Gaming machine

Abstract

The gaming machine comprises a frame (1), an operating panel (2) and an opening mechanism comprising a cooperating guide rail (3) and guide element (4) for guiding linear opening and closing movements of the operating panel (2), a cooperating pivot element (5) and guide means (3) for supporting the operating panel (2) during rotational opening and closing movements, and a gas spring (6) for exerting a force on the operating panel (2) during opening and closing movements, the opening mechanism being configured such that when the operating panel (2) is moved a predetermined distance linearly from a closed position towards an open position, the operating panel (2) is released to rotate about a rotation axis aligned with the pivot element (5) to allow the gas spring (6) to push the operating panel (2) to the open position

Description

[0001] Gaming machine

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention concerns a gaming machine comprising an operating panel, as defined in claim 1.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Designing of different doors and hatches form an important part of the designing process of a gaming machine. The doors and hatches need to be able to provide a sufficient security level to prevent unauthorized opening, but also enable easy and reliable opening. The doors and hatches also need to provide access to all targets that need service and maintenance within the gaming machine.

[0006] Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an improved gaming machine comprising an openable operating panel.

[0008] The gaming machine according to the invention comprises a frame and an operating panel that forms part of the exterior surface of the gaming machine. The gaming machine further comprises an opening mechanism for moving the operating panel between a closed, use position and an open, service position. The opening mechanism comprises

[0009] - at least one guide rail and a guide element configured to cooperate with said at least one guide rail for guiding linear opening and closing movements of the operating panel,

[0010] - at least one pivot element and a guide means configured to cooperate with said at least one pivot element for supporting the operating panel during rotational opening and closing movements of the operating panel, and

[0011] - at least one gas spring having a first end that is pivotably attached to the frame of the gaming machine and a second end that is pivotably attached to the operating panel for exerting a force on the operating panel during the linear and rotational opening and closing movements of the operating panel. The opening mechanism is configured such that moving of the operating panel a predetermined distance linearly from the closed position towards the open position releases the operating panel to rotate about a rotation axis aligned with said at least one pivot element to allow said at least one gas spring to push the operating panel to the open position.

[0012] In the gaming machine according to the invention, the opening movement of the operating panel comprises both a linear movement and a rotational movement. Due to the linear opening movement of the operating panel, a display can be located above the rear edge of the operating panel and the operating panel can be rotated even 90 degrees to the open position to allow easy access into the interior of the gaming machine. The operating panel can also form part of the locking of a front door of the gaming machine. The gas spring removes clearance from the closed operating panel and keeps the operating panel in the open position after opening.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, moving of the operating panel linearly said predetermined distance is configured to release the guide element from the guide rail. By releasing the guide element from the guide rail, the opening mechanism can be made simple and reliable. However, it is not necessary to release the guide element from the guide rail, but the guide element could be released from the operating panel or from the frame of the gaming machine to allow the rotational opening movement of the operating panel.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, said at least one guide rail comprises a release slot for releasing the guide element from the guide rail when the operating panel has moved the predetermined distance from the closed position towards the open position. The release slot forms a simple arrangement for releasing the guide element from the guide rail. However, the releasing could be implemented in many alternative ways. For instance, the guide element could be released from the guide rail when reaching an end of the guide rail.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, said at least one guide rail is attached to the frame of the gaming machine and said guide element is attached to the operating panel. It is also possible to attach the guide rail to the operating panel and the guide element to the frame of the gaming machine. According to an embodiment of the invention, said at least one pivot element is attached to the operating panel and said guide means is attached to the frame of the gaming machine. Alternatively, the pivot element could be attached to the frame of the gaming machine and the guide means could be attached to the operating panel.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide element is a bearing, such as a rolling bearing. By using a bearing as the guide element, the operating panel moves smoothly and a simple metal profile or similar element can be used as the guide rail.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide means of said at least one pivot element is formed by said at least one guide rail and the pivot element is a guide element configured to cooperate with the guide rail to guide said linear opening and closing movements of the operating panel. The opening mechanism can thus comprise two guide elements, such as bearings, of which one can additionally function as the pivot element. Two guide elements facilitate keeping the operating panel parallel with the direction of the linear opening and closing movements. However, it is not necessary to provide the opening mechanism with two guide elements, but rotating of the operating panel during the linear movements could be prevented, for instance, by using a guide element encircling a guide rail.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, said at least one guide rail and said guide element comprise a first guide rail and a first guide element arranged on a first side of the operating panel and a second guide rail and a second guide element arranged on a second side of the operating panel, and / or said at least one pivot element and the guide means comprise a first pivot element and a first guide means arranged on the first side of the operating panel and a second pivot element and a second guide means arranged on the second side of the operating panel, and / or said at least one gas spring comprises a first gas spring arranged on the first side of the operating panel and a second gas spring arranged on the second side of the operating panel.

[0019] By arranging guide rails, pivot elements and gas springs on both sides of the operating panel, preferably symmetrically, forces are exerted on the parts of the gaming machine more uniformly and the opening mechanism functions smoothly and reliably. However, the opening mechanism could be implemented even with a single guide rail, pivot element and / or gas spring.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, the opening and closing mechanism comprises at least one limiting element and a limiting groove or slot configured to cooperate with said at least one limiting element such that the limiting element is engaged at the end of the linear opening movement of the operating panel with the limiting groove or slot to guide the rotational opening movement of the operating panel. The limiting element and limiting groove or slot provide a simple way of preventing linear movement of the operating panel during the rotational opening and closing movements.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, said at least one limiting element is arranged in the frame of the gaming machine and the limiting groove or slot forms part of the operating panel. Alternatively, the limiting element could be arranged in the operating panel and the limiting groove or slot could form part of the frame of the gaming machine.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, said at least one limiting element and limiting groove or slot comprise a first limiting element and a first limiting groove or slot arranged on a first side of the operating panel and a second limiting element and a second limiting groove or slot arranged on a second side of the operating panel. By having limiting grooves or slots and limiting elements on both sides of the operating panel, jamming of the opening mechanism can be avoided even if the operating panel is closed by pushing only one side of the operating panel.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating panel is in the closed position at an angle of 0-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. This allows convenient use of the operating panel.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, said at least one gas spring is arranged such that it resists the linear opening movement of the operating panel for 40-70 percent of the whole linear opening movement of the operating panel and assists the linear opening movement after that. This helps removing clearance of the operating panel in the closed position both in a horizontal and the vertical direction and provides sufficient force for pushing the operating panel rotationally to the open position. According to an embodiment of the invention, in the closed position the operating panel is parallel with said at least one guide rail.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating panel comprises at least one locking element and the frame of the gaming machine comprises a corresponding locking opening positioned so that in the closed position of the operating panel the locking element is inserted in the locking opening and when the operating panel is moved linearly from the closed position, the locking element is released from the locking opening. The locking elements secure the operating panel to the frame of the gaming machine in the closed position, making breaking of the gaming machine more difficult.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, in the closed position of the operating panel the locking element is parallel with said at least one guide rail. Locking elements that are parallel with the guide rail ensure that the locking elements are easily released from the locking openings by linear movement of the operating panel.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine comprises a display and the operating panel is configured to be moveable between the open and closed positions independently from the display.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating panel is configured to prevent opening of a front door of the gaming machine in the closed position of the operating panel and to allow opening of the front door in the open position of the operating panel. This allows a single lock to be used for locking both the operating panel and the front door of the gaming machine.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine comprises a lock for locking the operating panel to the closed position.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotational opening and closing movements are configured to be at least 60 degrees. This ensures that the interior of the gaming machine can be conveniently accessed via the upper end of the gaming machine when the operating panel is in the open position. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the gaming machine of figure 1 with an open operating panel,

[0034] Fig. 3 shows the gaming machine of figure 1 the operating panel in an intermediate position,

[0035] Fig. 4 shows part of the frame and the operating panel of the gaming machine,

[0036] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of parts of an opening mechanism of the operating panel,

[0037] Fig. 6 shows a side view of parts of the opening mechanism from the inside of the gaming machine in a closed position of the operating panel,

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the parts shown in figure 6,

[0039] Fig. 8 shows a side view of the parts shown in figure 6 at the end of a linear opening movement of the operating panel,

[0040] Fig. 9 shows a perspective top view of parts of the opening mechanism at the end of the linear opening movement of the operating panel,

[0041] Fig. 10 shows a side view of parts of the opening mechanism in an open position of the operating panel,

[0042] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of parts of the opening mechanism of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed position of the operating panel, and

[0043] Fig. 12 shows the operating panel of figure 11 at the end of the linear opening movement.

[0044] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0045] Figures 1 to 3 show a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention. The gaming machine comprises a display 10, on which the games that can be played are displayed. The display 10 can be a touch display forming at least part of the user interface of the gaming machine. Instead of, or in addition to the display 10, the gaming machine could comprise electromechanical components, such as rotating wheels that are used for implementing the games. The gaming machine is configured for playing games of chance, such as different card games and / or slot machine -type games.

[0046] The gaming machine comprises an operating panel 2. The operating panel 2 forms part of the exterior surface of the gaming machine. In the embodiment of the figures, the operating panel 2 is arranged on the front side of the display 10 and slightly below the display 10. The rear edge of the operating panel 2 could extend below the display 10. In the embodiment of the figures, the operating panel 2 is tilted such that it forms an angle of approximately 10 degrees with a horizontal plane. The front edge of the operating panel 2 is at a lower level than the rear edge of the operating panel 2. The angle of the operating panel 2 could also be different, for example in the range of 0-45 degrees. The operating panel 2 could thus be even horizontal.

[0047] The operating panel 2 comprises means for operating the gaming machine. The means for operating the gaming machine can comprise, for instance, input means, such as one or more push-buttons, a keypad and / or a touch display. The means for operating the gaming machine can also comprise a payment terminal. The operating panel 2 does not need to comprise all operating means of the gaming machine, but the gaming machine can also comprise operating means located elsewhere than in the operating panel 2. For instance, if the display 10 is a touch display, it can be used as part of the operating means of the gaming machine. Preferably, the operating panel 2 comprises at least some of the means that are used for playing the games provided in the gaming machine.

[0048] In the embodiment of the figures, the operating panel 2 comprises two pushbuttons 12 forming part of the means for operating the gaming machine. The operating panel 2 could comprise only a single push-button or more than two push-buttons. The games provided in the gaming machine can be played using the push-buttons 12. However, it is possible to configure the gaming machine such that only some games are played using the push-buttons 12 arranged in the operating panel 2 and / or that the games are played only partly using the push-buttons 12 of the operating panel 2. The gaming machine could comprise further push-buttons outside of the operating panel 2 and / or some functions of the gaming machine could be used via a touch display or other input means. The games could be played even solely using a touch display or other input means, in which case no push-buttons would be needed in the operating panel 2.

[0049] In the embodiment of the figures, the operating panel 2 further comprises a payment terminal 11 , via which the users of the gaming machine can pay for the played games. In the embodiment of the figures, the payment terminal 11 comprises a card reader 11a, a keypad 11 b, for instance for inputting a pin code of a debit or credit card, and a display 11 c. The payment terminal 11 could also comprise a slot for banknotes and / or a coin slot. The payment terminal 11 is not necessary, but the payments could be implemented for example via bank transfers carried out using a keyboard or a touch display of the gaming machine or using a mobile device of the user of the gaming machine.

[0050] The operating panel 2 is moveable between a closed position and an open position. The operating panel 2 can be moved between the closed position and the open position independently from the display 10. In the embodiments of the figures, the display 10 is attached to the frame 1 of the gaming machine non-moveably. The display 10 and the operating panel 2 are separate units. Figure 1 shows the operating panel 2 in the closed position, which is the use position of the operating panel 2. Figure 2 shows the operating panel 2 in the open position, which is a service position. Figure 3 shows the operating panel 2 in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. In the open position of the operating panel 2, internal components of the gaming machine can be accessed via an opening arranged in the upper end of the gaming machine. In the embodiment of the figures, the gaming machine comprises a front door 13 that can be opened when the operating panel 2 is in the open position. The internal components of the gaming machine can thus be accessed via an opening that extends from the lower end of the gaming machine to the rear edge of the operating panel 2.

[0051] The gaming machine comprises a frame 1 . Parts of the frame 1 can be seen in figure 4. In the embodiment of the figures, the frame 1 comprises metal profiles, but the frame 1 could be constructed in many other ways. In the embodiment of the figures, exterior panels have been attached to the frame 1. The gaming machine has a closed interior space, in which different components of the gaming machine are arranged. For instance, control electronics of the gaming machine, such as one or more central processing units and graphics processing units can be arranged within the interior space of the gaming machine. Also, if the gaming machine is provided with a cash payment option, the interior space can comprise a box for receiving coins and / or banknotes. Furthermore, the interior space can comprise auxiliary devices, such as one or more cooling fans for cooling the electrical components of the gaming machine.

[0052] The gaming machine comprises an opening mechanism for moving the operating panel 2 between the closed position and the open position. The opening mechanism is configured such that an opening movement of the operating panel 2 comprises a linear opening movement and a rotational opening movement. Similarly, a closing movement of the operating panel 2 comprises a rotational closing movement and a linear closing movement. The linear opening and closing movements of the operating panel 2 are parallel with the upper surface of the operating panel 2.

[0053] The opening mechanism of the gaming machine according to the invention comprises

[0054] - at least one guide rail 3 and a guide element 4 configured to cooperate with said at least one guide rail 3 for guiding the linear opening and closing movements of the operating panel 2,

[0055] - at least one pivot element 5 and a guide means 3 configured to cooperate with said at least one pivot element 5 for supporting the operating panel 2 during the rotational opening and closing movements of the operating panel 2, and

[0056] - at least one gas spring 6 having a first end that is pivotably attached to the frame 1 of the gaming machine and a second end that is pivotably attached to the operating panel 2 for exerting a force on the operating panel 2 during the linear and rotational opening and closing movements of the operating panel 2.

[0057] The opening mechanism is configured such that moving of the operating panel 2 a predetermined distance linearly from the closed position towards the open position releases the operating panel 2 to rotate about a rotation axis aligned with said at least one pivot element 5 to allow said at least gas spring 6 to push the operating panel 2 to the open position. The operating panel 2 is moved linearly in the direction of the guide rails 3. In the closed position of the operating panel, the guide rails 3 are parallel with the operating panel 2.

[0058] Both the opening and closing movements of the operating panel 2 are configured to be initiated manually, but after a certain point of the opening or closing movement the gas springs 6 of the opening mechanism push the operating panel 2 to the open or closed position. The gas springs 6 also keep the operating panel 2 in the open position.

[0059] Embodiments of the invention are now described by referring in particular to figures 4 to 10, which show parts of an opening mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0060] In the embodiments of the figures, the opening mechanism comprises two guide rails 3. A first guide rail is arranged on a first side of the operating panel 2 and a second guide rail is arranged on a second side of the operating panel 2. Figures 4 to 10 show only one of the guide rails 3. Correspondingly, a first guide element is arranged on the first side of the operating panel 2 and a second guide element is arranged on the second side of the operating panel 2. The opening mechanism also comprises a first gas spring arranged on the first side of the operating panel 2 and a second gas spring arranged on the second side of the operating panel 2. Furthermore, a first pivot element and a first guide means are arranged on the first side of the operating panel 2 and a second pivot element and a second guide means are arranged on the second side of the operating panel 2. In the embodiments of the figures, the referred first and second parts are arranged symmetrically on two sides of an imaginary vertical center plane of the operating panel 2.

[0061] The functioning of the corresponding parts on the first side and the second side of the operating panel 2 is identical, and therefore the functioning and construction of the opening mechanism is described below by referring to only one of the two corresponding parts.

[0062] In the embodiments of the figures, the guide rail 3 is attached to the frame 1 of the gaming machine and the guide element 4 is attached to the operating panel 2. However, the guide rail 3 could be attached to the operating panel 2 and the guide element 4 could be attached to the frame 1 of the gaming machine. In the embodiments of the figures, the guide means of the pivot element 5 is formed by the guide rail 3 and the pivot element 5 is a guide element configured to cooperate with the guide rail 3 to guide the linear opening and closing movements of the operating panel 2. As the guide rail 3 is attached to the frame 1 of the gaming machine, the pivot element 5 is attached to the operating panel 2.

[0063] In the embodiments of the figures, the guide element 4 is a bearing, such as a rolling bearing. The bearing 4 can be, for instance, a ball bearing or a roller bearing. Also the pivot element 5 is a bearing. The guide element 4 is a front bearing and the pivot element 5 is a rear bearing. In the embodiments of the figures, the front and rear bearings 4, 5 are identical with each other.

[0064] In the embodiments of the figures, moving of the operating panel 2 linearly the predetermined distance releases the guide element 4, i.e. the front bearing, from the guide rail 3. In the embodiments of the figures, the guide rail 3 comprises a release slot 9 for releasing the guide element 4 from the guide rail 3 when the operating panel 2 has moved the predetermined distance from the closed position towards the open position.

[0065] In the embodiments of the figures, the opening mechanism comprises a first limiting element and a first limiting slot arranged on the first side of the operating panel 2 and a second limiting element and a second limiting slot arranged on the second side of the operating panel 2. Each limiting slot 8 is configured to cooperate with the corresponding limiting element 7 such that the limiting element 7 is engaged at the end of the linear opening movement of the operating panel 2 with the limiting slot 8 to guide the rotational opening movement of the operating panel 2. In the embodiments of the figures, the limiting elements 7 are arranged in the frame 1 of the gaming machine and the limiting slots 8 form part of the operating panel 2. The limiting elements 7 are pins, which are perpendicular to the guide rails 3. The limiting slots 8 are arcshaped. Instead of the limiting slots 8, the opening mechanism could comprise limiting grooves operating in a similar manner.

[0066] In the closed position of the operating panel 2, which is shown for example in figures 5-7, both the rear bearing 5 and the front bearing 4 are engaged with the guide rail 3. The gas spring 6 pushes the operating panel 2 towards the closed position. For opening the operating panel 2, a lock of the operating panel 2 is opened. A service technician or other user then pulls the operating panel 2 forward. The front bearing 4 and the rear bearing 5 guide the linear movement of the operating panel 2. At the beginning of the linear opening movement, the gas spring 6 is at such an angle relative to the linear opening movement of the operating panel 2 that the gas spring 6 resists the movement of the operating panel 2.

[0067] As the operating panel 2 has been moved a certain distance from the closed position, the gas spring 6 has rotated about its lower end, which is pivotably attached to the frame 1 of the gaming machine, to an angular position, where the gas spring 6 starts to assist the linear movement of the operating panel 2 instead of resisting it. This happens when the gas spring 6 has passed a position where it is perpendicular to the guide rail 3. At that point, manual pulling of the operating panel 2 is not necessary, but the gas spring 6 moves the operating panel 2 to the end of the linear opening movement.

[0068] Figures 8 and 9 show a situation where the operating panel 2 has reached the end of its linear opening movement. The linear opening movement of the operating panel 2 could be, for instance, in the range of 100-300 mm. The front bearing 4 is now aligned with the release slot 9 of the guide rail 3. The front bearing 4 is thus released from the guide rail 3 and the gas spring 6 can start the rotational opening movement of the operating panel 2.

[0069] At the same time with the releasing of the front bearing 4, the limiting element 7, which is in the embodiments of the figures a limiting pin, becomes engaged with the arc-shaped limiting slot 8. The rear bearing 5 is still engaged with the guide rail 3. The rotation axis of the rear bearing 5 forms a rotation axis of the operating panel 2. The gas spring 6 pushes the operating panel 2 and the operating panel 2 is rotated about the rotation axis. As the rear bearing 5 is engaged with the guide rail 3, it cannot move in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 3. The limiting element 7 and the limiting slot 8 prevent moving of the operating panel 2 in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 3.

[0070] Figure 10 shows the operating panel 2 in the open position. In the embodiments of the figures, the gas spring 6 is provided with an end damper and the limiting slot 8 is dimensioned such that the limiting pin 7 does not reach the end of the limiting slot 8.

[0071] For closing the operating panel 2, the operating panel 2 is first pushed downwards to the end of the rotational closing movement. After that the operating panel 2 is pushed linearly towards the closed position. When the operating panel 2 has been pushed pass the position where the gas spring 6 is perpendicular to the guide rail 3, the gas spring 6 starts to assist the movement of the operating panel 2 towards the closed position and pushing of the operating panel 2 can be terminated. The operating panel 2 moves linearly until it reaches the fully closed position.

[0072] The gas springs 6 can be arranged such that they resist the linear opening movement of the operating panel 2 for 40-70 percent of the whole linear opening movement of the operating panel and assist the linear opening movement after that.

[0073] In the embodiments of the figures, the rotational opening and closing movements are configured to be approximately 75 degrees. The rotational opening and closing movements are preferably configured to be at least 60 degrees to allow convenient access to the interior of the gaming machine.

[0074] In the embodiments of the figures, the operating panel 2 is configured to prevent opening of the front door 13 of the gaming machine in the closed position of the operating panel 2 and to allow opening of the front door 13 in the open position of the operating panel 2.

[0075] In the embodiments of the figures, the operating panel 2 comprises two locking elements 14 and the frame 1 of the gaming machine comprises corresponding locking openings 15, which can be best seen in figures 11 and 12. The locking openings 15 are positioned so that in the closed position of the operating panel 2 the locking elements 14 are inserted in the locking openings 15 and when the operating panel 2 is moved linearly from the closed position, the locking elements 14 are released from the locking openings 15. The locking openings 15 go through the front door 13 of the gaming machine. The cooperating locking elements 14 and locking openings 15 makes breaking of the gaming machine more difficult, as the operating panel 2 is in the closed position secured to the frame 1 from each corner of the operating panel 2. At the rear end of the operating panel 2, the pivot elements 5 and also the guide elements 4 secure the operating panel 2 to the guide rails 3 and at the front end the operating panel 2 the locking elements 14 secure the operating panel 2 to the locking openings 15. The locking elements 14 are parts protruding towards the rear end of the operating panel 2.

[0076] The locking elements 14 also prevent opening of the front door 13 when being inserted into the locking openings 15. The gaming machine can thus be provided with a single lock. Opening of the lock allows moving the operating panel 2 to the open position, and by moving the operating panel 2 to the open position, the front door 13 can be opened.

[0077] In the embodiment of figures 11 and 12, the locking elements 14 are slightly different than in the embodiment of the other figures. In the embodiment of figures 11 and 12, in the closed position of the operating panel 2 the locking elements 14 are parallel with the guide rails 3. This ensures that the locking elements 14 are easily released from the locking openings 15 when the operating panel 2 is moved linearly from the closed position. In the embodiments of the other figures, the locking elements 14 protrude in a direction that slightly differs from the direction of the guide rails 3, as can be seen in figures 6 and 8. The locking elements 14 are inclined downwards from the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 3. In the closed position of the operating panel 2, the locking elements 14 contact the lower edges of the locking openings 15 and remove play between the operating panel 2 and the frame 1 of the gaming machine.

[0078] Various modifications of the opening mechanism are possible. For example, the limiting elements and limiting slots or grooves are not necessary, but the opening mechanism could comprise a locking mechanism that is configured to prevent moving of the rear bearing when the operating panel reaches the end of the linear opening movement.

[0079] The guide rails could be bars having a circular, rectangular or other cross- sectional profile and the guide elements could fully or partly encircle the respective guide rails. The guide elements could be supported against the guide rails either slidingly or with rolling elements. With a bar-shaped guide rail, the front guide element could be released from the guide rail when it reaches the end of the guide rail. Alternatively, the opening mechanism could be provided with a release mechanism that releases the operating panel from the guide element at the end of the linear opening movement and allows the operating panel to rotate about the rotation axis aligned with the pivot element. The guide element could thus remain engaged with the linear guide even during the rotational opening movement of the operating panel. If the guide element was attached to the frame of the gaming machine and the guide rail was attached to the operating panel, the operating panel could be released from the front end of the guide rail.

[0080] The front and rear bearings or other guide elements do not need to move along the same guide rail, but the opening mechanism could comprise separate guide rails for the front and rear guide elements.

[0081] The linear movement of the operating panel could be supported only by means of front guide elements. The pivot element could thus be, for example, a pin or a bearing that is engaged at the end of the linear opening movement of the operating panel with a slot that supports the pivot element during the rotational opening movement of the operating panel.

[0082] Instead of having two pairs of the locking elements and locking openings, the operating panel could comprise a single locking element, or more than two locking elements, and the frame of the gaming machine could comprise a corresponding number of locking openings.

Claims

Claims:1 . A gaming machine comprising a frame (1 ) and an operating panel (2) that forms part of the exterior surface of the gaming machine, the gaming machine comprising an opening mechanism for moving the operating panel (2) between a closed, use position and an open, service position, the opening mechanism comprising- at least one guide rail (3) and a guide element (4) configured to cooperate with said at least one guide rail (3) for guiding linear opening and closing movements of the operating panel (2),- at least one pivot element (5) and a guide means (3) configured to cooperate with said at least one pivot element (5) for supporting the operating panel (2) during rotational opening and closing movements of the operating panel (2), and- at least one gas spring (6) having a first end that is pivotably attached to the frame (1 ) of the gaming machine and a second end that is pivotably attached to the operating panel (2) for exerting a force on the operating panel (2) during the linear and rotational opening and closing movements of the operating panel (2), wherein the opening mechanism is configured such that moving of the operating panel (2) a predetermined distance linearly from the closed position towards the open position releases the operating panel (2) to rotate about a rotation axis aligned with said at least one pivot element (5) to allow said at least one gas spring (6) to push the operating panel (2) to the open position.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein moving of the operating panel (2) linearly said predetermined distance is configured to release the guide element (4) from the guide rail (3).

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein said at least one guide rail (3) comprises a release slot (9) for releasing the guide element (4) from the guide rail (3) when the operating panel (2) has moved the predetermined distance from the closed position towards the open position.

4. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one guide rail (3) is attached to the frame (1 ) of the gamingmachine and said guide element (4) is attached to the operating panel (2).

5. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one pivot element (5) is attached to the operating panel (2) and said guide means (3) is attached to the frame (1 ) of the gaming machine.

6. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (4) is a bearing.

7. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide means (3) of said at least one pivot element (5) is formed by said at least one guide rail (3) and the pivot element (5) is a guide element configured to cooperate with the guide rail (3) to guide said linear opening and closing movements of the operating panel (2).

8. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one guide rail (3) and said guide element (4) comprise a first guide rail and a first guide element arranged on a first side of the operating panel (2) and a second guide rail and a second guide element arranged on a second side of the operating panel (2), and / or said at least one pivot element (5) and said guide means (3) comprise a first pivot element and a first guide means arranged on the first side of the operating panel (2) and a second pivot element and a second guide means arranged on the second side of the operating panel (2), and / or said at least one gas spring (6) comprises a first gas spring arranged on the first side of the operating panel (2) and a second gas spring arranged on the second side of the operating panel (2).

9. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening and closing mechanism comprises at least one limiting element (7) and a limiting groove or slot (8) configured to cooperate with said at least one limiting element (7) such that the limiting element (7) is engaged at the end of the linear opening movement of the operating panel (2) with the limiting groove or slot (8) to guide the rotational opening movement of the operating panel (2).

10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein said at least one limiting element (7) is arranged in the frame (1 ) of the gaming machine and said limiting groove or slot (8) forms part of the operating panel (2).

11. The gaming machine according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said at least one limiting element (7) and limiting groove or slot (8) comprise a first limiting element and a first limiting groove or slot arranged on a first side of the operating panel (2) and a second limiting element and a second limiting groove or slot arranged on a second side of the operating panel (2).

12. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the operating panel (2) is in the closed position at an angle of 0-45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

13. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one gas spring (6) is arranged such that it resists the linear opening movement of the operating panel (2) for 40-70 percent of the whole linear opening movement of the operating panel (2) and assists the linear opening movement after that.

14. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed position the operating panel (2) is parallel with said at least one guide rail (3).

15. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the operating panel (2) comprises at least one locking element (14) and the frame (1 ) of the gaming machine comprises a corresponding locking opening (15) positioned so that in the closed position of the operating panel (2) the locking element (14) is inserted in the locking opening (15) and when the operating panel (2) is moved linearly from the closed position, the locking element (14) is released from the locking opening (15).

16. The gaming machine according to claim 15, wherein in the closed position of the operating panel (2) the locking element (14) is parallel with said at least one guide rail (3).

17. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming machine comprises a display (10) and the operating panel (2)is configured to be moveable between the open and closed positions independently from the display (10).

18. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the operating panel (2) is configured to prevent opening of a front door (13) of the gaming machine in the closed position of the operating panel(2) and to allow opening of the front door (13) in the open position of the operating panel (2).

19. The gaming machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming machine comprises a lock for locking the operating panel (2) to the closed position.

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