Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of reducing labor, time and cost required for replacement work by replacing only a detachable unit while fixing a fixed performance part of performance means to a door body as a common specification.SOLUTION: An upper lamp 51 has a fixed performance section 60 fixed to an upper unit 12a main body of a front door 12, and a detachable unit 70 detachably provided with the fixed performance section 60. The fixed performance section 60 does not protrude upward from the top surface of the upper unit 12a main body and the detachable unit 70 is provided by protruding upward from the top surface of the upper unit 12a main body, thereby accommodating the front door 12 in the same height as that of a general game machine if the detachable unit 70 is removed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 representative 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 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 are configured to include a substrate on which a light source is mounted, a light guide plate that guides the light irradiated from the light source, and a cover that covers the front side of the substrate 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射出 (should be "emitted"), causing the cover to emit light.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since all of the conventional light-emitting effect devices are fixed to the front door of the gaming machine, they cannot be easily replaced, and it is difficult to respond to design changes and updates. In order to change the design of the light-emitting effect device, it is necessary to remove the entire unit of the light-emitting effect device from the front door and replace it, and there is a problem that the replacement work requires a great deal of labor, time, and cost.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the labor, time, and cost required for replacement work by fixing the fixed effect part of the effect means to the door body as a common specification and only replacing the detachable unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In other words, the invention described in claim 1 is, A gaming machine comprising a housing and a front door provided on the front side of the housing, wherein a display means is provided on the upper part of the front door, The front door has a door body that is supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable, The aforementioned display means comprises a fixed display unit fixed to the door body and a detachable unit detachably provided to the door body. The fixed display unit does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body, and the detachable unit is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body. The fixed display unit has a substrate on which a light source is mounted, and the detachable unit has a light-transmitting cover that covers the front of the substrate, and is configured such that light emitted from the light source passes through the light-transmitting cover. 、 The front door is provided with a release mechanism for disengaging the door body from the attachment / detachment unit, and the engagement can only be disengaged when the front door is open relative to the housing by this release mechanism. This is a gaming machine characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the game machine includes a fixed performance unit fixed to the door body and a detachable unit detachably mounted on the door body. The fixed performance unit does not protrude upward from the top surface of the door body, while the detachable unit protrudes above the top surface of the door body. Therefore, by removing the detachable unit from the door body, the game machine can be stored at the same height as a typical game machine. Consequently, when transporting the game machine, the detachable unit can be removed from the door body, allowing the use of a general-purpose transport case, and the assembly of the game machine can be easily completed by transporting the game machine to a predetermined location and then attaching the detachable unit to the door body. Furthermore, since the fixed performance unit is fixed to the door body with a common specification, while the detachable unit can be replaced relatively easily, a variety of performance effects can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1]It is a rear view of the front door of the slot machine in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the upper unit of the front door of the slot machine. [Figure 3] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the upper unit of the front door, and is a sectional view taken along the arrow A-A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the upper unit seen from the back side, and is a sectional view taken along the arrow C in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a top cross-sectional view of the upper unit, and is a sectional view taken along the arrow B-B in FIGS. 2 to 4. [Figure 6] It is a top view of the upper unit main body (door main body). [Figure 7] It is a bottom view of the detachable unit of the upper lamp. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view of the upper lamp. [Figure 9] It is a front view of the fixed effect part of the upper lamp. [Figure 10] It is a longitudinal sectional view of a part of the upper lamp enlarged. [Figure 11] It is a rear view of the front door of the slot machine in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a front view of the upper unit of the front door of the slot machine. [Figure 13] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the upper unit of the front door. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp provided on the front door. [Figure 15] It is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp of the side lamp. [Figure 16] It is a front view of the side lamp. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view of the side lamp, and is a sectional view taken along the arrow A-A in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view of the side lamp of a part of FIG. 17 enlarged. [Figure 19] It is a front view of the side lamp. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view of the side lamp, and is a sectional view taken along the arrow B-B in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a cross-sectional view of the display part of the side lamp with a part of FIG. 20 enlarged. [Figure 22] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing a part of the light guide plate of the side lamp according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 23] It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the display part according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a rear view of the front door of the slot machine in the third embodiment. [Figure 25] It is a rear view of the lower unit of the front door of the slot machine. [Figure 26] It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower unit, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow A-A in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] It is an exploded perspective view of the lower unit seen from the back side. [Figure 28] It is an exploded perspective view of the lower unit seen from the back side. [Figure 29] It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a part of the lower unit enlarged. [Figure 30] It is a perspective view of the back cover of the speaker. [Figure 31] It is a front view of the back cover of the speaker.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, an embodiment in the case where the present invention is applied to a rotary gaming machine, which is a kind of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a rear view of the front door of the slot machine 10.

[0010] [Overall Structure of the Gaming Machine] The slot machine 10 is equipped with a casing that forms its outer shell. The casing is formed by combining wooden panels to create a box shape with an open front, and is attached to the island equipment in the gaming hall by driving nails into it. The casing is not limited to being made of wooden panels; it may also be made of synthetic resin panels or metal panels, or it may be formed as a single box shape from synthetic resin material or metal material.

[0011] A front door 12 is attached to the front of the enclosure so that it can be opened and closed. Specifically, the enclosure has three support shafts on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 has bearing parts 14a, 14b, and 14c at positions corresponding to each support shaft. The front door 12 is supported so that it can rotate around an opening and closing axis that extends vertically from the enclosure, connecting each support shaft, and the front open side of the enclosure can be opened or closed by rotating the front door 12.

[0012] Furthermore, on the front door 12, a locking device 15 is provided on the back side opposite the opening / closing axis (left side in Figure 1), and a locking receiver is provided at a position corresponding to the locking device 15 on the housing. This locking device 15 locks the front door 12, which is closed to the housing, so that it cannot be opened. A key cylinder 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. That is, by operating the key cylinder 17, the locking device 15 is engaged with the locking receiver and locked, so that the front door 12 cannot be opened, and by releasing the engagement between the locking device 15 and the locking receiver and unlocking it, the front door 12 can be opened.

[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. A reel unit, which is a reel-type display device (not shown), is mounted on the rear side of the front door 12, corresponding to the game panel 20. The operation of the reel unit is controlled by the main control device via the main relay board 31.

[0014] The reel unit comprises a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel, each formed in a cylindrical (annular) shape. Each reel is rotatably supported such that its central axis is the axis of rotation of that reel. The axes of rotation of each reel are arranged on the same axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and a portion of the surface of each reel is visible through the game panel 20. Furthermore, when each reel rotates in the forward direction, the surface of each reel appears to move from top to bottom through the game panel 20.

[0015] The front door 12 is equipped with a coin slot for inserting coins. Coins inserted through the coin slot are guided to either an intake passage 26 or an output passage 27 by a selector 25 located on the back of the front door 12. Coins guided to the intake passage 26 are led to a hopper device housed inside the machine. Coins guided to the output passage 27 are led to a coin tray through a coin outlet located at the lower front of the front door 12 and returned to the player. The hopper device consists of a storage tank for storing coins and a dispensing device for dispensing coins to the player. The dispensing device rotates a coin dispensing plate to discharge coins into an opening 27a in the output passage 27, and then dispenses the coins into the coin tray via the output passage 27.

[0016] Figure 2 is a front view of the upper unit 12a of the front door 12 of the slot machine, and Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper unit 12a, which is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, on the front side of the upper unit 12a, an upper lamp 51 and a pair of left and right speaker grilles 52 are provided at the top, and a side lamp 53 as a light-emitting means is provided on the left side. The upper lamp 51 and the side lamp 53 perform effects by lighting up and flashing as the game progresses. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 55 (Figure 1) that provides various information to the player is provided on the upper rear side of 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 with a liquid crystal display that displays images.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, on the rear side of the front door 12, a pair of upper speakers are provided at the top, and a pair of lower speakers 58 are provided at the bottom. The upper speakers 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.

[0018] The upper lamp 51, side lamps 53, liquid crystal display device 55, upper speaker, and lower speaker 58 are controlled by a sub-control unit. The sub-control unit is mounted on the inside of the casing via a main base. Furthermore, a main control unit, which controls the reel unit and hopper device to manage the game overall, is mounted on the main base. In addition, a power box is provided inside the casing. The power box houses the power supply unit and is equipped with a power switch to supply power to various parts, including the sub-control unit and main control unit.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, a main relay board 31 and a sub-relay board 32 are provided on the rear side of the front door 12. The main relay board 31 relays power supplied from the power box via the main control unit and control signals transmitted from the main control unit to various parts such as the reel unit. The sub-relay board 32 relays power supplied from the power box via the sub-control unit and control signals transmitted from the sub-control unit to various parts such as the performance buttons, liquid crystal display device 55, upper lamp 51, side lamp 53, upper speaker, and lower speaker 58. The main relay board 31 and sub-relay board 32 are each provided with input connectors for connecting wiring (not shown) from the main control unit and sub-control unit, and distribution connectors for connecting distribution wiring (not shown) connected to each part.

[0020] [Structure of the upper lamp] The structure of the upper lamp 51 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 8. Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper unit 12a of the front door 12 as seen from the rear side, and is the cross-sectional view taken by arrow C in Figure 2. Figure 5 is an upward-looking cross-sectional view of the upper unit 12a, and is the cross-sectional view taken by arrow BB in Figures 2 to 4. Figure 6 is a top view of the upper unit body (door body). Figure 7 is a bottom view of the attachment / detachment unit 70 of the upper lamp 51. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the upper lamp 51.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the upper lamp 51 as a performance element is configured to include a fixed performance element 60 fixed to the upper unit 12a body (door body) and a detachable unit 70 detachably provided on the upper unit 12a body. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the fixed performance element 60 is configured to include a base member 61 to which the speaker grille 52 is attached, a substrate 62 fixed to the front side of the base member 61, a first fixing plate 63 fixed to the upper unit 12a body, a second fixing plate 64 fixed to the upper side of the first fixing plate 73, and a movable plate 65 provided below the first fixing plate 63. These first fixing plate 63, second fixing plate 64, and movable plate 65 constitute the fixing part on the door body 12 side for fixing the detachable unit 70. The fixed performance element 60 is provided so as not to protrude upward from the upper surface of the upper unit 12a body.

[0022] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the detachable unit 70 comprises a detachable base 71 on the rear side, a light-transmitting cover 72 attached to the front side of the detachable base 71, a reflector 73 and a light guide plate 74 (described later) provided between the detachable base 71 and the light-transmitting cover 72, and three pins 75 as engaging parts fixed to the bottom surface of the detachable base 71. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the detachable unit 70 is provided so as to protrude above the top surface of the upper unit 12a body. By removing such a detachable unit 70 from the upper unit 12a body, the slot machine 10 can be housed in a space with the same height dimensions as a typical amusement machine, and when transporting the slot machine 10, the detachable unit 70 can be removed from the front door 12, allowing the use of general-purpose transport cases, etc.

[0023] The first fixing plate 63 of the fixed display section 60 is formed in an L-shape in cross-section, having a horizontal surface 63A and a vertical surface 63B extending downward from the front edge of the horizontal surface 63A. The second fixing plate 64 is formed having a horizontal surface 64A. The horizontal surfaces 63A and 64A of the first fixing plate 63 and the second fixing plate 64 are fixed to the fixing section 12b of the upper unit 12a body by a plurality of screws. A base member 61 is fixed to the vertical surface 63B of the first fixing plate 63, thereby fixing the speaker grille 52 and the substrate 62 to the upper unit 12a body. The movable plate 65 has two elongated holes 65A, and locking pins 65B inserted through these elongated holes 65A are fixed to the first fixing plate 63 and the second fixing plate 64, thereby supporting the movable plate 65 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction along the lower surface of the first fixing plate 63. Furthermore, the movable plate 65 is biased to the left in a front view of the upper unit 12a by a spring 66 connected to the first fixed plate 63.

[0024] The first fixed plate 63 and the second fixed plate 64 are provided with through holes 63C and 64C, respectively, through which a pin 75 is inserted for positioning. The movable plate 65 has three elongated holes 65C formed therein, through which the pin 75 is inserted and engages. When biased by a spring 66, the edges of the elongated holes 65C engage with the pin 75, thereby engaging the detachable unit 70 with the fixed performance section 60. A release lever 67 is fixed to the back side of the movable plate 65 as a release operation part for releasing the engagement with the detachable unit 70. By sliding the release lever 67 to the left in Figure 4, the engagement between the pin 75 and the elongated holes 65C is released, and the detachable unit 70 can be removed from the fixed performance section 60. This release lever 67 is provided on the back side of the front door 12 and can be operated with the front door 12 open relative to the housing.

[0025] The bottom surface of the detachable base 71 of the detachable unit 70 is provided with two extension pieces 71A and two fitting parts 71B. The extension pieces 71A are formed with an inclined surface on their lower end. The first fixing plate 63 and the second fixing plate 64 are each formed with two insertion holes 63D and 64D through which the extension pieces 71A are inserted, and the movable plate 65 is formed with two contact parts 65D that can abut against the inclined surface of the extension pieces 71A. When the movable plate 65 is slid by the release lever 67, these two contact parts 65D abut against the inclined surface of the extension pieces 71A, thereby pushing the detachable unit 70 upward and making it easier to remove the detachable unit 70.

[0026] The first fixing plate 63 and the second fixing plate 64 each have notches 63E and 64E into which the fitting portion 71B fits. By fitting the fitting portion 71B into these notches 63E and 64E, the mounting state of the detachable unit 70 can be stabilized. In addition, the movable plate 65 is provided with a mark 65E, and the bottom surface of the detachable base 71 is provided with a transparent portion 71C that penetrates the bottom surface. When the movable plate 65 slides to a position where the elongated hole 65C and the pin 75 engage, the mark 65E can be seen through the transparent portion 71C, allowing the engagement state of the detachable unit 70 to be confirmed.

[0027] [Light-emitting structure of the upper lamp] The light-emitting structure of the upper lamp 51 will be described below with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a front view of the fixed display unit 60 of the upper lamp 51. Figure 10 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a part of the upper lamp 51. The substrate 62 of the fixed display unit 60 is equipped with multiple light sources, namely first light sources 62A and second light sources 62B. The first light sources 62A are provided in the portion of the substrate 62 below approximately the middle in the height direction, and these first light sources 62A are mainly composed of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light forward. The second light sources 62B are provided along the upper edge of the substrate 62, and these second light sources 62B are mainly composed of side-view LEDs that emit light upward. In addition, a protective cover 62C that covers the front surface of the substrate 62 can be attached to the fixed display unit 60.

[0028] Inside the detachable unit 70 are a reflector 73 and a light guide plate 74. The reflector 73 is supported by the detachable base 71 and is mounted vertically. The light guide plate 74 is The light guide plate 74 has a first light guide portion (first plate portion) 74A that covers the front of the substrate 62 and a second light guide portion (first plate portion) 74B that covers the front of the reflector 73, and is formed in a crank shape in cross-section, with the lower end surface of the second light guide portion 74B positioned above the second light source 62B. A light-transmitting cover 72 is provided to cover the front of such a light guide plate 74.

[0029] In the upper lamp 51 described above, light emitted from the first light source 62A of the substrate 62 is introduced into the first light guide section 74A of the light guide plate 74, diffused appropriately, and emitted in front of the first light guide section 74A, and the emitted light illuminates while passing through the light-transmitting cover 72. In addition, light emitted upward from the second light source 62B of the substrate 62 is incident from the lower end surface of the second light guide section 74B, diffused in the second light guide section 74B and reflected by the reflector 73, and emitted in front of the second light guide section 74B, and the emitted light illuminates while passing through the light-transmitting cover 72.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved. (1) The upper lamp 51 has a fixed display unit 60 fixed to the upper unit 12a body of the front door 12, and a removable unit 70 that is detachably provided on the fixed display unit 60. The fixed display unit 60 does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the upper unit 12a body, and the removable unit 70 is provided so that it protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper unit 12a body. By removing the removable unit 70, the front door 12 can be stored at the same height as a typical gaming machine. Therefore, when transporting the slot machine 10, the removable unit 70 can be removed from the front door 12, allowing the use of a general-purpose transport case, and the slot machine 10 can be easily assembled by transporting it to a designated location and then attaching the removable unit 70 to the front door 12. In addition, the upper lamp 51 has a fixed display unit 60 that is fixed to the front door 12 as a common specification, while the removable unit 70 can be replaced relatively easily, so a variety of display effects can be achieved.

[0031] (2) Furthermore, the upper lamp 51 prevents the removal of the attachment / detachment unit 70 from the front door 12 unless the release lever 67 is operated with the front door 12 open, thus preventing the attachment / detachment unit 70 from being removed improperly.

[0032] (3) The fixed performance unit 60 has first and second fixed plates 63 and 64, a movable plate 65 and a spring 66. The elongated hole 65C of the movable plate 65 engages with the pin 75 of the attachment / detachment unit 70, thereby engaging the attachment / detachment unit 70 with the fixed performance unit 60. By sliding the movable plate 65 through the operation of the release lever 67, the engagement between the elongated hole 65C and the pin 75 is released, allowing for smooth attachment and detachment of the attachment / detachment unit 70. Furthermore, the engagement between the elongated hole 65C and the pin 75 is maintained by the spring 66 biasing the movable plate 65, so the engagement will not be released unexpectedly, and the attachment / detachment unit 70 can be maintained in its installed state.

[0033] (4) When the movable plate 65 slides to a position where the elongated hole 65C and the pin 75 engage, the mark 65E on the movable plate 65 becomes visible from the transparent part 71C of the detachable unit 70, thereby allowing confirmation of the engagement state of the detachable unit 70. On the other hand, if the mark 65E is not visible from the transparent part 71C, it can be confirmed that the elongated hole 65C and the pin 75 are not fully engaged, thus preventing the detachable unit 70 from being incompletely installed. In addition, the fitting part 71B provided on the detachable unit 70 fits into the notches 63E and 64E of the fixed display part 60, thereby stabilizing the installation state of the detachable unit 70.

[0034] (5) The upper lamp 51 has a fixed display unit 60 which has a circuit board 62 and a detachable unit 70 which has a light guide plate 74 and a light-transmitting cover 72. The light from the light sources 62A and 62B on the circuit board 62 is guided to the detachable unit 70 by the light guide plate 74, and the light diffused by the light guide plate 74 is emitted onto the light-transmitting cover 72 to realize the light-emitting effect.Therefore, it is not necessary to place a circuit board in the detachable unit 70, and when attaching the detachable unit 70 to the front door 12, it is not necessary to connect wiring, and the installation work of the detachable unit 70 is further simplified.

[0035] (6) The fixed display unit 60 is equipped with a protective cover 62C that covers the front of the circuit board 62. When transporting the slot machine 10 with the detachable unit 70 removed from the front door 12, the circuit board 62 can be protected by attaching the protective cover 62C.

[0036] (7) The upper lamp 51 has a substrate 62 with a first light source 62A and a second light source 62B, and the light guide plate 74 of the detachable unit 70 has a first light guide section (first plate section) 74A and a second light guide section (first plate section) 74B, with the first light guide section 74A positioned in front of the first light source 62A, and one end surface of the second light guide section 74B facing the second light source 62B and extending away from the substrate 62, so that the light from the first light source 62A is diffused forward by the first light guide section 74A, and the light from the second light source 62B is guided and diffused to a position away from the substrate 62 by the second light guide section 74B.

[0037] [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, the upper lamp 51 was exemplified as a performance means, but the present invention is not limited to the upper lamp 51 and can be applied to light-emitting performance parts of various parts of the gaming machine, such as the side lamps 53 and the lower lamp. Furthermore, the performance means is not limited to those that perform light-emitting performances, but may also be movable performance parts or display performance parts.

[0038] (2) In the upper lamp 51 of the above embodiment, the detachable unit 70 was attached to the fixed performance unit 60 from above, and the movable plate 65 was provided to engage with the pin 75 by sliding left and right, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, the detachable unit 70 may be attached to the fixed performance unit 60 from front to rear, or it may be attached by moving in the left and right direction. Also, the sliding direction of the movable plate 65 is not limited to the left and right direction, but may be in the front and back direction, the up and down direction, or any inclined direction.

[0039] (3) In the upper lamp 51 of the above embodiment, the release lever 67, which serves as a release operation part for releasing the engagement of the detachable unit 70, was provided on the rear side of the front door 12 so as to be slidable from side to side. However, it is not limited to this, and may be provided in a hidden position such as on the underside of the upper surface of the upper unit 12a. Furthermore, the release operation part is not limited to sliding from side to side, but may also slide back and forth or up and down, or rotate. In addition, the release operation part may be equipped with a locking mechanism to restrict its operation.

[0040] (4) In the upper lamp 51 of the above embodiment, the substrate 62 of the fixed performance unit 60 was equipped with a first light source 62A and a second light source 62B as multiple light sources, but it is not limited to this, and may be divided into a substrate equipped with a light source for forward illumination and a substrate equipped with a light source for upward illumination. Also, the second light source 62B of the substrate 62 is not limited to being composed of a side view LED, but may use an LED for forward illumination. Also, the light guide plate 74 is not limited to being formed in a crank shape in cross-section with a first light guide section 74A and a second light guide section 74B, but may be divided into a light guide plate for forward illumination and a light guide plate for upward illumination. Furthermore, the light sources and light guide plates of the substrate are not limited to just two types, forward and upward, but may be installed facing any direction, such as for intermediate height, to the right, or to the left.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 11 to 23. Figure 11 is a rear view of the front door of the slot machine 10, Figure 12 is a front view of the upper unit 12a of the front door 12 of the slot machine, and Figure 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper unit 12a. Components having the same function as in the above embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals, and components having different functions even if they share the same reference numeral will be treated as unique reference numerals in this embodiment.

[0042] As shown in Figure 11, a main relay board 71 and a sub relay board 72 are provided on the rear side of the front door 12. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, on the front side of the upper unit 12a, an upper lamp 51 and a pair of left and right speaker grilles 52 are provided at the top, and a side lamp 53 as a light-emitting means is provided on the left side.

[0043] [Structure of the side lamp] The structure of the side lamp 53 will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 21. Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp 53 provided on the front door 12. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp 60 of the side lamp 53. Figure 16 is a front view of the side lamp 60. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the side lamp 60, which is the cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in Figure 16. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the side lamp 60, which is an enlarged portion of Figure 17.

[0044] As shown in Figure 14, the side lamp 53 is composed of a side lamp 60 and a display unit 70. As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the side lamp 60 comprises a base member 61 fixed to the metal frame of the upper unit 12a of the front door 12, a side cover 62 provided on the side of the base member 61, a substrate 63 provided inside the base member 61, a light guide plate 64 provided on the front side of the substrate 63 inside the base member 61, and a light-transmitting cover 65 provided to cover the front and sides of the light guide plate 64.

[0045] The base member 61 is a resin integral molded product and has a main plate portion 61A extending in the front-rear direction, a sub-plate portion 61B extending inward from the main plate portion 61A in the left-right direction, and a substrate support portion 61C that protrudes laterally from the rear of the main plate portion 61A and supports the substrate 63. The side cover 62 is an opaque resin integral molded product and is attached to cover the outer surface on the rear side of the base member 61, forming the side surface of the upper unit 12a of the front door 12.

[0046] The substrate 63 is a rigid substrate such as a paper phenolic substrate, a paper epoxy substrate, or a glass composite substrate, and has circuits provided on its surface. It is electrically connected to the sub-relay substrate 72 by wiring and connectors (not shown). Multiple light sources 63A are mounted on the front surface of the substrate 63. The light sources 63A are composed of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and emit light forward. The substrate 63 is supported by the substrate support portion 61C of the base member 61 and extends vertically 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.

[0047] The light-transmitting cover 65 is a one-piece molded product made of a transparent or translucent resin material, and transmits light diffused and emitted by the light guide plate 64 to the outside. This light-transmitting cover 65 is formed in a convex shape extending outward from the front to the side of the slot machine 10, and is provided to cover the front and sides of the light guide plate 64. The light-transmitting cover 65 is attached by locking one outer rear end to the side cover 62 and the inner end to locking to the tip of the main plate portion 61A of the base member 61. The light-transmitting cover 65 is also provided with a pattern that becomes visible when light is transmitted through it.

[0048] As shown in Figure 18, the light guide plate 64 is a one-piece molded product made of transparent resin material, which is long vertically and has a front-to-back dimension that conforms to the shape of the light-transmitting cover 65. The light guide plate 64 is formed in an L-shape in cross-section and has a first plate portion 64A that extends in the front-to-back direction (first direction) and a second plate portion 64B that bends from the front end of the first plate portion 64A and extends in the left-to-right direction (second direction). The outer sides of the bent portions of the first plate portion 64A and the second plate portion 64B are chamfered, and this chamfering forms a reflecting portion 64C that reflects the light guided to the first plate portion 64A to the second plate portion 64B. The rear end surface of the first plate portion 64A is provided facing the substrate 63 and is the incident surface 64D into which light from the light source 63A is incident.

[0049] A first diffusion section 64E is formed on the inner surface of the first plate portion 64A of the light guide plate 64, which diffuses and emits the light guided to the first plate portion 64A toward the side light-transmitting cover 65. This first diffusion section 64E is formed by cutting the inner surface of the first plate portion 64A in a random pattern of unevenness, so as to irradiate uniform light toward the side portion of the light-transmitting cover 65. A second diffusion section (diffusion section) 64F is formed on the inner surface of the second plate portion 64B, which diffuses and emits the light guided from the reflecting section 64C to the second plate portion 64B toward the front light-transmitting cover 65. The second diffusion section 64F is formed in a stepped shape from the reflecting section 64C toward the tip of the second plate portion 64B, and the second plate portion 64B is formed so that its thickness gradually decreases toward the tip. Furthermore, the second diffusion section 64F is formed in a continuous band-like and uneven shape along the vertical direction (the direction perpendicular to the second direction) when viewed from above the second plate section 64B.

[0050] In the side lamp 60 described above, light emitted from the light source 63A of the substrate 63 is introduced into the first plate portion 64A from the incident surface 64D, and as shown by the arrow in Figure 18, it travels forward (first direction), and a portion of the light is diffused by the first diffuser portion 64E and emitted to the side of the first plate portion 64A, and the emitted light passes through the light-transmitting cover 65 and illuminates. Furthermore, the light that reaches the tip of the first plate portion 64A is reflected by the reflector portion 64C and travels inward in the left-right direction (second direction) within the second plate portion 64B, and is sequentially diffused by the second diffuser portion 64F of the second plate portion 64B, where the plate thickness gradually decreases, and is emitted in front of the second diffuser portion 64F, and the emitted light passes through the light-transmitting cover 65 and illuminates.

[0051] Figure 19 is a front view of the side lamp 53. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the side lamp 53, and is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow BB in Figure 19. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the display unit 70 of the side lamp 53, which is an enlarged portion of Figure 20. The display unit 70 comprises a substrate 71 and a reflector 72 supported by a base member 61 of the side lamp 60, a translucent cover 73 covering the front of the substrate 71 and reflector 72, a decorative sheet 74 provided in close contact with the inner surface of the translucent cover 73, and an exterior member 75 that holds the translucent cover 73 and decorative sheet 74 relative to the base member 61.

[0052] The substrate 71 is a rigid substrate such as a paper phenolic substrate, a paper epoxy substrate, or a glass composite substrate, and has circuits provided on its surface. It is electrically connected to the sub-relay substrate 72 by wiring and connectors (not shown). Multiple light sources 71A are mounted on the front surface of the substrate 71. The light sources 71A use side-view LEDs, which emit strong light to the sides and weak light to the front. Specifically, the light sources 71A have a first light source that emits high-luminosity light along the substrate 71 and a second light source that emits low-luminosity light towards the front of the substrate 71. The substrate 71 is supported by the sub-plate portion 61B of the base member 61 and extends vertically 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.

[0053] The reflector 72 is a one-piece molded resin product made of a highly reflective material such as white, and has a base portion 72A that is aligned in the left-right and vertical directions, and a reflective surface portion 72B that extends forward from the base portion 72A. A tapered inclined surface 72C is formed on the inside of the intersection of the base portion 72A and the reflective surface portion 72B. The light-transmitting cover 73 is a one-piece molded product made of a transparent resin material, and the decorative sheet 74 is a translucent resin sheet on which a design or the like is printed. These decorative sheet 74 and the light-transmitting cover 73 transmit light irradiated from the light source 71A of the substrate 71 to the outside. The light-transmitting cover 73 is formed in a convex and curved shape that extends from the side of the slot machine 10 inward towards the rear.

[0054] The exterior member 75 is a resin integrally molded product and is formed having an opening 75A through which light transmitted through the decorative sheet 74 and the translucent cover 73 passes. The exterior member 75 is attached while holding the translucent cover 73 and the decorative sheet 74 by having its front end locked to the main plate portion 61A of the base member 61 and its rear end locked to the sub-plate portion 61B of the base member 61. The translucent cover 73 and the substrate 71, held in this manner, are arranged non-parallel to each other. That is, the distance to the translucent cover 73 is large on the left-right outer side of the substrate 71 (the left side in Figure 21, one end of the substrate 71), and small on the right-right inner side of the substrate 71 (the other end of the substrate 71).

[0055] In the display unit 70 described above, high-luminosity light irradiated from the light source 71A (first light source) on the substrate 71 along the substrate 71 travels toward the inclined surface 72C and reflective surface 72B of the reflector 72, is reflected by them, and then travels toward the decorative sheet 74 and the translucent cover 73, which are further away. The light that travels toward the decorative sheet 74 and the translucent cover 73 in this way is reflected by the inclined surface 72C and reflective surface 72B, causing it to spread out moderately and its luminosity to decrease. On the other hand, low-luminosity light irradiated from the light source 71A (second light source) on the substrate 71 toward the front travels toward the decorative sheet 74 and the translucent cover 73, which are further away. This light passes through the decorative sheet 74, causing it to glow, and then passes through the translucent cover 65.

[0056] According to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved. (1) The light guide plate 64 of the side lamp 60 has a first plate portion 64A, a second plate portion 64B, and a reflecting portion 64C. The second plate portion 64B is formed so that its thickness gradually decreases toward its tip, and it has a second diffusion portion 64F that diffuses the light guided to the second plate portion 64B. This makes it possible to make the amount of light emitted from each part of the second plate portion 64B uniform and produce surface illumination. In this way, uniform surface illumination can be obtained in the second plate portion 64B, which is away from the light source 63A and intersects with the direction of irradiation of light from the light source 63A. Therefore, there is no need to prepare another light source corresponding to the second plate portion 64B, and the structure of the side lamp 60 can be simplified.

[0057] (2) Furthermore, the side lamp 60 can make the amount of light emitted from the second plate portion 64B more uniform by sequentially diffusing the light with a second diffusion portion 64F that is formed in a stepped manner toward the tip side of the second plate portion 64B of the light guide plate 64. In addition, the second diffusion portion 64F is formed in a continuous band shape and uneven shape along the vertical direction in a plan view of the second plate portion 64B, so that the light within the second plate portion 64B can be diffused uniformly.

[0058] (3) In the display unit 70, the light source 71A irradiates high-luminance light along the substrate 71 toward one end where the distance between the substrate 71 and the translucent cover 73 is large, and this light is reflected and spread by the inclined surface 72C and reflective surface 72B of the reflector 72, while the light source 71A irradiates low-luminance light forward toward the other end where the distance between the substrate 71 and the translucent cover 73 is small, thereby equalizing the light that reaches the translucent cover 73. Therefore, even if the substrate 71 and the translucent cover 73 are arranged non-parallel to each other, the light transmitted through the translucent cover 73 can be made uniform, thus simplifying the structure of the display unit 70 while increasing the freedom of arrangement between the substrate 71 and the display unit 70 and improving the design of the display unit 70.

[0059] (4) The light source 71A of the substrate 71 is composed of side-view LEDs and has a first light source that irradiates high-luminance light along the substrate 71 and a second light source that irradiates low-luminance light toward the front of the substrate 71, thereby simplifying the structure of the substrate 71 and the light source 71A.

[0060] [Modified example of the second 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 side lamp 60 and display unit 70 of the side lamp 53 were exemplified as 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.

[0061] (2) In the side lamp 60 of the above embodiment, the light guide plate 64 was formed in an L-shape in cross-sectional view and had a first plate portion 64A extending in the front-rear direction and a second plate portion 64B bending from the front end of the first plate portion 64A and extending in the left-right direction. However, it is not limited to this, and the light guide plate 64 may be formed in a flat plate shape. If the light guide plate 64 is formed in a flat plate shape, the configuration corresponding to the second diffusion portion 64F of the second plate portion 64B may be provided at the end opposite to the incident surface 64D into which light is incident on the light guide plate 64.

[0062] (3) In the side lamp 60 of the above embodiment, the second plate portion 64B of the light guide plate 64 gradually thins in thickness toward the tip side, and the second diffusion portion 64F is formed in a stepped shape. However, the invention is not limited to this, and may have the form shown in Figures 22(A) and (B). In the light guide plate 64 shown in Figure 22(A), the second plate portion 64B gradually thins in thickness toward the tip side, and a second diffusion portion 64F consisting of a plurality of recesses (dimples) is provided on its flat inner surface. In the light guide plate 64 shown in Figure 22(B), the second diffusion portion 64F is formed in a continuous band shape and wave shape along the vertical direction in a plan view of the second plate portion 64B.

[0063] (4) In the display unit 70 of the above embodiment, the light source 71A of the substrate 71 was composed of a side-view LED, but as shown in Figure 23, a first light source 71B and a second light source 71C with different luminances and emitting light forward may be used. The first light source 71B is positioned on one end side (outward in the left-right direction) of the substrate 71 and irradiates high-luminance light toward the front of the substrate 71, causing the light to reach the light-transmitting cover 73 which is far from the substrate 71. On the other hand, the second light source 71C is positioned on the other end side (inward in the left-right direction) of the substrate 71 and irradiates low-luminance light toward the front of the substrate 71, causing the light to reach the light-transmitting cover 73 which is far from the substrate 71.

[0064] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 24 to 31. Figure 24 is a rear view of the front door of the slot machine 10. Components having the same function as in the above embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals, and components having different functions even if they share the same reference numeral will be treated as unique reference numerals in this embodiment.

[0065] [Structure of the lower unit] The structure of the lower unit 12a of the front door 12 will be described below with reference to Figures 25 to 27. Figure 25 is a rear view of the lower unit 12a of the front door 12 of the slot machine 10. Figure 26 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower unit 12a, which is the cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in Figure 25. Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of the lower unit 12a seen from the rear side.

[0066] As shown in Figures 25 to 27, the lower unit 12a of the front door 12 has a dispensing unit 28 located from the upper left to the lower center when viewed from the rear, a main relay board 71 and a sub relay board 72 located vertically in the center right, and a pair of lower speakers 58 located on both sides of the lower part. The operating table 12b on the front side of the lower unit 12a has a medal insertion section 24, and the lower end of the medal insertion section 24 is connected to the selector 25 of the dispensing unit 28.

[0067] As shown in Figure 27, the payout unit 28 has a base member 28A, on which the selector 25, intake passage 26, and discharge passage 27 are supported. This payout unit 28 is detachably mounted to the lower unit 12a from the rear side of the front door 12. The medal insertion section 24 is attached to the operation table 12b by being inserted vertically, and this medal insertion section 24 is also removable. Therefore, if the slot machine 10 is converted to a medalless system, the payout unit 28 and the medal insertion section 24 can be removed from the lower unit 12a for operation.

[0068] [Structure of the lower speaker] The configuration of the lower speaker 58 will be described below with reference to Figures 28 to 31. Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of the lower unit 12a seen from the rear. Figure 29 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the lower unit 12a. Figure 30 is a perspective view of the rear cover of the speaker. Figure 31 is a front view of the rear cover of the speaker.

[0069] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the lower unit 12a of the front door 12 is provided with a speaker grille 54 and a lower speaker 58, and a rear cover 60 is provided on the rear side of the lower speaker 58. The speaker grille 54 has a plurality of through holes, through which the outside and the inside of the front door 12 are in communication. The lower speaker 58 is a dynamic type speaker having a frame 58A, a diaphragm 58B, an edge 58C, an electromagnetic coil 58D, a plate 58E, a magnet 58F, and a yoke 58G. The rear cover 60 is composed of a base portion 61 fixed to the inner surface of the lower unit 12a, a cylindrical portion 62 extending inward from the base portion 61 into the housing, and an extension cylindrical portion 63 extending inward from the cylindrical portion 62 into the housing and surrounding the rear end of the lower speaker 58. The cylindrical portion 62 is provided with a plurality of openings 64 that are arranged in the circumferential direction and open into the interior of the lower unit 12a body.

[0070] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the cylindrical portion 62 of the rear cover 60 has a first wall portion 62A and a second wall portion 62B that are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and a connecting passage 65 is provided between these first wall portion 62A and second wall portion 62B. The connecting passage 65 is a space that connects the outer opening 64 with the internal space of the rear cover 60, and is formed in a crank shape that is bent at least twice. In cross-sectional view, the first wall portion 62A has a first radial wall 62C extending in the radial direction and a first circumferential wall 62D that intersects the middle of the first radial wall 62C and extends in the circumferential direction, forming a cross shape in cross-section. The second wall portion 62B has a second radial wall 62E extending in the radial direction, a second outer peripheral wall 62F that intersects the outer peripheral side of the second radial wall 62E and extends in the circumferential direction, and a second inner peripheral wall 62G that intersects the inner peripheral side of the second radial wall 62E and extends in the circumferential direction, forming an I-shape in cross-section.

[0071] An opening 64 is formed by the gap between the first radial wall 62C of the first wall portion 62A and the second outer peripheral wall 62F of the second wall portion 62B. Furthermore, the first outer peripheral wall 62D of the first wall portion 62A overlaps radially with the second inner peripheral wall 62G of the second wall portion 62B, and also overlaps radially with the second outer peripheral wall 62F. The connecting passage 65 is formed sequentially from the inside of the rear cover 60 by the gap between the first radial wall 62C and the second inner peripheral wall 62G, the gap between the first radial wall 62D and the second inner peripheral wall 62G, the gap between the first radial wall 62D and the second radial wall 62E, the gap between the first radial wall 62D and the second outer peripheral wall 62F, and the gap between the first radial wall 62C and the second outer peripheral wall 62F, and is continuous with the opening 64. Therefore, the connecting passage 65 is formed in a crank shape that bends four times from the internal space of the rear cover 60 to the opening 64.

[0072] As shown in Figure 29, the cylindrical portion 62 is provided surrounding the outer circumference of the frame 58A of the lower speaker 58. The extension cylindrical portion 63 is formed having a small-diameter cylindrical portion 63A with a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical portion 62, and a flange portion 63B that bends radially inward from the rear end of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 63A and follows the rear end of the lower speaker 58. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 63A is provided surrounding the outer circumference of the plate 58E and magnet 58F of the lower speaker 58, and the flange portion 63B is provided without gaps with the magnet 58F and yoke 58G. Multiple slits 63C are provided from the small-diameter cylindrical portion 63A to the flange portion 63B. The width dimension of these slits 63C is minute so that wires and the like cannot pass through.

[0073] In the lower speaker 58 described above, even if a wire or the like inserted through a through-hole in the speaker grille 54 penetrates the diaphragm 58B and edge 58C, and the tip of the wire or the like reaches the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 62 of the rear cover 60 and enters the gap between the first radial wall 62C and the second inner peripheral wall 62G, which are the entrances to the communication passage 65, the communication passage 65 is formed in a crank shape with four bends, so the wire or the like is prevented from entering any further. Therefore, a wire or the like inserted from the outside cannot reach the internal space of the front door 12 through the opening 64 of the rear cover 60, thus preventing unauthorized access to the internal components of the enclosure.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved. (1) The rear cover 60 that covers the rear side of the lower speaker 58 is formed in a crank shape with a connecting passage 65 that is bent at least twice, so that even if someone tries to illegally access the inside of the housing through the lower speaker 58 using a wire or the like, the wire or the like cannot pass through the connecting passage 65, thus preventing illegal activity. In addition, the internal space of the rear cover 60, which is the space behind the lower speaker 58, and the internal space of the front door 12 are connected by the multiple openings 64 and the connecting passage 65 of the rear cover 60, so that the sound quality and sound pressure of the lower speaker 58 can be properly ensured.

[0075] (2) The cylindrical portion 62 of the rear cover 60 has a first wall portion 62A and a second wall portion 62B, and a connecting passage 65 is provided between the first wall portion 62A and the second wall portion 62B, and the first circumferential wall 62D of the first wall portion 62A and the second inner circumferential wall 62G of the second wall portion 62B are arranged to overlap radially, so that the connecting passage 65 is formed in a crank shape that is bent four times, thereby making it possible to prevent fraudulent activities even more reliably.

[0076] (3) The extension cylindrical portion 63 of the rear cover 60 has a small diameter cylindrical portion 63A and a flange portion 63B, and the flange portion 63B is provided along the rear end of the lower speaker 58, thereby eliminating the gap between the rear cover 60 and the lower speaker 58, and thus more reliably preventing fraudulent activity.

[0077] [Modified example of the third 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 rear cover 60 is provided on the rear side of the lower speaker 60, and this rear cover 60 is used to prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the enclosure. However, the same configuration may be applied not only to the lower speaker 58 but also to the upper speaker. Furthermore, the same configuration may be applied not only to speakers but also to various performance elements where there is a possibility of communication between the outside and the inside of the enclosure.

[0078] (2) In the rear cover 60 of the above embodiment, the cylindrical portion 62 had a first wall portion 62A and a second wall portion 62B, and a connecting passage 65 was provided between the first wall portion 62A and the second wall portion 62B, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, the cylindrical portion is not limited to having a first wall portion 62A with a cross-shaped cross section and a second wall portion 62B with an I-shaped cross section, but can be constructed by combining wall portions of an appropriate shape as long as the connecting passage is formed in a crank shape two or more times.

[0079] [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.

[0080] <Characteristics Group A> Feature A1. A gaming machine comprising a housing and a front door (12) provided on the front side of the housing, wherein a display means (upper lamp 51) is provided on the upper part of the front door, The front door has a door body (upper unit 12a body) that is supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable, The aforementioned display means includes a fixed display unit (60) fixed to the door body and a detachable unit (70) detachably provided to the door body. The fixed display unit does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body, while the detachable unit is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0081] According to feature A1 of the present invention, the performance means comprises a fixed performance unit fixed to the door body and a detachable unit detachably provided on the door body. The fixed performance unit does not protrude upward from the top surface of the door body, while the detachable unit protrudes above the top surface of the door body. Therefore, by removing the detachable unit from the door body, the machine can be stored at a height equivalent to that of a typical gaming machine. Consequently, when transporting the gaming machine, the detachable unit can be removed from the door body, allowing the use of a general-purpose transport case, and the assembly of the gaming machine can be easily completed by transporting the machine to a predetermined location and then attaching the detachable unit to the door body. Furthermore, since the fixed performance unit is fixed to the door body with a common specification, while the detachable unit can be replaced relatively easily, a variety of performance effects can be achieved.

[0082] Feature A2. In the gaming machine described in feature A1 of the present invention, The detachable unit (70) has an engaging portion (pin 75) that can engage with the fixed portion of the door body, and a release operation portion (release lever 67) for releasing the engagement between the fixed portion and the engaging portion is provided inside the door body, and the release operation portion is provided so as to be operable when the front door is open. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0083] According to feature A2 of the present invention, the staging means prevents the attachment / detachment unit from being removed from the door body unless the release operation unit is operated while the front door is open, thus preventing the attachment / detachment unit from being removed improperly.

[0084] Feature A3. In the gaming machine described in feature A2 of the present invention, The fixing portion of the door body comprises a fixing plate (first fixing plate 63, second fixing plate 64) extending horizontally and fixed to the door body, a movable plate (65) that can slide left and right along the fixing plate, and a spring (66) that biases the movable plate in either the left or right direction, and the release operation portion is connected to the movable plate. The engagement portion of the attachment / detachment unit is composed of a pin (75) that can pass through the fixed plate and the movable plate. The fixing plate is provided with through holes (63C, 64C) through which the pins are inserted for positioning. The movable plate is provided with elongated holes (65C) on the left and right sides through which the pins are inserted. When the movable plate is slid to either the left or right side due to the spring bias, the elongated hole engages with the pin, thereby engaging the detachable unit with the fixed portion of the door body. When the release mechanism is operated, the movable plate slides to either the left or right side against the biasing force of the spring, releasing the engagement between the elongated hole and the pin, thereby allowing the detachable unit to be removed from the fixed portion of the door body. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0085] According to feature A3 of the present invention, the fixing part of the door body has a fixing plate, a movable plate, and a spring, and the elongated hole in the movable plate engages with a pin which is an engaging part, thereby engaging the attachment / detachment unit with the fixing part of the door body. By sliding the movable plate through the operation of the release operation part, the engagement between the elongated hole and the pin is released, so that the attachment / detachment unit can be attached and detached smoothly. Furthermore, since the engagement state between the elongated hole and the pin is maintained by the spring biasing the movable plate, the engagement will not be released unexpectedly, and the attached state of the attachment / detachment unit can be maintained.

[0086] Feature A4. In the gaming machine described in feature A3 of the present invention, The detachable unit is provided with a transparent section (71C) that allows the fixing portion of the door body to be seen from the outside. The movable plate is provided with a mark (65E) that is visible from the transparent section when it is slid to a position where the elongated hole and the pin engage. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0087] According to feature A4 of the present invention, the movable plate slides to a position where the elongated hole and the pin engage, allowing the mark to be seen through the transparent section, thereby confirming the engagement state. On the other hand, if the mark cannot be seen through the transparent section, it can be confirmed that the elongated hole and the pin are not fully engaged, thus preventing the attachment / detachment unit from being incompletely installed.

[0088] Feature A5. In a gaming machine described in any of the features A1 to A4 of the present invention, The detachable unit is provided with a fitting portion (71B) that fits into the fixing portion of the door body. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0089] According to feature A5 of the present invention, the fitting portion provided on the detachable unit fits into the fixing portion of the door body, thereby stabilizing the mounting state of the detachable unit.

[0090] Feature A6. In a gaming machine described in any of the features A1 to A5 of the present invention, The fixed display unit (60) has a substrate (62) on which light sources (62A, 62B) are mounted, The detachable unit (70) is configured to include a light guide plate (74) that guides light emitted from the light source, and a cover (light-transmitting cover 72) that covers the front of the light guide plate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0091] According to feature A6 of the present invention, the performance means has a fixed performance section with a circuit board and a detachable unit with a light guide plate and a cover. Light from the light source on the circuit board is guided to the detachable unit by the light guide plate, and the light diffused by the light guide plate is emitted onto the cover to realize a light-emitting performance. Therefore, it is not necessary to place a circuit board in the detachable unit, and work such as connecting wiring when attaching the detachable unit to the door body is not required, further simplifying the installation work of the detachable unit.

[0092] Feature A7. In the gaming machine described in feature A6 of the present invention, The fixed display unit is configured to allow the attachment of a protective cover (62C) that covers the front surface of the circuit board. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0093] According to feature A7 of the present invention, a protective cover can be attached to the front of the circuit board. This allows the circuit board to be protected when transporting the gaming machine with the attachment / detachment unit removed from the door body, by attaching the protective cover to the fixed display unit.

[0094] Feature A8. In a gaming machine described in feature A6 or feature A7 of the present invention, The light source of the substrate comprises a first light source (62A) that irradiates light forward and a second light source (62B) that irradiates light in a direction along the substrate. The light guide plate of the detachable unit is configured to have a first plate portion (first light guide portion 74A) located in front of the first light source, and a second plate portion (second light guide portion 74B) whose one end surface faces the second light source and extends away from the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0095] According to feature A8 of the present invention, the substrate has a light source, a first light source and a second light source, and the light guide plate of the detachable unit has a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion is located in front of the first light source, and one end surface of the second plate portion faces the second light source and extends away from the substrate, so that the light from the first light source is diffused forward by the first plate portion, while the light from the second light source is guided and diffused to a position away from the substrate by the second plate portion.

[0096] According to the features of the present invention described above, the display means can be fixed to the door body using a common specification, while the detachable unit can be replaced relatively easily, thus solving the following problems.

[0097] Conventionally, 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 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 light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light source, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board and the 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 and then emitted, causing the cover to light up.

[0098] However, conventional lighting effects devices are all fixed to the front door of the gaming machine, making them difficult to replace and accommodating design changes or updates. Changing the design of the lighting effects device requires removing the entire unit from the front door and replacing it, which presents problems in terms of considerable effort, time, and expense.

[0099] <Characteristics Group B> Feature B1. A gaming machine comprising a housing and a front door (12) provided on the front side of the housing, wherein a display means (upper lamp 51) is provided on the front door, The front door has a door body (upper unit 12a body) that is supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable, The aforementioned display means includes a fixed display unit (60) fixed to the door body and a detachable unit (70) detachably provided to the door body. The aforementioned fixed display unit has a substrate (62) on which light sources (62A, 62B) are mounted, The detachable unit is configured to include a light guide plate (74) that guides light emitted from the light source, and a cover (light-transmitting cover 72) that covers the front of the light guide plate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0100] According to feature B1 of the present invention, the performance means comprises a fixed performance unit fixed to the door body and a detachable unit detachably provided on the door body. The fixed performance unit has a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, and the detachable unit has a light guide plate and a cover. Light from the light source on the circuit board is guided to the detachable unit by the light guide plate, and the light diffused by the light guide plate is emitted onto the cover, thereby realizing a light-emitting effect. Therefore, it is not necessary to place a circuit board in the detachable unit, and work such as connecting wiring when attaching the detachable unit to the door body is unnecessary, further simplifying the installation work of the detachable unit. In addition, since the fixed performance unit is fixed to the door body with a common specification, while the detachable unit can be replaced relatively easily, a variety of performance effects can be achieved.

[0101] Feature B2. In the gaming machine described in feature B1 of the present invention, The fixed display unit is configured to allow the attachment of a protective cover (62C) that covers the front surface of the circuit board. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0102] According to feature B2 of the present invention, a protective cover can be attached to the front of the circuit board. This allows the circuit board to be protected when transporting the gaming machine with the attachment / detachment unit removed from the door body, by attaching the protective cover to the fixed display unit.

[0103] Feature B3. In a gaming machine described in feature B1 or feature B2 of the present invention, The light source of the substrate comprises a first light source (62A) that irradiates light forward and a second light source (62B) that irradiates light in a direction along the substrate. The light guide plate of the detachable unit is configured to have a first plate portion (first light guide portion 74A) located in front of the first light source, and a second plate portion (second light guide portion 74B) whose one end surface faces the second light source and extends away from the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0104] According to feature B3 of the present invention, the substrate has a light source, a first light source and a second light source, and the light guide plate of the detachable unit has a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion is located in front of the first light source, and one end surface of the second plate portion faces the second light source and extends away from the substrate, so that the light from the first light source is diffused forward by the first plate portion, while the light from the second light source is guided and diffused to a position away from the substrate by the second plate portion.

[0105] Feature B4. In a gaming machine described in any of the features B1 to B3 of the present invention, The aforementioned display means is provided on the upper part of the front door, and the fixed display part does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body, while the detachable unit is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0106] According to feature B4 of the present invention, the display means is provided on the upper part of the front door, and the fixed display unit does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body, while the detachable unit protrudes above the upper surface of the door body. Therefore, by removing the detachable unit from the door body, it can be stored at the same height as a typical gaming machine. Consequently, when transporting the gaming machine, the detachable unit can be removed from the door body, allowing the use of a general-purpose transport case, and the assembly of the gaming machine can be easily completed by transporting the gaming machine to a predetermined location and then attaching the detachable unit to the door body.

[0107] Feature B5. In a gaming machine described in any of the features B1 to B4 of the present invention, The detachable unit has an engaging portion (pin 75) that can engage with the fixed portion of the door body, and a release operation portion (release lever 67) for releasing the engagement between the fixed portion and the engaging portion is provided inside the door body, and the release operation portion is provided so as to be operable when the front door is open.

[0108] According to feature B5 of the present invention, the detachable unit is attached by engaging an engaging part with a fixing part of the door body, and can be removed from the door body by operating a release operation part provided inside the door body to release the engagement between the fixing part and the engaging part. Therefore, the detachable unit cannot be removed from the door body unless the release operation part is operated with the front door open, thus preventing the detachable unit from being removed improperly.

[0109] According to the features of the present invention described in group B, the display means can be fixed to the door body using a common specification, while the detachable unit can be replaced relatively easily, thus solving the following problems.

[0110] Conventionally, 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 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 light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light source, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board and the 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 and then emitted, causing the cover to light up.

[0111] However, conventional lighting effects devices are all fixed to the front door of the gaming machine, making them difficult to replace and accommodating design changes or updates. Changing the design of the lighting effects device requires removing the entire unit from the front door and replacing it, which presents problems in terms of considerable effort, time, and expense.

[0112] <Characteristics Group C> Feature C1. A gaming machine comprising a housing and a front door (12) provided on the front side of the housing, wherein a display means (upper lamp 51) is provided on the front door, The front door has a door body (upper unit 12a body) that is supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable, The aforementioned display means includes a fixed display unit (60) fixed to the door body and a detachable unit (70) detachably provided to the door body. The detachable unit has an engaging portion (pin 75) that can engage with the fixed portion of the door body, and a release operation portion (release lever 67) for releasing the engagement between the fixed portion and the engaging portion is provided inside the door body, and the release operation portion is provided so as to be operable when the front door is open. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0113] According to feature C1 of the present invention, the performance means includes a fixed performance unit fixed to the door body and a detachable unit detachably provided on the door body. The detachable unit is attached by engaging an engagement part with the fixed part of the door body, and can be removed from the door body by operating a release operation part provided inside the door body to release the engagement between the fixed part and the engagement part. Therefore, the detachable unit cannot be removed from the door body unless the release operation part is operated with the front door open, thus preventing unauthorized removal of the detachable unit. As a result, the performance means can achieve a variety of performance effects, as the fixed performance unit is fixed to the door body with a common specification, while the detachable unit can be replaced relatively easily.

[0114] Feature C2. In the gaming machine described in feature C1 of the present invention, The aforementioned display means is provided on the upper part of the front door, and the fixed display part does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body, while the detachable unit is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0115] According to feature C2 of the present invention, the display means is provided on the upper part of the front door, and the fixed display unit does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body, while the detachable unit protrudes above the upper surface of the door body. Therefore, by removing the detachable unit from the door body, it can be stored at the same height as a typical gaming machine. Consequently, when transporting the gaming machine, by removing the detachable unit from the door body, a general-purpose transport case can be used, and the assembly of the gaming machine can be easily completed by transporting the gaming machine to a predetermined location and then attaching the detachable unit to the door body.

[0116] Feature C3. In a gaming machine described in feature C1 or feature C2 of the present invention, The aforementioned fixed display unit has a substrate (62) on which light sources (62A, 62B) are mounted, The detachable unit is configured to include a light guide plate (74) that guides light emitted from the light source, and a cover (light-transmitting cover 72) that covers the front of the light guide plate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0117] According to feature C3 of the present invention, the performance means has a fixed performance section with a circuit board and a detachable unit with a light guide plate and a cover. Light from the light source on the circuit board is guided to the detachable unit by the light guide plate, and the light diffused by the light guide plate is emitted onto the cover to realize a light-emitting performance. Therefore, it is not necessary to place a circuit board in the detachable unit, and work such as connecting wiring when attaching the detachable unit to the door body is not required, further simplifying the installation work of the detachable unit.

[0118] Feature C4. In the gaming machine described in feature C3 of the present invention, The fixed display unit is configured to allow the attachment of a protective cover (62C) that covers the front surface of the circuit board. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0119] According to feature C4 of the present invention, a protective cover can be attached to the front of the circuit board. This allows the circuit board to be protected when transporting the gaming machine with the detachable unit removed from the door body by attaching the protective cover to the fixed display unit.

[0120] Feature C5. In a gaming machine described in feature C3 or feature C4 of the present invention, The light source of the substrate comprises a first light source (62A) that irradiates light forward and a second light source (62B) that irradiates light in a direction along the substrate. The light guide plate of the detachable unit is configured to have a first plate portion (first light guide portion 74A) located in front of the first light source, and a second plate portion (second light guide portion 74B) whose one end surface faces the second light source and extends away from the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0121] According to feature C5 of the present invention, the substrate has a light source, a first light source and a second light source, and the light guide plate of the detachable unit has a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion is located in front of the first light source, and one end surface of the second plate portion faces the second light source and extends away from the substrate, so that the light from the first light source is diffused forward by the first plate portion, while the light from the second light source is guided and diffused to a position away from the substrate by the second plate portion.

[0122] According to the features C of the present invention described above, the display means can be fixed to the door body using a common specification, while the detachable unit can be replaced relatively easily, thus solving the following problems.

[0123] Conventionally, 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 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 light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light source, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board and the 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 and then emitted, causing the cover to light up.

[0124] However, conventional lighting effects devices are all fixed to the front door of the gaming machine, making them difficult to replace and accommodating design changes or updates. Changing the design of the lighting effects device requires removing the entire unit from the front door and replacing it, which presents problems in terms of considerable effort, time, and expense.

[0125] <Features AA group> Feature AA1. A gaming machine comprising a light-emitting means (60) having a substrate (63) on which a light source (63A) is mounted, and a light guide plate (64) that guides the light emitted from the light source, The light guide plate has a first plate portion (64A) extending in a first direction from which the light source is positioned at one end, a second plate portion (64B) bending from the other end of the first plate portion and extending in a second direction, and a reflecting portion (64C) that reflects the light guided to the first plate portion to the second plate portion. The second plate portion is formed such that its thickness gradually decreases from the reflective portion toward the tip in the second direction, and it is configured to have a diffusion portion (second diffusion portion 64F) that diffuses the light guided to the second plate portion. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0126] According to feature AA1 of the present invention, the light guide plate of the light-emitting means has a first plate portion, a second plate portion, and a reflecting portion. The second plate portion is formed so that its thickness gradually decreases toward its leading edge, and it has a diffusion portion that diffuses the light guided to the second plate portion. This allows for uniform emission of light in each part of the second plate portion in the second direction, resulting in surface emission. That is, light from the light source on the substrate is introduced from one end of the first plate portion and travels in the first direction, is reflected by the reflecting portion, and travels through the second plate portion in the second direction, where it is sequentially diffused by the diffusion portion of the second plate portion, which gradually decreases in thickness. In this way, uniform surface emission can be obtained in the second plate portion, which is away from the light source and intersects with the irradiation direction of the light from the light source (first direction). Therefore, there is no need to prepare another light source corresponding to the second plate portion, and the structure of the light-emitting means can be simplified.

[0127] Feature AA2. In the gaming machine described in feature AA1 of the present invention, The diffusion portion of the second plate is formed in a stepped shape from the reflection portion toward the tip side in the second direction. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0128] According to feature AA2 of the present invention, the amount of light emitted from the second plate can be made more uniform by sequentially diffusing the light with a staircase-shaped diffusion section formed toward the tip side in the second direction of the second plate.

[0129] Feature AA3. In the gaming machine described in Feature AA2 of the present invention, The diffusion portion of the second plate is formed in a continuous, band-like and uneven manner along the direction perpendicular to the second direction when viewed in plan. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0130] According to feature AA3 of the present invention, the diffusion portion is formed in a continuous, band-like and uneven manner along a direction perpendicular to the second direction in a plan view, thereby enabling uniform diffusion of light within the second plate portion.

[0131] Feature AA4. In a gaming machine described in any of the features AA1 to AA3 of the present invention, The diffusion portion of the second plate is formed on the inner surface of the second plate which is bent from the first plate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0132] According to feature AA4 of the present invention, a diffusion portion is formed on the inner surface of the second plate portion which is bent from the first plate portion, so that the light diffused by the diffusion portion can be emitted from the outer surface of the second plate portion.

[0133] According to the features AA of the present invention described above, the amount of light emitted can be made uniform and surface-emitting in the second plate portion, which is separated from the light source and intersects with the direction of light irradiation from the light source, thereby solving the following problems.

[0134] 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, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-185293). These light-emitting devices consist of a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, a light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light source, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board and the 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 and then emitted, causing the cover to light up.

[0135] However, in conventional light-emitting devices, light from a light source is introduced from one end face of the light guide plate, diffuses while traveling in one direction within the light guide plate, and is emitted from the surface of the light guide plate toward the cover. As a result, when the light guide plate is long and the distance from the light source is large, the amount of light emitted becomes insufficient, making it difficult to obtain uniform surface emission. Therefore, it becomes necessary to place another light source on the other end face of the light guide plate to equalize the amount of light throughout the entire light guide plate, which leads to the problem of the light-emitting device becoming more complex and larger in size.

[0136] <Characteristics Group A and B> Feature AB1. A gaming machine comprising a light-emitting means (60) having a substrate (63) on which a light source (63A) is mounted, and a light guide plate (64) that guides the light emitted from the light source, The light guide plate has a first plate portion (64A) extending in a first direction from which the light source is positioned at one end, a second plate portion (64B) bending from the other end of the first plate portion and extending in a second direction, and a reflecting portion (64C) that reflects the light guided to the first plate portion to the second plate portion. The second plate portion is configured to have a diffuser portion (second diffuser portion 64F) which is formed in a stepped shape from the reflector portion toward the tip side in the second direction and diffuses the light guided to the second plate portion. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0137] According to feature AB1 of the present invention, the light guide plate of the light-emitting means has a first plate portion, a second plate portion, and a reflecting portion. The second plate portion has a diffuser portion formed in a stepped shape toward its tip side to diffuse the light guided to the second plate portion. This makes it possible to equalize the amount of light emitted in each part of the second direction in the second plate portion and emit light from the surface. That is, light from the light source of the substrate is introduced from one end of the first plate portion and travels in the first direction, is reflected by the reflecting portion and travels through the second plate portion in the second direction, and is sequentially diffused by the diffuser portion formed in a stepped shape in the second plate portion. In this way, uniform surface emission can be obtained in the second plate portion which is away from the light source and intersects with the direction of irradiation of light from the light source (first direction), so there is no need to prepare another light source corresponding to the second plate portion, and the structure of the light-emitting means can be simplified.

[0138] Feature AB2. In the gaming machine described in feature AB1 of the present invention, The diffusion portion of the second plate is formed such that the plate thickness gradually decreases from the reflection portion toward the tip side in the second direction. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0139] According to feature AB2 of the present invention, the light within the second plate is sequentially diffused by the diffusing portion of the second plate, which gradually decreases in thickness, thereby making the amount of light emitted from the second plate more uniform.

[0140] Feature AB3. In the gaming machine described in feature AB1 or AB2 of the present invention, The diffusion portion of the second plate is formed in a continuous, band-like and uneven manner along the direction perpendicular to the second direction when viewed in plan. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0141] According to feature AB3 of the present invention, the diffusion portion is formed in a continuous, band-like and uneven manner along a direction perpendicular to the second direction in a plan view, thereby enabling uniform diffusion of light within the second plate portion.

[0142] Feature AB4. In a gaming machine described in any of the features AB1 to AB3 of the present invention, The diffusion portion of the second plate is formed on the inner surface of the second plate which is bent from the first plate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0143] According to feature AB4 of the present invention, a diffusion portion is formed on the inner surface of the second plate portion which is bent from the first plate portion, so that the light diffused by the diffusion portion can be emitted from the outer surface of the second plate portion.

[0144] According to the features A and B of the present invention described above, the amount of light emitted can be made uniform and surface-emitting in the second plate portion, which is separated from the light source and intersects with the direction of light irradiation from the light source, thereby solving the following problems.

[0145] 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, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-185293). These light-emitting devices consist of a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, a light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light source, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board and the 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 and then emitted, causing the cover to light up.

[0146] However, in conventional light-emitting devices, light from a light source is introduced from one end face of the light guide plate, diffuses while traveling in one direction within the light guide plate, and is emitted from the surface of the light guide plate toward the cover. As a result, when the light guide plate is long and the distance from the light source is large, the amount of light emitted becomes insufficient, making it difficult to obtain uniform surface emission. Therefore, it becomes necessary to place another light source on the other end face of the light guide plate to equalize the amount of light throughout the entire light guide plate, which leads to the problem of the light-emitting device becoming more complex and larger in size.

[0147] <Characteristics AC group> Feature AC1. A gaming machine comprising a light-emitting means (60) having a substrate (63) on which a light source (63A) is mounted, and a light guide plate (64) that guides the light emitted from the light source, The light guide plate is formed such that the light source is positioned at one end and the thickness of the plate gradually decreases towards the other end, and it has a diffusion section (second diffusion section 64F) that diffuses the light guided to the light guide plate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0148] According to feature AC1 of the present invention, the light guide plate of the light-emitting means is formed such that the light source is placed at one end and the thickness of the plate gradually decreases toward the other end, and it has a diffusion section that diffuses the light guided to the light guide plate, thereby enabling uniform light emission on the other end. That is, light from the light source on the substrate is introduced from one end of the light guide plate and travels toward the other end, where it is sequentially diffused by the diffusion section, which gradually decreases in thickness toward the other end. In this way, uniform surface emission can be obtained toward the other end, which is far from the light source, so there is no need to prepare another light source toward the other end, and the structure of the light-emitting means can be simplified.

[0149] Feature AC2. Features of the present invention group AC1 in the gaming machine described above, The diffusion portion is formed in a stepped shape toward the other end of the light guide plate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0150] According to feature AC2 of the present invention, by sequentially diffusing light with a stepped diffusion section formed toward the other end of the light guide plate, the amount of light emitted from the light guide plate can be made more uniform.

[0151] Feature AC3. Features of the present invention group AC2 in the gaming machine described above, The diffusion portion is formed in a continuous, band-like and uneven manner along a direction perpendicular to the direction from one end to the other of the light guide plate when viewed from above. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0152] According to feature AC3 of the present invention, the diffusion portion is formed in a continuous, band-like and uneven manner when viewed from above, which allows for uniform diffusion of light within the light guide plate.

[0153] According to the AC features of the present invention described above, the amount of light emitted can be made uniform and surface-emitting at the other end of the light guide plate, which is far from the light source, thus solving the following problems.

[0154] 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, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-185293). These light-emitting devices consist of a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, a light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light source, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board and the 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 and then emitted, causing the cover to light up.

[0155] However, in conventional light-emitting devices, light from a light source is introduced from one end face of the light guide plate, diffuses while traveling in one direction within the light guide plate, and is emitted from the surface of the light guide plate toward the cover. As a result, when the light guide plate is long and the distance from the light source is large, the amount of light emitted becomes insufficient, making it difficult to obtain uniform surface emission. Therefore, it becomes necessary to place another light source on the other end face of the light guide plate to equalize the amount of light throughout the entire light guide plate, which leads to the problem of the light-emitting device becoming more complex and larger in size.

[0156] <Characteristic AD Group> Feature AD1. A gaming machine comprising a light-emitting means (70) having a substrate (71) on which light sources (71A, 71B, 71C) are mounted, and a cover (transparent cover 73) that transmits light emitted from the light sources, The substrate and the cover are provided non-parallel to each other, and in a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting means, the distance between one end of the substrate and one end of the cover is greater than the distance between the other end of the substrate and the other end of the cover. The light source comprises a first light source (71A, 71B) and a second light source (71A, 71C) with lower brightness than the first light source. The first light source irradiates light toward one end of the cover, and the second light source irradiates light toward the other end of the cover. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0157] According to feature AD1 of the present invention, the light-emitting means can equalize the light reaching the cover by having a first light source irradiate light toward one end where the distance between the substrate and the cover is large, and a second light source with lower brightness than the first light source irradiate light toward the other end where the distance between the substrate and the cover is small. Therefore, even if the substrate and the cover are arranged non-parallel to each other, the light transmitted through the cover can be made uniform, thus simplifying the structure of the light-emitting means while increasing the freedom of arrangement between the substrate and the cover and enhancing the design of the light-emitting means.

[0158] Feature AD2. Features of the present invention group AD1 in the gaming machine, The light source (71A) is composed of side-view LEDs, the first light source irradiates high-luminosity light from the side-view LEDs along the substrate, and the second light source irradiates low-luminosity light from the side-view LEDs toward the front of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0159] According to feature AD2 of the present invention, the structure of the substrate and the light source can be simplified by using side-view LEDs as the light source.

[0160] Feature AD3. Features of the present invention group AD1 in the gaming machine, The first light source (71B) is composed of a first LED that is positioned on one end of the substrate and emits high-luminosity light toward the front of the substrate. The second light source (71C) is composed of a second LED that is positioned on the other end of the substrate and emits low-luminance light toward the front of the substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0161] According to feature AD3 of the present invention, by selecting a first light source and a second light source with appropriate brightness and arranging them at appropriate positions on one end and the other end of the substrate, the amount of light reaching the cover can be appropriately set, and the light transmitted through the cover can be made uniform.

[0162] Feature AD4. In a gaming machine described in any of the features AD1 to AD3 of the present invention, The light-emitting means further includes a reflector 72 provided on one end of the substrate and the cover, which reflects light irradiated from the first light source. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0163] According to feature AD4 of the present invention, by further providing a reflector that reflects light emitted from the first light source, the light from the first light source can be reflected in an appropriate direction before reaching the cover.

[0164] According to the features AD of the present invention described above, even if the substrate and the cover are installed at an angle to each other, the light from the light source on the substrate can be uniformly delivered to the cover, thereby making the light transmitted through the cover uniform, and thus solving the following problems.

[0165] 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, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-185293). These light-emitting devices consist of a circuit board on which a light source is mounted, a light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light source, and a cover that covers the front side of the circuit board and the 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 and then emitted, causing the cover to light up.

[0166] However, in conventional light-emitting methods, the light from the light source is made uniform by a light guide plate, so that uniform light is emitted onto the cover. Without a light guide plate, it is difficult to achieve uniform light, and the structure of the light-emitting method becomes complex and large. On the other hand, when the substrate and cover are arranged in parallel and light is shone directly from the light source towards the cover, it is difficult to enhance the design of the light-emitting method due to constraints on the arrangement and shape of the cover.

[0167] <Features BA group> Feature BA1. A gaming machine comprising a housing and a front door (12) provided on the front side of the housing, wherein a speaker (lower speaker 58) is provided on the front door, The front door has a door body (lower unit 12a body) that is supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable, The speaker is fixed to the inner surface of the door body, and the rear side of the speaker is covered by a rear cover (60). The rear cover comprises at least a base portion (61) fixed to the inner surface of the door body and a cylindrical portion (62) extending inward from the base portion to the housing. The cylindrical portion is provided with a plurality of openings (64) arranged in the circumferential direction and opening into the interior of the door body, and a connecting passage (65) that connects the plurality of openings to the internal space of the rear cover. The aforementioned passage is formed in a crank shape that is bent at least twice. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0168] According to feature BA1 of the present invention, the rear cover that covers the back of the speaker has a base portion and a cylindrical portion, and a passage is provided that connects a plurality of openings in the cylindrical portion to the internal space of the rear cover, and the passage is formed in a crank shape that is bent at least twice, so that even if someone tries to illegally access the inside of the housing through the speaker using a wire or the like, the wire or the like cannot pass through the passage that is bent two or more times, and the illegal act can be prevented. Furthermore, since the internal space of the rear cover and the internal space of the door body are connected by the plurality of openings and the passage, the sound quality and sound pressure of the speaker can be properly ensured.

[0169] Feature BA2. In the gaming machine described in BA1 of the present invention, The cylindrical portion has a first wall portion (62A) and a second wall portion (62B) arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and the connecting passage is provided between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The first wall portion is formed in a cross shape in cross-section, having a first radial wall (62C) extending in the radial direction and a first circumferential wall (62D) extending in the circumferential direction and intersecting the intermediate portion of the first radial wall. The second wall portion is formed in an I-shape in cross-section, having a second radial wall (62E) extending in the radial direction, a second outer peripheral wall (62F) extending in the circumferential direction and intersecting the outer peripheral side of the second radial wall, and a second inner peripheral wall (62G) extending in the circumferential direction and intersecting the inner peripheral side of the second radial wall. The opening is formed by the gap between the first diameter wall of the first wall portion and the second outer peripheral wall of the second wall portion. The first circumferential wall of the first wall portion and the second inner circumferential wall of the second wall portion are arranged to overlap in the radial direction. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0170] According to feature BA2 of the present invention, the cylindrical portion has a first wall portion and a second wall portion, a connecting passage is provided between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, and the first circumferential wall of the first wall portion and the second inner circumferential wall of the second wall portion overlap radially, so that the connecting passage is formed in a crank shape that is bent four times, thereby making it possible to prevent fraudulent activities even more reliably.

[0171] Feature BA3. In a gaming machine described in feature BA1 or feature BA2 of the present invention, The rear cover has an extension cylindrical portion (63) that extends inward from the cylindrical portion and surrounds the rear end of the speaker. The extension tube portion is formed having a small-diameter tube portion (63A) with a smaller outer diameter than the tube portion, and a flange portion (63B) that bends radially inward from the rear end of the small-diameter tube portion and follows the rear end of the speaker. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0172] According to feature BA3 of the present invention, the rear cover has an extension tube portion, the extension tube portion has a small diameter tube portion and a flange portion, and the flange portion is provided along the rear end of the speaker, thereby eliminating the gap between the rear cover and the speaker, and making it possible to prevent fraudulent activity even more reliably.

[0173] According to the features BA of the present invention described above, the following problems can be solved by forming the communication passage of the rear cover in a crank shape that is bent at least twice.

[0174] Traditionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with speakers that emit various game sounds from the front door of the gaming machine (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-51472). The speakers are installed inside a speaker grille with multiple holes in the front door body, and there is a concern that unauthorized access to the inside of the casing may occur by piercing the speakers with wire or the like. Therefore, to prevent such unauthorized access, a rear cover is attached to the back of the speakers.

[0175] However, conventional back covers have a small opening connecting the inside of the back cover to the inside of the casing, which makes it difficult to ensure the sound quality and sound pressure of the speakers. On the other hand, making the opening larger makes it easier for unauthorized access to occur, which is problematic from the standpoint of preventing fraudulent activity.

[0176] As described above, the present invention can be suitably used in gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0177] 10 Slot machines (amusement machines) 12 Front door 51 Upper lamp (display device) 60 Fixed Production Unit 62 circuit boards 62A First light source 62B Second light source 62C Protective Cover 63 First fixing plate (fixing plate) 63C through hole 64 Second fixing plate (fixing plate) 64C through hole 65 Movable plate 65C long hole 65E mark 66 springs 67 Release lever (release operation part) 70 Detachable Unit 71B Mating part 71C Transparent part 72 Translucent cover (cover) 74 Light guide plate 74A First light guide section (first plate section) 74B Second light guide section (first plate section) 75 Pin (engaging part)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising a housing and a front door provided on the front side of the housing, wherein a display means is provided on the upper part of the front door, The front door has a door body that is supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable, The aforementioned display means comprises a fixed display unit fixed to the door body and a detachable unit detachably provided to the door body. The fixed display unit does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body, and the detachable unit is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the door body. The fixed display unit has a substrate on which a light source is mounted, and the detachable unit has a light-transmitting cover that covers the front of the substrate, and is configured such that light emitted from the light source passes through the light-transmitting cover. The front door is provided with a release mechanism for disengaging the door body from the detachable unit, and the engagement can only be disengaged when the front door is open relative to the housing by this release mechanism. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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