Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of heightening performance property or design property by emitting light uniformly from the whole cover, while adopting emission means having a comparatively simple constitution.SOLUTION: A side lamp unit 60 includes a substrate 62 loaded with a light source 69, and a translucent cover 64 transmitted by light irradiated from the light source 69. The translucent cover 64 is provided in the intersected state with a surface extension line L of the substrate 62, and separately from the edge of the substrate 62. The light source 69 has a first light source 69A provided on one surface of the substrate 62, and a second light source 69B provided on the other surface of the substrate 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as typical examples of gaming machines, there are, for example, slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are provided with various light-emitting effect devices (light-emitting means) on the upper part, lower part, left and right side parts of the gaming machine body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting effect devices include a substrate on which a light source is mounted, a housing that houses this substrate, a light guide plate that appropriately diffuses and emits the light from the light source while transmitting it, and a cover that covers the front sides of the substrate, the housing, and the light guide plate. In this light-emitting effect device, the light irradiated from the light source of the substrate is diffused through the light guide plate and then emitted, so that the entire cover emits light or an appropriate pattern is projected onto the cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional light-emitting means, a cover is provided to cover the front side of the substrate, and the light from the light source is emitted to the cover through the light guide plate. Therefore, due to restrictions on the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and the cover, it is difficult to increase the degree of freedom in the design of the light-emitting means. In addition, since a light guide plate is required to emit light from the entire cover, there is also a problem that the structure of the light-emitting means becomes complicated and large-sized.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that employs a relatively simple light-emitting means while simultaneously enhancing its visual appeal and design by uniformly illuminating the entire cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In other words, the invention described in claim 1 is, multiple A light-emitting means comprising a substrate on which a light source is mounted, and a light-transmitting cover that transmits light emitted from the light source. Side lamps A gaming machine equipped with, The light-transmitting cover intersects the extension line of the surface of the substrate and the substrate Short direction It is provided at a distance from the edge, The aforementioned light source is Along the longitudinal direction of the aforementioned substrate The substrate is provided on both sides, and recesses are provided at the edges of the substrate. In the substrate, the light source is provided on a protruding portion where the recess is not formed. The light-emitting means has a reflective portion that can reflect light from the light source provided on one surface of the substrate and reach the light-transmitting cover. This is a gaming machine characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, shadows are less likely to form on the extended surface of the circuit board, and uneven illumination of the translucent cover can be suppressed. Therefore, even with a relatively simple light-emitting means, the overall illumination of the translucent cover can be made uniform, thereby enhancing the visual appeal and design. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a slot machine in one embodiment of reality. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a slot machine. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a slot machine with the front door open. [Figure 4]It is a rear view of the front door. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the housing. [Figure 6] It is a front view showing a part of the front door of the slot machine. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing the side lamp portion provided on the front door. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the side lamp unit. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing a part of the side lamp unit. [Figure 10] It is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp unit seen from the front side. [Figure 11] It is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp unit seen from the rear side. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the side lamp unit seen from the front side after being cross-sectioned. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the side lamp unit seen from the rear side after being cross-sectioned. [Figure 14] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the side lamp unit. [Figure 15] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the side lamp unit. [Figure 16] (A) to (C) are cross-sectional views and front views showing the substrate of the side lamp unit according to a modification of the present invention. [Figure 17] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views and front views showing the substrate of the side lamp unit according to another modification of the present invention. [Figure 18] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views and front views showing the substrate of the side lamp unit according to still another modification of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 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 front view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened, FIG. 4 is a rear view of the front door 12, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the housing 11.

[0010] 〔Overall Structure of Gaming Machine〕 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms its outer shell. The housing 11 is formed in 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 integrally in a box shape from a synthetic resin material or a metal material. An opening 11a that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the housing 11 is formed through the upper part of the side surface of the housing 11. A handle part 11b that is used when transporting the slot machine 10 is provided at the lower part of the side surface of the housing 11.

[0011] A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. That is, the housing 11 is provided with three vertical support shafts 13a, 13b, 13c (see FIG. 5) on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 is provided with bearing parts 14a, 14b, 14c (see FIG. 4) at positions corresponding to the respective support shafts 13a, 13b, 13c. When each support shaft 13a, 13b, 13c is inserted into each bearing part 14a, 14b, 14c, the front door 12 is supported by the housing 11 so as to be rotatable about an opening and closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the respective support shafts 13a, 13b, 13c, and the front open side of the housing 11 can be opened or closed by the rotation of the front door 12.

[0012] 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 17, 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 17. That is, by operating the key cylinder 17, 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 17 used is Omlock®, which has a high level of anti-tampering function.

[0013] 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. On the rear side of the front door 12 corresponding to this game panel 20, a reel unit 21, which is a reel-type display device, is attached as shown in Figures 3 and 4. 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Reel tape is attached to the outer surface of each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R. Multiple symbols as identification information are drawn on the long side (circumferential direction) of the reel tape; specifically, 21 symbols are drawn at equal intervals on each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R, and three consecutive symbols are configured to be visible at the upper, middle, and lower positions of the game panel 20, respectively. Therefore, to switch a symbol at a predetermined position to the next symbol, an output of 24 excitation pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols) is required. Furthermore, the main control device 90 can 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.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, 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).

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 the intake passage 26 or the discharge passage 27 by a selector (not shown) located on the back of the front door 12, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Coins guided to the intake passage 26 are led to a hopper device 31 (see Figures 3 and 5) housed inside the cabinet 11. Coins guided to the discharge passage 27 are guided to a coin tray 29 through a coin discharge port 28 located on the lower front of the front door 12, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and returned to the player.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, 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.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a settlement switch 35 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 when winning as virtual medals until a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) is reached. When the settlement switch 35 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. In addition, when the settlement switch 35 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.

[0022] 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 be provided near the MAXBET button 36. Since the settlement switch 35 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.

[0023] An information display unit 37 is provided near the center of the lower part of the game panel 20. 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 medal count information on a single screen. The display of the information display unit 37 is controlled by the main control device 90.

[0024] To the right of the information display unit 37 are three effect buttons 38, 39, and 40. Effect button 38 is used to switch images and videos displayed on the liquid crystal display device 55 (described later) and to switch the illumination state of the upper lamp 51 and the side lamp 53. Effect buttons 39 and 40 are used to increase or decrease the volume of sound effects output from the speakers 57, 58, and 59 (described later). Operation signals from these effect buttons 38, 39, and 40 are transmitted to and processed by the sub-control device 80 (described later). Above the medal tray 29 is a lower plate 41 displaying the machine name and characters related to the game. To the left of the medal tray 29, a reversible ashtray 42 is provided at the lower front.

[0025] On the front side of the front door 12, an upper lamp 51 serving as a light-emitting display unit (light-emitting means) and a pair of left and right speaker grilles 52 are provided at the top, a pair of side lamps 53 serving as light-emitting display units (light-emitting means) 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 perform effects by lighting up and flashing as the game progresses. 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 perform 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.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, 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.

[0027] 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 56 (see Figure 2) 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.

[0028] 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 3 and 5, 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.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, 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 35, 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 buttons 38, 39, 40, liquid crystal display device 55, upper lamp 51, side lamp 53, upper speaker 57, lower speaker 58, and sub-speaker 59. These main relay boards 71 ​​and sub-relay boards 72 are each provided with input connectors for connecting wiring (not shown) from the main control unit 90 and sub-control unit 80, and distribution connectors for connecting distribution wiring (not shown) connected to each part.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the sub-control device 80 is constructed by forming an outer casing with a substrate case 81, and housing a sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-control device 80. The sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-sub-control device 80 is constructed by forming an outer casing with a substrate case 81, and housing a sub-sub-sub-sub-control device 80 (not shown) within the substrate case 81. Connector openings are formed in the cover member 83, and the connectors 82 are exposed through these openings.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] [Structure of the side lamp] The structure of the side lamp (side lamp as a means of emitting light) 53 will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a front view showing a part of the front door 12 of the slot machine 10. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the side lamp 53 provided on the front door 12, and is a cross-sectional view of the position indicated by line AA in Figure 6.

[0035] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the front door 12 is equipped with a rectangular metal frame 12a, and the game panel 20, reel unit 21, liquid crystal display device 55, etc. are supported inside this metal frame 12a. The side lamps 53 are assembled as a side lamp unit 60, covering the front side of the game panel 20 and are fixed to the metal frame 12a by screws or the like.

[0036] Next, the detailed structure of the side lamp unit 60 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the side lamp unit 60. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the side lamp unit 60, with the translucent cover 64, exterior member 65, and internal member 63, which will be described later, omitted. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp unit 60 seen from the front, and Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp unit 60 seen from the rear.

[0037] The side lamp unit 60 comprises a base member 61 fixed to a metal frame 12a, a substrate 62 provided on the front side of the base member 61, an internal member 63 that sandwiches the substrate 62 between itself and the base member 61, a translucent cover 64 supported across the base member 61 and the internal member 63, and an exterior member 65 that holds the translucent cover 64 relative to the base member 61 and the internal member 63. Furthermore, the side lamp unit 60 is configured to include a semi-transparent member 66 attached to the base member 61 and the internal member 63, an edge member 67 that closes the gap between the edge of the semi-transparent member 66 and the game panel 20, and an upper member 68 attached to the upper part of the edge member 67.

[0038] The base member 61 is a resin integral molded product made of a highly reflective material such as white, and has a front portion 61A that is aligned in the left-right and vertical directions, a side portion 61B that extends rearward from the side edge of the front portion 61A, and a convex portion 61C that extends laterally in a convex shape, continuous with the side portion 61B. A boss portion 61D is formed on the back side of the convex portion 61C, which is fixed to the metal frame 12a. The convex portion 61C is configured to have a reflective portion (second reflective portion) 61E that is formed on a convex curved surface toward the light-transmitting cover 64. The base member 61 is fixed to the front door 12 by screwing the boss portion 61D to the metal frame 12a with the front portion 61A aligned with the surface of the game panel 20.

[0039] The substrate 62 is a rigid substrate such as a paper phenolic substrate, a paper epoxy substrate, or a glass composite substrate, and is a double-sided substrate with circuits provided on its front and back sides. It is electrically connected to the sub-relay substrate 72 by wiring and connectors (not shown). Multiple light sources 69 are mounted on the front (one side) and back (other side) of the substrate 62, respectively. The edge of the substrate 62 on the side of the light-transmitting cover 64 is provided with a recess 62A cut out on the side away from the light-transmitting cover 64 and a protrusion 62B where the recess 62A is not formed. The substrate 62 is supported along the front portion 61A of the base member 61 and is provided along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and the vertical direction, i.e., the front-to-back direction of the slot machine 10.

[0040] The internal component 63 is a resin integral molded product made of a highly reflective material such as white, and is configured to have a rear surface portion 63A that extends toward the base component 61 and abuts against the substrate 62, a first inner surface portion 63B that extends forward from the rear surface portion 63A toward the light-transmitting cover 64, and a second inner surface portion 63C that extends forward from the rear surface portion 63A toward the semi-transparent component 66, further toward the first inner surface portion 63B. The first inner surface portion 63B is configured to have a reflective portion (first reflective portion) 63D formed on a convex curved surface toward the light-transmitting cover 64.

[0041] The light-transmitting cover 64 is a one-piece molded product made of a transparent or translucent resin material, and transmits light irradiated from the light source 69 of the substrate 62 to the outside. This light-transmitting cover 64 is formed in a convex and curved shape extending outward from the front side to the side side of the slot machine 10, and is provided intersecting the surface extension line L (see Figure 7) of the substrate 62. In addition, the light-transmitting cover 64 is provided with characters, patterns, letters, etc. that become visible when light is transmitted through it.

[0042] The exterior member 65 is a resin integrally molded product and is formed having an opening 65A through which light transmitted through the light-transmitting cover 64 passes. The exterior member 65 is attached while holding the light-transmitting cover 64 by having its front end locked to the internal member 63 and its rear end locked to the base member 61.

[0043] The semi-transparent member 66 is an integrally molded product made of a translucent resin material such as milky white, and has a first side portion 66A that extends front to back along the second inner surface portion 63C of the internal member 63, and a second side portion 66B that extends front to back further inward from the first side portion 66A on the slot machine 10 side. The first side portion 66A has a screw insertion portion 66C through which screws for fixing it to the base member 61 together with the internal member 63 are inserted. The second side portion 66B has a screw insertion portion 66D through which screws for fixing it to the base member 61 together with the edge member 67 are inserted.

[0044] The edge member 67 is a resin integral molded product that covers and locks the edge of the semi-transparent member 66 and is provided close to the surface of the game panel 20 together with the base member 61, and is fixed to the base member 61 by screws inserted through the screw insertion portion 66D of the semi-transparent member 66. The upper member 68 is a resin integral molded product and is attached by engaging with the upper part of the edge member 67 and the upper part of the semi-transparent member 66.

[0045] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the light source 69 is composed of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and includes a first light source 69A provided on the front surface (one side) of the substrate 62 near the edge on the side of the translucent cover 64, a second light source 69B provided on the back surface (other side) thereof, and a third light source 69C provided on the front surface of the substrate 62 on the side of the semi-transparent member 66. The first light source 69A is provided at a position further from the translucent cover 64 than the recess 62A on the front surface of the substrate 62 and irradiates light toward the front. The second light source 69B is provided on the back surface of the substrate 62 near the edge on the side of the translucent cover 64 (including the back surface of the protrusion 62B) and irradiates light toward the rear.

[0046] Next, the operation of the side lamp unit 60 will be explained with reference to Figures 12 to 15. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the side lamp unit 60 in cross-section, viewed from the front. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the side lamp unit 60 in cross-section, viewed from the rear. Figures 14(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the side lamp unit 60. Figures 15(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the side lamp unit 60.

[0047] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the substrate 62 is attached to the front side of the front portion 61A of the base member 61, and the edge on the light-transmitting cover 64 side protrudes beyond the side portion 61B of the base member 61. That is, the bottom edge of the recess 62A of the substrate 62 is positioned to be aligned front to back with the side portion 61B, and the protrusion 62B protrudes beyond the side portion 61B towards the light-transmitting cover 64. Therefore, of the multiple light sources 69, the first light source 69A is located on the inward side, away from the light-transmitting cover 64 than the side portion 61B, and the second light source 69B is located on the outward side, closer to the light-transmitting cover 64 than the side portion 61B. On the other hand, the third light source 69C is located in the space surrounded by the semi-transparent member 66.

[0048] As shown by the solid arrows in Figure 14(A), the light emitted from the first light source 69A reaches the reflective portion 63D of the internal member 63 and the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 64 in the forward direction. The light that reaches the reflective portion 63D is reflected by its convex surface so as to spread outwards, and a portion of the reflected light is directed towards the light-transmitting cover 64. A portion of the light that reaches the light-transmitting cover 64 in this way is transmitted through the light-transmitting cover 64, causing the light-transmitting cover 64 to emit light when viewed from the outside. On the other hand, the reflected light reflected by the inner surface of the reflective portion 63D and the light-transmitting cover 64 diffuses in various directions while repeatedly reflecting. Some of this reflected light passes through the recess 62A of the substrate 62 (see Figures 12 and 13), as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 14(B), and reaches the reflective portion 61E of the base member 61 and the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 64 behind the substrate 62. The reflected light reflected by the reflective portion 61E and the light that reaches the light-transmitting cover 64 then pass through the light-transmitting cover 64, causing the light-transmitting cover 64 to emit light when viewed from the outside.

[0049] As shown by the solid arrows in Figure 15(A), the light emitted from the second light source 69B reaches the side portion 61B and reflective portion 61E of the base member 61 and the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 64 toward the rear. The light that reaches the side portion 61B and reflective portion 61E is reflected by the convex surface of the reflective portion 61E, spreading outwards, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 15(B), and the reflected light is directed toward the light-transmitting cover 64. The light that reaches the light-transmitting cover 64 in this way passes through the light-transmitting cover 64, causing it to emit light when viewed from the outside. As described above, the light emitted from the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B reaches not only the front side of the surface extension line L (see Figure 7) of the substrate 62, but also the light-transmitting cover 64 located behind the surface extension line L, causing the entire light-transmitting cover 64 to emit light evenly.

[0050] In the side lamp unit 60 of this embodiment, a recess 62A in the substrate 62 provides a transmissive portion that allows light from the first light source 69A on the front (one side) side to pass through to the rear (other side) of the substrate 62. Furthermore, a recess 62A and a protrusion 62B formed on the edge of the substrate 62 on the side of the light-transmitting cover 64 provide a shadow reduction means that reduces the projection of shadows onto the light-transmitting cover 64. In addition, the recess 62A and protrusion 62B, which serve as the transmissive portion and shadow reduction means, provide a light uniformity means that equalizes the light irradiated from the light source 69 onto the light-transmitting cover 64.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved. (1) In the first embodiment, the side lamp unit 60 is provided with a recess 62A on the substrate as a transparent portion, and by transmitting the light irradiated from the first light source 69A on the substrate 62 backward through the recess 62A, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of shadows on the portion of the light-transmitting cover 64 behind the substrate 62, and the entire light-transmitting cover 64 can be illuminated evenly.

[0052] (2) The side lamp unit 60 is provided with recesses 62A and protrusions 62B on the edge of the substrate 62 as shadow reduction means, which reduces the projection of shadows onto the light-transmitting cover 64, making it less likely for shadows to form on the extension line L of the substrate 62, and thus suppressing uneven light emission of the light-transmitting cover 64.

[0053] (3) Furthermore, the side lamp unit 60 has a substrate 62 and a light-transmitting cover 64, and the light-transmitting cover 64 is provided in a curved shape intersecting the surface extension line L of the substrate 62, and the light irradiated onto the light-transmitting cover 64 from the first light source 69A provided on the front surface of the substrate 62 is made uniform by the recess 62A and protrusion 62B which serve as light uniformization means, thereby suppressing uneven emission of the light-transmitting cover 64.

[0054] (4) Furthermore, the side lamp unit 60 has a first light source 69A provided on the front of the substrate 62 and a second light source 69B provided on the back of the substrate 62, so that light can reach the light-transmitting cover 64 on both the front and rear surfaces of the substrate 62. In addition, since the second light source 69B is provided closer to the light-transmitting cover 64 than the first light source 69A, it becomes easier to ensure brightness on the rear side by appropriately setting the number and brightness of the second light source 69B, so that the entire light-transmitting cover 64 can be illuminated evenly.

[0055] (5) Furthermore, the side lamp unit 60 can be made smaller and more power-efficient because the light source 69 is made of LEDs. In this case, even when highly directional LEDs are used, the recesses 62A and protrusions 62B can suppress uneven illumination of the light-transmitting cover 64.

[0056] (6) The side lamp unit 60 is also provided with a reflective portion 63D of the internal member 63, and the light from the first light source 69A is reflected by the reflective portion 63D, making it easier for the reflected light to reach the rear side through the recess 62A of the substrate 62. Since the reflective portions 63D and 61E are formed with convex surfaces, the reflected light can be spread over a wide area, and the entire light-transmitting cover 64 can be illuminated evenly.

[0057] [Modification of the 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, a side lamp 53 (side lamp unit 60) was exemplified as the light-emitting means, but the present invention is not limited to the side lamp 53 and can be applied to light-emitting parts of various parts of the gaming machine, such as the upper lamp and lower lamp. When applied as an upper lamp, the translucent cover is provided from the front side to the top side of the gaming machine body, and a substrate is provided inside it perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, a substrate structure 62 as shown in Figures 16 to 18 below can also be adopted. Figures 16 to 18 are cross-sectional and front views showing the substrate of a side lamp unit according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0058] (2) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the recess 62A and protrusion 62B of the substrate 62, which serve as the shadow reduction means and light uniformization means, were formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, but they may also be in the shape shown in Figure 16(A). In the substrate 62 shown in Figure 16(A), the outer shape of the protrusion 62B is formed in an arc shape. By making the outer shape of the protrusion 62B in an arc shape, the projection of the shadow of the substrate 62 onto the light-transmitting cover 64 can be further reduced, making it less likely for shadows to form and further reducing the unevenness of light emission of the light-transmitting cover 64.

[0059] (3) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the transmissive portion, shadow reduction means and light uniformization means were formed by the recess 62A of the substrate 62, but as shown in Figure 16(B), a transparent portion 62C may be provided on the substrate 62. In the substrate 62 shown in Figure 16(B), a transparent portion 62C made of a transparent resin material is provided on the edge on the light-transmitting cover 64 side so as to avoid the second light source 69B. This transparent portion 62C constitutes the transmissive portion, shadow reduction means and light uniformization means, and light from the first light source 69A can be transmitted to the rear of the substrate 62 through the transparent portion 62C.

[0060] (4) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the shadow reduction means and light uniformization means were configured by the recess 62A and protrusion 62B of the substrate 62, but as shown in Figure 16(C), a diffusion portion 62D may be provided on the substrate 62. In the substrate 62 shown in Figure 16(C), a diffusion portion 62D made of a translucent resin material or a resin material having a plurality of minute lenses is provided on the edge of the substrate 62 on the light-transmitting cover 64 side. This diffusion portion 62D constitutes the shadow reduction means and light uniformization means, and by diffusing the light from the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B with the diffusion portion 62D, the projection of the shadow of the substrate 62 onto the light-transmitting cover 64 can be reduced.

[0061] (5) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the recess 62A of the substrate 62, which serves as a shadow reduction means and a light uniformization means, was formed only to a position closer to the light-transmitting cover 64 than the second light source 69B. However, it may also be in the form shown in Figure 17(A). In the substrate 62 shown in Figure 17(A), the recess 62A is formed to a position further from the light-transmitting cover 64 than the second light source 69B, that is, the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B are provided on the protrusion 62B. By forming the recess 62A to a large depth in this way, light from the first light source 69A is transmitted to the back side and light from the second light source 69B is transmitted to the front side, thereby reducing uneven emission of the light-transmitting cover 64. Also, in the substrate 62 shown in Figure 17(B), the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B are provided side by side vertically on the protrusion 62B, that is, at a position equidistant from the light-transmitting cover 64. Therefore, the light from the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B is configured to reach the light-transmitting cover 64 evenly.

[0062] (6) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the substrate 62 was a double-sided substrate with circuits provided on both sides thereof, but as shown in Figure 18, the substrate 62 may be made of a two-layer substrate. The substrate 62 shown in Figures 18(A) and (B) comprises a first substrate 62E on the front side and a second substrate 62F on the back side, with circuits provided between them. In the substrate 62 shown in Figure 18(A), the edge of the first substrate 62E on the light-transmitting cover 64 side is set back from the second substrate 62F, and a first light source 69A is provided on its front surface (one side). The second substrate 62F comprises a recess 62A formed at a position aligned with the edge of the first substrate 62E, and a protrusion 62B that protrudes toward the light-transmitting cover 64 side from the edge of the first substrate 62E, and a second light source 69B is provided on the back surface (other side) of the protrusion 62B. By constructing the substrate in this way, it becomes easy to process the substrate 62 to provide a transparent portion, shadow reduction means, and light uniformization means.

[0063] In the substrate 62 shown in Figure 18(B), the first substrate 62E and the second substrate 62F have their edges on the light-transmitting cover 64 side at approximately the same position. Near the edge of the first substrate 62E, a first light source 69A is provided on its front surface (one side), and near the edge of the second substrate 62F, a second light source 69B is provided on its back surface (the other side). These first light source 69A and second light source 69B are provided back-to-back at the same front and rear positions on the substrate 62, that is, at a position equidistant from the light-transmitting cover 64. Therefore, the light from the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B is configured to reach the light-transmitting cover 64 uniformly. By using such a two-layer substrate and providing the light sources 69A and 69B at the same front and rear positions, uniform light can be delivered to the light-transmitting cover 64 on both the front and rear sides of the substrate 62, and the entire light-transmitting cover 64 can be illuminated evenly.

[0064] [Group of inventions extracted from each embodiment] The following describes the features of the group of inventions extracted from the above embodiments. Note that, among the features of the group of inventions, the configurations corresponding to those in the above embodiments are indicated in parentheses. However, the features of the group of inventions are not limited to the above embodiments; modifications, improvements, and combinations of features within the scope that can achieve the objectives of the features of the group of inventions are included in the features of the group of inventions.

[0065] <Characteristics Group A> Feature A1. A gaming machine equipped with a light-emitting means (side lamp 53) having a substrate (substrate 62) on which a light source (light source 69) is mounted, and a light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 64) that transmits light emitted from the light source, The light-transmitting cover is provided so as to intersect the extension line of the substrate and be spaced apart from the edge of the substrate. The light source (first light source 69A) is provided on one surface of the substrate, and the substrate is provided with a transmissive portion (recess 62A, transparent portion 62C) that transmits light from one surface to the other. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0066] According to feature A1 of the present invention, the light-emitting means has a transparent portion on the substrate, and light irradiated from a light source on one side of the substrate is transmitted to the other side through the transparent portion, thereby allowing light to reach the other side as well. Therefore, in a translucent cover provided intersecting the extension line of the substrate surface, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of shadows in the part located on the other side of the extension line of the substrate surface, and the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly. In this way, even with a relatively simple configuration of light-emitting means, the visual appeal and design can be enhanced by illuminating the entire translucent cover uniformly.

[0067] Feature A2. In the gaming machine described in feature A1 of the present invention, The transparent portion is formed by a recess (recess 62A) created by cutting out the edge of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0068] According to feature A2 of the present invention, the transparent portion is formed by a recess created by cutting out the edge of the substrate, allowing light to reach the other side of the substrate through this recess.

[0069] Feature A3. In the gaming machine described in feature A2 of the present invention, In the substrate, a second light source (second light source 69B) is provided on the other side of the protrusion (protrusion 62B) where the recess is not formed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0070] According to feature A3 of the present invention, by providing a second light source on the other side of the protrusion of the substrate, the amount of light on the other side can be increased, and the amount of light on the entire light-transmitting cover can be made uniform.

[0071] Feature A4. In the gaming machine described in feature A1 of the present invention, The transparent portion is composed of a transparent portion (transparent portion 62C) provided near the edge of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0072] According to feature A4 of the present invention, a transparent portion is formed by a transparent portion provided near the edge of the substrate, allowing light to reach the other side of the substrate through this transparent portion.

[0073] Feature A5. In a gaming machine described in any of the features A1 to A4 of the present invention, The light source is an LED. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0074] According to feature A5 of the present invention, even when the light source is composed of highly directional LEDs, as described above, the light can be transmitted to the other side through the translucent portion, allowing the entire translucent cover to emit light evenly. Furthermore, by using LEDs, the light-emitting means can be miniaturized and power-saving.

[0075] Feature A6. In a gaming machine described in any of the features A1 to A5 of the present invention, The light-emitting means has a reflective portion (reflective portion 63D) provided on one side of the substrate that reflects light from the light source. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0076] According to feature A6 of the present invention, a reflective portion is provided on one side of the substrate, and light from a light source is reflected by the reflective portion, making it easier for the reflected light to pass through the transparent portion of the substrate and reach the other side.

[0077] Feature A7. In the gaming machine described in feature A6 of the present invention, The reflective portion is formed having a convex surface. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0078] According to feature A7 of the present invention, since the reflective portion is formed with a convex surface, the reflected light can be spread over a wide area, and the entire light-transmitting cover can be made to emit light evenly.

[0079] Feature A8. In a gaming machine described in any of the features A1 to A7 of the present invention, The light-emitting means is a side lamp, and the light-transmitting cover is provided in a curved shape from the front to the side of the gaming machine body. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0080] According to feature A8 of the present invention, even when the translucent cover of the side lamp is provided in a curved shape from the front to the side of the gaming machine body, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light uniformly.

[0081] According to the features of the present invention described above, by transmitting light irradiated from a light source on one side of the substrate to the other side through a transmissive portion, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of shadows in the light-transmitting cover provided at an intersection with the extension line of the substrate surface, and even with a simple structure, the entire light-transmitting cover can be illuminated uniformly, thus solving the following problems.

[0082] Traditionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices consist of a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that contains the circuit board, a light guide plate that transmits and appropriately diffuses the light from the light source before emitting it, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board, housing, and light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, the light emitted from the light source on the circuit board is diffused through the light guide plate before being emitted, so that the entire cover lights up or appropriate patterns are projected onto the cover.

[0083] However, in conventional light-emitting devices, a cover is provided to enclose the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted onto the cover through a light guide plate. This configuration restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the design freedom of the light-emitting device. Furthermore, since a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, the structure of the light-emitting device becomes complex and large, which is another problem.

[0084] <Characteristics Group B> Feature B1. A gaming machine equipped with a light-emitting means (side lamp 53) having a substrate (substrate 62) on which a light source (light source 69) is mounted, and a light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 64) that transmits light emitted from the light source, The light-transmitting cover is provided so as to intersect the extension line of the substrate and be spaced apart from the edge of the substrate. The light source (first light source 69A) is provided on at least one surface of the substrate, and the edge of the substrate is provided with shadow reduction means (recess 62A, protrusion 62B, transparent part 62C, diffuser 62D) to reduce the projection of shadows onto the light-transmitting cover. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0085] According to feature B1 of the present invention, the light-emitting means is provided with a shadow reduction means at the edge of the substrate. By reducing the projection of shadows onto the translucent cover using the shadow reduction means, shadows are less likely to form on the extended surface of the substrate, thereby suppressing uneven illumination of the translucent cover. In this way, even with a relatively simple configuration of the light-emitting means, the overall illumination of the translucent cover can be made uniform, thereby enhancing its visual appeal and design.

[0086] Feature B2. In the gaming machine described in feature B1 of the present invention, The shadow reduction means is formed by a recess (recess 62A) cut out from the edge of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0087] According to feature B2 of the present invention, the shadow reduction means is configured by a recess cut out from the edge of the substrate, which reduces the projected area of ​​the substrate edge and makes it less likely for shadows to form on the light-transmitting cover. Furthermore, since light can reach the other side of the substrate through the recess, the amount of light on the other side of the light-transmitting cover is increased above the extension line of the substrate surface, allowing the entire light-transmitting cover to emit light evenly.

[0088] Feature B3. In the gaming machine described in feature B2 of the present invention, In the substrate, a second light source (second light source 69B) is provided on the other side of the protrusion (protrusion 62B) where the recess is not formed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0089] According to feature B3 of the present invention, by providing a second light source on the other side of the protrusion of the substrate, the amount of light on the other side can be increased, and the amount of light on the entire light-transmitting cover can be made uniform.

[0090] Feature B4. In the gaming machine described in feature B1 of the present invention, The shadow reduction means is composed of a transparent portion (transparent portion 62C) or a diffusing portion (diffusing portion 62D) provided near the edge of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0091] According to feature B4 of the present invention, the shadow reduction means is configured by transparent or diffusing portions provided near the edge of the substrate, thereby reliably reducing the projection of shadows onto the light-transmitting cover, and allowing light to reach the other side of the substrate through these transparent portions.

[0092] Feature B5. In a gaming machine described in any of the features B1 to B4 of the present invention, The light source is an LED. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0093] According to feature B5 of the present invention, even when the light source is composed of highly directional LEDs, as described above, the projection area of ​​the substrate edge can be reduced by the shadow reduction means, thereby making it less likely for shadows to form on the light-transmitting cover and suppressing uneven light emission. Furthermore, by using LEDs, the light-emitting means can be miniaturized and power-saving.

[0094] Feature B6. In a gaming machine described in any of the features B1 to B5 of the present invention, The light-emitting means has a reflective portion (reflective portion 63D) provided on one side of the substrate that reflects light from the light source. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0095] According to feature B6 of the present invention, a reflective portion is provided on one side of the substrate, and light from the light source is reflected by the reflective portion. This reflected light reaches the light-transmitting cover, which makes it less likely for shadows to form on the light-transmitting cover and suppresses uneven illumination.

[0096] Feature B7. In the gaming machine described in feature B6 of the present invention, The reflective portion is formed having a convex surface. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0097] According to feature B7 of the present invention, since the reflective portion is formed with a convex surface, the reflected light can be spread over a wide area, and the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

[0098] Feature B8. In a gaming machine described in any of the features B1 to B7 of the present invention, The light-emitting means is a side lamp, and the light-transmitting cover is provided in a curved shape from the front to the side of the gaming machine body. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0099] According to feature B8 of the present invention, even when the translucent cover of the side lamp is provided in a curved shape from the front to the side of the gaming machine body, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light uniformly.

[0100] According to the features of the present invention described in group B, a shadow reduction means is provided at the edge of the substrate, and by reducing the projection of shadows onto the light-transmitting cover by the shadow reduction means, shadows are less likely to form on the extended surface of the substrate, and even if a simple structure is adopted, uneven emission of the light-transmitting cover can be suppressed, thus solving the following problems.

[0101] Traditionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices consist of a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that contains the circuit board, a light guide plate that transmits and appropriately diffuses the light from the light source before emitting it, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board, housing, and light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, the light emitted from the light source on the circuit board is diffused through the light guide plate before being emitted, so that the entire cover lights up or appropriate patterns are projected onto the cover.

[0102] However, in conventional light-emitting devices, a cover is provided to enclose the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted onto the cover through a light guide plate. This configuration restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the design freedom of the light-emitting device. Furthermore, since a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, the structure of the light-emitting device becomes complex and large, which is another problem.

[0103] <Characteristics Group C> Feature C1. A gaming machine equipped with a light-emitting means (side lamp 53) having a substrate (substrate 62) on which a light source (light source 69) is mounted, and a light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 64) that transmits light emitted from the light source, The light-transmitting cover is provided so as to intersect the extension line of the substrate and be spaced apart from the edge of the substrate. The light source comprises a first light source (first light source 69A) provided on one side of the substrate and a second light source (second light source 69B) provided on the other side of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0104] According to feature C1 of the present invention, the light-emitting means includes a first light source provided on one side of the substrate and a second light source provided on the other side of the substrate, thereby enabling light to reach the translucent cover on both sides of the substrate, and allowing the entire translucent cover to emit light evenly. In this way, even with a relatively simple configuration of light-emitting means, the overall effect and design can be enhanced by emitting light uniformly across the entire translucent cover.

[0105] Feature C2. In the gaming machine described in feature C1 of the present invention, The second light source (second light source 69B) is provided in a position closer to the light-transmitting cover than the first light source (first light source 69A). A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0106] According to feature C2 of the present invention, by positioning the second light source closer to the light-transmitting cover than the first light source, it becomes easier to ensure brightness on the rear side by appropriately setting the number and brightness of the second light source, and the entire light-transmitting cover can be illuminated evenly.

[0107] Feature C3. In a gaming machine described in feature C1 or feature C2 of the present invention, In the substrate, a light-transmitting portion (recess 62A, transparent portion 62C) is provided at the edge on the side of the light-transmitting cover that is closer to the first light source. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0108] According to feature C3 of the present invention, by providing a transparent portion on the substrate, light from the first light source can be transmitted from one side to the other side, and light from the second light source can be transmitted from the other side to the one side, thereby reducing unevenness in light emission across the entire light-transmitting cover.

[0109] Feature C4. In the gaming machine described in feature C3 of the present invention, The transparent portion is formed by a recess (recess 62A) created by cutting out the edge of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0110] According to feature C4 of the present invention, the transparent portion is formed by a recess created by cutting out the edge of the substrate, allowing light to be transmitted through this recess.

[0111] Feature C5. In the gaming machine described in feature C4 of the present invention, In the substrate, the second light source is provided on the other side of the protrusion (protrusion 62B) where the recess is not formed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0112] According to feature C5 of the present invention, by providing a second light source on the other side of the protrusion, the second light source can be positioned close to the light-transmitting cover, thereby ensuring brightness of the light-transmitting cover on the other side.

[0113] Feature C6. In the gaming machine described in feature C3 of the present invention, The transparent portion is composed of a transparent portion (transparent portion 62C) provided near the edge of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0114] According to feature C6 of the present invention, a transparent portion is formed by a transparent portion provided near the edge of the substrate, allowing light to be transmitted through this transparent portion.

[0115] Feature C7. In a gaming machine described in any of features C1 to C6 of the present invention, The first and second light sources are LEDs. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0116] According to feature C7 of the present invention, even when the light source is composed of highly directional LEDs, the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly by light sources provided on both sides of the substrate, as described above. Furthermore, by using LEDs, the light-emitting means can be miniaturized and power-saving.

[0117] Feature C8. In a gaming machine described in any of the features C1 to C7 of the present invention, The light-emitting means includes a first reflecting portion (reflecting portion 63D) provided on one side of the substrate and reflecting light from the first light source, and a second reflecting portion (reflecting portion 61E) provided on the other side of the substrate and reflecting light from the second light source. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0118] According to feature C8 of the present invention, a first reflective portion is provided on one side of the substrate, and a second reflective portion is provided on the other side of the substrate. Light from the first light source and the second light source are reflected by the first reflective portion and the second reflective portion, respectively, making it easier for the reflected light to reach the light-transmitting cover.

[0119] Feature C9. In the gaming machine described in feature C8 of the present invention, The first reflective portion and the second reflective portion are each formed to have a convex surface. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0120] According to feature C9 of the present invention, since the first and second reflective portions are formed with convex surfaces, the reflected light can be spread over a wide area, and the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

[0121] Feature C10. In a gaming machine described in any of the features C1 to C9 of the present invention, The light-emitting means is a side lamp, and the light-transmitting cover is provided in a curved shape from the front to the side of the gaming machine body. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0122] According to feature C10 of the present invention, even when the translucent cover of the side lamp is provided in a curved shape from the front to the side of the gaming machine body, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light uniformly.

[0123] According to the features C of the present invention described above, since the light-emitting means has a first light source and a second light source, light can be delivered to the translucent cover on one side and the other side of the substrate, ensuring brightness in the portion of the translucent cover located on the other side of the extension line of the substrate surface, and allowing the entire translucent cover to emit light evenly, thus solving the following problems.

[0124] Traditionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices consist of a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that contains the circuit board, a light guide plate that transmits and appropriately diffuses the light from the light source before emitting it, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board, housing, and light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, the light emitted from the light source on the circuit board is diffused through the light guide plate before being emitted, so that the entire cover lights up or appropriate patterns are projected onto the cover.

[0125] However, in conventional light-emitting devices, a cover is provided to enclose the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted onto the cover through a light guide plate. This configuration restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the design freedom of the light-emitting device. Furthermore, since a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, the structure of the light-emitting device becomes complex and large, which is another problem.

[0126] <Features Group D> Feature D1. A gaming machine comprising a gaming machine body and a side lamp (side lamp 53) provided on the front side of the gaming machine body, The side lamp comprises a substrate (substrate 62) on which a light source (light source 69) is mounted, and a light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 64) that transmits light emitted from the light source. The substrate is provided along a plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the gaming machine body, and the light source is provided on at least its front surface. The light-transmitting cover is provided in a curved shape from the front to the side of the gaming machine body, and is provided intersecting the extension line of the surface of the circuit board. Light uniformization means (recess 62A, protrusion 62B, transparent part 62C, diffuser 62D) is provided to uniformize the light irradiated from the light source onto the light-transmitting cover. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0127] According to feature D1 of the present invention, the side lamp has a substrate and a translucent cover, and the translucent cover is provided in a curved shape intersecting the extension line of the substrate surface, and the light irradiated onto the translucent cover from a light source provided on the front surface of the substrate is made uniform by a light uniformization means, thereby suppressing uneven illumination of the translucent cover. In this way, even with a relatively simple light-emitting means, the overall illumination of the translucent cover can be made uniform, thereby enhancing the visual appeal and design.

[0128] Feature D2. In the gaming machine described in feature D1 of the present invention, The light uniformization means is composed of a transmissive portion (recess 62A, transparent portion 62C) provided on the substrate that transmits light from the front side to the back side. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0129] According to feature D2 of the present invention, by transmitting light irradiated from a light source on the front of the substrate to the back side through the translucent portion, the light can reach the light-transmitting cover on the back side of the substrate, and the entire light-transmitting cover can be made to emit light evenly.

[0130] Feature D3. In a gaming machine described in feature D1 or feature D2 of the present invention, The light uniformization means is composed of shadow reduction means (recessed portion 62A, protruding portion 62B, transparent portion 62C, diffuser portion 62D) provided on the edge of the substrate to reduce the projection of shadows onto the light-transmitting cover. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0131] According to feature D3 of the present invention, by reducing the projection of shadows onto the light-transmitting cover using the shadow reduction means, shadows are less likely to form on the extended surface lines of the substrate, and the entire light-transmitting cover can be illuminated evenly.

[0132] Feature D4. In a gaming machine described in any of the features D1 to D3 of the present invention, The light source (light source 69) includes a first light source (first light source 69A) provided on the front surface of the substrate, and a second light source (second light source 69B) provided on the back surface of the substrate at a position closer to the light-transmitting cover than the first light source. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0133] According to feature D4 of the present invention, the side lamp has a first light source provided on the front of the substrate and a second light source provided on the back of the substrate, thereby enabling light to reach the translucent cover on both the front and back sides of the substrate. Furthermore, by providing the second light source closer to the translucent cover than the first light source, brightness can be ensured in the portion of the translucent cover that is positioned on the back side of the substrate's surface extension line, which intersects the surface extension line of the substrate, and the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly.

[0134] Feature D5. In a gaming machine described in any of the features D1 to D4 of the present invention, The light uniformization means is formed by a recess (recess 62A) cut out from the edge of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0135] According to feature D5 of the present invention, the light uniformization means is configured by a recess cut out from the edge of the substrate, which reduces the projected area of ​​the substrate edge and makes it less likely for shadows to form on the light-transmitting cover. Furthermore, since light can reach the back side of the substrate through the recess, the amount of light on the back side of the light-transmitting cover is increased above the extension line of the substrate surface, allowing the entire light-transmitting cover to emit light evenly.

[0136] Feature D6. In the gaming machine described in feature D5 of the present invention, In the substrate, a second light source (second light source 69B) is provided on the back surface of a protrusion (protrusion 62B) where the recess is not formed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0137] According to feature D6 of the present invention, by providing a second light source on the back of the protrusion, the second light source can be positioned close to the light-transmitting cover, thereby ensuring brightness of the light-transmitting cover on the back side.

[0138] According to the features D of the present invention, the translucent cover is provided in a curved shape intersecting the extension line of the substrate surface, and the light irradiated onto the translucent cover from a light source provided on the front surface of the substrate is made uniform by the light uniformization means, thereby suppressing uneven emission of the translucent cover, and thus solving the following problems.

[0139] Traditionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices consist of a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that contains the circuit board, a light guide plate that transmits and appropriately diffuses the light from the light source before emitting it, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board, housing, and light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, the light emitted from the light source on the circuit board is diffused through the light guide plate before being emitted, so that the entire cover lights up or appropriate patterns are projected onto the cover.

[0140] However, in conventional light-emitting devices, a cover is provided to enclose the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted onto the cover through a light guide plate. This configuration restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the design freedom of the light-emitting device. Furthermore, since a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, the structure of the light-emitting device becomes complex and large, which is another problem.

[0141] As described above, the present invention can be suitably used in gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0142] 10 Slot machines (amusement machines) 53 Side lamps (side lamps as a means of illumination) 61E Reflector (2nd reflector) 62 circuit boards 62A Recess (transmitting portion, shadow reduction means, light homogenization means) 62B Protrusion (Shadow reduction means, Light homogenization means) 62C Transparent part (transmissive part, shadow reduction means, light uniformization means) 62D Diffusion section (shadow reduction means, light homogenization means) 63D Reflector (1st reflector) 69 Light source 69A 1st light source 69B 2nd light source L plane extension line

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine equipped with a side lamp as a light-emitting means, having a substrate on which a plurality of light sources are mounted, and a light-transmitting cover that transmits light emitted from the light sources, The light-transmitting cover is provided so as to intersect the extension line of the substrate and be spaced apart from the short edge of the substrate. The light sources are provided on both sides of the substrate along the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and recesses are provided at the edges of the substrate. In the substrate, the light source is provided on a protruding portion where the recess is not formed. The light-emitting means has a reflective portion that can reflect light from the light source provided on one surface of the substrate and reach the light-transmitting cover. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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