JP2021045271A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine that, even if a reel stops at a position displaced from a stop position in design, avoids misunderstanding of a player by preventing light from striking a symbol that should not be illuminated.SOLUTION: When a stepping motor stops a reel at a position displaced by one step angle in a positive rotation direction, a position of an upper end of a symbol downwardly adjacent to a lower-column symbol is referred to as a first position and a position of a lower end of a symbol upwardly adjacent to an upper-column symbol is referred to as a second position. Also, when the stepping motor stops the reel at a position displaced by one step angle in a reverse rotation direction, a position of an upper end of a symbol downwardly adjacent to a lower-column symbol is referred to as a third position and a position of a lower end of a symbol upwardly adjacent to an upper-column symbol is referred to as a fourth position. Under this condition, a lower end part is formed so that a straight line connecting a first light source and the lower end part and reaching the reel lies on an upper side with respect to the first position and the third position, and an upper end part is formed so that a straight line connecting a second light source and the upper end part and reaching the reel lies on a lower side with respect to the second position and the fourth position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

Conventionally, as a game machine, a slot machine having a plurality of reels in which a reel tape on which a plurality of symbols are displayed is wound around the outer circumference is known. In this slot machine, the game can be started by inserting a medal as a game medium, and the game is performed based on the operation of the start lever and the stop button by the player.

In the slot machine, when the reels are stopped, three continuous symbol areas (upper symbol area, middle symbol area, and lower symbol area) are displayed per reel through the display window. One symbol is displayed within the range of each symbol area. A backlight device provided with a light source such as an LED is provided on the back side of the three design areas, and light is irradiated to each design area from the back side.

Further, in a game machine such as a slot machine, the reel is rotationally driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is controlled to start the rotation of the reel when the player's start lever operation is received, and is controlled to stop the reel rotation when the player's stop button operation is received. This stepping motor includes, for example, a rotor and a stator having four-phase (first-phase, second-phase, third-phase, and fourth-phase) coils, and the coils of the first to fourth phases are sequentially arranged. Some rotors are rotated by being excited, and the reels are rotated by the rotation of the rotor. Specifically, the step of supplying a one-phase excitation pulse that turns on one coil and the step of supplying a two-phase excitation pulse that turns on one coil and another adjacent coil are alternately repeated 1-. With two-phase excitation, the reel is displaced by half step angle (one step angle by two step update) by one step update of the excitation pulse, and one rotation of the coil is performed by 504 step update (displacement of 252 step angle). (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 6149231

By the way, when the rotation of the reel is stopped, the reel rotates in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation of the reel with respect to the design stop position due to the mounting error of parts, software problems, vibration from the outside, etc. It may stop at a position deviated by one step in the direction. In this case, when the light of the light source hits the symbols other than the three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower symbol), that is, the symbol adjacent below the lower symbol and the symbol adjacent above the upper symbol, the player There is a risk of mistaking those symbols as valid.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when the reel is deviated from the design stop position and stopped, the symbol that should not be illuminated is not exposed to light, and the player can use it. The purpose is to provide a game machine that cannot be misunderstood.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention
A reel with multiple symbols on the outer circumference,
A stepping motor that displaces the reel in the circumferential direction,
A plurality of light sources provided inside the reel in the radial direction and irradiating light toward the outside in the radial direction of the reel.
A reflector having a wall portion extending from the light source side toward the outside in the radial direction of the reel, dividing the light emitted from the light source, and guiding the light emitted from the light source to the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol of the stopped reel. , With
The wall portion includes an upper tip portion that regulates the upper end of the light irradiation range and a lower tip portion that regulates the lower end of the light irradiation range.
Among the plurality of light sources, a predetermined light source provided in the range for irradiating the lower symbol is used as the first light source, and a predetermined light source provided in the range for irradiating the upper symbol is used as the second light source.
When the stepping motor stops the reel by shifting it by one step angle in the forward rotation direction with respect to the predetermined stop position in the design, the position of the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower side of the predetermined lower symbol. Is the first position, and the position of the lower end of the symbol adjacent to the upper part of the predetermined upper symbol is the second position.
The lower tip portion is formed so that the straight line connecting the first light source and the lower tip portion and reaching the reel is on the upper side of the first position.
The upper tip portion is formed so that the straight line connecting the second light source and the upper tip portion and reaching the reel is on the lower side than the second position.
When the stepping motor stops the reel by shifting it by one step angle in the reverse rotation direction with respect to the predetermined stop position in the design, the position of the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower side of the predetermined lower symbol. Is the third position, and the position of the lower end of the symbol adjacent to the upper part of the predetermined upper symbol is the fourth position.
The lower tip portion is formed so that the straight line connecting the first light source and the lower tip portion and reaching the reel is on the upper side of the third position.
The upper tip portion is characterized in that a straight line connecting the second light source and the upper tip portion and reaching the reel is formed so as to be on the lower side than the fourth position.

According to such a configuration, even if the reel is deviated from the predetermined stop position in the design in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction of the reel by one step angle of the stepping motor, the three symbols (3 symbols) The symbols other than the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol), that is, the symbols adjacent below the lower symbol and the symbols adjacent above the upper symbol are not exposed to light. This prevents the player from mistaking those symbols as valid.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, even when the reel is deviated from the design stop position and stopped, the symbol that should not be illuminated is not exposed to light, so that the player can prevent misidentification. it can.

It shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the perspective view seen from the front side. The reel unit is shown, (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the front side with the reel removed, and (c) is a state with the reel tape removed. It is a perspective view seen from the front side. It is a figure which shows an example of the excitation pattern. The same shows the details of the reel, and is a perspective view seen from the front side. In the same, the details of the reel tape are shown, (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is an explanatory view of a symbol, and (c) is an explanatory view of a symbol area. The backlight device is shown. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the backlight device attached to the reel as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 3B is a view of the reflector as viewed from the front side. It is the axial sectional view of the reel with the backlight device attached. The same, the reflector is shown, (a) is a vertical sectional view of a reflector attached to a reel, and (b) is a horizontal sectional view of a reflector attached to a reel. It is the axial sectional view of the reel with the backlight device attached. It is the axial sectional view of the reel with the backlight device attached. It shows the reel unit of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure seen from the front side. The same is an axial sectional view of the start lever unit. The same is an axial sectional view of the start lever unit in a state where the start lever is tilted downward. The same is an axial sectional view for explaining the detection of the operation of the start lever. The same is an axial sectional view for explaining the characteristics of the operation of the start lever. The same is an axial sectional view for explaining the characteristics of the operation of the start lever. It is a figure which shows the tilting distance and tilting angle of the operation part. The same is the axial sectional view of the MAX bet button. The same is an axial sectional view of the stop button. It is a figure which shows the operating load of the start lever, the MAX bet button, and the stop button. The same shows the medal insertion unit, which is an exploded perspective view from the left front side. It shows the medal insertion part in the game machine of Embodiment 1 of this invention, and is the perspective view seen from the lower rear side. The same shows the rear member of the rail and the sensor unit, and is a perspective view seen from the front side. The same shows the rear member of the rail and the sensor unit, and is a perspective view seen from the rear side. The same shows the front member of the rail, and is a perspective view seen from the rear side. The same shows the medal insertion part, the rail rear member, the rail front member, and the sensor unit, and is a perspective view seen from the lower front. The same shows the rear rail member, the front rail member, and the selector, and is a perspective view seen from the rear side. The same is for explaining the state in which the large-diameter medal is hung on the medal slot, and is a perspective view seen from the front side. The same is for explaining the state in which the large-diameter medal is hung on the medal slot, and is a cross-sectional perspective view seen from the side. The reel of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a part of the axial sectional view, (b) is the figure which shows the state which attached the reel tape to the reel tape support part.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the slot machine, and may be other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. In the following description, "front and back" basically means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the slot machine side when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, and "up and down". Means "upper" on the upper surface side of the slot machine, "lower" on the lower surface side, and "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine, and "right" on the right hand side. To do.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine (game machine) 10 of the present invention opens and closes a box-shaped housing 11 having an opening on the front side, which is a surface facing the player side, and an opening on the front side of the housing 11. It is provided with a front door 12 to be used. The housing 11 houses a reel unit 100 in which a rotatable first reel 60, a second reel 70, and a third reel 80 are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals, and the like. Further, the front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 11, respectively.

The upper door 12a is provided with an effect device such as a liquid crystal display 13 and a speaker 14, and a display window 16. The liquid crystal display 13 displays images (moving images, still images) for various effects. Further, the speaker 14 outputs sounds for various effects (music, sound effects, voice, etc.). In addition to the liquid crystal display and the speaker, the device for the effect may be provided with an illumination device such as a lamp (LED), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, or the like.

At the back of the display window 16, a reel unit 100 is arranged so that a part thereof can be visually recognized from the outside of the display window 16. Although details will be described later, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 60, 70, 80 along the circumferential direction, and when each reel 60, 70, 80 is stopped, the display window 16 Three consecutive symbol areas (upper symbol area, middle symbol area, and lower symbol area) are displayed per reel. One symbol is displayed within the range of each symbol area. The display window 16 is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of the reels 60, 70, and 80, depending on the combination of the display positions of the reels 60, 70, and 80. A valid line is set. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the effective line is composed of the middle stage of the first reel 60, the middle stage of the second reel 70, and the middle stage of the third reel 80. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the number of medals (specified number of medals) required for one game is set to 3, and when the specified number of medals are inserted, the effective line is activated. It is supposed to be done.

In the slot machine 10, each reel 60, 70, 80 starts rotating with the start of the game, and the winning combination lottery is executed to determine the winning or losing (non-winning) of any of the winning combinations. Next, when each reel 60, 70, 80 is stopped, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line, this winning combination becomes a prize and corresponds to the winning combination. Processing (winning processing) is executed.

The lower door 12b has a medal insertion slot 22 for inserting medals, a MAX bet button (bet button) 23 for betting credited medals, and a start lever 990 operated when starting a game, which are rotating. Stop buttons 26 (stop button 26a, stop button 26b and stop button 26c) for stopping each reel 60, 70, 80, a payout port 27 for paying out medals by a hopper device, and medals paid out from the payout port 27. A medal tray 28 or the like for receiving is provided. Further, behind the medal insertion slot 22, a medal sensor for detecting the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 is provided.

Inside the slot machine 10, a main control board (main control device) and a sub control board (sub control device) are provided. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX bet button 23, the start lever 990, the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and the medal sensor, performs various calculations for executing the game, and based on the calculation results. It controls the output means such as the reel unit 100 and the hopper device. Further, the sub control board receives a signal sent from the main control board, performs various calculations for executing the effect, and controls the device for the effect such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 based on the calculation result. I do.

In addition, the main control board and the sub control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game state can be transmitted from the main control board to the sub control board. Information cannot be transmitted from the control board to the main control board. Further, the functions of each board such as the main control board and the sub control board are stored in advance in various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, hardware such as information storage media such as ROM and RAM, and ROM and the like. It is realized by software consisting of a predetermined program.

The main control board activates the operation of the start lever 990 when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 or a predetermined number of medals are bet by operating the MAX bet button 23. When the activated start lever 990 is operated, the game is started. When the activated start lever 990 is operated, the main control board drives the stepping motors SM1 to SM3 (see FIG. 2) to start the rotation of each reel 60, 70, 80 and use the random value. Perform an internal lottery. Further, on the main control board, the stop buttons 26a to 26c are provided on the condition that the rotation speeds of the reels 60, 70, and 80 have increased to a predetermined speed (rotation speed of about 80 rpm: about 80 rotations per minute). Enable the press operation. When the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed, the stop switches built in each of the stop buttons 26a to 26c are turned on, and the reel stop signal input to the main control board changes from the off state to the on state. Further, when the push operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is released, the stop switch is turned off, and the reel stop signal input to the main control board changes from the on state to the off state. The main control board determines and determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the pressing operation according to the result of the internal lottery (the setting state of the lottery flag) based on the change from the off state to the on state of the reel stop signal. Control is performed to stop the reel at a stop position (a predetermined stop position in design). At this time, the reels 60, 70, and 80 are designed to stop at the design stop position (that is, an appropriate stop position) unless the stop position shifts due to a software problem or the like.

Next, the reel unit 100 housed inside the housing 11 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, the reel unit 100 includes a first reel 60, a second reel 70, a third reel 80, a support frame 90, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2B, the support frame 90 includes an upper frame 91, a lower frame 92, a left frame 93, a right frame 94, motor frames 95a, 95b, 95c, a back cover 96, and the like.

The upper frame 91 and the lower frame 92 are formed in the shape of a long rod or a long plate, and are arranged inside the housing 11 in a state where the longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction. The left frame 93 is formed in a rod shape and connects the left end of the upper frame 91 and the left end of the lower frame 92. The right frame 94 is formed in a rod shape and connects the right end of the upper frame 91 and the right end of the lower frame 92.

The motor frames 95a to 95c are formed in a substantially circular plate shape, and their axial directions are aligned with the left-right direction, and the motor frames 95a to 95c are arranged side by side with a predetermined interval. The upper ends of the motor frames 95a to 95c are connected to the upper frame 91, and the lower ends are connected to the lower frame 92. A stepping motor SM1 is fixed to the central portion of the motor frame 95a. Further, a stepping motor SM2 is fixed to the central portion of the motor frame 95b. A stepping motor SM3 is fixed to the central portion of the motor frame 95c. The back cover 96 has a shape that covers the back side of each of the reels 60, 70, and 80, and the upper end portion is connected to the upper frame 91 and the lower end portion is connected to the lower frame 92.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the shaft of the stepping motor SM1 is connected to a hub 61 which is a central portion of the first reel 60. As a result, the first reel 60 is rotationally driven by the stepping motor SM1. Further, the shaft of the stepping motor SM2 is connected to a hub 71 which is a central portion of the second reel 70. As a result, the second reel 70 is rotationally driven by the stepping motor SM2. Further, the shaft of the stepping motor SM3 is connected to a hub 81 which is a central portion of the third reel 80. As a result, the third reel 80 is rotationally driven by the stepping motor SM3.

The stepping motors SM1 to SM3 are four-phase stepping motors. Each stepping motor SM1 to SM3 includes a rotor and a stator having a first phase coil, a second phase coil, a third phase coil, and a fourth phase coil. The stepping motors SM1 to SM3 alternately repeat a step of supplying a one-phase excitation pulse that turns on one coil and a step of supplying a two-phase excitation pulse that turns on one coil and another adjacent coil. By 1-2 phase excitation, half step angle (1 step angle by 2 step update) is displaced by 1 step update of the excitation pulse, and each reel 60, 70, 80 is displaced by 504 step update (252 step angle displacement). It is rotating once. The stepping motors SM1 to SM3 have a one-step angle of about 1.43 ° and an interrupt time t for updating the excitation pulse by one step of 1.49 ms.

By updating the excitation patterns of the stepping motors SM1 to SM3 in the order of the circles shown in FIG. 3, the reels 60, 70, and 80 rotate in the normal direction. When stopping the reels 60, 70, 80, all the coils of the first to fourth phases are excited (all phases are excited), and after the reels 60, 70, 80 are stopped, the first one is used. Stop the excitation of all the coils of the phase to the fourth phase.

The excitation pattern may be updated in an order other than that shown in FIG. For example, the reels 60, 70, and 80 can be reversed (reversed) by updating the excitation pattern in the reverse order shown in FIG. The excitation method, the number of phases of the stepping motor, and the number of steps are not limited to those of the present embodiment. The present invention can be applied by appropriately reading according to the excitation method, the number of phases of the stepping motor, the number of steps, and the like.

Next, the details of each reel 60, 70, 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
The first reel 60 has a hub 61 which is a central portion thereof, a rim 62 which is a peripheral (outer peripheral) portion, and spokes 63 which extend radially from the hub 61 and connect the hub 61 and the rim 62, as shown in FIG. It is provided with a reel tape 64. The rim 62 includes two rings 62a and 62a arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction, and a connecting piece 62b extending in the left-right direction and connecting them to each other. A reel tape 64 shown in FIG. 5 is wound around the outer circumference of the rim 62.
The second reel 70 has a hub 71 which is a central portion thereof, a rim 72 which is a peripheral (outer peripheral) portion, and spokes 73 which extend radially from the hub 71 and connect the hub 71 and the rim 72, as shown in FIG. It includes a reel tape 74. The rim 72 includes two rings 72a and 72a arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction, and a connecting piece 72b extending in the left-right direction and connecting them. A reel tape 74 shown in FIG. 5 is wound around the outer circumference of the rim 72.
The third reel 80 has a hub 81 which is a central portion thereof, a rim 82 which is a peripheral (outer peripheral) portion, and spokes 83 which extend radially from the hub 81 and connect the hub 81 and the rim 82, as shown in FIG. It is provided with a reel tape 84. The rim 82 includes two rings 82a and 82a arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction, and a connecting piece 82b extending in the left-right direction and connecting them. A reel tape 84 shown in FIG. 5 is wound around the outer circumference of the rim 82.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 are translucent strip-shaped sheet members, and a plurality of types of patterns are printed or the like along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction). ing. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, a case where 21 symbols are written on the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 will be described. The symbol area, which is an area including one symbol, is defined by dividing the peripheral surface of the reel tape by the number of symbols. The 24 steps (12 step angles) of the stepping motors SM1 to SM3 are evenly assigned to each symbol area (1 frame). As shown in FIG. 5C, when each of the reels 60, 70, 80 is stopped, three symbol regions are visually recognized for each reel through the display window 16. The symbol area that appears in the upper display position when each reel is stopped is called the upper symbol area, the symbol area that appears in the middle display position is called the middle symbol area, and the symbol area that appears in the lower display position is called the lower symbol area. In FIG. 5 (c), blue 7, a replay, and a bell as an example of a predetermined upper symbol are displayed in the upper symbol area, and red 7 as an example of a predetermined middle symbol is displayed in the middle symbol area. In the symbol area, a watermelon, blue 7 as an example of a predetermined lower symbol is displayed.

The reel tapes 64, 74, 84 may be used as reels (20-frame reels) in a 20-symbol region. In that case, a symbol area to which 26 steps (13 step angles) are assigned and a symbol area to which 24 steps (12 step angles) are assigned will be provided.

Next, using FIGS. 6 to 8, when each reel 60, 70, 80 is stopped, the back that irradiates the upper symbol region, middle symbol region, and lower symbol region of each reel 60, 70, 80 with light. The light device 150 will be described. The backlight device 150 is provided at a position on the inner side (back side) in the radial direction of three symbol regions (upper symbol region, middle symbol region, and lower symbol region) on the reels 60, 70, and 80. Hereinafter, the backlight device 150 provided on the inner peripheral side of the first reel 60 will be described, but the same applies to the backlight device 150 provided on the inner peripheral side of the second reel 70 and the third reel 80. It is a composition.

As shown in FIG. 6, the backlight device 150 includes an LED (light source) 200, an LED substrate (light source substrate) 210, and a reflector 220 that regulates the range of light emitted from the LED 200. The LED 200 is mounted on the LED substrate 210. The LED substrate 210 is held by the reflector 220. This holding is realized, for example, by providing a claw portion on the back surface side of the reflector 220 and engaging the LED substrate 210 with the claw portion. Further, the reflector 220 (that is, the backlight device 150) holding the LED substrate 210 is connected to the motor frame 52a shown in FIG. 2 (b). In this connection, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a plate-shaped connecting portion 220a is provided on one side (right side) of the reflector 220, and the connecting portion 220a and the motor frame 52a are fixed by screwing. It is realized by doing.

The LED substrate 210 is a rectangular plate-shaped member, and is held by the reflector 220 in a posture in which the longitudinal direction thereof substantially coincides with the vertical direction. The LED substrate 210 is arranged at a position inside the first reel 60 in the radial direction via the reflector 220. In other words, the reflector 220 is arranged between the outer peripheral side (reel tape 64) of the first reel 60 and the LED substrate 210. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, when the tangent line at the center of the middle symbol region on the outer circumference of the first reel 60 is the tangent line S and the straight line orthogonal to the tangent line S is the straight line T, the LED substrate 210 is mounted. The surface U is arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to the straight line T. In other words, the tangent line S and the mounting surface U are substantially parallel.

Return to FIG. The LED 200 includes an upper LED (upper light source) 201 arranged at a position on the back side of the upper symbol area, a middle LED (middle light source) 202 arranged at a position on the back side of the middle symbol area, and a lower design. There is a lower LED (lower light source) 203 arranged at a position on the back side of the area. In other words, the upper LED 201, the middle LED 202, and the lower LED 203 are arranged on the LED substrate 210 along the vertical direction at predetermined intervals. In the present embodiment, the upper LED 201, the middle LED 202, and the lower LED 203 are each arranged in a row in the left-right direction. However, even if the number of the LEDs is 2 or less, 4 It may be more than one. Further, the LEDs may be arranged in two or more rows. It can be said that the lower LED (first light source) 203 is provided in a range for irradiating the lower symbol. Further, it can be said that the upper LED (second light source) 201 is provided in a range for irradiating the upper symbol. Further, it can be said that the middle LED (third light source) 202 is provided in a range for irradiating the middle symbol.

The reflector 220 has a room (space) 229 surrounded by a wall portion extending from the radial inside of the first reel 60 (LED substrate 210 side) toward the radial outside (outer peripheral surface side) of the first reel 60. It has a shape in which three consecutively arranged three reels 60 are arranged along the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 6B, the reflector 220 extends along the circumferential direction of the first reel 60 as a wall portion, and the left wall portion 221 and the left wall portion 221 provided apart from each other in the axial direction of the first reel 60. The upper wall portion 223, the upper partition portion 225, and the lower partition portion are provided so as to extend along the axial direction (left-right direction) of the right wall portion 222 and the first reel 60 and are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the first reel 60. It has 226 and a lower wall portion 224. The reflector 220 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front, and is arranged in such a posture that its longitudinal direction substantially coincides with the vertical direction. Further, the edge of the reflector 220 on the outer peripheral side of the first reel 60 has an arc shape along the outer circumference of the first reel 60.

The left wall portion 221 and the right wall portion 222 are formed so that their base ends (base ends on the inner side in the radial direction of the first reel 60) are parallel to each other, and the tip side from the base end is the first. The reels 60 are formed so as to be separated toward the outer side in the radial direction.

The upper partition wall portion 225 has a first partition wall portion 225a and a second partition wall portion 225b. Further, the lower partition wall portion 226 has a third partition wall portion 226a and a fourth partition wall portion 226b. The upper wall portion 223 and the first partition wall portion 225a are formed so that their base ends (base ends on the inner side in the radial direction of the first reel 60) are parallel to each other, and the tip side from the base end is the first. The reels 60 are formed so as to be separated toward the outer side in the radial direction. The second partition wall portion 225b and the third partition wall portion 226a are formed so that their base ends (base ends on the radial inner side of the first reel 60) are parallel to each other, and the tip side from the base end is The first reel 60 is formed so as to be separated toward the outer side in the radial direction. The fourth partition wall portion 226b and the lower wall portion 224 are formed so that their base ends (base ends on the inner side in the radial direction of the first reel 60) are parallel to each other, and the tip side from the base end is the first. The reels 60 are formed so as to be separated toward the outer side in the radial direction. Further, the base end portions of the upper wall portion 223, the lower wall portion 224, the first partition wall portion 225a, the second partition wall portion 225b, the third partition wall portion 226a, and the fourth partition wall portion 226b are parallel to each other. Further, the tip portions of the upper wall portion 223, the lower wall portion 224, the first partition wall portion 225a, the second partition wall portion 225b, the third partition wall portion 226a, and the fourth partition wall portion 226b are parallel to each other.

The first partition wall portion 225a and the second partition wall portion 225b are closer to each other from the radial inside of the first reel 60 toward the radial outside of the first reel 60, and the upper partition wall is on the outer peripheral side of the first reel 60. It forms the top of the portion 225. Further, the third partition wall portion 226a and the fourth partition wall portion 226b are closer to each other from the radial inside of the first reel 60 toward the radial outside of the first reel 60, and on the outer peripheral side of the first reel 60, It forms the top of the lower bulkhead 226.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the left wall portion 2221, the right wall portion 222, the upper wall portion 223, the lower wall portion 224, the first partition wall portion 225a, the second partition wall portion 225b, and the third partition wall portion 226a. The fourth partition wall portion 226b has a shape extending linearly from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the first reel 60, but is not limited to such a shape. For example, each wall portion may have a shape in which the room 229 gradually expands in a plurality of stages from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the first reel 60, or may have a shape having a curved surface. ..

As shown in FIG. 7, in each room 229, the openings (outer peripheral side upper opening 228a, outer peripheral side middle opening 228b and outer peripheral side lower opening 228c) located on the outer side in the radial direction of the first reel 60 are the first reel 60. It is larger than the openings located inward in the radial direction (upper opening 227a on the inner circumference side, middle opening 227b on the inner circumference side, and lower opening 227c on the inner circumference side). Further, the upper LED 201 is exposed from the inner peripheral side upper opening 227a, the middle LED 202 is exposed from the inner peripheral side middle opening 227b, and the lower LED 203 is exposed from the inner peripheral side lower opening 227c.

The reflector 220 has three chambers 229, and divides the light emitted from the LED 200 (upper LED201, middle LED202, and lower LED203) into an upper irradiation range, a middle irradiation range, and a lower irradiation range. It has a function of guiding light to the inner peripheral surface (back surface) of the reel tape 64.

In principle, the light in the upper irradiation range irradiates the upper symbol area. A part of the light in the upper irradiation range (lower end side) may irradiate a part of the middle design area (upper end side). Further, in principle, the light in the middle-stage irradiation range irradiates the middle-stage symbol region. A part of the light in the middle irradiation range (upper end side or lower end side) may irradiate a part of the upper symbol area (lower end side) or a part of the lower symbol area (upper end side). Further, in principle, the light in the lower irradiation range irradiates the lower symbol region. A part of the light in the lower irradiation range (upper end side) may irradiate a part of the middle symbol area (lower end side).

Return to FIG. 6 (b). The room 229 located in the upper stage determines the range of light emitted from the upper LED 201 (upper stage irradiation range). The room 229 includes a left wall portion 221 that regulates the left end of the upper irradiation range, a right wall portion 222 that regulates the right end of the upper irradiation range, an upper wall portion 223 that regulates the upper end of the upper irradiation range, and an upper irradiation range. It is configured to be surrounded by the first partition wall portion 225a that regulates the lower end of the.

Further, the room 229 located in the middle stage determines the range of light emitted from the middle stage LED 202 (middle stage irradiation range). The room 229a includes a left wall portion 221 that regulates the left end of the middle stage irradiation range, a right wall portion 222 that regulates the right end of the middle stage irradiation range, a second partition wall portion 225b that regulates the upper end of the middle stage irradiation range, and a middle stage irradiation. It is configured to be surrounded by a third partition wall portion 226a that regulates the lower end of the range.

Further, the room 229 located in the lower stage determines the range of light emitted from the lower LED 203 (lower irradiation range). The room 229 includes a left wall portion 221 that regulates the left end of the lower irradiation range, a right wall portion 222 that regulates the right end of the lower irradiation range, a fourth partition wall portion 226b that regulates the upper end of the lower irradiation range, and lower irradiation. It is configured to be surrounded by a lower wall portion 224 that regulates the lower end of the range.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the vertical width of the radial outer side (front side) opening (reflector upper opening) of the room 229 located in the upper stage is defined as the width D1 (spatial distance D1). Further, the vertical width of the opening (the opening in the reflector) on the outer side (front side) in the radial direction of the room 229 located in the middle stage is defined as the width D2 (spatial distance D2). Further, the vertical width of the opening (opening under the reflector) on the outer side (front side) in the radial direction of the room 229 located in the lower stage is defined as the width D3 (spatial distance D3). The width D1 is, for example, about 29 mm. The width D2 is, for example, about 31 mm. The width D3 is, for example, about 29 mm. That is, the width D1 and the width D3 are equivalent, and are formed smaller (narrower) than the width D2. The width D1, the width D2, and the width D3 may be the same. Further, the width D2 may be formed smaller (narrower) than the width D1 and the width D3.

As shown in FIG. 7, the distance between the reel tape 64 and the radial outer end (top) of the reflector 220 is defined as the distance W. Although the distance W is shown at only one location in FIG. 7, the distance W exists at four locations because there are four ends (tops) of the reflector. This distance W is equivalent to each other at four points, and is in the range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm.

As shown in FIG. 8A, a straight line that passes through the end portion of the left wall portion 221 on the base end side (LED substrate 210 side) and is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210 is defined as a straight line L1. The left wall portion 221 is inclined to the left with respect to the straight line L1 from the radial inside of the first reel 60 to the radial outside of the first reel 60. Further, a straight line that passes through the end portion of the right wall portion 222 on the base end side (LED substrate 210 side) and is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210 is defined as a straight line L2. The right wall portion 222 is inclined to the right with respect to the straight line L2 from the radial inside of the first reel 60 to the radial outside of the first reel 60.

The inclination angle θ1 of the left wall portion 221 with respect to the straight line L1 determines the left ends of the upper irradiation range, the middle irradiation range, and the lower irradiation range. That is, the inclination angle θ1 is an angle at which the light emitted from the upper LED 201, the middle LED 202, and the lower LED 203 is guided to the left ends of the upper symbol region, the middle symbol region, and the lower symbol region of the first reel 60. In other words, the inclination angle θ1 is an angle that regulates the left end of the light emitted from the LED 200. For example, the inclination angle θ1 regulates the left end of the light emitted from the LED located on the leftmost side and the light emitted from the LED located in the center when three LEDs are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. It is an angle.

The inclination angle θ2 of the right wall portion 222 with respect to the straight line L2 determines the right end of the upper irradiation range, the middle irradiation range, and the lower irradiation range. That is, the inclination angle θ2 is an angle at which the light emitted from the upper LED 201, the middle LED 202, and the lower LED 203 is guided to the right ends of the upper symbol region, the middle symbol region, and the lower symbol region of the first reel 60. In other words, the inclination angle θ2 is an angle that regulates the right end of the light emitted from the LED 200. For example, the inclination angle θ2 regulates the light emitted from the LED located on the rightmost side and the light emitted from the LED located in the center when three LEDs are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. It is an angle.

As shown in FIG. 8B, a straight line that passes through the end portion of the upper wall portion 223 on the base end side (LED substrate 210 side) and is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210 is defined as a straight line L3. The upper wall portion 223 is inclined upward with respect to the straight line L3 from the radial inside of the first reel 60 to the radial outside of the first reel 60. Further, a straight line that passes through the end portion of the first partition wall portion 225a on the base end side (LED substrate 210 side) and is orthogonal to the LED substrate 210 is defined as a straight line L4. The first partition wall portion 225a is inclined downward with respect to the straight line L4 from the radial inside of the first reel 60 to the radial outside of the first reel 60.

A straight line L5 is a straight line that passes through the end portion of the second partition wall portion 225b on the base end side (LED substrate 210 side) and is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210. The second partition wall portion 225b is inclined upward with respect to the straight line L5 from the radial inside of the first reel 60 to the radial outside of the first reel 60. Further, a straight line that passes through the end portion of the third partition wall portion 226a on the base end side (LED substrate 210 side) and is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210 is defined as a straight line L6. The third partition wall portion 226a is inclined downward with respect to the straight line L6 from the radial inside of the first reel 60 to the radial outside of the first reel 60.

A straight line L7 is a straight line that passes through the end portion of the fourth partition wall portion 226b on the base end side (LED substrate 210 side) and is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210. The fourth partition wall portion 226b is inclined upward with respect to the straight line L7 from the radial inside of the first reel 60 to the radial outside of the first reel 60. Further, a straight line that passes through the end portion of the lower wall portion 224 on the base end side (LED substrate 210 side) and is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210 is defined as a straight line L8. The lower wall portion 224 is inclined downward with respect to the straight line L8 from the radial inside of the first reel 60 to the radial outside of the first reel 60.

The inclination angle θ3 of the upper wall portion 223 with respect to the straight line L3 determines the upper end of the upper irradiation range. The inclination angle θ3 is set to the upper LED201 even when the first reel 60 is shifted by one step angle (about 1.43 °) with respect to the design stop position with respect to the reverse direction of the first reel 60. The angle is such that the light emitted from the reel is guided to the upper end of the upper symbol region. At this time, the straight line connecting the position of the upper LED 201 and the outer peripheral end of the first reel 60 on the upper wall portion 223 is defined as a straight line P1, and the first reel 60 is set in the reverse direction with respect to the design stop position. When the position of the upper end of the upper symbol region when rotated by one step is set to Q1, Q1 is on the straight line P1 or lower than the straight line P1. In the above, it is assumed that the light reaches the upper end of the upper symbol area, but any light may reach the upper end of a predetermined upper symbol that can be displayed in the upper symbol area. The predetermined upper symbol is, for example, the symbol having the largest area (largest vertical dimension) among all the symbols that can be displayed in the upper row, but the light transmittance among all the symbols that can be displayed in the upper row. May be a pattern or the like that stands out when is relatively high and part of it is not shining.

The inclination angle θ4 of the first partition wall portion 225a with respect to the straight line L4 determines the lower end of the upper irradiation range. Further, the inclination angle θ5 of the second partition wall portion 225b with respect to the straight line L5 determines the upper end of the middle irradiation range. The inclination angles θ4 and θ5 are such that the lower end of the upper irradiation range and the upper end of the middle irradiation range coincide with each other, or the lower end of the upper irradiation range and the upper end of the middle irradiation range slightly overlap with each other. The angle is such that the light emitted from the middle LED 202 is guided. This is to prevent the brightness from being lowered at the boundary portion between the upper symbol region and the middle symbol region.

The inclination angle θ6 of the third partition wall portion 226a with respect to the straight line L6 determines the lower end of the middle irradiation range. Further, the inclination angle θ7 of the fourth partition wall portion 226b with respect to the straight line L7 determines the upper end of the lower irradiation range. The inclination angles θ6 and θ7 are such that the lower end of the middle irradiation range and the upper end of the lower irradiation range coincide with each other, or the lower end of the middle irradiation range and the upper end of the lower irradiation range slightly overlap with each other. The angle is such that the light emitted from the lower LED 203 is guided. This is to prevent the brightness from being lowered at the boundary portion between the middle symbol region and the lower symbol region.

The inclination angle θ8 of the lower wall portion 224 with respect to the straight line L8 determines the lower end of the lower irradiation range. This inclination angle θ8 is the lower stage even when the first reel 60 is deviated from the design stop position by one step angle (about 1.43 °) with respect to the normal rotation direction of the first reel 60. The angle is such that the light emitted from the LED 203 is guided to the lower end of the lower symbol region. At this time, the straight line connecting the position of the lower LED 203 and the outer peripheral end of the first reel 60 on the lower wall portion 224 is defined as a straight line P2, and the first reel 60 is in the normal rotation direction with respect to the design stop position. When the position of the lower end of the lower symbol region when rotated by one step is set to Q2, Q2 is on the straight line P2 or above the straight line P2. In the above, it is assumed that the light reaches the lower end of the lower symbol area, but any light may reach the lower end of a predetermined lower symbol that can be displayed in the lower symbol area. The predetermined lower symbol is, for example, the symbol having the largest area (largest vertical dimension) among all the symbols that can be displayed in the lower row, but the light transmittance of all the symbols that can be displayed in the lower row. It may be a pattern or the like that stands out when is relatively high and part of it is not shining.

Here, the end portion of the lower wall portion 224 on the outer side (outer peripheral side) in the radial direction is referred to as the lower tip portion 224a. The lower tip portion 224a regulates the lower end of the light irradiation range (lower irradiation range). Further, the end portion of the upper wall portion 223 on the outer side (outer peripheral side) in the radial direction is referred to as the upper tip portion 223a. The upper tip portion 223a regulates the upper end of the light irradiation range (upper irradiation range).
Even if the reel (first reel 60) is deviated from the design stop position by one step angle in the normal rotation direction and stops, the lower LED 203 (light source) and the lower tip portion 224a are connected to connect the first reel 60. The light traveling on the straight line leading to the reel reaches the lower end of the predetermined lower symbol. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the lower symbol from being lowered. Further, at this time, the light traveling on the straight line connecting the upper LED 201 (light source) and the upper tip portion 223a and reaching the first reel 60 does not reach the lower end of the symbol adjacent above the upper symbol. As a result, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the lower symbol from being lowered, and it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying the lower end of the symbol that should not be illuminated (that is, the symbol adjacent above the upper symbol). ..
Further, even when the reel (first reel 60) is shifted by one step angle with respect to the design stop position and stopped in the reverse direction, the upper LED 201 (light source) and the upper tip portion 223a are connected to connect the first reel. The light traveling on the straight line reaching 60 reaches the upper end of the predetermined upper symbol. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the upper symbol from being lowered. Further, at this time, the light traveling on the straight line connecting the lower LED 203 (light source) and the lower tip portion 224a and reaching the first reel 60 does not reach the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower portion of the lower symbol. As a result, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the upper symbol from being lowered, and to prevent the player from misidentifying the upper end of the symbol that should not be illuminated (that is, the symbol adjacent to the lower portion of the lower symbol). it can.

Further, when the first reel 60 is configured to reach the lower end of the lower symbol area when the first reel 60 is shifted in the normal rotation direction by one step angle with respect to the design stop position, or the first reel 60 is configured to reach the lower end. When the reel 60 is configured to reach the upper end of the upper symbol area when the reel 60 is shifted by one step angle with respect to the design stop position and stopped in the reverse direction, it is displayed in one symbol area. The area of the symbol can be made larger, the visibility of the symbol can be improved, and if the symbol is arranged so as to fit within the symbol area, the symbol is always illuminated. Therefore, the symbol is placed on the reel tape. When drawing, it is possible to save the trouble of considering how far the light reaches, which has the effect of facilitating the design and improving the degree of freedom in the design.

The angles of θ3 and θ8 shown in FIG. 8B are larger than the angles of θ4 to θ7. Further, when the tilt angle θ3 is shifted from the design stop position by 2 to 3 steps with respect to the reverse direction of the first reel 60 and stopped, the upper LED 201 irradiates the tilt angle θ3. The angle may be such that the light is guided to the upper end of the upper symbol region. Further, when the tilt angle θ8 is shifted from the design stop position by 2 to 3 steps with respect to the normal rotation direction of the first reel 60 and stopped, the lower LED 203 irradiates the tilt angle θ8. The angle may be such that the light is guided to the lower end of the lower symbol region.

Even if the reels 60, 70, 80 are stopped by N step angles (N is an integer of 1 to 3) on the forward rotation side (forward direction) or the reverse rotation side (reverse direction) with respect to the design stop position. Since the light of the LED 200 illuminates the upper end of the upper symbol and the lower end of the lower symbol, the visibility of the symbol is lowered even when the reels 60, 70, 80 are displaced and stopped. Can be prevented.

Even when the reels 60, 70, and 80 are stopped by one step in the positive direction, the visibility of the lower symbol can be prevented from being lowered by illuminating the lower end of the predetermined lower symbol. .. In addition, at this time, the light does not reach the lower end of the symbol adjacent to the upper part of the upper symbol, so that the light reaches the symbol that should not be illuminated and the player prevents the player from misidentifying it. it can.
Further, even when the reels 60, 70, and 80 are stopped by one step angle in the opposite direction, the visibility of the upper symbol is lowered because the reels are illuminated to the upper end of the predetermined upper symbol. Can be prevented. In addition, at this time, the light does not reach the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower part of the lower symbol, so that the light reaches the symbol that should not be illuminated and the player prevents the player from misidentifying it. it can.

As described above, if the reels are stopped by one step in the positive direction and are illuminated to the lower end of the lower symbol, the effect of the present invention can be sufficiently exhibited, but the reels 60, 70, 80 can be used. , Even if it is stopped by two steps in the forward direction, it illuminates to the lower end of the predetermined lower symbol, which prevents the visibility of the lower symbol from deteriorating in many cases where the deviation occurs. it can. At this time, the light does not reach the lower end of the symbol adjacent to the upper part of the upper symbol, so that in many cases where the deviation occurs, the light reaches the symbol that should not be illuminated. It is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying.
Further, if the upper end of the upper symbol is illuminated when the reel is stopped by one step in the opposite direction, the effect of the present invention can be sufficiently exhibited, but the reels 60, 70, 80 are in the opposite direction. In many cases where the deviation occurs, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the upper symbol from being lowered by illuminating the upper end of the predetermined upper symbol when the stop is shifted by two steps. At this time, the light does not reach the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower part of the lower symbol, so that in many cases where the deviation occurs, the light reaches the symbol that should not be illuminated. It is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying.

Further, even when the reels 60, 70, and 80 are displaced by 3 steps in the positive direction and stopped, the lower stage is illuminated to the lower end of the predetermined lower stage symbol in almost all cases where the deviation occurs. It is possible to prevent the visibility of the design from being lowered.
Further, when the reels 60, 70, and 80 are displaced by 3 steps in the opposite direction and stopped, the upper end of the predetermined upper symbol is illuminated, so that the upper symbol is displaced in many cases. It is possible to prevent the visibility of the reel from being lowered.
In addition, it is difficult to think that a case larger than the three-step angle will occur in the range where the slot machine 10 is operating normally, and if the slot machine 10 is illuminated in a too wide range, the symbol above the upper symbol is displayed. It is preferable that the maximum number of steps is 3 steps or less because there is a possibility that the symbols below the lower symbol may be illuminated.

Further, when the stepping motor stops the reel by shifting it in the forward rotation direction by one step angle with respect to the predetermined stop position in the design, the position of the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower part of the predetermined lower symbol is set. The first position is set, and the position of the lower end of the symbol adjacent to the upper part of the predetermined upper symbol is set as the second position. At this time, the lower tip portion 224a is formed so that the straight line connecting the lower LED 203 (first light source) and the lower tip portion 224a to the reel is on the upper side of the first position, and the upper tip portion 223a is formed. Is formed so that the straight line connecting the upper LED 201 (second light source) and the upper tip portion 223a and reaching the reel is on the lower side than the second position. Therefore, even if the reel is stopped by one step in the forward rotation direction, the linear light from the light source is a symbol other than the three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower symbol), that is, below the lower symbol. It does not correspond to the symbol adjacent to or above the upper symbol. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from misunderstanding that the symbols are valid because the light hits the symbols that should not be illuminated.
Further, when the stepping motor stops the reel by shifting it by one step angle in the reverse rotation direction with respect to the predetermined stop position in the design, the position of the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower part of the predetermined lower symbol is set. The third position is set, and the position of the lower end of the symbol adjacent to the upper part of the predetermined upper symbol is set as the fourth position. At this time, the lower tip portion 224a is formed so that the straight line connecting the lower LED 203 (first light source) and the lower tip portion 224a to the reel is on the upper side of the third position, and the upper tip portion 223a is formed. Is formed so that the straight line connecting the upper LED 201 (second light source) and the upper tip portion 223a and reaching the reel is on the lower side than the fourth position. Therefore, even if the reel is stopped by one step in the reverse rotation direction, the linear light from the light source is a symbol other than the three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower symbol), that is, below the lower symbol. It does not correspond to the symbol adjacent to or above the upper symbol. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from misunderstanding that the symbols are valid because the light hits the symbols that should not be illuminated.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an upper irradiation range, a middle irradiation range, and a lower irradiation range according to the present embodiment. The upper irradiation range is β (β is long) in the circumferential direction of the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 in addition to the entire upper symbol region when the reels 60, 70, 80 are stopped at the design stop position. The reel tapes 64, 74, 84 can be illuminated up to the range of). That is, in the upper irradiation range, the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 can be illuminated in the circumferential direction of the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 up to the range of the circumferential length + β of one symbol region. Further, the lower irradiation range is β (β (β) on the lower side in addition to the entire lower symbol region in the circumferential direction of the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 when the reels 60, 70, 80 are stopped at the design stop position. Can illuminate the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 up to the range of length). That is, in the lower irradiation range, the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 can be illuminated in the circumferential direction of the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 up to the range of the circumferential length + β of one symbol region. Further, the middle stage irradiation range is α / 2 on the upper side in addition to the entire middle stage symbol region in the circumferential direction of the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 when the reels 60, 70, 80 are stopped at the design stop position. The reel tapes 64, 74, 84 can be illuminated downward to the range of α / 2 (α is the length). That is, in the middle irradiation range, the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 can be illuminated in the circumferential direction of the reel tapes 64, 74, 84 up to the range of the circumferential length + α of one symbol region. Here, α is set to be less than β (α <β). In other words, the middle irradiation range is set narrower than the upper irradiation range and the lower irradiation range. Since each irradiation range is set as described above, at the lower end of the upper symbol area, the upper irradiation range and the middle irradiation range overlap by α / 2, and at the upper end of the lower symbol area. , The lower irradiation range and the middle irradiation range overlap by α / 2. However, since α is set smaller than β, the illumination becomes too bright (high brightness) at the boundary between the upper symbol region and the middle symbol region and the boundary between the middle symbol region and the lower symbol region. It can be prevented from becoming too much. As is clear from the description so far, β has N step angles (N is an integer of 1 to 3) on the forward rotation side or the reverse rotation side of the reels 60, 70, 80 with respect to the design stop position. The length is set so that the light of the LED 200 can illuminate the upper end of the upper symbol region and the lower end of the lower symbol region even when the light is shifted and stopped.

Next, the dimensional relationship of the first reel 60 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the second reel 70 and the third reel 80 are the same as those of the first reel 60, overlapping description will be omitted. The first reel 60 has a diameter of about φ231 mm. The minimum distance from the center of the reel to the LED substrate 210 is about 66.1 mm.
Further, in addition to the straight lines L3 to L8 described with reference to FIG. 8B, a straight line M1 passes through the center of the upper LED 201 and perpendicular to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210, and passes through the center of the middle LED 202 and is mounted on the LED substrate 210. A straight line perpendicular to is a straight line M2, and a straight line passing through the center of the lower LED 203 and perpendicular to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 210 is a straight line M3. The distance (dimension) between the straight line M1 and the straight line L3 is larger than the distance (dimension) between the straight line M1 and the straight line L4. In other words, the upper LED 201 is arranged on the lower side (middle LED 202 side) from the vertical center of the substrate side opening of the reflector 220. Further, the distance (dimension) between the straight line M2 and the straight line L5 is substantially the same as the distance (dimension) between the straight line M2 and the straight line L6. In other words, the middle LED 202 is located substantially at the center of the opening on the substrate side of the reflector 220 in the vertical direction. Further, the distance (dimension) between the straight line M3 and the straight line L7 is smaller than the distance (dimension) between the straight line M4 and the straight line L8. In other words, the lower LED 203 is arranged on the upper side (middle LED 202 side) of the upper side of the vertical opening of the reflector 220 on the substrate side.

In the present embodiment, the stepping motors SM1 to SM3 rotate each reel 60, 70, 80 once in 504 steps (252 step angles), but the number of steps (step angles) of the stepping motors SM1 to SM3. Number) is not limited to this. For example, the reel may rotate once with a displacement of 336 steps (168 step angles). In this case, the 21-frame reel has an angle of 8 steps per symbol. Further, the reel may rotate once with a displacement of 420 steps (210 step angles). In this case, the 21-frame reel has a 10-step angle per drawing side.

As shown in FIG. 30A, the pair of rings 62a, 62a constituting the first reel 60 have a shape protruding toward the opposite ring 62a side (that is, the inside), and the pair of reel tape support portions 65, It has 65. Explaining with reference to FIG. 4, the hub 61, the rim 62 having the pair of rings 62a and 62a and the connecting piece 63b, and the spoke 63 form a reel drum (frame body), and a pair of the frame body in the frame body. The rings 62a and 62a include a pair of reel tape support portions 65 and 65 shown in FIG. 30 (a). The pair of reel tape support portions 65, 65 have a predetermined width (about 5 mm) in the axial direction (left-right direction). The pair of reel tape support portions 65, 65 are provided to support both ends (about 5 mm width) in the left-right direction (width direction) of the reel tape 64, and the reel tape 64 is, for example, attached to the reel tape. It is fixed to the support portion 65. In other words, the left and right ends of the reel tape 64 on the back surface side are supported by the reel tape support portions 65, 65 (rings 62a, 62a). In other words, the reel tape support portions 65, 65 are interposed between the LED 200 (see FIG. 6A) and the left and right ends on the back side of the reel tape 64. The second reel 70 and the third reel 80 are also provided with the same configuration.

FIG. 30B shows a state in which the reel tape 64 is attached to the reel tape support portion 65. The reel tape 64 is provided with a special symbol 301 (blue 7, white 7, BAR, etc.) that is longer in the left-right direction than other symbols (replay, bell, etc.). This special symbol 301 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the symbol and is formed inside the non-transmissive portion 311 (low translucent portion) (high light-shielding portion) having low light transmittance and the non-transmissive portion 311 to emit light. It has a translucent portion 312 (high translucent portion) (low light-shielding portion) having a high transmittance. The non-transmissive portion 311 is, for example, colored opaque, black, or the like. The translucent portion 312 is, for example, colored and transparent, red, or the like. The non-transmissive portion 311 may be set to have a relatively lower transmittance than the translucent portion 312, and may not necessarily completely block light, but from the player's point of view. It is desirable that the transmittance is low enough to make it feel that it has substantially no translucency.
Here, for the sake of explanation, the line about 5 mm inside (right side) from the left end of the reel tape 64 is referred to as line V1, and the line about 5 mm inside (left side) from the right end of the reel tape 64 is referred to as line V2.
The light transmitting portion 312 is provided so that its ends (left end and right end) (corners) are inside the lines V1 and V2. In other words, the translucent portion 312 is positioned so that its ends (left end and right end) (corners) do not overlap with the reel tape support portion 65 in the radial direction (that is, in the front-rear direction when viewed from the player side). It is provided in. As a result, it is possible to prevent the light from the LED 200 from being blocked by the reel tape support portion 65 and the end portions (left end and right end) (corner portion) of the translucent portion 312 being shaded to reduce visibility.
On the other hand, the non-transmissive portion 311 is provided so that its end portions (left end and right end) (corner portion) are outside the line V1 and the line V2. In other words, the non-transmissive portion 311 is positioned so that its ends (left end and right end) (corners) overlap with the reel tape support portion 65 in the radial direction (that is, in the front-rear direction when viewed from the player side). It is provided in. It should be noted that the non-transmissive portion 311 may be provided so that one end (left end and right end) (corner portion) in the left-right direction overlaps with the reel tape support portion 65.
With this configuration, the special symbol 301 whose visibility is desired to be improved can be displayed as large as possible from the viewpoint of improving playability, and the special symbol 301 can be displayed in a place requiring illumination (that is, the translucent portion 312). The light reaches reliably, and the deterioration of the visibility of the special symbol 301 can be prevented.

The reel tape support portion 65 is made of resin like the reel drums constituting the first reel 60, that is, the hub 61 (see FIG. 4), the rim 62 (see FIG. 4), and the spokes 63 (see FIG. 4). .. When the resin is opaque (not translucent) such as black, the light from the inside is blocked by the reel tape support portion 65, so that the translucent portion 312 does not overlap with the reel tape support portion 65. It is particularly effective to provide it in. Even when the resin is transparent (colorless and transparent or colored transparent) (has translucency), the amount of light transmitted is reduced by the reel tape support portion 65, so that the translucent portion 312 is reeled. It is effective to provide the tape support portion 65 at a position where it does not overlap with the tape support portion 65.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, on the LED substrate 210, an identification code 205 for identifying each LED 200 is written in the vicinity of each of the LEDs 200 provided on the LED substrate 210. Hereinafter, the LED substrate 210 provided on the first reel 60 will be described. On the LED substrate 210, a plurality of LEDs 200 are mounted so as to face the bottom side opening of each room 229 that is continuously arranged in the circumferential direction of the first reel 60. Two to nine LEDs 200 face each room 229, and six to 27 LEDs 200 are mounted on one LED substrate 210. Note that FIG. 11 shows a case where nine LEDs 200 are mounted on one LED substrate 210, but the number of LEDs 200 is not limited to this. For example, nine LEDs 200 may face each of the bottom side openings of each room 229 of the reflector 220. In this case, 27 LEDs 200 are provided (mounted) on one LED substrate 210.

When nine LEDs 200 are mounted on one LED substrate 210, each LED 200 is given a serial number from 1 to 9. In the vicinity of each LED 200, characters from "LED1" to "LED9" are written as identification codes 205. When n (natural number) LEDs 200 are mounted on one LED substrate 210, each LED 200 is given a serial number from 1 to n. Then, in the vicinity of each LED 200, characters from "LED1" to "LEDn" are written as identification codes 205. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, vias (via holes, through holes) are not provided at positions inside the opening of the reflector 220 on the LED substrate 210. That is, when viewed from the front side, the via of the LED substrate 210 is not visible through the opening of the reflector 220. By doing so, for example, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the front side (reel tape side) to the back side. However, vias (vias in the openings) may be provided on the LED substrate 210 located inside the opening of the reflector 220. In that case, air can pass through the via in the opening, and a heat dissipation effect can be obtained. When the via in the opening is provided, the via in the opening is provided at a position that does not overlap with the identification code 205. That is, when viewed from the front side, the via in the opening and the identification code 205 are provided at positions where they do not overlap each other.

The serial number is determined by the designer of the game machine (LED board 210). For example, when one of the nine LEDs 200 does not light up, the identification code of the LED 200 that does not light up is used. By checking 205, it is possible to determine the serial number of the LED 200 that has stopped lighting, and by tracing the circuit diagram of the LED board 210 from the identification code 205 of the LED 200 that has stopped lighting, the failure of the LED board 210 has occurred. It is possible to analyze points and the like.

Further, the identification code 205 is provided at a position where each LED 200 can be identified even when the reflector 220 is arranged on the front side of the LED substrate 210. That is, the reflector 220 is arranged in front of the LED substrate 210 so as to cover at least a part of the surface on which the LED 200 of the LED substrate 210 is mounted, but the opening on the bottom surface side of each room 229 of the reflector 220 is an LED. The identification code 205 is written in the vicinity of the LED 200 so as to face the surface of the substrate 210 and face the opening on the bottom surface side. Therefore, even when the reflector 220 is arranged, the serial number of each LED 200 can be known through the bottom side opening (room 229) of the reflector 220. At this time, the identification code 205 does not have to be visible as a whole, and each LED 200 may be in a state where it can be identified. For example, even if some of the characters "LED1" to "LEDn" are hidden by the reflector 220, if the number parts "1" to "n" are visible to the extent that they can be discriminated, each LED200 Can be identified.

The number portions "1" to "9" of the characters "LED1" to "LED9" as the identification code 205 are the rooms from the front side in a state where the reflector 220 is arranged on the front side of the LED substrate 210. All are visible through the 229. Therefore, all the LEDs 200 provided on the front side of the LED substrate 210 are in a state where they can be identified by the identification code 205.
Further, all the identification codes 205 provided on the front surface of the LED substrate 210 are provided on the same side as the LED 200 (lower side of the LED 200 in FIG. 11). Further, all the identification codes 205 have the same marking direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, all identification codes 205 are written to be read from left to right.
Further, although the reflector 220 and the LED substrate 210 of the backlight device 150 have been described here as an example, the reflectors and the LED substrates used in other lighting devices such as the lighting device for production are also provided with the reflectors in the same manner. The identification code 205 may be configured to be discriminable in this state. Further, here, a case where the reflector 220 (for example, a white partition member) that reflects light is used as a partition member that partitions the adjacent rooms 229 and blocks the light from the adjacent room 229 has been described as an example. Instead of the reflector 220, one that does not reflect light (for example, a black partition member) may be used.

Next, the start lever unit 900 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the start lever unit 900. The start lever unit 900 includes a start lever 990, a housing 901, a holder 902, a cap 903, a sleeve 904, a spring 905, a push nut 906, a mask 907, a sensor 908, and the like. Note that FIG. 12 shows a state when the start lever 990 is not operated.

The start lever 990 includes a spherical operating portion 991 and a rod-shaped shaft 992 connected to the operating portion 991. The start lever 990 is arranged so that the shaft 992 is perpendicular to the installation surface F (see FIG. 1) of the start lever 990. The installation surface F is a surface perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The operation unit 991 is made of, for example, a resin. The shaft 992 is made of, for example, stainless steel. As shown in FIG. 12, the shaft 992 includes a large diameter portion 993 and a small diameter portion 994, and a step portion 995 is formed at a portion serving as a boundary between the large diameter portion 993 and the small diameter portion 994. .. The step portion 995 is a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 992.

The housing 901 is a member formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is made of, for example, a resin. The bottom portion 901a of the housing 901 is provided with a through hole 901b for inserting the small diameter portion 994 of the shaft 992. The holder 902 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape, and is made of, for example, a resin. A housing 901 is attached to one end side (front side) of the holder 902, and a cap 903 described later is attached to the other end side (rear side) of the holder 902. The attachment of the housing 901 and the cap 903 to the holder 902 is, for example, claw fitting.

In the shaft 992, the small diameter portion 994 is inserted through the through hole 901b, a part of the small diameter portion 994 protrudes rearward from the through hole 901b, and the protruding portion is housed inside the holder 902. Further, at this time, the step portion 995 comes into contact with the bottom portion 901a of the housing 901 (the front surface of the bottom portion 901a). A sleeve 904, a spring 905, and a push nut 906, which will be described later, are inserted and attached to a portion of the small diameter portion 994 that protrudes rearward from the through hole 901b.

The sleeve 904 is a receiving member that receives the urging force of the spring 905, and is made of, for example, a resin. The sleeve 904 has a flat surface portion 904a which is a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 992 on the side opposite to the surface in contact with the spring 905. The flat surface portion 904a of the sleeve 904 comes into contact with the rear surface of the bottom portion 901a (referred to as the back surface portion 901c of the bottom portion 901a). The spring 905 is a spring and is made of, for example, stainless steel. The push nut 906 is a receiving member that receives the urging force of the spring 905, and is made of, for example, a resin.

As shown in FIG. 12, the shaft 992 is formed with a retaining portion 996 that serves to prevent the push nut 906 from coming off. The retaining portion 996 is a portion having a larger diameter than other portions of the small diameter portion 994. The sleeve 904, the spring 905, and the push nut 906 are held in a state of being inserted into the small diameter portion 994 by contacting one end of the push nut 906 with the retaining portion 996.

In the state shown in FIG. 12, the flat surface portion 904a of the sleeve 904 and the back surface portion 901c of the bottom portion 901a come into surface contact with each other due to the urging force of the spring 905. As a result, the start lever 990 maintains a posture in which the shaft 992 is horizontal with respect to the front-rear direction, that is, a posture in which the shaft 992 is perpendicular to the installation surface F (neutral state). When the installation surface F of the front door 12 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the posture perpendicular to the inclined surface may be set to the neutral state of the start lever 990. Further, when the front door 12 itself is inclined with respect to the vertical direction (vertical direction), the posture perpendicular to the front door 12 may be set to the neutral state of the start lever 990.
Hereinafter, the posture when the start lever 990 is not operated is referred to as an initial position. Further, the axis of the shaft 992 at the initial position is set as the reference axis X. When the start lever 990 is in the initial position, the player can tilt the start lever 990 in all directions. The start lever 990 may be operable in the front-rear direction as well. That is, the start lever 990 may be operable in the pulling direction or the pushing direction.

Next, a case where the start lever 990 is operated and tilted will be described. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the start lever unit 900 in a state where the start lever 990 is tilted downward. In this state, one side (upper side) of the flat surface portion 904a of the sleeve 904 is in contact with the back surface portion 901c of the bottom portion 901a, and the other side (lower side) of the flat surface portion 904a is separated from the back surface portion 901c of the bottom portion 901a. The spring 905 is in a bent state by a predetermined length. Further, the force required to bend the spring 905 when tilting the start lever 990 is the force required to operate the start lever 990. In other words, the operating force of the start lever 990 is realized by the elastic force of the spring 905.

In the state shown in FIG. 13, when the player releases the finger or the like from the start lever 990, the flat portion 904a of the sleeve 904 comes into surface contact with the back portion 901c of the bottom portion 901a again as the spring 905 deforms to return to its original position. It is designed to do. As a result, the start lever 990 returns to the state (initial position) shown in FIG.

Next, the detection of the operation of the start lever 990 will be described. The following description shows an example of detecting the operation of the start lever 990, and the detection method is not limited to this, and other methods may be used. As shown in FIG. 14A, the end surface of the small diameter portion 994 of the shaft 992 is a reflecting surface 997. The reflecting surface 997 is a surface capable of reflecting the light projected from the sensor 908, which will be described later. The cap 903 is a lid-shaped member attached to the rear end side of the holder 902, and is made of resin. The cap 903 is attached to the holder 902 while holding the mask 907, the sensor 908, and the like.

The mask 907 is a plate-shaped member having a small-diameter hole 907a formed at a position substantially coaxial with the shaft 992 at the initial position. The hole 907a is provided to pass the light projected by the sensor 908, which will be described later, to the shaft 992 side. The sensor 908 includes a light emitting / receiving unit (not shown) formed at a position substantially coaxial with the shaft 992 at the initial position. The sensor 908 projects light from the light emitting / receiving unit based on a signal from the control unit (not shown), and a signal corresponding to the condition based on whether or not the reflected light of the projected light is received. Is to be output.

In the present embodiment, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 14A, when the sensor 908 receives the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface 997, a signal indicating that the start lever 990 is in the initial position, That is, a signal (OFF signal) indicating that the operation of the start lever 990 has not been detected is output. Further, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 14B, when the sensor 908 does not receive the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface 997, a signal indicating that the start lever 990 is not in the initial position, that is, the start A signal (ON signal) indicating that the operation of the lever 990 has been detected is output.

Next, the operation characteristics of the start lever 990 will be described in detail with reference to the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operating characteristics of the start lever 990 in a predetermined model (referred to as the first model). FIG. 15A shows a state in which the start lever 990 is in the initial position. FIG. 15B shows a state in which the start lever 990 is in the detection position. The detection position is a position where the operation of the start lever 990 is detected. In other words, the detection position is the position of the start lever 990 when the ON signal is output from the sensor 908. FIG. 15C shows a state in which the start lever 990 is in the maximum position. The maximum position is the position where the tilt distance or tilt angle of the operation unit 991 on the start lever 990 is maximized. The tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 will be described later. The tilting of the start lever 990 is stopped when an arbitrary portion of the start lever 990 comes into contact with the mechanical end formed on the housing 901, the holder 902, or the like. The location of the mechanical end may be one location or a plurality of locations. When the start lever 990 comes into contact with the mechanical end, the tilt distance or tilt angle of the operation unit 991 becomes maximum, that is, the position of the start lever 990 becomes the maximum position.

Next, the tilting distance of the operation unit 991 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15A, the apex of the end portion of the operation unit 991 opposite to the shaft 992 connecting side, that is, the apex of the start lever 990 is set as the apex A. The tilt distance of the operation unit 991 is the minimum distance between the apex A of the start lever 990 and the reference axis X. At the initial position shown in FIG. 15A, the tilting distance of the operation unit 991 is 0 mm. On the other hand, at the detection position shown in FIG. 15B, the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 is about 4.0 mm.

Next, the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 will be described. When the axis of the shaft 992 is the axis Z, the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 is the angle formed by the axis Z and the reference axis X on the operation unit 391 side. At the initial position shown in FIG. 15A, the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 is 0 ° because the reference axis X and the axis Z coincide with each other. On the other hand, at the detection position shown in FIG. 15B, the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 is about 3.9 °.

As shown in FIG. 15A, in the first model, the distance from the fulcrum of the shaft 992 (the center of rotation of the shaft 992) to the apex A is 60.2 mm. Further, the distance (distance S) from the fulcrum of the shaft 992 to the reflecting surface 997 is 21.3 mm. Further, the distance between the reflecting surface 997 and the mask 907 arranged on the light emitting / receiving surface side of the sensor 908 is 4.2 mm. It should be noted that each dimension is a median value, and each has a predetermined tolerance.

As shown in FIG. 15B, when the start lever 990 is tilted from the initial position to the detection position, the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 is about 4.0 mm, and the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 is about 3.9. It is °. At this time, assuming that the central point of the reflection surface 997 is the apex B, the tilt distance of the apex B on the reflection surface 997 when the start lever 990 is tilted from the initial position to the detection position is about 1.7 mm. ing.

As shown in FIG. 15 (c), when the start lever 990 is tilted from the initial position to the maximum position, the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 is about 8.4 mm, and the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 is about 8.0. It is °. At this time, when the start lever 990 is tilted from the initial position to the maximum position, the tilt distance of the apex B on the reflecting surface 997 is about 2.9 mm.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operating characteristics of the start lever 990 in a predetermined model (referred to as a second model). As shown in FIG. 16A, in the second model, the distance from the fulcrum of the shaft 992 to the apex A is 60.2 mm. Further, the distance (distance S) from the fulcrum of the shaft 992 to the reflecting surface 997 is 31.3 mm. Further, the distance between the reflecting surface 997 and the mask 907 arranged on the light emitting / receiving surface side of the sensor 908 is 4.2 mm. It should be noted that each dimension is a median value, and each has a predetermined tolerance.

FIG. 16A shows a state in which the start lever 990 is in the initial position. At the initial position, the tilt distance of the operation unit 391 is 0 mm, and the tilt angle of the operation unit 391 is 0 °.

FIG. 16B shows a state in which the start lever 990 is in the detection position. When the start lever 990 is tilted from the initial position to the detection position, the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 is about 3.6 mm, and the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 is about 3.4 °. At this time, when the start lever 990 is tilted from the initial position to the detection position, the tilt distance of the apex B on the reflection surface 997 is about 1.7 mm.

FIG. 16C shows a state in which the start lever 990 is in the maximum position. When the start lever 990 is tilted from the initial position to the maximum position, the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 is about 8.4 mm, and the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 is about 8.0 °. At this time, when the start lever 990 is tilted from the initial position to the maximum position, the tilt distance of the apex B on the reflecting surface 997 is about 4.3 mm.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a tilt distance and a tilt angle of the operation unit 991 for each model. In the first model, the tilt distance (about 4.0 mm) of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is 50% or less of the tilt distance (about 8.4 mm) of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. It is the value of. Further, in the first model, the tilt angle (about 3.9 °) of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is the tilt angle (about 8.0 °) of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. It is a value of 50% or less of. However, it is assumed that the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position are values exceeding 0.

In the second model, the tilt distance (about 3.6 mm) of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is 50% or less of the tilt distance (about 8.4 mm) of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. It is the value of. Further, in the second model, the tilt angle (about 3.4 °) of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is the tilt angle (about 8.0 °) of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. It is a value of 50% or less of. However, it is assumed that the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 391 from the initial position to the detection position are values exceeding 0.

The values of the tilt distance and the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 vary, but even if the values vary, the tilt distance and the tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position are still present. , The value is 50% or less of the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position.

As described above, the game machine according to the present embodiment is a game machine provided with a tiltable start lever 990 having a shaft 992 having an operation unit 991 formed on the tip side thereof, and the start lever 990 is not. It is possible to tilt from the initial position, which is the position at the time of operation, to the maximum position, which is the position where the operation amount of the start lever 990 is maximum with respect to the initial position, via the detection position, which is the position where the operation of the start lever 990 is detected. The tilt distance or tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is a value exceeding 0 with respect to the tilt distance or tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. The value is 50% or less. Therefore, it is detected that the start lever 990 is operated with an operation amount of 50% or less of the operation amount required for tilting the operation unit 991 of the start lever 990 to the maximum position. This makes it possible to improve the sensitivity at which the operation of the start lever 990 is detected. Further, it is possible to provide a game machine in which the response of the start lever 990 is improved. Further, according to the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the trouble of having to re-operate the start lever 990 because the operation is not detected due to insufficient tilting despite the operation of the start lever 990 is eliminated. .. Therefore, the playability of the game machine can be improved.

Further, from the viewpoint of further improving the detection sensitivity, the tilt distance or tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is 50% with respect to the tilt distance or tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. A value of less than 48% is preferred, a value of less than 48% is more preferred, and a value of less than 45% is even more preferred. Further, the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is a value exceeding 0, and even when the tolerance is maximum, 50 with respect to the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. It is more preferable that the value is less than%. The maximum tolerance varies so that the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is maximized, and the tilt distance of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position is minimized. Refers to the case. In this way, by setting the tilt distance from the initial position to the detection position to less than 50% of the tilt distance from the initial position to the maximum position, the tilt distance from the initial position to the maximum position is tilted from the initial position to the detection position. The distance is set to more than twice the distance to improve the detection sensitivity of the operation of the start lever 990, and a sufficient range is secured so that the start lever 990 can be further operated (tilted) after the operation of the start lever 990 is detected. can do. As a result, it is possible to achieve both the improvement of the detection sensitivity and the contradictory effect of providing a feeling of operation with a feeling of pressure.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the second model is modified so that only the dimension of the distance S is larger than that of the first model. In this way, by increasing only the dimension of the distance S without changing the configuration of the start lever 990, the operation of the start lever 990 can be detected with a smaller amount of operation, and the response of the start lever 990 becomes. improves.

Further, although FIG. 16 shows a case where the diameter of the reflecting surface 997 is 3.6 mm, the sensitivity at which the operation of the start lever 990 is detected can be improved by reducing the size of the diameter. .. For example, in FIG. 16B, when the diameter of the reflecting surface 997 is further reduced, the tilting distance of the operating unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position can be set to about 2.5 mm.

In the above, the case where the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position are set to 50% or less of the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position has been described. On the other hand, for example, the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position are set to 20% to 50% of the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, erroneous detection of the operation of the start lever 990 can be suppressed. Some of the false positives are caused by, for example, vibration generated by hitting the periphery of the start lever 990 in the slot machine.

Next, the operating load of the start lever 990, the MAX bet button 23, and the stop button 26 will be described. Hereinafter, the operating load required to tilt the start lever 990 from the initial position to the detection position is referred to as the detection load of the start lever 990. The operating load required to tilt the start lever 990 from the initial position to the maximum position is referred to as the maximum load of the start lever 990. The detected load of the start lever 990 is about 1.5N. The maximum load of the start lever 990 is about 3.0N.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the MAX bet button 23. The MAX bet button 23 is a button operated so as to be pushed downward from above. The MAX bet button 23 includes a pressing portion 981, a spring 982, a sensor 983, and the like. The pressing portion 981 is a component operated by a player's finger or the like, and is made of, for example, resin. The spring 982 urges the pressing portion 981 upward and elastically deforms and bends when the pressing portion 981 is pushed in. The sensor 983 is, for example, a photo sensor. The sensor 983 outputs an ON signal when it detects that, for example, a detection object that moves by pushing the pressing portion 981 changes the light from the light emitting element to the light receiving element.

Here, it is necessary to push the pressing portion 981 to elastically deform the spring 982 and move the pressing portion 981 to a position where an ON signal (a signal indicating that the MAX bet button 23 has been operated) is output from the sensor 983. The load is the detected load of the MAX bet button 23. The detected load of the MAX bet button 23 is about 0.8N. The amount of movement (ON stroke) of the pressing portion 981 from the initial position to the detection position is about 1.0 mm.

When the pressing portion 981 is operated with a load larger than the detected load, the pressing portion 981 is further pushed while elastically deforming the spring 982. Then, the pressing portion 981 comes into contact with a mechanical stopper (mechanical end) provided at an arbitrary position and stops. Here, the load required to push the pressing portion 981 to elastically deform the spring 982 and move the pressing portion 981 until it comes into contact with the mechanical stopper is set as the maximum load of the MAX bet button 23. The maximum load of the MAX bet button 23 is about 1.6N. The amount of movement (full stroke) from the initial position of the pressing portion 981 to the contact with the mechanical stopper is about 2.0 mm. The full stroke of the MAX bet button 23 may be, for example, about 3.0 mm, and the ON stroke may be about 1.5 mm. However, the full stroke of the MAX bet button 23 is preferably equal to or greater than the full stroke of the stop button 26, which will be described later.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the stop button 26. The stop button 26 is a button operated so as to be pushed from the front to the rear. The stop button 26 includes a pressing portion 984, a spring 985, a sensor 986, and the like. Since the pressing portion 984, the spring 985, and the sensor 986 have the same functions as the pressing portion 981, the spring 982, and the sensor 983 shown in FIG. 18, overlapping description will be omitted.

The detected load of the stop button 26 is about 0.7N. The ON stroke of the stop button 26 is about 1.0 mm. The maximum load of the stop button 26 is about 1.4N. The full stroke of the stop button 26 is about 2.0 mm. However, when the full stroke of the MAX bet button 23 is about 3.0 mm, the full stroke of the stop button 26 may be less than that, for example, about 3.0 mm. Further, in this case, the ON stroke of the stop button 26 may be about 1.5 mm, which is equal to or less than the ON stroke of the MAX bet button 23.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing operating loads of the start lever 990, the MAX bet button 23, and the stop button 26. In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the operating load of each button is set so as to be a relatively suitable operating load for the player. The operating load required to move the start lever 990 from the initial position, which is the non-operation position, to the detection position, which is the position where the operation is detected (detection load of the start lever 990: about 1.5N) (No. 1 detection load) is a value larger than the operating load (detection load of the stop button 26: about 0.7N) (third detection load) required to move the stop button 26 from the initial position to the detection position. .. In other words, the first detection load, which is the operation load required to move the start lever 990 from the initial position, which is the non-operation position, to the detection position, which is the position where the operation is detected, is the stop button 26. It is larger than the third detection load, which is the operating load required to move from the initial position to the detection position. Further, the third detected load is 50% or less of the first detected load.

Further, the operating load required to move the start lever 990 from the initial position, which is the non-operated position, to the maximum position, which is the position where the amount of operation with respect to the initial position is maximum (maximum load of the start lever 990: about). 3.0N) (first maximum load) is from the operating load (maximum load of stop button 26: about 1.4N) (third maximum load) required to move the stop button 26 from the initial position to the maximum position. It is a large value. In other words, the first maximum load, which is the operating load required to move the start lever 990 from the initial position, which is the non-operated position, to the maximum position, which is the position where the amount of operation with respect to the initial position is maximum, is The stop button 26 is larger than the third maximum load, which is the operating load required to move the stop button 26 from the initial position to the maximum position. The third maximum load is 50% or less of the first maximum load.

The start lever 990 is operated when the winning combination lottery is executed, and the player may operate it powerfully with expectation. Therefore, by giving the start lever 990 a feeling of operation that is heavier than that of the stop button 26, it is possible to provide the player with a feeling of operation that is comfortable to press. As a result, the operation feeling of the start lever 990 becomes suitable for the player, and the playability is improved. Further, when the stop button 26 is operated, a light and comfortable operation feeling can be provided to the player.

Further, the detected load (about 1.5N) of the start lever 990 is larger than the detected load (about 0.8N) (second detected load) of the MAX bet button 23. Further, the maximum load (about 3.0 N) of the start lever 990 is larger than the maximum load (about 1.6 N) (second maximum load) of the MAX bet button 23. In this way, by giving the start lever 990 a feeling of operation that is heavier than that of the MAX bet button 23, it is possible to provide the player with a feeling of operation that is responsive and comfortable. As a result, the operation feeling of the start lever 990 becomes suitable for the player, and the playability is improved.
The first detected load, the second detected load, and the third detected load are preset and immutable operating loads. Further, the first maximum load, the second maximum load, and the third maximum load are preset and immutable operating loads.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the operating load (detected load and maximum load) of the stop button 26 is smaller than the operating load (detected load and maximum load) of the MAX bet button 23. The stop button 26 is a button that must be operated in plurality according to the number of rotating reels for each game. By setting the operating load of the stop button 26 to be smaller than the operating load of the MAX bet button 23, the player can obtain a light and comfortable operating feeling with respect to the operation of the stop button 26, and all at a good tempo. It is possible to press the stop button 26 of. As a result, the player can comfortably play the game, and the playability is improved. Further, since the operating load of the frequently used stop button 26 is set to be small, the accumulation of fatigue of the player is reduced and the playability is improved.

Further, the MAX bet button 23 is a button used for an operation for starting a game, and is a button that is often operated with a strong force because an operation such as hitting from above is possible. Since the operating load of the MAX bet button 23 is set to be larger than the operating load of the stop button 26, the player can obtain an operation feeling that is appropriately pressed, and the playability is improved.

Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, an effect button may be provided at an arbitrary position on the front door 12. The effect button is a button formed so as to be pushed from the front to the rear. The operating load (detected load and maximum load) of the effect button is larger than the operating load (detected load and maximum load) of the stop button 26 and larger than the operating load (detected load and maximum load) of the MAX bet button 23. Or it is equivalent. For example, the effect button has a detected load of about 3.0 N and a maximum load of about 6.0 N. The effect button is operated less frequently than the stop button 26 and the MAX bet button 23. In addition, when the effect button notifies the player that it is pleasing to the player, or when it is a game place for the player, the pressing operation for changing the mode of the effect becomes effective, so that the mood is felt. It tends to be operated with a strong force by an uplifted player. Therefore, the operating load of the effect button is set to be larger than the operating load of the stop button 26 and equal to or greater than the operating load of the MAX bet button 23, so that the player feels heavy and heavy. It can be obtained and the playability is improved. Further, the effect button may be a button (up and down direction effect button) formed so as to be pushed downward from above. The vertical direction effect button is set to have a smaller operating load (detected load and maximum load) than the MAX bet button 23 having the same operating direction, and the operating load is the same as that of the stop button 26 or the stop button. It is a value smaller than 26. The vertical effect button has, for example, a detected load of about 0.6 N and a maximum load of about 1.2 N. Since the vertical direction effect button may be repeatedly hit by the player when it becomes an opportunity to improve the interest, the operation load is set to be small so that the repeated hits can be facilitated. Further, since the operation in the vertical direction is easier to hit repeatedly than in the front-back direction, the operation is performed in the vertical direction.

In the start lever 990 according to the present embodiment, the tilt distance or tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position is 50% or less of the tilt distance or tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. It is a value. Further, the detected load of the start lever 990 is 50% or less of the maximum load. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the sensitivity at which the operation is detected, and to provide the player with a feeling of operation that is responsive when the operation is further operated after the operation is detected. That is, it is possible to achieve both the contradictory effects of improving the detection sensitivity and providing a feeling of operation with a feeling of pressure. This improves playability.
Further, from the viewpoint of suppressing false detection, the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position are set to 20% to 50% of the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position. As a value, it is more desirable that the detected load of the start lever 990 is a value of 20% to 50% of the maximum load. Further, when it is desired to further improve the detection sensitivity, the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the detection position and the start lever 990 with respect to the tilt distance and tilt angle of the operation unit 991 from the initial position to the maximum position, and the start lever 990. The detected load with respect to the maximum load of may be a value of 20% to 48%, and further may be a value of 25% to 45%.

Further, the stop button 26 according to the present embodiment has an ON stroke of 50% or less of the full stroke and a detected load of 50% or less of the maximum load. Further, the MAX bet button 23 according to the present embodiment has an ON stroke of 50% or less of the full stroke and a detected load of 50% or less of the maximum load. Therefore, also in the stop button 26 and the MAX bet button 23, the sensitivity for detecting the operation can be improved, and when the operation is further operated after the operation is detected, the player can be provided with a feeling of pressing. it can. This improves playability.
Further, from the viewpoint of suppressing false detection, the ON stroke of the stop button 26 may be set to a value of 20% to 50% of the full stroke, and the detected load of the stop button 26 may be set to a value of 20% to 50% of the maximum load. desirable. Further, when it is desired to further improve the detection sensitivity, the ON stroke for the full stroke of the stop button 26 and the detection load for the maximum load of the stop button 26 may be set to a value of 20% to 48%, and further 20% to 45. It may be a value of%.
Further, from the viewpoint of suppressing false detection, the ON stroke of the MAX bet button 23 should be set to a value of 20% to 50% of the full stroke, and the detected load of the MAX bet button 23 should be set to a value of 20% to 50% of the maximum load. Is more desirable. Further, when it is desired to further improve the detection sensitivity, the ON stroke for the full stroke of the MAX bet button 23 and the detected load for the maximum load of the MAX bet button 23 may be set to a value of 20% to 48%, and further 20%. It may be a value of ~ 45%.

In the slot machine of the present embodiment, the regular medal that can be used for the game is φ25 (diameter about 25 mm) and thickness about 1.6 mm. Further, in the following explanation, when the term "medal" is simply used, it basically means a regular medal. Further, as a medal that can be used in a game in another slot machine and has a diameter larger than that of a regular medal that can be used in the slot machine of the present embodiment, a medal having a diameter of φ30 (diameter of about 30 mm) is assumed. .. In the following description, the term "large diameter medal" basically means a medal having a diameter of 30 and a thickness of about 1.7 mm.
In the present invention, the regular medal and the large-diameter medal do not necessarily have to be φ25 and φ30 medals, respectively, and the present invention can be applied as long as the large-diameter medal is larger than the regular medal. Is.

The medal insertion unit 800 including the medal insertion slot 821 (medal insertion slot portion) will be described. As shown in FIG. 21, the medal insertion unit 800 includes a medal insertion unit 811, a selector 813 for selecting medals, a medal passage 815 for guiding medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 811 to the selector 813, and a sensor unit 817. , R chute 819, and.
The medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 821 of the medal insertion unit 811, passes through the medal passage 815, and reaches the selector 813. Then, the selector 813 selects medals. Specifically, when the medal is a regular medal, the medal is swept toward the R shoot 819 and reaches the hopper unit through the R shoot 819. On the other hand, medals of a size different from the predetermined size, for example, medals smaller than the specified size medals or medals inserted at inappropriate timings are regarded as non-regular medals and are received from the medal payout port. It is guided to be discharged to 38.

The medal insertion portion 811 includes a medal insertion slot 821, a medal restraint wall 822 (wall portion), and a medal guide portion 823, and is integrally formed of metal (for example, stainless steel or the like). The medal guide portion 823 is a portion for guiding the medal to the medal insertion slot 821, and is a groove having an arcuate cross section extending back and forth toward the medal insertion slot 821. Further, the medal restraint wall 822 collides the medals moved along the medal guide portion 823 to stop the movement of the medals in the front-rear direction, and guides the medals to be inserted from the medal insertion slot 821. The wall surface is facing the medal slot 821 side. Further, the medal restraining wall 822 is arranged slightly apart from the rear end of the medal guide portion 823 with a thickness of one medal. The medal insertion slot 821 is a left-right long slit-shaped hole (hole portion) formed between the medal guide portion 823 and the medal restraint wall 822. Then, the player moves the medal to the medal restraint wall 822 side along the medal guide portion 823, and releases the medal in a state where the medal is in contact with the medal restraint wall 822, so that the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 821. It is supposed to be done.

The medal insertion slot 821 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the length (depth) of the short side (front-back direction) is slightly longer than the thickness of one regular medal, and the long side (long side (front-back direction)). The length (width) in the left-right direction is slightly longer than the diameter of the regular medal. Further, the length of the short side of the medal slot 821 is shorter than the thickness of two regular medals. In addition, the length of the short side of the medal slot 821 is slightly longer than the thickness of one large-diameter medal, and the length of the long side is shorter than the diameter of one large-diameter medal. ing. Further, the length of the short side of the medal insertion slot 821 is shorter than the thickness of two large-diameter medals. In other words, the width of the medal slot 821 is longer than the diameter of the regular medal and shorter than the diameter of the large-diameter medal. Specifically, for example, it is about 28 mm to 29 mm.

Further, the medal restraint wall 822 constitutes the rear surface of the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side that guides the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 821 to the medal passage 815 (see FIG. 3). The wall surface of the medal restraint wall 822 and the rear surface of the medal passage 825 on the slot side are flush with each other. Further, the upper portion of the medal restraint wall 822 extends upward from the rear portion of the medal insertion slot 821. Further, the upper edge of the medal restraint wall 822 is located above the medal guide portion 823, so that the wall surface of the medal restraint wall 822 can be seen behind the medal guide portion 823 in front view. Further, the upper edge of the medal restraint wall 822 has a mountain shape in which the portion corresponding to the central portion of the medal insertion slot 821 is convex upward in the left-right direction.
The wall surface of the medal restraint wall 822 and the rear surface of the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side do not have to be flush with each other. For example, the wall surface of the medal restraint wall 822 is behind the rear surface of the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side. It may be formed so as to be located at. Further, the medal stop wall 822 and the rear surface of the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side may be formed of different members.

The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 821 pass through the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side and reach the medal passage 815.
In the following, the length in the long side direction (direction corresponding to the radial direction of the medal) of the passage through which the medal passes, such as the medal passage 815 and the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side, is referred to as "width". , The length in the short side direction (the direction corresponding to the thickness direction of the medal) is referred to as "height". Regarding the passage through which the medal passes, the surface facing the rear surface of the medal (the surface of the medal passing through the medal passage 815 facing the rear side, the same applies hereinafter) is referred to as the rear surface, and the front surface of the medal (the medal passing through the medal passage 815). The surface facing the front side, the same applies hereinafter) is referred to as the front surface, and the surface facing the side surface of the medal (the surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface of the passage) is referred to as a side surface.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 29, the slot-side medal passage 825 has a linear shape from the top to the bottom, and the medals flow straight down from the top to the bottom. Further, the insertion port side medal passage 825 becomes narrower and lower in height from the upper entrance to the lower exit. Specifically, since the entrance of the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side corresponds to the medal insertion slot 821, the width thereof is about 28 mm to 29 mm as described above. The width of the exit of the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side is about 26 mm. The medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side may be formed so as to be substantially linearly narrowed from the entrance to the exit, and the width is widened only in the vicinity of the entrance, and the width of the other portion is about. It may be a constant linear shape at 26 mm. In addition, the height of the medal passage 825 on the slot side is longer than the thickness of one large-diameter medal in any part from the highest part to the lowest part, and shorter than the thickness of two regular medals. ing.

The lower portion of the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side is formed by a square tubular protrusion 827 that projects downward from the lower surface of the medal insertion portion 811. Further, bosses 828 and 828 protruding downward from the lower surface of the medal insertion portion 811 are provided on the left front side and the right rear side of the square tubular protrusion 827, respectively. Further, the bosses 828 and 828 have screw holes. Further, a rectangular plate-shaped locking piece 829 is provided so as to project downward from the right front portion of the lower end surface of the square tubular protrusion 827.

The medal passage 815 is formed by a rail rear member 830 and a rail front member 831 (see FIGS. 21, 26, and 29). The rail rear member 830 constitutes the rear surface and both side surfaces of the medal passage 815. Further, the rail front member 831 constitutes the front surface of the medal passage 815.

The medal passage 815 is in a state where the entrance faces upward and the exit faces downward. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, in the medal passage 815, the medals entering from the entrance are guided to the left as they go downward, and the medals coming out from the first music section 815a. It is provided with a second curved portion 815b that guides the medal toward the left and a straight portion 815c that guides the medal coming out of the second curved portion 815b downward. As a result, the medal passage 815 has a crank shape. Further, the entrance and the exit of the medal passage 815 are arranged so as to be offset by one medal or more in the left-right direction of the medal passage 815. Since the medal passage 815 has a crank shape, foreign matter is prevented from being inserted from the medal insertion slot 821 to the deep part of the medal passage 815 and the selector 813 to perform a goto action.

The rail front member 831 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the rail front member 831 has a plate shape, and its outer shape substantially matches the outer shape of the rail rear member 830 when viewed from the front. Further, on the left side of the upper end portion of the rail front member 831, a protruding portion 835 projecting forward is provided. The protruding portion 835 is provided with a notch portion notched from the front to the rear, and this notch portion serves as a screw insertion portion 835a through which a screw is inserted from the lower side to the upper side. Further, on the right side of the upper end portion of the rail front member 831, a notch portion 836 notched in a rectangular cross section from the front to the rear is formed. Further, screw insertion holes 837 and 837 for inserting screws and protrusions 838 and 838 protruding rearward are provided at both left and right ends of the lower end portion of the rail front member 831, respectively. The back surface of the rail front member 831 is flat.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the rail rear member 830 has a back plate 840 forming the rear surface of the medal passage 815, a right side wall 841 forming the right side surface of the medal passage 815, and a left side surface of the medal passage 815. It includes a left side wall 842 to be formed, and flange portions 844 and 844 protruding outward in the left-right direction from the lower end portion of the right side wall 841 or the left side wall 842. Further, the rail rear member 830 is integrally formed of metal (for example, stainless steel or the like). The back plate 840 has a plate shape, and the plate surface is oriented in the front-rear direction. Further, the back plate 840 has a shape that follows the shape of the above-mentioned medal passage 815 (first curved portion 815a, second curved portion 815b, straight portion 815c) when viewed from the front. Further, the right side wall 841 and the left side wall 842 are formed so as to project forward along the right end edge or the left end edge of the back plate 840. Further, the flange portions 844 and 844 are integrally formed with the lower end portion of the right side wall 841 or the left side wall 842. Further, the front surface of the flange portions 844 and 844, the front end surface of the right side wall 841 and the front end surface of the left side wall 842 are flush with each other. Further, each of the left and right flange portions 844 and 844 is provided with screw insertion holes 845 and 845 for inserting screws and protrusion insertion holes 846 and 846 into which the protrusion 838 of the rail front member 831 is inserted. ..

The rail rear member 830 and the rail front member 831 have the back surface of the rail front member 831 in contact with the front surface of the flange portions 844 and 844 of the rail rear member 830, the front end surface of the right side wall 841, and the front end surface of the left side wall 842. In a state where the protrusions 838 and 838 are inserted into the protrusion insertion holes 846 and 846, they are integrated by screwing described later. A medal passage 815 is formed as a space surrounded by the back plate 840 of the rail rear member 830, the right side wall 841, the left side wall 842, and the rail front member 831.

Further, on both side portions of the back plate 840, convex portions 850 and 850 protruding forward are formed along the extending direction of the medal passage 815. The medal flowing down the medal passage 815 is adapted to flow down the medal passage 815 in a state where it can always be in contact with both the left and right convex portions 850 and 850. In other words, the medal flowing down the medal passage 815 does not come into contact with the concave portion formed between the left and right convex portions 850 and 850.

Further, the back plate 840 of the rail rear member 830 is provided with a rectangular opening 860 that is long on the left and right. Further, a boss 864 projecting rearward is provided at a position above the opening 860 on the back surface of the back plate 840 of the rail rear member 830. Further, the boss 864 has a screw hole. Further, on the right side of the upper end portion of the back surface of the back plate 840, a protruding portion 866 projecting rearward is provided. The protruding portion 866 is provided with a notch portion notched from the rear to the front, and this notch portion serves as a screw insertion portion 866a through which a screw is inserted from the lower side to the upper side. Further, an L-shaped locking portion 868 in a plan view is provided at the upper end of the left side wall 842 of the rail rear member 830 so as to project forward.

As shown in FIG. 26, the rail rear member 830 and the rail front member 831 have a screw inserted into the screw insertion portion 866a of the rail rear member 830 and a screw inserted into the screw insertion portion 835a of the rail front member 831. , It is integrated with the medal insertion section 811 by being screwed into the screw holes of the two bosses 828 and 828 of the medal insertion section 811. Further, the locking portion 868 of the rail rear member 830 is locked to the side surface of the square tubular protrusion 827 of the medal insertion portion 811, and the locking piece 829 of the medal insertion portion 811 is cut from the rail front member 831. By being locked to the notch portion 836, the rail rear member 830 and the rail front member 831 are positioned with respect to the medal insertion portion 811. Further, the upper end surfaces of the rail rear member 830 and the rail front member 831 are in contact with the lower end surfaces of the square tubular protrusion 827 of the medal insertion portion 811. As a result, the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side and the medal passage 815 are in communication with each other.
The upper end surfaces of the rail rear member 830 and the rail front member 831 and the lower end surface of the medal insertion portion 811 do not necessarily have to be in contact with each other, and a predetermined gap is provided between both end surfaces. May be in close proximity.

The length from the exit of the medal passage 825 on the slot side to the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 is shorter than the diameter (25 mm) of one medal. In other words, the length from the boundary between the medal passage 825 formed on the medal insertion portion 811 and the medal passage 815 formed by other members to the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 is larger than the diameter of one medal. It's getting shorter. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the medal is not caught at the joint between the medal passage 815 and the medal passage 825 on the slot side, but the medal can be caught at the joint. Even if the medal is caught in the joint, the upper end of the medal is located above the upper edge of the medal stop wall 822, and the player can touch the rear surface of the medal. .. As a result, when the medal is caught, the medal can be grasped and easily pulled out.
The rear surface or the front surface of the medal passage 815 does not necessarily have to be formed by a member separate from the medal insertion portion 811. That is, for example, the rail rear member 830 or the rail front member 831 is integrally formed with the medal insertion portion 811, and the rail front member 831 or the rail rear member 830 as a cover member is attached to the medal passage 815. May be formed. Further, the medal passage 815 (rail rear member 830 and rail front member 831) may not exist, and the insertion port side medal passage 825 may be directly connected to the selector 813.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the sensor unit 817 includes a sensor 880 and a movable piece 881 (movable member) (see FIG. 21). The sensor 880 is an electronic circuit whose main element is a photo interrupter. The sensor 880 detects the operation of the movable piece 881 and outputs a detection signal.

The movable piece 881 includes a medal contact portion 882 with which the medals come into contact, and is formed of a black synthetic resin. The sensor 880 is fixed to the rail rear member 830 by screwing, and the movable piece 881 is urged by a spring (elastic member) so that the medal contact portion 882 of the movable piece 881 projects from the opening 860 into the medal passage 815. Has been done. Then, when the medal or the like passes through the medal passage 815, the movable piece 881 is pressed by the medal or the like that comes into contact with the medal contact portion 882, and when the pressing by the medal or the like is released, the urging force of the spring causes the movable piece 881 to be pressed. The medal contact portion 882 returns to the state of protruding into the medal passage 815. Further, the movable piece 881 is provided with a light-shielding plate protruding rearward, and when the movable piece 881 is pressed, the sensor 880 detects the movement of the light-shielding plate, and the detection indicating that the movable piece 881 is pressed. The sensor 880 emits a signal.

The detection signal from the sensor 880 is sent to the above-mentioned board unit (main control board) via the wiring connected to the sensor 880. Then, when the detection signal is continuously sent for a predetermined time (for example, about 1 second), the board unit determines that there is a possibility that a goto action is being performed, and emits a sound through a speaker or the like. It is designed to notify the abnormality. The sensor unit 817 does not detect an abnormality such as a goto action, and may be, for example, one that counts the number of medals passing through the medal passage 815. Further, the sensor 880 may use a sensor other than the photo interrupter as long as it can detect the operation of the movable piece 881.

As shown in FIG. 27, the rail rear member 830, the rail front member 831, and the selector 813 have screws inserted into the screw insertion holes 845 and 845 of the rail rear member 830 and the screw insertion holes 837 and 837 of the rail front member 831. The 883 and 883 are integrated by being screwed into a screw hole (not shown) provided on the upper part of the selector.

The selector 813 includes a medal selection unit 885 that selects medals, and a selector-side medal passage 886 that guides medals to the medal selection unit 885. The selector-side medal passage 886 is a passage through which medals pass. The medal passage 886 on the selector side is a passage curved in the height direction (the thickness direction of the medal), but the height is slightly higher only at the entrance portion, and the height is almost the entire passage excluding the entrance portion. Is constant. Further, the height of the medal passage 886 on the selector side is less than the thickness of two medals at any portion. Further, the height of the medal passage 886 on the selector side is higher than the height of the medal passage 815 that communicates with the medal passage 886. Specifically, the height of the medal passage 815 is about 2.3 mm, while the height of the selector side medal passage 886 is about 3.1 mm. Further, the width of the selector-side medal passage 886 is slightly longer than the diameter of the regular medal in any portion, and is shorter than the diameter of the large-diameter medal. In other words, the selector side medal passage 886 has a width at which large-diameter medals cannot flow down. That is, the selector 813 cannot select and play a large-diameter medal.

The medal sorting unit 885 includes a medal sorting mechanism 888 and a medal discharging unit 889 arranged behind the medal sorting mechanism 888. The medal sorting mechanism 888 supports the medals, which are predetermined medals and are inserted at appropriate timings, so as not to fall from the medal ejection unit 889, and guides the medals toward the hopper unit. On the other hand, the medal sorting mechanism 888 drops medals having a size different from the predetermined size and non-regular medals such as medals inserted at inappropriate timings toward the medal ejection unit 889. .. Then, the medals dropped from the medal ejection unit 889 are ejected from the medal payout port to the medal tray 18. As the mechanism for selecting medals in this way, a conventional selector may be used.

Next, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a case where a large-diameter medal M having a diameter of 30 is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29. Note that FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a rail rear member 830 and a rail front member 831 added to the cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 28.
Since the width of the medal insertion slot 821 is shorter than the diameter of the large-diameter medal M, the large-diameter medal M is caught in the medal insertion slot 821. Specifically, the left and right ends (the portions indicated by points P and Q in FIG. 28) of the lower portion of the side surface of the large-diameter medal M abut on the edge (short side) of the medal insertion slot 821, whereby the large-diameter medal M is hooked on the medal slot 821. In other words, the medal slot 821 is formed in a size that does not flow inside the game machine because medals of a size that cannot be selected by the selector 813 are caught.

Further, the lower end of the large-diameter medal M is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 in a state of being hung on the medal insertion slot 821, and the lower end of the front surface of the large-diameter medal M is from the front edge of the medal insertion slot 821. Is also located below. In other words, the lower end of the front surface of the large-diameter medal M is located below the upper end edge of the front surface of the insertion slot side medal passage 825, and the lower end portion of the front surface of the large-diameter medal M is the insertion opening side medal passage 825. It is covered in the front of the. Specifically, the distance T1 from the lower end of the large-diameter medal M to the front edge (medal guide portion 823) of the medal insertion slot 821 is 1.5 mm or more, and the lower end of the front surface of the large-diameter medal M is It is located 1.5 mm or more below the front edge of the medal slot 821. The region 1.5 mm from the lower end of the large-diameter medal M is covered with the front surface of the medal passage 825 on the insertion slot side.
In this way, since the lower end of the large-diameter medal M is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821, it is possible to prevent the large-diameter medal M hanging from the medal insertion slot 821 from falling over. The large-diameter medal M can be stably supported. In the above example, T1 is 1.5 mm or more, but it is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the large-diameter medal M in the state of being hung on the medal insertion slot 821 has the front surface of the large-diameter medal passage 825 in the vicinity of the portions indicated by the points P and Q in FIG. 28. It is in contact with the front of the. That is, the side surface of the large-diameter medal M can abut on the medal insertion slot 821 at points P and Q, and the front surface thereof can abut on the medal insertion slot 821 near the points P and Q. ing. In other words, at two points separated from each other to the left and right (distanced in the direction of the surface of the medal), the side surface of the large-diameter medal M abuts on the medal insertion slot 821, and the front surface thereof inserts medals in the vicinity of each of the two points. It is in a state of being in contact with the mouth 821, or in a state of being in close contact with the mouth. In other words, the large-diameter medal M is in a state in which two points separated from each other on the left and right are inserted into the upward-viewing U-shaped notches formed so as to be separated from each other on the left and right of the medal insertion slot 821. There is. With such a configuration, the side surface and the front surface of the large-diameter medal M inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 can be stably supported, and the large-diameter medal M can be more reliably prevented from falling.

By inserting the lower end portion of the large-diameter medal M into the medal insertion slot 821 in this way, the large-diameter medal M is hooked on the medal insertion slot 821 in an upright state. In other words, the large-diameter medal M is hung on the medal slot 821 with both sides facing the front-rear direction. Further, at this time, the rear surface of the large-diameter medal M is in a state of being close to or in contact with the medal restraint wall 822.

Further, the curvature of the medal guide portion 823 at the rear end thereof is equal to or greater than the curvature of the large-diameter medal M. Therefore, in the large-diameter medal M whose lower end is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821, the lower end on the front side is firmly supported along the circumferential direction of the large-diameter medal M and is placed in the medal insertion slot 821 in a stable state. It is designed to be caught.

Further, the lower end of the large-diameter medal M is positioned above the lower end of the medal passage 825 on the insertion port side when it is hung on the medal insertion slot 821. That is, the lower end of the large-diameter medal M does not reach the boundary (connection portion) between the insertion slot side medal passage 825 formed in the medal insertion portion 811 and the medal passage 815 communicating with the insertion port side medal passage 825. As described above, the large-diameter medal M does not reach the boundary between the medal insertion portion 811 provided with the insertion port side medal passage 825 and the other members forming the medal passage 815, so that the large-diameter medal M does not reach the boundary. When is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821, the large-diameter medal M does not hit the boundary and float, and is surely caught on the edge of the medal insertion slot 821. Therefore, since the large-diameter medal M that has been erroneously or intentionally inserted is stably supported, the large-diameter medal can be easily taken out.

Further, the large-diameter medal M is such that the lower end of the large-diameter medal M is located above the sensor 880, the sensor provided in the selector 813, and other sensors that detect medals when the medal slot 821 is hung. The large-diameter medal M does not reach these sensors. Therefore, when the large-diameter medal M is erroneously inserted and hangs on the medal insertion slot 821, the sensor 880 reacts and mistakenly determines that a goto action is being performed, or the medal is inserted. It is possible to prevent mistaken judgment.

As described above, the medal restraint wall 822 extends upward from the rear portion of the medal insertion slot 821. Therefore, in the state where the large-diameter medal M is hung on the medal insertion slot 821, at least a part of the rear surface thereof is covered with the medal restraint wall 822. Further, the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 is located above the center of the rear surface of the large-diameter medal M hanging on the medal insertion slot 821 (center in the vertical direction: shown by the alternate long and short dash line C in FIG. 28). It is formed. In other words, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the medal restraint wall 822 covers an area of 15 mm or more from the lower end of the rear surface of the large-diameter medal M. In this way, when the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 is formed so as to be located above the center of the large-diameter medal M in the vertical direction, the large-diameter medal M is likely to tilt backward. Since the medal restraining wall 822 is supported above the center of the large-diameter medal M in the vertical direction, the large-diameter medal M is prevented from falling backward, and the large-diameter medal M is stably supported. Therefore, the posture of the large-diameter medal M is stable, and the large-diameter medal M can be easily taken out.
The upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 may not be formed so as to be located exactly above the center of the rear surface of the large-diameter medal M. That is, for example, the position of the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 in the vertical direction may be formed so as to be within ± 1.5 mm from the center of the large-diameter medal M in the vertical direction. In other words, the position of the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 in the vertical direction may be formed so as to be the position of the central portion in the vertical direction of the large-diameter medal M. Even with such a configuration, the posture of the large-diameter medal M can be stabilized.

Further, the medal restraint wall 822 is formed so that the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 is located below the upper end of the large diameter medal M when the large diameter medal M is hung on the medal insertion slot 821. As a result, the player can touch the rear surface of the large-diameter medal M in this state. In other words, the large-diameter medal M is in a state where a part of the rear surface of the large-diameter medal M is exposed when viewed from the back side of the medal restraint wall 822 in a state where the large-diameter medal M is hung on the medal insertion slot 821. By being able to touch the rear surface of the large-diameter medal M in this way, it is possible to touch the front and rear surfaces of the large-diameter medal M hanging on the medal insertion slot 821 and pinch the large-diameter medal M. , Can be easily taken out. If the rear surface of the large-diameter medal M can be touched as much as possible, the large-diameter medal M can be pinched. Therefore, the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 does not necessarily have a large diameter hanging on the medal insertion slot 821. It does not have to be formed so as to be located below the upper end of the medal M. However, the amount T2 of the upper end of the large-diameter medal M hanging on the medal insertion slot 821 from the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 is preferably 3 mm or more, and preferably 6 mm or more. More preferred. With such a configuration, it becomes easy to pinch the large-diameter medal M, and the large-diameter medal M can be taken out more easily.
The positions of the upper end of the large-diameter medal M and the upper end of the medal restraint wall 822 in the left-right direction do not have to be the same. Further, the lower end of the large-diameter medal M and the lower end (the bottommost portion of the groove) at the rear end of the medal guide portion 823 do not have to coincide with each other in the left-right direction.

60 1st reel (reel)
70 2nd reel (reel)
80 3rd reel (reel)
SM1-SM3 Stepping Motor 200 LED (light source)
220 Reflector 221 Left wall (wall)
222 Right wall part (wall part)
223 Upper wall part (wall part)
223a Upper tip 224 Lower wall (wall)
224a Lower tip 225 Upper partition (wall)
226 Lower partition wall (wall)

Claims (1)

A reel with multiple symbols on the outer circumference,
A stepping motor that displaces the reel in the circumferential direction,
A plurality of light sources provided inside the reel in the radial direction and irradiating light toward the outside in the radial direction of the reel.
A reflector having a wall portion extending from the light source side toward the outside in the radial direction of the reel, dividing the light emitted from the light source, and guiding the light emitted from the light source to the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol of the stopped reel. , With
The wall portion includes an upper tip portion that regulates the upper end of the light irradiation range and a lower tip portion that regulates the lower end of the light irradiation range.
Among the plurality of light sources, a predetermined light source provided in the range for irradiating the lower symbol is used as the first light source, and a predetermined light source provided in the range for irradiating the upper symbol is used as the second light source.
When the stepping motor stops the reel by shifting it by one step angle in the forward rotation direction with respect to the predetermined stop position in the design, the position of the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower side of the predetermined lower symbol. Is the first position, and the position of the lower end of the symbol adjacent to the upper part of the predetermined upper symbol is the second position.
The lower tip portion is formed so that the straight line connecting the first light source and the lower tip portion and reaching the reel is on the upper side of the first position.
The upper tip portion is formed so that the straight line connecting the second light source and the upper tip portion and reaching the reel is on the lower side than the second position.
When the stepping motor stops the reel by shifting it by one step angle in the reverse rotation direction with respect to the predetermined stop position in the design, the position of the upper end of the symbol adjacent to the lower side of the predetermined lower symbol. Is the third position, and the position of the lower end of the symbol adjacent to the upper part of the predetermined upper symbol is the fourth position.
The lower tip portion is formed so that the straight line connecting the first light source and the lower tip portion and reaching the reel is on the upper side of the third position.
The upper tip portion is a gaming machine characterized in that a straight line connecting the second light source and the upper tip portion and reaching the reel is formed so as to be on the lower side than the fourth position.

Images