JP2017124047A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suitably increasing a degree of attention to a game.SOLUTION: An operation button unit used in execution of a performance corresponding to operation is arranged in a front door frame composing a front part of a Pachinko machine. The operation button unit includes an operation button in which an operation surface part to be subjected to player's pressing operation is formed, and a light-emitting display device 405B disposed at a back side of the operation surface part in a direction of the pressing operation. The light-emitting display device 405B includes a light emission unit 421, and a light guide unit 441B to which light from the light emission unit 421 is supplied. The light emission unit 421 descends following the operation button by pushing the operation button to an operation position, and the light guide unit 441B is disposed in a light supply area by the light emission unit 421. Thus a predetermined image is displayed in the light guide unit 441B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is provided with an effect device such as a light emitting unit or a display unit that is arranged in a portion that can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine and whose display mode changes as the game progresses. There is something. These effect devices are provided with a function of enhancing the effect of the effect during the game by changing the display mode in accordance with the progress of the game or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-24447 A

  However, even if it is intended to enhance the production effect using the above-described production device, many of them are likely to be similar, and there is still room for improvement in raising the degree of attention to the game by improving the appearance of the display production etc. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably increasing the degree of attention to a game.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems will be described.

The invention described in claim 1
Provided with a display effect device that performs a display effect as the game progresses,
The display effect device
A light guide unit in which a plurality of planar light guides having light permeability are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the light guide;
A light emitting unit for supplying light to an end face of the light guide;
And switching means for switching a target to which light is supplied from the light emitting unit in the light guide by changing a relative position between the light guiding unit and the light emitting unit in a direction in which the light guides are arranged side by side. It is characterized by being.

  The degree of attention to the game can be suitably increased.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a game board. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is a front perspective view of a front door frame. FIG. 10A is a partial enlarged view showing an operation button unit in the front door frame and its peripheral configuration, and FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between an operation button unit and an attachment frame. (A) It is a BB line partial sectional view of Drawing 10 (a), (b) It is a CC line partial sectional view of Drawing 10 (a). It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of an operation button unit. It is the schematic which shows a motion of an operation button unit. It is the schematic which shows a light emission display apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the mode of the display switching in a light emission display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between operation corresponding | compatible production and a winning expectation degree. It is a flowchart which shows the operation corresponding | compatible production execution process performed in MPU of a alerting | reporting / production control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation corresponding | compatible processing. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of the game in the game time which concerns on an operation corresponding | compatible effect. It is the schematic which shows the operation button unit in 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the mode of the display switching in a light emission display apparatus. (A) Schematic which shows the light emission display apparatus in 3rd Embodiment, (b) It is the schematic which shows the image displayed. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of a moving image display. It is the schematic which shows the modification of a light emission display apparatus. (A) Schematic which shows the upper side bulging part in 4th Embodiment, (b) It is the schematic which shows the relationship between an operation button unit and an upper plate. It is the schematic which shows the mode of interference of light. It is the schematic which shows the light emission display apparatus in 5th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an unfolded main configuration of the pachinko machine 10. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outline of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main part 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

  The outer frame 11 is configured by connecting plate members to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the island facility of the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an essential configuration, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in an island facility such as a game arcade.

  The game machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in an openable and closable state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper support bracket 17 is fixed to a connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further, the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. The lower support metal fitting 18 is fixed to the connecting portion. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 constitute a support mechanism. The support mechanism causes the main part 12 of the gaming machine to turn to the left in the front view of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11. Can be rotated to the front of the pachinko machine 10 with the rotation tip side thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine main part 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack arranged behind the inner frame 13. And a unit 15 (see FIG. 3). The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably attached to an end of the inner frame 13 on the rotation base end side, and the front door frame 14 rotates on the right side with the left side as the rotation base end side in a front view. It can be turned forward as the tip side. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to an end of the inner frame 13 on the rotation base end side, and the back pack unit 15 rotates on the left side when viewed from the front. The moving base end side is set to the right and the right side is set to the rotating tip end side so that it can be rotated backward.

  Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 includes a synthetic resin frame 20 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and a cover body that is attached to the front surface of the frame 20 and is decorated with various decorations. 21 and covers almost the entire area of the inner frame 13 on the front side. A substantially oval window portion 22 (see FIG. 1) is formed in the central portion of the front door frame 14 so that almost the entire gaming area PE described later can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine. The part 22 is covered with a glass unit 30 from the back side of the front door frame 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a glass unit installation portion 23 is formed on the frame 20 so as to surround the window portion 22. Specifically, the glass unit installation portion 23 is disposed on the back side of the frame body 20 and is recessed toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the window portion 22 is disposed at the bottom thereof. The glass unit 30 is restricted from being displaced in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction by being fitted into the glass unit installation portion 23.

  The glass unit 30 includes a pair of front and rear glass panels 31 having transparency and a glass holder 32 that holds the glass panels 31. The glass holder 32 has an annular frame portion formed along the window portion 22, and the glass panel 31 is accommodated in a region surrounded by the frame portion.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the window portion 22. For example, an annular illumination part 24 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 22. In the annular illumination unit 24, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. More specifically, a top lamp portion 25 provided with a function of turning on at a predetermined error is provided at the uppermost portion of the pachinko machine 10 at the center of the annular illumination portion 24, and prizes are provided on both the left and right sides of the window portion 22. A side lamp portion 26 to which a function of lighting during ball payout is given is provided. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the top lamp unit 25, speaker units 27 for outputting sound effects corresponding to the gaming state are provided.

  Below the window portion 22 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 28 and a lower bulging portion 29 bulging toward the front side are arranged in parallel. The upper bulging portion 28 is provided with an upper pan 33 that opens upward, and the lower bulging portion 29 is provided with a lower pan 34 that also opens upward. The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device (to be described later) and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism (to be described later) while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 34 has a function of storing game balls that are surplus in the upper tray 33.

  A return lever 42 that is manually operated by a player or the like is provided at a portion on the right side of the upper plate 33 in the upper bulging portion 28. By operating the return lever 42, the game balls stored in the upper plate 33 are returned to the lower plate 34. For example, when a game ball remains on the upper plate 33 when the game is finished, by operating the return lever 42, it remains in the remaining ball (particularly difficult to access (alignment passage described later)). Game balls) can be collected.

  An operation button unit 40 that is manually operated by a player or the like is provided at a portion of the upper bulging portion 28 that is on the front side of the upper plate 33 (game ball storage area). The operation button unit 40 is an operation device for a player to give a predetermined instruction during the progress of the game for the purpose of giving a predetermined effect on a display screen of a symbol display device to be described later. A specific configuration of the operation button unit 40 will be described in detail later.

  A game ball launching handle 45 is provided at a position side by side with the lower bulging portion 29 so as to protrude to the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 45, a game ball is launched from a game ball launch mechanism described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of a synthetic resin, and includes a front door side upper dish passage that leads to the upper dish 33 and a front door side lower dish path that leads to the lower dish 34. A receiving portion 53 that protrudes rearward and opens upward is formed at the upper corner of the passage forming unit 50, and the receiving portion 53 is divided into left and right by a partition wall 54, so that the front door side upper dish passage is formed. An entrance portion and an entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage are formed. The upstream side of the front door side upper dish path and the front door side lower dish path are connected to a game ball distributing section described later, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish path are guided to the upper plate 33 and are moved to the lower side of the front door. The game ball that has entered the dish passage is guided to the lower dish 34.

  Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the inner frame 13. In FIG. 4, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted as in FIG. 2.

  The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 60 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. Inner frame fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (the left side in FIG. 4) on the front surface of the resin base 60. Also, bearing fittings 57 and 58 are provided on the rotation base end side (the left side in FIG. 1) on the back surface of the front door frame 14 so as to correspond to the inner frame fittings 71 and 72. Shaft portions are formed on the inner frame fittings 71, 72, and the shaft portions are inserted into the bearing holes of the bearing fittings 57, 58 of the front door frame 14, so that the front door frame 14 is located with respect to the inner frame 13. It is rotatably supported. That is, these inner frame fittings 71 and 72 and bearing fittings 57 and 58 constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

  A locking device 75 is provided on the front surface of the inner frame 13. The locking device 75 has a plurality of front door flange members 76 extending toward the front door frame 14. Corresponding to these front door collar members 76, a plurality of collar receiving members 59 extending toward the inner frame 13 are provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 (see FIG. 2). When the front door brim member 76 is caught by the hook receiving member 59, the front door frame 14 is locked in a closed state. As shown in FIG. 3, the locking device 75 includes an inner frame collar member 77 extending rearward of the inner frame 13. These inner frame hook members 77 are hooked on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11, so that the gaming machine main part 12 is locked in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

  A cylinder lock 78 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device 75 is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 60. The cylinder lock 78 is integrated with the locking device 75, and the tip portion (key hole portion) is exposed to the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the hole provided in the front door frame 14. Turning the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78 to the right releases the locking of the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13, and turning the key to the left releases the locking of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11. .

  A game board housing portion 61 for housing the game board 80 is formed at a substantially central portion on the front surface of the resin base 60. The game board accommodating portion 61 is recessed behind the pachinko machine 10 to define an accommodation space for accommodating the game board 80, and the game board 80 attached to the resin base 60 is fitted in the accommodation space. It has become.

  The game board 80 is formed of a synthetic resin material having transparency, and the front surface thereof is exposed to the front side of the resin base 60 through the open portion of the game board housing part 61. In the exposed portion, that is, the front surface of the game board 80, a game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed. As already described, the game area PE is covered with the glass panel 31. The rear glass panel 31 is arranged so that the gap with the front surface of the game board 80 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game balls flowing down the game area PE are front and back at the same location in the game area PE. It is arranged not to line up. Thereby, the ball blockage in the game area PE is suppressed. Note that the game board 80 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and may be made of wood.

  Hereinafter, the game board 80 (in particular, various configurations arranged in the game area PE) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the game board 80.

  The game board 80 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (front-rear direction). Each opening is provided with a general winning port 81, a variable winning device 82, operating ports 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, a variable display unit 85, and the like. When game balls enter the general winning port 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operation ports 83a and 83b, the game balls are detected by a detection switch described later, and a predetermined number of award balls are paid out based on the detection result. The In addition, an out port 86 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 80, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 86.

  In addition, in the game board 80, a number of nails 87 are implanted in order to disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball as appropriate, and various members (functions) such as a windmill are arranged. By various configurations such as the nail 87 and the windmill, the flow path of the game ball is differentiated and adjusted so that the winning to the above-described general winning opening 81 or the like occurs with an appropriate probability.

  The variable winning device 82 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won, and is switched to an open state in which the game ball is easy to win in the case of a big hit. As a release mode of the variable winning device 82, a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is regarded as one round, and the variable winning device 82 is opened by a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds). It is set to be repeated as the upper limit.

  The variable display unit 85 is disposed at the upper center of the game board 80, and the operation ports 83a and 83b are disposed below the variable display unit 85. More specifically, the operation ports 83a and 83b are arranged side by side with the operation port 83a on the upper side and the operation port 83b on the lower side. The lower working port 83b is provided with an electric accessory as a guide piece (support piece) composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces. The electric accessory is in a closed state (non-supported state or non-guided state) in which entry into the operating port 83b is impossible, and an open state (supported state or guide in which game balls can be entered more easily than the closed state). When the lottery based on the winning to the through gate 84 is won, the main controller controls the open state. As the opening / closing mode of the electric accessory, the low frequency support mode set so that the winning frequency to the lower operation port 83b is lower than the upper operation port 83a, and the lower operation mode 83a than the upper operation port 83a. The high-frequency support mode is set so that the winning frequency for the operating port 83b is high, and it is low when a predetermined winning result is obtained by a lottery based on entering the operating ports 83a and 83b. The frequency support mode is shifted to the high frequency support mode.

  It should be noted that the variable winning device 82 and the electric accessory need only be switched between the first state and the second state where it is more difficult to enter the ball. There is no denial.

  The variable display unit 85 and the operation ports 83a and 83b are portions that control game play, and the player's attention is likely to be gathered. By arranging the variable display unit 85 and the operation ports 83a and 83b side by side in the center of the gaming machine, the movement amount of the line of sight between the two is suppressed, which contributes to the reduction of the burden on the player's eyes.

  The variable display unit 85 includes a symbol display device 94 that variably displays symbols with a winning in the operation ports 83a and 83b as a trigger. The symbol display device 94 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display (display screen 94a), and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. Specifically, on the display screen 94a, symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled up and down. When a big hit occurs, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, and a transition is made to a special gaming state. The display mode on the display screen 94a may be changed as follows. That is, the symbols may be displayed variably by arranging them in the upper, middle, and lower rows and scrolling the symbols in the left-right direction.

  The variable display unit 85 includes a center frame 95 formed so as to surround the symbol display device 94. Reservation lamp portions 98 and 99 are provided on the upper and lower portions of the center frame 95, respectively. The lower holding lamp unit 98 corresponds to the operation ports 83a and 83b. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the operation ports 83a and 83b is held up to four times, and the number of the holding balls is increased by lighting the holding lamp unit 98. It is displayed. The upper holding lamp unit 99 corresponds to the through gate 84, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the holding number is displayed by turning on the holding lamp unit 99. It has become.

  Referring again to FIG. 4, below the game board housing portion 61 (game board 80) in the resin base 60, a game ball that launches a game ball into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 45. A firing mechanism 110 is provided. The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball placed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying a ball and a base plate 114 to which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components, and the base plate 114 is attached to the resin base 60.

  The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 80 side. A ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is disposed at a position closer to the downstream end portion (that is, the lower end portion) of the firing rail 112. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

  The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power source / launch control device described later. Based on the output of the electrical signal from the power supply / launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction, so that the game ball placed at the launch standby position is on the game board 80 side, more specifically, the game. It is driven out toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 80.

  The guide rail 100 forms a game area PE together with a game area partition member 90 fixed to the game board 80 so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. In addition, the guide rail 100 includes an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide passage 103 is defined by both the rails 101 and 102. Is formed. The guide passage 103 includes an inlet portion 104 that is opened to the tip side (obliquely downward) of the firing rail 112, and an outlet portion 105 that is located above the gaming area PE. The game ball fired based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the firing rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (the entrance portion 104 → the exit portion 105). In the game board 80, a reversal prevention member 106 for preventing the reversal of the game ball reaching the game area PE into the guide passage 103 is attached to the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101. Thus, it is possible to prevent the subsequent launch of the game ball from being hindered by the game ball that has reached the game area PE first.

  The guide rail 100 and the firing rail 112 are arranged such that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 face each other with a gap therebetween. A foul ball passage 55 (see FIG. 3) is disposed below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage 55 is integrally formed with the passage formation unit 50 of the front door frame 14. If the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return as foul balls in the guide passage 103, the foul balls enter the foul ball passage 55 through the gap. It becomes. The foul ball passage 55 communicates with the front door side lower tray passage, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball passage 55 are discharged to the lower tray 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  A main display unit 91 for displaying a predetermined pattern or the like is provided at a portion of the game area partition member 90 facing the glass panel 31. The main display unit 91 displays the lottery result based on the winning for the lower working port 83b and the upper working port display unit for displaying the lottery result based on the winning for the upper working port 83a. A main display portion D having a side working port display portion is provided.

  In the upper working port display unit, the variation display of the picture is performed with the winning of the upper working port 83a as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the upper working port 83a is performed. The result is specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper working port 83a is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the upper working port display unit, and the predetermined result is the stop result. After the pattern is displayed, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the lower working port display unit, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the lower working port 83b as a trigger, and the result of stopping the variation display is based on the winning of the lower working port 83b. The result of the internal lottery is clearly indicated. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the lower working port 83b is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the change display is stopped on the lower working port display unit, and the stop result After a predetermined pattern is displayed, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  Here, based on the winning in one of the operation ports 83a and 83b, the variable display is started on the corresponding display unit for the operation port, until a predetermined stop result is displayed and the above variable display is stopped (details) Corresponds to one game time. However, the number of game times is not limited to the above-mentioned contents. For example, a single display area is provided, and even if a winning to any of the operation ports 83a and 83b occurs, the single game area In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the above-mentioned variable display is stopped once in a state where a predetermined stop result is displayed. It is also possible.

  The resin base 60 is provided with a plurality of lock devices that can be switched between a locked state in which the game board 80 cannot be removed from the game board housing 61 and an unlocked state in which the game board 80 is allowed to be removed. Yes. The locking device has an abutting portion that abuts against the front surface of the game board 80 in the locked state, and the abutting portion abuts against the front surface of the game board 80, thereby moving the game board 80 toward the front door frame 14 side. The displacement will be suppressed.

  A through hole that penetrates the resin base 60 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing rail 112 (specifically, the side that supports the front door frame 14) in the resin base 60, and covers the through hole. A passage forming member 121 is disposed. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 60 and has a main body side upper dish path 122 and a main body side lower dish path 123. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicates with a game ball distributing section described later. A receiving portion 53 (see FIG. 2) of the passage forming unit 50 attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side is below the main body side upper dish passage 122. An upper plate passage is arranged, and a front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side lower plate passage 123.

  In the resin base 60, a shutter 124 that restricts the outflow of game balls from the main body side upper dish path 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 is provided below the passage forming member 121. The shutter 124 is supported by the resin base 60 in a state where the shutter 124 can be switched between a blocking position where the outlet portions of both passages are narrowed to prevent the gaming ball from flowing out and an allowable position where the gaming ball is allowed to flow out. Further, a biasing member that biases the shutter 124 toward the blocking position is attached to the resin base 60. When the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the shutter is driven by the biasing force of the biasing member. 124 is configured to remain in the blocking position. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state where the game balls are stored in the main body side upper tray passage 122 or the main body side lower tray passage 123, the disadvantage that the stored balls spill out is avoided. . In contrast, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the shutter 124 is pushed back to the allowable position against the urging force by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage communicate with the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage, respectively, and the movement of the game ball is allowed.

  Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 60 and the game board 80) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

  A bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 6) of the back surface of the resin base 60. A bearing portion 133 is formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. A plurality of fixing levers 134 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame 13 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 60.

  As already described, a central opening 64 that penetrates in the thickness direction of the resin base 60 and opens to the back side of the resin base 60 is formed at the bottom portion of the game board housing 61 in the resin base 60. The central opening 64 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board 80 housed in the game board housing part 61. Various components such as a control device are mounted on the back of the game board 80, and these various components are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the central opening 64. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 80 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game board 80 as seen from the rear.

  A synthetic resin pedestal member 141 on which the variable display unit 85 (see FIG. 5) is mounted on the game board 80 is fixed to the back of the game board 80. The pedestal member 141 has a substantially box shape opened to the game board 80 side, and covers almost the entire rear surface of the game board 80. A part of the pedestal member 141 protrudes to the back side of the resin base 60 through the central opening 64 of the resin base 60. The symbol display device 94 (see FIG. 5) described above with respect to the protruding portion and the symbol display thereof. A display control device for driving the device 94 is attached. The symbol display device 94 and the display control device are arranged so that the symbol display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the resin base 60). Further, the game board 80 is equipped with a notification / production control device unit so as to be located behind the display control device. The notification / production control device unit includes a notification / production control device 142 and a mounting table 144, and the notification / production control device 142 is mounted on the mounting table 144.

  The notification / production control device 142 includes a notification / production control board that controls sound and lamp display and control of the display control device in accordance with instructions from a main control device, which will be described later. It is accommodated in a substrate box 145 made of, for example.

  A main control unit 160 is provided below the notification / production control unit so as to cover the base member 141 from the rear. The main controller unit 160 includes a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the back of the game board 80 and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power source, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be unsealed by a box sealing portion 164 as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for sealing processing.

  Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. However, by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole that forms the box sealing portion 164, the box sealing portion 164 can be applied. The base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. The sealing process by the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. Even after opening, the sealing process can be performed again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole portion among the plurality of box sealing portions 164. When the substrate box 163 is opened, such as when a failure occurs in the accommodated main control board or when the main control board is inspected, a connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the substrate box 163 main body. Disconnect. As a result, the box base and the box cover of the substrate box 163 are separated, and the internal main control substrate can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of opening the substrate box 163 is left in the substrate box 163, it can be easily found that the unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.

  The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected by a base seal part 165 so that they cannot be opened. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole portion and a locking pin similarly to the box sealing portion 164, and the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole portion so that the board box 163 and The mounting base 161 is coupled so as not to be separable. This makes it easier to grasp the fact that the substrate box 163 has been illegally removed.

  The portion of the pedestal member 141 that faces the back of the game board 80 corresponds to the game board opening of the general winning port 81, variable winning device 82, upper operating port 83a, lower operating port 83b and on the downstream side. Thus, a collection passage that gathers in one place is formed. Thereby, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 81 and the like are gathered below the game board 80 through the collection passage. That is, the pedestal member 141 is provided with a function of collecting game balls won in various winning openings.

  A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board 80 by the collection passage are led out into the discharge passage. Similarly, the out port 86 leads to the discharge passage, and a game ball that has not won any winning port is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 86.

  Further, in the collection passage, a winning port switch for detecting a game ball won in the general winning port 81 on the front side of the game board 80, a count switch for detecting a game ball won in the variable winning device 82, and an operation port 83a, An operating port switch for detecting a game ball entering 83b is mounted, and a winning detection mechanism is constituted by these various switches. Furthermore, gate switches for detecting game balls passing through the through gate 84 are provided on the left and right sides of the variable display unit 85 in the base member 141. These various switches are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and the detection information by each switch is output to the main control device 162.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inner frame 13 is covered from behind by the back pack unit 15. As shown in FIG. 8, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201.

  The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and includes a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which left and right side surfaces and an upper surface are closed and only a lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 85.

  The base part 211 is provided with an external terminal board (not shown) at the upper right part thereof. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal plate, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the latch pins 214 are inserted through the bearing portions 133 provided on the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner frame 13. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions 215 through which the fixing levers 134 provided in the inner frame 13 are inserted, and the base portion 211 is rearward of the base portion 211 in a state where the fixing levers 134 are inserted through the insertion portions 215. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by contact with the inner frame 13.

  In the base portion 211, a payout mechanism portion 202 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is arranged at the top of the back pack 201 and that opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. The A tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the lower side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.

  The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any one of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. It is formed so that it communicates with the upper plate 33 through the side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening communicates with the lower plate 34 through the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage. Has been.

  At the lower end portion of the base portion 211, the discharge passage board and the control device collective unit 204 are attached so as to sandwich the lower end portion in the front-rear direction. In the discharge passage board, a discharge passage opened rearward is formed on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and an open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led to the discharge passage from the recovery passage described above passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Discharged.

  The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power supply / launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is accommodated in the board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power source / launch control device 243 includes a power source / launch control board housed in the board box 246, and a predetermined power source required for various control devices and the like is generated and output by the board. Control of the launch of the game ball accompanying the operation of the firing handle 45 is performed. Further, the power source / launch control device 243 is provided with a power switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched to the on state (on state) or the shut off state (off state).

  Here, this pachinko machine 10 has a function for storing various data, and even if a power failure occurs, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure. It can be done. For example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure as in the case of a game hall being closed, the state before the shutdown is stored and held. The main controller 162 is provided with a RAM erase switch 166. When power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166, the RAM data is initialized.

(Operation button unit 40 and related structure)
In the present embodiment, the operation button unit 40 provided on the upper bulging portion 28 of the front door frame 14 and a configuration (for example, a mounting structure) related thereto are characteristic. Therefore, in the following description, first, an outline of the operation button unit 40 and its peripheral configuration will be supplementarily described with reference to FIGS. 9 is a perspective view of the front door frame 14 as viewed from the front side, FIG. 10A is a partially enlarged view of the front door frame 14 showing the operation button unit 40 and its peripheral configuration, and FIG. It is an AA line partial end view.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the upper bulging portion 28 constitutes a cover body 21 as a front portion of the front door frame 14 together with the annular electric decoration portion 24, the cover member for the speaker portion 27, and various decorative members. The upper bulging portion 28 has a base end portion (rear end portion) fixed to the frame body 20 and is in a so-called cantilever state. The fixing strength is improved by setting a plurality of fixing points in the vertical and horizontal directions while securing the vertical and horizontal widths of the upper bulging portion 28 to some extent.

  The upper bulging portion 28 is formed by combining a pair of upper and lower bulging portion constituting bodies 301 and 302 (see FIG. 10A). Specifically, a substantially box-shaped lower bulge part structure body 302 (lower bulge part structure body 302) opened upward and a pair of left and right covering the lower bulge part structure body 302 from above. The upper bulging part constituting body 301 (upper bulging part constituting body 301) is combined.

  The front-rear width of the upper bulge part structure 301 is set smaller than the front-rear width of the lower bulge part structure 302. In other words, the upper bulged portion constituting body 301 is formed along the front side and the left and right edges of the lower bulged portion constituting body 302, and the rear end edges of both the constituent bodies 301 and 302 are arranged in the front-rear direction. Deviation has occurred at. Due to the existence of such a gap, an accommodation recess 315 as an installation portion for the upper plate 33 is formed on the upper surface portion 311 of the upper bulging portion 28. The housing recess 315 is opened upward, and the open portion is closed by fitting the upper plate 33 from above.

  Although illustration is omitted, an engaging portion that engages with the upper plate 33 is provided on the back surface portion 314 of the upper bulging portion constituting body 301. When the upper plate 33 is pushed into the housing recess 315, the engaging portion is engaged, and the upper plate 33 and the upper bulging portion 28 are integrated. The frame body 20 is also provided with an engaging portion that engages with the upper plate 33 by fixing the upper bulging portion 28 to the frame body 20. Thereby, in the state which fixed the upper side bulging part 28 to the frame 20, the removal of the top plate 33 from the frame 20 is controlled by the said engaging part. That is, the upper plate 33 is sandwiched between the upper bulging portion 28 and the frame body 20, and when the upper plate 33 is removed during maintenance or the like, the upper bulging portion 28 (the cover body 21) is removed from the frame body 20 in advance. ) Is necessary. This is a device for strengthening a defense function against various illegal acts such as unauthorized removal of the upper plate 33.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the upper plate 33 is disposed on the base end side of the upper bulging portion 28 and is opened not only upward but also rearward. The rear open portion is closed by the front surface of the frame body 20 (specifically, the front cover portion 36 fixed to the frame body 20), and a large number of game balls can be stored by the upper plate 33 and the front cover portion 36. A storage area SE is partitioned. The bottom surface portion of the upper plate 33 is inclined downward to the right, and a supply port 37 serving as an inlet portion through which the game balls are supplied from the payout device 224 to a portion of the front cover portion 36 located at the uppermost stream of the storage area SE. Is formed.

  In addition, a discharge port 38 that guides the game ball to the game ball launching mechanism 110 is formed in a portion of the front cover portion 36 that is located on the most downstream side of the storage area SE. The discharge port 38 is covered from above by the upper bulging portion structure 301, and unauthorized access to the discharge port 38 is suppressed.

  An alignment passage 320 that guides the game balls to the discharge port 38 in a state of being aligned in a line is formed from the middle to the downstream (discharge port 38) of the storage area SE. As for the alignment passage 320, the front-rear width (the distance between the vertical wall of the upper plate 33 and the front cover portion 36) is suppressed to be slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game balls, and a plurality of game balls are located at the same location. Can not pass at the same time. By guiding the game balls to the discharge port 38 through the alignment passage 320, the game balls are smoothly supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 110.

  Although not shown in the figure, a return passage following the lower plate 34 communicates with the most downstream portion at the bottom of the alignment passage 320. The entrance portion of the return passage is normally closed by an openable movable plate. When the game is finished, the movable lever is displaced from the closed position to the open position by operating the return lever 42 by the player. Thereby, the entrance portion of the return passage is opened, and the game balls stored in the storage area SE move to the lower plate 34 through the alignment passage 320 → the return passage due to their own weight.

  Here, the movement of the game ball when playing a game will be briefly described. When a game ball that has reached the game area PE based on the player's launch operation enters a variety of game units such as the variable winning device 82, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a bonus. . Specifically, when the payout device 224 operates, the game ball is supplied to the storage area SE through the supply port 37. The game ball that has reached the storage area SE moves downstream due to its own weight, and is guided to the discharge port 38 while being rectified in the alignment passage 320. Then, it reaches the ball feeding device 113 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 through the discharge port 38. When a game ball launch operation is performed, the ball feeding device 113 supplies the game ball to the launch standby position at regular intervals, and accordingly, the game ball stored in the storage area SE Then, it moves to the downstream side sequentially.

  In addition to the above-described upper plate 33, an operation button unit 40 and a controller unit 41 are disposed in the upper bulging portion 28. The operation button unit 40 is provided with a function of executing a predetermined game effect or the like in conjunction with the symbol display device 94 or the like, and the controller unit 41 has a function of selecting a game mode (for example, customization of the background, characters, etc.). Has been granted. 10B, when the operation button unit 40 and the controller unit 41 are compared, the operation part of the operation button unit 40 is formed to be much larger than the operation part of the controller unit 41. The operation button unit 40 is operated as a part of the production when the game progresses, whereas the controller unit 41 is not used for the game production, and mainly waits before the game starts or after the game ends. It is assumed that it is operated in the state (in standby mode).

  Considering the differences in use conditions / use environments / shapes and the like detailed above, there are differences in fixed objects. Specifically, although the controller unit 41 and the operation button unit 40 have a common arrangement target (upper bulging portion 28), the fixing target of the controller unit 41 is the upper bulging portion 28 itself. On the other hand, the operation button unit 40 looks as if it is fixed to the upper bulging portion 28, and the actual condition is different.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, the arrangement of the operation button unit 40 and the main configuration thereof will be supplementarily described, and then the mounting structure of the operation button unit 40 will be described. FIG. 11 is a front view and a perspective view showing the operation button unit 40 and the configuration associated therewith, FIG. 12A is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 10A, and FIG. It is a CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. In FIG. 12, a part of the internal structure of the operation button unit 40 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the operation button unit 40 is disposed in front of the upper plate 33, specifically in front of the alignment passage 320. On the upper surface portion 311 of the upper bulging portion 28 (specifically, the upper bulging portion constituting body 301), an opening opened upward by arranging the pair of upper bulging portion constituting bodies 301 apart from each other on the left and right sides. 316 is formed. The opening 316 extends over the upper surface portion 311, the front surface portion 313, and the back surface portion 314 of the upper bulging portion 28, and the operation button unit 40 is disposed so as to cover the opening 316.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the operation button unit 40 includes an operation button 401 that is pressed by a player and a holder that holds the operation button 401 in a state in which the operation button 401 is allowed to be displaced (lifted / lowered) based on the pressing operation. 402, and the holder 402 is fixed to an attachment frame 450 described later, and is integrated with the front door frame 14. Hereinafter, the mounting structure of the operation button unit 40 will be described.

  As described above, the operation button unit 40 shown in the present embodiment looks as if it is fixed to the upper bulging portion 28, but the fixed object is not the upper bulging portion 28 but the frame. It is a body 20. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the frame body 20 is fixed via a metal mounting frame 450. That is, the fixing mode with respect to the frame 20 is in the same relationship with the upper bulging portion 28.

  The mounting frame 450 has a horizontal frame 461 that functions as a mounting base for the operation button unit 40. The horizontal frame 461 has a substantially flat plate shape, and is arranged so that one plate surface faces upward (specifically, it is arranged so as to be slightly inclined downward in front of the gaming machine). The operation button unit 40 is placed on the upper surface 462 of the horizontal frame 461. Specifically, the holder 402 is installed so that the bottom of the holder 402 is in contact with the upper surface of the horizontal frame 461. And the operation button unit 40 and the attachment frame 450 are integrated as shown in FIG. 11 etc. by fixing the bottom part of the holder 402 to the horizontal frame 461 using the fixing tools 491, such as a screw.

  The horizontal frame 461 extends left and right, and the operation button unit 40 is disposed at an intermediate position thereof. Vertical frames 471 and 481 extending downward from the horizontal frame 461 are disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the operation button unit 40 is disposed in the horizontal frame 461. These vertical frames 471 and 481 are formed so that the plate surfaces face left and right, and attachment portions 472 and 482 to the frame body 20 are formed at the rear ends thereof. The operation button unit 40 is attached to the frame body 20 by fixing the attachment portions 472 and 482 to the frame body 20 using a fixing tool 492 such as a screw.

  By forming the vertical frames 471 and 481 in a plate shape and directing the plate surfaces to the left and right, the occupancy area of the mounting frame 450 in the front view of the gaming machine is expanded while improving the strength of the mounting frame 450 against pressure from above. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12A and the like, in this embodiment, the operation button unit 40 is arranged offset from the front side of the front surface of the frame body 20, and the frame body of the operation button unit 40 and the mounting frame 450 is disposed. The fixed part with respect to 20 is shifted back and forth. Here, since the horizontal frame 461 is slightly inclined forward of the gaming machine, the stress generated when the operation button unit 40 is pressed is easily transmitted to the frame body 20 through the horizontal frame 461 → the vertical frames 471 and 481. ing. Thereby, the stress transmitted from the attachment frame 450 to the frame body 20 is easily dispersed. In addition, since the operation surface portion 413 of the operation button unit 40 is slightly inclined forward due to the inclination, it is easy to access from the front of the game machine, and the operability of the operation button unit 40 is improved. Is realized.

  The vertical frames 471 and 481 are spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides, and the support balance of the operation button unit 40 is stabilized. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the left vertical frame 471 is referred to as a “left vertical frame 471”, and the right vertical frame 481 is referred to as a “right vertical frame 481”.

  The left vertical frame 471 is disposed directly below the operation button unit 40. This is a device for directly transmitting the force to the left vertical frame 471 when the operation button unit 40 is operated. According to such a device, it is preferable to suppress the horizontal frame 461 from being bent by a pressing operation. Can do. The right vertical frame 481 is disposed at the right end of the horizontal frame 461. In other words, the two vertical frames 471 and 481 are located on the left and right sides of the discharge port 38 of the storage area SE.

  As the operation portion of the operation button unit 40 shown in the present embodiment, a considerably large one (which can be operated with the entire palm) is adopted as can be seen from the game ball launch handle 45. According to such a configuration, the pressing operation is easy, while the pressing position by the player can be various. That is, even if the left vertical frame 471 is arranged directly below the operation button unit 40, the possibility that the portion shifted to the left and right with respect to the left vertical frame 471 cannot be wiped out. When such an operation is performed, there is a possibility that the left vertical frame 471 bends left and right as well as the horizontal frame 461 described above. In this respect, since the right vertical frame 481 is used in combination, the right vertical frame 481 acts to suppress such deformation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the horizontal frame 461 is formed with an extending portion 465 extending rearward at a portion opposite to the right vertical frame 481 across the left vertical frame 471. A mounting portion 466 is formed at the front end portion (rear end portion) of the extending portion 465, and this mounting portion 466 is also fixed to the frame body 20 using a fixing tool 492 such as a screw. In this way, the support balance is further strengthened by arranging the fixed portions on the left and right sides of the left vertical frame 471 as the center.

  Each of the vertical frames 471 and 481 protrudes downward from the upper bulging portion 28, whereas the extending portion 465 is accommodated in the internal space IS of the upper bulging portion 28. That is, in the region below the extension portion 465 and above the lower plate 34, the presence of the extension portion 465 prevents the region from being pressed. That is, it is avoided that it becomes difficult to access the lower plate 34 due to the strengthening of the mounting strength described above.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the vertical frame 481 and the cover body 21 is characteristic. Hereinafter, the housing structure of the vertical frame 481 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, a woofer 46 is provided between the lower plate 34 and the game ball launching handle 45 in the lower bulging portion 29, and the cover body 21 surrounds the woofer 46 so as to surround the woofer 46. A housing portion 47 for the woofer is formed. As described above, the speaker unit 27 corresponding to the mid / high range is arranged in the upper part of the gaming machine in order to easily deliver the sound of the speaker unit 27 to the player's ear, and the woofer corresponding to the low range. 46 is arranged in the lower part of the gaming machine to make it easy to transmit the vibration to the player's body (trunk) by outputting heavy bass at a position close to the player's body.

  The housing portion 47 for the woofer has a box shape opened to the rear, and bulges forward in the gaming machine similarly to the upper bulge portion 28. Thus, a partition wall portion 331 surrounding the woofer 46 is formed by the frame body 20 and the cover body 21, and the partition wall portion 331 functions as an enclosure.

  The partition wall portion 331 includes a front wall portion 332 in which slits are formed, and left and right vertical wall portions 333 and 334, and sound amplified in the housing portion 47 is output to the front of the gaming machine through the slits. Is done. Here, the left and right vertical wall portions 333 and 334 protrude forward from the partition wall portion 331, and the diffusion of the output sound is suppressed.

  In particular, the left vertical wall portion 333 is provided with a function as a partition portion that partitions the lower bulging portion 29 into the lower plate 34 and the storage portion 47, and the game balls accumulated in the lower plate 34 are stored in the storage portion. The movement to the 47 side is regulated. These vertical wall portions 333 and 334 straddle the upper bulging portion 28 and the lower bulging portion 29, and the lower bulging portion 29 has a function as a column supporting the upper bulging portion 28. As a result, for example, even if the player plays a game with his / her hand placed on the upper bulging portion 28, the upper bulging portion 28 is distorted such as bending with the rear end as the base end due to this. To suppress.

  As shown in FIG. 12, each of the vertical wall portions 333 and 334 is hollow, and while maintaining a certain width (while ensuring the support strength and the function as an enclosure), an increase in weight due to it is suppressed. It has been. The internal space of the vertical wall portions 333 and 334 is connected to the internal space IS of the upper bulge portion 28 through a slit 317 formed in the upper bulge portion 28 (specifically, the lower surface portion 312). The vertical frames 471 and 481 of the mounting frame 450 enter the vertical wall portions 333 and 334 through the slits 317. That is, the internal space of the vertical wall portions 333 and 334 functions as a storage space for the vertical frames 471 and 481.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 10A, the left vertical wall portion 333 is located at the center position, that is, directly below the operation button unit 40, so as to divide the lower bulging portion 29 into the lower plate 34 and the accommodating portion. The operation button unit 40, the lower plate 34, the housing portion 47 (specifically, the left vertical wall portion 333), and the mounting frame positional relationship and shape improve strength, storage function, performance function, appearance, and the like. There is a technical relevance.

  As described above in detail, the operation button unit 40 in the present embodiment is directly attached to the frame body 20 using the attachment frame 450 without using the upper bulging portion 28. Thereby, the load applied to the operation button unit 40 by a pressing operation or the like can be suitably distributed to the frame body 20. In the present embodiment, one of the features is that further contrivances have been made in order to exhibit such functions more suitably. Hereinafter, the device will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12A, the upper bulging portion 28 and the operation button unit 40 (holder 402) have a relative displacement in the same direction as the above-described pressing operation direction (movement direction of the operation button). Is allowed. For example, with respect to the opening flange constituting the front portion of the operation button unit 40 (holder 402), even if the operation button unit 40 is displaced downward, at least the gap is secured. As long as it falls within the range of the gap, it does not collide with the upper bulging portion 28.

  The horizontal frame 461 accommodated in the upper bulging portion 28 also has a predetermined gap between the lower surface 463 and the lower surface portion 312 of the upper bulging portion 28, and the horizontal frame 461 is displaced downward. Is allowed. Further, the horizontal frame 461 and the upper plate 33 are independent, and when the horizontal frame 461 is displaced downward, the displacement is not hindered by the upper plate 33.

  For the above reasons, the downward displacement of the operation button unit 40 and the horizontal frame 461 is allowed within a predetermined range (within a gap or the like). The mounting frame 450 shown in this embodiment is made of metal, and is configured to be deformed in the elastic region without reaching the plastic level when displaced within the above range. In this case, if the operation button unit 40 is displaced downward, it tries to return to the original position by the elastic force stored in the mounting frame 450. Here, in the present embodiment, a gap equivalent to the above gap is secured between the upper surface portion 311 (see FIG. 10) of the upper bulging portion 28 and the upper surface 462 of the horizontal frame 461. Moreover, since the operation button unit 40 (for example, opening flange) and the upper bulging part 28 are not couple | bonded, such a displacement is not prevented. In particular, the opening flange of the operation button unit 40 and the front surface portion 313 of the upper bulging portion 28 have a certain amount of overlap as shown in FIG. Will not be exposed. Further, the left and right side portions of the opening flange and the upper surface portion 311 of the upper bulging portion 28 are covered from the side by the unevenness formed on the upper surface portion 311, and there is a margin in the rising amount of the convex portion, The gap between the opening flange and the upper surface portion 311 is not exposed.

  That is, although the operation button unit 40 appears to be attached to the upper bulging portion 28 in appearance, it is actually independent of the upper bulging portion 28. Further, although the horizontal frame 461 is accommodated in the internal space IS of the upper bulging portion 28, the horizontal frame 461 is in a floating state inside, and contact with the upper bulging portion 28 and the upper plate 33 is avoided. . By adopting such a configuration, even if a large load is applied to the operation button unit 40, it is possible to suppress the load from being transmitted to the upper bulging portion 28.

  Even when the operation button unit 40 is displaced downward and returns to the original position, the operation button unit 40 and the horizontal frame 461 do not collide with the upper bulging portion 28 or the upper plate 33. Thereby, it is possible to more suitably exhibit the protection function.

  Next, the structure of the operation button unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the operation button unit 40.

  As described above, the operation button unit 40 includes the operation button 401 and the holder 402 that holds the operation button 401 so as to be movable up and down. The operation button 401 is a combination of a button member 411 to be pressed and a base member 415 that functions as an attachment portion for the holder 402. The button member 411 includes a cylindrical portion 412 extending in the direction of pressing operation (up and down), and an operation surface portion 413 formed so as to close an open portion on the upper side of the cylindrical portion 412. A flange portion 414 is formed on the opening edge of the tubular portion 412 opposite to the side on which the operation surface portion 413 is formed so as to protrude radially from the opening edge. On the other hand, the base member 415 is fixed from the lower side.

  The holder 402 is composed of an outer structure 431 that constitutes a part of the outline of the upper bulging portion 28, and an inner structure 432 that constitutes the bottom and is an attachment target to the attachment frame 450. A plurality of upright portions 436 are formed on the inner structure 432 so as to rise from the main body 435 of the inner structure 432 toward the base member 415, and the upright portions 436 are formed in the base member 415 and inserted into the insertion portion 417. Has been. The upright portion 436 and the insertion portion 417 define the displacement direction (direction of pressing operation or stroke direction) of the operation button 401.

  The upright portion 426 has a cylindrical shape, and a spring member 404 is disposed in the hollow portion. A part of the spring member 404 protrudes toward the base member 415 and is sandwiched between the inner member 432 (main body 435) and the base member 415 in a compressed state. The operation button 401 is urged by the spring member 404 in the direction opposite to the direction of the pressing operation. Here, a stopper 434 projecting toward the inner structure 432 is formed around the opening 433 for the operation button 401 in the outer structure 431. When the flange 414 of the operation button 401 (button member 411) abuts against the stopper 434 from the side opposite to the pressing direction (lower side), further displacement in the protruding direction is restricted. That is, the stopper 434 defines the protruding amount of the operation button 401, that is, the maximum protruding position (standby position) of the operation button 401.

  When a pressing operation is performed, the operation force applied to the operation button 401 exceeds the urging force of the spring member 404, whereby the operation button 401 is displaced from the standby position to the operation position against the urging force. Become.

(Switching operation stroke)
A block piece 407a is disposed between the bottom portion (base member 415) of the operation button 401 and the main body portion 435 of the holder 402 (inner structure 432). The block piece 407 a is placed on the upper surface of the main body 435. When the operation button 401 is lowered, the lower surface of the base member 415 comes into contact with the upper surface of the block piece 407a. As a result, the block piece 407a is sandwiched between the operation button 401 and the holder 402, and further lowering of the operation button 401, that is, displacement to the maximum pressing position is restricted. In the following description, the pushing position of the operation button 401 defined by the block piece 407a is referred to as a restricted pushing position.

  In the present embodiment, a stroke switching solenoid 407 is incorporated as a stroke switching means for switching the operation stroke of the operation button 401 in accordance with the game situation. The stroke switching solenoid 407 is connected to the notification / production control device 142, and is configured to switch from an excited state to a non-excitation state when a drive signal is input from the notification / production control device 142. The block piece 407a is fixed to the frame. When the stroke switching solenoid 407 is in a non-excited state, the block piece 407a is disposed at a limit position that limits displacement to the maximum pressing position (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 14A). When the solenoid 407 is in an excited state, the solenoid 407 is placed in a retracted position where the above restriction is not performed (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 14B).

  The operation button unit 40 is provided with an operation detection sensor 406 for the operation button 401. The operation detection sensor 406 is connected to the notification / production control device 142, and when the operation button is located at the limit pressing position to the maximum pressing position, detection information (detection signal) is output to the notification / production control device 142. Is done. That is, in the present embodiment, the limit pressing position to the maximum pressing position are set as the operation reception range (hereinafter simply referred to as the operation position).

  In the notification / production control device 142, when detection information is input from the operation detection sensor 406 during a period in which the operation is valid, a process for executing the production based on the operation is performed. This effect includes displaying an image based on the operation on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 and displaying an image based on the operation on the light emitting display device 405 built in the operation button unit 40. Broadly divided. The light emitting display device 405 has a configuration in which the displayed image is switched according to the position of the operation button 401 (specifically, the standby position / restricted pressing position / maximum pressing position). Of the button member 411 and the base member 415 constituting the operation button 401, the former is made of a transparent synthetic resin material and is provided with light transmittance. An image displayed on the light emitting display device 405 can be visually recognized through the operation button 401 (specifically, the operation surface portion 413). Hereinafter, the light emitting display device 405 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15A is a schematic view showing a mechanism of light emission, and FIG. 15B is a plan view of the light emitting display device 405.

(Light-emitting display device 405)
The light emitting display device 405 includes a light guide unit 441 as a “display unit” that displays an image when light is supplied from a predetermined direction, and a light emitting unit as a “light source” that supplies light to the light guide unit 441. 421 and the displayed image can be visually recognized from the front side (obliquely upper side) of the operation button unit 40 through the operation surface portion 413 of the operation button 401. One of the light guide unit 441 and the light emitting unit 421 is disposed on the operation button 401, and the other is disposed on the holder 402. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the light emitting unit 421 is disposed on the operation button 401, and the light guide unit 441 is disposed on the holder 402.

  The light guide unit 441 includes a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) light guide plates 442 arranged in parallel in the pressing operation direction, and is fixed to a pedestal 438 formed on the inner structure 432. . The pedestal 438 stands up from the main body 435 toward the operation surface 413, and a tip portion thereof reaches the center opening 416. By mounting the light guide unit 441 on the tip portion, the light guide unit 441 is exposed to the inside of the button member 411 (tubular portion 412) through the central opening 416. The light guide unit 441 has a display surface facing the operation surface portion 413, and is a non-arrangement region such as a shielding object between the operation surface portion 413. By using the pedestal 438 to bring the light guide unit 441 and the operation surface portion 413 closer to each other, the visibility related to the display of the light guide unit 441 is improved.

  The light guide plate 442 has a disc shape that is coaxial with the cylindrical portion 412, and is laminated via an annular spacer 443 formed along the outer peripheral edge thereof. The light guide unit 441 (the light guide plate 442 and the spacer 443) has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 412, and a gap is formed between the light guide unit 441 and the cylindrical portion 412. The light emitting unit 421 is disposed in the gap. The light emitting unit 421 has an annular shape that is coaxial with the light guide plate 442, and it can be said that the region surrounded by the light emitting unit 421 is an arrangement region of the light guide unit 441.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the light emitting unit 421 is disposed so as to face the light emitting body 422 and the light emitting substrate 423 on which the light emitting body (full color LED) 422 is mounted, and reflects the light from the light emitting body 422. It has a reflection member 424 and a frame body 425 on which the light emitting substrate 423 and the reflection member 424 are mounted. The light emitter 422 is configured so that the optical axis is parallel to the plate surface 445 of the light guide plate 442, and is disposed so as to face the end surface 446 of the light guide plate 442. The light emitted from the light emitter 422 has directivity, and is restricted so that the spread of the light guide plates 442 in the stacking direction is smaller than the thickness of the light guide plate 442 at least in the section up to the light guide unit 441. ing. Note that the end surfaces 446 of the respective light guide plates 442 are all located on a virtual plane parallel to the direction in which the light guide plates 442 are arranged in parallel (the stroke direction of the operation buttons 401). For this reason, in the state where the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 are opposed to each other, the distance between the light emitting unit 421 and the light supply location in the light guide unit 441 is constant in the direction orthogonal to the parallel arrangement direction. .

  The light guide plate 442 is made of a colorless and transparent synthetic resin and has light transmittance. The refractive index of the light guide plate 442 is configured to be higher than the refractive index of air. When light from the light emitter 422 is irradiated onto the end surface 446 of the light guide plate 442, the light is totally reflected by the plate surface 445 and travels through the light guide plate 442 while being repeatedly reflected between the plate surfaces 445. Of the two plate surfaces 445 of the light guide plate 442, fine unevenness 447 that functions as an “exit” of light is formed on a part of the upper plate surface 445 facing the operation surface portion 413 side. The light reaching the unevenness 447 is refracted by the unevenness 447 and is emitted from the light guide plate 442. On the other hand, the light that avoids the unevenness 447 flows out from the end surface 446 of the light guide plate 442, but at least a part thereof returns to the light guide plate 442 again by the reflecting member 424 facing the end surface 446. . This increases the opportunity to reach the unevenness 447. This is a device for reducing the loss of light quantity. In the following description, a region where the unevenness 447 is formed on the light guide plate 442 is referred to as a light emitting region LE (light emission region LE).

  As shown in FIG. 15B, the light guide plate 442 shown in this embodiment has a circular shape like the operation surface portion 413, and the light emitting unit 421 surrounding the light guide plate 442 has an annular shape as described above. It is formed to make. Although the light emitter 422 faces the inside of the light emitting unit 421, the light emitter 422 is tilted so that the optical axis passes through a position deviated from the central axis of the light guide plate 442. This is a device for avoiding the concentration of light near the center of the light guide plate 442.

  Further, the light emitters 422 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the light emitting unit 421, and the reflection member 424 is disposed between the light emitters 422. More specifically, the light emitters 422 and the reflecting members 424 are arranged so as to alternate in the circumferential direction. This is a device for gaining a passage region of light from the light emitters 422, and is an advantageous configuration for suppressing variation in the light emission level of the unevenness 447 while reducing the number of light emitters 422. Note that the vertical width of the reflecting member 424 is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the light guide plate 442. This is a device for suppressing the reflected light from being irradiated to another light guide plate 442 that is not a supply target.

  The spacer 443 is formed to be colored and opaque so that transmission and reflection of light are suppressed (specifically, it is made of a light absorbing material). This is a device for avoiding that other light guide plate 442 is irradiated with light in a situation where light is applied to one light guide plate 442. When the light guide plate 442 is disposed in the light supply region DE of light surrounded by the light emitter 422 and the reflection member 424, the light emission region LE of the light guide plate 442 disposed in the light supply region DE emits light, and an image is displayed. Will be displayed.

  Note that the frame body 425 is made of a colored and opaque synthetic resin, and transmission and reflection of light are suppressed. The frame body 425 extends vertically with respect to the light emitting body 422 (light emitting substrate 423) and the reflecting member 424. Thereby, it is suppressed that the light which deviated from the reflection member 424 is reflected by the frame body 425, and is irradiated to the other light-guide plate 442 which is not the light supply object.

  Next, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 16, the relationship between the position of the operation button 401 and the image displayed on the light emitting display device 405 will be supplementarily described. The group (1) in FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441, and the group (2) in FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an image to be displayed. In the following description, with respect to the light guide plates 442 arranged in three layers, the “first light guide plate 442a” in order from the one closest to the operation surface portion 413 (the one located on the front side of the light guide unit 441). ”,“ Second light guide plate 442b ”, and“ third light guide plate 442c ”, and configurations related thereto are also distinguished by reference numerals“ a ”to“ c ”.

  When the operation button 401 is disposed at the standby position, as shown in FIG. 16A, the first light guide plate 442a is arranged side by side with the light emitting unit 421. In this manner, when the light emitting unit 421 is turned on in a state where the first light guide plate 442a is located in the light supply region DE, light is supplied to the first light guide plate 442a through the end surface 446a of the first light guide plate 442a. .

  The light incident on the first light guide plate 442a is reflected by the plate surface 445a of the first light guide plate 442a, and is emitted upward through the light emission region LEa of the first light guide plate 442a. The light emitted from the light emission region LEa of the first light guide plate 442a goes out of the operation button unit 40 through the operation button 401 (operation surface portion 413).

  As shown in FIG. 16 (a2), the light emission region LEa in the first light guide plate 442a corresponds to a message (specifically, a character “PUSH”) prompting the operation of the operation button unit 40. That is, by displaying the characters “PUSH” on the light emitting display device 405 (first light guide plate 442a), it is possible to suggest that the player should operate the operation button unit 40. Yes. When the light emitting unit 421 is turned off, the supply of light to the first light guide plate 442a is avoided even if the first light guide plate 442a is disposed in the light supply region DE. For this reason, the message is not displayed.

  When the operation button 401 is disposed at the operation position, specifically, when the operation button 401 is disposed at the restricted pressing position restricted by the block piece 407a, the light emitting unit 421 is lowered together with the operation button 401, and the second guide is provided. The light plate 442b is aligned with the light emitting unit 421 (see FIG. 16B). Thus, when the light emitting unit 421 is turned on in a state where the second light guide plate 442b is located in the light supply region DE, light is supplied to the second light guide plate 442b through the end surface 446b of the second light guide plate 442b. .

  The light incident on the second light guide plate 442b is reflected by the plate surface 445b of the second light guide plate 442b, and is emitted upward through the light emission region LEb of the second light guide plate 442b. As a result, the light emitting region LEb emits light. The light emitted from the light emission region LEb of the second light guide plate 442b goes out of the operation button unit 40 through the first light guide plate 442a and the operation button 401 (operation surface portion 413).

  As shown in FIG. 16 (b2), the light emission region LEb in the second light guide plate 442b corresponds to a message (specifically, a character “CHANCE”) indicating the expectation level resulting in the jackpot result. By displaying the characters “CHANCE” on the second light guide plate 442b, the player is notified of the degree of expectation resulting in the jackpot result. When the light emitting unit 421 is turned off, light supply to the second light guide plate 442b is avoided even if the second light guide plate 442b is disposed in the light supply region DE. For this reason, the message is not displayed.

  When the operation button 401 is operated under a situation where the stroke switching solenoid 407 is excited and the operation stroke is expanded (see FIG. 14B), the operation button 401 reaches the maximum pressing position. When the operation button 401 is arranged at the operation position in this way, specifically, when the operation button 401 is arranged at the maximum pressing position where the restriction by the block piece 407a is released, the light emitting unit 421 is lowered together with the operation button 401. Then, the third light guide plate 442c is aligned with the light emitting unit 421 (see FIG. 16C). In this manner, when the light emitting unit 421 is turned on in a state where the third light guide plate 442c is located in the light supply region DE, light is supplied to the third light guide plate 442c through the end surface 446c of the third light guide plate 442c. .

  The light incident on the third light guide plate 442c is reflected by the plate surface 445c of the third light guide plate 442c, and is emitted upward through the light emission region LEc of the third light guide plate 442c. As a result, the light emission region LEc emits light. The light emitted from the light emission region LEc of the third light guide plate 442c goes out of the operation button unit 40 through the second light guide plate 442b, the first light guide plate 442a, and the operation button 401 (operation surface portion 413).

  As shown in FIG. 16 (c3), the light emission region LEc in the third light guide plate 442c corresponds to a message (specifically, “hot heat”) indicating the degree of expectation resulting in the jackpot result. By displaying the characters “Intense heat” on the third light guide plate 442c, the player is notified of the degree of expectation resulting in the jackpot result. When the light emitting unit 421 is turned off, the supply of light to the third light guide plate 442c is avoided even if the third light guide plate 442c is disposed in the light supply region DE. For this reason, the message is not displayed.

  In this way, the displayed image changes as the positional relationship between the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 changes due to the pressing operation of the operation button 401. Here, the operation button 401 arranged at the operation position (the limited pressing position and the maximum pressing position) attempts to return to the standby position when the hand is released from the operation button 401. That is, there is a concern that the confirmation will be difficult even if the user confirms the image by releasing the operation button 401. In the operation button unit 40 shown in the present embodiment, even after the hand is released from the operation button 401, a device for avoiding switching of the displayed image or the like and continuing the display of the predetermined image is made. Is one of the features. Hereinafter, the device will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 again.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the holder 402 of the operation button unit 40 is provided with a return restriction solenoid 408 as a restriction means for restricting the displacement (return) of the operation button 401 from the operation position to the standby position. The return regulating solenoid 408 is connected to the notification / production control device 142 and is configured to switch from the non-excitation state to the excitation state when a drive signal is input from the notification / production control device 142.

  When the return regulating solenoid 408 switches from the non-excited state to the excited state, the plunger protrudes and acts to push down the operation button 401 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 14). The pressing force by the plunger is set to exceed the urging force by the spring member 404. For this reason, when the return restricting solenoid 408 is in an excited state under the situation where the operation button 401 is disposed at the operation position, the operation button regardless of whether or not the pressing operation of the operation button 401 is continued. 401 will remain in place (hold). Thereby, after releasing the operation button 401, there is a grace period for confirming the image displayed based on the operation.

  When the output of the drive signal from the notification / production control device 142 is stopped, the plunger is retracted by the biasing force of the coil spring built in the return regulating solenoid 408. Thereby, the displacement restriction of the operation button 401 is released, and the operation button 401 returns to the standby position. When the restriction by the return restriction solenoid 408 is released, the light emitting unit 421 is also turned off. Thereby, the switching of the image from “extreme heat” to “CHANCE” and the switching of the image from “CHANCE” to “PUSH” are avoided.

(Electrical configuration)
As described in detail above, in the present embodiment, the display mode of the image on the operation button unit 40 is changed by performing light emission control of the light emitting display device 405 built in the operation button unit 40. ing. Hereinafter, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 17, and then the configuration related to the effect corresponding to the operation of the operation button unit 40 (operation-related effect) will be described. To do.

  An MPU 802 is mounted on a main control board 801 provided in the main controller 162. The MPU 802 includes a ROM 803 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 802 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 803 is executed. A RAM 804 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are incorporated.

  The MPU 802 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the MPU 802, a power failure monitoring board 805, a payout control device 242 provided in the main control device 162, a switch group (not shown), and the like are connected. The power failure monitoring board 805 is connected to a power source / emission control device 243, and power is supplied to the MPU 802 via the power failure monitoring board 805. In addition, as a part of the switch group, detection sensors corresponding to various entering parts such as the operation ports 83a and 83b and the variable winning device 82 are connected, and the MPU 802 of the main controller 162 enters the entering part. A determination is made. In addition, the MPU 802 executes a jackpot generation lottery based on the entrance to the operation ports 83a and 83b in the entrance portion.

  Here, an electrical configuration in performing a big hit occurrence lottery or the like in the MPU 802 will be described.

  The MPU 802 uses lots of counter information during the game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, setting the emission color of the display for the operating port of the main display unit 91, setting of the symbol display of the symbol display device 94, etc. Includes a jackpot random number counter C1 used for lottery occurrence, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining a jackpot type such as a probabilistic jackpot state or a normal jackpot state, and the symbol display device 94 when the symbol display device 94 is changed. A reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting an initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a period for switching colors displayed on the operation port display portion of the main display unit 91, and Using the variation type counter CS that determines the variation display time of the symbols in the symbol display device 94 That.

  Among these counters, the counters C1 to C3, CINI, and CS are loop counters that add 1 to the previous value every time they are updated, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 804. The RAM 804 is provided with a holding ball storage buffer including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game to the operation ports 83a and 83b is provided. The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in time series in accordance with the ball entry history.

  For details of each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 676, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 804 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 83a and 83b.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 49, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 49) and then returns to 0. In the present embodiment, the jackpot type counter C2 determines whether the probability variation state (high probability state) or the normal state (low probability state) is determined after the jackpot state ends. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 804 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 83a and 83b.

  Here, the probability variation state refers to a gaming state in which the probability of occurrence of a jackpot state is higher than that in the normal state until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied after the jackpot state ends. Specifically, in the normal state, the number of random number values that will generate the jackpot state is two, and the values are “337, 673”. In the probability variation state, the jackpot state occurs. The number of random values is 10, and the values are “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661”.

  In the pachinko machine 10, the normal jackpot state (first special game state) that becomes the normal state after the end of the jackpot state and the probability change jackpot state (second special game state) that becomes the probability change state after the end of the jackpot state are established. In the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, the manner of symbols that are stopped and displayed after the variable display is different. Specifically, when a normal jackpot state occurs, the combination of the normal jackpot symbols as the first special display result (more specifically, the combination of symbols with the same even number) is stopped and displayed. When the big hit state occurs, the combination of the probabilistic big hit symbols as a second special display result (more specifically, the combination of symbols given the same odd number) is stopped and displayed.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 238) and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 804 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 83a and 83b.

  For example, the variation type counter CS is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0.

  The display type of the symbol display device 94, such as the type of reach effect that occurs during reach display and other general symbol change modes, is determined by the change type counter CS. That is, the pachinko machine 10 (specifically, the MPU 802) is provided with effect type lottery means for drawing the type of reach effect.

  Here, the reach display (reach state) includes a symbol display device 94 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of symbols (pictures), and the stop display result after the variable display becomes a special display result. In the case where the gaming state is a special gaming state advantageous to the player, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variation display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 94 is started. This means a display state for making the player think that the variable display state is likely to be the special display result in the previous stage.

  In other words, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the jackpot state is established by stopping the symbols for a part of the symbol strings displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. This is a display state in which possible reach symbol combinations are displayed, and in that state, symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

  More specifically, as a step before ending the symbol variation display, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the jackpot state is established on a preset active line in the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying possible combinations of reach symbols, and symbols are displayed in a variable manner by the final stop symbol sequence in a situation where the reach line is formed.

  In the reach display, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variation display of symbols is performed on the remaining symbol rows, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen. There are those that produce an effect, and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen 94a after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols. Incidentally, in this pachinko machine 10, an operation corresponding effect that displays different operation corresponding effects according to the operation of the operation button unit 40 (operation button 401) is set as a part of various reach effects or reach notice effects.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 17, the power failure monitoring board 805, the payout control device 242, and the notification / production control device 142 are connected to the output side of the MPU 802 in the main control device 162. For example, a prize ball command is output to the payout control device 242 based on the result of determining whether or not the player has entered the pitching unit.

  Various commands such as a change start command, a type command, a stop display command, a jackpot start command, and a jackpot end command are output to the notification / production control device 142. Here, the change start command and the type command are sent to the notification / production control device 142 when the switching display on the working port display section of the main display section D is started based on the information stored in the holding ball storage buffer. Is output. In this case, the variation start command includes the symbol variation display time, information on whether or not a jackpot has occurred, information on whether or not reach display, information on the reach type, etc. Contains type information. Further, the stop display command is output to the notification / production control device 142 when the switching display in the working port display section of the main display section D is terminated. The jackpot start command is output to the notification / production control device 142 when shifting to the jackpot state, and the jackpot end command is output to the notification / production control device 142 when the jackpot state ends.

  The MPU 802 is connected to a drive unit or the like provided in the variable winning device 82. In the big hit state, drive control of the driving unit is executed, and the variable winning device 82 is opened and closed. . As described above, when the variable winning device 82 is opened and closed in the big hit state, a large number of game balls are paid out to the player. That is, the big hit state as the special game state can be made more advantageous to the player than the normal game state.

  The power failure monitoring board 805 relays between the main control board 801 and the power / fire control device 243, and monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power / fire control device 243.

  The payout control device 242 controls payout of prize balls and lending balls by the payout device 224. When the prize ball command is input, the number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command is paid out. The payout device 224 is driven and controlled. In other words, when a prize ball command is input, the payout control device 242 executes a payout control process and controls the payout device 224 to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command. . That is, the pachinko machine 10 has a payout function for executing payout of game balls based on the game result.

  The power / launch control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control board 801, the payout control device 242 and the like, and the generated operating power is indicated by a double line arrow. Supply through the route. The power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

  The notification / production control device 142 is provided with a notification / production control board 811 on which an MPU 812 for controlling the speaker unit 27, the light emitting units 24-26, the operation button unit 40, and the display control device 143 is mounted. The MPU 812 includes a ROM 813 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 812 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 813 is executed. A certain RAM 814 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are incorporated.

  The MPU 812 is provided with an input port and an output port. An operation detection sensor 406 provided in the main control device 162 and the operation button unit 40 is connected to the input side of the MPU 812. When the pressing operation of the operation button unit 40 is performed, information (signal) indicating that is input from the operation detection sensor 406 to the MPU 812 of the notification / production control device 142.

  Connected to the output side of the MPU 812 are a display control device 143 for controlling the symbol display device 94, a light emitting display device 405 (light emitting unit 421) provided in the operation button unit 40, a stroke switching solenoid 407, and a return regulating solenoid 408. Has been. Based on the signal from the MPU 812, the light emission unit 421 is turned on / off, and the stroke switching solenoid 407 and the return regulating solenoid 408 are driven / excited. That is, the MPU 812 of the notification / production control device 142 functions as a light emission control unit that performs light emission control of the light emission unit 421 and a drive control unit that performs drive control of the solenoids 407 and 408.

  When the MPU 812 receives an effect command (variation start command, type command, stop display command, jackpot start command, jackpot end command, etc.) output from the main controller 162, the MPU 812 analyzes the command or converts it to the command. A predetermined calculation process is performed to determine an effect mode, and display control is performed so that a display effect is performed in the effect mode.

  As various areas provided in the ROM 813, for example, various table storage areas 815 are set. The various table storage areas 815 are operated in a table for determining an outline of variation display when the variation display of symbols is started based on a variation start command input from the main controller 162, or in the variation display times (game times). A table for specifying the details of the contents of the effect when the corresponding effect is performed is stored. In the present embodiment, the first type operation corresponding effect to the fifth type operation corresponding effect are provided as the operation corresponding effects. About these various operation corresponding | compatible effects, the display mode of the light emission display apparatus 405 and the operation stroke of the operation button 401 differ. Here, with reference to FIG. 18, types of operation-compatible effects will be described. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the operation-corresponding effect and the winning expectation that is the jackpot result.

(Operation-related effects)
In the first type operation corresponding effect, the light emitter (LED) 422 is lit red with the start of the first type operation corresponding effect, and this lighting state is continued until the end of the first type operation corresponding effect. If the operation button 401 is placed at the standby position when the first-type operation corresponding effect is started, the characters “PUSH” indicating the operation are displayed in red on the light emitting display device 405. In the first type operation corresponding effect, a branch is provided between when the operation stroke of the operation button 401 remains unchanged and when it is expanded.

  In the case where the operation stroke is maintained as it is, when the operation button 401 reaches the limit pressing position, further pressing is impossible. By reaching the limit pressing position, the second light guide plate 442b is arranged in the light supply region DE, and the characters “CHANCE” are displayed in red on the light emitting display device 405. When the operation stroke is extended, the operation button 401 reaches the maximum pressing position. By reaching the maximum pressing position, the third light guide plate 442c is arranged in the light supply region DE, and the light emitting display device 405 displays the characters “extremely hot” in red.

  There are a case where the character “PUSH” is displayed as an opportunity when the first type operation corresponding effect is performed, and a case where the character “PUSH” is displayed as a part of simple operation suggestion. For this reason, when the word “PUSH” is displayed, the winning expectation level that is a jackpot result is about 10%. After that, the character “CHANCE” is displayed and the winning expectation level is increased to 40%. The winning expectation rises to 80% by displaying the word “hot”.

  In the second type operation corresponding effect, the light emitter (LED) 422 is lit in blue with the start of the second type operation corresponding effect, and this lighting state is continued until the end of the second type operation corresponding effect. If the operation button 401 is placed at the standby position when the second-type operation corresponding effect is started, the characters “PUSH” indicating the operation are displayed in blue on the light emitting display device 405. In the second type operation corresponding effect, a branch is provided when the operation stroke of the operation button 401 remains unchanged and when it is expanded.

  In the case where the operation stroke is maintained as it is, when the operation button 401 reaches the limit pressing position, further pressing is impossible. By reaching the limit pressing position, the second light guide plate 442b is arranged in the light supply region DE, and the characters “CHANCE” are displayed in blue on the light emitting display device 405. When the operation stroke is extended, the operation button 401 reaches the maximum pressing position. By reaching the maximum pressing position, the third light guide plate 442c is arranged in the light supply region DE, and the light emitting display device 405 displays the characters “Intense heat” in blue.

  There are a case where the character “PUSH” is displayed as a trigger when the second-type operation-corresponding effect is performed, and a case where the character “PUSH” is displayed as part of a simple operation suggestion. For this reason, when the word “PUSH” is displayed in blue, the winning expectation level, which is a jackpot result, is about 5%. After that, the character “CHANCE” is displayed, and the winning expectation level is increased to 20%. In addition, the winning expectation rises to 60% by displaying the word “Intense Heat”.

  In the third type operation corresponding effect, the message indicating the degree of expectation that is the winning result when the operation button 401 is arranged at the operation position is displayed, as in the first type operation corresponding effect and the second type operation corresponding effect. However, the circumstances leading to this are different from the first type operation corresponding effect and the second type operation corresponding effect. Specifically, in the third type operation corresponding effect, the light emitter (LED) 422 is not lit with the start of the third type operation corresponding effect, but the operation button 401 is arranged at the operation position. Turns on when triggered. Note that when the third type operation corresponding effect is started, an icon imitating the operation button 401 is displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 in the same manner as the first type operation corresponding effect and the second type operation corresponding effect. As a result, the operation is suggested.

  In the third type operation-corresponding effect, a branch is provided between when the operation stroke of the operation button 401 remains unchanged and when it is expanded.

  In the case where the operation stroke is maintained as it is, when the operation button 401 reaches the limit pressing position, further pressing is impossible. By reaching the limit pressing position, the second light guide plate 442b is arranged in the light supply region DE, and the light emitter (LED) 422 is switched from off to on. As a result, the characters “CHANCE” are displayed in red on the light emitting display device 405. When the operation stroke is extended, the operation button 401 reaches the maximum pressing position. Also at this time, the limit pressing position is passed before reaching the maximum pressing position, and at that time, the light emitter (LED) 422 is switched from off to on. When the operation button 401 reaches the maximum pressing position and the third light guide plate 442c is disposed in the light supply region DE, the light emitting display device 405 displays the characters “extremely hot” in red.

  When the third-type operation-compatible effect is performed, the winning expectation is 50% by displaying the characters “CHANCE”, and the winning expectation is 90% by displaying the characters “Intense fever”. It becomes.

  In the fourth type operation corresponding effect, the basic effect flow is the same as the third type operation corresponding effect, but the emission color is different from the third type operation corresponding effect. Specifically, in the fourth type operation corresponding effect, the light emitter (LED) 422 is turned on based on the operation of the operation button 401. Also in the fourth type operation corresponding effect, a branch is provided between when the operation stroke of the operation button 401 remains unchanged and when it is expanded.

  In the case where the operation stroke is maintained as it is, when the operation button 401 reaches the limit pressing position, further pressing is impossible. By reaching the limit pressing position, the second light guide plate 442b is arranged in the light supply region DE, and the light emitter 422 is switched from off to on. As a result, the characters “CHANCE” are displayed in blue on the light emitting display device 405. When the operation stroke is extended, the operation button 401 reaches the maximum pressing position. Also at this time, the light passes through the limit pressing position before reaching the maximum pressing position, and at that time, the light emitter 422 switches from turning off to lighting. When the operation button 401 reaches the maximum pressing position and the third light guide plate 442c is arranged in the light supply region DE, the light emitting display device 405 displays the characters “extremely hot” in blue.

  In the case where the fourth type operation corresponding effect is performed, the winning expectation degree is 30% by displaying the characters “CHANCE”, and the winning expectation degree is 70% by displaying the characters “hot”. It becomes.

  In the fifth type operation corresponding effect, the light emitting body (LED) 422 remains off all the time, and the display effect using the light emitting display device 405 is avoided. However, the operation stroke is provided with a long and short branch. In the case where the fifth-type operation-corresponding effect is performed, the winning expectation is 5% when the operation stroke remains normal, but the winning expectation is up to 30% when the operation stroke is extended. Will rise.

  When an operation-related effect is executed at the game times corresponding to the result of losing, the third-type operation-compatible effect <first-type operation-compatible effect <fourth-type operation-compatible effect <second-type operation-compatible effect <5th It becomes easy to select the order corresponding to the seed operation corresponding effect. On the other hand, when the operation corresponding effect is executed at the game times corresponding to the jackpot result, the fifth type operation corresponding effect <the second type operation corresponding effect <the fourth type operation corresponding effect <the first type operation. Correspondence effect <It becomes easy to select in order of the third type operation response effect. As a result, the expectation that is a jackpot result when an operation-related effect occurs is the fifth-type operation-compatible effect <the second-type operation-compatible effect <the fourth-type operation-compatible effect <the first-type operation-compatible effect <the third type It is differentiated so that it becomes higher in the order of the operation corresponding effects.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 17 again, as various areas provided in the RAM 814, various flag storage areas 816 and a counter area 817 are set. The various flag storage area 816 is an area for storing information for specifying an effect pattern in the variation display time when the variation display of the symbol is started based on a variation start command, for example. The counter area 817 is provided with a timing counter for specifying the start timing and end timing of various effects.

  The display control device 143 starts the symbol variation display on the symbol display device 94 based on the variation start command input from the notification / production control device 142, and in a manner corresponding to the information included in the variation start command. After the change display is performed, the symbol change display is terminated in a state where the stop result corresponding to the type command is displayed. As the symbol variation display in a mode corresponding to the information included in the variation start command, for example, the above-described reach display or reach effect is displayed on the symbol display device 94. In addition, when displaying the stop result, in the variable display times where the normal jackpot state will occur, a combination of normal jackpot symbols will be displayed, and in the variable display times where the probability variation jackpot state will occur The combination of the probable jackpot symbol is displayed.

  In the MPU 812 of the notification / production control device 142, various types of operation-compatible production processes are executed as part of the regular process. The processing for operation-corresponding effects is broadly classified into operation-corresponding effect setting processing for determining which operation-corresponding effect is to be executed, and operation-corresponding effect execution processing that is executed to advance the operation-corresponding effect. Hereinafter, the operation corresponding performance execution process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Operation-related effect execution process)
In the operation corresponding effect execution process, first, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the game corresponding to the operation corresponding effect can be executed. If a negative determination is made in step S101, the operation corresponding effect execution process is terminated as it is. If a positive determination is made in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S <b> 102, it is determined whether or not the operation button unit 40 is in the operation acceptance period or the operation corresponding effect is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S102, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the operation-related effect. If a negative determination is made in step S103, the present operation corresponding effect execution process is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S103, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, it is determined whether or not the current operation-corresponding effect corresponds to the expansion of the operation stroke. If an affirmative determination is made in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, and a drive signal is output to the stroke switching solenoid 407. As a result, the stroke switching solenoid 407 is switched from the non-excited state to the excited state, and the operation stroke of the operation button 401 is temporarily extended.

  After the process of step S105 is executed or when a negative determination is made in step S104, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, an operation suggestion start command is output to the display control device 143. The display control device 143 displays an image (button icon) imitating the operation button unit 40 as an image for prompting the operation of the operation button unit 40 on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on the reception of the operation suggestion start command. To do. At this time, a time gauge indicating the operation reception period (remaining time) is also displayed, so that it is clearly shown to the player how much time remains.

  After executing the process of step S106, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, it is determined whether the current operation corresponding effect is a first type operation corresponding effect or a second type operation corresponding effect. If a positive determination is made in step S107, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, lighting start processing of the light emitter 422 is performed. Specifically, when the current operation-corresponding effect is a first-type operation-corresponding effect, the light-emitting body 422 is lit in red, and when the current operation-corresponding effect is a second-type operation-corresponding effect. Turns on the light emitter 422 so that it is blue.

  After performing the process of step S108 or when a negative determination is made in step S107, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, an operation acceptance validation flag is set in various flag storage areas 816 of the RAM 814. As a result, the operation of the operation button unit 40 is effectively accepted for a certain period thereafter.

  Note that in the structure described in this embodiment, the display mode changes depending on the position of the operation button 401. In such a configuration, when the operation corresponding effect is started, if the operation button 401 is already placed at the operation position, the possibility of a display different from the original display cannot be denied. In view of such circumstances, it is determined whether or not the operation button 401 is arranged at the operation position at the start of the operation-related effect, and if the operation button is arranged at the operation position, the operation-related effect is not performed. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that substitutes for other effects using the symbol display device 94.

  Returning to the description of step S102, when an affirmative determination is made in step S102, that is, when an operation is being accepted or an operation-corresponding effect is being performed, the operation-corresponding effect is executed after executing the operation-corresponding process in step S110. The process ends. Here, the operation handling process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Operation handling processing)
In the operation handling process, first, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the return of the operation button 401 to the standby position is being regulated. If a negative determination is made in step S201, the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, it is determined whether the operation acceptance period has elapsed. If it is determined that the operation reception period has not ended, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, it is determined based on detection information (detection signal) from the operation detection sensor 406 whether or not the pressing operation of the operation button unit 40 has been performed. If a negative determination is made in step S203, the operation handling process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, an operation acceptance command is output to the display control device 143. The display control device 143 displays an image (for example, a cut-in image) corresponding to the operation on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on the reception of the operation acceptance command. As a result, the button icons for suggesting operations and the time gauge for suggesting remaining time that have been displayed until then are not displayed. Incidentally, a sound effect indicating that an operation has been accepted is also output from the speaker unit 27.

  After executing the process of step S204, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, whether or not the current operation-corresponding effect is the third-type operation-corresponding effect or the fourth-type operation-corresponding effect, that is, the operation-corresponding effect that is executed when the light emitter (LED) 422 is turned on is accepted as an operation. It is determined whether it is. If a positive determination is made in step S205, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, lighting start processing of the light emitter 422 is executed. Specifically, when the current operation-corresponding effect is a third-type operation-corresponding effect, the light-emitting body 422 is lit in red, and when the current operation-corresponding effect is a fourth-type operation-corresponding effect. Turns on the light emitter 422 so that it is blue.

  After executing the process of step S206, the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, a drive signal is output to the return regulating solenoid 408, and the return regulating solenoid 408 is switched from the non-excited state to the excited state. Thereby, the protrusion amount of the plunger of the return regulating solenoid 408 is increased, and the movement of the operation button 401 from the operation position is prevented. That is, the return of the operation button 401 to the standby position is hindered. After executing the process of step S207, the various flag storage area 816 return restriction flag of the RAM 814 is set in step S208. Thereafter, the return restriction solenoid 408 is maintained in an excited state until the return restriction flag is cleared.

  After executing the process of step S208 or when making a negative determination in step S205, the process proceeds to step S209. In step S209, the operation reception validation flag stored in the various flag storage area 816 of the RAM 814 is deleted, and then the operation corresponding process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of step S202, if an affirmative determination is made in step S202, that is, if it is determined that the operation reception period has passed without the operation button unit 40 being operated, the process proceeds to step S210. In step S210, a reception period end command indicating that the reception period has ended is output to the display control device 143. Based on the reception of this acceptance period end command, the display control device 143 hides the button icon and the time gauge that have been displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 until then. This suggests to the player that the operation acceptance period has ended.

  After executing the command output process of step S210, the process proceeds to step S211. In step S211, the operation reception enable flag stored in the various flag storage area 816 of the RAM 814 is deleted. Thereby, the production based on the operation of the operation button unit 40 ends. After executing the process of step S211, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S212, the stroke switching solenoid is de-energized. That is, when the drive signal is output to the stroke switching solenoid, the output of the drive signal is stopped, and when the drive signal is not output, it is maintained.

  After performing the process of step S212, the light emission body (LED) 422 is turned off in step S213, and the operation corresponding process is terminated. Thereby, when the operation suggestion by the light emitting display device 405 is performed, the operation suggestion ends.

  Returning to the description of step S201, if an affirmative determination is made in step S201, that is, if it is determined that the return of the operation button 401 to the standby position is being regulated, the process proceeds to step S214. In step S214, it is determined whether it is time to cancel the switching of the operation stroke. If an affirmative determination is made in step S214, the process proceeds to step S215. In step S215, processing for returning the stroke switching solenoid 407 to the non-excited state is executed. Specifically, when the stroke switching solenoid 407 is in an excited state, the output processing of the drive signal to the stroke switching solenoid 407 is terminated, and the drive signal is not output to the stroke switching solenoid 407. In case you keep it. When the stroke switching solenoid 407 is in a non-excited state, the block piece 407a is returned from the retracted position to the restricted position by the biasing force of the coil spring built in the stroke switching solenoid 407. If the operation button 401 is disposed at the maximum pressing position at this time, the operation button 401 prevents the block piece 407a from being displaced. Therefore, the return to the limit position is delayed until the operation button 401 returns to the standby position.

  After performing the process of step S215 or when a negative determination is made in step S214, the process proceeds to step S216. In step S216, it is determined whether it is time to cancel the return restriction of the operation button 401 to the standby position. Specifically, a restriction period (hold period) is set when the return restriction is performed in step S208. In step S216, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when this regulation period has elapsed. Here, in the present embodiment, the regulation period is set to coincide with the remaining period when the pressing operation is performed during the operation reception period. For example, when the operation acceptance period is 5 sec and a pressing operation is performed at a timing when 3 sec has elapsed from the start of operation acceptance, 2 sec is set as the restriction period, and the pressing is performed at a timing after 4 sec has elapsed since the operation acceptance start When the operation is performed, 1 sec is set as the restriction period.

  In a state where the return of the operation button 401 is restricted, even if the operation button 401 is released, the operation button 401 does not move. For this reason, the positional relationship between the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 is maintained. As a result, the display on the light emitting display device 405 is continued. In confirming this display content, it is advantageous to quickly press the operation button 401. Therefore, attention to the operation suggestion can be urged. In addition, the configuration in which the length of the display continuation period changes depending on the timing of the pressing operation is advantageous in suppressing the monotonous flow of the operation corresponding effect.

  Note that it is sufficient if the operation button 401 can be held at the operated position, and how the regulation period is set is arbitrary. For example, it may be configured to uniquely define the regulation period regardless of the operation timing, a minimum fixed period in which the regulation period is uniquely defined, and a variable period in which the length changes based on the operation timing It is good also as a structure defined by the sum of.

  If a negative determination is made in step S216, the operation handling process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S216, the return restriction flag stored in the various flag storage area 816 of the RAM 814 is deleted in step S217. In the subsequent step S218, the output of the drive signal to the return regulating solenoid is stopped to switch the return regulating solenoid 408 from the excited state to the non-excited state. As a result, the plunger of the return regulating solenoid 408 is retracted to the retracted position by the biasing force of the coil spring built in the return regulating solenoid 408. At the same time, the operation button 401 is returned from the operation position to the standby position by the urging force stored in the spring member 404. After executing the process of step S218, the light emitting body (LED) 422 is turned off in step S213, and the operation corresponding process is terminated.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 21, the flow of the game when the operation corresponding effect is executed will be described. In addition, in FIG. 21, the case where a 1st type operation corresponding | compatible effect is performed is illustrated.

(Operation-related production flow)
The game times related to the operation corresponding effect (first type operation corresponding effect) are started by starting the variable display of the symbol on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 at the timing of ta1. The display shifts to reach display at the timing ta2 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the variable display. When the operation corresponding effect starts at the timing ta3 during the reach display, a button icon and a time gauge are displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 to indicate the pressing operation of the operation button 401. Since the operation corresponding effect illustrated in FIG. 21 is the first type operation corresponding effect, the light emitting unit 421 of the operation button unit 40 is turned on in conjunction with the display of the suggestion image on the symbol display device 94. As a result, a character “PUSH” indicating an operation is displayed on the light emitting display device 405 of the operation button 401, and the character can be visually recognized through the operation surface portion 413.

  Further, at the timing ta3, the stroke switching solenoid 407 switches from the non-excited state to the excited state. Thereby, the operation stroke is extended, and the operation button 401 can be lowered to the maximum pressing position. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the operation stroke is changed (expanded) in conjunction with the start of operation suggestion, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation stroke may be changed prior to the operation suggestion.

  When the operation button 401 is pressed at the timing ta4 after the operation suggestion is started, the button icon and the time gauge displayed on the display screen 94a are hidden, and these images can be used instead of these images. (In this embodiment, cut-in display occurs). When the operation button 401 is pushed to the maximum pressing position, the light emitting unit 421 is also lowered following the operation button 401. Accordingly, the third light guide plate 442c is positioned in the light supply region DE of the light emitting unit 421. Since the light emitting unit 421 is still lit at this time, the light supply target is moved from the first light guide plate 442a to the third light guide plate 442c, and the displayed character is changed from “PUSH” to “extreme heat”. Is done. However, at this time, a player's hand is on the operation surface portion 413. For this reason, the visual confirmation of the changed character and the process is hindered by the player's own hand.

  Further, at the timing ta4 when the pressing operation is performed, a drive signal is output to the return regulating solenoid 408, and the return regulating solenoid 408 is switched from the non-excited state to the excited state. As a result, the operation button 401 is pushed to the maximum pressing position by the return regulating solenoid 408. Even if the return regulating solenoid 408 is excited, the operation button 401 is not pushed beyond the maximum pressing position. In the present embodiment, even if the characters “PUSH” are displayed on the light emitting display device 405, the display is not always switched to “hot” or “CHANCE”. If such a display for indicating the degree of expectation is disclosed in advance, the pleasure of confirming the presence or absence of the display is reduced. In this regard, if the return restricting solenoid 408 is operated on the condition that the operation button 401 has reached the operation position, it is difficult to identify the presence or absence of the operation, and the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  Even when the pressing operation of the operation button 401 is completed at the timing ta5 and the player's hand is released from the operation button 401, the operation button 401 remains at the maximum pressing position by the return regulating solenoid 408. As a result, the supply of light to the third light guide plate 442c is maintained, and the characters “Intense heat” are continuously displayed.

  The drive signal output to the stroke switching solenoid 407 is stopped at the timing ta6 immediately after the pressing operation is performed (specifically, immediately after the return regulating solenoid 408 is in the excited state). As a result, the stroke switching solenoid 407 switches from the excited state to the non-excited state. However, at this timing, since the operation button 401 still remains at the maximum pressing position, the operation button 401 prevents the block piece 407a from being displaced to the limit position. Note that the stroke direction of the operation button 401 and the slide direction of the block piece 407a are orthogonal to each other, and even if the operation button 401 is pressed by the block piece 407a, the position of the operation button 401 in the stroke direction changes accordingly. There is nothing.

  At the timing ta7 when the regulation period has elapsed since the pressing operation was performed, the light emitting unit 421 is turned off. As a result, the characters “extreme heat” displayed by the light emitting display device 405 are not displayed. Further, at the timing ta7, the output of the drive signal to the return regulating solenoid 408 is stopped. As a result, the return regulating solenoid 408 is switched from the excited state to the non-excited state. When the restriction by the return restriction solenoid 408 is released, the operation button 401 is returned from the operation position (maximum pressing position) to the standby position by the urging force stored in the spring member 404. The operation stroke is shortened by moving the block piece 407a to the limit position in the process of returning.

  Thereafter, at the timing ta8, the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the current game is stopped and displayed on the display screen 94a. The operation corresponding effects described above are completed during the corresponding game round, and an interruption to the next game round is avoided. About the start timing of operation corresponding | compatible production, it becomes the structure which generate | occur | produces also before the transition to reach display, and the end of reach display before unambiguous. By setting the restriction period as the remaining period of the operation reception period, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the degree of freedom of the start timing.

  According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  When the player presses the operation button 401, the operation button 401 is displaced to an operation position (a limited pressing position or a maximum pressing position), so that the positional relationship between the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 changes. Thus, the light guide plate 442 located in the light supply region DE by the light emitting unit 421 is replaced with a predetermined light guide plate 442 (second light guide plate 442b or third light guide plate 442c). As a result, a predetermined message is displayed on the light emitting display device 405 located behind the operation button 401 (operation surface unit 413). When the operation button 401 reaches the operation position and the above message is displayed, the return restriction solenoid 408 restricts the return of the operation button 401 to the standby position, and the operation button 401 remains at the operation position. Become. Thereby, the display of the predetermined message can be continued, and an opportunity to visually confirm the display can be suitably ensured.

  Specifically, since the operation surface portion 413 of the operation button 401 is an object to be pressed by the player's hand, when the operation button 401 is placed at the operation position, the display content is checked by being hidden by the player's hand. Becomes difficult. In this regard, as described above, the display is continued even when the operation button 401 is released, so that the player's attention is directed to confirming the display contents by releasing the hand. Can be encouraged.

  Here, when the operation button 401 is released, the return restriction of the operation button 401 is not necessarily performed. In the case where the message is displayed as an operation-corresponding effect, the return restriction is performed, whereas the return restriction is avoided for the love that does not display the message. When the operation button 401 is released, a branch of whether the operation button 401 stays in place or returns to the original position is generated, so that attention to the behavior of the operation button 401 can be increased. If the effects related to the operation are devised in this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the operation button 401 does not function well due to the operation button 401 being operated mechanically, for example. .

  The movement of the operation button 401 (displacement start timing and displacement speed) depends on the player's operation. For this reason, when it is set as the structure which starts a return regulation, for example when it reaches | attains the maximum press position, the said return regulation may be in time. Specifically, if it is attempted to start the return regulation at the timing when the maximum pressing position is reached, the possibility that the operation button 401 is pushed back from the maximum pressing position to the restricted pressing position due to a delay in the return regulation cannot be denied. In this regard, in the present embodiment, by starting the return regulation before reaching the maximum pressing position, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience due to operation variations and the like.

  The operation position detected by the operation detection sensor 406 is set so as to include the limited operation position and the position immediately before it (the position immediately before contacting the stroke switching solenoid 407). This is a device for avoiding a delay in performing the return regulation based on the detection information from the operation detection sensor 406, and a message that should originally be maintained, such as being in time for the return from the restricted operation position. Is suppressed from being displayed well.

  In the configuration in which the operation button 401 is pushed in the pressing operation direction by the return regulating solenoid 408, if the operation button 401 is displaced in the pressing operation direction by the pressing force, the subsequent displacement regulation may occur. It will be exposed before releasing your hand from 401. In this case, there is a concern that the impact of the above-described effects will be reduced. On the other hand, when the operation button 401 tries to generate a pressing force after reaching the maximum pressing position, for example, there is a possibility that the regulation is not in time. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, when the operation button 401 reaches an intermediate position between the standby position and the maximum pressing position / restricted pressing position, the above-described various types are controlled. The occurrence of inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  The operation button unit 40 built in the operation button unit 40 includes a light emitting unit 421 mounted on the operation button 401 and a light guide unit 441 mounted on the holder 402. When the positional relationship between the operation button 401 and the holder 402 changes as the operation button 401 is pushed, the positional relationship between the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 also changes accordingly. The light guide unit 441 includes a plurality of light guide plates 442 stacked in the stroke direction of the operation button 401, and the display mode (image) can be switched by switching the light supply target from the light emitting unit 421. Thereby, diversification of display modes is realized.

  The operation stroke of the operation button 401 is defined by a stroke switching solenoid 407. That is, the stroke switching solenoid 407 avoids a display (incorrect display) different from the display that should be originally performed. Here, when the change in the operation stroke is known before the operation, it is possible to identify what kind of display is performed, and the impact of the display effect is reduced. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the operation position is switched to the limit pressing position / the maximum pressing position while the standby position (initial position) of the operation button 401 is left as it is. For this reason, it is difficult to identify from the appearance of the operation button 401 which position can be reached, that is, the limited pressing position and the maximum pressing position, and it is difficult to see the change in the operation stroke until at least the actual operation is performed. It has become.

  In addition, when switching which light guide plate 442 is a light supply target, if the stroke changes significantly, it is easy to detect what display mode will be used before visual confirmation. Become. In this case, there is a concern that the impact will decrease even if the display mode is diversified. In this regard, as shown in this embodiment mode, by making the thickness of the spacer 443 disposed between the light guide plates 442 thinner than the thickness of the light guide plate 442, the difference in stroke can be made inconspicuous. . This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the decrease in the impact.

  When the light guide plate 442 to which light is to be supplied is switched, if the stroke has changed significantly, it will be easier to detect what display mode will be used before visual confirmation. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the spacer 443 is formed to have a thickness smaller than a displacement amount when the operation button 401 is displaced from the standby position to the operation position (restricted pressing position / maximum pressing position). Therefore, the difference in stroke can be made inconspicuous. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the decrease in the impact.

  In the case where the light guide plate 442 is a multi-layered type, light that leaks to the light guide plate 442 other than the light guide plate 442 to which light is supplied causes a display that should not occur originally. Here, the spacer 443 in this embodiment extends along the end surface 446 to which the light from the light emitting unit 421 is supplied by the light guide plate 442, and absorbs the light applied to the spacer 443. Is functioning as Accordingly, light leakage to the other light guide plate 442 can be suppressed by the spacer 443, and the display function can be suitably exhibited.

  Further, when the light guide plate 442 is of a multi-layer type, light is not supplied because the restriction by the return restriction solenoid 408 is released after the predetermined display mode is continued and the operation button 401 is displaced. The possibility that light is supplied to the light guide plate 442 that cannot be denied cannot be denied. This can be a factor that confuses the player due to a display that should not be displayed. Therefore, when the restriction is released as shown in the present embodiment, the above-described erroneous display can be avoided by turning off the light emitting unit 421 at a timing at which the restriction is released or at a timing before that. it can.

  In a configuration in which the display content changes due to a change in stroke, particularly in a configuration in which the expectation for the jackpot result increases as the stroke increases, the operation button 401 may be pushed strongly in the expectation that the stroke is extended. It is assumed that the load generated by the operation becomes larger than that of a general operation button. Further, if the operation button 401 is enlarged to improve the visibility of the display by the light emitting display device 405, there is a concern that the above-described influence becomes remarkable.

  Here, the upper plate 33 can be easily accessed from the front of the gaming machine by being disposed in the upper bulging portion 28 that bulges in front of the gaming machine. Thereby, the improvement of workability | operativity at the time of performing replenishment of a game ball, elimination of a ball clogging, etc., and easy of confirmation of a remaining ball, etc. are implement | achieved. By disposing the operation button unit 40 on the upper bulging portion 28 on which the upper plate 33 is to be disposed, the operation button unit 40 can be easily accessed in the same manner as the upper plate 33, and convenience is improved. Can contribute.

  Although the operation button unit 40 is provided in the upper bulging portion 28, the fixing object is not the upper bulging portion 28 but the frame body 20. For this reason, even if a large load is generated, for example, when the operation button unit 40 is strongly pressed as described above, the load is distributed to the frame body 20 via the mounting frame 450. Therefore, it can suppress suitably that distortion arises in the upper swelling part 28 (especially the upper plate 33 and the storage area | region SE) by the influence of the said load. In this way, by suppressing the influence on the upper plate 33 (storage area SE), it is possible to allow the upper plate 33 and the operation button unit 40 to preferably coexist in the upper bulging portion 28.

  When the operation button unit 40 is disposed on the near side and the upper plate 33 is disposed on the back side in the configuration in which the upper bulging portion 28 is cantilevered, access to the operation button unit 40 can be facilitated. It is possible to contribute to suppression of ball spillage from the upper plate 33 while avoiding difficulty in operation of the operation button unit 40. However, according to such a configuration, the load (stress) generated at the proximal end portion with the operation tends to increase. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the operation button unit 40 is supported by the mounting frame 450 (a configuration that does not rely on the upper bulging portion 28) can suitably avoid the occurrence of the inconvenience.

  In the configuration in which the operation button unit 40 is mounted on the horizontal frame 461 of the mounting frame 450, it is not preferable that the horizontal frame 461 is exposed because it causes a decrease in the appearance of the gaming machine. In this regard, if the horizontal frame 461 is accommodated in the internal space IS of the upper bulging portion 28 and the operation button unit 40 is projected through the opening 316 of the upper bulging portion 28, the operation can be performed while suppressing the exposure of the horizontal frame 461. The button unit 40 can be seen as if it is integrated with the upper bulging portion 28. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in appearance associated with strength collateral.

  The handling of the operation button unit 40 varies depending on the player and the game situation. For example, in the situation where the game is not progressing advantageously, the possibility that the operation button unit 40 is hit with power is undeniable. In this way, when the operation button unit 40 is handled, it is assumed that the load increases due to an impact, compared to a case where a game is played with the hand placed on the operation button unit 40. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the displacement of the operation button unit 40 (the bending deformation of the mounting frame 450) is allowed, the impact can be reduced. Even in the case of such bending deformation, since the operation button unit 40 and the upper bulging portion 28 are independent, the upper bulging portion 28 can be preferably prevented from being deformed.

  If the amount of deformation becomes too large, the horizontal frame 461 may hit the upper surface (inner surface) of the lower surface portion 312 of the upper bulging portion 28. However, in this case, a large impact generated instantaneously is distributed to the frame body 20 side, and the impact is absorbed by the deformation of the mounting frame 450. Therefore, it is suitably avoided that a large load is applied to the upper bulging portion 28.

  Incidentally, the deformation pattern of the horizontal frame 461 described above is an event that can occur when a force that causes the operation surface portion 413 to be pulled toward the front side is applied, and in many cases, the deformation pattern is as follows. That is, the horizontal frame 461 in the present embodiment is inclined obliquely forward, and the pressing operation direction of the operation button unit 40 is also obliquely rearward in accordance therewith. In this case, when a large impact as described above is applied, the entire frame bends with the fixing portion of the mounting frame 450 to the frame body 20 as the base end, so that the horizontal frame 461 alone does not cause bending deformation. At this time, the lower end portions of the vertical frames 471 and 481 come into contact with the bottom surface portion of the lower bulge portion 29 (see FIG. 12), so that the impact is distributed to the lower bulge portion 29. Therefore, the influence on the upper bulging portion 28 as described above can be suitably suppressed.

  In the mounting frame 450, the horizontal frame 461 and the vertical frames 471 and 481 are used in combination, and the plate surface of the horizontal frame 461 and the plate surface of the vertical frames 471 and 481 are crossed. Accordingly, even if the operation button unit 40 is arranged at a position separated from the frame body 20 while suppressing the expansion of the occupied area of the mounting frame 450 (particularly the vertical frames 471 and 481) in the front view of the gaming machine, Support strength can be improved suitably.

  A woofer 46 is disposed below the upper bulging portion 28. Since the woofer 46 is not a part directly touched by the player, such an arrangement does not cause problems such as convenience. Here, in order to improve the acoustic function of the woofer 46, the presence of the accommodating portion 47 (partition wall portion 331) functioning as an enclosure is beneficial. If the vertical frames 471 and 481 are accommodated in the vertical wall portions 333 and 334 constituting the accommodating portion 47, the exposure of the vertical frames 471 and 481 is suppressed, and the appearance deterioration due to the strength improvement is suitably suppressed. can do. In addition, since it is not necessary to separately form a dedicated storage portion for the vertical frames 471 and 481, it is possible to suitably avoid the use of an occupied area for the vertical frame.

  In the present embodiment, even when the operation button 401 is pushed into the maximum pressing position, the operation surface portion 413 is maintained to protrude upward from the upper surface portion 311 of the upper bulging portion 28. . Thereby, even if the player vigorously hits the operation button 401, the hand is prevented from hitting the upper bulging portion 28. Thereby, it can suppress that the load which generate | occur | produces resulting from pressing operation acts on the upper side bulging part 28 directly.

  The operation button unit 40 is disposed in the front portion of the upper bulge portion 28. For this reason, in many cases, it is assumed that the player performs a pressing operation from the front side. Here, in the present embodiment, the opening 316 for the operation button unit 40 provided in the upper bulging portion 28 is expanded to the front surface portion 313 and the back surface portion 314 of the upper bulging portion 28, and the front of the operation button unit 40. And the exposed part at the rear was enlarged. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the player's hand or finger from hitting the upper bulging portion 28 when trying to hit the operation button unit 40. Thereby, it can suppress more suitably that the load which generate | occur | produces resulting from pressing operation acts on the upper side bulging part 28 directly.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the storage region SE is formed by the upper plate 33 and the front cover portion 36 of the frame body 20. In this case, a boundary portion BP is generated between the rear end edge of the upper plate 33 and the front cover portion 36. In such a configuration, if the upper bulging portion 28 is deformed, there is a concern that the storage function or guidance function of the game ball applied to the upper plate 33 may be impaired. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the occurrence of such inconvenience is preferably avoided. Hereinafter, it will be described how inconvenience occurs and how such inconvenience can be avoided by comparing a conventionally known structure with the structure shown in the present embodiment.

  First, a conventionally known structure will be described. In a conventionally known gaming machine, both the operation button unit and the upper plate are fixed to the upper bulge portion. In this case, if the button member reaches the maximum pressing position, the pressing force is transmitted to the upper bulging portion through the holder member of the operation button unit. If this pressing force is increased, the upper bulging portion bends downward with the fixed portion with respect to the frame as a base end. In this case, the upper plate and the frame are separated from each other, and the boundary portion between the upper plate and the front surface (front cover portion) of the frame is expanded. As a result, the width of the alignment passage is increased, and there is a high possibility that the alignment function will not function properly or a ball clogging will occur. In addition, there is a high possibility that the supply of the game ball to the game ball launching mechanism through the discharge port is not smoothly performed.

  On the other hand, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, even if the operation button unit 40 is displaced, the mounting frame 450 is deformed, and the influence does not reach the upper bulging portion 28 and the upper plate 33. Therefore, it can suppress suitably that the said boundary part expands or the width | variety of an alignment path expands. For the reasons described above, the disadvantages that may occur with the conventionally known configuration are preferably eliminated.

  Incidentally, as already described, the outlet 38 has a structure that is difficult for a player or the like to access for security reasons. For this reason, when the influence of the said deformation | transformation comes out in the location concerned, it is assumed that the cancellation will become difficult. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the vertical frames 471 and 481 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the discharge port 38, so that the horizontal frame 461 suppresses bending, and the lower surface 312 of the upper bulging portion 28 is caused by the horizontal frame 461. It is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience due to the pressing.

<Second Embodiment>
In the operation button unit 40 shown in the first embodiment, the light emitting display device 405 is configured by the light emitting unit 421 disposed on the operation button 401 and the light guide unit 441 disposed on the holder 402. In the operation button unit 40A in the present embodiment, a light emitting display device 405A is configured by the light guide unit 441A disposed on the operation button 401A and the light emitting unit 421A disposed on the holder 402A. That is, one of the features is that the light emitting unit 421A and the light guide unit 441A are disposed in the opposite direction to the operation button unit 40 described in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation button unit 40A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the base member 415 of the operation button 401A is formed with a holding portion 418A that holds the light guide unit 441A. The holding portion 418A is formed along the opening edge of the central opening 416A, and has a cylindrical shape standing on the holder 402A side. The light guide unit 441A is accommodated in the holding portion 418A.

  An insertion portion 439A through which the holding portion 418A is inserted is formed in the main body portion 435A of the holder 402A (inner structure 432A). The insertion portion 429A penetrates in the thickness direction of the main body portion 435A, and the holding portion 418A passes through the insertion portion 439 when the operation button 401A is lowered by a pressing operation. Thereby, the interference between the operation button 401A and the holder 402A is avoided by the pressing operation.

  A light emitting unit 421A is fixed to the main body 435A. The light emitting unit 421A has an annular shape and surrounds the holding portion 418A. The light emitting unit 421A faces the holding unit 418A, and light is irradiated toward the holding unit 418A. Here, the holding portion 418A is made of a colorless and transparent synthetic resin and is configured to transmit light. That is, light from the light emitting unit 421A is supplied to the light emitting unit 421A through the holding portion 418A.

  The arrangement of the first light guide plate 442aA to the third light guide plate 442cA constituting the light guide unit 441A is opposite to that of the first embodiment. That is, the first light guide plate 442aA, the second light guide plate 442bA, and the third light guide plate 442cA are arranged in order from the operation surface portion 413, and the first light guide plate 442aA is the third light guide plate 442c and the second light guide plate 442bA. The second light guide plate 442b and the third light guide plate 442cA correspond to the first light guide plate 442a.

  Under the situation where the operation button 401A is arranged at the standby position, the lowermost third light guide plate 442cA is located at a position (light supply area DE) that is arranged side by side with the light emitting unit 421. When the operation button 401A descends, the light guide unit 441A also descends following the operation button 401A, the second light guide plate 442bA is located in the light supply region DE at the limit pressing position, and the first guide is at the maximum pressing position. The light plate 442aA is positioned in the light supply region DE.

  By arranging the light emitting unit 421 on the holder 402A instead of the operation button 401A that operates in accordance with the player's operation, the harness that connects the notification / production control device 142 and the light emitting unit 421 can be easily routed.

  Increasing the display range of the light emitting display device 405A can suitably enhance the display function when performing an operation-corresponding effect, which is preferable in realizing diversification of display modes. However, in view of the fact that the light emitting display device 405A can be visually recognized through the operation surface portion 413 of the operation button 401A, the operation button 401A (operation surface portion 413) is increased in size to realize the above configuration. Since the operation button 401A is pressed by the player, deformation such as distortion is likely to occur when the operation force increases.

  Here, the light guide plate 442A has a plate shape, and a certain degree of strength is secured. The base member 415 can be reinforced by fixing the light guide unit 441 formed by overlapping the light guide plate 442A to the holding portion 418A. Therefore, the operation button 401A can be prevented from being deformed such as distortion, and the operation button unit 40A can be favorably increased in size.

  When the first light guide plate 442aA to the third light guide plate 442cA are arranged so as to overlap, the light emitted from the third light guide plate 442cA closest to the operation surface portion 413 reaches the operation surface portion 413 as it is. On the other hand, the light emitted from the second light guide plate 442bA disposed below reaches the operation surface portion 413 via the third light guide plate 442cA. Further, the light emitted from the first light guide plate 442aA as the lowermost layer reaches the operation surface unit 413 via the second light guide plate 442bA and the third light guide plate 442cA.

  Considering that the light emission region LE is defined by the unevenness 447 formed on the plate surface, the light from the lower light guide plate 442A is refracted by the unevenness 447 of the upper light guide plate 442A. Or may be spread. That is, the light guide plate 442 </ b> A having a lower hierarchy is more easily influenced by other light guide plates before reaching the operation surface portion 413.

  For example, in the process in which the light from the lower light guide plate 442A passes through the unevenness 447 of the upper light guide plate 442A, it is not possible to deny the possibility that an image that should not be displayed originally appears.

  Here, in a gaming machine, a display with a high winning expectation is more likely to be watched by the player than a display with a low winning expectation. In the present embodiment, the arrangement is devised so that the light guide plate 442A corresponding to an effect with a high degree of winning expectation is closer to the operation surface unit 413 (hierarchy is higher). For this reason, it is possible to avoid the above-described deterioration in appearance in the display by the third light guide plate 442cA that the player will pay attention to.

  Further, even if a display with a higher winning expectation is slightly mixed with a display with a lower expected winning degree, it is unlikely that this will cause a decrease in gaming motivation. On the other hand, if a display with a high degree of winning expectation is mixed with a display with a lower degree of winning expectation than that, it will become conspicuous and may be a factor of reducing the game willingness. In this regard, by arranging the first light guide plate 442aA to the third light guide plate 442cA as described above, occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

<Third Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a configuration for displaying an image such as a character or a pattern using a light emitting display device is different from that in each of the above embodiments. Specifically, in each of the embodiments described above, a still image is displayed using the light emitting display device, but in the present embodiment, a moving image is displayed using the light emitting display device. A part of the configuration related to the light emitting display device is changed based on such a difference in display mode. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 24, the light-emitting display device 405B in the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the light-emitting display device 405 shown in the first embodiment. FIG. 24A is a schematic diagram showing a light emitting display device 405B, and FIG. 24B is a schematic diagram showing a difference in display contents.

  As shown in FIG. 24A, the light emitting unit 421 constituting the light emitting display device 405B has the same configuration as the light emitting unit 421 described in each of the above embodiments. On the other hand, a light guide plate 442B is added to the light guide unit 441B. The light guide plates 442B include a moving image display light guide plate 442B group constituting the first layer to the thirteenth layer, and a still image display light guide plate 442B group constituting the fourteenth layer to the fifteenth layer. These light guide plates 442B are laminated so as to be equally spaced. In the following description, the first light guide plate 442aB, the second light guide plate 442bB, the third light guide plate 442cB,..., And the thirteenth light guide plate 442mB are referred to in order from the side closer to the operation surface portion 413 (upper side).

  The fourteenth light guide plate 442nB and the fifteenth light guide plate 442oB correspond to the second light guide plate 442b and the third light guide plate 442c described in the first embodiment, and are selected by receiving light from the light emitting unit 421. An image indicating the degree of expectation (specifically, “CHANCE”, “extreme heat”) is displayed. In the present embodiment, a light guide plate corresponding to the first light guide plate 442a described in each of the above embodiments, that is, a light guide plate on which an image indicating operation (specifically, “PUSH”) is displayed is not provided. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 24B, character images imitating a girl are displayed on the first light guide plate 442aB to the thirteenth light guide plate mB. Specifically, the light emission region LE is formed in accordance with the character image. Each light emission region LE is individual for each of the common portion CP1 (excluding the left arm) common to the first light guide plate 442aB to the thirteenth light guide plate 442mB, and for each of the first light guide plate 442aB to the thirteenth light guide plate 442mB. It is broadly divided into individual parts CP2 (left arm).

  The common portion CP1 overlaps (coincides with) in the stacking direction of the light guide plates 442B. For this reason, even if the light supply target is any of the first light guide plate 442aB to the thirteenth light guide plate 442mB, the images displayed by the common portion CP1 emitting light are common. On the other hand, the angle of the individual portion CP2 gradually changes as the light supply target is switched.

  Specifically, in the first light guide plate 442aB and the ninth light guide plate 442iB, the inclination of the individual portion CP2 with respect to the common portion CP1 is about 90 degrees, and the second light guide plate 442bB, the eighth light guide plate 442hB, and the tenth light guide plate. In 442jB, the inclination of the individual part with respect to the common part CP1 is about 75 degrees, and in the third light guide plate 442cB, the seventh light guide plate 442gB, and the eleventh light guide plate 442kB, the inclination of the individual part with respect to the common part CP1 is about 60 degrees. In the fourth light guide plate 442dB, the sixth light guide plate 442fB, and the twelfth light guide plate 442lB, the inclination of the individual portions with respect to the common portion CP1 is about 45 degrees, and the fifth light guide plate 442eB and the thirteenth light guide plate 442lB. In the light guide plate 442mB, the inclination of the individual portion with respect to the common portion CP1 is about 30 degrees. For this reason, when the height position of the light emitting unit 421 is changed and the light supply target is switched from the thirteenth light guide plate 442mB to the first light guide plate 442aB, a moving image in which the character is waving is displayed. It becomes.

  Here, the light emitting unit 421 is attached to the operation button 401, and after the movement side, it matches the moving speed of the operation button 401. That is, the moving image display switching speed and the display period depend on the moving speed of the operation button 401. The moving speed of the operation button 401 depends on the player's operation mode in the forward path, and depends on the biasing force of the spring member 404 in the return path. In the present embodiment, in view of such circumstances, one feature is that a device for stably exhibiting the moving image display function is made. Hereinafter, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 25, the flow of the device and the operation corresponding effect will be exemplified.

  When the operation button 401 is pressed at the timing tb1 after the operation of the operation button 401 is suggested with the operation corresponding effect, the operation button 401 is lowered from the standby position to the operation position. At the timing tb2 when the operation button 401 reaches the detection range by the operation detection sensor 406, specifically, at the timing when the operation button 401 reaches the limit pressing position, a drive signal is output to the return regulating solenoid 408, and the return The regulating solenoid 408 is switched from the non-excited state to the excited state. This restricts the return of the operation button 401 to the standby position. At the same time, a signal is output to the light emitting unit 421, and the light emitter (LED) 422 is switched from off to on.

  At the timing tb3 when the operation button 401 reaches the maximum pressing position, the light from the light emitting unit 421 is supplied to the fifteenth light guide plate 442oB, and the message “Intense heat” is shown as a message indicating the degree of expectation that results in a big hit on the light emitting display device 405B. Is displayed.

  By releasing the hand from the operation button 401 at the timing of tb4, the above-mentioned character of “extreme heat” that has been shielded by the hand during the pressing operation is exposed and is visually confirmed. At this time, since the return regulating solenoid 408 is maintained in an excited state, the operation button 401 remains at the maximum pressing position even if the hand is released, and the display of the above-mentioned “Intense heat” is maintained. .

  Thereafter, the output of the drive signal to the return regulating solenoid 408 is stopped at the timing of tb5. The operation button 401 is pushed back to the standby position by the urging force of the spring member 404. As a result, the light guide plate 442B to be supplied with light from the light emitting unit 421 is continuously switched, and the above-described moving image is displayed.

  At the timing tb7 when the operation button 401 is out of the detection range of the operation detection sensor 406, a remaining period for keeping the light emitting unit 421 to emit light is set. Since the movement of the operation button 401 toward the standby position depends on the spring member 404, variation in the period required for the operation button 401 outside the detection range to return to the standby position is small. Therefore, a delay period (a period corresponding to a period required for recovery) stored in the ROM 813 is set as the remaining period.

  At the timing tb7 when the operation button 401 returns to the standby position, the light emitting unit 421 switches from light emission to light extinction. Thereby, the moving image displayed on the light emitting display device 405B is not displayed.

  If it is set as the structure which moves the light emission unit 421 using operation of a player, the drive mechanism for operating the light emission unit 421 can be simplified. This is a preferable configuration in order to ease restrictions on the arrangement and the like of the light emitting display device 405. However, in view of the fact that the operation button 401 is a target to be pressed by the player's hand and the light-emitting display device 405B is visible through the operation surface portion 413 of the operation button 401, when displaying a moving image. , The operating hand can get in the way.

  Here, after the acceptance of the pressing operation is completed, the player's hand is released from the operation button 401. That is, the hand is less likely to get in the way when displaying a moving image in the return path (the process in which the operation button 401 returns to the standby position) compared to the forward path. Thereby, the visibility of a moving image can be improved suitably. In particular, when the hand is released, the movement of the operation button 401 is not started immediately, but the return start timing is delayed by the return regulating solenoid 408. Thereby, it can suppress that a moving image display is started before a player's hand leaves | separates sufficiently from the operation button 401. FIG.

  If the light emission period of the light emitting unit 421 when displaying a moving image is extended so as to be longer than the period actually required for restoration, the first light guide 422aB stays in the light supply region DE of the light emitting unit 421. It becomes. In this case, the moving image display is finally switched to the still image display. On the other hand, when the light emission period of the light emitting unit 421 at the time of moving image display is shorter than the period actually required for restoration, a part of the light guide plate 442 constituting the upper layer is not utilized well. That is, in order to effectively display a moving image, it is preferable to suppress variations in movement of the operation buttons 401. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the operation button 401 is moved by the spring member 404 in the return path for displaying the moving image. For this reason, the dispersion | variation in a movement period is reduced compared with the outward path | route which moves by a player's operation. Thereby, the excess and deficiency of the light emission period at the time of performing a moving image display can be relieved suitably.

<Modification 1>
In the third embodiment, the character image is variably displayed at a predetermined display position. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to scroll the character image in a predetermined direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26A, the light emission region LE may be formed so that the position of the character image is slightly shifted in a predetermined direction on each of the light guide plates 442aC to 422oC. By continuously switching the light supply target by the light emitting unit 421, the displayed image can be scroll-displayed in a predetermined direction.

  For example, even when a single-layer type light guide plate is used, the light supply area is moved in a predetermined direction (the light emitter is slid in a predetermined direction, or light is emitted from light emitters arranged in a predetermined direction) Can be displayed as if the image is scroll-displayed in the predetermined direction. However, in such a configuration, the range in which light can be emitted in a predetermined direction is limited by time. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 26A, it is difficult to display an image as if it is moving over the entire plate surface of the light guide plate 442C. As described above, the configuration shown in the first modification has a technical significance that the restriction on the display location when performing the scroll display can be relaxed.

<Modification 2>
In realizing the technical idea shown in the third embodiment, the invention is not necessarily limited to the light emitting display device 405B built in the operation button unit 40. As already described, the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with the multi-layer glass unit 30 that covers the game area PE. It is also possible to use the glass panel 31 constituting the glass unit 30 as a light guide plate. That is, it is also possible to provide a light emitting unit that supplies light to the glass unit 30 and a drive mechanism that moves the light emitting unit based on the operation of the operation button 401 so that a moving image is displayed on the glass unit 30. .

<Modification 3>
In performing the above-described moving image display, it is only necessary to suppress variation in the operation speed when changing the relative position, and it is not always necessary to link the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441B in conjunction with the player's operation. It is not limited to the configuration in which the position changes. For example, a drive unit for the light emitting unit 421 or the light guide unit 441B is provided, and the relative position between the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441B is changed by performing drive control of the drive unit with the notification / production control device 142 or the like. It is good. In such a configuration, whether or not the change in the relative position is executed in response to the player's operation is arbitrary.

<Modification 4>
As shown in the third embodiment, when a moving image is displayed by the light emitting display device 405B, the light supply target is temporarily switched from one light guide plate 442B to another adjacent light guide plate 442B. When the light supply is interrupted, a blank (dark transition) occurs. That is, when the light guide plate 442B is stacked using the spacer 443B, it is advantageous to narrow down the light supply area in order to clearly distinguish the image to be displayed (advantageous in displaying a still image). The roughness can be a conspicuous factor in displaying a moving image. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 26B, the light emitting display device 405D may be configured such that the light irradiation range from the light emitting unit 421D (light emitter 422D) extends over the plurality of light guide plates 442D. That is, even when the light supply target is switched, at least one light guide plate is maintained in a state where light is being supplied, so that the occurrence of the blank described above can be avoided.

  As shown in the third embodiment, when it is assumed that both still image display and moving image display are performed, the light guide plate located at the end (for example, the bottom layer) is By using it (see FIG. 26 (b1)), the still image display function and the moving image display function can coexist suitably. Further, when switching the display of a plurality of types of still images, the arrangement interval may be devised so that the arrangement intervals of the light guide plates corresponding to the still images are larger than the arrangement intervals of the light guide plates corresponding to the moving images. That is, when light is supplied to a light guide plate corresponding to a still image, supply of light to other light guide plates is avoided, and when light is supplied to a light guide plate corresponding to a moving image, it is for other adjacent moving images. The positional relationship of the light guide plates may be adjusted so that light is also supplied to the light guide plates.

  Incidentally, in the above modification, the light supply target is light guide plate A → light guide plate A & light guide plate B → light guide plate B → light guide plate B & light guide plate C → light guide plate C → light guide plate C & light guide plate D → light guide plate D. Although illustrated about the structure switched in order, it is not limited to this. For example, the light supply target may be switched in the order of light guide plate A & light guide plate B → light guide plate B & light guide plate C → light guide plate C & light guide plate D.

<Modification 5>
In the third embodiment, the return speed of the operation button 401 is defined by the spring member 404 regardless of whether or not the operation corresponding effect is performed. This may be changed, and a resistance generation unit that reduces the return speed of the operation button 401 may be provided. Thereby, the restrictions regarding the operation stroke of the operation button 401 and the display period of the moving image can be relaxed.

  With respect to such a resistance generation unit, when an operation corresponding effect is not performed (when a moving image display by the light emitting display device 405B is not performed), no resistance is generated by the resistance generation unit and an operation corresponding effect is performed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which whether or not resistance is generated is switched so that resistance is generated by the resistance generation unit. Thus, by setting it as the structure which switches the possibility of resistance generation according to a condition, it can suppress that exhibiting the said effect becomes a factor which reduces the responsiveness at the time of operation.

  Further, the resistance generated by the resistance generator may be variable. Thereby, the update speed (scroll speed) of the image at the time of moving image display can be changed, which can contribute to diversification of moving image display.

<Modification 6>
In the third embodiment, the light guide plates 442B are arranged at regular intervals, but the intervals at which the adjacent light guide plates 442B are arranged are arbitrary. For example, in the configuration in which the operation button 401 returns to the standby position by the biasing force of the spring member 404 as shown in the above embodiment, the moving speed increases toward the standby position. Therefore, the distance between the light guide plates 442B may be gradually changed so as to increase as the speed changes. That is, a difference may be provided in the interval between the light guide plates 442B in accordance with the moving speed so that the frame advance speed when performing moving image display is constant.

<Modification 7>
When performing moving image display, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the light emission color or light intensity (light quantity) of the light emitter (LED) 422 is changed in accordance with the movement of the light emitting unit 421.

<Fourth embodiment>
For the operation button unit 40 shown in each of the above embodiments, an operation corresponding effect is executed by the built-in light emitting display device 405. In such a configuration, by increasing the size of the operation button unit 40, it is possible to enhance the visibility and impact of the operation corresponding effect. Since the operation button unit 40 is provided along with the upper bulging portion 28 together with the upper plate 33 as a storage portion for storing game balls, if the operation button unit 40 is simply increased in size, the influence is increased. There is concern over the amount of storage in the country. For these reasons, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the upper plate 33 when the operation button unit 40 having the light emitting display device 405 built therein and the upper plate 33 are allowed to coexist.

  In the present embodiment, a device has been devised that relaxes restrictions on the arrangement and size of the operation button unit 40E by utilizing the characteristic of the light emitting display device 405 that displays an image using the light guide plate 442. Is one of the features. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 27, the operation button unit 40E and the configuration related thereto will be described. FIG. 27A is a schematic view showing the upper bulging portion 28E of the front door frame 14E in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 28B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 27A, in the upper bulging portion 28E shown in the present embodiment, the operation button unit 40E is disposed so as to overlap the storage area SE of the upper plate 33E from above. That is, a part of the storage area SE is covered with the operation button unit 40E.

  The operation surface portion 413 of the operation button 401 and the light guide plate 442 of the light emitting display device 405 are formed to be transparent. And about the main-body part 435E of the holder 402E (inner structure 432E), it is formed so that the part which opposes the light emission display apparatus 405 at least becomes transparent. In the horizontal frame 461E of the mounting frame 450E, a window portion 467E penetrating in the thickness direction of the horizontal frame 461E is formed at a portion facing the transparent portion. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, about the vertical frame of the attachment frame 450E, it has arrange | positioned offset in the downstream in a storage area, and the overlap with a vertical frame and a storage area is suppressed.

  As shown by a two-dot chain line arrow in FIG. 27 (b), when the operation button unit 40E is viewed from above (the front side of the operation button unit 40E), the operation surface portion 413 of the operation button 401 → The storage area SE is visible through the light guide plate 442 of the light emitting display device 405 → the main body 435E of the holder 402E → the window 467E of the horizontal frame 461E.

  When an image is displayed on the light emitting display device 405, the storage area SE becomes difficult to see, but the image display function of the light emitting display device 405 is limited. For example, when the game is not in progress or when the operation corresponding effect is not executed even when the game is in progress, the image display is not performed. Further, even if an image is displayed on the light emitting display device 405, the storage area SE is not completely shielded by this image, and the visibility of the storage area SE through the displayed image is ensured. .

  According to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to visually check how many possessed balls remain when playing a game through the operation button unit 40E. Thereby, the operation button unit 40E and the upper plate 33E can be preferably coexisted in the upper bulging portion 28E.

<Modification 1>
In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the operation button unit 40E is disposed in the upper bulging portion 28E is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the operation button unit 40E is provided side by side with a passage constituting the game ball passage area or another storage part constituting the game ball storage area, and the operation button unit 40E can ensure the visibility of the game ball. It is also possible to transfer the operation button unit 40E. For example, when the operation button unit 40E is disposed in the lower bulging portion 29 provided with the lower plate 34, the game balls stored in the lower plate 34 can be viewed through the operation button unit 40E. Good.

<Modification 2>
In the fourth embodiment, the light emitting display device 405 built in the operation button unit 40E has the plurality of light guide plates 442 stacked. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of light guide plates 442 is arbitrary as long as the presence / absence and movement of the game ball can be confirmed through the light-emitting display device. For example, it is not denied that the number of light guide plates 442 is singular.

<Modification 3>
In the fourth embodiment, the visibility of the storage area SE through the image is secured. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In view of the fact that the light emitting display device 405 is disposed at the back of the operation button unit 40E, it is preferable to make the image easy to visually recognize by increasing the light emission level. However, there is a concern that if the light emission level is increased, the visibility of the storage area SE through the image is lowered accordingly. In such a configuration, for example, it is monitored whether or not a game ball is present in a portion overlapping the operation button unit 40E in the storage area SE. By adopting a configuration in which the execution of is restricted, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the storage region SE due to the enhancement of the display function. However, in the case of such a configuration, it is preferable to devise a method for reducing the frequency of occurrence of the restriction by, for example, disposing the operation button unit 40E in an upstream portion in the storage region SE.

<Fifth embodiment>
As shown in the above embodiments, when the light emission region LE is constructed by forming the unevenness 447 on the plate surface 445 of the light guide plate 442 (see FIG. 15A), the illumination of the game hall, etc. There is a possibility that ambient light from the surface is irregularly reflected by the unevenness 447. As described above, the irregularities 447 appear to be cloudy due to the irregular reflection of light on the plate surface 445. This becomes a factor that makes it easy to understand the difference between the portion where the unevenness 447 is formed on the plate surface 445 and the portion where the unevenness 447 is not formed. As a result, images such as patterns and characters displayed on the light guide plate 442 can be exposed in a situation where light from the light emitting unit 421 is not supplied, that is, in a situation where no operation-related effects are performed. .

  In the case where a light guide unit is formed by stacking a plurality of light guide plates 442, light emitted from the lower light guide plate 442 passes through the upper light guide plate 442. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 28A, when light from the lower light guide plate 442 passes through a region other than the light emission region LE in the upper light guide plate 442, the influence of the passage is small. On the other hand, when the light from the lower light guide plate 442 passes through the light emission region LE in the upper light guide plate 442, the light emission region LE is easily affected by refraction and reflection. As a result, the dispersion of light or the like can be a factor that reduces the appearance of the image, as illustrated in the schematic diagram of FIG.

  In particular, in the case of a multi-layer structure, there is a concern that the above-described disadvantage becomes significant due to an increase in the number of light guide plates 442 through which light passes. One of the features of the present embodiment is that the configuration of the light guide plate 442 is devised in view of these circumstances. Hereinafter, the structure of the light guide unit 441F (light guide plate 442F) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The light-emitting display device 405F described in this embodiment is the same as the light-emitting display device 405 described in the first embodiment except for the structure of the light guide plate 442F, and thus description is incorporated.

  The light guide plate 442F described in this embodiment is formed by combining two base materials 442aF and 442bF having a plate shape. One of these base materials 442aF and 442bF (specifically, the lower one) is printed with ink (spherical powder 447aF) (ink 447F) formed on the plate surface facing the other side. That is, the two base materials 442aF and 442bF face each other with the printing surface facing inward, and the two base materials 442aF and 442bF are bonded using an adhesive. In the following description, a layer made of an adhesive is referred to as an adhesive layer 442cF. In FIG. 29, the powder 447aF and the adhesive layer 442cF are greatly emphasized, but the size of the powder 447aF and the thickness of the adhesive layer 442cF are sufficiently larger than the thicknesses of the base materials 442aF and 442bF. small.

  The base materials 442aF and 442bF, the adhesive layer 442cF, and the ink 447F (the powder 447aF) are all colorless and transparent, and when viewed in the thickness direction, it is difficult to identify the ink 447F portion due to the difference in transparency and color. It has become.

  The refractive index of light in the base material 442aF is equal to the refractive index of light in the adhesive layer 442cF, and total reflection of light at the boundary portion between the base material 442aF and the adhesive layer 442cF is suppressed. As a result, the light supplied to the light guide plate 442F through the end surface 446F is totally reflected by the outer surfaces of both the base materials 442aF and 442bF (the plate surface 445F of the light guide plate 442F), and a light passage region between the two outer surfaces. It is the structure which functions as.

  The powder 447aF is configured such that the refractive index of light is different from both the base material 442aF and the adhesive layer 442cF, that is, a sufficient difference in refractive index is generated between the surroundings in the state of being included in the light guide plate 442F. ing. Due to the difference in refractive index, the light passing through the light guide plate 442F is refracted or reflected when it reaches the powder 447aF and is emitted from the light guide plate 442F. That is, the area where the powder 447aF is disposed is the light emission area LE (light emission area LE) of the light guide plate 442F in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the refractive index of the powder 447aF is smaller than the refractive indexes of the base material 442aF and the adhesive layer 442cF. In view of the property that light can be totally reflected when moving from a large refractive index to a small refractive index, the refractive index of the refracting part is made smaller than the refractive index of its peripheral part to reach the refracting part from the light emitting part. The reflected light is easily reflected in the thickness direction (for example, the front side of the light emitting display device 405F). As described above, by guiding light using reflection, light from the light emitting unit 421 can be efficiently emitted.

  Further, as described above, the powder 447aF is formed in a spherical shape. According to this configuration, when the ambient light is reflected by the powder 447aF and reaches another powder 447aF, it is easy to travel so as to pass through the other powder 447aF. That is, repeated reflection of light by the ink 447F is suppressed. This is a preferable configuration in order to reduce the occurrence of irregular reflection when passing through the ink 447F.

  Note that the function of guiding light to the plate surface 445F side is reduced by reducing the difference between the refractive index of the powder 447aF and the refractive indexes of the base material 442aF and the adhesive layer 442cF. Therefore, the difference between the refractive index of the powder 447aF and the refractive indexes of the base material 442aF and the adhesive layer 442cF is preferably increased to some extent.

  The ink 447F can be protected by enclosing the ink 447F (the powder 447aF) in the light guide plate 442F and suppressing the exposure of the ink 447F. Further, by including the ink 447F and moving the light emitting region LE inside, the plate surface 445F of the light guide plate 442F is smoothed (unevenness is omitted). By smoothing the plate surface 445F in this way, the clearance when the light guide plates 442F are stacked is reduced, and the light guide unit 441F is thinned.

  By making the plate surface 445F of the light guide plate 442F smooth, irregular reflection of ambient light on the plate surface 445F is suppressed. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the said cloudiness in the board surface 445 is suppressed. As described above, the refractive index of the powder 447aF is smaller than that of its periphery. For this reason, external light (environmental light and light from the lower light guide plate 442F) that has entered through the plate surface 445F of the light guide plate 442F is less likely to be reflected on the surface of the powder 447aF, and most of the light passes through the powder 447aF. Will pass. Thereby, irregular reflection of external light in the light emission region LE can be suppressed. Thereby, what kind of image is displayed beforehand is grasped | ascertained by the player, and it can avoid that the impact of operation corresponding | compatible effect falls.

  In addition, by suppressing the diffusion of light incident from the plate surface 445F of the light guide plate 442F, the appearance of the laminated light guide plate 442F constituting the lower layer when the image is displayed is reduced. Can be suppressed. Thereby, even if it is a case where two or more light guide plates 442F are used together, an image can be displayed suitably.

  In the configuration in which light is emitted using the powder 447aF, the light tends to decrease because the light travels to both the plate surfaces 445F. In this regard, by arranging the light emitting display device 405F in a dark place in the operation button unit 40, it is possible to mitigate the influence of a decrease in light amount.

<Modification 1>
In the fifth embodiment, the case where the refractive index of the powder 447aF (ink 447F) is smaller than the refractive index of the base materials 442aF and 442bF and the adhesive layer 442cF is exemplified, but the refractive index of the powder 447aF (ink 447F) is illustrated. It is also possible to make it larger than the refractive indexes of the base materials 442aF and 442bF and the adhesive layer 442cF. In view of the characteristic that light can be totally reflected when the refractive index moves from a large one to a small one, the refractive index of the powder 447aF (ink 447F) is larger than the refractive indexes of the base materials 442aF and 442bF and the adhesive layer 442cF. This is advantageous in reducing irregular reflection of ambient light.

<Modification 2>
In the fifth embodiment, the powder 447aF is disposed on one of the two base materials 442aF and 442bF constituting the light guide plate 442F. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The arrangement target of the powder body 447aF may be the other base material 442aF (inner surface), or both base materials 442aF and 442bF (inner surface) may be the installation target of the powder body 447aF.

  When both the base materials 442aF and 442bF (inner surfaces) are to be disposed of the powder body 447aF, the powder body 447aF is disposed on the area where the powder body 447aF is disposed on one base material and the other base material. It is preferable that the region is shifted in the plate surface direction. Thus, if the position is shifted (the position is shifted in both the plate surface direction and the thickness direction), the difference in density caused by the distance from the light source (light emitter 422) can be reduced.

<Modification 3>
In the fifth embodiment, the light guide unit 441F is configured by stacking a plurality of light guide plates 442F. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light guide unit 441F may be configured by one light guide plate 442F.

<Modification 4>
The appearance of the light guide plate 442F shown in the fifth embodiment can change depending on how the light reaches the powder 447aF. For example, by adopting a configuration in which the direction of the optical axis is switched in the thickness direction of the light guide plate 442F, the image display mode can be diversified using the same light guide plate 442F.

  Further, the light source is oscillated or vibrated in the thickness direction of the light guide plate 442F (specifically, within the thickness range of the light guide plate 442F) in a state where light is supplied to one light guide plate 442F. Therefore, it is possible to change the appearance.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of each embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or some of the various configurations shown in the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects to be exerted) of the components to be combined is ensured. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration that is a combination of the embodiments, or a part or all of the configurations may be applied in combination.

  (1) In the case where a plurality of light guide plates 442 are stacked as shown in each of the above embodiments, a plate or sheet provided with light transmittance is used instead of an air layer between the light guide plates 442. An intermediate layer may be formed by interposing a shaped intermediate member. However, the light supplied to the light guide plate 442 travels through the light guide plate 442 by being reflected by the plate surface 445 of the light guide plate 442. This utilizes a phenomenon (total reflection) in which incident light does not pass through the boundary surface and is totally reflected when light enters a relatively small medium from a medium having a relatively large refractive index. For the above reasons, when the intermediate member is interposed, it is preferable that the refractive index of the intermediate member be smaller than the refractive index of the light guide plate 442.

  Even when a plurality of light guide plates 442 are stacked and the light guide plate 442 is thinned to reduce the size of the light guide unit 441, inconveniences such as a decrease in strength can be suitably suppressed.

  Further, in particular, when used in combination with a structure in which no irregularities are formed on the surface, such as the light guide plate 442F shown in the fifth embodiment, the intermediate member and the intermediate member can be formed without forming depressions or the like for avoiding irregularities. Contact with unevenness (light emitting region) can be avoided. Therefore, according to the combination of the technical idea shown in the present modification and the light guide plate 442F shown in the fifth embodiment, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the operation button unit 40 as the “operation means” is disposed in the upper bulging portion 28. However, as long as the player can operate the operation button unit 40, Is optional. For example, a configuration corresponding to the operation button unit 40 can be disposed in the lower bulge portion of the front door frame 14.

  (3) In the above embodiments, the operation button 401 (button member 411) is transparent. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light-transmitting property is sufficient so that an image displayed on the light-emitting display device 405 can be visually recognized, and may be semi-transparent or opaque. Thereby, the cloudiness of the light emission region LE in the light guide plate 442 can be made inconspicuous. However, as exemplified in the fifth embodiment, the light guide plate 442 is made transparent so that the back of the light emitting display device 405 can be visually recognized, so that coexistence with other peripheral configurations can be suitably realized. In view of the above, it is technically significant to make the operation button 401 transparent as shown in the above embodiment.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, by fixing one of the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 to the operation button 401, the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 are moved together with the movement of the operation button 401. Although the positional relationship is changed, it is sufficient that the positional relationship between the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 can be changed in accordance with the player's operation (operation force). Is optional. At least one of the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 and an operation button may be connected via a connection mechanism, and the positional relationship may be changed by transmitting an operation force applied to the operation button by the connection mechanism. .

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, one of the light emitting unit 421 and the light guide unit 441 is displaced following the operation button 401, but the other provided on the holder 402 is defined as the stroke direction of the operation button 401. It is good also as a structure displaced in the same direction. For example, in a situation where the operation button 401 is arranged at the maximum pressing position, by changing the position of the light guide unit 441, it is branched which character “CHANCE” or “extreme heat” is displayed. Can be generated. Thereby, the further diversification of the light emission effect (operation corresponding effect) can be realized.

  (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, when the operation button 401 is arranged at the operation position (restricted pressing position and maximum pressing position), the operation button 401 is temporarily stopped at the operation position (hold). This function can be omitted.

  (7) In each of the above embodiments, the light guide plates 442 are arranged side by side so as to increase the expectation of an image displayed from the front side to the back side of the operation button unit 40 or from the back side to the front side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light guide plate 442 corresponding to the low expectation degree → the light guide plate 442 corresponding to the high expectation degree → the light guide plate 442 corresponding to the high expectation degree may be arranged in this order.

  (8) In each of the above embodiments, the light guide plate 442 is disposed so that the expected degree of the displayed image is increased by increasing the operation stroke of the operation button 401, but the operation stroke is reduced. The light guide plate 442 may be disposed so that the degree of expectation of the image displayed in is reduced.

  (9) In each of the above embodiments, the stroke amount of the operation button 401 is changed. However, the stroke amount variable function is not essential. When the stroke amount is constant, it is preferable that the object (light emitting unit 421 or light guide unit 441) disposed in the holder 402 be displaced (lifted / lowered) in the stroke direction instead.

  (10) The light guide plates 442 to be stacked are only required to be arranged in parallel, and the light guide plates 442 are not necessarily flat and can be curved.

  Further, the “light guide” is not formed in a plate shape, but may be formed in a sheet shape or a block shape.

  (11) In the first to fourth embodiments, the unevenness 447 as the “light emitting portion” is formed on the plate surface 445 by the edging process, but how the unevenness 447 is formed is arbitrary. is there. For example, it may be formed by laser processing or molding, or may be formed by printing.

  (12) In each of the above embodiments, the operation button unit 40 incorporates the light emitting display device 405 (accommodated in a dark place), thereby suppressing the influence of ambient light and the like, and displaying an image even with a small amount of light. Devised to ensure the visibility of However, the arrangement of the light emitting display device 405 described above is arbitrary, and it is not necessarily required to be built in the operation button unit 40. For example, the front door frame 14, the inner frame 13, and the game board 80 can be disposed. By configuring the light guide plate of the light emitting display device 405 with a panel material (for example, the glass panel 31) that covers the game area PE of the game board 80 and the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, a game ball flowing down the game area PE, Diversification of the rendering function by the light emitting display device 405 can be realized while ensuring the visibility of symbols variably displayed on the display screen 94a.

  (13) In each of the above embodiments, the return regulating solenoid 408 is provided as the “regulating means”. However, instead of this, another actuator such as a motor, a drive mechanism, or the like may be provided. If it is possible to adjust the height position where return control is performed by a motor or a drive mechanism in accordance with the height position of each light guide plate 442, it is possible to contribute to further diversification of games. Specifically, for example, when the operation button 401 is arranged at the maximum pressing position, the movement of the operation button 401 from the maximum pressing position is restricted, and the operation button 401 is arranged at the maximum pressing position. A branch is provided with a state in which the operation button 401 is allowed to move to the limit pressing position under circumstances. Depending on the position at which the operation button 401 stops after the operation button 401 is released, the character “high heat” is displayed by the third light guide plate 442c, and the character “CHANCE” is displayed by the second light guide plate 442b. As a result of this, further diversification of operation-related effects can be realized.

  (14) In each of the above embodiments, the operation button 401 (specifically, the operation surface unit 413) is transparent, but it is sufficient if the image displayed on the light emitting display device 405 can be visually recognized. In other words, the operation button 401 can be translucent or opaque as long as it has light transparency.

  (15) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines in which an electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or games in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a big hit when a ball enters, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and the like.

  Also, a non-ball-type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has passed, a privilege such as paying out medals is given to the player The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine.

  Further, the gaming machine main body supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage unit and a capture device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capture device. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused to start the rotation of the reel.

<Invention Group Extracted from Each Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

<Feature A group> Built-in operation button The invention described in the following feature A group is "a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, for example, having an operation means operated by a player is known." For example, in the pachinko gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1, an operating means is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine, so that the player can expect a special gaming state or the like that is advantageous to the player. It is configured to produce effects on the screen display, etc. In a gaming machine that employs operation means in this way, it is important how to increase the player's attention to the game using the operation means. Regarding the background technology, “Here, simply performing a special performance according to the operation of the operation means will make the operation monotonous and the freshness will fade, and the interest in the operation itself will decrease. Concern when it becomes easier In other words, even if the player is urged to perform an operation, it is assumed that it will be difficult to demonstrate the ability to improve the level of attention to the game by the operation means in a mechanical manner. Thus, there is still room for improvement in order to increase the degree of attention to the game. ”The present invention has been made with a problem to be solved.

Feature A1. An operation means (operation button 401) having a pressing operation part (operation surface part 413) to be pressed by a player;
A display unit (light emitting display device 405) disposed on the back side in the pressing operation direction of the pressing operation unit with respect to the pressing operation unit;
Display control means (notification / effect control device 142 of the notification / production control device 142) that makes the display mode of the display unit a predetermined display mode based on the fact that the operation unit is arranged at a predetermined pressing position (for example, the maximum pressing position). MPU812),
A gaming machine comprising: a restricting means (return restricting solenoid 408) for restricting displacement from the predetermined pressing position when the operating means is disposed at the predetermined pressing position.

  According to the feature A1, when the player pushes the operation means, the operation means reaches the predetermined pressing position, so that the display mode of the display unit located behind the pressing operation unit is the predetermined display mode. Become. And the display by the said predetermined | prescribed display aspect can be continued, for example, when an operation means stays in a predetermined pressing position by the displacement control by a control means. Thereby, the opportunity to confirm the said display visually can be ensured suitably. Specifically, since the operation surface portion is an object to be pressed by the player's hand, it is difficult to check the display contents hidden behind the player's hand when the operation means reaches a predetermined pressing position. In this regard, the display is continued even when the hand is released from the operating means as described above, thereby prompting the player to draw attention to confirm the display content by releasing the hand. it can. Further, when the hand is released, it is possible to increase the attention to the behavior of the operating means by generating a branch of whether the operating means stays in place or returns to the original position. If the effect related to the operation is devised in this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the function of increasing the degree of attention to the game by the operation means cannot be performed well due to the operation means being mechanically operated halfway.

Feature A2. The restricting means is configured to restrict displacement of the operating means from the predetermined pressing position over a predetermined period when the operating means is disposed at a predetermined pressing position.
The display control means includes means for continuing display in the predetermined display mode for the predetermined period when the display mode of the display unit becomes the predetermined display mode. The gaming machine according to Feature A1, which is characterized.

  According to the feature A2, after the display mode of the display unit in which the operation unit is disposed at the predetermined pressing position becomes the predetermined display mode, the predetermined display mode is maintained while the operation unit remains at the predetermined pressing position. Will continue to be displayed. Thus, the effect shown in characteristic A1 can be suitably exhibited by ensuring a continuation period.

  In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is “the display control unit displays the display until the operation unit moves away from the predetermined pressing position when the display mode of the display unit is the predetermined display mode. It is also possible to use “a gaming machine according to Feature A1, which has means for continuing”.

Feature A3. Biasing means (spring member 404) for biasing the operation means to a standby position (for example, an initial position or a non-operation position);
The game according to Feature A1 or Feature A2, wherein the regulating means generates a resistance against the urging force of the urging means so that the operation means stays at the predetermined pressing position. Machine.

  As shown in the feature A3, the technical idea shown in the feature A1 can be suitably embodied if the operation unit is held at a predetermined pressing position by a resistance against the urging force of the urging unit.

Feature A4. Biasing means (spring member 404) for biasing the operation means to a standby position (for example, an initial position or a non-operation position);
The operation means is arranged to return to the standby position by the urging force of the urging means after being arranged at the predetermined pressing position,
Any one of the features A1 to A3, wherein the restricting means generates a resistance against an urging force of the urging means so that the operation means stays at the predetermined pressing position. The gaming machine described in one.

  According to the configuration shown in the characteristic A4, the hand is released from the operation unit after the pressing operation, and the original standby position is restored by the urging force of the urging unit. Here, since the restricting means is configured to generate a drag against the urging force, the return function can be applied to the standby position by canceling the generation of the drag. With such a configuration, the technical idea shown in the feature A1 can be suitably realized.

  Feature A5. Features A1 to A4, comprising switching means (MPU 812 of the notification / production control device 142) for switching the restriction means between a restriction state that restricts the displacement and a non-regulation state that does not restrict the displacement. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  If the restricting means is in the restricted state when the hand is released from the operating means, the operation means is restricted from being displaced from the predetermined pressing position, and if the restricting means is in the unregulated state, the operating means is in the predetermined pressing position. Displacement from is allowed. For this reason, when the hand is released from the operation means after the pressing operation, there are a case where a predetermined display mode is maintained and a case where the display is not continued. By providing a branch for whether or not to continue the display after releasing the hand, it is possible to realize diversification of the production corresponding to the operation of the operation means and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

  Feature A6. The switching unit is configured to switch the regulating unit from the non-regulated state to the regulated state before the operation unit is arranged at the predetermined pressing position. Gaming machine.

  The movement of the operating means (displacement start timing and displacement speed) depends on the player's operation. For this reason, when it is set as the structure which switches to a control state when it reaches | attains a predetermined press position, the said switching may be in time. Thus, as shown in this feature, the above-described inconvenience due to operation variation or the like can be suitably suppressed by switching the restricting means to the restricting state before reaching the predetermined pressing position.

Feature A7. The restricting means is configured to generate a pressing force that pushes the operating means in the pressing operation direction in the restricting state, and restricts displacement of the operating means by the pressing force.
The switching means moves the regulating means from the non-regulated state when the operating means reaches a predetermined intermediate position between the standby position before the pressing operation is performed and the predetermined pressing position. The gaming machine according to Feature A5 or A6, wherein the gaming machine is configured to switch to a restricted state.

  In the configuration in which the operating means is pushed in the pressing operation direction by the restricting means, if the operating means is displaced in the pressing operation direction by the pressing force or the like, before the hand is released from the operating means that the subsequent displacement restriction occurs. It will be exposed. In this case, there is a concern that the impact of the above-described effects will be reduced. On the other hand, when an attempt is made to generate a pressing force after the operating means reaches a predetermined pressing position, there is a possibility that the regulation will not be in time. In this regard, as shown in this feature, when the operation means reaches a predetermined intermediate position between the standby position and the predetermined pressing position, the switching to the restricted state is performed, thereby preventing the occurrence of the above various problems. It can suppress suitably.

Feature A8. Holding means (holder 402) for holding the operation means in a state displaceable in the pressing operation direction;
The display unit
A light emitting section (light emitting unit 421) disposed on one of the operating means and the holding means;
A light guide (light guide unit 441) disposed on the other of the operation means and the holding means and configured to emit a predetermined portion (light emission region LE) by the light supplied from the light emitting section; And
Based on the displacement of the operation means, the relative position of the light emitting unit and the light guide body is changed,
When the operation means is disposed at the predetermined pressing position, the light guide is configured to be positioned at a supply position (light supply region DE) where light is supplied from the light emitting unit. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A7.

  According to the feature A8, the positional relationship between the operation unit and the holding unit is changed by pushing the operation unit. Following this, the positional relationship between the light emitting section and the light guide body also changes. When the operating means is arranged at a predetermined pressing position and light is supplied from the light emitting unit to the light guide, display in a predetermined display mode is performed. In a configuration having this type of display unit, the display mode (for example, whether display is possible) depends on the position of the operation means. Since the position of the operating means depends on the pressing operation, the display period according to the predetermined display mode is affected by the pressing operation period. In this respect, the configuration related to the configuration shown in the feature A1 and the like can be preferably relaxed by restricting the display period by using the configuration in which the operation unit is held at a predetermined pressing position.

  Feature A9. The gaming machine according to Feature A8, wherein the light emitting section is attached to the holding means, and the light guide is attached to the operating means.

  When the display is performed at a deep position, the peripheral configuration or the like may become an obstacle and visibility may be reduced. In this regard, if the light emitting unit is attached to the holding unit as shown in this feature, the light emitting unit is prevented from being displaced in the pressing operation direction even when the operating unit is pushed into a predetermined pressing position. be able to. Thereby, the fall of the visibility mentioned above can be suppressed suitably.

  In addition, by providing the light emitting unit in the holding unit, it is easy to route the wiring connected to the light emitting unit. Further, when the light guide is formed in a plate shape or a block shape, the light guide can be used as a reinforcing means for the operation means.

Feature A10. When the stroke of the operating means is in a predetermined range, the operating means can be arranged at the predetermined pressing position,
The light guide has a surface shape facing the pressing operation part, and a plurality of the light guides are arranged so as to be aligned in the pressing operation direction.
The gaming machine according to Feature A8 or Feature A9, wherein in the predetermined range, a target to which light is supplied from the light emitting unit is switched by the plurality of light guides according to a stroke of the operation means.

  According to the feature A10, when the operation means is arranged at a predetermined pressing position, the light guide to be supplied with light changes according to the stroke of the operation means. Diversification of the display mode can be realized by changing the display mode according to the stroke.

  Feature A11. Stroke changing means (stroke switching solenoid 407) for switching the stroke of the operation means is provided, and the stroke changing means defines a target to which light is supplied from the light emitting unit by the plurality of light guides. The gaming machine according to Feature A10, wherein:

  By defining the light guide to be supplied with light by switching the stroke as shown in the feature A11, the display content on the display unit can be suitably controlled according to the game situation or the like.

Feature A12. The display control means includes a light emission control means (a function of performing light emission control in the MPU 812 of the notification / production control device 142) for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit,
The light emission control means includes means for controlling the light emitting unit to be turned off at a timing at which the restriction by the restriction means is released or at a timing before that. Game machines.

  When the light guide is a multilayer type as shown in the feature A11, after the predetermined display mode is continued, the restriction is released and the operation means is displaced, so that the light guide that is not a light supply target is used. The possibility that light is supplied to the light body cannot be denied. This can be a factor that confuses the player due to a display (misdisplay) that should not be displayed. Therefore, when the restriction is released as shown in this feature, the erroneous display can be avoided by turning off the light emitting unit at a timing at which the restriction is released or at a timing before that.

Feature A13. The light guide is laminated such that a spacer (spacer 443) is interposed between the light guides,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A10 to A12, wherein the spacer is formed such that a thickness of the spacer is thinner than a thickness of the light guide.

  When the light guide is switched to which light is to be supplied, if the stroke changes significantly, it is easy to detect the display mode before visually confirming. In this case, there is a concern that the impact will decrease even if the display contents on the display unit are diversified. In this regard, as shown in this feature, the difference in stroke can be made inconspicuous by making the thickness of the spacer thinner than the thickness of the light guide. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the decrease in the impact.

Feature A14. The light guide is laminated such that a spacer (spacer 443) is interposed between the light guides,
The spacer extends along an end surface to which light from the light emitting unit is supplied by the light guide, and functions as a light absorbing unit that absorbs light irradiated to the spacer. The gaming machine according to any one of features A10 to A13.

  In the case where the light guide is a multi-layer type, light that leaks to a light guide other than the light guide to which light is supplied causes a display that should not occur originally. Therefore, by forming the spacer as a light absorbing portion along the end surface serving as the light supply portion, light leakage to other light guides can be suppressed by the spacer. Thereby, a display function can be exhibited suitably.

Feature A15. The light guide is laminated such that a spacer (spacer 443) is interposed between the light guides,
The spacer is formed such that the thickness of the spacer is smaller than a displacement amount when the operating means is displaced from the standby position to the predetermined pressing position. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  When the light guide is switched to which light is to be supplied, if the stroke changes significantly, it is easy to detect the display mode before visually confirming. In this case, there is a concern that the impact will decrease even if the display contents on the display unit are diversified. In this respect, as shown in this feature, the difference in stroke can be made inconspicuous by making the thickness of the spacer smaller than the amount of displacement of the operating means between the standby position and the predetermined pressing position. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the decrease in the impact.

Feature A16. Information acquisition means (a random number acquisition function of the MPU 802 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
Acquisition information storage means (RAM 804 of main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Grant determination means (lottery function in the MPU 802 of the main control device 162) for determining whether the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined grant information;
A privilege granting unit (main control) that grants a privilege to the player based on the result of the grant determination by the grant determination unit being the grant response result that the special information to be determined corresponds to the grant information. A function of shifting to the opening / closing execution mode in the MPU 802 of the device 162),
It is configured to indicate the degree of expectation that is the result of the provision correspondence by the display mode by the light guide,
The display mode of the light guide positioned on the near side in the pressing operation direction is set so that the expectation is higher than the display mode of the light guide positioned on the back side in the pressing operation direction. The gaming machine according to any one of features A10 to A15, wherein

  When the light guide is a multi-layered type, light emitted from the light guide on the side far from the operation surface portion passes through the light guide near the operation surface portion. Thus, the light passing through another light guide is easily affected by diffusion or refraction by the other light guide. Here, in the configuration in which the degree of expectation is suggested according to the display mode, the degree of attention to a higher one is higher than that with a lower degree of expectation. Due to such circumstances, when an influence such as disorder is generated on a display that tends to attract attention, it becomes conspicuous. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the light guide that performs display with high expectation is arranged at a position closer to the operation surface portion, even if attention to the display is increased, the appearance is reduced. It can suppress suitably. Thereby, the bad effect by having set it as the multilayer type can be relieve | moderated suitably.

  Feature A17. The gaming machine according to Feature A16, wherein the light emitting section is attached to the operation means, and the light guide is attached to the holding means.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature A17, the effect shown in the feature A16 can be exhibited with a simple configuration.

Feature A18. An operation means (operation button 401) having a pressing operation part (operation surface part 413) to be pressed by a player;
Holding means (holder 402) for holding the operating means in a state displaceable in the pressing operation direction;
A display unit (light-emitting display device 405) disposed on the back side in the pressing operation direction of the pressing operation unit with respect to the pressing operation unit,
The display unit
A light emitting section (light emitting unit 421) disposed on one of the operating means and the holding means;
A light guide (light guide unit 441) disposed on the other of the operation means and the holding means and configured to emit a predetermined portion (light emission region LE) by the light supplied from the light emitting section; And
The light guide has a surface shape facing the pressing operation part, and a plurality of the light guides are arranged so as to be aligned in the pressing operation direction.
The gaming machine is configured such that a target to which light is supplied from the light emitting unit is switched in the plurality of light guides according to a stroke of the operation means.

  According to the feature A18, the positional relationship between the operation unit and the holding unit is changed by pushing the operation unit. Following this, the positional relationship between the light emitting section and the light guide body also changes. Thereby, various light emission displays can be performed according to the operation. By making various displays visible through the operation surface, it is possible to contribute to an improvement in the degree of attention to the operation means.

Feature A19. A restriction means (return restriction solenoid 408) for restricting displacement of the operation means from a predetermined restriction position toward a standby position when the pressing operation of the operation means is completed;
As the predetermined restricting position, a first restricting position where any one of the light guides is a light supply target and a second restricting position where any other light guide is a light supply target are provided. A gaming machine according to Feature A18, wherein

  According to the configuration shown in this feature, the display continues even when the hand is released from the operation means, thereby prompting the player's attention to release the hand and confirm the display contents. Can do. Further, when the hand is released, the light supply target varies depending on the position where the operation means stays. That is, the display content also changes. By generating such a branch, attention to the behavior and display contents of the operation means can be increased.

<Characteristic B Group> Animation Display The invention described in the following characteristic B group is “A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is arranged in a portion that can be seen from the front of the gaming machine, and the game progresses. There are some which are provided with effect devices such as a light emitting unit and a display unit whose display mode changes, etc. These effect devices change the display mode in accordance with the progress of the game, etc. As for the background art of “Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-24447”, for example, “However, even if an attempt is made to enhance the effect using the effect device described above, many of them It is easy to be similar, and there is still room for improvement in raising the degree of attention to the game by improving the appearance of the display effect. ” The is intended.

Feature B1. Provided with a display effect device (light-emitting display device 405B and notification / effect control device 142) that performs a display effect as the game progresses,
The display effect device
A light guide (light guide unit 441) in which a plurality of planar light guides (light guide plate 442B) having light transmittance are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the light guide;
A light emitting section (light emitting unit 421) for supplying light to the end face (end face 446B) of the light guide;
Switching means (operation button 401) for switching a target to which light is supplied from the light emitting unit in the light guide by changing a relative position between the light guiding unit and the light emitting unit in the direction in which the light guides are arranged side by side. , A holder 402 and a spring member 404).

  According to the feature B1, the aspect of the display effect can be changed by changing the relative position between the light emitting unit and the light guide unit and switching the light supply target. By such a change, for example, a displayed pattern or the like can be moved, and a novel display effect can be performed. Thereby, the attention degree to a game can be improved.

Feature B2. The display effect device includes light emission control means (MPU 812 of the notification / effect control device 142) for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit,
The light emission control means has means for maintaining the light emitting part in a lighting state when the relative position of the light guide part and the light emitting part is changed by the switching means,
The switching unit is configured to change a relative position between the light guide unit and the light emitting unit so that a light supply target is switched a plurality of times in a state where the light emitting unit is in the lighting state. The gaming machine according to Feature B1,

  According to the feature B2, the displayed pattern or the like can be continuously changed. As a result, the display function shown in the feature B1 can be suitably exhibited. In addition, when switching the lighting state / light-off state of the light emitting unit according to the position, not only the switching timing becomes severe, but also the configuration for switching becomes complicated. According to the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to contribute to the suppression of the complexity of the structure accompanying the enhancement of the display function and the improvement of the operational stability.

  Feature B3. When the light from the light emitting unit is supplied to the light guide, at least a part of the pattern (light emission region LE) displayed on the light guide is different or the display position is different. The gaming machine according to Feature B1 or Feature B2, wherein

  According to the feature B3, a moving image can be displayed by changing the displayed pattern with time.

  Feature B4. When the light is supplied from the light emitting unit to the light guide, the pattern displayed is the same common part (common part CP1) in any light guide, and individual individual for each light guide The gaming machine according to Feature B1 or Feature B2, which is configured by a portion (individual portion CP2).

  By providing the common part and the individual part in the pattern displayed on each light guide, the relevance between the patterns can be strengthened to make it appear as a series of moving images.

  Feature B5. Each of the end surfaces to which the light from the light emitting unit is supplied by the light guide is located on a plane parallel to the parallel arrangement direction. Any one of the features B1 to B4 The gaming machine described.

  If the distance between the end face and the light emitting part is increased, the light is not supplied well. On the other hand, when the moving path of the light emitting unit or the light guide unit is meandered so that the distance from each end surface is constant, the movement becomes complicated and it becomes difficult to smoothly switch the display. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the arrangement is made such that the end faces serving as light entrances are aligned on the same plane, the movement path can be simplified, and the light supply to the light guide is stabilized and displayed. Contributes to smooth switching of contents.

Feature B6. The light guide is opposed to a gap,
The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B5, wherein the gap is configured to be smaller than a thickness of the light guide.

  According to the feature B6, it is possible to suppress the switching of the displayed pattern from being extended, and to mitigate a decrease in appearance when performing moving image display.

Feature B7. The number of the light guides is three or more,
The light guide is opposed to a gap,
The game according to any one of features B1 to B6, wherein the gap is defined such that two adjacent light guides can be positioned within a light irradiation range of the light emitting unit. Machine.

  As shown in this feature, by simultaneously supplying to a plurality of light guides, when the light supply target of the next light guide is switched from one light guide, the blank that temporarily hides the pattern is conspicuous Can be difficult.

Feature B8. Operation means (operation button 401) operated by the player;
Holding means (holder 402) for holding the operating means in a displaceable state;
Any one of the features B1 to B7, wherein the switching unit is configured to change a relative position between the light guide unit and the light emitting unit so as to follow the displacement of the operation unit. The gaming machine described in one.

  By using the operation force applied to the operation means as power for changing the relative position between the light emitting unit and the light guide unit, it is possible to contribute to simplification of the configuration related to the moving image display.

Feature B9. The operation means is configured to be displaced from a standby position to an operation position based on a player's operation.
Urging means (spring member 404) for urging the operating means to the standby position;
The display effect device includes light emission control means (MPU 812 of the notification / effect control device 142) for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit,
The gaming machine according to Feature B8, wherein the light emission control means includes means for turning on the light emitting unit when the operation means returns from the operation position to the standby position.

  As shown in the feature B8, when operating force is used as power for changing the relative position between the light guide unit and the light emitting unit, the appearance can change depending on the operation speed. This will vary the appearance. In this regard, when the operation is finished and the hand is released from the operation means, the return speed depends on the urging force of the urging means. That is, the speed variation is smaller on the return path than on the forward path. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the light emitting unit is turned on in the return path, the period for displaying the moving image becomes extremely short and the visibility is lowered, or the period for displaying the moving image is extended to make the moving image display look good. It can suppress that it falls.

  Feature B10. A delay that delays the start of displacement toward the standby position by the biasing means when the operating means is disposed at the operating position and the light emission control means is controlled to turn on the light emitting unit. The gaming machine according to Feature B9, further comprising means (return regulating solenoid 408).

  When operating the operating means, the player's eyes may face the operating means. For this reason, if a change occurs immediately after the hand is released from the operation means, there is a high possibility that the display effect is missed. Therefore, as shown in this feature, by securing a time until a display change occurs, it is possible to suppress an oversight of the display effect and to appropriately exhibit the attention level improving effect.

Feature B11. The operating means includes a pressing operation unit (operation surface unit 413) that is a target of a pressing operation by the player.
The light guide unit is arranged on a deeper side in the pressing operation direction of the pressing operation unit than the pressing operation unit, and the display effect is visible through the operation surface unit. Gaming machine.

  When the display effect device is built in the operation means, the display effect device is hidden by the operating hand while the operation surface is being pressed. Further, even if the hand is released from the operation means, the hand is in the way, so that the display effect cannot be immediately recognized. Therefore, as shown in the feature B10, if the start of the return operation is delayed, it is possible to suppress the visual effect of the display effect from being hindered by the operated hand, and to appropriately exhibit the above-described attention degree improving effect. Can do.

  It is possible to apply the technical idea shown in the feature A group to the feature B group described in detail above.

<Characteristic C group> Difference in display mode for each light guide plate The invention described in the following characteristic C group is "in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, it is arranged in a portion that can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Some display devices such as a light-emitting unit and a display unit whose display mode changes with the progress of the game, etc. These display devices change the display mode in various ways according to the progress of the game. With regard to the background technology that “there is a function for enhancing the production effect during the game” (for example, Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-24447), “however, the production effect is enhanced using the above-described production device. However, many of them are likely to be similar, and there is still room for improvement in raising the degree of attention to games by improving the appearance of the display effects. " It has been made Te.

Feature C1. Provided with a display effect device (light-emitting display device 405B and notification / effect control device 142) that performs a display effect as the game progresses,
The display effect device
A light guide portion (a light guide) in which a planar first light guide body (for example, a light guide plate 442b) and a second light guide body (for example, a light guide plate 442c) are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the light guide body. A light guide unit 441);
A light emitting unit (light emitting unit 421) for supplying light to the end surface of the first light guide and the end surface of the second light guide;
Switching between a first state in which light from the light emitting unit is supplied to the end surface of the first light guide and a second state in which light from the light emitting unit is supplied to the end surface of the second light guide. Means,
A first display area formed on the first light guide and displaying a first picture by light from the light emitting part, and a second picture displayed by the light from the light emitting part formed on the second light guide. And at least a part of the second display area overlapped in the thickness direction,
The frequency of the first state is configured to be higher than the frequency of the second state,
The first light guide and the second light guide are arranged such that the second light guide is on the back side of the display effect device than the first light guide. Gaming machine.

  When a pattern is displayed on the second light guide located on the far side, the light is emitted through the first light guide to the front side of the display effect device. At this time, the light from the second light guide may be diffused by being refracted / reflected in the process of passing through the first display region of the first light guide. This becomes a factor of deteriorating the appearance when performing the display effect. In other words, when trying to enhance the display effect function by using multiple layers of light guides, the appearance (the appearance of the picture displayed by the back light guide) is reduced due to the increase in the number of light guides. Can do. Then, if it is set as the structure arranged from the near side to the back side in the order of the occurrence frequency, it is possible to suppress the influence of the above-described deterioration in appearance as much as possible. This is a preferable configuration for improving the degree of attention to the game by using a multi-layered light guide.

Feature C2. Provided with a display effect device (light-emitting display device 405B and notification / effect control device 142) that performs a display effect as the game progresses,
The display effect device
A light guide portion (a light guide) in which a planar first light guide body (for example, a light guide plate 442b) and a second light guide body (for example, a light guide plate 442c) are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the light guide body. A light guide unit 441);
A light emitting unit (light emitting unit 421) for supplying light to an end surface of the first light guide and an end surface of the second light guide;
The light supply target from the light emitting unit is configured to switch between an end surface of the first light guide and an end surface of the second light guide,
As the light guide plate, a first light guide plate in which a first display area in which a first picture is displayed by light from the light emitting part is formed, and a second display in which a second picture is displayed by light from the light emitting part. A second light guide plate formed with a region,
The degree of expectation that a predetermined privilege is given to the player when the second picture is displayed in the second display area is the player's expectation that the first picture is displayed in the first display area. Is set to be higher than the degree of expectation that the predetermined privilege will be granted,
The first light guide and the second light guide are arranged such that the first light guide is on the back side of the display effect device with respect to the second light guide. Gaming machine.

  When the pattern is displayed on the first light guide located on the far side, the light is emitted to the front side of the display effect device through the second light guide. At this time, light from the first light guide may be diffused by being refracted / reflected in the process of passing through the second display region of the second light guide. This becomes a factor of deteriorating the appearance when performing the display effect. In other words, when trying to enhance the display effect function by using multiple layers of light guides, the appearance (the appearance of the picture displayed by the back light guide) is reduced due to the increase in the number of light guides. Can do. Here, in the configuration in which the degree of expectation is suggested according to the picture to be displayed, the degree of attention to the higher one is higher than the one with the lower degree of expectation. Due to such circumstances, when an influence such as disorder is generated on a display that tends to attract attention, it becomes conspicuous. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if a light guide that displays a pattern with a high degree of expectation is arranged on the front side of a light guide that displays a pattern with a low expectation, attention to display will increase. Even if it is a case, it can suppress suitably that the appearance falls. Thereby, the bad effect by having set it as the multilayer type can be relieve | moderated suitably.

  Note that the technical idea shown in the feature A group to the feature B group can be applied to the feature C group described in detail above.

<Feature D group> Panel structure The invention described in the following feature D group is “A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is arranged in a portion that is visible from the front of the gaming machine, and as the game progresses, There are some which are provided with effect devices such as a light emitting unit and a display unit whose display mode changes, etc. These effect devices change the display mode in accordance with the progress of the game, etc. As for the background art of “Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-24447”, for example, “However, even if an attempt is made to enhance the effect using the effect device described above, many of them It is easy to be similar, and there is still room for improvement in raising the degree of attention to the game by improving the appearance of the display effect. " It is.

Feature D1. Provided with a display effect device (light-emitting display device 405F and notification / effect control device 142) that performs a display effect as the game progresses,
The display effect device includes a light guide unit (light guide unit 441F) in which a plurality of planar light guides (light guide plate 442F) having light transmittance are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the light guide, A light emitting unit (light emitting unit 421) for supplying light to the end face of the light guide, and the light supplied to the light guide is emitted to the front side of the light guide.
The light guide is
A set of opposing substrates (substrates 442aF, 442bF);
An adhesive (adhesive 442cF) for bonding these substrates;
A refraction part (powder 447aF) disposed between the base materials and refracting light from the light emitting part so as to face the front side of the light guide;
The refraction part has optical transparency, and the refractive index of the refraction part is different from any of the refraction index of the substrate and the adhesive.

  If it is configured to perform display effects using a light guide, it can appear as if an image such as a pattern has emerged in the space, and its novelty can contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game. it can. Here, in the case where irregularities serving as light exits are formed on the surface like a conventionally known light guide (light guide plate), the possibility of the irregularities being damaged during manufacturing or maintenance cannot be denied. If such damage occurs, the light cannot be emitted well and the appearance of the display effect (image) can be degraded. In this respect, the structure shown in this feature includes a refracting portion in the light guide. In this way, by suppressing the exposure of the refracting portion, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the damage described above. Thereby, the fall of the appearance of a display effect (image) can be suppressed. Moreover, when using it laminating | stacking two or more light guides, it can avoid that the clearance gap between light guides becomes large from a viewpoint of uneven | corrugated protection. Accordingly, for example, a plurality of light guides can be used in combination to enhance the display function, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the display effect device resulting from the enhancement.

  According to the configuration in which the display effect is performed using the light guide body, when the display effect is not performed, the rear side can be visually recognized through the light guide body, so that the coexistence with other game components can be suitably realized. This is a preferable configuration for improving the degree of freedom of arrangement of the display effect device. Here, as described above, when unevenness serving as the exit of light is formed on the surface of the light guide (light guide plate), the uneven light is diffused by ambient light such as illumination of the game hall being irregularly reflected by the unevenness. The part that appears may appear cloudy. When such an event occurs, the visibility decreases. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, an image such as a pattern can be displayed by refracting light from the light emitting unit by the refraction unit included in the light guide. Thus, since the unevenness | corrugation of a surface can be eliminated, it can suppress suitably that the said cloudiness generate | occur | produces on the surface of a light guide. This is a preferable configuration for realizing coexistence with other gaming parts.

  In addition, the structure shown in this feature is “providing a display effect device that produces a display effect as the game progresses, and the display effect device emits light to supply light to the end face of the light guide plate having transparency. And the light is emitted from the display area formed on the light guide, whereby the design is displayed on the display area, and the light guide Has a pair of opposing substrates, an adhesive that adheres the substrates, and a transparent reflector that is disposed between the substrates and reflects light from the light emitting portion, It is also possible to use a gaming machine in which the reflectance of the reflector is different from that of any of the base material and the adhesive.

  Feature D2. The gaming machine according to Feature D1, wherein the refracting portion is colorless and transparent.

  If what kind of image is displayed before the display effect is displayed, the impact of the display effect is reduced. This can be a factor that hinders an increase in the degree of attention to the game. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, it is difficult to visually confirm the presence of the refracting portion when the light is turned off by making the refracting portion colorless and transparent. Further, since the refracting part is colorless and transparent, external light such as ambient light that has reached the refracting part through the base material passes through the refracting part and escapes to the back side of the light guide (light guide part). Thereby, the arrangement | positioning location (inside of a light guide) of a refractive part can be made not conspicuous.

  Feature D3. The gaming machine according to Feature D1 or Feature D2, wherein the refractive index of the refractive portion is configured to be larger than any refractive index of the base material and the adhesive.

  In view of the property of light that can be totally reflected when moving from a large refractive index to a small refractive index, by making the refractive index of the refractive part smaller than the refractive index of its peripheral part, the base material (adhesive) Total reflection of light reaching the refracting portion can be suppressed. As a result, the irregular reflection of light in the refracting portion can be relaxed, and the occurrence of white turbidity can be more suitably suppressed.

  Feature D4. The gaming machine according to Feature D1 or Feature D2, wherein the refractive index of the refractive portion is configured to be smaller than any refractive index of the base material and the adhesive.

  In view of the characteristic of light that can be totally reflected when moving from a large refractive index to a small refractive index, the refractive index of the refracting part is made smaller than the refractive index of the peripheral part, thereby reaching the refracting part from the light emitting part. The reflected light is easily reflected in the thickness direction (for example, the front side of the display effect device). Thus, by promoting the guidance of light using reflection, light from the light emitting unit can be efficiently emitted.

  Feature D5. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D4, wherein the refracting portion is a spherical powder.

  If the refracting part is constituted by a spherical powder (aggregate of powders), when external light such as ambient light is reflected by the powder and reaches another powder, it can easily pass through the other powder. Become. Thereby, it can suppress that irregular reflection generate | occur | produces when external light, such as environmental light, passes a refractive part.

  Feature D6. The refracting portion is disposed on at least one plate surface of the one set of base materials, and an arrangement region in which the refracting portion is disposed on the plate surface by an adhesive layer made of the adhesive, and The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D5, wherein both non-arranged regions where the refracting portion is not disposed are covered.

  According to the feature D6, the adhesive (adhesive layer) can be used as a protective layer for the powder, and the collapse or deformation of the powder can be suppressed when pressure is applied in the thickness direction of the base material. . Thereby, the function of the light guide by a refracting part can be secured suitably.

  In addition, if it is set as "the said adhesive agent is distribute | arranged to the whole region of the part which the said 1 set of base material opposes", even in the area | region in which the refractive part is not arrange | positioned, both adhesives are used by adhesive agent. The protective function described above can be strengthened by filling the gap. Moreover, it can suppress that the change of appearance arises with the presence or absence of an adhesive agent.

  Feature D7. The refracting portion is disposed on each plate surface facing each other on the base material, and at least a part of the disposed region is configured to overlap in the thickness direction of the light guide. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D6.

  The light guiding function can be enhanced by increasing the width of the region where the refracting portion is disposed in the thickness direction of the light guide. However, when such enhancement is simply performed, the irregular reflection described above can be prominent. In this respect, by arranging the refracting portions on the opposing plate surfaces and increasing the distance between the refracting portions in the thickness direction, the display function is enhanced while causing irregular reflection. This can be suppressed.

  Feature D8. The refracting portion is disposed on each plate surface facing each other on the base material, and the region where the refracting portion is disposed on one of the pair of base materials, and the other The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D6, wherein a region of the base material in which the refracting portion is disposed is shifted in a surface spreading direction of the light guide. .

  According to the feature D8, it is possible to suppress an increase in the difference in the amount of light supplied depending on the distance from the light source due to the deviation of the light emitting portion in the thickness direction and the surface spreading direction of the arrangement region of the refracting portion. Can do. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an unintended shade difference in the displayed image.

  Feature D9. According to any one of the features D1 to D8, further comprising a changing unit that changes the direction or position of the light emitting unit in the thickness direction of the light guide when performing the display effect. Game machines.

  According to the feature D9, the optical path of the light passing through the light guide body is changed by changing the positional relationship between the light source and the light guide body in the thickness direction of the light guide body. By changing the approach of light to the refracting portion in this way, it is possible to change the displayed image. Thereby, diversification of display effects can be realized.

Feature D10. A plurality of the light guides are juxtaposed in the thickness direction of the light guide,
The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D9, wherein the light guide plates are held such that the light guides are separated from each other.

  In the case where the light guides are stacked, by reducing the distance between the light guides, it is possible to make it appear as if the display content has changed on one display surface. Here, since the structure for switching the optical path is not exposed on the surface of the light guide shown in the feature D1 or the like, the distance between the light guides can be shortened. That is, by applying the technical idea shown in the feature D1 to the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to perform a display effect more suitably.

Feature D11. The light emitting part is displaceable in the thickness direction,
The game according to Feature D10, wherein a light guide body to which light is supplied from the light emitting section is switched among the plurality of light guide bodies based on the displacement of the light emitting section. Machine.

  According to the feature D11, the display content can be changed by moving the light source, and a display effect can be realized.

Feature D12. A light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit,
The game machine according to Feature D11, wherein the light emission control means includes means for turning on the light emitting part when the light emitting part is displaced in the thickness direction.

  According to the feature D12, the light guide to which light is supplied can be changed one after another as the light emitting unit is displaced. According to such a configuration, it is possible to display a moving image or the like by wiping out the restrictions related to the display mode using the light guide. When moving images are displayed, smoothness can be improved by switching images as finely as possible. As described above, when the light guides shown in the feature D1 and the like are stacked, the interval between the light guides can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize a preferable configuration for realizing smooth switching of images by suppressing the spread of the gap between the light guides.

  Note that the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature C group can be applied to the feature D group described in detail above.

  The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means (game ball launching handle 45) operated by the player, game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired A ball path (guide path 103 of the guide rail 100) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area (game area PE) and game parts (eg, nails 87) arranged in the game area, each of these game parts Among these, a gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing portion (general winning opening 81 or the like).

  Slot machine, etc .: A variable display means that displays a symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then stops and displays the symbol sequence. Special game advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stoppage or when a predetermined time elapses and the final stop symbol at the time of stoppage is a specific symbol A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

  Ball-use belt-type game machine: Equipped with variable display means that displays the symbol sequence consisting of multiple symbols in a variably displayed state, and then stops and displays the symbol sequence. The special game state (bonus) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operating means or when the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol A throwing device that performs a throwing process for taking in a game ball from the ball tray and a payout device for paying out the game ball to the ball tray, A gaming machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means is made effective when a game ball is inserted by.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 14 ... Front door frame which comprises the front part of a game machine, 40 ... Operation button unit, 142 ... Notification / production control device, 162 ... Main control device, 401 ... Operation button as operation means , 402... Holder as holding means, 404. Spring member as urging means, 405. Light emitting display device as display effect device or light emitting effect device, 406. Operation detection sensor, 407. Stroke switching means as changing means, 408: Return regulating solenoid as regulating means, 413: Operating surface section as pressing operation section, 421: Light emitting unit as light emitting section, 422: Light emitter, 441: Light guiding unit as light guiding section, 442: Light guide Light guide unit as a body, 443 ... spacer, 445 ... plate surface, 446 ... end face, 447 ... unevenness, DE ... light supply area, LE ... light emission area .

Claims (5)

Provided with a display effect device that performs a display effect as the game progresses,
The display effect device
A light guide unit in which a plurality of planar light guides having light permeability are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the light guide;
A light emitting unit for supplying light to an end face of the light guide;
And switching means for switching a target to which light is supplied from the light emitting unit in the light guide by changing a relative position between the light guiding unit and the light emitting unit in a direction in which the light guides are arranged side by side. A gaming machine characterized by The display effect device includes light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit,
The light emission control means has means for maintaining the light emitting part in a lighting state when the relative position of the light guide part and the light emitting part is changed by the switching means,
The switching unit is configured to change a relative position between the light guide unit and the light emitting unit so that a light supply target is switched a plurality of times in a state where the light emitting unit is in the lighting state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:   The pattern displayed when light is supplied to the light guide from the light emitting unit is configured by a common part that is the same in any light guide and individual parts that are individual for each light guide. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is provided.   Each end surface to which the light from the said light emission part is supplied in the said light guide is located on the plane parallel to the said parallel arrangement direction, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The gaming machine described in one. The light guide is opposed to a gap,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gap is configured to be smaller than a thickness of the light guide.

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