third operating unit A600 is in a performance standby state or an extended state.

[0355] The drive transmission unit A620 includes a rotational movement member A621 supported by a support portion A617b so as to be rotatable between the horizontal member A611 and the left side member A617 and connected to the opening / closing movement unit A600b, and a transmission member A625 rotatably supported by a support portion A617f so as to be able to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT3 to the rotational movement member A621.

[0356] The rotational movement member A621 comprises a plate-shaped main body A621a, an insertion hole A621b drilled at an end of the plate-shaped main body A621a so that the support portion A617b of the left side member A617 can be inserted therethrough, a transmission elongated hole A621c drilled as an elongated hole whose longitudinal straight line passes through the insertion hole A621b, a spring receiving protrusion A621d protruding toward the front side from the upper end near the insertion hole A621b and receiving the other end of the torsion spring A617d, and an insertion protrusion A621e protruding cylindrically toward the front side at the end opposite the end where the insertion hole A621b of the plate-shaped main body A621a is located and inserted into the opening / closing movement unit A600b.

[0357] The rotational movement member A621 is rotatably supported on the left side member A617 by inserting the support portion A617b into the insertion hole A621b. A retaining screw threaded into the tip of the support portion A617b is configured to be attachable and detachable through the through hole A611d of the horizontally elongated member A611. That is, in this embodiment, an assembly procedure can be adopted in which the left side member A617 is fastened to the horizontally elongated member A611, and then the screw is threaded into the tip of the support portion A617b.

[0358] The transmission member A625 comprises a main gear portion A625a that meshes with the drive gear AMG3, a protruding portion A625b that protrudes like a flange from the entire circumference on the back side of the main gear portion A625a, an insertion protrusion A625c that protrudes cylindrically from the outer peripheral end of the protruding portion A625b toward the back side, and an extension portion A625d that is bent and formed from the outer peripheral end of the protruding portion A625b and extends in a direction away from the rotation axis.

[0359] The insertion protrusion A625c is inserted into the transmission slot A621c of the rotational movement member A621 via the collar member AC1, thereby allowing the rotation of the transmission member A625 and the rotation of the rotational movement member A621 to be linked together.

[0360] The extension A625d is disposed at a position that allows it to cross the detection gap of the detection sensor A617i. That is, the corresponding control device can determine the posture of the transmission member A625 depending on whether the extension A625d is disposed in the detection gap of the detection sensor A617i.

[0361] FIG. 39 is an exploded front perspective view of the opening / closing unit A600b, and FIG. 40 is an exploded rear perspective view of the opening / closing unit A600b. The opening / closing operation unit A600b includes a plate-shaped member A630 made of a resin material, a space-forming member A640 fastened to the front side of the plate-shaped member A630 so as to form a space between it and the plate-shaped member A630, a pair of moving members A650 movably supported in the space between the plate-shaped member A630 and the space-forming member A640, a drive motor AMT4 fastened to the plate-shaped member A630, a drive transmission unit A660 configured to be able to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT4 to the moving member A650, a rear cover member A670 fastened to the plate-shaped member A630 so as to sandwich the drive transmission unit A660 between it and the plate-shaped member A630, and a guide unit A680 fastened to the rear cover member A670 so as to sandwich the lifting support rod A611c between it and the rear cover member A670.

[0362] The plate-shaped member A630 comprises a plate-shaped main body A631, a protruding support portion A632 that protrudes cylindrically from the back side of the plate-shaped main body A631, a pair of arc-shaped holes A633 that are drilled in an arc shape centered on the protruding support portion A632, a protruding support portion A634 that protrudes parallel to the protruding support portion A632, and a frame-shaped portion A635 that protrudes toward the back side in a frame shape along the outer edge of the plate-shaped main body A631 to form a space between it and the back cover member A670.

[0363] The space forming member A640 includes a main body member A641 that forms a framework, a light-transmitting member A642 that is fastened to the front side of the main body member A641, a non-transmitting plated member A643 that is hollowed out to surround the light-transmitting member A642 and has a plating applied to the front side, and is fastened to the main body member A641, a light-emitting substrate A644 that is formed so as to be able to irradiate light over the entire area of ​​the light-transmitting member A642 and is fastened to the main body member A641, and a detection sensor A645 that is arranged on the back side of the main body member A641 to detect the position of the movable member A650.

[0364] The main body member A641 has a pair of guide grooves A641a elongated in the left-right direction on the back side, and stopper portions A641b formed to protrude near the ends of the guide grooves A641a. The guide grooves A641a are a pair of grooves aligned parallel to one another, and are elongated, linear grooves extending from the upper left to the lower right, and are configured to guide the movement of the movable member A650. The stopper portions A641b are protrusions that prevent the movable member A650 from falling off the space forming member A640, and are configured to be engageable with the movable member A650 located at the end position of its movement range.

[0365] A flat cable A644a extending from the light emitting substrate A644 enables power to be supplied to the moving member A650. In this embodiment, the flat cable A644a is arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the guide groove portion A641a. This makes it easier to avoid excessive load being applied to the flat cable A644a when the moving member A650 moves, and improves the durability of the flat cable A644a.

[0366] The movable member A650 comprises a main body member A651 that is composed of a pair of members of the same shape arranged rotationally symmetrically to form a framework, and a decorative member A655 that is formed in a different shape and fastened to the corresponding main body member A651.

[0367] By configuring it in this way, the shape of the parts where the driving force is transmitted can be made common, which simplifies the transmission mechanism and allows the use of a resin mold, while by arranging decorative member A655 on the side visible to the player, it is possible to prevent the simplified shape from affecting the presentation.

[0368] The main body member A651 includes a long main body portion A652 that is arranged in a position where its longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the guide groove portion A641a and that is extended from the side that becomes the leading edge when moving outward in the left-right direction to the front side, thereby forming an L-shape when viewed from above, and a pair of roller members A653 that are configured to be rotatable and are sized so that they can be placed inside the guide groove portion A641a.

[0369] The elongated main body portion A652 includes a stopper portion A652a that is positioned opposite the stopper portion A641b and can come into contact with it when moving outward in the left-right direction, a detectable portion A652b that extends in a plate-like shape in the short direction from approximately the center in the longitudinal direction, and a rectangular recessed portion A652c that extends in the short direction and is recessed from the back side.

[0370] The detected portion A652b is disposed in a shape that allows it to cross the detection groove of the detection sensor A645. By arranging the detected portion A652b in the detection groove of the detection sensor A645, the corresponding control device can be made to recognize that the moving member A650 has reached the end of its movement.

[0371] In this embodiment, the detection sensor A645 is arranged only on the lower side of the lower main body member A651, so it is sufficient for the detected portion A652b to be arranged on the lower main body member A651, and the detected portion A652b is not necessary on the upper main body member A651, but since the resin mold is shared, the detected portion A652b is also formed on the upper main body member A651.

[0372] The roller members A653 function to reduce the operating resistance of the moving member A650 against the guide groove portion A641 a. That is, compared to when the moving member A650 slides against the guide groove portion A641 a, the rolling of the roller members A653 can reduce the frictional force, allowing the moving member A650 to move more smoothly.

[0373] The decorative member A655 is a member that is fastened and fixed to the front side of the end opposite the end where the stoppered portion A652a of the main member A651 is arranged, and includes a translucent member A656 formed from a light-transmitting resin material, a frame-shaped member A657 formed in a frame shape surrounding the translucent member, and a light-emitting substrate A658 that includes light-emitting means such as an LED that irradiates light toward the translucent member A656 and the frame-shaped member A657.

[0374] Fastening the decorative member A655 and the main body member A651 together forms a U-shape with one end open in the left or right direction when viewed from above. The flat cable A644a is arranged inside this U-shape, and one end of the flat cable A644a is connected to the light-emitting substrate A658. This configuration prevents the flat cable A644a from protruding outside the main body member A651 or the decorative member A655 and being visible to the player.

[0375] The decorative member A655 is arranged to cover the front side of the translucent member A642 when the movable members A650 are in a closed state (see Figure 7) in which they are placed close to each other, and when the movable members A650 are in an open state (see B5) in which they are separated from each other, it is arranged to move away from the front side of the translucent member A642 so that the translucent member A642 and the decorative member A655 can be seen at the same time.

[0376] In other words, it is possible to switch between a state in which only the decorative member A655 is visible to create a light-emitting effect, and a state in which the translucent member A642 is placed between the decorative members A655 and both are visible at the same time to create a light-emitting effect, depending on the position of the movable member A650.

[0377] The drive transmission unit A660 includes a drive gear A661 fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT4 so as not to rotate relative to the drive shaft, a rotating plate member A662 rotatably supported on the protruding support portion A632 of the plate-shaped member A630, and a transmission gear A663 rotatably supported on the protruding support portion A634 of the plate-shaped member A630, which links the drive gear A661 and the rotating plate member A662.

[0378] The rotating plate member A662 includes a through hole A662a drilled to allow the protruding support portion A632 to pass through, a pair of fan-shaped plate portions A662b formed in a fan shape centered on the through hole A662a, an arc-shaped gear portion A662c having gear teeth that mesh with the transmission gear A663 formed on the arc-shaped portion of one of the fan-shaped plate portions A662b, and a pair of protruding portions A662d protruding cylindrically on the front side of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b at positions rotationally symmetrical about the through hole A662a (positions shifted by 180 degrees in this embodiment).

[0379] The rotating plate member A662 is not a circular disk-shaped member, but is formed in a shape like a circle with a portion cut out, thereby reducing the area where friction occurs between the rotating plate member A662 and the plate-shaped main body A631. This reduces the resistance that occurs when the rotating plate member A662 rotates, and therefore reduces the driving force required of the drive motor AMT4.

[0380] The protrusion A662d passes through the arc-shaped hole A633 of the plate-like member A630 and is inserted into the recessed portion A652c of the moving member A650. That is, when the position of the protrusion A662d is changed, the position of the recessed portion A652c is changed accordingly, and the moving member A650 moves.

[0381] The rear cover member A670 comprises a plate-shaped main body A671 that has the same external shape as the frame-shaped portion A635 of the plate-shaped member A630 and is fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped member A630, a protruding portion A672 that protrudes in a plate-like shape from the right end of the plate-shaped main body A671, a pair of upper and lower protruding support portions A673 that protrude from the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A671 and support the rotation shaft of the rotating member of the guide unit A680, and a plurality of arc-shaped through holes A674 that are drilled in the plate-shaped main body A671 in relation to the rotation trajectory of the rotating plate member A662.

[0382] The extension portion A672 is a portion that is positioned behind the extension portion A613b (see Figure 37) in the performance standby state, and functions as a portion that returns the posture of the opening / closing operation unit A600b to its original position (leaving it backward) by receiving a rearward load from the extension portion A613b, for example, when the opening / closing operation unit A600b returns from the extension state to the performance standby state while leaning forward.

[0383] The guide unit A680 comprises a box-shaped main body A681 formed in a box shape with an open front side, a pair of upper and lower roller members A682 arranged inside the box-shaped main body A681 and rotatable on a rotating shaft extending in the left-right direction, a pair of pulley-like members A683 arranged inside the box-shaped main body A681 and rotatable on a rotating shaft extending in the front-to-back direction, one set of which is arranged above and one set of which is arranged below, and a long through hole A684 drilled in a left-to-right long shape.

[0384] Since the roller members A682 are configured to protrude from the through holes A681a of the box-shaped main body A681 to the rear side, when the rear surface of the box-shaped main body A681 is placed opposite the plate-shaped main body A611a of the fixed support unit A610 (see FIG. 37), the contact with the plate-shaped main body A611a can be achieved by the roller members A682 rolling rather than by rubbing of the box-shaped main body A681. This makes it easier to reduce the resistance received from the fixed support unit A610 when the opening / closing unit A600b is raised and lowered.

[0385] A lifting / lowering support rod A611c (see FIG. 37) that passes through the recessed portion A681b of the box-shaped main body A681 is disposed between the pulley-like members A683. As a result, the guide unit A680 is guided by the lifting / lowering support rod A611c and moves up and down in the vertical direction, thereby stabilizing the movement direction of the opening / closing operation unit A600b.

[0386] The long through-hole A684 is an elongated hole into which the insertion protrusion A621e (see FIG. 37) of the rotational movement member A621 is inserted. That is, the driving force of the drive motor AMT3 (see FIG. 37) is transmitted to the opening / closing movement unit A600b via the long through-hole A684.

[0387] 41 and 42 are rear views of the opening and closing operation unit A600b of the third operation unit A600. Fig. 41 illustrates the opening and closing operation unit A600b in the performance standby state of the third operation unit A600, and Fig. 42 illustrates the opening and closing operation unit A600b in the extended state of the third operation unit A600.

[0388] In Figures 41 and 42, for ease of understanding, the rear cover member A670 and the guide unit A680 are omitted from the illustration, the arrangement of the arc-shaped through hole A674 of the rear cover member A670 is shown by imaginary lines, and the arrangement of the protrusion portion A662d of the rotating plate member A662 is shown by imaginary lines.

[0389] As shown in Figures 41 and 42, the operating mode of the opening / closing operation unit A600b is such that, as the rotating plate member A662 rotates, the arrangement of the protrusion portion A662d changes along an arc centered on the protrusion support portion A632, and the pair of moving members A650 move parallel in opposite directions above and below the protrusion support portion A632 along the formation direction (directions parallel to each other) of the corresponding guide groove portion A641a (see Figure 40).

[0390] Here, as described above, the main body member A651 of the movable member A650 is composed of a pair of members of the same shape that are arranged rotationally symmetrically, and the protrusion portion A662d is also arranged symmetrically around the protrusion support portion A632, which is the rotation axis of the main body member A651, so the influence of the protrusion portion A662d on the movable member A650 is exerted commonly on the pair of members.

[0391] That is, for example, if the rotating plate member A662 rotates at high speed, the pair of moving members A650 move in parallel at a common speed, and even if the rotating plate member A662 suddenly reverses (changes the direction of rotation), the pair of moving members A650 can be reversed simultaneously.

[0392] The positional relationship between the sectorial plate portion A662b of the rotating plate member A662 and the arc-shaped through-hole A674 of the rear cover member A670 will be described. The area of ​​overlap between the sectorial plate portion A662b and the arc-shaped through-hole A674 in the front-to-rear direction changes as the rotating plate member A662 rotates. Air resistance occurs due to air trapped between the sectorial plate portion A662b and the rear cover member A670, but this air resistance is reduced in the areas where the arc-shaped through-holes A674 are formed in the rear cover member A670.

[0393] In Figure 42, the angular width of the arrangement range (see Figure 41) of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b of the rotating plate member A662 in the performance standby state of the third operating unit A600 is shown in the first area AE21, the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b after the rotating plate member A662 is rotated clockwise in rear view from the state shown in Figure 41 is shown in the second area AE22, the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b after the rotating plate member A662 is rotated clockwise in rear view from the state in which it is arranged on the fan-shaped plate portion A662b in the second area AE22 is shown in the third area AE23, and the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b of the rotating plate member A662 in the extended state of the third operating unit A600 is shown in the fourth area AE24.

[0394] 41, in this embodiment, regardless of the attitude of the rotating plate member A662, one sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed opposite at least one arc-shaped through-hole A674. Therefore, the state shown in Fig. 41 (the state in which the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the first area AE21) is illustrated as the state in which the overlapping area between the sectorial plate portion A662b and the arc-shaped through-hole A674 is smallest, that is, the state in which the air resistance applied to the sectorial plate portion A662b is greatest.

[0395] When the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the first region AE21, the edge of the sectorial plate portion A662b on the clockwise side in a rear view is disposed in a position that does not exactly overlap with the arc-shaped through-hole A674. Therefore, when the rotating plate member A662 starts to rotate clockwise in a rear view, the sectorial plate portion A662b begins to overlap with the other arc-shaped through-holes A674 (arc-shaped through-holes A674 disposed above and below) in addition to the arc-shaped through-holes A674 that originally overlapped with the sectorial plate portion A662b (arc-shaped through-holes A674 disposed on the left and right), and this state continues until the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the second region AE22.

[0396] The overlapping area between the other arc-shaped through-holes A674 and the sectorial plate portion A662b increases as the rotation angle of the rotating plate member A662 increases, so that air resistance can be gradually reduced from the start of rotation of the rotating plate member A662, and the air resistance applied to the rotating plate member A662 can be further reduced as the rotation progresses. This allows the rotating plate member A662 and the moving member A650 to rotate smoothly.

[0397] When the sectorial plate portion A662b is disposed in the second region AE22, the counterclockwise edge of the sectorial plate portion A662b in rear view is positioned so as to overlap the counterclockwise edge of the arc-shaped through-holes A674 disposed on either side thereof in rear view. In other words, when the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise in rear view, the counterclockwise edge of the sectorial plate portion A662b in rear view enters the interior of the arc-shaped through-hole A674 in rear view.

[0398] Therefore, as the rotating plate member A662 continues to rotate clockwise in rear view, the overlapping area between the arc-shaped through holes A674 arranged on the left and right and the sectorial plate portion A662b gradually decreases, while the overlapping area between the other arc-shaped through holes A674 (arcuate through holes A674 arranged above and below) and the sectorial plate portion A662b gradually increases. These changes occur at the same angle, so ultimately the overlapping area between the arc-shaped through holes A674 and the sectorial plate portion A662b remains constant.

[0399] This state continues until the sectorial plate portion A662b is positioned in the third region AE23. That is, from the state in which the sectorial plate portion A662b is positioned in the second region AE22 until the state in which it is positioned in the third region AE23, the air resistance acting on the rotating plate member A662 can be maintained constant.

[0400] From the state where the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the third region AE23 to the state where the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the fourth region AE24, the area where the fan-shaped plate portion A662b overlaps with the arc-shaped through holes A674 positioned on the left and right gradually decreases, so that the air resistance applied to the rotating plate member A662 increases as the rotation of the rotating plate member A662 progresses, and therefore the rotating plate member A662 and the moving member A650 can be decelerated smoothly.

[0401] The state in which the sectorial plate portion A662b is positioned in the fourth region AE24 is such that the counterclockwise edge of the sectorial plate portion A662b when viewed from behind overlaps the clockwise edge of the arc-shaped through holes A674 arranged on the left and right sides when viewed from behind.

[0402] Therefore, even when the rotating plate member A662 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the rear from the state shown in Figure 42 (when operating from the extended state of the third operating unit A600 to the state in standby for performance), a change in air resistance similar to that described above can be produced.

[0403] Therefore, regardless of whether the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in Figure 41 or counterclockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in Figure 42, the above-mentioned change in air resistance can be caused in both directions.

[0404] In addition, the movable member A650, which is operated by the transmission of driving force via the rotating plate member A662, is configured as a pair above and below, and the direction of the load applied from the movable member A650 to the rotating plate member A662 is the same regardless of the operating direction of the rotating plate member A662.

[0405] That is, when the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in FIG. 41, a load is generated from the upper movable member A650 to the left, and a load is generated from the lower movable member A650 to the right, whereas when the rotating plate member A662 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from behind from the state shown in FIG. 42, a load is generated from the upper movable member A650 to the right, and a load is generated from the lower movable member A650 to the left.

[0406] That is, the load applied to the rotating plate member A662 is simply reversed in direction, and does not change due to the difference in rotation direction. Therefore, regardless of whether the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise as viewed from the rear from the state shown in Fig. 41 or counterclockwise as viewed from the rear from the state shown in Fig. 42, the operating resistance generated in both directions can be made the same, and the operating speed can be made common.

[0407] Next, the light guide plate unit A700 will be described with reference to Fig. 43 to Fig. 48. Fig. 43 is an exploded front perspective view of the light guide plate unit A700, and Fig. 44 is an exploded rear perspective view of the light guide plate unit A700.

[0408] As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the light guide plate unit A700 comprises a covering light guide plate unit A700a that is held in the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) and is formed to a size that covers most of the front opening of the rear case A210, and an auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b that is fastened and fixed to the left side of the covering light guide plate unit A700a.

[0409] The covering light guide plate unit A700a comprises a plate-shaped light guide plate A701, a left light emitting substrate A702 disposed on the left side of the light guide plate A701 and having a plurality of light emitting means such as LEDs that irradiate light toward the light guide plate A701, an upper light emitting substrate A703 disposed above the light guide plate A701 and having a plurality of light emitting means such as LEDs that irradiate light toward the light guide plate A701, and a set of front and rear frame-shaped members A710 that fix the light guide plate A701, left light emitting substrate A702, and upper light emitting substrate A703 to prevent misalignment.

[0410] The light guide plate A701 is made of a light-transmitting resin material and has a rectangular flat plate shape with a notch A701a in the lower right corner. A groove is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate A701 along the outline of an illustration, including a specific character or logo, and when light is incident on the light guide plate A701 from the left light-emitting substrate A702 or the upper light-emitting substrate A703, the light is refracted by the groove, allowing the player to see a line of light that follows the outline of the specific character, etc.

[0411] The left light-emitting substrate A702 and the upper light-emitting substrate A703 are arranged so that the optical axes of the multiple LEDs are incident at right angles on the end face of the light guide plate A701. By configuring the direction of incidence on the light guide plate A701 to be two directions, the above-mentioned line-shaped light can be generated in at least two types: when only light is incident from the left light-emitting substrate A702, and when only light is incident from the upper light-emitting substrate A703.

[0412] The frame-shaped member A710 is formed from a rectangular frame shape with the cutout A701a of the light guide plate A701 separated, and includes a set of left and right fixing portions A711 fastened to the front end of the outer wall portion A212 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), a pair of lower fixing portions A712 fastened to the right member A615 and the left member A617 of the third operating unit A600 (see Figure 5), and a contact support portion A713 that abuts against the support member A421 (see Figure 13) of the first operating unit A400 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0413] The contact support portion A713 is disposed between the vertically arranged belts A423a (see FIG. 15). Because the connecting mechanism A427 is disposed on the upper belt A423a, by disposing the contact support portion A713 closer to the lower belt A423a, the rigidity of the support member A421 can be used to support the contact support portion A713 of the frame member A710 without impeding the movement of the connecting mechanism A427.

[0414] Fig. 45 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, and Fig. 46 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b. The auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b includes a plate-shaped light-emitting substrate A720 having LEDs arranged on its front and back surfaces, a front plate member A730 made of a light-transmitting resin material and arranged on the front side of the light-emitting substrate A720 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs of the light-emitting substrate A720, a rear plate member A740 made of a light-transmitting resin material and arranged on the back side of the light-emitting substrate A720 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs of the light-emitting substrate A720, and a front cover member A750 made of a light-transmitting resin material and arranged to sandwich the front plate member A730 between the light-emitting substrate A720 and the front cover member A750.

[0415] The light-emitting substrate A720 comprises a long plate-shaped main body A721 in the vertical direction, a plurality of bulging plate portions A722 formed so as to bulge in an arc-like shape to the right from the plate-shaped main body A721 at the tip, a plurality of recessed portions A723 recessed in the left side of the plate-shaped main body A721 at positions corresponding to the bulging plate portions A722, a plurality of front light-emitting portions A724 such as highly directional LEDs arranged vertically on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A721, with their optical axes directed to the left, and a plurality of back light-emitting portions A725 such as low-directional LEDs arranged vertically at positions on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A721 corresponding to the front light-emitting portions A724 (positions moved parallel on the arrow F-B).

[0416] By forming the bulging plate portions A722 at multiple positions in the vertical direction, it is possible to ensure a large support area (area of ​​mutual surface contact) between the front plate member A730, the rear plate member A740, and the light emitting substrate A720, thereby stabilizing the posture of the light emitting substrate A720 in the assembled state.

[0417] Light from the front light emitting units A724 is received by the front side plate member A730. The optical axes of the light from the multiple front light emitting units A724 are all oriented leftward and parallel to each other, so that the front side plate member A730 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide range.

[0418] Light from the backside light emitting units A725 is received by the rear side plate member A740. The optical axes of the light from the multiple backside light emitting units A725 are all oriented leftward and parallel to each other, so that the rear side plate member A740 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide range.

[0419] As described above, the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear light-emitting portion A725 are arranged at corresponding positions in the front-to-rear direction, so that the range of the front side plate member A730 illuminated by the front light-emitting portion A724 can correspond to the range of the rear side plate member A740 illuminated by the rear light-emitting portion A725.

[0420] As a result, when both the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear light-emitting portion A725 are illuminated, their lights combine to make the area illuminated by the front light-emitting portion A724 or the rear light-emitting portion A725 on the front side plate member A730 and the rear side plate member A740 more visible.

[0421] On the other hand, even when only one side of the front light-emitting portion A724 or the rear light-emitting portion A725 is illuminated, the bright areas of the front plate member A730 or the rear plate member A740 do not shift position, making it less likely that the presentation will look unnatural.

[0422] Because the area brightly illuminated by the front light-emitting unit A724 or the back light-emitting unit A725 is the same, even if the state changes from one in which only the front light-emitting unit A724 is illuminating to one in which only the back light-emitting unit A725 is illuminating, it is possible to avoid a change in the planar light brightness pattern (the pattern of which areas are bright and which areas are dark when viewed from the front) that the player receives. This can reduce player fatigue.

[0423] The front plate member A730 comprises a plate-shaped main body A731 whose front side surface is formed as a smooth surface, a linear groove portion A732 formed on the back side surface of the plate-shaped main body A731 along the outline of the shape of an illustration including a specific character, logo, etc., a plurality of fastening portions A733 which are cylindrically protruding from the back side of the plate-shaped main body A731 and fastened to the frame-shaped member A710 (see Figure 43) by screwing in female screws formed at the tips, a circular insertion through hole A734 for fastening to the front cover member A750, and an alignment long hole A735 which is drilled in a long hole that is long in the vertical direction for alignment with the front cover member A750.

[0424] When light from the front light emitting portion A724 is received by the front side plate member A730, the light is refracted by the linear groove portion A732, and the outline of the shape of the illustration is visible as a bright line.

[0425] The rear plate member A740 includes a plate-like main body A741 formed of a light-transmitting resin material and having the same shape as the front-view outer shape of the front-view outer body A730, a light-opaque (or low-transmittance) white sheet A742 formed of the same shape as the front-view outer shape of the plate-like main body A741 and disposed on the back side of the plate-like main body A741, and a light-transmitting (or low-transmittance) white sheet A742 formed of the same shape as the front-view outer shape of the plate-like main body A741 and disposed on the front side of the plate-like main body A741. The plate-shaped body A741, the sheet A742 and the thin resin plate A743 are provided with first through holes A741a, A742a and A743a formed at the same positions in the upper left corner so as to penetrate the plate-shaped body A741, the sheet A742 and the thin resin plate A743 in the front-to-back direction, and second through holes A741b, A742b and A743b formed at the same positions in the lower part so as to penetrate the plate-shaped body A741, the sheet A742 and the thin resin plate A743 in the front-to-back direction.

[0426] The plate-shaped main body A741 has a smooth front side and numerous embossments on its rear side. As a result, when light received by the plate-shaped main body A741 escapes to the rear side and is reflected by the sheet A742, the light is diffused by the numerous embossments and emitted from the surface. This makes it possible to efficiently brighten the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A741.

[0427] An illustration that forms the basis of the outline of the linear groove portion A732 is drawn on the thin resin plate A743, and in this embodiment, the thin resin plate A743 is painted in a color that corresponds to the illustration. Therefore, when light from the backside light emitting portion A725 is received by the rear side plate member A740, the illustration drawn on the thin resin plate A743 is brightly visible due to surface emission caused by the texture on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A741.

[0428] The front cover member A750 comprises a plate-shaped main body A751 having numerous hemispherical protrusions formed on its rear side, an extended edge portion A752 extending in a plate-like manner from the upper and right edges of the plate-shaped main body A751 toward the rear side, a fastening portion A753 consisting of a protrusion used to align the light-emitting substrate A720 at the left end of the plate-shaped main body A751 and a female screw portion used for fastening, a plurality of cylindrical fastening portions A754 protruding in a cylindrical shape from the right end of the plate-shaped main body A751 toward the rear side, protrusion portions A755 having a smaller diameter and a shorter protrusion length than the cylindrical fastening portions A754, and a light-transmitting decorative sticker A756 having a decoration on its front side and attached to the front side of the plate-shaped main body A751.

[0429] During assembly, the protrusion portion A755 is inserted into the alignment elongated hole A735 of the front side plate member A730, and the cylindrical fastening portion A754 is inserted into the insertion through hole of the front side plate member A730, thereby aligning the front side plate member A730 with the front cover member A750.

[0430] Next, the light emitting substrate A720 is aligned with the front plate member A730 using the fastening portion A753, and the rear plate member A740 is placed so as to overlap the light emitting substrate A720. At this time, the cylindrical fastening portion A754 is inserted into the first through-holes A741a, A742a, A743a of the rear plate member A740, and the fastening portion A733 at the lower right of the front plate member A730 is inserted into the second through-holes A741b, A742b, A743b of the rear plate member A740, thereby aligning the rear plate member A740 with the front plate member A730.

[0431] When the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b is fastened to the covering light guide plate unit A700a (see Figure 43) with the front side plate member A730, light emitting substrate A720, and rear side plate member A740 aligned with the front cover member A750, a pressing force (fastening force) is applied to the fastening portion A733 of the front side plate member A730 and the cylindrical fastening portion A754 of the front cover member A750.

[0432] In this embodiment, the fastening portion A733 and the cylindrical fastening portion A754 are arranged outside the light emitting substrate A720, so that even if the pressing force (fastening force) becomes unintentionally excessive during assembly, it is easy to avoid the light emitting substrate A720 cracking or breaking.

[0433] The cylindrical fastening portion A754 located at the upper right of the front cover member A750 allows the front plate member A730, the rear plate member A740, and the front cover member A750 to be aligned and the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 to be pressed against the light emitting substrate A720 in one location, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps.

[0434] Fig. 47 is a rear view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, Fig. 48(a) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b taken along line XLVIIIa-XLVIIIa in Fig. 47, and Fig. 48(b) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b taken along line XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb in Fig. 47. Fig. 48(a) shows a cross section passing through the center of the cylindrical fastening portion A754.

[0435] When assembling the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, after aligning and assembling the front side plate member A730 to the front cover member A750, when the light emitting substrate A720 is assembled to the front cover member A750, the height (front-to-back position) of the end face of the fastening portion A753 where the female screw is formed matches the height (front-to-back position) of the rear side surface of the front side plate member A730 with which the bulging plate portion A722 abuts, thereby stabilizing the posture of the light emitting substrate A720.

[0436] Furthermore, when the rear plate member A740 is attached to the rear of the light-emitting substrate A720, the front side surface of the rear plate member A740 comes into contact with the bulging plate portion A722 over a wide area, thereby stabilizing the posture of the rear plate member A740 and reducing localized loads.

[0437] 47 and 48(a), the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 are formed so that they overlap with the light emitting substrate A720 in the same shape, so that the pressing force of the fastening screws threaded into the cylindrical fastening portions A754 is transmitted in a balanced manner to the light emitting substrate A720 via the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740. Since the pressing force can be prevented from functioning as a force that shears the light emitting substrate A720, cracking or chipping of the light emitting substrate A720 can be prevented.

[0438] Pressing forces are applied to the edges of the light emitting substrate A720 from the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740, so that the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 are pressed against the front and rear surfaces of the light emitting substrate A720.

[0439] This makes it possible to easily align the front-to-back positions of the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 relative to the plate-shaped main body A721 of the light-emitting substrate A720, thereby easily aligning the front-to-back positions of the front plate member A730 relative to the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear plate member A740 relative to the rear light-emitting portion A725, thereby making it easier to align the light-receiving positions of the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740.

[0440] The cylindrical fastening portion A754 is disposed at a position (a position between) that does not overlap with the optical axes of the front light emitting portion A724 and the rear light emitting portion A725. This prevents the cylindrical fastening portion A754 from blocking the optical axis of the light from the front light emitting portion A724 that is received by the front plate member A730, thereby improving the effect of the light emission effect using the front plate member A730.

[0441] Fig. 48(b) is a cross section passing through the center of the third backlight emitting unit A725 from the bottom. As shown in Fig. 47 and Fig. 48(b), the fastening unit A733 is disposed at a position overlapping with the optical axis of the backlight emitting unit A725.

[0442] Even when the fastening portion A733 is arranged in this manner, the fastening portion A733 does not penetrate the front plate member A730 and does not block the light from the front light emitting portion A724. Furthermore, the directivity of the light received by the rear plate member A740 is made slightly lower in order to make the rear plate member A740 surface-emitting (because LEDs with low directivity are often selected), so even if the fastening portion A733 is arranged on the optical axis, the light is not completely blocked, and the impact on the light emission effect can be reduced. In other words, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the fastening portion A733 of the front plate member A730 can be improved without reducing the effect of the light emission effect using the rear plate member A740.

[0443] When the rear side plate member A740 is fastened to the front cover member A750, the front side surface of the plate-shaped main body A741 is fastened so as to sandwich the left edge of the thin resin plate A743 between the front side surface of the plate-shaped main body A721, thereby preventing the thin resin plate A743 from floating up from the plate-shaped main body A741.

[0444] In this case, the load applied to the thin resin plate A743 is not a point load like a fastening screw, but a line (surface) load along the left edge of the thin resin plate A743 between the plate-shaped main body A721 of the light emitting substrate A720, so it is possible to reduce the pressing force per unit area applied to the thin resin plate A743, making it easier to prevent cracks and chips in the thin resin plate A743.

[0445] As shown in Figures 48(a) and 48(b), the propagation path AL1 of the light emitted from the front light-emitting unit A724, which is selected from highly directional LEDs, is received by the front side plate member A730, and then extends in the left-right direction until it reaches the linear groove portion A732 in a manner where it is totally reflected by the front and rear surfaces of the front side plate member A730, and when it reaches the linear groove portion A732, it is refracted and redirected toward the front side.

[0446] Therefore, when light is being emitted from the front light emitting portion A724 when viewing the front side plate member A730 from the front side, the light directed from the linear groove portion A732 to the front side reaches the player's eyes, so that the outline of the shape of the illustration, including a specific character or logo, which is the original shape of the linear groove portion A732, can be seen to be glowing.

[0447] Since the light from the rear light emitting portion A725 is less directional than the light from the front light emitting portion A724, the light from the rear light emitting portion A725 is not totally reflected within the rear side plate member A740, and functions to uniformly illuminate the rear side plate member A740.

[0448] As shown in Figure 48, the end of the front side plate member A730 on the front light-emitting portion A724 side and the end of the rear side plate member A740 on the rear light-emitting portion A725 side are positioned closer to the front light-emitting portion A724 and rear light-emitting portion A725 side than the end of the light-emitting substrate A720 on the irradiation direction side (right side) of the front light-emitting portion A724 and rear light-emitting portion A725.

[0449] This allows the plate-like body A721 of the light-emitting substrate A720 to be used as a shielding plate, thereby preventing light irradiated from the front light-emitting portion A724 (rear light-emitting portion A725) from leaking before being received by the front plate member A730 (rear plate member A740). This makes it easier to avoid, for example, a situation in which light irradiated from the front light-emitting portion A724 is received by the rear plate member A740 or a situation in which light irradiated from the rear light-emitting portion A725 is received by the front plate member A730, making it easier to avoid poor light-emitting performance.

[0450] When light from the front side is received by the plate-like main body A751, the plate-like main body A751 has numerous hemispherical protrusions A751a formed on the back side, which diffuse the light and emit it as a surface light. This improves the effect of the light presentation and reduces the visibility of the back side of the front cover member A750, so that the plate-like main body A751 can be used to hide the light-emitting substrate A720.

[0451] The front light emitting part A724 of the light emitting substrate A720 is arranged on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A751, but the light irradiated from the front light emitting part A724 is incident on the front plate member A730 in a direction perpendicular to the direction toward the plate-shaped main body A751 and is totally reflected within the front plate member A730, so the plate-shaped main body A751 is configured to be difficult to illuminate with the light irradiated from the front light emitting part A724, appears dark, and is difficult to use as a performance area.

[0452] In contrast, in this embodiment, the received light can be diffused by the countless hemispherical protrusions A751a formed on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A751, allowing the player to see the plate-shaped main body A751 in a bright state.

[0453] Furthermore, by attaching the decorative sticker A756, which is shaped to cover the entire front side of the plate-shaped main body A751, to the front side of the plate-shaped main body A751, the effect of the numerous protrusions A751a formed on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A751 being noticeable due to light is reduced, and the visibility of the decoration on the front side of the brightly lit decorative sticker A756 is improved.

[0454] 49(a) to 49(f) are schematic front views of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, showing the visual recognition of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b. For ease of explanation, the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b is shown with a rectangular outer shape, with triangular illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 inside. These triangular illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 correspond to an example of the outline of the shape of an illustration including a specific character, logo, etc., formed by the thin resin plate A743 and the linear groove portion A732 (see FIG. 46).

[0455] Figures 49(a) to 49(f) show an example of the difference in appearance of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b depending on whether the front light emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) is on or off, and whether the rear light emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) is on or off.

[0456] 49(a) shows a case where the front light emitting unit A724 (see FIG. 45) is turned off and the rear light emitting unit A725 (see FIG. 46) is turned off. In this case, illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 including specific characters, logos, etc. formed on the thin resin plate A743 are visible.

[0457] 49(b) shows a case where the front light emitting unit A724 (see FIG. 45) is turned off and the rear light emitting unit A725 (see FIG. 46) is turned on. In this case, the illustrations AIL1 and AIL2, which include specific characters, logos, etc., formed on the thin resin plate A743, are illuminated and visible.

[0458] 49(c) shows a case where the front light-emitting element A724 (see FIG. 45) is turned on and the rear light-emitting element A725 (see FIG. 46) is turned off. In this case, the outlines of the shapes of the illustrations AIL1 and AIL2, including specific characters, logos, etc., formed in the linear grooves A732 (see FIG. 46), are illuminated and are visible as lines of light. In this case, the shapes of the illustrations AIL1 and AIL2, including specific characters, logos, etc., formed on the thin resin plate A743, are blocked by the lines of light, reducing visibility.

[0459] Fig. 49(d) shows a case where the front light emitting portion A724 (see Fig. 45) is turned on and the rear light emitting portion A725 (see Fig. 46) is turned on. In this case, the brightness of the front side portion of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b can be improved compared to the state shown in Fig. 49(c).

[0460] Figure 49(e) illustrates a case in which the front light-emitting unit A724 (see Figure 45) above the upper and lower half positions of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned off, the front light-emitting unit A724 below the upper and lower half positions of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned on, the back light-emitting unit A725 (see Figure 46) above the upper and lower half positions of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned on, and the back light-emitting unit A725 (see Figure 46) below the upper and lower half positions of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned off.

[0461] In this case, in the upper half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, the illustration AIL1 including a specific character, logo, etc. formed on the thin resin plate A743 is illuminated and visible, and in the lower half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, the outline of the shape of the illustration AIL2 including a specific character, logo, etc. formed in the linear groove portion A732 (see Figure 46) is illuminated and visible as a line of light.

[0462] Figure 49(f) illustrates a case in which the front light-emitting unit A724 (see Figure 45) above the upper and lower half positions of the plate-shaped main body A721 is turned on, the front light-emitting unit A724 below the upper and lower half positions of the plate-shaped main body A721 is turned off, and the rear light-emitting unit A725 (see Figure 46) is turned off.

[0463] In this case, in the upper half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, the outline of the shape of the illustration AIL1 including a specific character, logo, etc. formed in the linear groove portion A732 (see Figure 46) is illuminated and is visible as a line of light, and in the lower half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, the illustration AIL2 including a specific character, logo, etc. formed on the thin resin plate A743 is visible.

[0464] As shown in Figures 49(a) to 49(f), in this embodiment, the visual appearance of the front side of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b can be changed in response to variations in the combination of turning on and off the front light emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) and turning on and off the rear light emitting section A725 (see Figure 46).

[0465] Figure 50 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board A13, and Figure 51 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board A13. As shown in Figures 50 and 51, the game board A13 is configured such that a center frame A86 is fastened and fixed to a window portion A60a of a base plate A60 from the front side, and game balls can flow down the left and right sides of the center frame A86.

[0466] The gaming board A13 is equipped with: a flow branching member A801 ​​formed from a light-transmitting resin material in a shape having a protruding portion that branches the flow of gaming balls, and disposed on the upper left side of the center frame A86; a guide member A802 formed from a light-transmitting resin material in a shape that constitutes two guide flow paths arranged side by side on the left and right as flow paths for guiding the flow of gaming balls, and disposed on the front right side of the center frame A86; a downstream guide member A803 fixed to the base plate A60 below the guide member A802, and formed in a shape that constitutes two guide flow paths arranged side by side on the left and right as flow paths for guiding the flow of gaming balls, and an auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 disposed on the back side of a light-transmitting decorative member A808 disposed inside the center frame A86, and configured to be able to irradiate light onto the decorative member A808.

[0467] The downstream branching member A801 ​​is disposed in front of the inner region of the window portion A60a when the center frame A86 is disposed on the base plate A60. In this case, light traveling from the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 toward the downstream branching member A801 ​​does not pass through the base plate A60, but passes through the center frame A86, which is thinner than the plate thickness of the base plate A60, to reach the downstream branching member A801, thereby suppressing attenuation of light reaching the downstream branching member A801.

[0468] The guide member A802 comprises a plate-shaped main body A802a formed in a shape that covers the upper right region A60b of the window portion A60a of the base plate A60 from the front side, a pair of extension plates A802b that extend in a plate-like manner from the plate-shaped main body A802a to the front side, and a plurality of deceleration protrusions A802c that protrude from the plate-shaped main body A802a or the extension plates A802b to decelerate the game balls, and is fastened and fixed to the base plate A60 at upper and lower positions in the upper right region A60b.

[0469] An auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is disposed on the back side of the guide member A802, sandwiching a protruding plate portion A86a of a center frame A86 that is contained in the upper right region A60b and has a thickness thinner than that of the base plate A60. In this case, light traveling from the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 to the guide member A802 does not pass through the base plate A60, but passes through the protruding plate portion A86a of the center frame A86 that is thinner than the base plate A60, and reaches the guide member A802, thereby suppressing attenuation of light reaching the guide member A802.

[0470] The deceleration projections A802c for the left flow path are protruded from both of the pair of opposing extension plates A802b, thereby allowing the game balls flowing down to sway left and right.For the right flow path, the deceleration projections A802c are protruded from the right extension plate A802b and protrude forward from the plate-shaped main body A802a, thereby allowing the game balls flowing down to sway left and right and back and forth.

[0471] In this way, the game balls flowing down the two flow paths formed by the guide member A802 are both decelerated by the deceleration protrusions A802c, but the manner in which they flow down differs depending on which flow path they are flowing down. This allows the player to immediately understand which flow path the game ball is flowing down by looking at the manner in which the game ball is flowing down.

[0472] Furthermore, with this configuration, there is no need to form deceleration protrusions on the outer edge member 73 (see FIG. 2), so the outer edge member 73 can be configured as a common part, thereby reducing product costs.

[0473] In this embodiment, the guide member A802 forms two flow paths that are wider in width than a single flow path, which can easily cause strength problems. In contrast, in this embodiment, the extension plate A802b that forms the flow path is located at the center of the plate-shaped main body A802a and also serves as a reinforcing material for the guide member A802. This makes it easier to avoid insufficient strength even if the guide member A802 is formed as a thin member.

[0474] The downstream guide member A803 includes a plate-shaped main body A803a and an extension plate A803b extending from the rear surface of the plate-shaped main body A803a, and the front-rear relationship between them is reversed to that of the guide member A802.

[0475] Unlike the two flow paths formed by the guide member A802, the two guide flow paths formed by the downstream guide member A803 have different flow path shapes on the left and right. That is, the left flow path is a flow path that slopes downward and left, while the right flow path is formed as a path that meanders from side to side. This allows the flow pattern of the game ball to change significantly depending on which flow path it flows down.

[0476] Fig. 52 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, and Fig. 53 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810. The auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 includes a set of plate-shaped front light emitting substrates A820 having LEDs arranged on their surfaces, a set of plate-shaped back light emitting substrates A830 having LEDs arranged on their back surfaces, a front plate member A840 made of a light-transmitting resin material and arranged in front of the front light emitting substrates A820 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs of the front light emitting substrates A820, a rear plate member A850 made of a light-transmitting resin material and arranged in back of the back light emitting substrate A830 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs of the back light emitting substrate A830, and a base member A860 made of a white resin material with low light transmittance and arranged to sandwich the rear plate member A850 between the rear light emitting substrates A830 and the front light emitting substrates A820.

[0477] The front light emitting substrate A820 includes an upper substrate A821 disposed on the upper side and a right substrate A825 disposed on the right side. The upper substrate A821 includes a plate-shaped main body A822, a plurality of edge light emitting units A823 such as LEDs arranged in the lower right corner on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A822, and a plurality of surface light emitting units A824 such as LEDs arranged to the left of the edge light emitting units A823, with their optical axes directed toward the front side.

[0478] Light from the edge light emitters A823 is received by the front plate member A840. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light emitters A823 each face to the right and are parallel to the front flat surface of the front plate member A840, so that the front plate member A840 can be illuminated over a wide range.

[0479] Furthermore, the edge light emitter A823 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED does not point directly to the right, but is configured to point in a radial direction such that the spacing between the optical axes becomes wider as it goes to the right. This allows the light from the edge light emitter A823 to be guided over a wide range of the front side plate member A840.

[0480] The light from the surface light emitting unit A824 is received by the decorative member A808 (see FIG. 50) placed on the front side. The optical axes of the light from the multiple surface light emitting units A824 are all facing the front side and are parallel to each other, allowing the decorative member A808 to glow uniformly over a wide area.

[0481] The right-side substrate A825 comprises a plate-shaped main body A826, a plurality of edge light-emitting portions A827 each having a light-emitting means such as a plurality of LEDs arranged in the upper left corner on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A826 and whose optical axes are directed upward, and a plurality of surface light-emitting portions A828 each having a light-emitting means such as a plurality of LEDs arranged below the edge light-emitting portions A827 and whose optical axes are directed toward the front side.

[0482] Light from the edge light emitters A827 is received by the front plate member A840. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light emitters A827 are each directed upward and parallel to the front flat surface of the front plate member A840, so that the front plate member A840 can be illuminated over a wide range.

[0483] Furthermore, the edge light emitter A827 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED does not point directly upward, but is configured to point in a radial direction so that the spacing between the optical axes increases toward the top. This allows light from the edge light emitter A827 to be guided over a wide range of the front side plate member A840.

[0484] Light from the edge light-emitting portion A823 of the upper substrate A821 is received from the left end of the front plate member A840, while light from the edge light-emitting portion A827 is received from the lower end of the front plate member A840. Therefore, even if the front plate member A840 has a narrowed shape with a narrowed portion A844 at the center when viewed from the front, light can easily reach the entire area of ​​the front plate member A840.

[0485] Light from the surface light emitting unit A828 is received by the decorative member A808 (see FIG. 50) placed on the front side. The optical axes of the light from the multiple surface light emitting units A828 are all facing the front side and are parallel to each other, allowing the decorative member A808 to glow uniformly over a wide area.

[0486] The rear light emitting substrate A830 includes an upper substrate A831 disposed on the upper side and a right substrate A835 disposed on the right side. The upper substrate A831 includes a plate-shaped main body A832 and a plurality of edge light emitting units A833, each of which is a light emitting means such as a plurality of LEDs arranged in the lower right corner on the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A832, with its optical axis facing right.

[0487] Light from the edge light emitters A833 is received by the rear plate member A850. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light emitters A833 each face to the right and are parallel to the front plane of the rear plate member A850, so that the rear plate member A850 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide range.

[0488] Furthermore, the edge light emitter A833 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED does not point directly to the right, but is configured to point in a radial direction such that the spacing between the optical axes becomes wider as it goes to the right. This allows the light from the edge light emitter A833 to be guided over a wide range of the rear side plate member A850.

[0489] The right substrate A835 includes a plate-shaped main body A836 and a plurality of edge light emitting portions A837, each of which is a light emitting means such as a plurality of LEDs arranged in the upper left corner on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A836, with its optical axis facing upward.

[0490] Light from the edge light emitters A837 is received by the rear plate member A850. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light emitters A837 are each directed upward and parallel to the front plane of the rear plate member A850, so that the rear plate member A850 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide range.

[0491] Furthermore, the edge light emitter A837 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED does not point directly upward, but is configured to point in a radial direction such that the spacing between the optical axes increases toward the top. This allows light from the edge light emitter A837 to be guided over a wide range of the rear side plate member A850.

[0492] Light from the edge light-emitting portion A833 of the upper substrate A831 is received from the left end of the rear plate member A850, while light from the edge light-emitting portion A837 is received from the lower end of the rear plate member A850. Therefore, even if the rear plate member A850 has a narrowed shape at the center when viewed from the front, light can easily reach the entire rear plate member A850.

[0493] The edge light-emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820 and the edge light-emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light-emitting substrate A830 are arranged at corresponding positions in the front-to-rear direction (positions moved parallel to the arrows F-B), so that the range of the front side plate member A840 illuminated by the edge light-emitting portions A823, A827 can be made to correspond to the range of the rear side plate member A850 illuminated by the edge light-emitting portions A833, A837.

[0494] As a result, when both the edge light-emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820 and the edge light-emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light-emitting substrate A830 are illuminated, the combined light makes the area illuminated by the edge light-emitting portions A823, A827 or the edge light-emitting portions A833, A837 on the front side plate member A840 and the rear side plate member A850 appear brighter.

[0495] On the other hand, even when one side of the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting board A820 or the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light emitting board A830 is illuminated, the bright areas of the front side plate member A840 or the rear side plate member A850 do not shift in position, making it less likely that the presentation will look unnatural.

[0496] Because the area brightly illuminated by the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting board A820 or the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light emitting board A830 is the same, even if, for example, a state in which only the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting board A820 are illuminated is shifted to a state in which only the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light emitting board A830 are illuminated, it is possible to avoid a change in the planar light brightness pattern received by the player (the pattern of which positions are bright and which positions are dark when viewed from the front), thereby reducing player fatigue.

[0497] The front plate member A840 comprises a plate-shaped main body A841 whose front side surface is formed as a smooth surface, a linear groove portion A842 formed on the back side surface of the plate-shaped main body A841 along the outline of the shape of an illustration including a specific character, logo, etc., a circular through-hole A843 drilled for fastening and fixing to the base member A860, and a constricted portion A844 formed so as to constrict the middle portion of the plate-shaped main body A841.

[0498] When light from the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting substrate A820 is received by the front side plate member A840, the light is refracted by the linear groove portion A842, causing the outline of the shape of the illustration to be visible as a bright line.

[0499] The shape of the plate-like main body A841 having the constricted portion A844 is a shape that is the result of matching the outer shape of the illustration that is the basis for the linear groove portion A842. In other words, the linear shining shape is visible throughout the entire plate-like main body A841, so that it is possible to prevent the plate-like main body A841 from having any unnecessary parts in terms of presentation.

[0500] The rear side plate member A850 comprises a plate-shaped main body A851 formed from a light-transmitting resin material and having the same shape as the front side plate member A840 in a front view, a light-transmitting thin resin plate A855 formed from the same shape as the front view of the plate-shaped main body A851 and arranged on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A851, first through holes A851a, A855a formed at the same position in the upper left corner so as to penetrate the plate-shaped main body A851 and the thin resin plate A855 in the front-to-back direction, and second through holes A851b, A855b formed at the same position in the lower side so as to penetrate the plate-shaped main body A851 and the thin resin plate A855 in the front-to-back direction.

[0501] The plate-shaped main body A851 has a constricted portion A852 formed in a position corresponding to the constricted portion A844 of the front plate member A840 and having a shape similar to that of the constricted portion A844, and the front side surface is formed as a smooth surface, while the rear side surface is formed with numerous embossments. As a result, when light received by the plate-shaped main body A851 escapes to the rear side and is reflected by the white base member A860, the light is diffused by the numerous embossments and emitted from the surface. This makes it possible to efficiently brighten the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0502] The plate-shaped main body A851 has a constricted portion A852, and after passing through the constricted portion A852, light received from one side of the constricted portion A852 tends to travel within a range limited by the width of the constricted portion A852.Therefore, when the constricted portion A852 is formed wider on both sides than the width of the constricted portion A852, as in the plate-shaped main body A851 of this embodiment, it is difficult to spread the light received from one side of the constricted portion A852 over the entire area of ​​the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0503] Therefore, in this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body A851 is configured so that light from the edge light emitter A833 is received above the constricted portion A852, and so that light from the edge light emitter A837 is received below the constricted portion A852. This makes it possible to receive light over the entire area of ​​the plate-shaped main body A851, even while employing the constricted portion A852, compared to when light is received only from the upper or lower side of the constricted portion A852. This makes it possible to efficiently brighten the entire area of ​​the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0504] An illustration that forms the basis of the outline of the linear groove portion A842 is drawn on the thin resin plate A855, and in this embodiment, the thin resin plate A855 is painted in a color that corresponds to the illustration. Therefore, when light from the edge light emitting portions A833, A837 of the rear light emitting substrate A830 is received by the rear plate member A850, the illustration drawn on the thin resin plate A855 is brightly visible through surface emission due to the texture on the rear side of the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0505] The base member A860 is a member formed from a white resin material, and includes: a plate-shaped main body A861 formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the front; an alignment protrusion A862 for aligning the rear plate member A850 supported by the plate-shaped main body A861; a fastening portion A863 to which the rear plate member A850 is fastened; a substrate fastening portion A864 to which the rear light emitting substrate A830 is aligned and fastened; a base portion A865 formed in a base shape on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A861; a cylindrical fastening portion A866 that protrudes in a cylindrical shape from the front of the plate-shaped main body A861 to a height that matches the front side surface of the base portion A865 and has a female screw formed at its tip; and a plate-sandwich fastening portion A867 that protrudes in a cylindrical shape from the front of the plate-shaped main body A861, has a female screw formed at its tip, and is longer in the protruding direction than the protruding length of the cylindrical fastening portion A866 by the thickness of the front light emitting substrate A820.

[0506] The auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is assembled by fastening and fixing the rear plate member A850, rear light emitting substrate A830, front light emitting substrate A820, and front plate member A840 to the base member A860 in this order.

[0507] First, the fastening and fixing of the rear plate member A850 to the base member A860 will be described. The fastening and fixing of the rear plate member A850 to the base member A860 is performed by inserting a fastening screw, which is inserted through the plate-shaped main body A851, into the fastening portion A863 while the corresponding alignment protrusion A862 is inserted through the first through-hole A851a and the second through-hole A851b.

[0508] At this time, the fastening screws are inserted through the plate-shaped main body A851 but not through the thin resin plate A855. Therefore, with the plate-shaped main body A851 fastened and fixed to the base member A860, by inserting the corresponding alignment protrusions A862 into the first through-holes A855a and second through-holes A855b, it is possible to easily align the thin resin plate A855 with the base member A860 and the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0509] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the thin resin plate A855 from cracking due to the pressing force applied when fastening, and it is also possible to replace the thin resin plate A855 while maintaining the fastening of the plate-shaped main body A851.

[0510] Next, the fastening and fixing of the rear light emitting substrate A830 to the base member A860 will be described. The fastening and fixing of the rear light emitting substrate A830 to the base member A860 is performed by fastening and fixing the rear light emitting substrate A830 to the substrate fastening portion A864.

[0511] The board fastening portions A864 are inserted into the through holes A853 of the rear plate member A850, and thus also function to align the rear plate member A850 with the base member A860.

[0512] When the rear light emitting substrate A830 is fastened to the base member A860, the rear side surface of the plate-shaped body A832 of the upper substrate A831 is fastened and fixed so that the left edge of the thin resin plate A855 is sandwiched between it and the front side surface of the plate-shaped body A851, and the rear side surface of the plate-shaped body A836 of the right substrate A835 is fastened and fixed so that the lower right edge of the thin resin plate A855 is sandwiched between it and the front side surface of the plate-shaped body A851, thereby preventing the thin resin plate A855 from floating up from the plate-shaped body A851.

[0513] In this case, the load applied to the thin resin plate A855 is not a point load like a fastening screw, but a line (surface) load along the left edge, so it is possible to reduce the pressing force per unit area applied to the thin resin plate A855, making it easier to prevent cracks and chips in the thin resin plate A855.

[0514] As described above, when the rear light emitting substrate A830 is fastened and fixed, the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A832 is configured to abut on the front side surface of the rear plate member A850, so that the optical axes of the edge light emitters A833, A837 of the rear light emitting substrate A830 can be easily aligned with the rear plate member A850 in the front-rear direction (the direction in which the front side surface of the rear plate member A850 faces). This allows for good light reception by the rear plate member A850.

[0515] Next, the fastening and fixing of the front light emitting substrate A820 to the base member A860 will be described. The front light emitting substrate A820 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 by fastening and fixing the front light emitting substrate A820 to the cylindrical fastening portion A866 with the lower left side portion of the rear side surface of the front light emitting substrate A820 abutting the surface of the base portion A865.

[0516] The front light emitting substrate A820 and the rear light emitting substrate A830 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them, so that no pressing force is generated between the front light emitting substrate A820 and the rear light emitting substrate A830 and rear side plate member A850.

[0517] Next, the fastening of the front plate member A840 to the base member A860 will be described. The front plate member A840 is fastened to the base member A860 by fastening the front plate member A840 to the sandwiching fastening portion A867.

[0518] The sandwiching fastening part A867 is disposed outside and near the front light emitting substrate A820, so that the pressing force generated when fastening to the sandwiching fastening part A867 can be prevented from being applied as a point load to the front light emitting substrate A820, thereby preventing cracking or chipping of the front light emitting substrate A820.

[0519] The front plate member A840 has a through hole A845 formed therein to ensure the positioning of LEDs such as the edge light emitter A823 disposed on the front light emitting substrate A820, and the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A841 excluding the through hole A845 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 so as to apply a surface pressing force against the plate-shaped main bodies A822 and A826 of the front light emitting substrate A820. This makes it possible to increase the support area of ​​the front plate member A840 by utilizing the plate-shaped main bodies A822 and A826 of the front light emitting substrate A820.

[0520] When the front plate member A840 is fastened to the base member A860, the rear side surface of the plate-shaped main body A841 of the front plate member A840 is configured to abut the front side surface of the front light-emitting substrate A820, so that the optical axes of the edge light emitters A823, A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820 and the front plate member A840 can be easily aligned in the front-to-rear direction (the direction in which the front side surface of the front plate member A840 faces). This allows for good light reception by the rear plate member A850.

[0521] As described above, the front light-emitting substrate A820, the rear light-emitting substrate A830, the front plate member A840, and the rear plate member A850 are aligned with and fastened to the respective components formed on the base member A860. This makes it easy to align the front light-emitting substrate A820, the rear light-emitting substrate A830, the front plate member A840, and the rear plate member A850 in the direction parallel to the front side surface of the base member A860.

[0522] Furthermore, even when the substrates are composed of a pair of front light-emitting substrate A820 and rear light-emitting substrate A830 lined up in front and behind, by fastening and fixing them so that they abut in the front-to-back direction to the corresponding front plate member A840 or rear plate member A850, which are the members that receive light, the front light-emitting substrate A820, rear light-emitting substrate A830, front plate member A840 and rear plate member A850 can be easily aligned in the direction intersecting the front side surface of the base member A860.

[0523] Fig. 54 is a front view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, and Fig. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 taken along the line LV-LV in Fig. 54. In Fig. 54, the outline of the decorative member A808 and the outline of the upper right region A60b (see Fig. 50) are shown by imaginary lines, and the portion of the outline of the front light emitting substrate A820 that overlaps with the front plate member A840 is shown by hidden lines, and Fig. 55 shows a cross section passing through the center of the cylindrical fastening portion A866 (see Fig. 52) that is located on the central side of the base member A860.

[0524] As shown in Figure 54, the front light-emitting substrate A820 is arranged so as to fit within the outer shape of the decorative member A808 when viewed from the front, and the front side plate member A840, which receives light from the edge light-emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820, is arranged so as to extend beyond the decorative member A808 when viewed from the front.

[0525] This makes it possible to reduce the front-to-back thickness of the entire auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 while hiding the front light emitting board A820 with the decorative member A808. That is, when a light emitting board is disposed on the back side of the front plate member A840 of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 to perform a light emission effect on the front plate member A840, it is necessary to dispose the light emitting board at an appropriate distance to cause the front plate member A840 to emit light, which increases the front-to-back width of the unit and reduces the space available behind it for arranging moving props.

[0526] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the front light emitting substrate A820 is positioned not behind the front side plate member A840, but is shifted left and right or front and rear relative to the front side plate member A840, thereby making it possible to shorten the front and rear width of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, and therefore ensuring sufficient space behind the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 for placing moving props.

[0527] In this embodiment, by employing the guide member A802 (see FIG. 50), a play area is also formed in front of the upper right region A60b of the window portion A60a. The right end of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is inserted into the upper right region A60b. In other words, it is disposed inside the thickness of the base plate A60 in the front-rear direction.

[0528] This allows the front-to-rear thickness of the game board A13 (see FIG. 50) to be reduced compared to when the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is arranged behind the base plate A60. Furthermore, since the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is arranged behind the base plate A60, and light entering the game area is less likely to be attenuated compared to light that reaches the game area after passing through the thickness of the base plate A60, the game area in front of the upper right area A60b can be brightly illuminated.

[0529] The front plate member A840 is formed in a shape that overlaps with the edge of the front light emitting substrate A820. That is, when the front plate member A840 is fastened to the base member A860 from the front side of the front light emitting substrate A820, the pressing force applied from the front plate member A840 to the front light emitting substrate A820 is divided along the edge of the front light emitting substrate A820, thereby reducing the load per unit area.

[0530] This allows the front light emitting substrate A820 and the front plate member A840 to be in surface contact while avoiding excessive load being applied between them, making it easy to align the optical axes of the edge light emitting portions A823, A827 of the front light emitting substrate A820 with the front plate member A840.

[0531] As shown in Figure 55, the travel path AL2 of the light emitted from the edge light-emitting elements A823, A827, which are selected from highly directional LEDs, is received by the front side plate member A840, and then extends in the left-right direction until it reaches the linear groove portion A842 in a manner where it is totally reflected by the front and rear surfaces of the front side plate member A840, and when it reaches the linear groove portion A842, it is refracted and redirected toward the front side.

[0532] Therefore, when light is irradiated from the edge light-emitting portions A823, A827 when viewing the front side plate member A840 from the front side, the light directed from the linear groove portion A842 to the front side reaches the player's eyes, so that the outline of the shape of the illustration, including a specific character or logo, which is the original shape of the linear groove portion A842, can be seen to be glowing.

[0533] The LEDs that make up the edge light emitters A833 and A837 (see FIG. 53) have lower directivity than the LEDs that make up the edge light emitters A823 and A827, which allows the entire area of ​​the rear plate member A850 to be uniformly illuminated.

[0534] That is, light from the edge light emitters A833, A837 (see FIG. 53) does not undergo total reflection within the rear plate member A850, and functions to uniformly illuminate the rear plate member A850.

[0535] Returning to Figure 2, the following description will be given. As shown in Figure 2, a downstream guide member A803 is disposed on the lower right side of the center frame A86 when viewed from the front. The downstream guide member A803 constitutes a flow path through which the game ball guided by the guide member A802 is guided regardless of whether it passes through the through gate 67 or not.

[0536] Fig. 56 is an exploded front perspective view of the downstream guide member A803, and Fig. 57 is an exploded rear perspective view of the downstream guide member A803. Note that Figs. 56 and 57 only show a portion of the base plate A60 to which the downstream guide member A803 is fixed, and other portions of the base plate A60 are not shown.

[0537] The downstream guide member A803 comprises a front member A803z having a plate-shaped main body A803a and an extension plate A803b extending from the back surface of the plate-shaped main body A803a, a rear member A804 formed from a light-transmitting resin material which is arranged on the back surface of the front member A803z and fastened to the base plate A60 while being fastened to the front member A803z so as to form a path through which game balls can flow down between the front member A803z, and a decorative plate member A805 attached to the front surface of the plate-shaped main body A803a of the front member A803z, and in the assembled state (see Figure 2), the game balls guided by the guide member A802 are configured to be able to flow down the area between the plate-shaped main body A803a and the rear member A804.

[0538] The extension plate A803b comprises a left extension plate A803c extending from the left edge of the plate-shaped main body A803a and formed from a plate portion extending in the vertical direction and an inclined plate portion extending in the downward and left direction; a middle left extension plate A803d formed from a shape corresponding to the left extension plate A803c and arranged opposite the left extension plate A803c, forming a left-side flow path ATL1 in the region between the left extension plate A803c; a middle right extension plate A803e formed so as to extend downward while bending left and right, with a portion branching off from a midpoint of the middle left extension plate A803d and extending to the right; and a right extension plate A803f arranged opposite the middle right extension plate A803e, forming a right-side flow path ATL2 in the region between the middle right extension plate A803e.

[0539] A gaming ball flowing down the left flow path ATL1 passes through the ball detection sensor ASE1, which is disposed between the left extension plate A803c and the middle left extension plate A803d and is held by the sensor support portion A804a of the rear member A804 in the assembled state, on its way down to the left, which is the direction in which the left extension plate A803c and the middle left extension plate A803d extend, and then passes through the opening A804b of the rear member A804 and is discharged toward the rear of the base plate A60. Therefore, the gaming ball that has flowed into the left flow path ATL1 is not guided to the second winning port 640 or the specific winning port 65a (see FIG. 2).

[0540] The direction in which the left flow path ATL1 extends (toward the lower left) is away from the right flow path ATL2, so when both the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 are visible, it is easy to avoid confusing a game ball flowing through the left flow path ATL1 with a game ball flowing through the right flow path ATL2.

[0541] There are various possible modes of control when a gaming ball is detected by the detection sensor ASE1, but in this embodiment, when the detection sensor ASE1 detects the passage of a gaming ball, it is controlled so that one prize ball is paid out.

[0542] The number of prize balls is an example and is not limited to 1, but may be 2 or more. On the other hand, by setting the number of prize balls to 1 as in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the loss of balls when a game ball hit from the right flows through the left flow path ATL1.

[0543] In addition, when the number of prize balls is two or more, even if the shot balls are subtracted, the player's ball holdings increase due to the prize balls paid out to the player. This reduces the disappointment felt when balls flow into the left flow path ATL1.

[0544] The gaming balls that flow into the right-side flow path ATL2 flow down along the inclined surface A803e1 that extends in a lower right direction on the upstream side of the center right extension plate A803e. In this case, the balls flow down in a direction away from the left-side flow path ATL1 that is provided adjacent to the right-side flow path ATL2, so when both the left-side flow path ATL1 and the right-side flow path ATL2 are visible, it is easy to avoid mistaking the gaming balls flowing in the left-side flow path ATL1 for the gaming balls flowing in the right-side flow path ATL2.

[0545] The ball rolling on the inclined surface A803e1 flows to the right near the upper edge of the plate-shaped body A803a, and therefore the visibility of the ball when viewed from above the downstream guide member A803 can be improved compared to a ball flowing down the left-hand flow path ATL1, which causes the ball to flow in a manner similar to free fall. In other words, the period during which the ball is visible when viewed from above the downstream guide member A803 can be extended.

[0546] The game ball flowing down the right flow path ATL2 rolls on the extension plate A803f1 that extends leftward from the inside of the right extension plate A803f, and flows down along the curved surface A803e2 of the middle right extension plate A803e, which is curved in an arc shape to accommodate the rolling ball.

[0547] Balls rolling on the extension plate A803f1 will flow down in a direction approaching the left flow path ATL1, but the curved surface A803e2 is positioned with a gap between it and the left flow path ATL1, and the balls flowing down along the curved surface A803e2 are configured to flow down in a direction away from the left flow path ATL1, making it easier to avoid confusing game balls flowing down the left flow path ATL1 with game balls flowing down the right flow path ATL2.

[0548] Furthermore, since the flow pattern of a ball flowing down the left flow path ATL1 is such that it slopes to the left in the direction of gravity, while the flow pattern of a ball flowing down the right flow path ATL2 is such that it meanders from side to side, when both the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 are visible, it becomes easier to avoid confusing a game ball flowing down the left flow path ATL1 with a game ball flowing down the right flow path ATL2.

[0549] Furthermore, the gaming balls flowing through the left flow path ATL1 and the gaming balls flowing through the right flow path ATL2 can be made to stay in the internal flow paths of the downstream guide member A803 for different periods of time. For example, when balls flow into the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 at the same time, the balls flowing down the left flow path ATL1 are quickly swept downward, while the balls flowing down the right flow path ATL2 snake left and right. This shortens the period during which the balls flowing down the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2 are at the same height (the height positions of the balls can be made to differ). This makes it easier to avoid mistaking the gaming balls flowing through the left flow path ATL1 for the gaming balls flowing through the right flow path ATL2.

[0550] The gaming balls that pass through the right-side flow path ATL2 flow downward along the front side of the base plate A60 and are guided toward the second winning opening 640 or the specific winning opening 65a (see FIG. 2). Therefore, among the balls that flow down the downstream guide member A803, only the balls that flow down the right-side flow path ATL2 can enter the second winning opening 640 or the specific winning opening 65a.

[0551] As described above, the right-side flow path ATL2 is formed as a flow path that snakes from side to side, so the vertical speed of the ball can be reduced compared to when the ball falls freely. This reduces the vertical speed of the ball when it reaches the second winning opening 640 or the specific winning opening 65a, making it easier to prevent the opening and closing plates of the electric role device 640a and the variable winning device 65 from being damaged by a collision with the ball.

[0552] The decorative plate member A805 is made of a resin material and comprises a transparent sheet A805a that transmits light to the same extent regardless of the viewing direction, and a viewing pattern changing sheet A806 that is configured so that the light transmittance changes depending on the viewing direction.

[0553] The visual appearance-changing sheet A806 is formed to a size that includes the left flow path ATL1 when viewed from the front, and the transparent sheet A805a is formed to a size that includes the right flow path ATL2 when viewed from the front, and the decorative plate member A805 composed of the visual appearance-changing sheet A806 and the transparent sheet A805a is formed to have a shape that occupies an area slightly smaller than the outer edge of the plate-shaped main body A803a.

[0554] 58 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the viewing pattern variable sheet A806. The viewing pattern variable sheet A806 can also be called a viewing angle control sheet, and has a structure in which transparent resin films A806c are bonded to the front and back of a louver film in which transparent silicone rubber A806a and black silicone rubber A806b are alternately arranged, and by varying the arrangement interval and orientation of the black silicone rubber A806b during manufacturing, it is possible to design the angular range (viewing angle) of transmitted light.

[0555] The visual appearance-changing sheet A806 is a sheet that is attached to the front side of the plate-shaped main body A803a as shown in Fig. 56, and is required to be very thin because it is placed in the limited area of ​​the gap between the glass unit 16. In this embodiment, too, the transparent resin film A806c is a polycarbonate film with a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm, and the black silicone rubber A806b is arranged at an interval (pitch) of approximately 0.1 mm, making this a finely designed sheet.

[0556] 59(a) and 59(b) are schematic diagrams showing how the appearance of the downstream guide member A803 changes depending on the viewing direction. FIG. 59(a) shows how the downstream guide member A803 looks when viewed from the direction of arrow AEL1 in FIG. 58, and FIG. 59(b) shows how the downstream guide member A803 looks when viewed from the direction of arrow AEL2 in FIG. 58. Note that in FIG. 59, the outer shape may change depending on the viewing direction, but for convenience, the outer shape change is ignored and the same shape is shown. Also, in FIG. 59, the inner surfaces of the left flow path ATL1 and the right flow path ATL2, which can be seen through the viewing appearance-changing sheet A806, are shown in solid lines.

[0557] In this embodiment, the spacing and orientation of the black silicone rubber A806b (see Figure 58) are designed so that the viewing angle at which the back side of the visually variable sheet A806 can be seen through the visually variable sheet A806 is approximately 30 degrees.

[0558] That is, as shown in Figure 59(a), when the viewing manner-changing sheet A806 is viewed in the direction of the arrow AEL1 (see Figure 58) (when viewed from directly in front of the downstream guide member A803), the viewing manner-changing sheet A806 can be seen through and the left-side flow path ATL1 located at the back.

[0559] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 59(b), when the visual appearance changing sheet A806 is viewed in the direction of arrow AEL2 (see Figure 58) at an angle larger than the viewing angle (when viewed from a position shifted to the side from directly in front of the downstream guide member A803, for example, when viewed diagonally from directly in front of the third pattern display device 81 (see Figure 2)), the visual appearance changing sheet A806 cannot be made transparent and the front side of the visual appearance changing sheet A806 is visible (if the surface is decorated with figures, illustrations, etc., the decoration will be visible), making it difficult to see the ball flowing down the left flow path ATL1.

[0560] Thus, in this embodiment, it is easier for a player to see the game ball flowing down the left-side flow path ATL1 when viewing the downstream guide member A803 in the direction of arrow AEL1 than when viewing the downstream guide member A803 in the direct...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising first means and second means, and engaging means configured so that a first engaging body and a second engaging body can engage with the first means and the second means, respectively, wherein at least a part of a first arrangement body disposed on the first means can be interposed between at least a part of the first means and the first engaging body of the engaging means, and at least a part of a second arrangement body disposed on the second means can be interposed between at least a part of the second means and the second engaging body of the engaging means, the first engaging body is provided with a first engaging body-side protrusion configured in a manner that allows it to protrude toward a predetermined portion of the first disposing body, and when the first engaging body and the first means are engaged with each other, and the first engaging body is displaced in a direction that releases the engagement with the first means, at least a portion of the first engaging body-side protrusion can abut against the first disposing body; the second engaging body is provided with a second engaging body side protrusion configured in a manner that it can be protruded toward a specific portion of the second arrangement body, and when the second engaging body and the second means are engaged with each other, and the second engaging body is displaced in a direction that releases the engagement with the second means, at least a portion of the second engaging body side protrusion can abut against the second arrangement body; the engaging means comprises the first engaging body, the second engaging body, and a connecting body configured to be able to connect the first engaging body and the second engaging body in a state where the first engaging body and the second engaging body are separated, and in a state where the first engaging body and the first means are engaged and the second engaging body and the second means are engaged, the connecting body is configured to be cut at a plurality of locations on the first engaging body side and at a plurality of other locations on the second engaging body side, a predetermined hole portion penetrating at least a portion of the first means is formed in the first means, and the first disposing body is configured to be disposed on the first means in a manner that the predetermined hole portion can be blocked; A gaming machine characterized in that the connecting body is configured to have a portion that can be positioned in the opposite direction to the displacement direction of the first engaging body when the engagement between the first engaging body and the first means is released, rather than the end of the first engaging body on the displacement direction side of the first engaging body when the engagement between the first engaging body and the first means is released.

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