Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine enabling enhancement in workability of assembly work by improving the efficiency of an installation space for an operation unit.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a switch unit 24a and a presentation operation unit 60 that receive operation by a player. On the external side of a front door 12, a first recess portion 12d and a second recess portion 12f are provided for respectively receiving each of the units 24a and 60. On the inner side of the front door 12, a first unit attachment portion 12g and a second unit attachment portion 12h for respectively securing each of the units 24a and 60 are provided side by side. These attachment portions 12g and 12h are provided such that portions of each overlap with each other in an adjacent crossing direction. Each of the units 24a and 60 is configured such that either one is secured to the front door 12 and the other is attachable / detachable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as representative examples of gaming machines, there are, for example, slot machines and pachinko machines. Such gaming machines include an operation unit such as an operation button for a player to operate, and display means such as a display for displaying various game effects. As an operation button, there has been proposed one that vibrates and emits light in conjunction with a game effect displayed on the display or a pushing operation by the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vibration and light-emitting type operation button described in Patent Document 1 is configured as an effect operation unit, and the effect operation unit is housed in a housing portion that opens on the front panel of the gaming machine body. The effect operation unit includes a case, a button that is supported in the case so as to be able to advance and retreat on a base body, a spring that biases the button in the protruding direction, a vibrator that imparts vibration to the button, a light emitter that causes the button to emit light, and a sensor that detects the pushing operation of the button.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in conventional vibration-illuminating control buttons, various components such as the button body, vibrator, button movement mechanism, spring, and circuit board are arranged within the unit in the direction of the button's movement (height direction), and space is provided within the unit for the button's movement, resulting in a large height for the control button. Consequently, it is not possible to install other large control units in front of the button unit, leading to significant space constraints.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the efficiency of assembly work by optimizing the installation space of the operating unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In other words, the invention described in claim 1 is, A gaming machine equipped with a first operation unit and a second operation unit that receive operations from the player, On the exterior side of the gaming machine body, there is a first that receives the first operation unit and the second operation unit, respectively. Acceptance Part and Part 2 Acceptance A department was established, The First Acceptance Part and Part 2 Acceptance The parts open in directions that intersect each other toward the outside of the gaming machine body and are provided in communication with each other inside the gaming machine body. Inside the gaming machine body, a first unit mounting portion and a second unit mounting portion are provided adjacent to each other for fixing the first operation unit and the second operation unit, respectively, and a part of the first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion are mutually exclusive. Mounting direction of the first operating unit and Crossing do They are arranged in an overlapping direction, The first operating unit and the second operating unit are configured such that one is fixed to the gaming machine body while the other is detachable. 、 An operating member that can be displaced by the player's operation, A base member that supports the operating member relative to the main body of the gaming machine, The base member is provided with a vibrating body that performs vibration effects, The operating member is displaceable between a first position when not operated and a second position when operated by a player, and has a contact portion that contacts the contact portion of the base member at the second position. At least one of the contact portion and the contacted portion is formed to protrude toward the other, and the contact portion and the contacted portion are configured to make point contact. The vibrating body is configured to perform vibration effects when the operating member is in the second position. Multiple contact portions and contacted portions are provided along an intersecting direction that intersects with the displacement direction of the operating member. The vibrations from the vibrating body are transmitted through the contact portion and the contacted portion. It is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to such a gaming machine according to the present invention, the first operation unit is accommodated in the first recess, and the second operation unit is accommodated in the second recess. The first operation unit and the second operation unit are fixed by the first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion from the back side, respectively. Therefore, the attachment or detachment of each unit can be easily performed, and the efficiency of the assembly work can be improved. Further, since the first operation unit and the second operation unit are each configured to be individually attachable or detachable, the efficiency of the assembly work can be further improved. In addition, since the first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion are provided close to each other such that a part of each other overlaps in the adjacent intersection direction, the installation space of these units can be made compact.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a slot machine in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the slot machine with the front door open. [Figure 3] It is a rear view of the front door of the slot machine. [[ID=??]] [Figure 4] It is a front view of the housing of the slot machine. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the structure of the front door. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the structure of the front door. [Figure 7] It is a rear view showing the structure of the front door. [Figure 8] There seems to be an issue with the tag [[ID=??]] which should probably be a proper ID number. Please correct it if possible for a more accurate translation.(A) and (B) are a front view and a rear view showing the production operation unit. [Figure 9] (A) and (B) are side views showing the operation of the production operation unit. [Figure 10] It is an exploded perspective view of the production operation unit seen from obliquely above. [Figure 11] It is an exploded perspective view of the production operation unit seen from obliquely below. [Figure 12] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the production operation unit. [Figure 13] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing a simplified production operation unit. [Figure 14] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing a simplified production operation unit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a rotary gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened, FIG. 3 is a rear view of the front door 12, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the housing 11.

[0011] 〔Overall Structure of the Gaming Machine〕 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms its outer shell. The housing 11 is formed into a box shape with an open front as a whole by combining wooden panels, and is attached by driving nails or the like to so-called island equipment when installed in a game hall. Note that the housing 11 is not limited to being composed of wooden panels, and may be composed of synthetic resin panels or metal panels, or may be formed into an integral box shape by a synthetic resin material or a metal material. A handle portion 11a used when transporting the slot machine 10 is provided at the lower part of the side surface of the housing 11.

[0012] A front door 12 is attached to the front of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. Specifically, the housing 11 has three support shafts 13a, 13b, and 13c (see Figure 4) located on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 has bearing sections 14a, 14b, and 14c (see Figure 3) at positions corresponding to each of the support shafts 13a, 13b, and 13c. When the support shafts 13a, 13b, and 13c are inserted into the bearing sections 14a, 14b, and 14c, the front door 12 is supported so as to be rotatable around an opening and closing axis that extends vertically from the housing 11, connecting the support shafts 13a, 13b, and 13c. By rotating the front door 12, the front open side of the housing 11 can be opened or closed.

[0013] Furthermore, on the front door 12, a locking device 15 is provided on the rear side opposite the opening / closing axis (right side when viewed from the front), and a locking receiver 16 is provided on the housing 11 at a position corresponding to the locking device 15. This locking device 15 locks the front door 12, which is closed to the housing 11, making it impossible to open. A key cylinder 15a, integrated with the locking device 15, is provided at the front right end of the front door 12, and the locking device 15 can be switched between locked and unlocked states by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 15a. That is, by operating the key cylinder 15a, the locking device 15 is engaged with the locking receiver 16, locking the front door 12 and preventing it from being opened. By releasing the engagement between the locking device 15 and the locking receiver 16, the front door 12 can be opened. The key cylinder 15a is Omlock®, which has a high level of anti-tampering function.

[0014] A game panel 20 for displaying information related to the game is provided in the center of the front of the front door 12. The game panel 20 is made of transparent synthetic resin material, allowing the inside of the slot machine 10 to be seen through the game panel 20. A reel unit 21 is mounted on the back side of the front door 12, corresponding to the game panel 20, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The reel unit 21 is equipped with connectors 21a and 21b for connecting power distribution wiring (not shown) and signal lines (not shown) extending from the main relay board 71, which will be described later, and the operation of the reel unit 21 is controlled by the main control device 90.

[0015] The reel unit 21 comprises a left reel 22L, a middle reel 22M, and a right reel 22R, each formed in a cylindrical (annular) shape. Each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R is rotatably supported such that its central axis is the axis of rotation of that reel. The axes of rotation of each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R are arranged on the same axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and a portion of the surface of each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R is visible through the game panel 20. Furthermore, when each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R rotates in the forward direction, the surface of each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R appears to be moving from top to bottom through the game panel 20.

[0016] Here, the configuration of the reel unit 21 will be briefly explained. Each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R is connected to a stepping motor, and each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R can be individually, or independently, rotated by the drive of each stepping motor. The stepping motor is set to rotate once when a drive signal of, for example, 504 pulses (hereinafter also called an excitation pulse) is applied, and the rotation position of the stepping motor, i.e., the rotation position of the reel, is controlled by this excitation pulse. In addition, the reel unit 21 is equipped with a reel index sensor on each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R to detect when the reel has completed one rotation. Whenever the reel index sensor detects that the reel has completed one rotation, a detection signal is output to the main control device 90, which will be described later. Therefore, the main control device 90 can check and correct the angular position of each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R every rotation based on the detection signal from the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output up to the time the detection signal is input.

[0017] Each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R has multiple symbols as identification information drawn on its outer surface in the direction of its long side (circumferential direction). Specifically, each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R has 21 symbols drawn at equal intervals, and three consecutive symbols are configured to be visible at the upper, middle, and lower positions of the game panel 20, respectively. Therefore, switching a symbol at a predetermined position to the next symbol requires the output of 24 excitation pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols). The main control device 90 can also determine which symbols are visible from the game panel 20 or stop predetermined symbols at positions visible from the game panel 20 based on the number of excitation pulses output after receiving the detection signal from the reel index sensor.

[0018] A start lever 23 is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 20, which is operated to start the rotation of each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R. The start lever 23 is a lever that the player pushes by hand (the direction of pushing is not limited) when starting a game, and when the start lever 23 is operated with a predetermined number of tokens inserted, the rotation of each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R starts simultaneously (however, it does not have to be at the same time).

[0019] To the right of the start lever 23 are button-shaped stop switches 24L, 24M, and 24R, which are operated to individually stop each of the rotating reels 22L, 22M, and 22R. Each stop switch 24L, 24M, and 24R is positioned to correspond to the reel 22L, 22M, and 22R that it is intended to stop. Specifically, when the left stop switch 24L is operated, the rotation of the left reel 22L stops; when the middle stop switch 24M is operated, the rotation of the middle reel 22M stops; and when the right stop switch 24R is operated, the rotation of the right reel 22R stops.

[0020] A coin slot 25 for inserting coins is provided on the lower right side of the game panel 20. Coins inserted through the coin slot 25 are guided to either an intake passage 26 or an output passage 27 by a selector (not shown) located on the back of the front door 12. Coins guided to the intake passage 26 are led to a hopper device 31 housed inside the cabinet 11. Coins guided to the output passage 27 are led to a coin tray 29 through a coin outlet 28 located on the lower front of the front door 12 and returned to the player.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the hopper device 31 consists of a storage tank 32 for storing medals and a dispensing device 33 for dispensing medals to players. The dispensing device 33 rotates a medal dispensing rotating plate (not shown) to discharge medals into an opening 27a in the discharge passage 27, and then dispenses the medals into a medal tray 29 via the discharge passage 27. To the right of the hopper device 31, a reserve tank 34 is provided to prevent the storage tank 32 from accumulating more than a predetermined amount of medals. Inside the storage tank 32 of the hopper device 31, there is a guide plate (not shown) that discharges medals from the storage tank 32 to the reserve tank 34. Therefore, if the amount of medals stored exceeds the height of the guide plate, those medals will be stored in the reserve tank 34.

[0022] Furthermore, a settlement switch (not shown) is provided to the left of the start lever 23. This slot machine 10 has a credit function that stores any surplus inserted medals or medals paid out upon winning as virtual medals until a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) is reached. When the settlement switch is operated while virtual medals are stored, the virtual medals are dispensed as real medals from the medal outlet 28 into the medal tray 29. Also, when the settlement switch is operated while medals inserted into the medal insertion section 25 are jammed in the selector, the selector is mechanically activated in conjunction with the switch, and the jammed medals in the selector are returned from the medal outlet 28.

[0023] A MAXBET button 36 is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 20 for inserting the maximum number of credited virtual tokens (for example, 3 tokens at once) as the game medium. Although not included in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, a button for inserting 2 virtual tokens at once (2BET button) and a button for inserting 1 virtual token (1BET button) may also be provided near the MAXBET button 36. Since the settlement switch and the MAXBET button 36 are the main operation units for gameplay in the slot machine 10, the operation signals from these units are transmitted to and processed by the main control unit 90, which will be described later.

[0024] An information display unit 37 is provided to the left of the MAXBET button 36. The information display unit 37 consists of a 7-segment display that shows information related to the number of medals, such as the number of virtual medals credited, the number of medals remaining to be paid out before the bonus state ends, and the number of medals paid out when a win occurs. The information display unit 37 is not limited to being composed of a 7-segment display, but may also be composed of a liquid crystal display or the like that displays the information on the number of medals to be displayed on a single screen. The display of the information display unit 37 is controlled by the main control device 90.

[0025] At the bottom center of the game panel 20 is a performance button 38, which serves as a performance control unit 60 (described later). The performance button 38 is used to switch images and videos displayed on the liquid crystal display device 55 (described later), and to switch the lighting state of the upper lamp 51 and side lamps 53. Operation signals from the performance button 38 are transmitted to and processed by a sub-control device 80 (described later). In addition, a lower plate 39 displaying the machine name and characters related to the game is attached above the medal tray 29.

[0026] On the front side of the front door 12, an upper lamp 51 and a pair of left and right speaker grilles 52 are provided at the top, a pair of side lamps 53 are provided on both the left and right sides, and a pair of left and right speaker grilles 54 are provided on both sides of the lower plate 41. The upper lamp 51 and side lamps 53 light up and flash as the game progresses to create effects. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 55 that provides various information to the player is provided above the game panel 20. The liquid crystal display device 55 is used to execute various display effects as the game progresses, and to notify the status when the power is turned on or when an error occurs, and is configured to include a liquid crystal display 56 that displays images.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, on the rear side of the front door 12, a pair of upper speakers 57 (the right upper speaker is not shown in the figure) are provided at the top, a pair of lower speakers 58 are provided at the bottom, and a sub-speaker (woofer) 59 is provided on the back of the liquid crystal display device 55. The upper speakers 57 generate various sound effects as the game progresses, and these sound effects are sent to the front side of the front door 12 through the speaker grille 52. The lower speakers 58 generate notification sounds to inform the player of the game status, and these notification sounds are sent to the front side of the front door 12 through the speaker grille 54. The sub-speaker 59 generates sound effects such as deep bass as the game progresses.

[0028] The liquid crystal display device 55 is constructed by forming an outer casing with a liquid crystal case 55a, which houses a liquid crystal display and a liquid crystal substrate (not shown). The liquid crystal substrate is equipped with electronic components such as a VDP (Video Display Processor) responsible for overall control of video output and various memory. A connector port is formed in the liquid crystal case 55a, and a connector 55b mounted on the liquid crystal substrate is exposed on the rear side of the front door 12 through the connector port. Wiring (not shown) extending from a sub-control device 80, which will be described later, is connected to the connector 55b.

[0029] The upper lamp 51, side lamps 53, liquid crystal display device 55, upper speaker 57, lower speaker 58, and sub-speaker 59 are controlled by the sub-control device 80. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the sub-control device 80 is mounted on the inner surface of the back panel 11c of the housing 11 via a main base 85. Furthermore, the main control device 90, which controls the reel unit 21 and the hopper device 31 to manage the game, is mounted on the main base 85. Inside the housing 11, a power box 70 is provided to the left of the hopper device 31. The power box 70 houses a power supply device (not shown) and is equipped with a power switch (not shown) for supplying power to various parts, including the sub-control device 80 and the main control device 90.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, a main relay board 71 and a sub-relay board 72 are provided on the rear side of the front door 12. The main relay board 71 relays power supplied from the power box 70 via the main control device 90, and control signals transmitted from the main control device 90, to various parts such as the reel unit 21, start lever 23, stop switches 24L, 24M, 24R, settlement switch 5, MAXBET button 36, and information display unit 37. The sub-relay board 72 relays power supplied from the power box 70 via the sub-control device 80, and control signals transmitted from the sub-control device 80, to various parts such as the performance button 38, liquid crystal display device 55, upper lamp 51, side lamp 53, upper speaker 57, lower speaker 58, and sub-speaker 59. The main relay board 71 and sub-relay board 72 are each provided with input connectors for connecting wiring (not shown) from the main control device 90 and sub-control device 80, and distribution connectors for connecting distribution wiring (not shown) connected to each part.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the sub-control device 80 is constructed by forming an outer casing with a circuit board case 81, and housing a sub-circuit board (not shown) within the circuit board case 81. The sub-circuit board is equipped with various electronic components, including an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) responsible for the main control of the performance buttons 38, upper lamp 51, side lamp 53, upper speaker 57, lower speaker 58, and sub-speaker 59, as well as various memory devices, and multiple connectors 82 for electrical connections to the outside. This sub-circuit board is housed in the circuit board case 81 such that the mounting surface for the electronic components faces the front side of the sub-control device 80. The circuit board case 81 is composed of a base member (not shown) that forms its rear side and a cover member 83 that forms its front side. Connector openings are formed in the cover member 83, and the connectors 82 are exposed through these openings.

[0032] The main control unit 90 is constructed by forming an outer casing with a circuit board case 91, which houses a main circuit board (not shown). The main circuit board is equipped with an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) responsible for the main control of the reel unit 21 and hopper device 31, as well as various electronic components such as memory, and multiple connectors 92 for electrical connections to the outside. This main circuit board is housed in the circuit board case 91 such that the mounting surface for the electronic components faces the front side of the main control unit 90. The circuit board case 91 is composed of a base member (not shown) that forms its rear side and a cover member 93 that forms its front side. Multiple connector openings are formed in the cover member 93, and the connectors 92 are exposed through these openings. The main control unit 90 is also provided with a reset switch 94 and a setting key insertion hole 95.

[0033] The reset switch 94 is used to reset the various states of the slot machine 10. The slot machine 10 has a data backup function that retains the state at the time of the power outage, even in the event of a power outage, and can be restored to that state when power is restored. Therefore, for example, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure, such as when the amusement hall closes for the day, the state before the power outage is retained. However, if the reset switch 94 is pressed while the power is turned on, the backup data will be reset (initialized). Also, if the reset switch 94 is pressed while the power is on, the error state will be reset.

[0034] The setting key insertion slot 95 is for hall managers and others to adjust the payout of medals. Specifically, by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion slot 95 and rotating it, hall managers and others can change the setting state of the slot machine 10 (the setting of the winning probability for each type of winning combination) from "Setting 1" to "Setting 6". When the setting state is set to "Setting 1", the lottery for the type of winning combination (role) is conducted in a way that minimizes the expected value of the number of medals paid out, and when the setting state is set to "Setting 6", the lottery for the type of winning combination is conducted in a way that maximizes the expected value of the number of medals paid out. The reset switch 94 is operated not only to reset the error state but also to change the setting state of the slot machine 10.

[0035] [Structure of the front door] The structure of the front door 12 will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the structure of the front door 12. Figure 7 is a rear view showing the structure of the front door 12. The front door 12 comprises a metal chassis 12a as a base and a resin front panel 12b attached to the front of the chassis 12a. The game panel 20 is mounted so as to cover the opening of the chassis 12a, and the upper lamp 51 and side lamp 53 shown in Figure 1 are mounted on the front of the chassis 12a.

[0036] The front panel 12b has an upper surface portion 12c that extends slightly downward toward the front of the game panel 20, and a medal insertion section 25, a MAXBET button 36, an information display section 37, and a performance button 38 are provided on this upper surface portion 12c. The upper surface portion 12c has a first recess 12d for receiving a performance operation unit (first operation unit) 60 as the performance button 38, and a recess 12e for receiving the MAXBET button 36. Furthermore, a second recess 12f is formed on the lower front side of the upper surface portion 12c for receiving a switch unit (second operation unit) 24a incorporating stop switches 24L, 24M, and 24R. The first recess 12d opens upward, approximately perpendicular to the upper surface portion 12c, and the second recess 12f opens toward the front, and the first recess 12d and the second recess 12f are provided in communication with each other inside the front panel 12b.

[0037] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, on the rear side of the front door 12, the chassis 12a is provided with a first unit mounting section 12g for mounting the performance control unit 60 and a second unit mounting section 12h for mounting the switch unit 24a. These first unit mounting section 12g and second unit mounting section 12h are provided side by side, one above the other. The first unit mounting section 12g has four screw holes 121 for inserting four screws (threaded members) (not shown) to fix the performance control unit 60. The second unit mounting section 12h has four screw holes (not shown) for inserting four screws (threaded members) 122 to fix the switch unit 24a. The first unit mounting section 12g and the second unit mounting section 12h are provided adjacent to each other, one above the other, and are provided close together so that the screws 122, which are part of each other, overlap when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0038] The performance control unit 60 and the switch unit 24a are configured to be individually attached to or removed from the first unit mounting section 12g and the second unit mounting section 12h from the rear side of the front door 12. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the performance control unit 60 can be inserted and removed vertically into the first recess 12d even when the switch unit 24a is attached to the front door 12, and the performance control unit 60 is attached by inserting the performance control unit 60 into the first recess 12d and fixing it with screws to the first unit mounting section 12g from the rear side of the front door 12. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, the switch unit 24a can be inserted and removed horizontally into the second recess 12f even when the performance control unit 60 is attached to the front door 12, and the switch unit 24a is attached by inserting the switch unit 24a into the second recess 12f and fixing it with screws to the second unit mounting section 12h from the rear side of the front door 12.

[0039] [Structure of the production control unit] The structure of the performance control unit 60 will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 14. Figures 8(A) and 8(B) are a front view and a rear view of the performance control unit 60. Figures 9(A) and 9(B) are side views showing the operation of the performance control unit 60. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the performance control unit 60 seen from diagonally above. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the performance control unit 60 seen from diagonally below. Figures 12(A) and 12(B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the performance control unit 60. Figures 13(A) and 13(B) are simplified cross-sectional views of the performance control unit 60. Figures 14(A) and 14(B) are simplified cross-sectional views of the performance control unit 60.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8 to 14, the performance control unit 60 includes an operation button 61 (performance button 38) as an operating member that can be pressed by the player, a base member 62 that supports the operation button 61 so that it can move back and forth, a vibration performance unit 63 that adds a vibration performance to the operation button 61, a visual performance unit 64 that adds a visual performance to the operation button 61, and a detection unit 65 that detects the pressing action of the operation button 61. This performance control unit 60 works in conjunction with game performances displayed on the liquid crystal display 56, and in response to the player pressing the operation button 61, the vibration performance unit 63 vibrates the operation button 61 and the visual performance unit 64 illuminates the operation button 61, thereby performing vibration and visual performances for the player. As shown in Figure 9(A), the performance control unit 60 is configured to be displaceable from an initial position (first position) in which the surface of the operation button 61 protrudes upward from the base member 62, to a pressed position (second position) in which the operation button 61 is pushed toward the base member 64, as shown in Figure 9(B).

[0041] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the operation button 61 is composed of a first operation member 66A as a surface-side member that is exposed upward (surface side) from the base member 64, a second operation member 66B as a surface-side member that is housed inside the first operation member 66A, and a third operation member 67 as a back-side member that is connected to the first operation member 66A and the second operation member 66B. The first operation member 66A is formed from a transparent synthetic resin material in a dish shape that opens downward, and is configured so that the inside is visible to the player. The first operation member 66A is formed having a polygonal upper surface portion 66a that is long in the left-right direction, a side surface portion 66b that extends downward from the periphery of the upper surface portion 66a, and four engaging portions 66c that extend further downward from the side surface portion 66b. The second operating member 66B is formed from a translucent synthetic resin material in a dish shape that opens downwards and has an upper surface portion 66d on which decorative parts such as letters are provided, a side portion 66e extending downward from the periphery of the upper surface portion 66d, and two engaging portions 66f extending further downward from the side portion 66e. The first operating member 66A and the second operating member 66B are assembled together such that the surface of the upper surface portion 66d is in close contact with the inner surface of the upper surface portion 66a, and the outer surface of the side portion 66e is in close contact with the inner surface of the side portion 66b.

[0042] The third operating member 67 of the operating button 61 is formed from a synthetic resin material in a generally plate-like shape and is positioned below the first operating member 66A and the second operating member 66B, sandwiching the first base 67 (described later) of the base member 64. The third operating member 67 has a flat portion 67a, six engaging portions 67b that protrude upward from its periphery, and extension portions 67c that extend laterally (in the left-right direction, which is the intersecting direction) from both the left and right ends of the flat portion 67a. Of the six engaging portions 67b, four engage portions 67b engage with the engaging portions 66c of the first operating member 66A, and two engaging portions 67b engage with the engaging portions 66f of the second operating member 66B, thereby connecting the first operating member 66A and the second operating member 66B with the third operating member 67. On the lower surfaces of the left and right extensions 67c, two protrusions 67d are formed as contact points, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction (the front-to-back direction, which is the second intersecting direction), and the third operating member 67 is provided with a total of four protrusions 67d. A projection 67e (see Figures 12-14), described later, is formed approximately in the center of the upper surface of the third operating member 67, and this projection 67e functions as a detected part that is detected by the detection unit 65. On the lower side of the third operating member 67, there is a holding part 67f that holds the vibration effect unit 63, two coil springs 67g that bias the operation button 61 in the protruding direction (upward), and two guide shafts 67h that guide the coil springs 67g.

[0043] The base member 62 is composed of a first base 68 as an intermediate member and a second base 69 as a fixing member, both formed from synthetic resin material. The first base 68 is formed in an overall dish shape that opens upward, having an annular flange portion 68a that abuts against the upper surface portion 12c of the front panel 12b, a cylindrical outer portion 68b that extends downward in conjunction with the flange portion 68a and fits into the first recess 12d, and a bottom portion 68c that closes the lower end of the outer portion 68b. The first operating member 66A of the operation button 61 is housed inside the first base 68 so as to be able to move back and forth in the vertical direction, and the side portion 66b of the first operating member 66A is guided by the inner surface of the outer portion 68b. The bottom portion 68c is provided with four fixing columns 68d that extend downward and are fixed to the second base 69, and six first insertion holes 68e through which the engaging portions 66c, 66f, and 67b of the operation button 61 are inserted. The visual display unit 64 is held on the upper side of the bottom portion 68c, and an insertion hole 68f for inserting the detection unit 65 is formed approximately in the center of the bottom portion 68c.

[0044] The second base 69 is formed having a bottom surface portion 69a and an outer portion 69b that extends upward in conjunction with the bottom surface portion 69a. The bottom surface portion 69a and the outer portion 69b are each provided with two fixing portions 69c, which are fixed with screws to the first unit mounting portion 12g of the chassis 12a. In addition, a second insertion hole 69d for inserting the vibration generating portion 63 is provided approximately in the center of the bottom surface portion 69a. Furthermore, the bottom surface portion 69a is provided with four fixing portions 69e for fixing with screws to the fixing column 68d of the first base 68. The first base 68 and the second base 69 are integrally joined by fixing the fixing column 68d and the fixing portions 69e with screws from below, so that their outer portions 68b and 69b are continuous, and the flat portion 67a of the third operating member 67 of the operating button 61 is located between their respective bottom surfaces 68c and 69c. The left and right ends of the second base 69 are provided with two notches (contact portions) 69f formed by cutting out the outer portion 69b, and the extension portion 67c of the third operating member 67 is positioned between these notches 69f and the bottom surface portion 68c of the first base 68. In addition, guide cylinder portions 69g (third insertion holes) are provided at two locations on the left and right of the bottom surface portion 69a, through which the guide shaft 67h of the third operating member 67 is inserted to guide the coil spring 67g.

[0045] The vibration effect unit 63 consists of a weight motor 63a, which acts as a vibrator and is fixed to the lower side of the third operating member 67 of the operation button 61. The weight motor 63a is screw-fixed to the holding portion 67f of the third operating member 67 and is connected to the sub-control device 80 by wiring, and is driven and controlled by a control signal from the sub-control device 80. The visual effect unit 64 consists of a substrate 64a on which electronic components are mounted, and a plurality of light-emitting elements, or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 64b, provided on the substrate 64a. The substrate 64a is screw-fixed to the bottom surface portion 68c of the first base 68 and is connected to the sub-control device 80 by wiring, and the LEDs 64b are controlled to light up by a control signal from the sub-control device 80. The detection unit 65 consists of a light sensor and detects whether the projection 67e of the third operating member 67 is blocking the light-receiving portion of the light sensor in an ON state or opening the light-receiving portion in an OFF state, and transmits a detection signal to the sub-control device 80.

[0046] [Operation of the production control unit] The operation of the performance control unit 60 will be described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figures 13(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of the performance control unit 60 taken in the short side direction (front-to-back direction). Figure 13(A) shows the operation button 61 in its initial position before operation, and Figure 13(B) shows the operation button 61 pressed all the way in. Figures 14(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of the performance control unit 60 taken in the long side direction (left-to-right direction). Figure 14(A) shows the operation button 61 in its initial position before operation, and Figure 14(B) shows the operation button 61 pressed all the way in.

[0047] As shown in Figures 13(A) and 14(A), in the initial position, the operating button 61 is biased upward by the biasing force of the coil spring 67g, and the flat portion 67a of the third operating member 67 approaches the bottom portion 68c of the first base 68, and the extended portion 67c contacts the lower end of the outer portion 68b, thereby maintaining the initial position. At this time, the weight motor 63a of the vibration generating unit 63 is positioned slightly below the second insertion hole 69d of the second base 69, and the guide shaft 67h of the third operating member 67 is housed in the guide cylinder portion 69g of the second base 69 so as not to protrude downward.

[0048] Furthermore, when the operation button 61 is in its initial position, the projection 67e of the third operating member 67 enters the light-receiving part of the light sensor, blocking the light and causing the light sensor to turn ON. This detection signal is transmitted to the sub-control device 80, thereby detecting that the operation button 61 is in its initial position. When the operation button 61 is in its initial position, the sub-control device 80 sends a control signal to the vibration effect unit 63 to stop the weight motor 63a and to the visual effect unit 64 to turn off the LED 64b. In other words, when the operation button 61 is in its initial position, neither the vibration effect by the vibration effect unit 63 nor the visual effect by the visual effect unit 64 is executed.

[0049] Next, when the player operates the operation button 61, and the operation button 61 is pushed against the biasing force of the coil spring 67g, as shown in Figures 13(B) and 14(B), the flat portion 67a of the third operating member 67 separates from the bottom portion 68c of the first base 68. Then, the projection 67d of the extension portion 67c of the third operating member 67 comes into contact with the upper surface (contact portion) of the notch portion 69f of the second base 69, thereby restricting the further downward movement of the operation button 61, and the operation button 61 is pushed in to the pressed position. At this time, the weight motor 63a of the vibration effect unit 63 protrudes downward from the second insertion hole 69d of the second base 69, and the guide shaft 67h of the third operating member 67 protrudes downward from the guide cylinder portion 69g of the second base 69.

[0050] When the operation button 61 is pressed to the pressed position, the projection 67e of the third operating member 67 detaches from the light-receiving part of the light sensor, and the light sensor turns OFF. This detection signal is transmitted to the sub-control device 80, which detects that the operation button 61 is in the pressed position. The sub-control device 80 sends a control signal to the vibration effect unit 63 to rotate the weight motor 63a and to the visual effect unit 64 to illuminate the LED 64b. In other words, when the operation button 61 is in the pressed position, both the vibration effect by the vibration effect unit 63 and the visual effect by the visual effect unit 64 are executed. When the weight motor 63a of the vibration effect unit 63 rotates, the vibration caused by that rotation is transmitted to the third operating member 67, and the projection 67d of the extension 67c abuts against the upper surface of the notch 69f, causing the entire operation button 61 to vibrate strongly. This vibration is transmitted to the player's hand, effectively executing the vibration effect. Furthermore, when the LED 64b of the visual display unit 64 lights up, the light that passes through the decorative part of the upper surface 66d of the second operating member 66B and is scattered is irradiated through the upper surface 66a of the first operating member 66A, and a visual effect is performed for the player in which the operating button 61 lights up.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved. (1) In the performance operation unit 60, when the operation button 61 is pressed to the pressed position and the vibration performance unit 63 performs a vibration performance, the projection 67d of the extension portion 67c of the third operation member 67 comes into contact with the upper surface of the notch portion 69f of the second base 69. This point contact amplifies the vibration of the weight motor 63a, causing the entire operation button 61 to vibrate strongly, thereby enhancing the effect of the vibration performance on the player.

[0052] (2) In the operation button 61, extensions 67c are provided extending from both sides in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction) of the third operating member 67, and two front and rear projections 67d are formed on each of these extensions 67c, so that at least one or more of the four projections 67d can be reliably brought into contact with the left and right notches 69f of the second base 69. In other words, even if the operation button 61 is pressed roughly and is pressed at a slight tilt in the front, back, left, or right directions, at least one or more projections 67d can be brought into contact with the upper surface of the notches 69f, and vibrations can be reliably transmitted to the player.

[0053] (3) Furthermore, in the operation button 61, projections 67d are provided on the extensions 67c that extend on both sides in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction) of the third operation member 67, and engaging portions 67b provided near the extensions 67c engage with engaging portions 66c and 66f of the first operation member 66A and the second operation member 66B. As a result, vibrations amplified by the contact between the projections 67d and the notches 69f are more easily transmitted to the first operation member 66A and the second operation member 66B via the engaging portions 66c, 66f and 67b, thereby reliably transmitting vibrations to the player.

[0054] (4) Furthermore, in the performance operation unit 60, since the circuit board 64a of the visual performance unit 64 is fixed to the first base 68 of the base member 62, vibrations from the operation button 61 are less likely to be transmitted to the circuit board 64a, thereby suppressing the effect of vibrations on the LED 64b and electronic components mounted on the circuit board 64a, and preventing failure or deterioration of the circuit board 64a. In this case, the engaging parts 66c, 66f, and 67b of the operation button 61 are inserted into the first insertion holes 68e of the first base 68, and the parts of the operation button 61 do not come into contact with the bottom surface 68c to which the circuit board 64a is fixed, so that the transmission of vibrations from the operation button 61 to the circuit board 64a can be further suppressed.

[0055] (5) In addition, in the performance control unit 60, the operation button 61 is connected to the first operation member 66A and the second operation member 66B and the third operation member 67 by the engagement of the engaging parts 66c, 66f, and 67b, and the engaging parts 66c, 66f, and 67b are inserted into the first insertion hole 68e of the first base 68, thereby assembling the operation button 61 with the base member 62 sandwiching the bottom surface 68c of the first base 68. With this assembly structure, the operation button 61 is assembled to be able to move back and forth relative to the base member 62, so there is no need to provide a separate movement guide structure, and the performance control unit 60 can be made smaller, in particular, the height dimension of the operation button 61 in the movement direction (up and down direction) can be suppressed.

[0056] (6) Furthermore, in the performance control unit 60, when the operation button 61 is pressed to the pressed position, the weight motor 63a protrudes downward from the second insertion hole 69d of the second base 69, and the guide shaft 67h of the third operating member 67 protrudes downward from the guide cylinder portion 69g of the second base 69. Therefore, it is not necessary to completely house the weight motor 63a and the guide shaft 67h inside the performance control unit 60 while ensuring their height dimensions. On the other hand, when the operation button 61 is in its initial position, the weight motor 63a and the guide shaft 67h do not protrude significantly downward, so the height dimension of the performance control unit 60 can be suppressed.

[0057] (7) In addition, in the front door 12, a first recess 12d is provided in the upper surface portion 12c of the front panel 12b, and a second recess 12f is provided in the lower front part of the upper surface portion 12c. The performance control unit 60 is housed in the first recess 12d from above, and the switch unit 24a is housed in the second recess 12f from the front. The performance control unit 60 and the switch unit 24a are fixed from the rear side of the front door 12 by the first unit mounting portion 12g and the second unit mounting portion 12h of the chassis 12a, respectively. With such a fixing structure, the performance control unit 60 and the switch unit 24a can be easily attached or detached, and the efficiency of the assembly work can be improved.

[0058] (8) Furthermore, in the fixing structure of the performance control unit 60 and the switch unit 24a, the first unit mounting portion 12g and the second unit mounting portion 12h are provided adjacent to each other vertically on the chassis 12a on the rear side of the front door 12, and the performance control unit 60 and the switch unit 24a are configured to be individually attached or detached, thereby further improving the efficiency of the assembly work. In addition, the first unit mounting portion 12g and the second unit mounting portion 12h are provided close to each other vertically with the screws 122, which are part of each other, overlapping in the left-right direction which is the adjacent intersection direction, so that the installation space for the performance control unit 60 and the switch unit 24a can be made compact.

[0059] (9) Furthermore, as mentioned above, the height of the performance control unit 60 can be reduced, so even if it is arranged vertically next to the switch unit 24a, these units can be arranged closer together in the height direction, thereby making efficient use of the installation space while suppressing the enlargement of the front panel 12b.

[0060] [Modified examples of each embodiment] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc., that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention. (1) In the above embodiment, the performance operation unit 60, which serves as the first operation unit of the slot machine 10, is provided on the upper surface portion 12c of the front panel 12b of the front door 12, and the operation button 61 is provided so that it can be operated by pushing it downwards. However, the installation position of the performance operation unit can be any position that is accessible to the player, and the direction of operation of the operation button (operating member) is not limited to the up and down direction, but may be the front and back direction, the left and right direction, or any diagonal direction. Also, in the above embodiment, the switch unit 24a, which serves as the second operation unit, is provided adjacent to the front lower side of the performance operation unit 60, but the first operation unit and the second operation unit may be provided adjacent to each other in the left and right or diagonal directions, rather than vertically.

[0061] (2) In the above embodiment, the performance operation unit 60 was equipped with a light-emitting performance unit (visual performance unit 64) having a substrate on which electronic components including light-emitting elements were mounted. However, the light-emitting performance unit may be omitted, and the visual performance unit may be provided with an image display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or a movable performance unit in which movable parts move. Furthermore, the second operation unit is not limited to the switch unit 24a incorporating stop switches 24L, 24M, and 24R, but may also be a start lever 23, a MAXBET button 36, other operation buttons, switches, etc., as long as it has an operation unit that can be operated by the player.

[0062] (3) In the above embodiment, the performance operation unit 60 has an operation button 61 as an operation member and a base member 62, with a projection 67d formed on the operation button 61 as a contact part and a notch 69f formed on the base member 62 as a contacted part. However, it is not limited to this, and the contacted part may be provided on the operation member and the contact part may be provided on the base member. Also, in the above embodiment, four projections 67d as contact parts were provided, but the number of contact parts is arbitrary and may be one, two, three, or five or more. Also, in the above embodiment, the contact parts and contacted parts were provided symmetrically on both the left and right ends of the performance operation unit 60, but the installation positions of the contact parts and contacted parts are arbitrary and may be provided symmetrically front to back or at random positions.

[0063] (4) In the above embodiment, the detection unit 65 for detecting the displacement of the operation button 61 was composed of an optical sensor provided on the base member 62 and a projection 67e provided on the operation button 61. However, the optical sensor may be provided on the operation member and a light-shielding part such as a projection may be provided on the base member. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the projection 67e was in an ON state, blocking the light-receiving part of the optical sensor when the operation member was in the first position (protruding position), and was in an OFF state, opening the light-receiving part of the optical sensor when the operation member was displaced to the second position (pressed position). In other words, it was a configuration that was always ON. However, it is not limited to this, and the detection unit may be always OFF. Also, in the above embodiment, the vibration effect unit 63 was provided on the operation button 61, but it may be provided on the base member 62.

[0064] (5) In the above embodiment, a first through hole 68e was provided in the first base 68, which serves as an intermediate member of the base member 62, and the engaging portions 66c, 66f, and 67b of the operating member were inserted through the first through hole 68e. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a notch may be provided on the periphery of the intermediate member instead of an through hole, or the engaging portions may be configured to pass outside the periphery of the intermediate member. Also, in the above embodiment, a second through hole 69d was provided in the second base 69, which serves as a fixing member of the base member 62, and the weight motor 63a of the operating member was inserted through the second through hole 69d. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and an intermediate member of the base member may be provided with an through hole or recess through which the vibrating body is inserted.

[0065] (6) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a guide shaft 67h for guiding a coil spring 67g was provided on the third operating member 67, which is the rear side member of the operating button 61, and a guide cylinder portion 69g (third insertion hole) for inserting the guide shaft 67h was provided on the second base 69, which is a fixing member of the base member 62. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and a guide shaft may be provided on an intermediate member or fixing member of the base member, and an insertion hole for inserting the guide shaft may be provided on the rear side member of the operating member.

[0066] (7) In the above embodiment, a slot machine 10 was used as an example to describe the gaming machine of the present invention. However, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a slot machine of a different type than the slot machine 10. Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a pachinko machine equipped with various prize-winning openings such as general prize-winning openings and operating openings in the game area, and a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed when game balls enter these prize-winning openings, or it may be an arrangement ball machine or a game machine of a different type such as a mahjong ball machine.

[0067] [Group of inventions extracted from each embodiment] The following describes the features of the group of inventions extracted from each of the above embodiments. Note that while the corresponding configurations in each embodiment are indicated in parentheses, the features of the group of inventions are not limited to the above embodiments. Modifications, improvements, and combinations of these features, within the scope necessary to achieve the objectives of the features of the group of inventions, are included within the features of the group of inventions.

[0068] <Characteristics Group A> Feature A1. A control element (operation button 61) that can be displaced by the player's operation, A base member (base member 62) that supports the operating member relative to the gaming machine body, It comprises a vibrating body (weight motor 63a) that performs vibration effects, The operating member is displaced between a first position when not operated and a second position when operated by a player, and has a contact portion (projection 67d) that contacts the contact portion (notch portion 69f) of the base member in the second position. At least one of the contact portion and the contacted portion is formed to protrude toward the other, and the contact portion and the contacted portion are configured to make point contact. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0069] According to feature A1 of the present invention, when the contact portion of the operating member, which has been displaced to the second position, contacts the contact portion of the base member by point contact, the vibration of the vibrator provided on the operating member is amplified and transmitted to the player, thereby enhancing the vibration effect.

[0070] Feature A2. In the gaming machine described in feature A1 of the present invention, The contact portion and the contacted portion are provided at symmetrical positions on both ends along an intersecting direction that intersects with the displacement direction of the operating member. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0071] According to feature A2 of the present invention, the contact portion and the contacted portion are provided at symmetrical positions on both ends along an intersecting direction that intersects the displacement direction of the operating member. Therefore, even if the operating member is pushed in unevenly and tilted in the intersecting direction, the contact portion and the contacted portion on at least one end can be brought into contact, and the vibration of the vibrating body can be transmitted to the player.

[0072] Feature A3. In the gaming machine described in feature A2 of the present invention, The contact portion and the contacted portion, which are provided at the aforementioned symmetrical positions, are configured to be able to make point contact at two locations separated in the displacement direction and a second intersecting direction that intersects the aforementioned crossing direction. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0073] According to feature A3 of the present invention, the contact portion and the contacted portion at symmetrical positions are configured to make point contact at two locations separated in the second intersecting direction, allowing the contact portion and the contacted portion to come into contact at a total of four locations, thereby efficiently transmitting the vibration of the vibrating body to the player. Furthermore, even when the operating member is tilted in the second intersecting direction, the contact portion and the contacted portion can be reliably brought into contact.

[0074] Feature A4. In a gaming machine described in any of the features A1 to A3 of the present invention, The system further comprises a light-emitting display unit (visual display unit 64) having a substrate (substrate 64a) on which electronic components including a light-emitting element (LED 64b) are mounted, the substrate being fixed to the base member, and light from the light-emitting element passing through and illuminating the operating member. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0075] According to feature A4 of the present invention, by fixing the substrate on which electronic components including light-emitting elements are mounted to the base member, vibrations from the vibrator provided on the operating member are less likely to be transmitted to the substrate, thereby suppressing failure of the electronic components. Furthermore, by providing a visual effect through the transmission of light from the light-emitting elements through the operating member in addition to the vibration effect caused by the vibrator, the effect can be further enhanced by the synergistic effect of the two types of effects.

[0076] Feature A5. In a gaming machine described in any of the features A1 to A4 of the present invention, The operating member comprises a surface-side member (first operating member 66A, second operating member 66B) provided on the surface side and a rear-side member (third operating member 67) provided on the rear side, and the surface-side member and the rear-side member are connected to each other by engaging portions (engaging portions 66c, 66f, 67b) extending from at least one of them engaging with the other. The base member comprises a fixing member (second base 69) fixed to the gaming machine body and an intermediate member (first base 68) provided on the surface side of the fixing member with a predetermined gap between them, the intermediate member being provided with a first insertion hole (insertion hole 68e) through which the engaging portion is inserted. As the operating member is displaced, the rear side member moves through the gap between the fixing member and the intermediate member of the base member, and the engaging portion moves non-contact inside the first insertion hole. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0077] According to feature A5 of the present invention, the operating member is assembled to the base member by sandwiching the intermediate member, with the front side member and the back side member connected by the engagement of the engaging portion, and the engaging portion being inserted into the first insertion hole of the intermediate member. With this assembly structure, the operating member is assembled to be able to move back and forth relative to the base member, eliminating the need for a separate movement guide structure and allowing the dimensions in the movement direction to be suppressed. Furthermore, if the substrate of the light-emitting display unit is fixed to the intermediate member of the base member, the engaging portion moves non-contact inside the first insertion hole, making it less likely for vibrations of the vibrating body to be transmitted by the intermediate member and the substrate, thereby reducing the possibility of failure of electronic components.

[0078] Feature A6. In the gaming machine described in feature A5 of the present invention, The fixing member is provided with a second insertion hole (insertion hole 69d) for receiving the vibrating body. As the operating member is displaced, the vibrating body is inserted into the second insertion hole of the fixing member. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0079] According to feature A6 of the present invention, as the operating member is displaced, the vibrating body is inserted into the second insertion hole of the fixed member, eliminating the need to provide clearances for the movement of the vibrating body, which has a relatively large volume, and thus suppressing the dimensions in the forward and backward directions. Furthermore, if the substrate of the light-emitting display unit is fixed to the base member, the insertion of the vibrating body into the second insertion hole of the fixed member makes it less likely for the vibration of the vibrating body to be transmitted by the base member and the substrate, further reducing the possibility of failure of electronic components.

[0080] According to the features of the present invention described in group A, the vibration of the operation buttons is more easily transmitted to the player, thereby enhancing the vibration effect, and thus the following problems can be solved.

[0081] Traditionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. Such gaming machines are equipped with operating parts such as operation buttons for players to operate, and display means such as displays that show various game effects. As an operation button, it has been proposed that vibrates and lights up in conjunction with game effects displayed on the display or when pressed by the player. The vibrating and illuminating operation button is configured as an effect operation unit, and the effect operation unit is housed in a housing opening on the front panel of the gaming machine body. The effect operation unit comprises a case, a button supported so as to be able to move back and forth on a base inside the case, a spring that biases the button in the protruding direction, a vibrating body that applies vibration to the button, a light-emitting body that makes the button light up, and a sensor that detects the pressing action of the button.

[0082] However, with conventional vibration-emitting control buttons, even though the vibrating element vibrates in conjunction with the button press, the vibration is attenuated within the unit, making it difficult to transmit the vibration to the player's hand via the button, and thus making it difficult to fully enhance the visual effect.

[0083] <Characteristics Group B> Feature B1. A control element (operation button 61) that can be displaced by the player's operation, A base member (base member 62) that supports the operating member relative to the gaming machine body, It comprises a vibrating body (weight motor 63a) that performs vibration effects, The operating member comprises a surface-side member (first operating member 66A, second operating member 66B) provided on the surface side and a rear-side member (third operating member 67) provided on the rear side, and the surface-side member and the rear-side member are connected to each other by engaging portions (engaging portions 66c, 66f, 67b) extending from at least one of them engaging with the other. The base member comprises a fixing member (second base 69) fixed to the gaming machine body and an intermediate member (first base 68) provided on the surface side of the fixing member with a predetermined gap between them, the intermediate member being provided with a first insertion hole (first insertion hole 68e) through which the engaging portion is inserted, and the fixing member being provided with a second insertion hole (second insertion hole 69d) for receiving the vibrating body. As the operating member is displaced, the rear side member moves through the gap between the fixing member and the intermediate member of the base member, the engaging portion moves inside the insertion hole, and the vibrating body is inserted into the insertion hole of the fixing member. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0084] According to feature B1 of the present invention, the operating member is connected to the front side member and the back side member by the engagement of the engaging portion, and the engaging portion is inserted into the first insertion hole of the intermediate member, thereby assembling it with the base member sandwiching the intermediate member, and the operating member is assembled to be able to move back and forth relative to the base member, so that a separate movement guide structure is not required and miniaturization can be achieved. Furthermore, as the vibrating body is inserted into the second insertion hole of the fixed member in accordance with the displacement of the operating member, it is not necessary to provide space within the unit to accommodate the movement of the vibrating body which has a relatively large volume, and the dimensions in the movement direction can be suppressed.

[0085] Feature B2. In the gaming machine described in feature B1 of the present invention, A spring (coil spring 67g) is provided between the rear side member and the fixing member to bias the operating member in the protruding direction, and a guide shaft (guide shaft 67h) is provided on the rear side member that extends toward the fixing member and guides the spring. The fixing member is provided with a third insertion hole (guide tube portion 69g) for receiving the guide shaft. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0086] According to feature B2 of the present invention, a guide shaft for guiding the spring is provided on the rear side member, and a third insertion hole for receiving the guide shaft is provided on the fixing member. This suppresses the tilting of the operating member and guides its forward and backward movement, and eliminates the need to provide space inside to accommodate the movement of the guide shaft, thereby suppressing the dimensions in the forward and backward direction.

[0087] Feature B3. In a gaming machine described in feature B1 or B2 of the present invention, The device further comprises a light-emitting display unit (visual display unit 64) having a substrate (substrate 64a) on which electronic components including a light-emitting element (LED 64b) are mounted, the substrate being fixed to the intermediate member of the base member, and light from the light-emitting element being transmitted through the surface-side member of the operating member and irradiated. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0088] According to feature B3 of the present invention, by fixing the substrate on which electronic components including a light-emitting element are mounted to an intermediate member of the base member, vibrations from the vibrator provided on the operating member are less likely to be transmitted to the substrate, thereby suppressing failure of the electronic components. Furthermore, by providing a visual effect through the transmission of light from the light-emitting element through the operating member in addition to the vibration effect caused by the vibrator, the effect can be further enhanced by the synergistic effect of the two types of effects.

[0089] Feature B4. In a gaming machine described in feature B2 or feature B3 of the present invention, The operating member is displaced between a first position when not operated and a second position when operated by a player, and has a contact portion (projection 67d) that contacts the contact portion (notch portion 69f) of the base member in the second position. At least one of the contact portion and the contacted portion is formed to protrude toward the other, and the contact portion and the contacted portion are configured to make point contact. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0090] According to feature B4 of the present invention, when the contact portion of the operating member, which has been displaced to the second position, contacts the contact portion of the base member by point contact, the vibration of the vibrator provided on the operating member is amplified and transmitted to the player, thereby enhancing the vibration effect.

[0091] Feature B5. In the gaming machine described in feature B4 of the present invention, The contact portion and the contacted portion are provided at symmetrical positions on both ends along a crossing direction (left-right direction) that intersects with the displacement direction of the operating member. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0092] According to feature B5 of the present invention, the contact portion and the contacted portion are provided at symmetrical positions on both ends along an intersecting direction that intersects with the displacement direction of the operating member. This allows the contact portion and the contacted portion on at least one end to come into contact even when the operating member is pushed in unevenly and tilted in the intersecting direction, thereby transmitting the vibration of the vibrating body to the player.

[0093] Feature B6. In the gaming machine described in B5 of the features of the present invention, The contact portion and the contacted portion, which are provided at the aforementioned symmetrical positions, are configured to be able to make point contact at two locations separated in the displacement direction and a second intersecting direction (front-rear direction) that intersects the aforementioned crossing direction. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0094] According to feature B6 of the present invention, the contact portion and the contacted portion at symmetrical positions are configured to make point contact at two locations separated in the second intersecting direction, allowing the contact portion and the contacted portion to come into contact at a total of four locations, thereby efficiently transmitting the vibration of the vibrating body to the player. Furthermore, even when the operating member is tilted in the second intersecting direction, the contact portion and the contacted portion can be reliably brought into contact.

[0095] According to these features B of the present invention, the operation button unit can be made thinner and the installation space can be made more efficient, thus solving the following problems.

[0096] Traditionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. Such gaming machines are equipped with operating parts such as operation buttons for players to operate, and display means such as displays that show various game effects. As an operation button, it has been proposed that vibrates and lights up in conjunction with game effects displayed on the display or when pressed by the player. Conventional vibrating and illuminating operation buttons are configured as an effect operation unit, and the effect operation unit is housed in a housing opening on the front panel of the gaming machine body. The effect operation unit comprises a case, a button supported so as to be able to move back and forth on a base inside the case, a spring that biases the button in the protruding direction, a vibrating body that applies vibration to the button, a light-emitting body that makes the button light up, and a sensor that detects the pressing action of the button.

[0097] However, conventional vibration-emitting type control button units have the problem that the height dimension of the control button unit becomes large because various components such as the button body, vibrator, button movement mechanism, spring, and circuit board are arranged inside the unit in the direction of the button's movement (height direction), and space is provided inside the unit for the button's movement.

[0098] <Characteristics Group C> Feature C1. A gaming machine equipped with a first operation unit (performance operation unit 60) and a second operation unit (switch unit 24a) that receive operations from the player, On the external side of the gaming machine body, a first recess (first recess 12d) and a second recess (second recess 12f) are provided for receiving the first operation unit and the second operation unit, respectively. The first recess and the second recess open in directions that intersect each other toward the outside of the gaming machine body and are provided in communication with each other inside the gaming machine body. Inside the gaming machine body, a first unit mounting portion (first unit mounting portion 12g) and a second unit mounting portion (second unit mounting portion 12h) are provided adjacent to each other for fixing the first operation unit and the second operation unit, respectively, and the first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion are provided so that a portion of each overlaps in an adjacent intersecting direction. The first operating unit and the second operating unit are configured such that one is fixed to the gaming machine body while the other is detachable. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0099] According to feature C1 of the present invention, the first operating unit is housed in the first recess and the second operating unit is housed in the second recess, and the first and second operating units are fixed from the rear side by the first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion, respectively. This allows for easy installation or removal of each unit, improving the efficiency of assembly work. Furthermore, since the first and second operating units are configured to be individually attachable or detachable, the efficiency of assembly work can be further improved. In addition, since the first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion are provided close together such that parts of them overlap in adjacent intersecting directions, the installation space for these units can be made compact.

[0100] Feature C2. In the gaming machine described in feature C1 of the present invention, The first operating unit is, A control element (operation button 61) that can be displaced by the player's operation, A base member (base member 62) that supports the operating member relative to the gaming machine body, It comprises a vibrating body (weight motor 63a) that performs vibration effects, The operating member comprises a surface-side member (first operating member 66A, second operating member 66B) provided on the surface side and a rear-side member (third operating member 67) provided on the rear side. The base member comprises a fixing member (second base 69) fixed to the gaming machine body and an intermediate member (first base 68) provided on the surface side of the fixing member with a predetermined gap between them, and the fixing member is provided with a second insertion hole (second insertion hole 69d) for receiving the vibrating body. As the operating member is displaced, the rear side member moves through the gap between the fixing member and the intermediate member of the base member, and the vibrating body is inserted into the insertion hole of the fixing member. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0101] According to feature C2 of the present invention, the operating member of the first operating unit has a front side member and a back side member, and the operating member is assembled to move back and forth with an intermediate member of the base member sandwiched between them. As the operating member is displaced, the vibrating body is inserted into the insertion hole of the fixed member, so it is not necessary to provide space inside the unit to accommodate the movement of the vibrating body which has a relatively large volume, and the dimensions of the first operating unit in the direction of the operating member's movement can be suppressed. Therefore, the installation space required to install the first operating unit and the second operating unit side by side can be made even more compact.

[0102] Feature C3. In the gaming machine described in feature C2 of the present invention, The surface member and the back member are connected to each other by engaging portions (engaging portions 66c, 66f, 67b) extending from at least one of them engaging with the other. The intermediate member is provided with a first insertion hole (first insertion hole 68e) through which the engaging portion is inserted. As the operating member is displaced, the engaging portion moves inside the insertion hole. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0103] According to feature C3 of the present invention, the operating member of the first operating unit is connected to the front side member and the back side member by the engagement of the engaging portion, and the engaging portion is inserted into the insertion hole of the intermediate member, eliminating the need for a separate forward and backward guidance structure, and thus enabling miniaturization of the first operating unit.

[0104] Feature C4. In a gaming machine described in feature C2 or feature C3 of the present invention, A spring (coil spring 67g) is provided between the rear side member and the fixing member to bias the operating member in the protruding direction, and a guide shaft (guide shaft 67h) is provided on the rear side member that extends toward the fixing member and guides the spring. The fixing member is provided with an insertion hole for receiving the guide shaft. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0105] According to feature C4 of the present invention, a guide shaft for guiding the spring is provided on the rear side member, and an insertion hole for receiving the guide shaft is provided on the fixing member. This suppresses the tilting of the operating member and guides its forward and backward movement, and eliminates the need to provide space for the movement of the guide shaft, thereby suppressing the dimensions in the forward and backward direction.

[0106] Feature C5. In a gaming machine described in any of features C2 to C4 of the present invention, The first operating unit further comprises a light-emitting display unit (visual display unit 64) having a substrate (substrate 64a) on which electronic components including a light-emitting element (LED 64b) are mounted, the substrate being fixed to the intermediate member of the base member, and light from the light-emitting element being transmitted through the surface-side member of the operating member and irradiated. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0107] According to feature C5 of the present invention, by fixing the substrate on which electronic components including a light-emitting element are mounted to an intermediate member of the base member, vibrations from the vibrator provided on the operating member are less likely to be transmitted to the substrate, thereby suppressing failure of the electronic components. Furthermore, by providing a visual effect through the transmission of light from the light-emitting element through the operating member in addition to the vibration effect caused by the vibrator, the effect can be further enhanced by the synergistic effect of the two types of effects.

[0108] Feature C6. In a gaming machine described in any of the features C1 to C5 of the present invention, The first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion are provided on a plate-shaped base (chassis 12a) located on the inside of the gaming machine body, and are configured to have screw members (screws 122) that are screwed in from the inside toward the front, with the screw members of the first unit mounting portion and the screw members of the second unit mounting portion overlapping in the adjacent intersecting direction (left-right direction). A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0109] According to feature C5 of the present invention, the first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion are provided in close proximity vertically, such that the threaded members, which are parts of each other, overlap in adjacent intersecting directions. This allows the first and second operating units to be installed closer together, further reducing the installation space required for the units.

[0110] According to the features C of the present invention, the installation space for the operating unit can be optimized, thereby improving the workability of the assembly process, and thus the following problems can be solved.

[0111] Traditionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. Such gaming machines are equipped with operating parts such as operation buttons for players to operate, and display means such as displays that show various game effects. As an operation button, it has been proposed that vibrates and lights up in conjunction with game effects displayed on the display or when pressed by the player. Conventional vibrating and illuminating operation buttons are configured as an effect operation unit, and the effect operation unit is housed in a housing opening on the front panel of the gaming machine body. The effect operation unit comprises a case, a button supported so as to be able to move back and forth on a base inside the case, a spring that biases the button in the protruding direction, a vibrating body that applies vibration to the button, a light-emitting body that makes the button light up, and a sensor that detects the pressing action of the button.

[0112] However, in conventional vibration-illuminating control buttons, various components such as the button body, vibrator, button movement mechanism, spring, and circuit board are arranged within the unit in the direction of the button's movement (height direction), and space is provided within the unit for the button's movement, resulting in a large height for the control button. Consequently, it is not possible to install other large control units in front of the button unit, leading to significant space constraints.

[0113] As described above, the present invention can be suitably used in gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 10 Slot machines (amusement machines) 12. Front door (gaming machine body) 12a Chassis (base) 12b Front Panel 12d First recess 12f Second recess 12g First unit mounting section 12h Second unit mounting section 24a Switch Unit (Second Operating Unit) 60. Performance Control Unit (First Control Unit) 61. Operation buttons (operating components) 62 Base member 63 Vibration effect unit 63a Weight motor (vibrating body) 64. Visual Effects Department (Light Effects Department) 64a circuit board 64b LED (light-emitting element) 65 Detection unit 66A First operating member (surface side member) 66B Second operating member (surface side member) 66c,66f,67b Engagement part 67 Third operating member (rear side member) 67d Protrusion (contact part) 67g coil spring 67h Guide axis 68. First base (intermediate member) 68e First insertion hole 69. Second base (fixing member) 69d Second insertion hole 69g Guide tube section (3rd insertion hole) 121 screw holes 122 Screws (screw-in components)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine equipped with a first operation unit and a second operation unit that receive operations from the player, The exterior of the gaming machine body is provided with a first receiving section and a second receiving section, respectively, for receiving the first operating unit and the second operating unit. The first receiving section and the second receiving section open in directions that intersect each other toward the outside of the gaming machine body and are provided in communication with each other inside the gaming machine body. Inside the gaming machine body, a first unit mounting portion and a second unit mounting portion are provided adjacent to each other for fixing the first operation unit and the second operation unit, respectively, and the first unit mounting portion and the second unit mounting portion are provided so that a part of each overlaps in a direction that intersects with the mounting direction of the first operation unit. The first operating unit and the second operating unit are configured such that one is fixed to the gaming machine body while the other is detachable. The first operating unit is, An operating member that can be displaced by the player's operation, A base member that supports the operating member relative to the main body of the gaming machine, The base member is provided with a vibrating body that performs vibration effects, The operating member is displaceable between a first position when not operated and a second position when operated by a player, and has a contact portion that contacts the contact portion of the base member at the second position. At least one of the contact portion and the contacted portion is formed to protrude toward the other, and the contact portion and the contacted portion are configured to make point contact. The vibrating body is configured to perform vibration effects when the operating member is in the second position. Multiple contact portions and contacted portions are provided along an intersecting direction that intersects with the displacement direction of the operating member. The vibrations from the vibrating body are transmitted through the contact portion and the contacted portion. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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