Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of exhibiting improvement regarding the placement of light reception means.SOLUTION: Positioning of a front side plate member A730 with regard to a light emission substrate A720 can be performed by bringing the light emission substrate A720 and the front side plate member A730 into contact with each other. Therefore, a structure for positioning the front side plate member A730 can be simplified. This means that improvement regarding the placement of the front side plate member A730 can be improved. Furthermore, also regarding a rear side plate member A740, positioning with regard to the light emission substrate A720 can be performed by contacting with the light emission substrate A720. Therefore, a structure for positioning the front side plate member A730 and the rear side plate member A740 can be simplified.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 48

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , engagement , , , , , ,

[0005] ,

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

Background Art

[0002] A gaming machine including a first means and a second means, and a means engagement configured to be possible engagement is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional gaming machine, engagement there is a problem that there is room for improvement with respect to the means. The present invention has been made to solve the above-exemplified problems, engagement and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve this objective, the gaming machine according to claim 1 comprises a first means and a second means, and engaging means configured such 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 portion of a first mounting body disposed on the first means can be interposed between at least a portion of the first means and the first engaging body of the engaging means, and at least a portion of a second mounting body disposed on the second means can be interposed between at least a portion of the second means and the second engaging body of the engaging means, and the first mounting body is configured to protrude toward a predetermined portion of the first mounting body. The first engaging body is provided with an engaging body side projection, and when the first engaging body and the first means are engaged, at least a portion of the first engaging body side projection is configured to contact the first assembly when the first engaging body is displaced in a direction that disengages it from the first means, and the second engaging body is provided with a second engaging body side projection configured to project toward a specific part of the second assembly, and when the second engaging body and the second means are engaged, at least a portion of the second engaging body side projection is configured to contact the second assembly when the second engaging body is displaced in a direction that disengages it from the second means, The first engaging body, the second engaging body, and the state in which the first engaging body and the second engaging body are separated. A connecting body configured to connect the first engaging body and the second engaging body. and, The engaging means is provided, and when the first engaging body and the first means are engaged and the second engaging body and the second means are engaged, if multiple locations on the first engaging body side of the connecting body and other multiple locations on the second engaging body side of the connecting body are severed, the first engaging body and the first means Related to The second engaging body is configured to be maintained in a joined state, and the second engaging body is configured to be Related to The coupling is configured to be maintained in a engaged state, and the coupling has a portion that can be located on the side opposite to the direction of displacement of the first engaging body when disengaging the first engaging body from the first engaging body, rather than the end of the first engaging body on the side in the direction of displacement of the first engaging body when disengaging the first engaging body from direction of displacement of the first engaging body from the first engaging body from the first engaging body from the first engaging body from the first engaging body from the first engaging body from the first engaging body from the first engaging body from the direction of displacement of the first engaging body from the first [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the gaming machine described in claim 1, engagement The means can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] This is a rear view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view of the disassembled game board and operating unit. [Figure 6] This is a rear perspective view of the disassembled game board and operating unit. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the operating unit. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the operating unit. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the operating unit. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the operating unit. [Figure 11] This is a front view of the operating unit. [Figure 12] This is a front view of the operating unit. [Figure 13] This is a front perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 14] This is a rear perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 15] This is a disassembled front perspective view of the first operating unit. [Figure 16] This is a rear perspective view of the disassembled first operating unit. [Figure 17] This is a front perspective view of the disassembled rotary motion unit. [Figure 18] This is a rear perspective view of the disassembled rotary motion unit. [Figure 19] (a) and (b) are rear views of the rotary operation unit. [Figure 20](a) and (b) are rear views of the rotational operation unit. [Figure 21] Front view of the first operation unit. [Figure 22] Front view of the first operation unit. [Figure 23] Front view of the first operation unit. [Figure 24] Rear view of the first operation unit. [Figure 25] Rear view of the first operation unit. [Figure 26] Rear view of the first operation unit. [Figure 27] Front perspective view of the second operation unit. [Figure 28] Rear perspective view of the second operation unit. [Figure 29] Exploded front perspective view of the second operation unit. <� [Figure 30] Exploded rear perspective view of the second operation unit. [Figure 31] Exploded front perspective view of the rotational operation unit. [Figure 32] Exploded rear perspective view of the rotational operation unit. [Figure 33] (a) and (b) are rear views of the rotational operation unit. [Figure 34] (a) and (b) are rear views of the rotational operation unit. [Figure 35] Front perspective view of the third operation unit [Figure 36] Rear perspective view of the third operation unit. [Figure 37] Exploded front perspective view of the third operation unit. [Figure 38] Exploded rear perspective view of the third operation unit. [Figure 39] Exploded front perspective view of the opening / closing operation unit. [Figure 40] Exploded rear perspective view of the opening / closing operation unit. [Figure 41] Rear view of the opening / closing operation unit of the third operation unit. [Figure 42]This is a rear view of the opening / closing operation unit of the third operation unit. [Figure 43] This is a disassembled front perspective view of the light guide plate unit. [Figure 44] This is a rear perspective view of the disassembled light guide plate unit. [Figure 45] This is a disassembled front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 46] This is a disassembled rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 47] This is a rear view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 48] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit along the line XLVIIIa-XLVIIIa in Figure 47, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit along the line XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb in Figure 47. [Figure 49] (a) to (f) are schematic front views of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 50] This is a front perspective view of a disassembled game board. [Figure 51] This is a rear perspective view of the disassembled game board. [Figure 52] This is a disassembled front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 53] This is a disassembled rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 54] This is a front view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit. [Figure 55] Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit along the LV-LV line. [Figure 56] This is a disassembled front perspective view of the downstream guide member. [Figure 57] This is a disassembled rear perspective view of the downstream guide member. [Figure 58] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the visibility change sheet. [Figure 59] (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating how the appearance of the downstream guide member changes depending on the viewing direction. [Figure 60] This is a rear view of the first operating unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 61]This is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 62] This is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 63] This is a schematic rear view of the first operating unit. [Figure 64] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the ball guide unit in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 65] (a) and (b) are rear views of the rotary operation unit in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 66] This is a cross-sectional view of the front component of the flow path in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 67] This is a rear view of the pachinko machine in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 68] This is a front perspective view of the circuit board box. [Figure 69] This is a rear perspective view of the circuit board box. [Figure 70] This is a front view of the circuit board box. [Figure 71] (a) is a rear view of the circuit board box, and (b) is a side view of the circuit board box as seen in the direction of arrow LXXIb in Figure 71(a). [Figure 72] (a) is a partial front perspective view of the circuit board box, and (b) is a partial rear perspective view of the circuit board box. [Figure 73] (a) and (b) are partial front views of the circuit board box, and (c) and (d) are partial rear views of the circuit board box. [Figure 74] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line LXXIVa-LXXIVa in Figure 73(b), and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in Figure 73(b). [Figure 75] (a) is a partial front view of the circuit board box, and (b) is a partial rear view of the circuit board box. [Figure 76] Figure 75(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line LXXVI-LXXVI. [Figure 77](a) is a partial front view of the circuit board box, and (b) is a partial rear view of the circuit board box. [Figure 78] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the eighth embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the 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 the line LXXIXb-LXXIXb in Figure 79(a), (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line LXXIXc-LXXIXc in Figure 79(a), and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line LXXIXd-LXXIXd in Figure 79(a). [Figure 80] (a) to (c) are partial cross-sectional views of the substrate box in the 11th embodiment, and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 81] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 13th embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line LXXXIb-LXXXLb in Figure 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 the 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 the 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 seen in the direction of arrow LXXXIVb in Figure 84(a), and (c) is a rear view of the protective cover as seen in the direction of arrow LXXXIVc in Figure 84(b). [Figure 85] (a) is a rear view of the circuit board box, (b) is a side view of the circuit board box in the direction of arrow LXXXVb in Figure 85(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the circuit board box along the line LXXXVc-LXXXVc in Figure 85(b). [Figure 86] (a) is a side view of the protective cover of the substrate box in the 18th embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line LXXIVb-LXXIVb in Figure 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 in the direction of arrow LXXXVIIb in Figure 87(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the 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 the 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 the 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 the line LXXXIXb-LXXXIXb in Figure 89(a), and (c) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 23rd embodiment. [Figure 90] (a) is a side view of the protective cover of the substrate box in the 24th embodiment, (b) is a side view of the substrate box, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line XCc-XCc in Figure 90(b). [Figure 91] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 25th embodiment, (b) is a partial side view of the substrate box in the direction of arrow XCIb in Figure 91(a), and (c) is a rear view of the protective cover. [Figure 92](a) and (c) are rear views of the substrate box in section XCIIa of Figure 91(a), (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box Wj100 along the line XCIIb-XCIIb in Figure 92(a), and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line XCIId-XCIId in Figure 92(c). [Figure 93] (a) is a rear view of the substrate box in section XCIIa of Figure 91(a), and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line XCIIIb-XCIIIb of Figure 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 the line XCIVb-XCIVb in Figure 94(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line XCIVc-XCIVc in Figure 94(a). [Figure 95] (a) and (c) are partial cross-sectional views of the substrate box along the XCIVb-XCIVb line in Figure 94(a), and (b) and (d) are partial cross-sectional views of the substrate box along the XCIVc-XCIVc line in Figure 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 the line XCVIb-XCVIb in Figure 96(a), (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the 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 the line XCVIe-XCVIe in Figure 96(d). [Figure 97] (a) is a rear view of the substrate box in section XCVIIa of Figure 96(a), (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line XCVIb-XCVIb of Figure 96(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line XCVIc-XCVIc of Figure 96(a). [Figure 98] (a) is a partial front view of the substrate box in the 28th embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line XCVIIIb-XCVIIIb in Figure 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 in the direction of arrow XCIXb in Figure 99(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line XCIXc-XCIXc in Figure 99(a). [Figure 100] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 30th embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the Cb-Cb line in Figure 100(a). [Figure 101] This is a rear view of the protective cover in the 31st embodiment. [Figure 102] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 32nd embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the line CIIb-CIIb in Figure 102(a). [Figure 103] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box in the 33rd embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box in the 34th embodiment. [Figure 104] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 35th embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the CIVb-CIVb line in Figure 104(a). [Figure 105] This is a partial rear view of the circuit board box in the 36th embodiment. [Figure 106] (a) is a partial rear view of the substrate box in the 37th embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box along the CVIb-CVIb line in Figure 106(a). [Figure 107] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box in the 38th embodiment, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate box in the 39th embodiment, and (c) is a partial rear view of the protective cover of the substrate box in the 40th embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. First, with reference to Figures 1 to 55, one embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") 10 will be described as the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, Figure 2 is a front view of the game board A13 of the pachinko machine 10, and Figure 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

[0013] In the following explanation, the front of the page will be referred to as the front (front) side and the back of the page as the rear (back) side, with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in Figure 1. Also, the top of the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in Figure 1 will be referred to as the upper (up) side, the bottom as the lower (down) side, the right side as the right (right) side, and the left side as the left (left) side. Furthermore, the arrows UD, LR, and FB in the figures (see, for example, Figure 2) indicate the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions of the pachinko machine 10, respectively.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 10 comprises an outer frame 11 formed by a roughly rectangular wooden frame, and an inner frame 12 formed to be approximately the same external shape as the outer frame 11 and supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. Metal hinges 18 are attached to the outer frame 11 at two locations, upper and lower, on the left side in a front view (see Figure 1) to support the inner frame 12, and the inner frame 12 is supported so as to be openable and closable towards the front, with the side on which the hinges 18 are provided as the axis of opening and closing.

[0015] A game board A13 (see Figure 2), which has numerous nails and prize slots 63, 64, etc., is attached to the inner frame 12 in a way that it can be detachably mounted from the back side. The ball game is played by balls (game balls) flowing down the front of this game board A13. The inner frame 12 is also fitted with a ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 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.

[0016] The front side of the inner frame 12 is provided with a front frame 14 that covers its upper front side and a lower tray unit 15 that covers its lower side. To support the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached to two locations, upper and lower, on the left side in a front view (see Figure 1). The side on which the hinges 19 are provided is used as the axis of opening and closing, allowing the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15 to open and close towards the front. The locking of the inner frame 12 and the locking of the front frame 14 are released by inserting a special key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a predetermined operation.

[0017] The front frame 14 is assembled with decorative resin parts and electrical components, and a roughly elliptical window section 14c is provided in its approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass plates is arranged 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.

[0018] The front frame 14 has a roughly box-like structure with an upper tray 17 that extends forward and has an open top surface for storing balls. Prize balls and loaned balls are dispensed into this upper tray 17. The bottom surface of the upper tray 17 slopes downward to the right when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and this slope guides the balls placed in the upper tray 17 to the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 4). A frame button 22 is also 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 animation displayed on the third symbol display device 81 (see Figure 2) or to change the content of the super reach animation.

[0019] The front frame 14 is equipped with various light-emitting means such as lamps around its periphery (for example, the corners). These light-emitting means are controlled to change their illumination pattern by lighting up or flashing in response to changes in the game state, such as during a jackpot or a predetermined reach, thereby enhancing the visual effects during gameplay. The periphery of the window section 14c is provided with illuminated sections 29-33, each containing a light-emitting means such as an LED. In the pachinko machine 10, these illuminated sections 29-33 function as display lamps such as jackpot lamps, and during jackpots or reach sequences, the built-in LEDs light up or flash, indicating that a jackpot is in progress or that the player is one step away from a jackpot. In addition, the upper left of the front frame 14 (see Figure 1) is equipped with an indicator lamp 34 that contains a light-emitting means such as an LED and can display whether a prize ball is being dispensed or an error has occurred.

[0020] Furthermore, a small window 35 is formed on the lower side of the right-side illuminated section 32 by attaching transparent resin from the back side so that the back side of the front frame 14 can be seen, and the stickers etc. that are attached 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. In addition, in the pachinko machine 10, plated members 36 made of chrome-plated ABS resin are attached to the area around the illuminated sections 29 to 33 to create a more dazzling appearance.

[0021] Below the window section 14c, a ball dispensing operation unit 40 is provided. The ball dispensing operation unit 40 is equipped with a balance display unit 41, a ball dispensing button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is operated with banknotes or cards inserted into the card unit (ball dispensing unit) (not shown) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are dispensed according to the operation. Specifically, the balance display unit 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc. is displayed, and a built-in LED lights up to display the remaining balance as a number. The ball dispensing button 42 is operated to obtain dispensed balls based on the information recorded on the card, etc. (recording medium), and dispensed balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a balance on the card, etc. The return button 43 is operated when requesting the return of the card, etc. inserted into the card unit. In pachinko machines where balls are dispensed directly to the upper tray 17 from a ball dispensing device without the use of a card unit, so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is unnecessary. In this case, the component configuration can be made common by adding decorative stickers or the like to the installation area of ​​the ball dispensing operation unit 40. This allows for the commonality of pachinko machines using a card unit and cash machines.

[0022] The lower tray unit 15, located below the upper tray 17, has a roughly box-shaped lower tray 50 on its left side, which is for storing balls that could not be stored in the upper tray 17. An operating handle 51 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 50, which is operated by the player to launch the balls into the front of the game board A13.

[0023] The operating handle 51 contains a touch sensor 51a for allowing the ball launching unit 112a to be driven, a launch stop switch 51b for stopping ball launching while the handle is being pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51 by a change in electrical resistance. When the operating handle 51 is rotated clockwise by the player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes in accordance with the amount of rotation. The ball is then launched with a strength (launch intensity) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, and the ball is driven towards the front of the game board A13 with 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 turned off.

[0024] A ball release lever 52 is provided on the lower front of the lower tray 50 for operating when discharging the balls stored in the lower tray 50 downwards. This ball release 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 out naturally from this bottom opening and are discharged. This ball release lever 52 is usually operated with a box (commonly called a "senryobako") placed below the lower tray 50 to receive the balls discharged from the lower tray 50. As described above, an operating handle 51 is provided to the right of the lower tray 50, and an ashtray 53 is attached to the left of the lower tray 50.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the game board A13 is constructed by assembling numerous nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) for guiding the balls, as well as rails 61, 62, a general prize slot 63, a first prize slot 64, a second prize slot 640, a variable prize device 65, a through gate 67, a variable display unit 80, etc., onto a base plate A60 that has been cut into a roughly square shape when viewed from the front, and its periphery is attached to the back side (or front side) of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1).

[0026] The base plate A60 is formed from a wooden board. The general prize slot 63, the first prize slot 64, the second prize 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 also 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.

[0027] The central front portion of the game board A13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window portion 14c of the front frame 14 (see Figure 1). The configuration of the game board A13 will be described below, mainly with reference to Figure 2.

[0028] An outer rail 62, formed by bending a strip of metal plate into a roughly arc shape, is installed on the front of the game board A13, and an arc-shaped inner rail 61, also formed from a strip of metal plate, is installed inside the outer rail 62. The outer rail 61 and outer rail 62 surround the outer perimeter of the front of the game board A13, and the front and back are surrounded by the game board A13 and the glass unit 16 (see Figure 1), thus forming a game area on the front of the game board A13 where the game is played by the movement of balls. The game area is the area on the front of the game board A13 that is demarcated by the two rails 61 and 62 and the resin outer edge member 73 that connects the rails (an area where prize slots are located and the launched balls flow down).

[0029] The two rails 61 and 62 are provided to guide the balls 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) to prevent the balls that have been guided to the top of the game board A13 from returning to 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 distance of the ball. Balls launched with a force exceeding a predetermined amount will hit the return rubber 69, have their force reduced, and be bounced back towards the center.

[0030] In the lower left side of the game area (lower left side in Figure 2), there are two first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, each equipped with multiple LEDs and a 7-segment display, which serve as light-emitting means. The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B display information according to the various controls performed by the main control device 110 (see Figure 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 used differently depending on whether the ball enters the first prize slot 64 or the second prize slot 640. Specifically, when the ball enters the first prize slot 64, the first symbol display device 37A is activated, while when the ball enters the second prize slot 640, the first symbol display device 37B is activated.

[0031] Furthermore, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a probability variation mode, a time reduction mode, or a normal mode, whether or not it is in a variation mode, whether or not the stopped symbol corresponds to a probability variation jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a losing symbol, and the number of reserved balls. In addition, a 7-segment display device is used to show the number of rounds during a jackpot and to display errors. Multiple LEDs are configured so that each LED emits a different color (for example, red, green, and blue), and by combining these colors, various game states of the pachinko machine 10 can be indicated with a small number of LEDs.

[0032] In this pachinko machine 10, a lottery is held when a ball enters the first prize slot 64 or the second prize slot 640. In this lottery, the pachinko machine 10 determines whether or not it is a jackpot (jackpot lottery), and if it is determined to be a jackpot, it also determines the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be determined here are 15R probability variation jackpot, 4R probability variation jackpot, and 15R normal jackpot. The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stopping symbols after the spin ends, but also show symbols corresponding to the type of jackpot if it is a jackpot.

[0033] Here, "15R probability variation jackpot" refers to a probability variation jackpot where the game transitions to a high-probability state after a jackpot with a maximum of 15 rounds, and "4R probability variation jackpot" refers to a probability variation jackpot where the game transitions to a high-probability state after a jackpot with a maximum of 4 rounds. Furthermore, "15R normal jackpot" refers to a jackpot where the game transitions to a low-probability state after a jackpot with a maximum of 15 rounds, and enters a time-saving state for a predetermined number of spins (for example, 100 spins).

[0034] Furthermore, "high probability state" refers to the state in which the probability of subsequent jackpots is increased as an added value after a jackpot has ended, also known as probability variation (probability variation), or in other words, a state of play in which it is easy to transition to a special game state. In this embodiment, the high probability state (probability variation) includes a state of play in which the probability of hitting the second symbol, as described later, is increased and it is easy for balls to enter the second prize slot 640. "Low probability state" refers to the time when it is not a probability variation, and the jackpot probability is in the normal state, that is, a state in which the jackpot probability is lower than when it is a probability variation. Furthermore, the time-saving state (time-saving) within the "low probability state" refers to a state of play in which the jackpot probability is in the normal state, and the jackpot probability remains the same, but only the probability of hitting the second symbol is increased, making it easy for balls to enter the second prize slot 640. On the other hand, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the normal state, it is a state of play in which it is neither a probability variation nor a time-saving state (a state in which neither the jackpot probability nor the probability of hitting the second symbol is increased).

[0035] During the bonus round or time-saving mode, not only is the probability of hitting the second symbol increased, but the time for which the electric mechanism 640a attached to the second prize slot 640 is open is also changed, and it is set to a longer time compared to normal mode. When the electric mechanism 640a is open (open state), it is easier for balls to enter the second prize slot 640 compared to when the electric mechanism 640a is closed (closed state). Therefore, during the bonus round or time-saving mode, it is easier for balls to enter the second prize slot 640, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0036] The state change of the electric mechanism 640a between open and closed is caused by the opening and closing operation of an opening / closing plate that can slide and displace back and forth. When the electric mechanism 640a is in the open state, the opening / closing plate is retracted behind the front of the base plate A60, allowing game balls to enter the second prize opening 640. When the electric mechanism 640a is in the closed state, the opening / closing plate blocks the space between the game area and the second prize opening 640, making it difficult for balls to enter the second prize opening 640 (they are directed to the left).

[0037] Furthermore, the change in state between the open and closed states of the electric mechanism 640a may be caused by the opening and closing operation of an opening / closing plate, which has a rotating shaft at its lower end and rotates to tilt or stand up towards the game area. In this case, when the electric mechanism 640a is in the open state, the ball is easily guided to the second prize opening 640 by traveling along the upper surface of the opening / closing plate, and when the electric mechanism 640a is in the closed state, the opening / closing plate blocks the space between the game area and the second prize opening 640, making it difficult for the ball to enter the second prize opening 640.

[0038] Furthermore, during the probability variation or time reduction mode, instead of changing the opening time of the electric mechanism 640a associated with the second prize slot 640, or in addition to changing the opening time, the number of times the electric mechanism 640a opens per win may be increased compared to normal mode. Alternatively, during the probability variation or time reduction mode, the probability of winning with the second symbol may not be changed, but at least one of the opening time of the electric mechanism 640a associated with the second prize slot 640 and the number of times the electric mechanism 640a opens per win may be changed. Alternatively, during the probability variation or time reduction mode, the opening time of the electric mechanism 640a associated with the second prize slot 640 and the number of times the electric mechanism 640a opens per win may not be changed, and only the probability of winning with the second symbol may be increased compared to normal mode.

[0039] The game area is equipped with multiple general prize slots 63 from which 5 to 15 balls are dispensed as prize balls when a ball enters. A variable display unit 80 is also provided in a position visible through the central part of the game area (behind the window on the base plate A60). The variable display unit 80 is equipped with a third symbol display device 81, which is composed of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply abbreviated as "display device") that displays the variation of the third symbol in synchronization with the variation display on the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, triggered by a ball entering the first prize slot 64 and the second prize slot 640 (start prize), and a second symbol display device (not shown) composed of LEDs that displays the variation of the second symbol triggered by a ball passing through the through gate 67. A center frame A86 is also provided on the base plate 60 so as to surround the third symbol display device 81 when viewed from the front.

[0040] The third symbol display device 81 is composed of a large liquid crystal display ranging from 9 inches to 19 inches in size. The display content is controlled by the display control device 114 (see Figure 4), so that, for example, three rows of symbols—top, middle, and bottom—are displayed. Each row of symbols consists of multiple symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols scroll horizontally for each row of symbols, so that the third symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 81. In this embodiment, the third symbol display device 81 displays decorative information corresponding to the display of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, while the display of the game state in accordance with the control of the main control device 110 (see Figure 4) is performed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B. Alternatively, the third symbol display device 81 may be configured using, for example, reels instead of a display device.

[0041] The second symbol display device performs a variable display by alternately lighting up the "○" symbol and the "×" symbol (second symbol (not shown)) for a predetermined time each time a ball passes through the through gate 67. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that a ball has passed through the through gate 67, a winning lottery is held. If the winning lottery is successful, the second symbol display device will stop displaying the "○" symbol after the variable display of the second symbol. If the winning lottery is unsuccessful, the second symbol display device will stop displaying the "×" symbol after the variable display of the third symbol.

[0042] The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that when the variable display on the second symbol display device stops at a predetermined symbol (in this embodiment, the symbol "○"), the electric mechanism 640a attached to the second prize entry opening 640 becomes operational (opens) for a predetermined time.

[0043] The time required for the second symbol to change is set to be shorter during the probability variation or time reduction modes than during the normal game state. As a result, during the probability variation and time reduction modes, the second symbol changes in a shorter time, allowing for more winning draws than during normal gameplay. Therefore, the chances of winning in the winning draw increase, giving the player more opportunities to open the electric mechanism 640a of the second prize slot 640. Thus, during the probability variation and time reduction modes, it is possible to make it easier for balls to enter the second prize slot 640.

[0044] Furthermore, if, during a bonus round or time-saving mode, the probability of winning is increased, or if the opening time or number of openings of the electric mechanism 640a per win is increased, or if other methods are used to make it easier for balls to enter the second prize slot 640 during a bonus round or time-saving mode, the time required for the second symbol to change may be kept constant regardless of the game state. On the other hand, if the time required for the second symbol to change is set shorter during a bonus round or time-saving mode than during normal play, the probability of winning may be kept constant regardless of the game state, and the opening time or number of openings of the electric mechanism 640a per win may also be kept constant regardless of the game state.

[0045] The through gate 67 is installed on the game board A13 in the area to the right of the variable display unit 80 and is configured to allow some of the balls launched onto the game board A13 to pass through. When a ball passes through the through gate 67, a lottery for the second symbol win is held. After the lottery, the second symbol display device performs a variable display. If the result of the lottery is a win, the symbol "○" is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display. If the result of the lottery is a loss, the symbol "×" is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display.

[0046] The number of times a ball passes through the through gate 67 is limited to a maximum of four times in total. The number of balls held is displayed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B described above, and is also indicated by the illumination of the second symbol hold lamps (not shown). Four second symbol hold lamps are provided, corresponding to the maximum number of balls held, and are arranged symmetrically below the third symbol display device 81.

[0047] In addition to the method used in this embodiment to switch the illumination and de-illumination of multiple lamps in the second symbol display device, the display of the second symbol variation may also be performed using parts of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and the third symbol display device 81. Similarly, the illumination of the second symbol hold lamp may be performed using parts of the third symbol display device 81.

[0048] Furthermore, the maximum number of balls held for passing through the through gate 67 is not limited to 4, but may be set to 3 or fewer, or 5 or more (for example, 8). Also, the number of through gates 67 assembled is not limited to one, but may be, for example, two.

[0049] Furthermore, the assembly position of the through gate 67 is not limited to the right side of the variable display unit 80, but may be, for example, to the left or right, or below, the variable display unit 80. Also, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol reserved lamp may not be illuminated to indicate this.

[0050] Below the variable display unit 80, there is a first prize slot 64 into which a ball can enter. When a ball enters this first prize slot 64, a first prize slot switch (not shown) located on the back side of the game board A13 is turned on. This activation of the first prize slot switch triggers a jackpot lottery in the main control device 110 (see Figure 4), and the result of the lottery is displayed on the first symbol display device 37A.

[0051] On the other hand, a second prize slot 640 into which a ball can enter is located on the lower right side of the through gate 67 when viewed from the front. When a ball enters this second prize slot 640, a second prize slot switch (not shown) located on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on. This activation of the second prize slot switch triggers a jackpot lottery in the main control device 110 (see Figure 4), and the result of the lottery is displayed on the first symbol display device 37B. The location of the second prize slot 640 is not limited to this. For example, it may be located below the first prize slot 64 when viewed from the front, or to the left of the center of the game area.

[0052] Furthermore, the first prize slot 64 and the second prize slot 640 are also prize slots from which five balls are dispensed as prize balls when a ball enters them. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot 64 and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot 640 are the same. However, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot 64 and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot 640 may be set to different numbers. For example, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot 64 may be set to three, and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot 640 may be set to five.

[0053] The second prize slot 640 is equipped with an electric mechanism 640a. This electric mechanism 640a is configured to open and close, and normally the electric mechanism 640a is in a closed state (reduced state), making it difficult for the ball to enter the second prize slot 640. On the other hand, if the second symbol is displayed on the second symbol display device as a result of the second symbol change display triggered by the ball passing through the through gate 67, the electric mechanism 640a opens (expands), making it easier for the ball to enter the second prize slot 640.

[0054] As mentioned above, during the bonus round and time-saving mode, the probability of hitting the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time it takes for the second symbol to change is also shorter. As a result, the "○" symbol is more likely to be displayed during the second symbol change, and the number of times the electric mechanism 640a opens (expands) increases. Furthermore, during the bonus round and time-saving mode, the time for which the electric mechanism 640a is open is also longer than during normal play. Therefore, during the bonus round and time-saving mode, it is possible to create a situation where it is easier for balls to enter the second prize slot 640 compared to normal play.

[0055] Here, the probability of hitting the jackpot is the same whether the ball enters the first prize slot 64 or the second prize slot 640, regardless of whether the state is low or high probability. However, the probability of selecting a 15R probability variation jackpot is set higher when the ball enters the second prize slot 640 than when the ball enters the first prize slot 64. On the other hand, the first prize slot 64 does not have an electric mechanism 640a like the second prize slot 640, and the ball can enter it at all times.

[0056] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the electric mechanism 640a associated with the second prize slot 640 is often in a closed state, making it difficult to enter the second prize slot 640. For this reason, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for the first prize slot 64, which does not have the electric mechanism 640a, by launching the ball so that it passes to the left of the variable display unit 80 (so-called "left-handed shooting"), thereby increasing the chances of winning the jackpot by entering the first prize slot 64.

[0057] On the other hand, during the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, passing the ball through the through gate 67 makes it easier for the electric mechanism 640a attached to the second prize entry point 640 to open, making it easier for the ball to enter the second prize entry point 640. Therefore, it is advantageous for the player to aim for the second prize entry point 640 by shooting the ball so that it passes to the right of the variable display device 80 (so-called "right-handed shooting"), passing through the through gate 67 to open the electric mechanism 640a, and aiming for a 15R probability variation jackpot by entering the second prize entry point 640.

[0058] Unlike the pachinko machine 10 in this embodiment, if the game board 13 is symmetrical, the player can aim for the first prize slot 64 with a "right-handed" shot or the second prize slot 640 with a "left-handed" shot. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 in this embodiment does not require the player to change the way they shoot the balls between "left-handed" and "right-handed" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time reduction mode, or normal mode). Thus, the hassle of changing the way the balls are shot can be eliminated.

[0059] On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, it is configured so that the first prize entry point 64 cannot be targeted when shooting to the right, and balls shot with a left-handed motion do not pass through the through gate 67. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment can require the player to change the way they shoot the balls between "left-handed" and "right-handed" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time reduction mode, or normal mode). Thus, by adding a gameplay feature that allows the player to change the way they shoot the balls, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming slow.

[0060] To the right of the first prize slot 64 is a variable prize slot 65 (see Figure 2), and a specific prize slot 65a is provided in its approximate center. In the pachinko machine 10, when a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery conducted due to a ball entering the first prize slot 64 or the second prize slot 640, after a predetermined time (variation time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is lit up to show the jackpot stop symbol, and the stop symbol corresponding to that jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device 81 to indicate that a jackpot has occurred. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which balls are more likely to enter. In this special game state, the specific prize slot 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed, or until 10 balls have entered).

[0061] This specific prize slot 65a closes after a predetermined time has elapsed, and after closing, it is opened again for a predetermined time. This opening and closing operation of the specific prize slot 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds). This state in which the opening and closing operation is performed is a form of special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player receives a larger payout of prize balls than usual as a grant of game value.

[0062] Furthermore, the special game state is not limited to the configuration described above. A large opening that opens and closes separately from the specific prize entry point 65a may be provided in the game area, and when the LED corresponding to a jackpot lights up in the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the specific prize entry point 65a will be opened for a predetermined time, and when a ball enters the specific prize entry point 65a while it is open, the large opening provided separately from the specific prize entry point 65a will be opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, forming a special game state. In addition, the specific prize entry point 65a is not limited to one, and one or more (for example, three) may be provided, and the placement is not limited to the right of the first prize entry point 64, but may be, for example, to the lower right of the first prize entry point 64, to the lower left of the first prize entry point 64, to the left or right of the variable display device unit 80, or above it.

[0063] An attachment space K1 is provided in the lower right corner of the game board A13 for attaching certificates, identification labels, etc. Certificates attached to the attachment space K1 can be viewed through the small window 35 of the front frame 14 (see Figure 1).

[0064] The game board A13 is provided with an outlet 71. Balls that flow down the game area and do not enter any of the winning slots 63, 64, 65a, or 640 are guided through the outlet 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown).

[0065] Game board A13 has numerous nails embedded in it to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and is also equipped with various components (mechanisms) such as windmills.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly equipped with control board units 90 and 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is a unit in which a main board (main control device 110), an audio lamp control board (audio lamp control device 113), and a display control board (display control device 114) are mounted. The control board unit 91 is a unit in which a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply unit 115), and a card unit connection board 116 are mounted.

[0067] The back pack unit 94 is a unitized unit consisting of the back pack 92, which forms the protective cover, and the dispensing unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a single-chip microcontroller that manages each control, ports for communication with various devices, a random number generator used during various lotteries, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc., as needed.

[0068] The main control unit 110, the sound lamp control unit 113 and the display control unit 114, the payout control unit 111 and the launch control unit 112, the power supply unit 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are each housed in board boxes 100 to 104. Each board box 100 to 104 comprises a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and box cover are connected to each other to house each control unit and each board.

[0069] Furthermore, the circuit board box 100 (main control device 110) and the circuit board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) are indestructibly connected (connected by a crimping structure) to the box base and box cover by a sealing unit (not shown). In addition, a sealing sticker (not shown) is attached to the connection between the box base and the box cover, spanning both the box base and the box cover. This sealing sticker is made of a brittle material, and if someone tries to peel off the sealing sticker to open the circuit board boxes 100 and 102, or tries to forcibly open the circuit board boxes 100 and 102, it will be cut on the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or sealing sticker, it is possible to know whether the circuit board boxes 100 and 102 have been opened.

[0070] The dispensing unit 93 includes a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upwards, a tank rail 131 connected below the tank 130 and gently sloping downstream, a case rail 132 connected vertically downstream of the tank rail 131, and a dispensing device 133 provided at the downstream end of the case rail 132, which dispenses balls by a predetermined electrical configuration of the dispensing motor 216 (see Figure 4). Balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are continuously replenished to the tank 130, and the required number of balls are dispensed as needed by the dispensing device 133. A vibrator 134 is attached to the tank rail 131 to add vibration to the tank rail 131.

[0071] Furthermore, the payout control device 111 is provided with a state reset switch 120, the firing control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operating knob 121, and the power supply unit 115 is provided with a RAM erase switch 122. The state reset switch 120 is operated to clear a ball jam (return to a normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The operating 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.

[0072] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0073] The main control unit 110 is equipped with an MPU 201, which is a single-chip microcontroller that acts as an arithmetic unit. The MPU 201 contains a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 202, and various other circuits such as interrupt circuits, timer circuits, and data transmission and reception circuits. The main control unit 110 uses the MPU 201 to perform the main processes of the pachinko machine 10, such as the jackpot lottery, the setting of the display on the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and the third symbol display device 81, and the lottery for the display result on the second symbol display device.

[0074] In addition, various commands are transmitted from the main control unit 110 to sub-control devices such as the payout control device 111 and the sound lamp control device 113 via a data transmission circuit in order to instruct them to operate. However, these commands are transmitted only in one direction from the main control unit 110 to the sub-control devices.

[0075] RAM203 has a stack area that stores various areas, counters, flags, the contents of the MPU201's internal registers, and the return address of the control program executed by the MPU201, as well as a work area (work region) that stores various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. Furthermore, RAM203 is configured to retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off by a backup voltage supplied from the power supply unit 115, and all data stored in RAM203 is backed up.

[0076] When the power is cut off due to a power outage or other reason, the stack pointer and the values ​​of each register at the time of the power cutoff (including the time of the power outage; the same applies hereinafter) are stored in RAM203. On the other hand, when the power is turned on (including when the power is turned on after the power outage is resolved; the same applies hereinafter), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power cutoff based on the information stored in RAM203. Writing to RAM203 is performed by the main process (not shown) when the power is cut off, and the restoration of each value written to RAM203 is performed in the startup process (not shown) when the power is turned on. The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU201 is 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 other reason. When this power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU201, the NMI interrupt process (not shown) as a power outage process is immediately executed.

[0077] The MPU 201 of the main control unit 110 is connected to an input / output port 205 via a bus line 204 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 205 is connected to solenoids 209, which include 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, a large opening solenoid for opening and closing the opening / closing plate of the specific prize winning slot 65a in the front-to-back direction, and a solenoid for driving the electric mechanism 640a. The MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0078] Furthermore, the input / output port 205 is connected to various switches 208, which include 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 erase switch circuit 253 provided on the power supply unit 115 (described later). The MPU 201 performs various processes based on the signals output from the various switches 208 and the RAM erase signal SG2 output from the RAM erase switch circuit 253.

[0079] The payout control device 111 drives the payout motor 216 to control the payout of prize balls and loaned balls. The MPU 211, which is an arithmetic unit, has a ROM 212 that stores control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 211, and a RAM 213 that is used as work memory, etc.

[0080] The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area where the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and the return address of the control program executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (work region) where various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured to retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off by a backup voltage supplied from the power supply unit 115, and all data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. In addition, similar to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is 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, etc. When the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) as power outage processing is immediately executed.

[0081] An input / output port 215 is connected to the MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 via a bus line 214 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device 110, the payout motor 216, the launch control device 112, etc. are connected to the input / output port 215 respectively. Although not shown in the figure, a prize ball detection switch for detecting the payout prize balls is connected to the payout control device 111. The prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but not to the main control device 110.

[0082] When the main control device 110 gives an instruction to launch a ball, the launch control device 112 controls the ball launch unit 112a so that the launch strength of the ball corresponds to the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 51. The ball launch unit 112a includes a launch solenoid and an electromagnet not shown in the figure, and the launch solenoid and the electromagnet are permitted to be driven when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operation handle 51, and the launch solenoid is excited corresponding to the rotation operation amount (rotation position) of the operation handle 51 on the condition that the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the ball launch is off (not operated), and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the operation amount of the operation handle 51.

[0083] The voice lamp control device 113 controls the output of voice in a voice output device (such as a speaker not shown), the lighting and extinguishing output in a lamp display device (such as the electric decoration parts 29 - 33, the display lamp 34, etc.), and the setting of the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 performed by the display control device 114 such as variable effects (variable display) and preview effects. The MPU 221 which is an arithmetic device has a ROM 222 storing control programs, fixed value data, etc. executed by the MPU 221, and a RAM 223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0084] The MPU 221 of the audio lamp control device 113 is connected to input / output ports 225 via bus lines 224, which consist 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 buttons 22, etc. are connected to input / output ports 225. Other devices 228 include drive motors AMT1, AMT2, AMT3, AMT4, etc.

[0085] The sound lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 based on various commands (variation pattern commands, stop type commands, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode by command (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). The sound lamp control device 113 also monitors input from the frame button 22, and when the frame button 22 is operated by the player, it instructs the display control device 114 to change the stage displayed on the third symbol display device 81 or change the content of the super reach animation. If the stage is changed, it sends a back image change command, including information about the changed stage, to the display control device 114 in order to display a back image corresponding to the changed stage on the third symbol display device 81. Here, the back image is the image displayed on the back of the third symbol, which is the main image to be displayed on the third symbol display device 81. The display control device 114 displays various images on the third symbol display device 81 according to the commands sent from the sound lamp control device 113.

[0086] Furthermore, the audio lamp control device 113 receives a command (display command) from the display control device 114 that represents the display content of the third symbol display device 81. Based on the display command received from the display control device 114, the audio lamp control device 113 outputs sound corresponding to the display content of the third symbol display device 81 from the audio output device 226, and also controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp display device 227 in accordance with that display content.

[0087] The display control device 114 is connected to the sound lamp control device 113 and the third symbol display device 81, and controls the display of the third symbol on the third symbol display device 81, such as the variation effect of the third symbol, based on commands received from the sound lamp control device 113. The display control device 114 also sends display commands to the sound lamp control device 113 as appropriate to notify the display content of the third symbol display device 81. The sound lamp control device 113 outputs sound from the sound output device 226 in accordance with the display content indicated by this display command, thereby synchronizing the display of the third symbol display device 81 with the sound output from the sound output device 226.

[0088] The power supply unit 115 includes a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruptions due to power outages, etc., and a RAM erase switch circuit 253 equipped with a RAM erase switch 122 (see Figure 3). The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltage to each control device 110 to 114, etc., through a power supply path not shown. In general, the power supply unit 251 takes in a 24-volt AC voltage supplied from an external source and generates a 12-volt voltage for driving various switches such as various switches 208, solenoids such as solenoid 209, motors, etc., a 5-volt voltage for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies these 12-volt voltage, 5-volt voltage and backup voltage to each control device 110 to 114, etc., as needed.

[0089] The power outage monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit that outputs a power outage signal SG1 to the NMI terminals of the MPU 201 of the main control unit 110 and the MPU 211 of the payout control unit 111 when the power supply is interrupted due to a power outage or the like. The power outage monitoring circuit 252 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and determines that a power outage (power interruption, power cutoff) has occurred when this voltage falls below 22 volts, and outputs the power outage signal SG1 to the main control unit 110 and the payout control unit 111. Upon output of the power outage signal SG1, the main control unit 110 and the payout control unit 111 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute NMI interrupt processing. The power supply unit 251 is configured to maintain the output of the control system's drive voltage of 5 volts at a normal value for a sufficient amount of time for the execution of NMI interrupt processing, even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts falls below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 110 and the payout control unit 111 can successfully execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown).

[0090] The RAM erase switch circuit 253 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal SG2 to the main control unit 110 to clear the backup data when the RAM erase switch 122 (see Figure 3) is pressed. When the main control unit 110 receives the RAM erase signal SG2 when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, it clears the backup data and also sends a payout initialization command to the payout control unit 111 to clear the backup data.

[0091] Next, the structure of the game board A13 and the operating unit A200 will be described. Figure 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board A13 and the operating unit A200, and Figure 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board A13 and the operating unit A200. Note that in Figures 5 and 6, the liquid crystal display device (variable display device unit 80) installed in the opening A211a of the rear case A210 is not shown, and the back side is shown so that it can be seen through the opening A211a. Also, in the explanation of Figures 5 and 6, Figure 2 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0092] The operating unit A200 includes a rear case A210 that is box-shaped with its front side open, comprising a bottom wall A211 and an outer wall A212 erected from the outer edge of the bottom wall A211. The rear case A210 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front, by forming a rectangular opening A211a in the center of the bottom wall A211. 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., a size that allows the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 to be demarcated when viewed from the front).

[0093] The rear case A210 is provided with a support plate A213 that extends from the front end of the outer wall A212 as a flat plate that runs along the back of the game board A13 (for example, arranged parallel to it), and is supported by the game board A13 across its surface when assembled (see Figure 2).

[0094] With the support plate A213 supported across the surface of the game board A13, the game board A13 and the operating unit A200 can be integrally fixed by screwing fastening screws 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.

[0095] A pair of displacement restricting devices A214 are installed on the rear side of the rear case A210. The displacement restricting devices A214 are configured to change between a protruding state and a retracted state by manual operation from the rear of the rear case A210, and in the protruding state, they restrict the movable parts (first operation unit A400 and second operation unit A500), which will be described later, from starting to move from the performance standby state.

[0096] By employing the displacement restricting device A214, even when the central opening of the base plate A60 is blocked by the light guide plate unit A700, as in this embodiment, the shipment and transport of the pachinko machine 10 can be facilitated.

[0097] In detail, conventionally, the displacement of movable parts was sometimes suppressed by filling the area where the movable parts would displace with cushioning material (such as cotton), and the cushioning material was removed after the product arrived at the gaming hall. This prevented the movable parts from displacing during shipping or transportation. However, if the central opening of the base plate A60 is closed as in this embodiment, there is no opening for removing the cushioning material. Therefore, the cushioning material cannot be removed without disassembling the gaming board A13 and the back case A210, which could place a significant burden on the gaming hall.

[0098] As a countermeasure, this embodiment employs a displacement restricting device A214. This allows the displacement restricting device A214 to switch between a protruding state that restricts the movement of the movable parts and a retracted state that releases that restriction, without releasing the fixation of the game board A13 and the rear case A210.

[0099] Furthermore, the pair of displacement restricting devices A214 are arranged as components 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 restricting devices A214.

[0100] Base plate A60 is formed in a plate shape from a light-transmitting resin material, and is configured to make it easy for players to see the various structures arranged on the back side of base plate A60 from the front. This allows the structures arranged on the back side to be seen and used for various effects, regardless of the shape or arrangement of base plate A60. If there are parts that you do not want the player to see, you can deal with this by attaching a sticker material with low light transmittance (or light opacity).

[0101] The operating unit A200 is located on the rear side of the game board A13, and various light-emitting means and various operating units are arranged inside. Specifically, the operating unit A200 comprises a rear case A210, a first operating unit A400 located on the inner right and upper parts of the rear case A210 as viewed from the front, and located closer to the front of the rear case A210, a second operating unit A500 located on the inner left and upper parts of the rear case A210 as viewed from the front, and located between the first operating unit A400 and the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210, a third operating unit A600 located 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 in front of the first operating unit A400.

[0102] Specifically, the third operating unit A600 is fastened and fixed 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 and fixed to the left and above the opening A211a. In addition, the first operating unit A400 is fastened and fixed to the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 at a position to the right of the opening A211a, and fastened and fixed 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 explained.

[0103] Figures 7 to 12 are front views of the operating unit A200, illustrating an example of operation control of the operating unit A200. Figure 7 shows the first operating unit A400, the second operating unit A500, and the third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state, while Figure 8 shows the first operating unit A400 in an extended state, and the second operating unit A500 and the third operating unit A600 in a performance standby state.

[0104] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows 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 shows 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 shows 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.

[0105] Furthermore, Figure 12 illustrates the first and second operating units A400 and A500 after they have rotated without any change in their external shape from the performance standby state, and the third operating unit A600 after it has risen while maintaining the external shape from the performance standby state.

[0106] Furthermore, in Figures 7 to 12, the shape enclosed by the edge of the auxiliary light guide unit A700b of the light guide unit A700, the edge of the decorative member A808, and the edge of the center frame A86 is illustrated with dashed lines. The shape enclosed by these dashed lines is the actual size in which the third pattern display device 81 can be seen from the front, and outside of the shape enclosed by these dashed lines (especially on the left and right sides), the auxiliary light guide unit A700b of the light guide unit A700 and the decorative member A808 obscure the view, thereby reducing the visibility of the first operation unit A400 and the second operation unit A500 in the retracted state.

[0107] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the displacement trajectories of the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 partially overlap in a front view, but the displacement trajectories of the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 are offset in the front-to-back direction (they 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 Figure 10, both the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 can be extended.

[0108] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the displacement trajectories of the first or second operating unit A400 and the third operating unit A600 partially overlap in a front view. Therefore, for example, if the first or second operating unit A400 is in an extended state and the third operating unit A600 changes state from a performance standby state, a collision may occur.

[0109] In contrast, in this embodiment, the state changes of the first and second operating units A400 and A500 from their performance standby state are controlled to be executable only if the third operating unit A600 is in a performance standby state, or the state changes of the third operating unit A600 from its performance standby state are controlled to be executable only if both the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 are in a performance standby state. This makes it possible to avoid collisions between the first or second operating unit A400 and the third operating unit A600. As a result, the degree of freedom in the placement of the first, second, and third operating units A400 and A500 is improved (it is possible for their displacement trajectories to overlap in a front view).

[0110] The operation modes of the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 are configured such that the vertical and horizontal lengths of the rotating operating units A400b and A500b change during rotational operation, but the details will be described later.

[0111] The operation mode of the third operating unit A600 is configured such that the lifting and lowering operation of the opening / closing operating unit A600b and the opening and closing operation of the movable member A650 can be performed at different timings. That is, the opening and closing operation of the movable member A650 is controlled to be performed when the opening / closing operating unit A600b is positioned at the upper end position.

[0112] As described above, in this embodiment, the operating timing of each operating unit A400, A500, and A600 may be staggered in anticipation of the possibility of collision. However, if the possibility of collision can be eliminated from the outset, it is naturally possible to drive them simultaneously. Figure 12 shows a case where each operating unit A400, A500, and A600 is driven simultaneously from the performance standby state and moves to a position where they do not collide with each other.

[0113] In other words, the state change that moves each of the operation units A400, A500, and A600 from the performance standby state to the state shown in Figure 12 is achieved by driving the drive devices that drive each of the operation units A400, A500, and A600, provided that each of the operation units A400, A500, and A600 is in the performance standby state. This configuration makes it possible to achieve a unified performance using multiple operation units A400, A500, and A600.

[0114] In the state shown in Figure 12, the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500 are in the position just before the length and width of the rotating operating units A400b and A500b begin to change during rotational movement. That is, if any further tilting occurs, the driving force will be consumed in changing the length and width of the rotating operating units A400b and A500b, so the operating resistance of the rotating operating units A400b and A500b will increase. Therefore, it is easy to stop the operating units A400 and A500 in the position shown in Figure 12, where the operating resistance begins to change.

[0115] As the tilting motion progresses further, the change in the length and width of the rotational motion units A400b and A500b increases, resulting in increasingly greater operating resistance. This resistance creates a change in operating resistance similar to the elastic force due to spring elasticity, making it easier to maintain the motion units A400 and A500 in the posture shown in Figure 12, or to return them to their original position even if they have tilted too far.

[0116] As will be described later, the third operating unit A600 has separate drive units for lifting and lowering and for opening and closing the movable member A650. Therefore, by only driving the drive unit used for lifting and lowering and not driving the movable member A650, it is easy to control the third operating unit A600 to stop in the state shown in Figure 12.

[0117] In this way, it is possible to control the first operating unit A400, the second operating unit A500, and the third operating unit A600 to drive simultaneously, achieving a unified operation while avoiding collisions between the operating units A400, A500, and A600.

[0118] The visible range of the display on the third symbol display device 81, which is located behind each of the operating units A400, A500, and A600, changes according to their respective arrangements. Specifically, when all of the operating units A400, A500, and A600 are in the performance standby state, the visible range (area) of the display on the third symbol display device 81 is at its maximum (see Figure 7). The hidden range (area and position) of the display area of ​​the third symbol display device 81 differs depending on whether the operating units A400, A500, or A600 are in an extended state.

[0119] The extent to which each of the operating units A400, A500, and A600 extends from the standby state also affects the area (area and position) of the display area of ​​the third symbol display device 81 that is hidden. Furthermore, even when the same operating unit (for example, the first operating unit A400) is operating, the amount of movement and the external shape of the rotating operating unit A400b differ between the state shown in Figure 8 and the state shown in Figure 12 (the extended position side is larger), resulting in a different area (area and position) of the display area of ​​the third symbol display device 81 that is hidden.

[0120] Furthermore, even when the same operating unit (for example, the third operating unit A600) is in operation, the vertical position is the same in the state shown in Figure 11 and the state shown in Figure 12, but the left-right arrangement of the moving member A650 is different, resulting in a difference in the range (area and position) of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 being hidden.

[0121] Furthermore, even when multiple identical operating units (for example, the first operating unit A400 and the second operating unit A500) are operating, the state shown in Figure 10 and the state shown in Figure 12 differ in whether or not the multiple operating units A400 and A500 intersect. As a result, the number of continuously visible areas within the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 that are not obscured by the multiple operating units A400 and A500 differs (four areas in Figure 10, top, bottom, left, and right; one area in Figure 12).

[0122] In this way, by providing multiple types of areas that obscure the display area of ​​the third symbol display device 81 using each operating unit A400, A500, and A600, it is possible to increase the variety of visual effects that combine the display of the third symbol display device 81 with each operating unit A400, A500, and A600 for visual perception.

[0123] In other words, the third symbol display device 81 is controlled to unfold display effects in the areas not hidden by each operating unit A400, A500, and A600. Since the areas hidden by each operating unit A400, A500, and A600 vary in multiple ways, it is possible to increase the variety of display effects in the areas not hidden by each operating unit A400, A500, and A600, thereby improving the effect of the display effects.

[0124] For example, as shown in Figure 12, when a large, continuously visible display area is maintained, the player can relax by playing an animation across the entire screen for the player to view. On the other hand, when the display area appears to be divided, as in Figures 8, 9, or 10, the display in each divided area can be distinguished (for example, as displays distinguishing between favorable and unfavorable developments), and the subsequent development of the performance can be determined by selecting one of these displays. This can increase the player's attention to the display in each divided area.

[0125] 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.

[0126] The first operating unit A400 comprises a support unit A400a held in the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a rotary operating unit A400b that is supported by the support unit A400a so as to be rotatable around a rotating shaft AJ1 located at the lower right side in a front view.

[0127] In the first operating unit A400, the drive motor AMT1 is located on the upper left side, and the rotating shaft AJ1 is located on the lower right side. This simplifies the structure around the rotating shaft AJ1 compared to when the drive motor AMT1 is located near the rotating shaft AJ1, and allows the rotating shaft AJ1 to be positioned towards the right corner.

[0128] Furthermore, compared to cases where the drive motor AMT1 is positioned in front of or behind the rotary operation unit A400b, as seen when the drive motor AMT1 is positioned near the rotating shaft AJ1, the front-to-back width of the first operation unit A400 can be shortened. Consequently, sufficient space can be secured when stacking multiple movable components in the front-to-back direction of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5).

[0129] Figure 15 is an exploded front perspective view of the first operating unit A400, and Figure 16 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first operating unit A400. In Figures 15 and 16, the support unit A400a is shown disassembled, while the rotary operating unit A400b is shown in an undisassembled state.

[0130] The support unit A400a comprises a fixed support unit A410 fastened to the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a drive transmission unit A420 having a drive motor AMT1 fixed to the fixed support unit A410 and configured to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 to the rotary operation unit A400b.

[0131] The fixed support unit A410 comprises a vertically elongated member A411 fastened to the right side of the bottom wall portion A211 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) in a front view, a horizontally elongated member A413 positioned opposite the upper end side of the vertically elongated member A411 in the front-rear direction, a reinforcing member A415 which is a sheet metal member disposed between the horizontally elongated member A413 and the vertically elongated member A411 and is bent forward, and an upper cover member A417 which is fastened to the horizontally elongated member A413 in such a position that the bent portion of the reinforcing member A415 is sandwiched between the horizontally elongated member A413 and the horizontally elongated member A413.

[0132] The elongated member A411 includes a cylindrical support portion A411a through which the rotating shaft AJ1 of the rotating motion unit A400b is inserted, a non-performance hole A411b into which the protruding tip of the displacement restricting device A214 (see Figure 6) located on the lower right side is inserted, a repair hole A411c formed through to allow fastening screws to be attached and removed for maintenance, and a detection sensor A411d for detecting whether the first motion unit A400 is in a performance standby state or an extended state by detecting the position of the rotating motion unit A400b.

[0133] The non-performance hole A411b is formed in a location that is obscured by the decorative member A808 on the right side when viewed from the front (see Figure 8). Therefore, regardless of the arrangement of the rotational movement unit A400b, it is easier to avoid the displacement restricting device A214 (see Figure 6) being visible to the player through the non-performance hole A411b.

[0134] Furthermore, the same concealing effect occurs with the upper displacement restricting device A214. That is, although the upper displacement restricting device A214 is for restricting the displacement of the second operating unit A500, by concealing it with the upper decorative member A808, it becomes easier to prevent the displacement restricting device A214 from being seen by the player.

[0135] While a photocoupler-type sensor is typically used as the detection sensor A411d, it is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic sensor or a contact-type sensor could also be used.

[0136] The horizontally elongated member A413 comprises a plate-shaped 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 body A413a, a motor support hole A413b formed through a bulge that protrudes forward on the left end side of the plate-shaped body A413a so as to support the drive motor MT1, and a plate-shaped extension A413d that extends forward in a plate shape from the upper end of the plate-shaped body A413a, with a plurality of protruding parts A413c having female threads formed on the extension end.

[0137] The reinforcing member A415 is a member formed by bending a metal plate, and comprises a plate-shaped body A415a that is attached to the back side of the plate-shaped body A413a and sandwiched between the vertically elongated member A411 and the horizontally elongated member A413 in the assembled state (see Figure 13), a bent plate A415c formed by bending from the upper end of the plate-shaped body A415a toward the front side and having a plurality of through holes A415b through which a plurality of protruding parts A413c can be inserted, a pair of retaining bent parts A415d formed by bending from the bent plate A415c and having a through hole through which the metal rod AMB1 can be inserted, and an elongated hole A415e formed in a shape that surrounds the guide elongated hole A414 from the outside.

[0138] The upper cover member A417 is a member formed from a resin material and comprises a plate-shaped body A417a that is fastened and fixed to the elongated member A413 by fastening screws that are screwed into the female threads of a protruding portion A413c that is inserted through a through hole A415b in a positional relationship between the elongated member A413 and a reinforcing member A415, a biasing spring A417b with one end supported by the plate-shaped body A417a, and a damper member A417c with the other end of the biasing spring A417b supported and biased to the right end of a movable range that extends in the left-right direction by the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b.

[0139] The drive transmission unit A420 comprises a support member A421, a sheet metal member on which the drive motor AMT1 is supported on its left end and fastened and fixed to the horizontally elongated member A413 at both the left and right ends; a transmission mechanism A423, which consists of a plurality of rotating members rotatably supported on the front side of the support member A421; a covering cover A425, which fastens and fixed to the support member A421 so as to cover the rotating members of the transmission mechanism A423 from the front; and a connecting mechanism A427, which connects the transmission mechanism A423 and the rotary operation unit A400b.

[0140] The transmission mechanism A423 comprises an annular belt A423a with teeth formed on its inner circumference, a pair of left and right pulleys A423b and A423c with teeth formed on their outer circumference to mesh with the teeth of belt A423a, which are rotatably supported on the columnar portion A421a of the support member A421 so as to be able to support belt A423a without slack, a drive gear A423d fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT1 so as not to move relative to it, and a transmission gear A423f rotatably supported on the columnar portion A421a of the support member A421 so as to mesh with the gear portion A423e formed on the back side of the left pulley A423c and the drive gear A423d.

[0141] The covering cover A425 is fastened and fixed not only to the female threads formed on the main plate portion of the support member A421, but also to the female threads formed on the tip of the columnar portion A421a that supports the pulleys A423b, A423c and the transmission gear A423f. This improves the rigidity of the columnar portion A421a and stabilizes the rotation of the pulleys A423b, A423c and the transmission gear A423f.

[0142] The connecting mechanism A427 includes a connecting member A427a to which the upper end side of the rotary operation unit A400b is connected and which receives the metal rod AMB1 in a recess A427b on the front side, thereby setting the direction of operation to left and right; a prevention member A427c which is fastened and fixed to the connecting member A427a so as to close 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 prevention member A427d which is fastened and fixed to the prevention member A427c in such a position that a belt A423a is sandwiched between it and the prevention member A427c.

[0143] A pair of recesses A427b are provided with cylindrical collars A427f through which the metal rod AMB1 is inserted, and a pulley A427g that supports the metal rod AMB1 with its outer groove is rotatably supported by a connecting member A427a. This makes it easier to prevent the orientation of the connecting member A427a from shifting relative to the metal rod AMB1 and reduces operating resistance.

[0144] An engaging projection A427h is formed on the upper surface of the belt fixing member A427d, which is positioned opposite the belt A423a, and corresponds to the tooth shape formed on the inner circumference of the belt A23a. The belt A423a is positioned so that the engaging projection A427h and the teeth of the belt A423a interlock, and the preventing member A427c is positioned opposite the outer circumference of the belt A423a (above the upper belt A423a), thereby fastening and fixing the belt fixing member A427d and the preventing member A427c.

[0145] This prevents belt A423a from falling off the engaging projection A427h. Furthermore, unlike when belt A423a is fixed by pressing it, this method improves the durability of belt A423a while preventing belt A423a from slipping against the connecting mechanism A427.

[0146] With this structure, the coupling mechanism A427 is driven and rotated by the drive motor AMT1, and the left pulley A423c is rotated by gear transmission, causing the portions of the belt A423a that extend to the left and right to move in the left and right directions, and as a result, the coupling mechanism A427 is guided by the metal rod AMB1 and moves in the left and right directions.

[0147] The connecting member A427a is provided with a vertically extending guide slot A427e through which the columnar projection A448 of the rotary operation unit A400b is inserted. The columnar projection A448 of the rotary operation unit A400b is inserted through the guide slot A427e and the guide slot A414 of the fixed support unit A410, so that as the connecting mechanism A427 moves in the left-right direction, the columnar projection A448 of the rotary operation unit A400b moves in both the vertical and left-right directions.

[0148] In this way, the driving force is transmitted to the rotary motion unit A400b via the connecting mechanism A427, which moves in the left-right direction, causing the rotary motion unit A400b to be displaced. The details of the rotary motion unit A400b will be described below.

[0149] Figure 17 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotary motion unit A400b, and Figure 18 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotary motion unit A400b. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the rotating motion unit A400b comprises a base plate member A430 into which a rotating shaft 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 rotating shaft AJ1 on a plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft AJ1; a direction switching member A450 inserted through the base plate member A430 and the movable member A440 and made movable in a direction perpendicular to the sliding movement of the movable member A440; a decorative member A460 for showing the player that the length of the shorter side of the rotating motion unit 400b changes as its position or orientation changes due to the movement of the direction switching member A450; and a covering member A470 fitted or fastened to the base plate member A430 so as to be able to position the direction switching member A450 in the space formed between the base plate member A430 and the covering member A470, and formed in a shape that covers the direction switching member A450 from the front.

[0150] The base plate member A430 comprises a long plate-shaped body A431 into which the rotating shaft AJ1 is fitted, a pair of upper and lower guide slots A432 drilled in the plate-shaped body A431 on the same straight line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1, a plurality of auxiliary slots A433 drilled between the pair of guide slots A432 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the guide slots A432 extend, and the plate-shaped body A4 near the lower end of the upper guide slot A432 The device comprises a pair of support slots A434 formed at the short end of 31 as slots parallel to the guide slot A432, a malfunction prevention cylinder A435 protruding cylindrically from the back side of the plate-shaped body A431, a pair of guide extensions A436 protruding from the front of the lower end of the plate-shaped body A431 in a shape parallel to the straight line in which the guide slot A432 is located, and a plate-shaped detection piece A437 extending downward in a plate shape from the lower end of the plate-shaped body A431.

[0151] The malfunction prevention cylinder A435 is a through-hole formed to a size that allows the protruding tip of the displacement restricting device A214 on the right side (see Figure 6) to pass through. This malfunction prevention cylinder A435 is positioned in front of the non-performance hole A411b (see Figure 8) when the first operating unit A400 is in the performance standby state.

[0152] When the protruding tip of the displacement restricting device A214 is extended forward, the protruding tip passes through the non-performance hole A411b and is inserted into the malfunction prevention cylinder A435, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0153] The plate-shaped detection piece A437 is formed in a front-to-back position that allows it to be placed in the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d (see Figure 15). The plate-shaped detection piece A437 is formed on the side (back side) where the rotating shaft AJ1 is supported. This minimizes the displacement of the plate-shaped detection piece A437 even if the rotating shaft AJ1 bends (tilts) due to deformation of the rotating shaft AJ1, making it easier to avoid the plate-shaped detection piece A437 being positioned outside the front-to-back position that fits into the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d.

[0154] The detection sensor A411d (see Figure 15) detects the arrangement of the plate-shaped detection piece A437, which allows the orientation of the rotating motion unit A400b to be determined. Therefore, even when multiple motion units A400 to A600 are driven by separate drive sources, collisions between them can be avoided.

[0155] The movable member A440 is configured to illuminate the decorative panel A441 on the front side with light emitted from the light-emitting means of a light-emitting substrate disposed inside, and comprises a plate-shaped body A442 disposed between the decorative panel A441 and the light-emitting substrate, a pair of insertion protrusions A443 protruding from the back of the plate-shaped body A442, a plurality of functional elongated holes A444 drilled in a shape that combines vertical and horizontal inclination directions at positions corresponding to the auxiliary elongated holes A433 of the base plate member A430, an extension A445 extending parallel to the straight line in which the pair of insertion protrusions A443 are arranged, and a columnar projection A448 protruding from the upper right corner of the plate-shaped body A422 to the back side and inserted into the guide elongated hole A427e (see Figure 15) of the drive transmission unit A420.

[0156] The decorative plate A441 comprises a translucent region A441a extending in the longitudinal direction at the center in the short direction, and plated regions A441b on both sides of the translucent region A441a in the short direction, to which plating is applied.

[0157] As a result, even if the placement of the substrate is restricted to the center in the short direction due to the formation of the functional elongated holes A444, the light emission effect can be performed in the translucent region A441a near the center in the short direction, and the effect in the other plated region A441b can be achieved through reflection from the plating, thereby avoiding a decrease in the effect.

[0158] The insertion projection A443 is inserted into the guide slot A432 of the base plate member A430, and is configured to be prevented from falling out of the guide slot A432 by a screw and collar member AC1 screwed into its tip.

[0159] The functional slot A444 consists of four slots: one upper and one lower slot, and another upper and one lower slot, which are inverted by a straight line connecting the pair of insertion protrusions A443. The shapes of each slot are the same except for the inversion relationship.

[0160] Of the multiple functional elongated holes A444, the upper and lower pair of elongated holes are formed at a position where one of the elongated holes is shifted parallel to the straight line connecting the pair of insertion protrusions A443. That is, the corresponding portions of the upper and lower pair of elongated holes maintain a relationship where they extend on the same straight line or are arranged in parallel.

[0161] The extension A445 is formed with a width and length slightly shorter than the distance between the pair of guide extensions A436 of the base plate member A430, and functions as a guide when the movable member A440 moves. Furthermore, the extension A445 is formed in a U-shape with the front side open in the extension direction cross-section. This shape not only improves rigidity but also prevents the disconnection of the wiring A449 connected to the substrate. In other words, by holding the wiring A449 in the extension A445 from the open side of the U-shape, contact between other moving members and the wiring A449 can be avoided.

[0162] The wiring A449 consists of a flat cable and comprises a wiring that can bend in the direction corresponding to the rotation around the rotating shaft AJ1, and a wiring that can bend in the direction of extension of the extension A445.

[0163] In this embodiment, since the drive motor AMT1 is positioned away from the rotating shaft AJ1 (see Figure 14), it is easy to secure space around the rotating shaft AJ1, and this space can be used as space for the wiring A449 to flex. This prevents excessive load from being placed on the wiring A449 and improves the durability of the wiring A449.

[0164] 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 comprises a plate-shaped body A451, a pair of columnar parts A452 that protrude from the back surface on the left and right inner sides of the plate-shaped body A451, and a pair of upper and lower through holes A453 that are drilled on the left and right outer sides of the plate-shaped body A451.

[0165] The columnar portion A452 is inserted sequentially through the functional elongated hole A444 of the movable member A440 and the auxiliary elongated hole A433 of the base plate member A430, and can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the line connecting the pair of insertion projections A443, depending on the arrangement of the movable member A440. That is, depending on 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 projections A443 (it can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable member A440).

[0166] The decorative member A460 comprises a pair of left and right parallel movement members A461 and a pair of left and right rotation movement members A465. The parallel movement member A461 comprises a plate-shaped body A462, columnar parts A463 projecting from the lower corners on the left and right outer sides of the plate-shaped body A462 toward the rear, and elongated columnar parts A464 projecting from the central sides on the left and right outer sides of the plate-shaped body A462 toward the rear.

[0167] The rotating moving member A465 comprises a plate-shaped body A466, a columnar portion A467 protruding from the back surface at the upper end of the plate-shaped body A466, and a through hole A468 drilled below the columnar portion A467.

[0168] The columnar portion A463 has a female thread formed at its tip. A fastening screw, which is inserted through the lower through hole A453 of the direction switching member A450, is screwed into this female thread, thereby fastening and fixing the decorative member A460 and the direction switching member A450 together.

[0169] The elongated columnar portion A464 has a female thread formed at its tip, but it is not used for fastening or fixing, but rather to prevent the member from falling off. In other words, the rotatable moving member A465 through which the elongated columnar portion A464 is inserted is configured to be rotatable relative to the parallel moving member A461.

[0170] The elongated 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 rotating movement member A465. By fixing a screw with a large screw head to the tip of the elongated columnar portion A464, it is possible to prevent the rotating movement member A465 from falling off the elongated columnar portion A464.

[0171] The columnar portion A467 of the rotating moving member A465 is supported by the support elongated hole A434 of the base plate member A430, thereby reducing its displacement. With this configuration, the displacement of the opposite end (lower end) of the columnar portion A467 of the rotating moving member A465 can be made greater than the displacement of the direction switching member A450 that displaces the through hole A468.

[0172] The covering member A470 comprises a translucent region A471 extending in the longitudinal direction at the center in the short direction, and plated regions A472 on both sides of the translucent region A471 in the short direction, to which plating is applied.

[0173] As a result, the lighting effect can be maintained at a high level even at positions on both sides in the shorter direction where the light irradiated from the moving member A440 side is easily blocked by the placement of the direction switching member A450 and decorative member A460. In other words, the lighting effect is performed in the translucent region A471 near the center in the shorter direction, and the effect in the other plated region A472 is performed by reflection from the plating, thereby avoiding a decrease in the lighting effect.

[0174] The covering member A470 includes a pair of protruding portions A473 that protrude from the rear side at its lower end. The protruding portions A473 are positioned to correspond to the front end of the guide extension portion A436 of the base plate member A430.

[0175] 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 extended portion A445 of the movable member A440 is inserted. This allows the direction of movement of the movable member A440 to be stabilized in the direction of extension of the extended portion A445.

[0176] Figures 19(a), 19(b), 20(a), and 20(b) are rear views of the rotary motion unit A400b. Figures 19(a), 19(b), 20(a), and 20(b) illustrate the relative movement of the movable member A440 of the rotary motion unit A400b relative to the base plate member A430 in a time series.

[0177] Specifically, the relative movement from the rotating motion unit A400b (see Figure 19(a)) in the performance standby state of the first motion unit A400 (see Figure 7) to the rotating motion unit A400b (see Figure 20(b)) in the extended state (see Figure 8) is illustrated. Note that the up and down directions in Figure 19 and the paper in Figure 19 do not correspond to the actual up and down directions, and the sliding movement direction of the moving member A440 is illustrated in a position that matches the up and down directions of the paper.

[0178] The functional elongated hole A444 comprises a first parallel portion A444a extending parallel to a straight line passing through a pair of insertion projections A443, an inclined portion A444b formed so as to be connected at one end to the first parallel portion A444a and extending linearly in a direction inclined with respect to the first parallel portion A444a, and a second parallel portion A444c formed so as to be connected to the other end of the inclined portion A444b and extending parallel to the direction in which the first parallel portion A444a extends.

[0179] Here, Figure 19(a) shows the state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is positioned on the end side of the first parallel portion A444a, Figure 19(b) shows the state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is positioned at the intersection of the first parallel portion A444a and the inclined portion A444b, Figure 20(a) shows the state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is positioned at the intersection of the inclined portion A444b and the second parallel portion A444c, and Figure 20(b) shows the state in which the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is positioned on the end side of the second parallel portion A444c.

[0180] The length of the first parallel section A444a is formed to be sufficiently long. As a result, even when the movable member A440 starts moving relative to the base plate member A430 from the state shown in Figure 19(a), the direction switching member A450 will not move in the short-side direction of the movable member A440 for a while (until the state shown in Figure 19(b)), and the rotational operation unit A400b can be rotated while maintaining an appearance with a short width in the short-side direction.

[0181] The inclined portion A444b extends outward in the short 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 the state where the columnar portion A452 of the direction switching member A450 is positioned 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 direction of the movable member A440.

[0182] The pair of columnar portions A452 of the direction switching member A450 are inserted through a pair of auxiliary elongated holes A433, and the pair is guided in parallel. Therefore, the relative movement of the direction switching member A450 with respect to the base plate member A430 is a parallel movement of the base plate member A430 in the shorter direction.

[0183] The speed of movement is proportional to the speed at which the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, because the inclined section A444b is formed in a straight line. Therefore, it is easy to perform synchronized movements between the moving member A440, the direction switching member A450, and the decorative member A460.

[0184] The second parallel section A444c is not as long as the first parallel section A444a and is formed to the minimum necessary length. The purpose of forming the second parallel section A444c is to improve the visual effect of the rotating motion unit A400b.

[0185] In other words, when the first operating unit A400 is driven to the extended position and the drive motor AMT1 (see Figure 15) is stopped, the connecting mechanism A427 is slightly pushed back by the biasing force applied to the damper member A417c by the biasing spring A417b, and even if the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430 in the opposite direction (return direction), the presence of the second parallel section A444c prevents the position of the direction switching member A450 in the short-side direction of the moving member A440 from changing.

[0186] This makes it easier to maintain the appearance of the first operating unit A400 (the length of the short side of the rotary operating unit A400b) in the extended state, even if a pushback operation occurs due to the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b, which may occur when a control is adopted that stops the drive of the drive motor AMT1 when the first operating unit A400 is in the extended state.

[0187] In the state shown in Figure 19(a), the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 is defined as the first length AD1, and the angle between the straight line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 and the straight line passing through the pair of insertion projections A443 is defined as the first angle Aθ1.

[0188] In the state shown in Figure 19(b), the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 is defined as the second length AD2, and the angle between the straight line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 and the straight line passing through the pair of insertion projections A443 is defined as the second angle Aθ2.

[0189] The second length AD2 is configured to be longer than the first length AD1 (first length AD1 < second length AD2). The second angle Aθ2 is configured to be smaller than the first angle Aθ1 (first angle Aθ1 > second angle Aθ2).

[0190] In the state shown in Figure 20(a), the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 is defined as the third length AD3, and the angle between the straight line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 and the straight line passing through the pair of insertion projections A443 is defined as the third angle Aθ3.

[0191] 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).

[0192] In the state shown in Figure 20(b), the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 is defined as the fourth length AD4, and the angle between the straight line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 and the straight line passing through the pair of insertion projections A443 is defined as the fourth angle Aθ4.

[0193] 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).

[0194] Therefore, as the first operating unit A400 moves from the performance standby state to the extended state, the rotational operating unit A400b changes such that the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 gradually increases, and accordingly, the angle between the straight line passing through the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 and the straight line passing through the pair of insertion projections A443 gradually decreases.

[0195] Figures 21, 22, and 23 are front views of the first operating unit A400. Figures 21, 22, and 23 illustrate the process of the first operating unit A400 being driven from the performance standby state to the extended state in chronological order.

[0196] Figure 21 shows the first operating unit A400 in the performance standby state, Figure 22 shows the state between the performance standby state and the extended state of the first operating unit A400, in which the appearance of the rotary operating unit A400b is the same as the performance standby state except for the change in posture, and Figure 23 shows the extended state of the first operating unit A400.

[0197] In the state shown in Figure 21, the plate-shaped detection piece A437 is positioned in the detection groove of the detection sensor A411d. This allows the corresponding control device to recognize that the first operating unit A400 is in a performance standby state.

[0198] The guide slot A414 comprises 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 projection A448 shown in Figure 22, and a straight portion A414b that is formed linearly to the left of the columnar projection A448 shown in Figure 22 and smoothly connects with the arc portion A414a (extending in the tangential direction of the arc portion A414a at the connecting portion).

[0199] In other words, when the columnar projection A448 is positioned on the arc portion A414a (see Figures 21 and 22), even if the rotational movement unit A400b rotates, the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 is maintained at the first length AD1 (see Figure 19(a)), and no relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs, so the appearance of the rotational movement unit A400b is maintained.

[0200] During the rotational movement from the state shown in Figure 22 to the state shown in Figure 23, the appearance of the rotational movement unit A400b changes such that the rotational moving member A465 protrudes in the shorter direction of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0201] Between the state shown in Figure 22 and the state shown in Figure 23, the straight section A414b that guides the columnar projection A448 intersects a circle centered on the rotating shaft AJ1 at one point. Therefore, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the arrangement of the columnar projection A448 and the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448.

[0202] Since the amount of extension of the rotating moving member A465 is configured to correspond to the distance between the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448 (see Figures 19 and 20), the position of the columnar projection A448 where the rotating moving member A465 begins to extend, and the amount of extension of the rotating moving member A465 corresponding to the position of the columnar projection A448, can be determined from a structural standpoint.

[0203] Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation that can occur when the change in the posture of the rotary motion unit A400b and the extension of the rotary moving member A465 are performed by separate drive sources, where the amount of change in the posture (angle) of the rotary motion unit A400b is insufficient, causing the rotary moving member A465 to extend and collide with the rear case A210 (see Figure 5).

[0204] When the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 (see Figure 15) is transmitted and the belt A423a is operated, the coupling mechanism A427 is guided by the metal rod AMB1 and slides in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, by controlling the amount of drive of the drive motor AMT1, the rotary motion unit A400b can be made to reciprocate between the state shown in Figure 21 and the state shown in Figure 22, or between the state shown in Figure 22 and the state shown in Figure 23, or between the state shown in Figure 21 and the state shown in Figure 23.

[0205] On the extended side (left side), the coupling mechanism A427 comes into contact with the damper member A417c and is decelerated by the elastic force from the biasing spring A417b. As a result, even when the belt A423a is operated at high speed with the first operating unit A400 in the extended position, the coupling mechanism A427 is less likely to bounce back on the extended side (left side), thus preventing excessive load from being placed on the belt A423a and improving the durability of both the belt A423a and the coupling mechanism A427.

[0206] When the rotational operation unit A400b starts from the standby state of the first operation unit A400 shown in Figure 21, the starting direction of the columnar projection A448 will be towards AT1, which is the tangential direction of a circle that passes through the columnar projection A448 with the rotational shaft AJ1 as the center.

[0207] In this embodiment, in the state shown in Figure 21, the angle between the tangential direction AT1 and the direction in which the metal rod AMB1 extends (left-right direction) is made small, so that the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 can be efficiently transmitted to execute the rotational movement of the rotational movement unit A400b.

[0208] In the state shown in Figure 22, the tangential direction AT1 is parallel to the straight section A414b. Therefore, the resistance in the rotational direction when rotating the rotary operation unit A400b counterclockwise when viewed from the state shown in Figure 22 can be reduced.

[0209] Between the state shown in Figure 22 and the state shown in Figure 23, the angle between the tangential direction AT1 and the direction in which the metal rod AMB1 extends (left-right direction) gradually increases, and the downward component of the tangential direction AT1 becomes larger. As a result, the force required to rotate the rotational movement unit A400b increases in proportion to its own weight, creating a surplus in the driving force of the drive motor AMT1. This surplus driving force can be used for the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430.

[0210] In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 is used for both the rotational movement of the rotary movement unit A400b and the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430, and by staggering the timings at which driving force is required for these multiple movements, the maximum value of the driving force required at any given moment can be reduced, and the drive motor AMT1 can be made smaller.

[0211] As shown in Figure 23, the angle formed by the line connecting the rotating shaft AJ1 and the columnar projection A448, which serves as the point of transmission of driving force, and the direction in which the metal rod AMB1 extends, is smaller than the angle formed by the direction of movement AM1, which is the direction in which the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, and the direction in which the metal rod AMB1 extends.

[0212] In this embodiment, the angle between the direction of movement AM1 and the direction in which the metal rod AMB1 extends is acute. This makes it easier to ensure that the component of the driving force of the drive motor AMT1 transmitted in the direction in which the metal rod AMB1 extends is directed toward the direction of movement AM1. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the driving force is transmitted in the direction that rotates the rotational operation 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 operation unit A400b. In this embodiment, the direction of movement AM1 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rotational operation unit A400b.

[0213] When a load from the drive motor AMT1 is transmitted to the columnar projection A448 in the left-right direction, the load is decomposed into a downward load that causes the moving member A440 to move relative to it in the movement direction AM1, and an upward load that causes the rotational movement unit A400b to rotate (raise) around the rotation shaft AJ1. Because the load from the drive motor AMT1 is in the left-right direction (directly to the side), this decomposition of the load into the vertical direction can occur smoothly.

[0214] At this time, the rotating shaft AJ1 is not positioned in the direction of the load that is broken down into the movement direction AM1, so that load also acts to rotate the rotational movement unit A400b around the rotating shaft AJ1.

[0215] In other words, in this embodiment, since the columnar projection A448 is positioned at a location offset from a straight line parallel to the movement direction AM1 passing through the rotating shaft AJ1, the load component that causes the moving member A440 to move relative to the rotating member A440 in the movement direction AM1 is also generated in the rotation direction of the rotational operation unit A400b. Therefore, it is easier to avoid rotational malfunctions, such as when the load from the columnar projection A448 toward the rotating shaft AJ1 becomes excessive.

[0216] Figures 24, 25, and 26 are rear views of the first operating unit A400. In Figures 24, 25, and 26, the process of the first operating unit A400 being driven from the performance standby state to the extended state is illustrated in chronological order, and the illustration of the vertically elongated member A411 is omitted.

[0217] Figure 24 shows the first operating unit A400 in the performance standby state, Figure 25 shows the state between the performance standby state and the extended state of the first operating unit A400, in which the appearance of the rotary operating unit A400b is the same as the performance standby state except for the change in posture, and Figure 26 shows the extended state of the first operating unit A400.

[0218] Specifically, Figure 24 corresponds to the rear view of the rotary operation unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 21, Figure 25 corresponds to the rear view of the rotary operation unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 22, and Figure 26 corresponds to the rear view of the rotary operation unit A400b in the state shown in Figure 23.

[0219] The operation of the rotational operation unit A400b, starting from the performance standby state of the first operation unit A400, will be explained, primarily with reference to Figure 25. Figures 19 and 20 will also be referred to as appropriate.

[0220] From the state shown in FIG. 25, while the rotational operation unit A400b is rotated counterclockwise in a rear view, until the distance between the rotary shaft bar AJ1 and the columnar protruding portion A448 becomes the second length AD2 (see FIG. 19(b)), relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs, but movement of the direction switching member A450 of the moving member A440 in the short side direction does not occur. Therefore, the appearance of the rotational operation unit A400b changes so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and no change occurs in the short side direction.

[0221] While the rotational operation unit A400b is further rotated counterclockwise in a rear view, until the distance between the rotary shaft bar AJ1 and the columnar protruding portion A448 becomes the third length AD3 (see FIG. 20(a)) from the state where the distance is the second length AD2, relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs, and further movement of the direction switching member A450 of the moving member A440 in the short side direction occurs.

[0222] Therefore, the appearance of the rotational operation unit A400b changes so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and also changes so that the width in the short side direction becomes wider. Thus, the change in the appearance of the rotational operation unit A400b is configured to occur in two stages, in a state where only the longitudinal direction changes and in a state where both the longitudinal direction and the short side direction change, during the rotational operation of the rotational operation unit A400b.

[0223] While the rotational operation unit A400b is further rotated counterclockwise in a rear view, until the distance between the rotary shaft bar AJ1 and the columnar protruding portion A448 becomes the fourth length AD4 (see FIG. 20(b)) from the state where the distance is the third length AD3, relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs, but movement of the direction switching member A450 of the moving member A440 in the short side direction does not occur. Therefore, the appearance of the rotational operation unit A400b changes so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and no change occurs in the short side direction.

[0224] Thus, even when the urging force of the urging spring A417b (see FIG. 21) causes a pushing-back operation that may occur when the control of stopping the drive of the drive motor AMT1 is adopted in the protruding state of the first operation unit A400 (see FIG. 26), it is possible to easily maintain the appearance of the first operation unit A400 in the protruding state (the length in the short direction of the rotary operation unit A400b).

[0225] As described above, in the tilting operation of the rotary operation unit A400b, the number of members that relatively move with respect to the base plate member A430 is different in each section. By controlling so as to switch the control load of the drive motor AMT1 in accordance with the number of these relatively moving members (for example, increasing the control load in the range where the number of members increases and decreasing the control load in the range where the number of members decreases), it is possible to suppress the influence of the change in the operation resistance and easily prevent the operation speed of the rotary operation unit A400b from changing locally.

[0226] The change in the rotation angle of the rotary operation unit A400b when the columnar protruding portion A448 moves with a constant leftward speed component from the state shown in FIG. 25 will be described. First, in the state shown in FIG. 25, the straight line connecting the rotary shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protruding portion A448 is orthogonal to the straight line portion A414b of the guide elongated hole A414.

[0227] When the columnar protruding portion A448 moves with a constant leftward speed component from the state shown in FIG. 25, since the columnar protruding portion A448 is guided by the straight line portion A414b of the guide elongated hole A414, the rotation angle Aφ1 of the rotary operation unit A400b is, as shown in FIG. 26, the acute angle of a right triangle having as the hypotenuse the straight line connecting the rotary shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protruding portion A448, as the base the straight line connecting the rotary shaft rod AJ1 and the columnar protruding portion A448 shown in FIG. 25, and as the height AX1 the straight line along the straight line portion A414b.

[0228] Here, assuming that the first length AD1 is a unit length, the relationship of a right triangle is given by equation 1 [tanAφ1=AX1] using trigonometric functions, and therefore, the inverse function of this equation is given by equation 2 [Aφ1=arctanAX1].

[0229] From Equation 2, if the columnar projection A448 moves to the left at a constant velocity component and the height AX1 increases at a constant velocity, the amount of change in the rotation angle Aφ1 will gradually decrease. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the drive motor AMT1 is driven at a constant velocity and the connecting member A427a (see Figure 21) of the connecting mechanism A427 is moved left and right at a constant velocity, the rotation operation unit A400b can be rotated in an operating manner in which the amount of change in the rotation angle Aφ1 is maximized at the start from the state shown in Figure 25 to the state shown in Figure 26, and then the amount of change in the rotation angle Aφ1 gradually decreases.

[0230] In other words, while employing a simple control method that drives the drive motor AMT1 at a constant speed, the rotary operation unit A400b can be operated in a manner that gradually decreases its rotational speed.

[0231] As a result, when the first operating unit A400 moves from the performance standby state to the extended state, it rotates at high speed at startup, but as it approaches the extended state, the rotation speed of the rotating operating unit A400b decreases. Therefore, it is possible to create a sense of surprise for the player when the rotating operating unit A400b appears, and to maintain the position and posture of the rotating operating unit A400b in the extended state, making it easier for the player to see it, all by controlling the drive motor AMT1 to drive at a constant speed.

[0232] On the other hand, when the first operating unit A400 moves from the extended state to the performance standby state, it rotates slowly at startup, but the rotation speed of the rotating operating unit A400b is increased as it approaches the performance standby state. Therefore, by maintaining the initial momentum of the rotating operating unit A400b moving towards the retracted side, and increasing the rotation speed of the rotating operating unit A400b near the performance standby state, it is possible to quickly retract the rotating operating unit A400b using control that drives the drive motor AMT1 at a constant speed.

[0233] As a result, the operation of the rotary motion unit A400b can be configured to simultaneously generate displacement in the rotational direction and displacement in the linear direction, with a state in which the displacement in the rotational direction is prominent (high rotational speed) and a state in which the displacement in the rotational direction is not prominent (low rotational speed) and the displacement in the linear direction is prominent.

[0234] Specifically, when the first operating unit A400 is in a standby state (see Figure 24) and is to perform a clockwise rotational movement when viewed from the rear, the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 is minimized until the state shown in Figure 25. Furthermore, in the rotational movement 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.

[0235] This makes it possible to smoothly and seamlessly transition between an operating state in which rotational displacement is noticeable and an operating state in which rotational displacement is not noticeable but linear displacement is noticeable, with the columnar projection A448 positioned so that the tip of the straight line of the second length AD2 coincides with the center line of the guide hole A414.

[0236] As shown in Figures 24 to 26, when the rotation unit A400b rotates from the standby state, the columnar projection A448 is guided by the arc portion A414a from the start of rotation in Figure 24 to the state shown in Figure 25. As a result, there is no relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430, and only rotational movement occurs.

[0237] From the state shown in Figure 25 to the state shown in Figure 26, the rotational movement of the rotary movement unit A400b causes relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430. The relative movement occurs in the order shown in Figures 19 and 20.

[0238] In Figure 25, the first length AD1, second length AD2, third length AD3, and fourth length AD4 shown in Figures 19 and 20 are shown in corresponding positions. The positions of the first length AD1, second length AD2, third length AD3, and fourth length AD4 shown in Figure 25 correspond to the positions of the rotational operation unit A400b in each of the states of the first length AD1, second length AD2, third length AD3, and fourth length AD4 shown in Figures 19 and 20.

[0239] In other words, when the rotational movement unit A400b rotates from the state shown in Figure 25 to the position of the second length AD2, only the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs (see Figures 19(a) and 19(b)).

[0240] Furthermore, when the rotational movement unit A400b rotates from the second length AD2 position to the third length AD3 position, in addition to the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430, a relative movement of the direction switching member A450 also occurs (see Figures 19(b) and 20(a)).

[0241] Furthermore, when the rotational movement unit A400b rotates from the third length AD3 position to the fourth length AD4 position, only the relative movement of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 occurs (see Figures 20(a) and 20(b)).

[0242] As described above, in this embodiment, in association with the rotational operation of the rotational operation unit A400b, relative operations of a plurality of other members are also configured to occur. However, the start timings of the relative operations of the respective members are not the same and are configured to be shifted from each other. Thereby, it is possible to avoid a rapid increase in the driving force required for the operation of the rotational operation unit A400b.

[0243] The correspondence between the changes in the lengths of the first length AD1, the second length AD2, the third length AD3, and the fourth length AD4 illustrated in FIG. 25 and the changes in the posture will be described. The angle between the first length AD1 and the second length AD2 illustrated on the right side and the angle between the second length AD2 and the third length hardly change (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 are such that the latter is more than three times the former.

[0244] Therefore, the moving length of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational operation unit A400b rotates from the posture of the first length AD1 illustrated on the right side to the posture of the second length AD2 is smaller than the moving length of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational operation unit A400b rotates from the posture of the second length AD2 to the posture of the third length AD3 by more than three times.

[0245] Furthermore, the moving length of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational operation unit A400b rotates from the posture of the second length AD2 to the posture of the third length AD3 is smaller than the moving length of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 per unit angle when the rotational operation unit A400b rotates from the posture of the third length AD3 to the posture of the fourth length AD4.

[0246] Thereby, the operation mode of the rotational operation unit A400b can be gradually shifted from a state where the rotational operation is dominant to a state where the relative movement (linear movement) of the moving member A440 with respect to the base plate member A430 is dominant.

[0247] 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 columnar projection A448 moves clockwise when viewed from the rear, with respect to the rotating shaft AJ1, and the movement direction AM1 is configured to return to a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the rear (see Figures 19 and 20).

[0248] In other words, the angle between the columnar projection A448 and the direction of movement AM1 is reduced so as to partially cancel out the rotation angle of the rotary motion unit A400b, thereby suppressing the change in the angle of the direction of movement AM1 (see Figure 23) in the state shown in Figure 26. As a result, even if the rotary motion unit A400b is slightly pushed back by the biasing force of the biasing spring A417b via the damper member A417c (see Figure 23), the resulting change in the angle of the direction of movement AM1 can be suppressed.

[0249] As a result, when the first operating unit A400 is extended, the width of the rotational operating unit A400b in the shorter direction is less likely to change (see Figure 20), and the angular change in the direction of movement AM1 is also suppressed, making it easier to stabilize the first operating unit A400 in the extended state.

[0250] Furthermore, since the rotary motion unit A400b is configured to become longer in the longitudinal direction as it approaches the extended position, the air resistance applied to the rotary motion unit A400b from the rotational direction increases towards the tilted end. Therefore, it is possible to effectively generate a braking effect due to air resistance.

[0251] Furthermore, with the rotating motion unit A400b, as it moves towards the extended state, the direction switching member A450 and decorative member A460 protrude in the shorter direction, increasing the area of ​​view in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the air resistance against tilting in the front-to-back direction can be increased, making it easier to prevent the rotating motion unit A400b from tilting in the front-to-back direction.

[0252] 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.

[0253] The second operating unit A500 comprises a support unit A500a held in the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a rotary operating unit A500b that is supported by the support unit A500a so as to be rotatable around a rotating shaft AJ2 located on the lower left side in a front view.

[0254] In the second operating unit A500, the drive motor AMT2 is located on the upper right side, and the rotating shaft AJ2 is located on the lower left side. This simplifies the structure around the rotating shaft AJ2 compared to when the drive motor AMT2 is located near the rotating shaft AJ2, and allows the rotating shaft AJ2 to be positioned towards the left corner.

[0255] Furthermore, compared to cases where the drive motor AMT2 is positioned in front of or behind the rotary operation unit A500b, as seen when the drive motor AMT2 is positioned near the rotating shaft AJ2, the front-to-back width of the second operation unit A500 can be shortened. Consequently, sufficient space can be secured when stacking multiple movable components in the front-to-back direction of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5).

[0256] Furthermore, by orienting the axis of the drive motor AMT2 in the vertical direction, the front-to-back width is kept to approximately the diameter of the drive motor AMT2's main body. This allows the front-to-back width of the second operating unit A500 to be shortened.

[0257] Furthermore, by aligning the axis direction of drive motor AMT1 (see Figure 14) and the axis direction of drive motor AMT2 perpendicular to each other, it becomes easier to avoid the other drive motor AMT2 being moved (malfunctioning) by vibrations (vibrations on a plane perpendicular to the axis) that occur when one drive motor AMT1 is driven.

[0258] Figure 29 is an exploded front perspective view of the second operating unit A500, and Figure 30 is an exploded rear perspective view of the second operating unit A500. In Figures 29 and 30, the support unit A500a is shown disassembled, while the rotary operating unit A500b is shown in an undisassembled state.

[0259] The support unit A500a comprises a fixed support unit A510 fastened to the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a drive transmission unit A520 configured to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT2 to the rotary operation unit A500b, with the drive motor AMT2 being fixedly positioned on the fixed support unit A510.

[0260] The fixed support unit A510 comprises a vertically elongated member A511 fastened to the right side of the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) in a front view, a horizontally elongated member A513 fastened to the upper end side of the vertically elongated member A511, a reinforcing member A515 formed by bending a sheet metal member and disposed on the rear side of the horizontally elongated member A513, and a covering member A517 disposed on the lower side of the vertically elongated member A511 and configured to cover the lower end of the rotational operation unit A500b from the front.

[0261] The horizontally elongated member A513 comprises a plate-shaped body A513a formed from a resin material in the shape of a horizontally elongated plate, a guide elongated hole A514 formed through the plate-shaped body A513a, a support portion A513b formed at the right end of the plate-shaped body A513a with a bifurcated projection projecting forward, capable of supporting the drive gear A523d of the drive transmission unit A520, a biasing spring A513c with one end supported by the plate-shaped body A513a, and a damper member A513d with the other end of the biasing spring A513c supported, which is biased to the left end of a movable range extending in the left-right direction by the biasing force of the biasing spring A513c.

[0262] Furthermore, the shape of the guide slot A514 is symmetrical to the shape of the guide slot A414 (see Figure 24) described above in the first operating unit A400. As a result, the relationship of the rotational operation of the rotary operating unit A500b (relationship between rotation angle and longitudinal movement) is the same as the rotational operation described for the rotary operating unit A400b (see Figures 21 to 26), except that it is symmetrical, so the explanation of the rotational operation of the second operating unit A500 is omitted.

[0263] The guide slot A514 corresponds to the location through which the protruding tip of the upper displacement restricting device A214 (see Figure 6) is inserted. When the upper displacement restricting device A214 is in the protruding state, its protruding tip interferes with the columnar protruding part A546 (see Figure 28), thereby restricting the movement of the columnar protruding part A546.

[0264] The reinforcing member A515 is a member formed by bending a metal plate, and comprises a plate-shaped body A515a that is arranged to be attached to the back side of the plate-shaped body A513a, a pair of retaining bent portions A515b that are formed by bending the plate-shaped body A515a and have through holes through which the metal rod AMB2 is inserted, and an elongated hole A515c that is drilled in a shape that surrounds the guide elongated hole A514 from the outside.

[0265] The covering member A517 is a member formed from a resin material and comprises a main body A517a formed in a shape in which the left and right ends and the lower end of the plate-like portion extend to the rear side, a cylindrical support portion A517b formed in the main body A517a through which the rotating shaft AJ2 of the rotating motion unit A500b is inserted, and a detection sensor A517c for detecting whether the second motion unit A500 is in a performance standby state or an extended state by detecting the position of the rotating motion unit A500b.

[0266] While a photocoupler-type sensor is typically used as the detection sensor A517d, it is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic sensor or a contact-type sensor could also be used.

[0267] The drive transmission unit A520 comprises a support member A521 fastened and fixed to the right end of the horizontally elongated member A513 and supporting the drive motor AMT2; a transmission mechanism A523 consisting of a plurality of rotating members rotatably supported on the upper surface 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 fastened and fixed to the horizontally elongated member A513; and a connecting mechanism A527 that connects the transmission mechanism A523 and the rotary operation unit A500b.

[0268] The transmission mechanism A523 comprises an annular belt A523a with teeth formed on its inner circumference, a pair of left and right pulleys A523b and A523c rotatably supported on a horizontally elongated member A513 via a support member A521 and a left end holding member A525, with teeth formed on its outer circumference that mesh with the teeth of belt A523a, so as to be able to support belt A523a without looseness, 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 formed at the lower end of a cylindrical portion that extends cylindrically from the lower surface of the right pulley A523b around the axis of rotation, and which meshes with the drive gear A523d.

[0269] The rotation axes of the pulleys 523b, 523c and the drive gear A523d are configured to be parallel to each other. As a result, when the drive motor AMT2 is driven and the drive gear A523d rotates, that rotation is transmitted to the transmission gear A523e, which in turn rotates the right pulley A523b, thereby driving the belt A523a in such a way that the portion of the belt A523a that extends in the left-right direction moves in the left-right direction.

[0270] The left end holding member A525 comprises an upper member A525a formed from a resin material and fastened to the plate-shaped body A513a to rotatably support the left pulley A523c, and a lower member A525b formed from a metal material and fastened to the upper member A525a in a configuration that sandwiches the left pulley A523c between itself and the upper member A525a.

[0271] The connecting mechanism A527 includes a connecting member A527a to which the upper end side of the rotary operation unit A500b is connected and which receives the metal rod AMB2 in a recess A527b on the front side, thereby setting the direction of operation to left and right, and a prevention member A527c which is fastened and fixed to the connecting member A527a so as to close 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 prevention member A527c.

[0272] The connecting member A527a has a flat plate-shaped contact portion A527d at its upper end that abuts against the rear surface of the belt 523a, and the preventing member A527c has a sawtooth-shaped contact portion A527e at a position corresponding to the contact portion A527d.

[0273] With the contact portion A527d positioned opposite the flat portion (outer circumference) of the belt A523a and the sawtooth portion A527e positioned opposite the sawtooth portion (inner circumference) of the belt A523a, the belt A523a can be sandwiched between the contact portion A527d and the sawtooth portion A527e, thereby preventing misalignment of the flat contact portion A527d and the sawtooth portion A527e relative to the belt A523a due to slippage.

[0274] A columnar fastening portion is formed in the connecting member A527a for fastening and fixing with the prevention member A527c. A pulley A527g is rotatably supported in one of these fastening portions, and the connecting mechanism A527 is designed so that the metal rod AMB2 is positioned in the groove on the outer circumference of the pulley A527g. This reduces the operating resistance between the connecting mechanism A527 and the metal rod AMB2, thereby reducing the driving force required by the drive motor AMT2 to operate the second operating unit A500, and enabling miniaturization of the drive motor AMT2.

[0275] With this structure, the coupling mechanism A527 is driven and rotated by the drive motor AMT2, and as the right pulley A523b rotates due to gear transmission, the portions of the belt A523a that extend to the left and right move in the left and right directions, and as a result, the coupling mechanism A527 is guided by the metal rod AMB2 and moves in the left and right directions.

[0276] The connecting member A527a is provided with a vertically extending guide slot A527f through which the columnar projection A546 of the rotary operation unit A500b is inserted. The columnar projection A546 of the rotary operation unit A500b is inserted through the guide slot A527f and the guide slot A514 of the fixed support unit A510, so that as the connecting mechanism A527 moves in the left-right direction, the columnar projection A546 of the rotary operation unit A500b moves in both the vertical and left-right directions.

[0277] In this way, the driving force is transmitted to the rotary motion unit A500b via the connecting mechanism A527, which moves in the left-right direction, causing the rotary motion unit A500b to be displaced. The details of the rotary motion unit A500b will be described below.

[0278] Figure 31 is an exploded front perspective view of the rotary motion unit A500b, and Figure 32 is an exploded rear perspective view of the rotary motion unit A500b. As shown in Figures 31 and 32, the rotary motion unit A500b comprises a base member A530 rotatably supported on the rotating shaft AJ2 at its lower end, a movable member A540 connected to the base member A530 so as to be able to slide in a linear direction passing through the rotating shaft AJ2 on a plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft AJ2, and a direction that is inserted through the base member A530 and the movable member A540 and is able to move in a direction perpendicular to the sliding movement of the movable member A540. The device comprises a switching member A550, a changing member A560 that causes the player to see that the length of the shorter side of the rotational operation unit 500b changes as its position or orientation changes due to the movement of the direction switching member A550, and a covering member A570 that is positioned and fixed in front of the changing member A560 and fixed to the base member A530 via a fixing support member A565, such that the moving member A540 and the direction switching member A550 are positioned in the space formed between the base member A530 and the changing member A560.

[0279] The base member A530 comprises a long, plate-shaped plate body A531, a pair of upper and lower guide slots A532 drilled as elongated holes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plate body A531, a plurality of functional slots A533 drilled between the pair of guide slots A532 in a shape that combines the vertical direction and the left-right inclined direction, a space component member A534 fastened and fixed to both ends in the short direction of the lower end of the plate body A531 so as to form a space between it and the plate body A531, a support hole A535 drilled in the front-rear direction of the space component member A534 and supported by the rotating shaft rod AJ2, and a pair of protruding insertion parts A536 formed to protrude in the short direction of the plate body A531 above the position where the space component member A534 is fastened and fixed, and function as insertion parts for fastening screws.

[0280] The functional slotted hole A533 consists of four slotted holes: one upper and one lower pair, and another upper and one lower pair of slotted holes that are inverted in shape to the first pair. The shape of each slotted hole is the same except for the inversion relationship.

[0281] Of the multiple functional slotted holes A533, the upper and lower pair of slotted holes are formed at a position where one of the slotted holes is shifted parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide slotted hole A532. That is, the corresponding locations of the upper and lower pair of slotted holes are kept either on the same line or parallel to each other.

[0282] Of the functional slots A533, the upper and lower pair of slots and the other upper and lower pair of slots are offset in their arrangement along the direction in which the guide slot A532 extends. This configuration makes it easier to utilize the available space compared to when the arrangement is not offset, and makes it easier to secure the length of the functional slots A533 in the shorter direction of the plate-shaped body A531 while keeping the length of the plate-shaped body A531 in the shorter direction down.

[0283] The spatial component A534 includes a plate-shaped detection piece A534a that extends outwards from the support hole A535, starting from the lower front end. The plate-shaped detection piece A534a is formed at a front-to-back position that allows it to be placed in the detection groove of the detection sensor A517c (see Figure 30).

[0284] The plate-shaped detection piece A534a is formed on the side (front side) where the rotating shaft AJ2 is supported. This minimizes the displacement of the plate-shaped detection piece A534a even if the rotating shaft AJ2 bends (tilts) due to deformation or other reasons, making it easier to avoid the plate-shaped detection piece A534a being positioned outside the front-to-back position where it fits into the detection groove of the detection sensor A517c.

[0285] The detection sensor A517c detects the arrangement of the plate-shaped detection piece A534a, which allows the orientation of the rotary operation unit A500b to be determined. Therefore, even when multiple operation units A400 to A600 are driven by separate drive sources, collisions between them can be avoided.

[0286] The movable member A540 comprises a plate-shaped body A541 formed from a resin material, a light-emitting substrate A542 fastened and fixed to the front side of the plate-shaped body A541 and having a plurality of light-emitting means such as LEDs arranged on the front side, a decorative member A543 that covers the upper part of the light-emitting substrate A542 and is configured to have a portion that can transmit light from the light-emitting means of the light-emitting substrate A542, and is fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped body A541, a pair of insertion protrusions A544 that protrude to the extent that they are inserted into the guide elongated hole A532 of the base member A530, a plurality of auxiliary elongated holes A545 drilled in the base member A530 at a position corresponding to the functional elongated hole A533, extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the guide elongated hole A532 extends, and a columnar protrusion A546 that protrudes from the upper left corner of the plate-shaped body A541 to the rear side and is inserted into the guide elongated hole A527f (see Figure 30) of the drive transmission unit A520.

[0287] By configuring the movable member A540 in this way, it becomes possible to illuminate the decorative member A543 brightly with light emitted from the light-emitting means arranged on the light-emitting substrate A542. In addition, the light-emitting means such as LEDs arranged on the light-emitting substrate A542 include not only LEDs whose optical axis is facing forward (in a direction perpendicular to the front of the substrate), but also LEDs whose optical axis is facing sideways (in a direction parallel to the front of the substrate), especially at the short-side ends. This improves the effect of the light-based performance, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0288] The lower end of the movable member A540 is positioned in the space formed between the plate-shaped body A531 of the base member A530 and the spatial component member A534 when the second operating unit A500 is in the performance standby state (see Figure 27). That is, in a front view, the movable member A540 is configured to overlap with the rotating shaft rod AJ2 which is inserted through the support hole A535, thereby improving the degree of freedom in positioning the movable member A540.

[0289] The decorative member A543 comprises a translucent region A543a extending in the longitudinal direction at the center in the short direction, and plated regions A543b on both sides of the translucent region A543a in the short direction, to which plating is applied.

[0290] As a result, even if the substrate placement is restricted to the center in the short-side direction due to the formation of functional elongated holes A533 and auxiliary elongated holes A545, the light-emitting effect facing forward is performed in the translucent region A543a near the center in the short-side direction, and the effect in the other plated region A543b is achieved by reflection from the plating, thereby avoiding a decrease in the effect.

[0291] Furthermore, the shorter end of the decorative member A543 does not extend to the back side and does not cover the side of the light-emitting substrate A542. As a result, the light emitted laterally from the light-emitting substrate A542 is not attenuated by the decorative member A543, allowing the object to be sufficiently illuminated in the light-emitting effect.

[0292] The insertion projection A544 is inserted into the guide slot A532 of the base member A530, and is configured to be prevented from falling out of the guide slot A532 by a screw and collar member AC1 screwed into its tip. With this configuration, the movable member A540 is configured to move relative to the base member A530 along the guide slot A532.

[0293] The direction switching member A550 is composed of a set of left and right corresponding members, and comprises a corresponding plate-shaped body A551, a pair of front columnar parts A552 arranged longitudinally and projecting toward the front on the left and right inner sides of the plate-shaped body A551, a pair of rear columnar parts A553 arranged longitudinally and projecting toward the rear on the same straight line as the projection direction of the front columnar parts A552, through holes A554 drilled longitudinally on the left and right outer sides of the plate-shaped body A551, a movable decorative member A555 fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped body A551 at the left and right outer and upper outer peripheral ends of the plate-shaped body A551, maintaining a space between the plate-shaped body A551 and the movable member A540, and a through hole A556 drilled longitudinally (parallel to the through hole A554) from the lower end of the movable decorative member A555.

[0294] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 are formed from a colored, transparent, light-transmitting resin material, taking into consideration the visual effect. In particular, since the resin is yellow, the continuity of color with the plated area A543b (gold plating) of the movable member A540 can be improved, and the luminous effect during operation can be enhanced.

[0295] If the plate-shaped body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 could be made of identically shaped components, it would be preferable as this would allow for component commonality. In contrast, in this embodiment, the plate-shaped body A551 and the movable decorative member A555 are composed of two corresponding components and are not made of identical shapes, but this difference in shape is designed based on functional requirements.

[0296] For example, the difference in shape at the upper end is due to the formation of a notch on the side of the movable member A540 where the columnar projection A546 is located, in order to avoid interference with the columnar projection A546.

[0297] Furthermore, for example, the difference in the arrangement of the front columnar section A552 and the rear columnar section A553 is due to the functional elongated holes A533 and auxiliary elongated holes A545 being positioned asymmetrically on the left and right sides, resulting in different shapes.

[0298] By assigning these functional requirements to the rear configuration, the design freedom of the front shape of the movable decorative member A555, which is visible to the player, can be improved. In this embodiment, a symmetrical shape can be used to enhance the visual effect of the rotating unit A500b.

[0299] The front columnar portion A552 is inserted through the auxiliary elongated hole A545 of the movable member A540, and the rear columnar portion A553 is inserted through the functional elongated hole A533 of the base member A530. As a result, the direction switching member A550 can be displaced in the direction in which the auxiliary elongated hole A545 extends, depending on the arrangement of the movable member A540 with respect to the base member A530.

[0300] The rear columnar portion A553 is inserted through the functional elongated hole A533 of the base member A530, and is configured to be prevented from falling out of the functional elongated hole A533 by a screw screwed into its tip and a collar member AC1.

[0301] On the other hand, the movable member A540 is connected to the base member A530 by an insertion projection A544, and the direction switching member A550 is connected by a rear columnar portion A553, which is sufficient to prevent them from falling off. Therefore, a collar member AC1 is placed between the front columnar portion A552 and the movable member A540, and no screws are used to prevent them from falling off.

[0302] As a result, even if the light-emitting substrate A542 is formed very close to the auxiliary elongated hole A545, friction between the color component AC1 and the light-emitting substrate A542 does not occur, 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 is improved.

[0303] Furthermore, interference between the screw head and the movable decorative member A555 can be avoided, and the front-to-back distance between the movable decorative member A555 and the movable member A540 can be shortened. This allows the front-to-back thickness of the direction switching member A550 to be shortened.

[0304] The changing member A560 is composed of a pair of left and right members and includes a guide support member A561 that is displaceable (rotational displacement and displacement in the direction of extension of the through hole A554 are possible) in the through hole A554 of the direction switching member A550, a wing-shaped member A562 to which the guide support member A561 is fastened and fixed to the back side, an intermediate displacement member A563 that is rotatably supported by the wing-shaped member A562, a fixing member A564 that is fastened and fixed to the wing-shaped member A562 in a position that sandwiches the intermediate displacement member A563 between itself and the wing-shaped member A562, a fixed support member A565 that is fastened and fixed to the protruding insertion portion A536 of the base member A530 and rotatably supports the intermediate displacement member A563, and a fixing member A566 that is fastened and fixed to the fixed support member A565 in a position that sandwiches the intermediate displacement member A563 between itself and the fixed support member A565.

[0305] The wing-shaped member A562 is a columnar portion that rotatably supports the intermediate displacement member A563, and comprises a support fastening portion A562a into which a fastening screw is screwed into a female thread formed at the tip to fasten and fix the fixing member A564, and a fastened portion A562b into which the guide support member A561 is fastened and fixed.

[0306] 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 projection A563c that is inserted into the through-hole A556 of the direction switching member A550 and is supported in a displaceable manner (rotational displacement and displacement in the direction in which the through-hole A556 extends are possible).

[0307] The fixed support member A565 has a symmetrical shape in which a pair of straight legs are formed from the outer circumference of the arc-shaped portion, and includes a columnar fixing portion A565a that protrudes columnarly from the lower end of the legs toward the rear side and is fastened and fixed to the overhang insertion portion A536 of the base member A530, and a columnar support portion A565b that protrudes toward the rear side at the left and right upper ends of the arc-shaped portion and rotatably supports the second through hole A563b of the intermediate displacement member A563.

[0308] The columnar support portion A565b has a female thread formed at its tip, and a fastening screw inserted through the insertion hole A566a of the fixing member A566 is screwed into this 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 the fixing support member A565.

[0309] In this embodiment, in addition to the insertion hole A566a for fastening screws, the fixing member A566 also has an insertion hole A566b through which fastening screws are inserted for fastening and securing the fixing support member A565 without any other members being in between.

[0310] Therefore, the screw insertion position of the fastening screws can be changed as needed. 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 avoid damage to the columnar support A565b and the falling out of the intermediate displacement member A563.

[0311] Alternatively, for example, a fastening screw may be inserted and screwed into either through hole A566a or through hole A566b. In this case, the number of fastening screws required can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost of the product.

[0312] The covering member A570 comprises a translucent region A571 extending in the longitudinal direction at the center in the short direction, plated regions A572 on both sides of the translucent region A571 in the short direction to which plating is applied, a pair of claw-shaped portions A573 extending from the outer end in the short direction toward the rear side on the rear side of the plated region A572 and formed by bending from the extended end, and a plurality of fastened columnar portions A574 that are fastened and fixed to the fixed support member A565.

[0313] Even when the shape of the light-emitting substrate A542 is restricted to a shape that does not interfere with the auxiliary elongated holes A545 due to the translucent region A571 and the plated region A572, the effect of the light-emitting display can be maintained at a high level. Specifically, the light-emitting display is performed in the translucent region A571 near the center in the short direction, and the effect is performed by reflection from the plating in the other plated region A572, thereby avoiding a decrease in the effect of the display.

[0314] The claw-shaped portion A573 is configured to support the decorative member A543 of the movable member A540 in a manner that allows it to guide both sides in the shorter direction. This suppresses displacement of the movable member A540 in the front-rear direction, and in particular, makes it easier to prevent the movable member A540 from tipping forward or backward relative to the base member A530 when it is in an extended state (see Figure 9).

[0315] The columnar portion to be fastened A574 is positioned corresponding to the central side portion of the pair of legs and the central portion of the arc-shaped portion of the fixed support member A565. Fastening screws are screwed into each of these positions, thereby fastening and fixing the columnar portion to the fixed support member A565.

[0316] Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a), and 34(b) are rear views of the rotary motion unit A500b. Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a), and 34(b) illustrate the relative movement of the movable member A540 of the rotary motion unit A500b relative to the base member A530 in a time series. Note that the color member AC1 is not shown in Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a), and 34(b).

[0317] Figures 33(a), 33(b), 34(a), and 34(b) illustrate the relative movement of the second operating unit A500 from the rotating operating unit A500b (see Figure 33(a)) in the performance standby state (see Figure 7) to the rotating operating unit A500b (see Figure 34(b)) in the extended state (see Figure 9).

[0318] The guide slots A532 are a pair of parallel slots, but they are not formed in a straight line. The upper guide slot A532 is formed in the center of the base member A530 in the short direction, while the lower guide slot A532 is positioned slightly off-center in the short direction to avoid the rotating shaft rod AJ2.

[0319] In this way, even if the guide slots A532 are slightly offset, the movable member A540 is supported by the pair of guide slots A532, allowing the movable member A540 to move smoothly in the direction extending from the guide slots A532. Furthermore, by offsetting the arrangement of the guide slots A532 in this manner, the rotating shaft AJ2 can be positioned at the center of the base member A530 in the short-side direction.

[0320] The functional slot A533 comprises a first parallel portion A533a extending parallel to the direction in which the guide slot A532 extends, an inclined portion A533b formed so as to be connected at one end to the first parallel portion A533a and extending linearly in a direction inclined with respect to the first parallel portion A533a, and a second parallel portion A533c formed so as to be connected to the other end of the inclined portion A533b and extending parallel to the direction in which the first parallel portion A533a extends.

[0321] Here, Figure 33(a) shows the state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is positioned on the end side of the first parallel portion A533a, Figure 33(b) shows the 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) shows the 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) shows the state in which the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is positioned on the end side of the second parallel portion A533c.

[0322] The length of the first parallel section A533a is formed to be sufficiently long. As a result, even when the movable member A540 starts moving relative to the base member A530 from the state shown in Figure 33(a), the direction switching member A550 is configured to be difficult to move in the short direction of the movable member A540 for a while (until the state shown in Figure 33(b)).

[0323] In the operation of the second operating unit A500, the relative movement of the movable member A540 with respect to the base member A530 occurs simultaneously with the rotational movement of the rotary operating unit A500b around the rotating shaft AJ2. However, from the state shown in Figure 33(a) to the state shown in Figure 33(b), the rotary operating unit A500b can be rotated while maintaining an appearance with a short width in the shorter direction.

[0324] The inclined portion A533b extends outward in the short direction of the base member A530 from the position where the first parallel portion A533a is formed. Therefore, when the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530 from the state where the rear columnar portion A553 of the direction switching member A550 is positioned on the first parallel portion A533a, and the rear columnar portion A553 enters the inclined portion A533b, the direction switching member A550 moves outward in the short direction of the moving member A540.

[0325] The pair of rear columnar portions A553 of the direction switching member A550 are inserted through a pair of auxiliary elongated holes A545 (see Figure 32), and the pair is guided in parallel. Therefore, the relative movement of the direction switching member A550 with respect to the moving member A540 is a parallel movement of the moving member A540 in the shorter direction.

[0326] The speed of movement is proportional to the speed at which the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530, because the inclined section A533b is formed in a straight line. Therefore, it is easier to perform synchronized movements between the moving member A540 and the direction switching member A550.

[0327] The second parallel section A533c is not as long as the first parallel section A533a and is formed to the minimum necessary length. The purpose of forming the second parallel section A533c is to improve the visual effect of the rotating motion unit A500b.

[0328] In other words, when the second operating unit A500 is driven to the extended position and the drive motor AMT2 (see Figure 29) is stopped, the connecting mechanism A527 is pushed back slightly by the biasing force applied to the damper member A513d by the biasing spring A513c, and even if the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530 in the opposite direction (return direction), the presence of the second parallel section A533c prevents the position of the direction switching member A550 in the short-side direction of the moving member A540 from changing.

[0329] This makes it easier to maintain the appearance of the second operating unit A500 in the extended state (the length of the rotary operating unit A500b in the shorter direction), even if a pushback operation occurs due to the biasing force of the biasing spring A513c (see Figure 29), which may occur when a control is adopted that stops the drive of the drive motor AMT2 when the second operating unit A500 is in the extended state.

[0330] Here, we will explain the difference between the rotary motion unit A500b of the second motion unit A500 and the rotary motion unit A400b of the first motion unit A400. First, as mentioned above, in the rotary motion unit A500b, the guide slots A532 are not arranged in a straight line.

[0331] In the rotary motion unit A500b of the second motion unit A500, the functional slots A533 are not arranged in the short direction of the base member A530, but are offset in the longitudinal direction. This allows a portion of the functional slots A533 formed on the opposite side in the short direction to fit into the gaps between the functional slots A533 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the base member A530, thereby shortening the length of the base member A530 in the short direction.

[0332] The arrangement of the columnar portion A553 on the back of the direction switching member A550 is configured to be offset vertically to match the vertical displacement dimension of the arrangement of the functional elongated hole A533. This makes it possible to synchronize the timing of the movement of the left and right direction switching members A550 in opposing directions (the short side direction of the moving member A540).

[0333] In the rotary motion unit A400b, a functional elongated hole A444 was formed in the moving member A440, but in the rotary motion unit A500b, a functional elongated hole A533 is formed in the base member A530.

[0334] From this, in the first operating unit A400, as the rotational operating unit A400b rotates and the moving member A440 moves relative to the base plate member A430, the functional slotted hole A444 also moves relative to the base plate member A430 (see Figures 19 and 20). However, in the second operating unit A500, even when the rotational operating unit A500b rotates and the moving member A540 moves relative to the base member A530, the arrangement of the functional slotted hole A533 does not move relative to the base member A530.

[0335] Conversely, in the first operating unit A400, an auxiliary elongated hole A433 (see Figure 17) was formed in the base plate member A430, while in the second operating unit A500, an auxiliary elongated hole A545 was formed in the moving member A540 (see Figure 32), reversing the correspondence.

[0336] In this relationship, the functional elongated hole A533 formed in the rotary motion unit A500b of the second motion unit A500 has an inverted vertical relationship with the functional elongated hole A444 formed in the rotary motion unit A400b of the first motion unit A400.

[0337] Thus, by reversing the vertical relationship of the functional slots A444 and A533 to correspond to the inverted arrangement of the functional slots A444 and A533 and the auxiliary slots A433 and A545, the rotary motion unit A500b can also achieve the same operating behavior as the rotary motion unit A400b, in which the length of the rotary motion unit A500b in the short direction increases as it extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0338] In the second operating unit A500, the arrangement of the direction switching member A550 in the longitudinal direction of the rotary operating unit A500b corresponds to the arrangement of the auxiliary elongated holes 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 rotary operating unit A500b, the direction switching member A550 moves in the longitudinal direction of the rotary operating unit A500b by the same amount as the amount of movement of the moving member A540, and at the same time moves in the short direction of the moving member A540.

[0339] In other words, the movement of the direction switching member A550 is relative to the moving member A540 in the direction of the shorter side of the moving member A540 (a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the guide slot A532 extends), and relative to the base member A530 along the direction in which the functional slot A533 is formed.

[0340] The changing member A560 is supported by the columnar support portion A565b of the fixed support member A565, whose second through hole A563b is fixed to the base member A530, while the insertion projection 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. As a result, the changing member A560 can rotate in accordance with the amount of displacement of the moving member A540 in the short-side direction, with the base member A530 as the fulcrum, and can be subjected to a displacement that is different from both the displacement of the moving member A540 and the displacement of the direction switching member A550.

[0341] Furthermore, as the second operating unit A500 moves from the performance standby state to the extended state, the rotational operating unit A500b changes such that the distance between the rotating shaft AJ2 and the columnar projection A546 gradually increases, and consequently, the angle between the straight line passing through the rotating shaft AJ2 and the columnar projection A546 and the straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the rotational operating unit A500b (the direction of movement of the moving member A540) gradually decreases. This is the same as described above in the explanation of the first operating unit A400 with reference to Figures 19 and 20, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0342] 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.

[0343] The third operating unit A600 comprises a support unit A600a held in the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and an opening / closing operating unit A600b supported by the support unit A600a so as to be able to move up and down.

[0344] Figure 37 is an exploded front perspective view of the third operating unit A600, and Figure 38 is an exploded rear perspective view of the third operating unit A600. In Figures 37 and 38, the support unit A600a is disassembled, while the opening / closing operating unit A600b is shown in an undisassembled state.

[0345] The support unit A600a comprises a fixed support unit A610 fastened to the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), and a drive transmission unit A620 having a drive motor AMT3 fixed to the fixed support unit A610 and configured to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT3 to the opening / closing operation unit A600b.

[0346] The fixed support unit A610 comprises a horizontally elongated member A611 fastened to the lower part of the bottom wall A211 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) when viewed from the front, a decorative member A613 fastened to the upper right side of the horizontally elongated member A611, a right-side member A615 fastened to the horizontally elongated member A611 below the decorative member A613, and a left-side member A617 fastened to the horizontally elongated member A611, leaving a space between it and the left side of the horizontally elongated member A611 that allows the drive transmission unit A620 to move.

[0347] The horizontal member A611 comprises a plate-shaped main body A611a, a pair of support forming parts A611b formed by bending from the upper and lower ends of the plate-shaped main body A611a toward the front, and a lifting support rod A611c formed from a cylindrical metal member that is inserted vertically through and fixed to the support forming parts A611b.

[0348] The lifting support rod A611c is inserted through the rear side of the opening / closing operation unit A600b and supported by the support forming part A611b, thereby guiding the direction of the opening / closing operation unit A600b's movement and maintaining the front-to-back position of the opening / closing operation unit A600b relative to the plate-shaped body A611a.

[0349] The decorative member A613 comprises a main body A613a formed in a box shape with the back side open, and an overhang A613b formed to the left from the left end of the front side surface of the main body A613a. The overhang A613b functions to suppress the forward tilting of the opening / closing operation unit A600b when the third operation unit A600 is in the performance standby state, but the details will be described later.

[0350] The right-side member A615, together with the left-side member A617, supports the light guide plate unit A700 (see Figure 5), and is the member to which the light guide plate unit A700 is fastened and fixed. Specifically, the opening / closing operation unit A600b is positioned 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 its state changes to an extended state.

[0351] The left-side member A617 comprises a plate-shaped body A617a, a support portion A617b formed protruding cylindrically from the back side of the plate-shaped body A617a, a fan-shaped through hole A617c drilled along an arc centered on the support portion A617b, a torsion spring A617d that is wound around a metal rod arranged coaxially with the support portion A617b and biased upward, with one end fixed and the other end facing the fan-shaped through hole A617c, and a box-shaped structure formed on the lower side of the plate-shaped body A617a with the back side open. The device comprises a box-shaped portion A617e, a support portion A617f formed protruding in a cylindrical shape from the rear side of the box-shaped portion A617e, an insertion hole A617g drilled in the box-shaped portion A617e to allow the drive gear AMG3 of the drive motor AMT3 to be inserted, a covering portion A617h extending from the lower edge of the insertion hole A617g toward the rear side in an arc-shaped cross-section and partially covering the insertion hole A617g at the extended end, and a detection sensor A617i fastened and fixed to the rear side of the box-shaped portion A617e in a position where the detection gap faces toward the support portion A617f.

[0352] The covering portion A617h functions as a stopper to prevent the drive gear AMG3 from detaching from the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT3 and falling off to the rear. This prevents the drive gear AMG3 from falling off the drive motor AMT3.

[0353] The detection sensor A617i is a device that detects the position of the drive transmission unit A620, thereby enabling the determination of whether the third operating unit A600 is in a standby state or an extended state.

[0354] The drive transmission unit A620 includes a rotatable operating member A621 supported by a support portion A617b and connected to an opening / closing operating unit A600b so as to be rotatable between the horizontally elongated member A611 and the left-side member A617, 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 rotatable operating member A621.

[0355] The rotating operating member A621 comprises a plate-shaped body A621a, an insertion hole A621b drilled at the end of the plate-shaped body A621a so as to allow the support portion A617b of the left-side member A617 to be inserted, a transmission elongated hole A621c drilled as an elongated hole through which a straight line in the longitudinal direction passes through the insertion hole A621b, a spring receiving projection A621d projecting from the upper end near the insertion hole A621b toward the front and receiving the other end of the torsion spring A617d, and an insertion projection A621e projecting cylindrically toward the front at the end of the plate-shaped body A621a opposite to the end where the insertion hole A621b is located and being inserted into the opening / closing operating unit A600b.

[0356] The rotating member A621 is rotatably supported by the left-side member A617 by inserting the support portion A617b through the insertion hole A621b. The retaining screw screwed into the tip of the support portion A617b is configured to be removable through the through hole A611d of the elongated member A611. In other words, in this embodiment, an assembly procedure can be adopted in which the left-side member A617 is fastened and fixed to the elongated member A611, and then the screw is screwed into the tip of the support portion A617b.

[0357] The transmission member A625 comprises a main gear portion A625a that meshes with the drive gear AMG3, an overhang portion A625b that extends flange-like from the entire circumference on the back side of the main gear portion A625a, an insertion projection A625c that protrudes cylindrically from the outer peripheral end of the overhang portion A625b toward the back side, and an extension portion A625d that is bent from the outer peripheral end of the overhang portion A625b and extends in a direction away from the axis of rotation.

[0358] The insertion projection A625c is inserted through the collar member AC1 into the transmission elongated hole A621c of the rotating operating member A621. This allows the rotation of the transmission member A625 and the rotation of the rotating operating member A621 to be linked.

[0359] The extension A625d is positioned so as to be able to cross the detection gap of the detection sensor A617i. In other words, the orientation of the transmission member A625 can be determined by the corresponding control device depending on whether or not the extension A625d is positioned in the detection gap of the detection sensor A617i.

[0360] Figure 39 is an exploded front perspective view of the opening / closing operation unit A600b, and Figure 40 is an exploded rear perspective view of the opening / closing operation unit A600b. The opening / closing operation unit A600b comprises a plate-shaped member A630 formed from a resin material, a space-forming member A640 fastened and fixed to the front side of the plate-shaped member A630 so as to form a space between itself and the plate-shaped member A630, a pair of movable members A650 movably supported in the space between the plate-shaped member A630 and the space-forming member A640, a drive motor AMT4 fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped member A630, a drive transmission unit A660 configured to transmit the driving force of the drive motor AMT4 to the movable members A650, a rear cover member A670 fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped member A630 so as to sandwich the drive transmission unit A660 between itself and the plate-shaped member A630, and a guide unit A680 fastened and fixed to the rear cover member A670 so as to sandwich the lifting support rod A611c between itself and the rear cover member A670.

[0361] The plate-shaped member A630 comprises a plate-shaped body A631, a protruding support portion A632 that protrudes cylindrically from the back side of the plate-shaped 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 along the outer edge of the plate-shaped body A631 in order to form a space between it and the back cover member A670.

[0362] The space-forming member A640 comprises a main body member A641 that forms the framework, a translucent light-transmitting member A642 fastened and fixed to the front side of the main body member A641, an opaque plated member A643 that surrounds the translucent member A642, has its interior hollowed out and is plated on its front side, and is fastened and fixed to the main body member A641, a light-emitting substrate A644 that is formed to allow light to be irradiated over the entire area of ​​the translucent member A642 and is fastened and fixed to the main body member A641, and a detection sensor A645 that is disposed on the back side of the main body member A641 to detect the position of the movable member A650.

[0363] The main body member A641 includes a pair of guide grooves A641a that are elongated in the left-right direction on the back side, and a stopper portion A641b that is formed protruding from near the ends of the guide grooves A641a. The guide grooves A641a are a pair of grooves arranged parallel to each other vertically, and are elongated straight grooves extending from the upper left to the lower right, configured to guide the movement of the movable member A650. The stopper portion A641b is a projection that prevents the movable member A650 from falling out of the space forming member A640, and is configured to engage with the movable member A650 positioned at the end of its range of motion.

[0364] Power can be supplied to the movable member A650 via a flat cable A644a extending from the light-emitting substrate A644. In this embodiment, the flat cable A644a is arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the guide groove A641a. This makes it easier to avoid excessive load being placed on the flat cable A644a when the movable member A650 moves, and improves the durability of the flat cable A644a.

[0365] The movable member A650 comprises a main body member A651 which is composed of a pair of members of the same shape arranged rotationally and forming a framework, and decorative members A655 which are formed of different shapes and fastened to the corresponding main body member A651.

[0366] By configuring it in this way, the shape of the parts to which the driving force is transmitted can be standardized, simplifying the transmission mechanism and allowing for the use of multiple resin molds. At the same time, by placing decorative member A655 on the side visible to the player, it is possible to avoid the simplified shape affecting the visual presentation.

[0367] The main body member A651 comprises a long main body portion A652 that is positioned so as to align its longitudinal direction with the longitudinal direction of the guide groove portion A641a and extends from the leading side to the front side when moving outward in the left-right direction, thereby forming an L-shape when viewed from above, and a pair of roller members A653 that are rotatable and are formed to a size that can be positioned inside the guide groove portion A641a.

[0368] The elongated main body A652 includes a stopper portion A652a that is positioned opposite to and can come into contact with the stopper portion A641b when it moves outward in the left-right direction, a detection portion A652b that extends in a plate-like manner from approximately the center in the longitudinal direction in the short direction, and a recessed portion A652c that is rectangular in shape extending in the short direction and recessed from the back side.

[0369] The detected part A652b is positioned in a shape that allows it to cross the detection groove of the detection sensor A645. By positioning the detected part A652b in the detection groove of the detection sensor A645, the corresponding control device can be made to understand that the moving member A650 has reached its end of movement.

[0370] In this embodiment, since the detection sensor A645 is located only on the underside of the lower main body member A651, it is sufficient for the detected portion A652b to be located on the lower main body member A651, and the detected portion A652b is not required on the upper main body member A651. However, in order to standardize the resin mold, the detected portion A652b is also formed on the upper main body member A651.

[0371] The roller member A653 functions to reduce the operating resistance of the moving member A650 against the guide groove A641a. In other words, compared to when the moving member A650 slides against the guide groove A641a, the rolling of the roller member A653 reduces the frictional force, allowing the moving member A650 to move more smoothly.

[0372] The decorative member A655 is a member fastened and fixed to the front side of the end of the main body member A651 opposite to the end on which the stopper portion A652a is disposed, and comprises a light-transmitting member A656 formed from a light-transmitting resin material, a frame-shaped member A657 formed in the shape of a frame surrounding the light-transmitting member, and a light-emitting substrate A658 equipped with a light-emitting means such as an LED that irradiates light onto the light-transmitting member A656 and the frame-shaped member A657.

[0373] The decorative member A655 and the main body member A651 are fastened together to form a U-shape with one side open in the left-right direction when viewed from above. A 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 and decorative member A655, thus avoiding visibility to the player.

[0374] When the movable members A650 are positioned close together (see Figure 7), the decorative member A655 is positioned to cover the front of the light-transmitting member A642. When the movable members A650 are positioned apart (see B5), the decorative member A655 is positioned to move away from the front of the light-transmitting member A642, allowing both the light-transmitting member A642 and the decorative member A655 to be seen simultaneously.

[0375] In other words, the system can switch between a state in which only the decorative member A655 is visible and a state in which the translucent member A642 is placed between the decorative member A655 and both are visible simultaneously and a state in which the system performs a light-emitting effect, depending on the arrangement of the movable member A650.

[0376] The drive transmission unit A660 comprises a drive gear A661 fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor AMT4 so as not to rotate relative to it, a rotating plate member A662 rotatably supported by a protruding support portion A632 of a plate-shaped member A630, and a transmission gear A663 rotatably supported by a protruding support portion A634 of the plate-shaped member A630, which interlocks the drive gear A661 and the rotating plate member A662.

[0377] The rotating plate member A662 comprises a through hole A662a through which a protruding support portion A632 can be inserted, 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 on the arc-shaped portion of one of the fan-shaped plate portions A662b having gear teeth that mesh with the transmission gear A663, and a pair of cylindrical protrusions A662d projecting from the front side of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b at positions that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the through hole A662a (in this embodiment, positions shifted by 180 degrees).

[0378] Because the rotating plate member A662 is not a circular disc-shaped member, but rather formed from a shape that looks like a part of a circle has been cut out, the area over which friction occurs between the rotating plate member A662 and the plate-shaped body A631 can be reduced. As a result, the resistance generated when the rotating plate member A662 rotates can be reduced, and therefore the driving force required of the drive motor AMT4 can be reduced.

[0379] The protruding portion A662d passes through the arc-shaped hole A633 of the plate-shaped member A630 and is inserted into the recessed portion A652c of the movable member A650. In other words, a change in the arrangement of the protruding portion A662d causes a corresponding change in the arrangement of the recessed portion A652c, resulting in the movement of the movable member A650.

[0380] The rear cover member A670 comprises a plate-shaped body A671 having the same outer shape as the frame-shaped portion A635 of the plate-shaped member A630 and fastened to the plate-shaped member A630, an overhanging portion A672 extending in a plate-like manner from the right end of the plate-shaped body A671, a pair of upper and lower protruding support portions A673 protruding from the rear side of the plate-shaped body A671 and supporting the rotation axis of the rotating member of the guide unit A680, and a plurality of arc-shaped through holes A674 drilled in the plate-shaped body A671 in relation to the rotation trajectory of the rotating plate member A662.

[0381] The protruding part A672 is located behind the protruding part A613b (see Figure 37) in the performance standby state, and functions as a part that returns the posture of the opening / closing operation unit A600b to its original position (tilts backward) by receiving a backward load from the protruding part A613b when the opening / closing operation unit A600b is tilted forward and returns to the performance standby state.

[0382] The guide unit A680 comprises a box-shaped body A681 formed in the shape of a box with an open front, a pair of upper and lower roller members A682 arranged inside the box-shaped body A681 and rotatable on a rotating shaft extending in the left-right direction, pulley-shaped members A683 arranged inside the box-shaped body A681 and rotatable on a rotating shaft extending in the front-rear direction, one pair of left and one right and one pair of upper and lower pulley members, and elongated through holes A684 drilled in the left-right direction.

[0383] Since the roller member A682 is configured to protrude from the through hole A681a of the box-shaped body A681 to the rear side, when the rear side of the box-shaped body A681 is positioned opposite the plate-shaped body A611a of the fixed support unit A610 (see Figure 37), the contact relationship with the plate-shaped body A611a can be made by the rolling of the roller member A682 rather than by friction of the box-shaped body A681. This makes it easier to reduce the resistance received from the fixed support unit A610 when the opening and closing operation unit A600b is raised and lowered.

[0384] Between the pulley-shaped members A683, a lifting support rod A611c (see Figure 37) is positioned, passing through the recessed portion A681b of the box-shaped body A681. As a result, the guide unit A680 is guided by the lifting support rod A611c and moves up and down, thereby stabilizing the direction of operation of the opening and closing operation unit A600b.

[0385] The elongated through-hole A684 is an elongated hole through which the insertion projection A621e (see Figure 37) of the rotating operating member A621 is inserted. In other words, the driving force of the drive motor AMT3 (see Figure 37) is transmitted to the opening / closing operating unit A600b via the elongated through-hole A684.

[0386] Figures 41 and 42 are rear views of the opening / closing operation unit A600b of the third operation unit A600. Figure 41 shows the opening / closing operation unit A600b in the standby state of the third operation unit A600, and Figure 42 shows the opening / closing operation unit A600b in the extended state of the third operation unit A600.

[0387] Note that in Figures 41 and 42, for the sake of 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 with dashed lines, and the arrangement of the protruding portion A662d of the rotating plate member A662 is shown with dashed lines.

[0388] As shown in Figures 41 and 42, the operation of the opening / closing unit A600b is such that, as the rotating plate member A662 rotates, the arrangement of the protruding portion A662d changes along an arc centered on the protruding support portion A632, and as a result, the pair of moving members A650 move in opposite directions parallel to each other along the direction in which the corresponding guide grooves A641a (see Figure 40) are formed (parallel directions).

[0389] As described above, the main body member A651 of the movable member A650 is composed of a pair of members of the same shape arranged rotationally, and the arrangement of the protruding portion A662d is also symmetrical with respect to the protruding support portion A632, which is the rotation axis of the main body member A651. Therefore, the influence exerted on the movable member A650 by the protruding portion A662d is common to both members.

[0390] In other words, for example, if the rotating plate member A662 rotates at high speed, the pair of moving members A650 will move in parallel at high speed at a common speed, and even if the rotating plate member A662 suddenly reverses direction (changes direction of rotation), the pair of moving members A650 can reverse direction simultaneously.

[0391] The arrangement relationship between the fan-shaped plate portion A662b of the rotating plate member A662 and the arc-shaped through hole A674 of the rear cover member A670 will be explained. The area in which the fan-shaped plate portion A662b and the arc-shaped through hole A674 overlap in the front-to-back direction changes during the rotation of the rotating plate member A662. Air resistance is generated between the fan-shaped plate portion A662b and the rear cover member A670 due to the air trapped between them, but this air resistance is reduced in the areas where the arc-shaped through hole A674 is formed in the rear cover member A670.

[0392] Figure 42 shows the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b of the rotating plate member A662 in the performance standby state of the third operating unit A600 (see Figure 41) in the first region AE21; the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b after the rotating plate member A662 is rotated clockwise from the state shown in Figure 41 when viewed from the rear, in the second region AE22; the angular width of the arrangement range of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b after the rotating plate member A662 is rotated clockwise from the state in which the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the second region AE22 when viewed from the rear, in the third region 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 region AE24.

[0393] As shown in Figure 41, in this embodiment, regardless of the orientation of the rotating plate member A662, one fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned opposite at least one arc-shaped through hole A674. Therefore, the state shown in Figure 41 (the state in which the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the first region AE21) is illustrated as the state in which the overlapping area between the fan-shaped plate portion A662b and the arc-shaped through hole A674 is smallest, that is, the state in which the air resistance applied to the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is maximum.

[0394] When positioned in the first region AE21, the edge of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b on the clockwise side when viewed from the rear is positioned so as not to overlap with the arc-shaped through hole A674. Therefore, when the rotating plate member A662 begins to rotate clockwise when viewed from the rear, in addition to the arc-shaped through holes A674 that originally overlapped with the fan-shaped plate portion A662b (arrangement-shaped through holes A674 located on the left and right), it also begins to overlap with other arc-shaped through holes A674 (arrangement-shaped through holes A674 located above and below), and this state continues until the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the second region AE22.

[0395] The overlapping area between the other arc-shaped through holes A674 and the fan-shaped plate portion A662b increases as the rotation angle of the rotating plate member A662 increases. This allows the air resistance of the rotating plate member A662 to be gradually reduced from the start of rotation, and further reduces the air resistance applied to the rotating plate member A662 as the rotation progresses. As a result, the rotation of the rotating plate member A662 and the movement of the moving member A650 can be performed smoothly.

[0396] When the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the second region AE22, the counterclockwise edge of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b, as viewed from the rear, is positioned to coincide with the counterclockwise edge of the arc-shaped through-holes A674, which are located on the left and right sides, as viewed from the rear. That is, when the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise as viewed from the rear, the counterclockwise edge of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b, as viewed from the rear, enters the interior of the arc-shaped through-holes A674 as viewed from the rear.

[0397] Therefore, as the rotating plate member A662 continues to rotate clockwise when viewed from the rear, the overlapping area between the arc-shaped through holes A674 located on the left and right and the fan-shaped plate portion A662b gradually decreases, while the overlapping area between the other arc-shaped through holes A674 (arranged vertically) and the fan-shaped plate portion A662b gradually increases. Since these changes occur in the same angle increment, the overlapping area between the arc-shaped through holes A674 and the fan-shaped plate portion A662b remains constant.

[0398] This state continues until the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the third region AE23. That is, from the state in which the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the second region AE22 to the state in which it is positioned in the third region AE23, the air resistance acting on the rotating plate member A662 can be kept constant.

[0399] From the state in which the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the third region AE23 to the state in which the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the fourth region AE24, the area in which the fan-shaped plate portion A662b overlaps with the arc-shaped through holes A674 positioned on the left and right gradually decreases. As a result, the air resistance applied to the rotating plate member A662 increases as the rotation of the rotating plate member A662 progresses, thereby enabling smooth deceleration of the rotating plate member A662 and the moving member A650.

[0400] The state in which the fan-shaped plate portion A662b is positioned in the fourth region AE24 is such that the counterclockwise edge of the fan-shaped plate portion A662b, when viewed from the rear, coincides precisely with the clockwise edge when viewed from the rear of the arc-shaped through holes A674, which are located on the left and right sides.

[0401] Therefore, even when rotating the rotating plate member A662 in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the rear, from the state shown in Figure 42 (when moving the third operating unit A600 from its extended position to its performance standby position), the same changes in air resistance as described above can be produced.

[0402] Therefore, regardless of whether the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear from the state shown in Figure 41, or counterclockwise when viewed from the rear from the state shown in Figure 42, the above-described changes in air resistance can be produced in both directions.

[0403] Furthermore, the movable member A650, which is operated by the driving force transmission via the rotating plate member A662, is composed of a pair of upper and lower members, and the direction of the load applied from the movable member A650 to the rotating plate member A662 is the same regardless of the direction of movement of the rotating plate member A662.

[0404] Specifically, when the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear, a load is generated from the upper moving member A650 to the left and a load is generated from the lower moving member A650 to the right. On the other hand, when the rotating plate member A662 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear, a load is generated from the upper moving member A650 to the right and a load is generated from the lower moving member A650 to the left.

[0405] In other words, the load applied to the rotating plate member A662 is only reversed in direction, and there is no change due to the difference in rotation direction. Therefore, regardless of whether the rotating plate member A662 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear from the state shown in Figure 41, or counterclockwise when viewed from the rear from the state shown in Figure 42, the resulting operating resistance can be made the same in both directions, and the operating speed can be made common.

[0406] Next, the light guide plate unit A700 will be described with reference to Figures 43 to 48. Figure 43 is an exploded front perspective view of the light guide plate unit A700, and Figure 44 is an exploded rear perspective view of the light guide plate unit A700.

[0407] As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the light guide plate unit A700 comprises a covering light guide plate unit A700a, which is held in the rear case A210 (see Figure 5) and is sized to cover most of the front opening of the rear case A210, and an auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, which is fastened and fixed to the left side of the covering light guide plate unit A700a.

[0408] The covering light guide plate unit A700a comprises a plate-shaped light guide plate A701, a left light-emitting substrate A702 disposed to the left of the light guide plate A701 and having multiple 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 multiple light-emitting means such as LEDs that irradiate light toward the light guide plate A701, and a front and rear frame-shaped member A710 that fixes the light guide plate A701, the left light-emitting substrate A702, and the upper light-emitting substrate A703 to prevent misalignment.

[0409] The light guide plate A701 is formed from a light-transmitting resin material into a rectangular flat plate and has 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 the shape of an illustration, including a specific character or logo. When light enters the light guide plate A701 from the left light-emitting substrate A702 or the upper light-emitting substrate A703, the light is refracted in the groove, allowing the player to see a line of light along the outline of the specific character or logo.

[0410] The left light-emitting substrate A702 and the upper light-emitting substrate A703 are arranged such that the optical axes of multiple LEDs are incident perpendicularly to 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 aforementioned line-shaped light can be generated in at least two ways: when only light from the left light-emitting substrate A702 is incident, and when only light from the upper light-emitting substrate A703 is incident.

[0411] The frame-shaped member A710 is formed from a rectangular frame shape with a notch A701a of the light guide plate A701 separated from it, and includes a pair of left and right fixing parts A711 that are fastened and fixed to the front end of the outer wall part A212 of the rear case A210 (see Figure 5), a pair of lower fixing parts A712 that are fastened and fixed to the right member A615 and left member A617 of the third operating unit A600 (see Figure 5), and a contact support part A713 that abuts the support member A421 (see Figure 13) of the first operating unit A400 in the front-rear direction.

[0412] The contact support portion A713 is positioned between the upper and lower belts A423a (see Figure 15). Since the connecting mechanism A427 is located on the upper belt A423a, positioning the contact support portion A713 closer to the lower belt A423a allows the rigidity of the support member A421 to be used to support the contact support portion A713 of the frame-shaped member A710 without hindering the movement of the connecting mechanism A427.

[0413] Figure 45 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, and Figure 46 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b. The auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b comprises a plate-shaped light-emitting substrate A720 on which LEDs are arranged on both the front and back surfaces; a front plate member A730 formed in the shape of a plate from a light-transmitting resin material and disposed on the front side of the light-emitting substrate A720 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs on the light-emitting substrate A720; a rear plate member A740 formed in the shape of a plate from a light-transmitting resin material and disposed on the back side of the light-emitting substrate A720 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs on the light-emitting substrate A720; and a front cover member A750 formed from a light-transmitting resin material and disposed between the light-emitting substrate A720 and the front plate member A730.

[0414] The light-emitting substrate A720 comprises a vertically elongated plate-shaped body A721, a plurality of bulging plate portions A722 formed to bulge out to the right from the plate-shaped body A721 in an arc shape at the tip, a plurality of recessed portions A723 formed on the left side of the plate-shaped body A721 at positions corresponding to the bulging plate portions A722, a plurality of front light-emitting portions A724 arranged vertically on the front side of the plate-shaped body A721 with a high degree of directionality, such as LEDs, and whose optical axis is directed to the left, and a plurality of back light-emitting portions A725 arranged vertically on the back side of the plate-shaped body A721 corresponding to the front light-emitting portions A724 (position shifted parallel along arrow F-B), with a low degree of directionality, such as LEDs, and whose optical axis is directed to the left.

[0415] The formation of bulging plate portions A722 at multiple positions in the vertical direction allows for a large support area (area of ​​surface contact) between the front plate member A730, the rear plate member A740, and the light-emitting substrate A720. This ensures stability of the orientation of the light-emitting substrate A720 in the assembled state.

[0416] Light from the front light-emitting section A724 is received by the front side plate member A730. The optical axes of the multiple front light-emitting sections A724 are all directed to the left and parallel to each other, so that the front side plate member A730 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide area.

[0417] Light from the back-emitting section A725 is received by the rear panel member A740. The optical axes of the multiple back-emitting sections A725 are all directed to the left and parallel to each other, so that the rear panel member A740 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide area.

[0418] As described above, since the front light-emitting section A724 and the rear light-emitting section A725 are positioned in corresponding locations in the front-to-back direction, the area of ​​the front side panel member A730 illuminated by the front light-emitting section A724 can be made to correspond to the area of ​​the rear side panel member A740 illuminated by the rear light-emitting section A725.

[0419] As a result, when both the front-emitting section A724 and the rear-emitting section A725 are illuminated, the combined light from these sections makes the areas illuminated by either the front-emitting section A724 or the rear-emitting section A725 on the front panel member A730 and the rear panel member A740 brighter and easier to see.

[0420] On the other hand, even when only one side of the front light-emitting section A724 or the rear light-emitting section A725 is illuminated, the illuminated areas of the front panel member A730 or the rear panel member A740 do not shift position, thus minimizing any sense of incongruity in the visual effect.

[0421] Since the area illuminated by either the front-emitting unit A724 or the rear-emitting unit A725 is the same, even if the player switches from illuminating only the front-emitting unit A724 to illuminating only the rear-emitting unit A725, the pattern of brightness and darkness in the player's view (the pattern of which areas are bright and which are dark when viewed from the front) does not change. This reduces player fatigue.

[0422] The front plate member A730 comprises a plate-shaped body A731 whose front side surface is formed as a smooth surface, a line-shaped groove A732 formed on the rear side surface of the plate-shaped body A731 along the contour of the shape of an illustration including a specific character or logo, a plurality of fastening parts A733 which are cylindrically projecting from the rear side of the plate-shaped body A731 and fastened to the frame-shaped member A710 (see Figure 43) by screwing into female threads formed at the tips, a circular through-hole A734 for fastening to the front cover member A750, and an elongated slot A735 for alignment with the front cover member A750.

[0423] When light from the front light-emitting section A724 is received by the front side plate member A730, the light is refracted by the linear groove section A732, causing the outline of the shape shown in the illustration to be brightly visible as a line.

[0424] The rear plate member A740 consists of a plate-shaped body A741 formed from a light-transmitting resin material with the same shape as the front-view external shape of the front plate member A730, a light-opaque (or low-transmittance) white sheet A742 formed from the same shape as the front-view external shape of the plate-shaped body A741 and disposed on the back side of the plate-shaped body A741, and a light-transmitting sheet formed from the same shape as the front-view external shape of the plate-shaped body A741 and disposed on the front side of the plate-shaped body A741. The device comprises a thin resin plate A743, first through holes A741a, A742a, A743a formed at the same position in the upper left corner so as to penetrate the plate-shaped body A741, sheet A742, and thin resin plate A743 in the front-rear direction, and second through holes A741b, A742b, A743b formed at the same position in the lower side so as to penetrate the plate-shaped body A741, sheet A742, and thin resin plate A743 in the front-rear direction.

[0425] The plate-shaped body A741 has a smooth surface on its front side and countless textured surfaces on its back side. As a result, when light received by the plate-shaped body A741 passes through to the back side and is reflected by the sheet A742, that light is diffused by the countless textured surfaces, resulting in surface illumination. This allows the back side of the plate-shaped body A741 to be illuminated efficiently.

[0426] The thin resin plate A743 has an illustration drawn on it that forms the outline of the linear groove portion A732, and in this embodiment, the corresponding color is painted on it. Therefore, when light from the back-emitting portion A725 is received by the rear plate member A740, the illustration drawn on the thin resin plate A743 is brightly visible due to surface illumination caused by the texture on the back side of the plate-shaped body A741.

[0427] The front cover member A750 comprises a plate-shaped body A751 with numerous hemispherical protrusions formed on its rear side, an extended edge A752 extending in a plate shape from the upper edge and right edge of the plate-shaped body A751 to the rear side, a fastening portion A753 at the left end of the plate-shaped body A751 consisting of a protrusion used for aligning the light-emitting substrate A720 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 body A751 to the rear side, a protrusion A755 which is smaller in diameter and has a shorter protrusion length than the cylindrical fastening portion A754, and a light-transmitting decorative seal A756 which is decorated on the front side and attached to the front side of the plate-shaped body A751.

[0428] During assembly, the protruding portion A755 is inserted through the alignment slot A735 of the front plate member A730, and the cylindrical fastening portion A754 is inserted through the insertion hole of the front plate member A730, thereby aligning the front plate member A730 with respect to the front cover member A750.

[0429] 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 through the first through holes A741a, A742a, and A743a of the rear plate member A740, and the lower right fastening portion A733 of the front plate member A730 is inserted through the second through holes A741b, A742b, and A743b of the rear plate member A740, thereby aligning the rear plate member A740 with respect to the front plate member A730.

[0430] When the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b is fastened to the covering light guide plate unit A700a (see Figure 43) with the front cover member A750 aligned with the front side plate member A730, the light-emitting substrate A720, and the rear side plate member A740, 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.

[0431] In this embodiment, since the fastening portion A733 and the cylindrical fastening portion A754 are arranged on the outside of the light-emitting substrate A720, even if the pressing force (fastening force) becomes unintentionally excessive during assembly, it is easier to avoid the light-emitting substrate A720 cracking or breaking.

[0432] The cylindrical fastening portion A754 located on the upper right of the front cover member A750 allows for the alignment of the front side plate member A730, the rear side plate member A740, and the front cover member A750, as well as the pressing (adhesion) of the front side plate member A730 and the rear side plate member A740 against the light-emitting substrate A720, to be performed in one location. This reduces the number of steps required for assembly.

[0433] Figure 47 is a rear view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b, Figure 48(a) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b along the line XLVIIIa-XLVIIIa in Figure 47, and Figure 48(b) is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b along the line XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb in Figure 47. In Figure 48(a), a cross-section passing through the center of the cylindrical fastening portion A754 is shown.

[0434] 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, the height (front-to-back position) of the end face of the fastening part where the female thread of the fastening part A753 is formed and the rear side surface of the front side plate member A730, where the bulging plate part A722 makes surface contact, are aligned, thereby stabilizing the orientation of the light-emitting substrate A720.

[0435] Furthermore, when the rear plate member A740 is assembled from behind the light-emitting substrate A720, the front side surface of the rear plate member A740 comes into wide-area contact with the bulging plate portion A722, thereby stabilizing the posture of the rear plate member A740 and reducing localized loads.

[0436] As shown in Figures 47 and 48(a), the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 are formed to have the same shape when overlapping with the light-emitting substrate A720. Therefore, the pressing force from the fastening screws screwed into the cylindrical fastening portion A754 is transmitted to the light-emitting substrate A720 in a balanced manner via the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740. This prevents the pressing force from functioning as a shearing force on the light-emitting substrate A720, thus preventing cracking or chipping of the light-emitting substrate A720.

[0437] The front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 apply pressure to the edges of the light-emitting substrate A720, causing them to press against the front and back surfaces of the light-emitting substrate A720.

[0438] This allows for precise alignment of the front and rear positions of the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740 relative to the plate-shaped body A721 of the light-emitting substrate A720. As a result, the front and rear positions of the front plate member A730 relative to the front light-emitting section A724 and the rear plate member A740 relative to the rear light-emitting section A725 can be easily aligned, making it easier to align the light-receiving positions of the front plate member A730 and the rear plate member A740.

[0439] The cylindrical fastening portion A754 is positioned so as not to overlap with the optical axes of the front light-emitting portion A724 and the rear light-emitting portion A725 (it is positioned between them). As a result, the cylindrical fastening portion A754 does not obstruct 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-emitting display using the front plate member A730.

[0440] Figure 48(b) shows a cross-section passing through the center of the third back-emitting section A725 from the bottom. As shown in Figures 47 and 48(b), the fastening section A733 is positioned to coincide with the optical axis of the back-emitting section A725.

[0441] Even when the fastening portion A733 is positioned in this manner, the fastening portion A733 does not penetrate the front plate member A730 and does not obstruct the light from the front light-emitting portion A724. Furthermore, the light received by the rear plate member A740 has slightly reduced directivity to allow the rear plate member A740 to emit light from its surface (because LEDs with low directivity are more likely to be selected). Therefore, even if the fastening portion A733 is positioned on the optical axis, the light is not completely blocked, thus minimizing the impact on the lighting effect. In other words, the degree of freedom in positioning the fastening portion A733 of the front plate member A730 can be improved without reducing the effectiveness of the lighting effect using the rear plate member A740.

[0442] In fastening and fixing the rear plate member A740 to the front cover member A750, the front side surface of the plate-shaped body A741 is fastened and fixed so that the left edge of the thin resin plate A743 is sandwiched between the rear side surface of the plate-shaped body A721, thereby preventing the thin resin plate A743 from lifting away from the plate-shaped body A741.

[0443] In this case, the load applied to the thin resin plate A743 is not a point-based load like that of a fastening screw, but rather a line (surface) load along the left edge of the thin resin plate A743 between it and the plate-shaped body A721 of the light-emitting substrate A720. Therefore, the pressing force per unit area applied to the thin resin plate A743 can be reduced. This makes it easier to avoid cracking or chipping of the thin resin plate A743.

[0444] As shown in Figures 48(a) and 48(b), the propagation path AL1 of the light emitted from the front light-emitting section A724, which is selected from highly directional LEDs, extends in the left-right direction after being received by the front plate member A730, and then undergoes total internal reflection on the front and rear surfaces of the front plate member A730 until it reaches the linear groove section A732. Upon reaching the linear groove section A732, it is refracted and its direction is changed toward the front.

[0445] Therefore, when the front panel member A730 is viewed from the front, if light is emitted from the front light-emitting part A724, the light directed from the linear groove A732 toward the front reaches the player's eyes, making it possible to make the outline of the shape of the illustration, including a specific character or logo, which is the original shape of the linear groove A732, appear to be illuminated.

[0446] Since the light from the rear-emitting section A725 is less directional than the light from the front-emitting section A724, the light from the rear-emitting section A725 does not undergo total internal reflection within the rear side plate member A740, but rather functions to illuminate the rear side plate member A740 uniformly.

[0447] As shown in Figure 48, the end of the front plate member A730 on the side of the front light-emitting section A724 and the end of the rear plate member A740 on the side of the back light-emitting section A725 are positioned closer to the front light-emitting section A724 and the back light-emitting section A725 than the end of the light-emitting substrate A720 on the side of the irradiation direction (right side) of the front light-emitting section A724 and the back light-emitting section A725.

[0448] This allows the plate-shaped body A721 of the light-emitting substrate A720 to be used as a shielding plate, thus preventing light emitted from the front light-emitting section A724 (rear light-emitting section A725) from leaking before being received by the front side plate member A730 (rear side plate member A740). This makes it easier to avoid situations such as light emitted from the front light-emitting section A724 being received by the rear side plate member A740, or light emitted from the rear light-emitting section A725 being received by the front side plate member A730, thereby making it easier to avoid defects in the light-emitting effect.

[0449] The plate-shaped body A751, with its numerous hemispherical protrusions A751a formed on its back side, diffuses light received from the front side, causing it to emit light from the surface. This improves the effect of the lighting display and reduces the visibility of the back side of the front cover member A750, allowing it to be used as a cover for the light-emitting substrate A720.

[0450] The front light-emitting section A724 of the light-emitting substrate A720 is positioned on the back side of the plate-shaped main body A751. However, the light emitted from the front light-emitting section 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. As a result, the plate-shaped main body A751 is not easily illuminated by the light emitted from the front light-emitting section A724, making it appear dark and difficult to use as a performance area.

[0451] In contrast, in this embodiment, the numerous hemispherical protrusions A751a formed on the back side of the plate-shaped body A751 can diffuse the received light, allowing the player to see the plate-shaped body A751 in a bright state.

[0452] Furthermore, by attaching a decorative seal A756, which covers the entire front side of the plate-shaped body A751, to the front side of the plate-shaped body A751, the effect of the numerous protruding parts A751a formed on the back side of the plate-shaped body A751 being conspicuous due to light is reduced, and the visibility of the decoration on the front side of the brightly lit decorative seal A756 can be improved.

[0453] Figures 49(a) to 49(f) are schematic front views of the auxiliary light guide unit A700b, illustrating its visible configuration. For ease of explanation, the auxiliary light guide unit A700b is schematically shown as having a rectangular outline, with triangular illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 inside. These triangular illustrations AIL1 and AIL2 represent examples of the outlines of illustrations, including specific characters or logos, formed by the thin resin plate A743 and the linear groove portion A732 (see Figure 46).

[0454] Figures 49(a) to 49(f) illustrate examples of how the appearance of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b differs depending on whether the front light-emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) is lit or turned off, and whether the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) is lit or turned off.

[0455] Figure 49(a) illustrates the case where the front light-emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) is turned off and the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) is turned off. In this case, illustrations AIL1 and AIL2, which include specific characters and logos formed on the thin resin plate A743, become visible.

[0456] Figure 49(b) illustrates the case where the front light-emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) is turned off and the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) is turned on. In this case, illustrations AIL1 and AIL2, which include specific characters or logos formed on the thin resin plate A743, are illuminated and visible.

[0457] Figure 49(c) illustrates the case where the front light-emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) is lit and the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) is turned off. In this case, the outlines of the shapes of illustrations AIL1 and AIL2, including specific characters and logos, formed in the linear groove section A732 (see Figure 46), are illuminated and visible as linear light. In this case, the shapes of illustrations AIL1 and AIL2, including specific characters and logos, formed on the thin resin plate A743 are obscured by the linear light, reducing their visibility.

[0458] Figure 49(d) illustrates the case where the front light-emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) is lit and the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) is lit. In this case, the brightness of the front side of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b can be improved compared to the state shown in Figure 49(c).

[0459] Figure 49(e) illustrates a case where the front light-emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) above the upper half of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned off, the front light-emitting section A724 below the upper half of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned on, the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) above the upper half of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned on, and the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) below the upper half of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned off.

[0460] In this case, the upper half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b illuminates and makes visible the illustration AIL1, which includes a specific character or logo formed on the thin resin plate A743, while the lower half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b illuminates the outline of the shape of the illustration AIL2, which includes a specific character or logo formed on the linear groove A732 (see Figure 46), making it visible as a linear light.

[0461] Figure 49(f) illustrates the case where the front light-emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) above the upper half of the plate-shaped body A721 is lit, the front light-emitting section A724 below the upper half of the plate-shaped body A721 is turned off, and the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46) is turned off.

[0462] In this case, the upper half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b illuminates the outline of the shape of illustration AIL1, which includes a specific character or logo formed in the linear groove A732 (see Figure 46), and is visible as a linear light, while the lower half of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b allows the illustration AIL2, which includes a specific character or logo formed in the thin resin plate A743, to be visible.

[0463] As shown in Figures 49(a) to 49(f), in this embodiment, the visibility of the front side of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A700b can be changed to correspond to variations in the combination of lighting and extinguishing of the front light-emitting section A724 (see Figure 45) and the rear light-emitting section A725 (see Figure 46).

[0464] 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 from the front to the window portion A60a of the base plate A60, and game balls can flow down the left and right sides of the center frame A86.

[0465] The game board A13 comprises a flow branching member A801, which is formed in a shape having a protruding portion that branches the flow of game balls from a light-transmitting resin material and is disposed on the upper left side of the center frame A86; a guide member A802, which is formed in a shape that constitutes two guide channels arranged side by side on the left and right as channels that guide the flow of game balls from a light-transmitting resin material and is disposed on the front right side of the center frame A86; a downstream guide member A803, which is fixed to the base plate A60 below the guide member A802 and is formed in a shape that constitutes two guide channels arranged side by side on the left and right as channels that guide the flow of game balls from a light-transmitting resin material; and an auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, which is disposed on the back side of a light-transmitting decorative member A808 disposed inside the center frame A86 and is configured to irradiate the decorative member A808 with light.

[0466] The flow branching member A801 ​​is positioned in front of the area inside the window portion A60a when the center frame A86 is arranged on the base plate A60. In this case, the light from the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 toward the flow branching member A801 ​​does not pass through the base plate A60, but instead passes through the center frame A86, which is thinner than the thickness of the base plate A60, to reach the flow branching member A801, thus suppressing the attenuation of the light that reaches the flow branching member A801.

[0467] The guide member A802 comprises a plate-shaped body A802a formed to cover 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 extending in a plate shape from the plate-shaped body A802a toward the front side, and a plurality of deceleration protrusions A802c protruding from the plate-shaped body A802a or the extension plates A802b in order to decelerate the game ball, and is fastened and fixed to the base plate A60 at the upper and lower positions of the upper right region A60b.

[0468] On the back side of the guide member A802, an auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is positioned between the protruding plate portion A86a of the center frame A86, which is housed in the upper right region A60b and has a thickness thinner than the base plate A60. In this case, the light from the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 toward the guide member A802 does not pass through the base plate A60, but rather through the protruding plate portion A86a of the center frame A86, which is thinner than the base plate A60, to reach the guide member A802. This suppresses the attenuation of the light reaching the guide member A802.

[0469] The deceleration projection A802c is provided on both sides of a pair of opposing extension plates A802b for the left-hand flow path, allowing the descending game balls to sway from side to side. For the right-hand flow path, it is provided on the right-hand extension plate A802b and also on the front of the plate-shaped body A802a, allowing the descending game balls to sway from side to side and in the front-to-back direction.

[0470] Thus, the game balls flowing down the two channels formed by the guide member A802 are both decelerated by the deceleration projection A802c, but their flow pattern differs depending on which channel they flow down. As a result, the player can instantly determine which channel the game ball is flowing down by observing its flow pattern.

[0471] Furthermore, this configuration eliminates the need to form a deceleration projection on the outer edge member 73 (see Figure 2), allowing the outer edge member 73 to be constructed as a common part. This reduces the cost of the product.

[0472] In this embodiment, the guide member A802 forms two channels that are wider from side to side than a single channel, which can easily lead to strength issues. In contrast, in this embodiment, the extension plate A802b that forms the channel is positioned in 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 made of a thin material.

[0473] The downstream guide member A803 comprises a plate-shaped body A803a and an extended plate A803b extending from the back surface of the plate-shaped body A803a, with their front-to-back relationship being the opposite of that of the guide member A802.

[0474] Unlike the two flow paths formed by guide member A802, the two guide flow paths formed by downstream guide member A803 have different flow path shapes on the left and right sides. Specifically, the left flow path slopes downward to the left, while the right flow path is formed as a meandering path from side to side. This allows for a significant change in the flow pattern of the game balls depending on which flow path they use.

[0475] Figure 52 is an exploded front perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, and Figure 53 is an exploded rear perspective view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810. The auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 comprises a pair of plate-shaped front light-emitting substrates A820 on which LEDs are arranged on the surface, a pair of plate-shaped back light-emitting substrates A830 on which LEDs are arranged on the back, a front plate member A840 formed in the shape of a plate from a light-transmitting resin material and disposed on the front side of the front light-emitting substrate A820 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs on the front light-emitting substrate A820, a rear plate member A850 formed in the shape of a plate from a light-transmitting resin material and disposed on the back side of the back light-emitting substrate A830 so as to be able to receive light emitted from the LEDs on the back light-emitting substrate A830, and a base member A860 formed from a white resin material with low light transmittance and disposed between the rear plate member A850 and the back light-emitting substrate A830.

[0476] The front-emitting substrate A820 comprises an upper substrate A821 disposed on the upper side and a right-side substrate A825 disposed on the right side. The upper substrate A821 comprises a plate-shaped body A822, a plurality of edge-emitting units A823 arranged in the lower right corner on the front side of the plate-shaped body A822, the optical axis of which is directed to the right, and a plurality of surface-emitting units A824 disposed to the left of the edge-emitting units A823, the optical axis of which is directed to the front.

[0477] Light from the edge light-emitting section A823 is received by the front plate member A840. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light-emitting sections A823 are each pointed to the right and parallel to the front plane of the front plate member A840, so that the front plate member A840 can be illuminated over a wide area.

[0478] Furthermore, the edge light-emitting section A823 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED is not directed directly to the right, but rather is configured to align radially, with the spacing between the optical axes widening towards the right. This allows the light from the edge light-emitting section A823 to be guided over a wide area of ​​the front plate member A840.

[0479] Light from the surface-emitting unit A824 is received by the decorative member A808 (see Figure 50) which is positioned on the front side. Since the optical axes of the multiple surface-emitting units A824 are all facing the front side and are parallel to each other, the decorative member A808 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide area.

[0480] The right-side substrate A825 comprises a plate-shaped body A826, a plurality of edge light-emitting units A827 arranged in the upper left corner on the front side of the plate-shaped body A826, the optical axis of which is directed upward, and a plurality of surface light-emitting units A828 arranged below the edge light-emitting units A827, the optical axis of which is directed forward.

[0481] Light from the edge light-emitting section A827 is received by the front plate member A840. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light-emitting sections A827 are each pointed upward and parallel to the front plane of the front plate member A840, so that the front plate member A840 can be illuminated over a wide area.

[0482] Furthermore, the edge light-emitting section A827 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED is not pointed straight up, but rather is configured to align radially, with the spacing between the optical axes widening towards the top. This allows the light from the edge light-emitting section A827 to be guided over a wide area of ​​the front plate member A840.

[0483] Since the light from the edge light-emitting section A823 of the upper substrate A821 is received from the left end of the front plate member A840, while the light from the edge light-emitting section A827 is received from the lower end of the front plate member A840, even if the front plate member A840 has a constricted shape with a constricted section A844 in the center when viewed from the front, light can be easily delivered to the entire surface of the front plate member A840.

[0484] Light from the surface-emitting unit A828 is received by the decorative member A808 (see Figure 50) which is positioned on the front side. Since the optical axes of the multiple surface-emitting units A828 are all facing the front side and are parallel to each other, the decorative member A808 can be illuminated uniformly over a wide area.

[0485] The back-emitting substrate A830 comprises an upper substrate A831 disposed on the upper side and a right-side substrate A835 disposed on the right side. The upper substrate A831 comprises a plate-shaped body A832 and a plurality of edge-emitting units A833, which are arranged in the lower right corner on the back side of the plate-shaped body A832 and have their optical axes directed to the right.

[0486] Light from the edge light-emitting section A833 is received by the rear plate member A850. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light-emitting sections A833 are each directed to the right 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 area.

[0487] Furthermore, the edge light-emitting section A833 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED is not directed directly to the right, but rather is configured to align radially, with the spacing between the optical axes widening towards the right. This allows the light from the edge light-emitting section A833 to be guided over a wide area of ​​the rear plate member A850.

[0488] The right-side substrate A835 comprises a plate-shaped body A836 and a plurality of edge light-emitting parts A837, which are arranged in the upper left corner on the front side of the plate-shaped body A836 and whose optical axes are directed upward.

[0489] Light from the edge light-emitting section A837 is received by the rear plate member A850. The optical axes of the light from the multiple edge light-emitting sections A837 are all 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 area.

[0490] Furthermore, the edge light-emitting section A837 is composed of multiple LEDs, and the optical axis of each LED is not pointed straight up, but rather oriented radially so that the spacing between the optical axes widens towards the top. This allows the light from the edge light-emitting section A837 to be guided over a wide area of ​​the rear plate member A850.

[0491] Since the light from the edge light-emitting part A833 of the upper substrate A831 is received from the left end of the rear plate member A850, while the light from the edge light-emitting part A837 is received from the lower end of the rear plate member A850, even if the rear plate member A850 has a constricted shape towards the center when viewed from the front, light can be easily delivered to the entire surface of the rear plate member A850.

[0492] Since the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820 and the edge light-emitting sections A833 and A837 of the back light-emitting substrate A830 are positioned in corresponding locations in the front-to-back direction (positions shifted parallel along arrow F-B), the area of ​​the front side plate member A840 illuminated by the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827 can be made to correspond to the area of ​​the rear side plate member A850 illuminated by the edge light-emitting sections A833 and A837.

[0493] As a result, when both the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820 and the edge light-emitting sections A833 and A837 of the rear light-emitting substrate A830 are illuminated, the combined light from these sections makes the areas illuminated by the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827 or A833 and A837 on the front and rear panel members A840 and A850 brighter and easier to see.

[0494] On the other hand, even when only one side of the edge light-emitting sections A823, A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820 or the edge light-emitting sections A833, A837 of the rear light-emitting substrate A830 is illuminated, the brightened areas of the front panel member A840 or the rear panel member A850 do not shift position, thus minimizing any sense of incongruity in the visual effect.

[0495] Since the areas brightly illuminated by the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827 of the front-emitting substrate A820 or the edge light-emitting sections A833 and A837 of the rear-emitting substrate A830 are the same, even if the player switches from a state where only the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827 of the front-emitting substrate A820 are illuminated to a state where only the edge light-emitting sections A833 and A837 of the rear-emitting substrate A830 are illuminated, it is possible to avoid a change in the planar pattern of light and dark that the player receives (the pattern of which positions are bright and which are dark when viewed from the front). This reduces player fatigue.

[0496] The front plate member A840 comprises a plate-shaped body A841 whose front side surface is formed as a smooth surface, a line-shaped groove A842 formed on the rear side surface of the plate-shaped body A841 along the contour of the shape of an illustration including a specific character or logo, a circular through-hole A843 drilled for fastening and fixing to the base member A860, and a constricted portion A844 formed so that the middle part of the plate-shaped body A841 is narrowed.

[0497] When light from the edge light-emitting sections A823 and 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 section A842, causing the outline of the shape in the above illustration to be brightly visible as a line.

[0498] The shape of the plate-shaped body A841, which has a constricted portion A844, is the result of matching the outer shape of the original illustration for the linear groove portion A842. In other words, the linear, luminous shape is visible across the entire surface of the plate-shaped body A841, thus avoiding any unnecessary parts in the plate-shaped body A841 for visual effect.

[0499] The rear plate member A850 comprises a plate-shaped body A851 formed from a light-transmitting resin material and having the same shape as the front-view external shape of the front plate member A840; a light-transmitting thin resin plate A855 formed from the same shape as the front-view external shape of the plate-shaped body A851 and disposed on the front side of the plate-shaped body A851; first through holes A851a and A855a formed at the upper left corner so as to penetrate the plate-shaped body A851 and the thin resin plate A855 in the front-rear direction; and second through holes A851b and A855b formed at the lower side so as to penetrate the plate-shaped body A851 and the thin resin plate A855 in the front-rear direction.

[0500] The plate-shaped body A851 has a constricted portion A852 formed from the same shape as the constricted portion A844 of the front plate member A840 at a position corresponding to the constricted portion A844. The front side surface is formed as a smooth surface, and the rear side surface has countless textures. As a result, when light received by the plate-shaped body A851 passes through to the rear side and is reflected by the white base member A860, that light is diffused by the countless textures and emits light from the surface. This makes it possible to efficiently illuminate the rear side of the plate-shaped body A851.

[0501] The plate-shaped body A851 is equipped with a constricted portion A852. After light received from one side of the constricted portion A852 passes through the constricted portion A852, it tends to travel within a range limited by the width of the constricted portion A852. Therefore, in the case of the plate-shaped body A851 of this embodiment, where both sides of the constricted portion A852 are formed wider than the width of the constricted portion A852, it is difficult to spread the light received from one side of the constricted portion A852 across the entire surface of the plate-shaped body A851.

[0502] Therefore, in this embodiment, light from the edge light-emitting part A833 is received by the plate-shaped body A851 on the upper side of the constricted portion A852, and light from the edge light-emitting part A837 is received by the plate-shaped body A851 on the lower side of the constricted portion A852. This configuration makes it possible to receive light over the entire surface of the plate-shaped body A851, even while employing the constricted portion A852, compared to cases where light is received only from the upper or lower side of the constricted portion A852. As a result, the entire surface of the plate-shaped body A851 can be efficiently illuminated.

[0503] The thin resin plate A855 has an illustration drawn on it that forms the outline of the linear groove portion A842, and in this embodiment, the corresponding color is painted on it. Therefore, when light from the edge light-emitting portions A833 and A837 of the back-emitting substrate A830 is received by the rear plate member A850, the illustration drawn on the thin resin plate A855 is brightly visible due to surface illumination caused by the texture on the back side of the plate-shaped body A851.

[0504] The base member A860 is a member formed from a white resin material and comprises a plate-shaped main body A861 formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the front, an alignment projection A862 for aligning the rear plate member A850 supported by the plate-shaped main body A861, a fastening part A863 to which the rear plate member A850 is fastened and fixed, a substrate fastening part A864 to which the back-emitting substrate A830 is aligned and fastened and fixed, a base part A865 formed in a base shape on the front side of the plate-shaped main body A861, a cylindrical fastening part A866 projecting from the front of the plate-shaped main body A861 at a height matching the front side surface of the base part A865 and having a female thread at its tip, and a plate clamping fastening part A867 projecting from the front of the plate-shaped main body A861 in a cylindrical shape and having a female thread at its tip, and being longer in the projection direction by the thickness of the front-emitting substrate A820 than the projection length of the cylindrical fastening part A866.

[0505] The auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is assembled by fastening and fixing the rear plate member A850, the back-emitting substrate A830, the front-emitting substrate A820, and the front plate member A840 to the base member A860 in that order.

[0506] First, the fastening and fixing of the rear plate member A850 to the base member A860 will be described. The rear plate member A850 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 by inserting the first through hole A851a and the second through hole A851b into the corresponding alignment projection A862, and then screwing the fastening screw, which is inserted into the plate-shaped body A851, into the fastening part A863.

[0507] At this time, the fastening screws are inserted through the plate-shaped body A851 but not through the thin resin plate A855. Therefore, with the plate-shaped body A851 fastened and fixed to the base member A860, the thin resin plate A855 can be easily aligned with the base member A860 and the plate-shaped body A851 by inserting the first through hole A855a and the second through hole A855b into the corresponding alignment projection A862.

[0508] Furthermore, this prevents the thin resin plate A855 from cracking due to the pressing force during fastening. It also makes it possible to replace the thin resin plate A855 while maintaining the fastening of the plate-shaped body A851.

[0509] Next, the fastening and fixing of the back-emitting substrate A830 to the base member A860 will be described. The back-emitting substrate A830 is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 by fastening and fixing the back-emitting substrate A830 to the substrate fastening portion A864.

[0510] Each of the substrate fastening parts A864 is inserted through the through-hole A853 of the rear plate member A850, and thus also functions as a means of aligning the rear plate member A850 with respect to the base member A860.

[0511] In fastening and fixing the back-emitting substrate A830 to the base member A860, the back side 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 the front side of the plate-shaped body A851, and the back side 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 the front side of the plate-shaped body A851, thereby preventing the thin resin plate A855 from lifting away from the plate-shaped body A851.

[0512] In this case, the load applied to the thin resin plate A855 is not a point-based load like that of a fastening screw, but rather a line (surface) load along the left edge. Therefore, the pressing force per unit area applied to the thin resin plate A855 can be reduced. This makes it easier to avoid cracking or chipping of the thin resin plate A855.

[0513] As described above, in fastening and fixing the back-emitting substrate A830, the back side surface of the plate-shaped body A832 is configured to contact the front side surface of the rear plate member A850 on a surface. This makes it easy to align the optical axes of the edge light-emitting parts A833 and A837 of the back-emitting substrate A830 with the rear plate member A850 in the front-to-back direction (the direction in which the front side surface of the rear plate member A850 faces). This ensures good light reception to the rear plate member A850.

[0514] 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 the front light-emitting substrate A820 to the cylindrical fastening portion A866 while the lower left side of the rear side surface of the front light-emitting substrate A820 is in surface contact with the base portion A865.

[0515] The front light-emitting substrate A820 and the rear light-emitting substrate A830 are arranged parallel to each other, and a gap is left between them, so that no pressing force is generated between the front light-emitting substrate A820, the rear light-emitting substrate A830, and the rear side plate member A850.

[0516] Next, the fastening and fixing of the front plate member A840 to the base member A860 will be described. The fastening and fixing of the front plate member A840 to the base member A860 is performed by fastening and fixing the front plate member A840 to the plate clamping fastening portion A867.

[0517] Since the clamping fastening portion A867 is positioned outside and near the front light-emitting substrate A820, the pressing force generated when fastening to the clamping fastening portion A867 can be avoided from being applied to the front light-emitting substrate A820 as a point load. This prevents cracking or chipping of the front light-emitting substrate A820.

[0518] The front plate member A840 has through holes A845 formed therein to secure the placement positions of LEDs such as the edge light-emitting section A823 which are arranged on the front light-emitting substrate A820. The back side surface of the plate-shaped body A841, excluding the through holes A845, is fastened and fixed to the base member A860 by applying surface pressure to the plate-shaped bodies A822 and A826 of the front light-emitting substrate A820. This allows the support area of ​​the front plate member A840 to be increased by utilizing the plate-shaped bodies A822 and A826 of the front light-emitting substrate A820.

[0519] In fastening and fixing the front plate member A840 to the base member A860, the back side surface of the plate-shaped body A841 of the front plate member A840 is configured to contact the front side surface of the front light-emitting substrate A820 on a surface. This makes it easy to align the optical axes of the edge light-emitting parts A823 and A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820 with the front plate member A840 in the front-to-back direction (the direction in which the front side surface of the front plate member A840 faces). This allows for good light reception to the rear plate member A850.

[0520] As described above, the front light-emitting substrate A820, the back light-emitting substrate A830, the front plate member A840, and the rear plate member A850 are aligned with and fastened to their respective components formed on the base member A860. This makes it easy to align the front light-emitting substrate A820, the back light-emitting substrate A830, the front plate member A840, and the rear plate member A850 in a direction parallel to the front side surface of the base member A860.

[0521] Furthermore, even when the substrate is composed of a pair of front-emitting substrates A820 and back-emitting substrates A830 arranged front and back, the front-emitting substrate A820, back-emitting substrate A830, front-side substrate A840, and rear-side substrate A850 can be easily aligned in a direction intersecting the front side surface of the base member A860 by fastening and fixing them so that they come into contact with the corresponding front-side substrate A840 or rear-side substrate A850 in the front-to-back direction as members that receive light.

[0522] Figure 54 is a front view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810, and Figure 55 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 along the LV-LV line in Figure 54. In Figure 54, the outline of the decorative member A808 and the outline of the upper right region A60b (see Figure 50) are shown with dashed lines, and the part of the outline of the front light-emitting substrate A820 that overlaps with the front side plate member A840 is shown with hidden lines, and in Figure 55, a cross-section passing through the center of the cylindrical fastening part A866 (see Figure 52) located on the central side of the base member A860 is shown.

[0523] As shown in Figure 54, the front light-emitting substrate A820 is positioned so that it fits within the outer shape of the decorative member A808 when viewed from the front, while the front side plate member A840, which receives light from the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820, is positioned so that it protrudes from the decorative member A808 when viewed from the front.

[0524] This allows the front light-emitting substrate A820 to be concealed by the decorative member A808 while reducing the overall front-to-back thickness of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810. In other words, when the light-emitting substrate is placed on the back side of the front plate member A840 of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 to produce a light-emitting effect for the front plate member A840, it is necessary to place the light-emitting substrate at a distance appropriate for illuminating the front plate member A840. This increases the front-to-back width of the unit, reducing the space available for placing moving parts behind it.

[0525] In contrast, in this embodiment, by positioning the front light-emitting substrate A820 not behind the front plate member A840, but offset to the left or right or front or back relative to the front plate member A840, the front-to-back width of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 can be shortened, thereby ensuring sufficient space to place the moving parts behind the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810.

[0526] In this embodiment, by employing the guide member A802 (see Figure 50), a play area is also formed in front of the upper right region A60b of the window A60a. The right end of the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 extends into the upper right region A60b. That is, it is positioned inward from the thickness of the base plate A60 in the front-to-back direction.

[0527] This allows for a reduction in the front-to-back thickness of the game board A13 (see Figure 50) compared to the case where the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is positioned behind the base plate A60. Furthermore, compared to the case where the auxiliary light guide plate unit A810 is positioned behind the base plate A60 and light passes through the thickness of the base plate A60 to reach the game area, the attenuation of light entering the game area is reduced, allowing the game area in front of the upper right region A60b to be brightly illuminated.

[0528] 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 and fixed 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, so that the load per unit area can be reduced.

[0529] This allows the front light-emitting substrate A820 and the front plate member A840 to be in surface contact with each other while avoiding excessive load being placed between them, thus facilitating alignment between the optical axes of the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827 of the front light-emitting substrate A820 and the front plate member A840.

[0530] As shown in Figure 55, the light path AL2 from the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827, which are selected from highly directional LEDs, is received by the front plate member A840 and extends in the left-right direction until it reaches the linear groove section A842 in a manner that undergoes total internal reflection on the front and rear surfaces of the front plate member A840. Upon reaching the linear groove section A842, the light is refracted and its direction is changed toward the front.

[0531] Therefore, when the front panel member A840 is viewed from the front, if light is emitted from the edge light-emitting parts A823 and A827, the light from the linear groove A842 toward the front reaches the player's eyes, making it possible to make the outline of the shape of the illustration, including a specific character or logo, which is the original shape of the linear groove A842, appear to be illuminated.

[0532] Furthermore, the LEDs that make up the edge light-emitting sections A833 and A837 (see Figure 53) are less directional than the LEDs that make up the edge light-emitting sections A823 and A827. This allows the entire rear plate member A850 to be illuminated uniformly.

[0533] In other words, the light from the edge light-emitting sections A833 and A837 (see Figure 53) does not undergo total internal reflection within the rear plate member A850, but rather functions to illuminate the rear plate member A850 uniformly.

[0534] Let's return to Figure 2 for explanation. As shown in Figure 2, the downstream guide member A803 is positioned on the lower right side of the center frame A86 in a front view. The downstream guide member A803 constitutes a flow path through which the game balls guided by the guide member A802 are guided, regardless of whether or not they pass through the through gate 67.

[0535] Figure 56 is an exploded front perspective view of the downstream guide member A803, and Figure 57 is an exploded rear perspective view of the downstream guide member A803. Note that in Figures 56 and 57, only a portion of the base plate A60 to which the downstream guide member A803 is fixed is shown, and the other parts of the base plate A60 are not shown.

[0536] The downstream guide member A803 comprises a front member A803z having a plate-shaped body A803a and an extended plate A803b extending from the back surface of the plate-shaped body A803a; a rear member A804 made of a light-transmitting resin material, which is fastened to the base plate A60 while being fastened to the front member A803z, so as to form a path between it and the front member A803z through which game balls can flow down; and a decorative plate member A805 which is attached to the front surface of the plate-shaped body A803a of the front member A803z. In the assembled state (see Figure 2), game balls guided by the guide member A802 are configured to flow down the region between the plate-shaped body A803a and the rear member A804.

[0537] The extension plate A803b comprises a left extension plate A803c, which extends from the left edge of the plate-shaped main body A803a and is formed from a plate portion extending vertically and an inclined plate portion extending downward to the left; a middle left extension plate A803d, which is formed from a shape corresponding to that of the left extension plate A803c and is positioned opposite to it, forming a left channel ATL1 in the region between it and the left extension plate A803c; a middle right extension plate A803e, which has a portion that branches off from an intermediate position of the middle left extension plate A803d and extends to the right, and is formed to extend downward while bending to the left and right; and a right extension plate A803f, which is positioned opposite to the middle right extension plate A803e and forms a right channel ATL2 in the region between it and the middle right extension plate A803e.

[0538] As the game balls flow down the left channel ATL1, they pass through the detection sensor ASE1, which is located between the left extension plate A803c and the middle left extension plate A803d and held in the sensor support part A804a of the rear member A804 in the assembled state. The balls then pass through the opening A804b of the rear member A804 and are discharged toward the rear of the base plate A60. Therefore, the game balls that flow into the left channel ATL1 are not guided to the second prize winning opening 640 or the specific prize winning opening 65a (see Figure 2).

[0539] Since the direction in which the left channel ATL1 extends (downward to the left) is away from the right channel ATL2, it is easier to avoid mistaking a game ball flowing through the left channel ATL1 for a game ball flowing through the right channel ATL2 when both channels ATL1 and ATL2 are visible.

[0540] Various control mechanisms are possible when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor ASE1, but in this embodiment, when the passage of a game ball is detected by the detection sensor ASE1, the system is controlled to dispense one prize ball.

[0541] Note that the number of prize balls is just an example and is not limited to one; it could be two or more. On the other hand, by setting the number of prize balls to one as in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the loss of balls when a game ball shot to the right flows through the left channel ATL1.

[0542] Furthermore, if the number of prize balls awarded is two or more, the number of balls the player has will increase due to the prize balls paid out to the player, even after deducting the number of balls launched. This reduces the feeling of disappointment when a ball flows into the left channel ATL1.

[0543] Game balls that flow into the right channel ATL2 flow down along the inclined surface A803e1 that extends downward to the right on the upstream side of the central right extension plate A803e. In this case, the direction in which the balls flow down is away from the left channel ATL1, which is provided adjacent to the right channel ATL2. Therefore, when both the left channel ATL1 and the right channel ATL2 are visible, it is easier to avoid mistaking game balls flowing in the left channel ATL1 for game balls flowing in the right channel ATL2.

[0544] As the sphere rolling on the inclined surface A803e1 flows to the right near the upper edge of the plate-shaped body A803a, the visibility of the sphere when viewed from above the downstream guide member A803 can be increased compared to the sphere flowing down the left channel ATL1, which flows down in a manner similar to free fall. In other words, the period during which the sphere is visible when viewed from above the downstream guide member A803 can be extended.

[0545] The game balls flowing down the right channel ATL2 roll along extension plate A803f1, which extends from the inside of right extension plate A803f to the left, and then flow down along the curved surface A803e2 of the central right extension plate A803e, which is curved in an arc shape to receive the rolling balls.

[0546] The balls rolling on the extension plate A803f1 will flow towards the left channel ATL1, but the curved surface A803e2 is positioned with a gap between it and the left channel ATL1, and the balls flowing along the curved surface A803e2 will flow away from the left channel ATL1. This configuration makes it easier to avoid mistaking the game balls flowing in the left channel ATL1 for the game balls flowing in the right channel ATL2.

[0547] Furthermore, since the balls flowing down the left channel ATL1 flow in a manner that is inclined to the left in line with the direction of gravity, while the balls flowing down the right channel ATL2 flow in a manner that is meandering from side to side, it is possible to avoid mistaking the game balls flowing in the left channel ATL1 for the game balls flowing in the right channel ATL2 when both the left channel ATL1 and the right channel ATL2 are visible.

[0548] Furthermore, the duration for which game balls flowing through the left channel ATL1 and game balls flowing through the right channel ATL2 reside in the internal channel of the downstream guide member A803 can be made different. For example, when balls flow into both the left channel ATL1 and the right channel ATL2 simultaneously, the balls flowing down the left channel ATL1 are quickly carried downwards, while the balls flowing down the right channel ATL2 meander from side to side. This shortens the period during which balls flowing down the left channel ATL1 and the right channel ATL2 are at the same height (the height positions of the balls can be made different). This makes it easier to avoid mistaking game balls flowing through the left channel ATL1 for game balls flowing through the right channel ATL2.

[0549] Game balls that have passed through the right-side channel ATL2 flow downward along the front side of the base plate A60 and are guided toward the second prize opening 640 or the specific prize opening 65a (see Figure 2). Therefore, among the balls that flow down the downstream guide member A803, only those that have flowed down the right-side channel ATL2 are configured to be able to enter the second prize opening 640 or the specific prize opening 65a.

[0550] As described above, the right-side flow path ATL2 is formed as a meandering flow path, which reduces the vertical velocity of the ball compared to when the ball is in free fall. This reduces the vertical velocity of the ball when it reaches the second prize opening 640 or the specific prize opening 65a, making it easier to prevent damage to the opening and closing plates of the electric mechanism 640a or the variable prize device 65 due to collision with the ball.

[0551] The decorative panel member A805 comprises a transparent sheet A805a made of a resin material that transmits light to the same degree regardless of the viewing direction, and a viewing-mode changing sheet A806 configured to change the light transmittance depending on the viewing direction.

[0552] The visibility-changing sheet A806 is formed to be sized to include the left channel ATL1 when viewed from the front, and the transparent sheet A805a is formed to be sized to include the right channel ATL2 when viewed from the front. The decorative plate member A805, composed of the visibility-changing sheet A806 and the transparent sheet A805a, is formed in such a shape that it occupies a slightly smaller area than the outer edge of the plate-shaped main body A803a.

[0553] Figure 58 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the visibility pattern changing sheet A806. The visibility pattern changing sheet A806 can also be called a viewing angle control sheet. It has a structure in which transparent resin film A806c is laminated to both sides of a louver film in which transparent silicone rubber A806a and black silicone rubber A806b are arranged alternately. By changing the spacing and orientation of the black silicone rubber A806b during manufacturing, it is possible to design the angle range of transmitted light (viewing angle).

[0554] As shown in Figure 56, the visibility-changing sheet A806 is a sheet that is attached to the front side of the plate-shaped main body A803a and is positioned in a limited area, namely the gap between it and the glass unit 16. Therefore, its thickness must be very thin. In this embodiment as well, the transparent resin film A806c is a polycarbonate film with a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm, and the black silicone rubber A806b is spaced at an interval (pitch) of approximately 0.1 mm, resulting in a finely designed sheet.

[0555] Figures 59(a) and 59(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating how the appearance of the downstream guide member A803 changes depending on the viewing direction. Figure 59(a) shows the appearance when viewed in the direction of arrow AEL1 in Figure 58, and Figure 59(b) shows the appearance when viewed in the direction of arrow AEL2 in Figure 58. Note that in Figure 59, changes in the external shape may occur depending on the viewing direction, but for convenience, these changes in external shape are ignored and the same shape is shown. In addition, in Figure 59, the inner surfaces of the left channel ATL1 and the right channel ATL2, which are visible when viewed through the visibility change sheet A806, are shown with solid lines.

[0556] In this embodiment, the spacing and orientation of the black silicone rubber A806b (see Figure 58) are designed so that the viewing angle is approximately 30 degrees, allowing the visibility pattern changing sheet A806 to pass through and the area behind the sheet to be seen.

[0557] In other words, as shown in Figure 59(a), when the visibility pattern change sheet A806 is viewed in the direction of arrow AEL1 (see Figure 58) (when viewed from directly in front of the downstream guide member A803), the left channel ATL1 located on the far side can be seen through the visibility pattern change sheet A806.

[0558] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 59(b), when the visibility pattern change sheet A806 is viewed in the direction of arrow AEL2 (see Figure 58) at an angle larger than the viewing angle (for example, when viewed at an angle from directly in front of the third pattern display device 81 (see Figure 2)), the visibility pattern change sheet A806 cannot be seen through, and the front side of the visibility pattern change sheet A806 is seen (if there are decorations such as figures or illustrations on the surface, those decorations are seen), making it difficult to see the sphere flowing down the left channel ATL1.

[0559] Thus, in this embodiment, when the downstream guide member A803 is viewed in the direction of arrow AEL1, it is easier for the player to see the game ball flowing down the left channel ATL1 than when the downstream guide member A803 is viewed in the direction of arrow AEL2.

[0560] By utilizing the functionality of the visibility pattern change sheet A806 as described above, it is possible to arrange the game so that only the balls that are most beneficial to the player are visible to the player as they pass through the downstream guide member A803. This will be explained in detail below.

[0561] Players playing the pachinko machine 10 generally play while visually observing the display area of ​​the third symbol display device 81 (see Figure 2) and the effects displayed by the movable parts (for example, the operating units A400 to A600) that operate in front of it. Therefore, they rarely stare intently at a specific area of ​​the game area. Similarly, they often glance at the downstream guide member A803 out of the corner of their eye while maintaining the same posture as when they are looking at the third symbol display device 81 from the front (for example, looking in the direction of arrow AEL2 in Figure 58).

[0562] For example, even during time-saving or probability-changing modes, when the player is shooting to the right to launch the ball towards the second prize-winning opening 640 or the specific prize-winning opening 65a (see Figure 2), the player will want to focus on the display area of ​​the third symbol display device 81 (see Figure 2). Therefore, after glancing at the downstream guide member A803 to confirm that the game ball is indeed flowing down, the player will usually take their eyes off the downstream guide member A803 and focus on the display area of ​​the third symbol display device 81.

[0563] In this embodiment, the downstream guide member A803, which is only visible for such a short time, does not allow game balls that flow into the left channel ATL1 to flow towards the second prize winning opening 640 or the specific prize winning opening 65a (see Figure 2), but instead are discharged from the game area. This configuration is adopted to keep the prize ball performance per unit time of the pachinko machine 10 within specifications (for adjusting the game time and prize balls), but for the player, the balls that flow into the left channel ATL1 are not very desirable.

[0564] Seeing such undesirable ball movements can diminish the player's interest and easily reduce their desire to play the pach...

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine comprising a first means and a second means, and engaging means configured such 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 portion of a first mounting body disposed on the first means may be interposed between at least a portion of the first means and the first engaging body of the engaging means, and at least a portion of a second mounting body disposed on the second means may be interposed between at least a portion 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 projection that is configured to protrude toward a predetermined part of the first assembly, and when the first engaging body is engaged with the first means, at least a part of the first engaging body side projection is configured to come into contact with the first assembly when the first engaging body is displaced in a direction that disengages it from the first means. The second engaging body is provided with a second engaging body side projection, which is configured to protrude toward a specific part of the second assembly, and when the second engaging body is engaged with the second means, at least a part of the second engaging body side projection is configured to come into contact with the second assembly when the second engaging body is displaced in a direction that disengages it from the second means. The engaging means comprises a first engaging body, a second engaging body, and a connecting body configured to connect the first engaging body and the second engaging body when the first engaging body and the second engaging body are separated, and is configured such that, when the first engaging body and the first means are engaged and the second engaging body and the second means are engaged, if multiple locations on the first engaging body side of the connecting body and other multiple locations on the second engaging body side of the connecting body are severed, the first engaging body can be maintained engaged with the first means, and the second engaging body can be maintained engaged with the second means. A gaming machine characterized in that the connecting body has a portion that can be located on the side opposite to the direction of displacement 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 side of the displacement direction of the first engaging body when the engagement between the first engaging body and the first means is released.

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